by edin chavez | Feb 7, 2015 | Nevada, Photo Series, Reno, Reno NV
Pyramid Lake Nevada
A giant mirror in the middle of the desert placed there by the gods, there in complete solitude hearing my own thoughts, when dusk came a pack of coyotes followed running me off leaving me with great memories and a few photographs.
Pyramid Lake is located 40 miles North East of Reno Nevada. You will know when you get here. When you first peak over the mountains you see a massive mirror on the floor surrounded by mountains, when you stop and shut off your car it is so quiet you can hear your heart beat.
This particular lake is unlike any Lake I have ever been to before, and there is something very special about it. I can’t explain it, is just so peaceful and magical., it is in the Paiute Tribe’s Indian Reservation and most of the East side is off-limits to the public. (that’s where I shot all this photos except for the first one)
People come here from all over the world to fish for LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT. The world record for this particular species was 39 inches long, weighed 41 lbs. and was caught in 1925 from this very Lake by Mr. Johnny Skimmerhorn.
If you ever make it to Northern Nevada, you have to check out Pyramid Lake, there is nothing here but peace and quiet. A great place to reflect, think, write and take some photos. If you come here alone even better, you can begin to understand how powerful the desert is, specially at night…
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by edin chavez | Jan 30, 2015 | California, Lake Tahoe, Landscapes, Nevada, Photo Series, Photography location maps
Where is the Bonsai Rock in Lake Tahoe located? The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock location is exactly one mile south of Sand Harbor Beach. This place is incredible, it’s a bit of a steep climb down and up but nothing a decent pair of sneakers can’t handle. It’s about a 5-minute hike if you walk slow. This is one of the most photographed places in Lake Tahoe and when you get there you will see why. (see map below at the bottom of the page).
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Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock Location Address
The Lake Tahoe Bonsai Rock exact address is NV-28, New Washoe City, NV 89704. It can be easy to miss so drive slowly and make sure you look out for it.
The Gear
The gear I used for all my photos: Nikon with a Nikon 14-24mm and a Nikon 24-85mm. A MeFOTO tripod and a wide angle is a must. I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets download them and give them a try.
It’s a good idea to get here about 45 minutes before the sun sets so you can scope out a good spot to shoot from and also get some good day shots, or simply to enjoy its beauty. If you have more time I suggest you go check out Sand Harbor Beach, but you might get stuck there, it’s that good :)
This is my favorite photo I of the Bonsai Rock. When I shot it I had the biggest grin on my face, not only because I knew I was getting a great shot, but simply because I couldn’t believe what was happening in front of my eyes.
When you get there you are guaranteed to run into other photographers, usually, there will be one or 2 setting up or simply enjoying the scenery.
I always find it a bit crazy when photographers leave after the sun sets. Make sure you stay for the blue hour and get some night shots, I mean this are some of the best photos you can possibly get, so be sure and stay a while.
Bonsai Rock Lake Tahoe Address
Please leave me a comment if this was helpful in any way. That is the best way to say thank you.
Do you want more detailed locations with maps all around lake Tahoe? Download my Lake Tahoe Photography guide here!
by edin chavez | Dec 5, 2014 | Greece, Metiora, Photo Series
Meteora, Greece’s Hidden Gem
During my trip to Greece last month, I met up with a group of friends, someone bought up Meteora and I had no idea what they were talking about. The next day someone else brought it up again and it peeked my interest. I went to my hotel and got on the internet right away and did a search for Meteora.
What I found was incredible, next thing you know I went to find my friends and I had to get there one way or another. A few days later I took a 4 hour train ride from Greece to Meteora a day later my friends showed up. From the food to the views, and everything in-between Meteora is a place your eyes must see.
As soon as you get off the train (or however you choose to get there) you feel the energy of this place, it is so peaceful and you can’t help but to smile.
After getting some food and some incredible local wine at a local restaurant I hired a driver to drive me up to the mountains to see the Monasteries. What you see in the photos on top of the fee standing rocks are Monasteries where the Monks live. You can read more about it here.
The next day my friends and a large group of people went on a beautiful hike in the mountains, starting at the bottom we worked our way up to the top of the mountains and six hours later we were inside the biggest monastery in Meteora. The Metamorphosis Monastery.
Later that day we took a bus to eat much-needed food accompanied by some incredible wine :) and then back up to the mountains to watch the sunset. The weather didn’t cooperate but it was just as amazing.
