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.

http://www.lumierevisualshawaii.com/

It's All Energy | Indonesia 2019

Whether we have found it yet or not, there is always something that pulls at us deeply, on another level. Now, I realize that is indeed an extremely broad statement - but hear me out. This “Something” (not to be confused with someone) ignites a fire, elicits an internal thrill and (sub)consciously guides us toward it. Whether or not we are fully aware of what this “Something” does for us on a deeper level, the stimulation we feel on the surface is simply undeniable.

My “Something” is travel. That bug bit me ages ago, the root likely being raised in a family where international travel was an annual occurence. I’ve never been able to shake the fascination that sweeps over me when I am faced with unfamiliar cultures, people and the experiences that inevitably follow. With all of that in mind, I keep landing on this simple realization:

Despite vast cultural differences and geographical spaces between the people on this planet, we all have so much more in common than we realize. Conceivably more than we could ever have imagined.

This past September I was lucky enough to once again spend the entirety of the month in one of my favorite places on earth - Indonesia. I’ve been traveling to Indonesia on an annual basis for close to a decade now, so I’ve definitely found some comfort in my usual places, people and things that I go to back to every year. That being said, there are so many new things to see, experiences to have and people to engage with that every year I find myself in complete fascination with what I’ve experienced. I honestly feel like a lifetime of travel to this special corner of the earth would barely scratch the surface of what’s actually happening. Therein lies the draw.

Besides the endless possibilities for new exploration like I outlined above - the experiences I’ve had when revisiting specific areas after years of absence is very nostalgic. I feel as though when I travel, my experiences are a bookmark of sorts. Coming back to a place I haven’t been in years serves as a reminder - where I was in my life at that time, what brought me joy, what caused me pain, my hopes, my doubts, my goals…It’s a lot to take in at times but it’s a palpable reminder that we are always growing, changing and evolving.

I hopped one island east of Bali to the island of Lombok for my last few days of this trip to catch a swell at one of the worlds best waves. Situated on the western tip of Lombok, this wave wraps in to a (roughly) mile long bay and swirls off perfect barrels all the way down the point - if the swell size and direction are right. Last time I was there was about 6 years ago, and a lot of things were different for me then, obviously. What hasn’t changed? The perfection of this wave, the energy surrounding it and the hordes of hungry surfers who descend onto this dusty corner of Lombok every time this particular wave shows its teeth.

The stark contrast between the differences in myself vs. the unchanging nature of the places I visit (like this place) sticks out to me, it really strikes me on a deeper level. I leave a piece of myself everywhere I go, I think that’s what primarily feeds my nostalgic nature. And while I may be changing, evolving, always shedding layers and adding new ones - I can admire and love the “bookmarks” and pieces of myself I’ve left all the same. Places like this are the all too rare tangible reminders of that.

I shot the below video between surfs on one of the better days. Watching it now, all I want to do is go back and be right there, taking in the energy that this place, this little dusty corner of Indonesia, offers anyone who comes to play:

I’ll end with this quote, because I can’t and won’t even try to say it any better. These words are taken directly out of the first 2 minutes of “Sipping Jetstreams” by Taylor Steele, an absolute favorite movie of mine. It really prompted me at a pivotal moment in my life to just go and get out there - farther than I ever had before.

“Someone who is now long dead once wrote,

“The World is a book and those who don’t travel read only 1 page.”

What no one tells you is the book is no easy read.

One thing I can say, whatever it is you are looking for; Beauty, Salvation, Enlightenment, Danger…or just to Disappear.

This will be only a fraction of what you find.”

Above images are a mix of Bali, Lombok and Java - All shot throughout September 2019

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.

http://www.lumierevisualshawaii.com/

Hike Snaps

Hiking is one of those activities that has faded in and out of my life since I was a little boy. I can distinctly remember being very young (no more than 5 yrs. old) and looking forward to running through the woods at the South Mountain Reservation (Millburn, NJ in case you're wondering) with my sisters when we went on family walks. Those experiences were probably the peak of my excitement in life when it came to hiking -- until somewhat recently.

For me, the motivation to get outside and explore is borne of a hunger for stunning and otherwise unavailable visuals. Whatever peoples motivations are -- I applaud them. From a photographers' perspective -- it's always worth it. Below is a very small selection of the visual payoffs I've experienced in the last year.

http://www.lumierevisualshawaii.com/

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/