New Zealand’s North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) is a land of striking contrasts — volcanic peaks, alpine deserts, black-sand coasts, and lush rainforests. Traveling solo opened space for reflection, deepening a sense of connection to both the land and its people. Māori culture is vividly present, shaping the experience with its living traditions and strong bonds to place. Among the most moving encounters was Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa Forest, where towering California redwoods thrive far from home, echoing familiar landscapes across the Pacific.

Constantly shifting light and weather made every photograph fleeting, alive. Beyond its beauty, Te Ika-a-Māui offered a rare sense of kinship — a place where land, culture, and wairua converge, leaving a lasting impression.

El Yunque is Puerto Rico’s green heart and lungs — a rainforest of misty peaks, cascading waterfalls, and ancient Taíno legends. Its daily rains, cooling breezes, and chorus of coquí frogs create an atmosphere both soothing and alive, offering an escape from the island’s heat and bustle.

The forest is ever-changing. For photographers: shifting light under the canopy, sudden showers, and hidden details like moss, droplets, and textured trails all reward patience and attention. It’s a place that challenges and inspires, demanding respect for its fragile ecosystems and reminders of its living history. To walk El Yunque’s trails is to step into something timeless — a refuge where culture, nature, and spirit converge.

New Orleans comes alive during Halloween with a mix of haunting atmosphere and vibrant celebration. Early mornings in the French Quarter offer calm streets, soft light, and architectural detail, while nights bring neon, music, and candid moments of costumed crowds.

The city’s character is found not only in its people but also in its layered architecture — wrought-iron balconies, pastel facades, gas lamps, and hidden courtyards. Along the Mississippi, sunsets add a reflective contrast to the energy of the streets. With the right gear, an eye for detail, and a willingness to embrace imperfection, photographers can capture the soulful, unpredictable essence of New Orleans at its most compelling.