Meteora is one of those places that can only be experienced, no matter what I say or how many photos I take, it will never do it any justice. One thing I know for sure, I will keep coming back to this place for the rest of time. A very special thanks to Visit Meteora Travel for making this trip so unforgettable.
by edin chavez | Nov 10, 2014 | Florida, Miami Beach, Photo Series
Miami Beach Surfers
Its sunrises like this one that creates awesome waves here in Miami Beach. I travel often and the conversation of where I live (or based out of) always comes up, when I say Miami Beach its almost always followed by: ohh you can’t surf there right? there is no waves?” I don’t mind the question as I am used to it and Miami is not known for surfing, so its a fair question.
Miami Beach is super mellow when it comes to waves and by no means its the surfing capital of the world, that being said the surf scene here is quite big and we do get nice waves when the climate changes. Usually waves are small but definitively ridable and sometimes we get some really nice barrels, and guess what?? The water is really warm :)
I thought I would put this question to rest by going out there and shooting some surfers riding some waves here in Miami Beach. If you want to catch the nice waves, you have to wake up early and keep track of the weather. Don’t assume that all we do here is party like maniacs, I mean we do that too but we also love the water…
Here are some photos I shot of some dudes killing it out there, it was a great morning to say the least.
If you are new to Miami Beach or just visiting and want to hang out with the surfers go to South Point and find this lifeguard tower, you can’t miss it, its usually surrounded by beautiful ladies with their surfboards and everyone there is super cool. If you spot me taking some flicks come say hi, and hey if there is no waves that day you can always go paddle boarding or get a mojito on Ocean Dr.
by edin chavez | Oct 30, 2014 | educational, Informational, Malta, Photo Series, Temples
Saint John’s Cathedral in Valletta Malta
I have been to hundreds of temples, churches, and cathedrals all around the world, but none have impressed me as much as Saint John’s Cathedral. The Cathedral is located in Valletta Malta, and it’s straightforward to find just ask anyone you see, and they will point you in the right direction.
Every corner of this place is covered with something, from the floors to the ceiling there is not an empty spot.
All the gold you see is gold leaf done by hand. In fact, while I was there, an artist was working on restoring a wall. I remember thinking while watching her, It must take months to do a small piece.
I walked around inside for about an hr, and I couldn’t get enough, I was mesmerized by its beauty.
Saint John’s Cathedral
The interior of Saint John’s Cathedral, in sharp contrast with the facade, is extraordinarily ornate and decorated in the height of the Baroque period. The interior was decorated mainly by Mattia Preti, the Calabrian artist, and Knight. Preti designed the intricately carved stone walls and painted the vaulted ceiling and side altars with scenes from the life of St John.. Wikipedia
Getting here is not hard, just ask around if you get lost but when you walk in if your jaw is not on the floor, you are in the wrong place.
About the photos:
I used a wide angle lens to get the job done. I did not use flash and shot everything handheld. Here are the settings: f2.8 ISO 1600 14-24 mm lens. The shutter speed varies from 1/40 of a second to 1/120 of a second. All shot with my Nikon D800e
I edit all my images with my Lightroom Presets download them and give them a try.
Have you ever been? Drop me a line, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this masterpiece, I always wonder why we don’t build things like this anymore.
by edin chavez | Oct 24, 2014 | Germany, Hotels, Photo Series
The City of Hamburg Germany
My visit to Germany was very short lived. Even though I only spent a couple days there it gave me a taste of Germany, a really good one.
The City of Hamburg is full of life surrounded by incredible architecture, the streets are elegant and the people are amazing. The weather was rainy and cold but everything else made up for it, the weather didn’t bother me at all. I was in awe of what I always had imagined to be completely different, I suppose I just had no idea.
I left with a bit of a broken heart because I really wanted to get to know the place more. This isn’t the last I see of Germany, I will be back and it won’t be a short stay.
I shot this in a place called Speicherstadt in the middle of the rain, the conditions weren’t ideal but I made it work.
Camera settings: 20 seconds f10 ISO 100 70-200mm at 70mm
Hamburg Speicherstadt Germany
I stayed at this incredible hotel, Barceló Hamburg. The check in was a breeze and the place was perfect, in the middle of everything, a short walk to the harbor and the train station making it easy to get around.
My room was perfect, I felt right at home. After traveling for a couple days it made it very easy for me to get some rest before heading out to explore the streets of Hamburg.
Needless to say the wine bar was quite nice. It had an incredible selection making it perfect to wrap up a long day of travels and shooting in the rain.
A special thanks to Barcelo Hamburg for making my stay so pleasant. I will definitively be coming back.
