California

California, known as the Golden State, is located on the U.S. West Coast. It’s famous for its diverse landscapes, including beaches, mountains, deserts, and redwood forests. Home to iconic cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, California is a hub for entertainment, technology (Silicon Valley), and agriculture. Its year-round mild climate and cultural diversity make it a global destination. Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe is one of those breathtaking spots that stays with you—a gem surrounded by rugged mountains and crystal-clear waters. Your 2019 road trip between San Francisco and Reno sounds like a perfect blend of work and exploration, making it even more poignant as your last business trip before everything changed. It’s…

Tahoe Sunset
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Tahoe Sunset

A stunning sunset at Lake Tahoe’s Sand Harbor, with the serene waters reflecting the fiery colors of the sky. The smooth, round boulders scattered along the shoreline added a unique charm, perfectly complementing the peaceful atmosphere. A moment of pure tranquility and natural beauty!

Sand Harbour

Sand Harbour

Sand Harbor on the shore of Lake Tahoe was the perfect final stop before reaching Reno, my ultimate destination. The tranquil waters, smooth boulders, and breathtaking views offered a peaceful pause after the journey. A moment to recharge and appreciate the natural beauty of the area before heading into the city. Lake Tahoe is a…

Lake Tahoe Aperture
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Lake Tahoe Aperture

Same spot at Sand Harbor, but captured with two different apertures—and the difference is striking! With a wide aperture, the background melts into a soft, dreamy blur, drawing all attention to the foreground details. Switch to a narrow aperture, and the entire scene comes into sharp focus, showcasing the crisp textures of the round boulders…

Lake Tahoe Composition
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Lake Tahoe Composition

Lake Tahoe: capturing the same spot and view with different compositions truly transforms the scene. Don’t hesitate to move around, experiment with angles, and play with aperture settings whenever possible. A wider aperture can isolate elements like the round boulders, creating a soft, artistic focus, while a smaller aperture keeps the entire frame sharp, highlighting…

Road Trip
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Road Trip

A fantastic road trip from San Francisco to Reno through the Sierra Nevada—filled with stunning landscapes and breathtaking views. From the rolling hills of California to the dramatic mountain peaks and serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, every stretch of the journey offered something memorable. It’s the kind of route that leaves you wanting more—definitely need…

Crossing the Bay
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Crossing the Bay

Crossing San Francisco Bay on a cold and misty Monday morning wasn’t exactly the warm welcome I’d hoped for after a ~9-hour flight from Tokyo. The foggy skyline and biting chill set a somber mood, but there’s still something captivating about the Bay’s quiet beauty in such conditions. Not ideal, but undeniably atmospheric.

San Francisco Pier
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San Francisco Pier

This might just be my favorite shot from last week’s visit to San Francisco. The composition, the mood—it all came together perfectly. Now the real dilemma: color or black and white? The color version captures the vibrancy and life of the scene, while the black and white emphasizes texture, contrast, and timelessness. Tough call, but…