Japan 2024

Earlier this year I spent three month traveling/backpacking in the land of the rising sun. Japan is a nation where tradition and modernity coexist in harmonious contrast. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty create a unique tapestry that captivates visitors.
Traveling to Kyoto, the former imperial capital, transports you to a different era. The city is dotted with stunning shrines and temples, such as Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The streets of Gion, known for its geisha culture, exude charm. In summary, Japan is a land of contrasts and connections. Its dynamic cities, serene landscapes, exquisite cuisine, and rich traditions create a multifaceted experience that continues to enchant and inspire those who visit. Whether you’re wandering ancient temples or exploring modern art galleries, Japan invites you to discover its profound beauty and complexity.

Tokyo

Tokyo

A geisha in Kyoto

A view of Mt. Fuji.

Yours truly in front of Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji at sunset with lenticular cloud.

An entrance to the Buddhist temple in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Fushimi Inari Taisha

A sculpture by YAYOI KUSAMA in Shikoku island.

Onomichi

Onomichi

Ground zero, Hiroshima. The only building left standing after the bomb, now a peace park.

An 800 hundred year old bridge in Iya Valley.

Togakushi Okusha park

Japanese Alps near Nagano

Kanazawa Castle Park

Sunset at Yokohama

Tokyo at sunset

Godzilla attacking Tokyo

Yokohama at night

A rainy day in Kyoto

Pacific Crest Trail

Earlier this year I went on a long walk. This was my fifth start on (PCT). Hiking 500 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through the desert is an incredible adventure that tests both my physical endurance and mental resilience. The vast, arid landscapes provided stunning views, with dramatic vistas of mountains, valleys, and unique desert flora. As usual, the weather was unpredictable. In the first 2 weeks, I experienced not one, not two, but three winter storms. At one point, I had to walk through 70 mile an hour gusts of wind. I survived all three storms but my feet were not happy and after almost 500 miles on the trail, I had to call it quits. There is always next year.

A flower bloom on the trail.

My travels in Africa →

I just came back from a remarkable 4-month journey through Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi and Kenya) and it was an eye opening experience. From awe-inspiring safaris in the Serengeti to immersing in the vibrant cultures of Maasai people, my adventure was an unforgettable tapestry of sights and sounds. Exploring the stunning landscapes of the Maasai Mara National Park, Victoria Falls, Kruger National Park, Amboseli National Park, Okavango Delta and many other spectacular places left me in awe of nature's beauty. Engaging with local communities, tasting authentic cuisine, and discovering ancient history were truly enriching moments. This African odyssey provided memories to cherish forever, showcasing the continent's diverse landscapes and cultures, making it an extraordinary escapade. For a travel and adventure photographer like me, this was one of the most memorable photographic adventures of my life.  You can see more images of this trip on my travel photography website: FimaTravels.com

My travels in South America

Earlier this year I spent 6 month traveling in South America: Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Bolivia. I tried to travel in Panama but they had general strike and the Panama City was blocked by protesters. So, after waiting for a week for the strike to be over, I went back to Colombia. What an adventure!

A dream of the lifetime wedding photography

This couple met each other on Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. I met this couple also in 2017 when I hiked Pacific Crest Trail around mile 450. Last August we met again, hiked to the lake in Sierra Mountains, located at ten thousand feet and did a wedding photography in the best possible location.

San Francisco City Hall Wedding

I have met this couple when we hiked on Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. Last month I photographed their wedding in San Francisco City Hall.

My travels in Costa Rica

A San Francisco Family Photography

Another successful family photo session in San Francisco.

A Family Photography for a long time client when they all need headshots.

Last December I photographed my long time client Rachel and her kids in the East Bay Hills. They all needed professional headshots and portraits. Professional Headshots they got.

An Olympian in the making.

Last December I did an advertising sports photo session for the future olympic contender Miguel Mattox, who has been winning triathlons left and right. The photo session took place on top of Mt. Tam

Southwest, Open road

Last December I went for two weeks car camping/backpacking trip through our beautiful Southwest: New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and California’s Death Valley.

Visited many national parks : White Sands in New Mexico, Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, Zion Canyon, Capitol Reef and Salt Lake Flats in Utah, Grand Canyon in Arizona and Death Valley in California. The weather was perfect for photography. The country we live in is just beautiful. We followed all covid guidelines for safety.

Places and Faces

You all know me as a Family and Portrait photographer; I also deeply love travel photography. I am always a portrait photographer -- even when I am traveling. 

