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.

My travels in Costa Rica

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.

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