A Year in Review | 2019

Another year passes and it doesn’t even seem real.

It’s almost hard to believe that some of the places, people and experiences I came across in this last trip around the sun were as long ago as they were - but the older I get and the more time that goes by, the more I understand that time is a very slippery thing. It really only makes sense in the moment. Looking back on it (for me) is almost always bittersweet, while looking forward onto it can tend to be a bit stressful. That whole “stay in the moment” cliché mantra we’ve heard all of our lives…There’s most definitely something to it.

The beauty of that statement when I break it down like above is this - Focus on what makes sense. The present.

Small recap in images of what I’ve been lucky enough to call my present throughout these last twelve months. Here’s to 2019 - a year of constant growth and awe-inspiring beauty - 2020 has some big shoes to fill.

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swirling through morocco

A couple of years back I was fortunate enough to pull the trigger on a trip that I had been dreaming of for years. It all stemmed from lusting over the opening portion of my favorite surf movie. The location seemed so different from what surf films were usually all about, nobody was in the water and the waves were pumping. From the first time I watched Taylor Steele's "Sipping Jetstreams" I knew where I needed to go and surf -- Morocco.

What i found when I went was a very deep and rich culture. Heavy French influence (in the best way possible) found within the cuisine and organization of shops, town centers, etc...While maintaining a distinct identity all of its own. My time there was really varied, from the blue city of Chefchaouen nestled in the Rif mountains of the North, to the noisy and dusty souks of Marrakech. I found everything I was looking for and more. I can't wait to get back.

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On a Boat deep in Indonesia

I've spent a lot of time traveling, specifically throughout Indonesia. I love what travel brings to my life -- a deep sense of perspective is what I'm most grateful for. The chance to disconnect and be present with what's going on directly in front of me and nothing else. That is a heavy dose of what life was like before the cell phones, social media and constant connectivity. It's a scary and liberating experience at the same time.

My second favorite part about traveling? Definitely the opportunity to photograph exotic locales and a simpler way of life. Indonesia and the many travels I've taken throughout the archipelago always represent (to me) the wanderlust felt by all surfers. Finding the perfect wave, the perfect setup, with nobody around. The people, places and experiences that are a byproduct of that search are pure candy for the eyes. Grateful to be able to capture it!

http://www.lumierevisualshawaii.com/