So, ever since I visited Nepal last year, I wanted to go back to Southeast Asia and explore more. Why? The living is inexpensive, the food is great, the people are friendly, and the scenery is out of this world. Below is my visual story for the last 6 months of travelling throughout Southeast Asia. I hope you enjoy it! The countries I visited are in the following order: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand (North), Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand (South), Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

PS: If anyone knows someone who can help me publish this, please let me know.

A family photography in Golden Gate Park

My client wanted a clean and modern family photo session with with one huge request: she wanted the bottom of her shoes (red color) to be visible. This is what she wrote on Yelp about our photo session: Straight to the point, I was looking for a child photographer for my daughter and I. It was a special occasion and I had a vision in mind. Within 10 minutes of our photo shoot Fima achieved my vision. After that he was more than willing to keep going and try new and fun locations for my daughter. She is very sassy and he got great images of her personality coming through. I will definitely hire him again.

A fun family photo session in Danville

When everyone has fun during family photo session, we get great photographs. This was no exception. My client wanted to have the country feel for the photos. Having a tractor as a prop helped!

My Family photo session with Amy

This is the second time I was photographing Amy and her family. The weather was not ideal, but it did not matter. The photo session was in China Beach in San Francisco. We got great photos from this child photo session. On top of this, Amy’s daughter is a climber, just like her parents. What fun!

My PCT hike in 2018

This year I went on Pacific Crest Trail again, starting from Mexican border. Due to minor injury that sidelined me for 2 month (do not worry, while I was recovering, a fun photography job in Italy opened up!) and lots of smoke from fires everywhere in the mountains, I called it quits after 800 miles. So with 200 miles that I hiked in Nepal in January, my total wilderness mileage for the year is 1000 miles.

The start at the Mexican border

After the first snow storm

Sunrise in the mountains

Wildflowers are everywhere

Travel Photography in Italy

Sometimes you have to be lucky. This is how I felt when my long time client called me and asked to accompany her to Italy and photograph her. Below are some of her favorite photos. 

My adventures in Nepal

In January of this year I spent 5 weeks traveling/hiking in Nepal: 2 weeks hiking to Everest Base Camp, 5 days hiking in Chitwan National Park and 8 days hiking in Annapurna Mountains. The rest of the time I spent exploring Kathmandu. Here are few photos from my adventures. 

On the way to Everest Base Camp

Entering Namche

Mount Everest in the background

Namche, the sherpa capital of the world.

Amu Dabla Mountain

Everest

The base camp is at the lower left corner.

I am above base camp.

Lulka, the most dangerous airport in the world.

Annapurna mountains

My long walk on PCT trail

Ever since I finished the John Muir Trail two years ago, I was dreaming of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Well, I just finished 1500 mile walk, starting at Mexican border and finishing at Southern Washington border at the Bridge of the Gods (I had to skip High Sierra section due to extremely dangerous river crossings). The reason I had to stop at the Bridge of gods is because I have to photograph a wedding in two weeks. As always, photography is very important to me. So I carried 7 pounds of camera equipment on this walk. To anyone who does backpacking, it is obviously very heavy luxury item. To me, it was a necessity. Here are just a few photographs from my trip:

My Trip of the Lifetime

My Trip of the Lifetime! Ever since I finished backpacking John Muir trail in 2015, I wanted to spend more time in the wilderness, sleep under the stars, hike to remote lakes, rivers and mountaintops, meet total strangers and become best friends. Another way of saying this: to simplify and enrich my life.

Anyone who has followed me on FB probably guessed it- this dream is about to happen. On April 7th, I will start my long hike: from Mexican border to Canadian border. Yes, the Pacific Crest Trail. I am coming back to civilization in September.

So, if anyone needs my photographic skills for child/family photography or headshots, I am available till March 15th. After that everything goes to storage and or be sold (except camera equipment)! I know it’s hard to think about Holiday Photography so far in advance, but…since I will only be available during September-November this year; my schedule will be crazy when I return.  If you wish to schedule a photo session, you can have your pick of the dates now.

And finally: I am selling digital files from family photo sessions and weddings I photographed over the last 10 years to raise funds for the trip. The older the files, the cheaper they will go. Right now they are all on hard-drives connected to my computer and easily accessible. I have no idea how accessible they will be when I come back. This is your best and maybe last chance to purchase them.

I am taking the camera on the trip and will be updating periodically my travel status with photos and words on FB and on my website’s blog.

Hope everyone has great spring and summer.

Fima