Janice Yi Photography
Meet baby Benjamin, or as his parents call him, Benji. I had first photographed him while he was still in his mom’s belly just a month earlier. Life is marvellous.
Big brothers Clark and Ralph joined in for some photos too.
It was 2 weeks before Christmas and I couldn’t help but grab a shot of al the stockings.
I’ve always wanted to photograph horses. There is something about them that I can’t put into words. They seem so majestic, and graceful. I encountered and photographed some on our trip to Iceland last June. Then in August I photographed one of my brides, Sarah with her friend of 10 years, Eddie. Sarah and her sister grew up riding but since she was no longer riding competitively, they were in the process of finding Eddie a new home. Before they say goodbye though, Sarah wanted some photos with Eddie (just a week after she got married) to remember him by.
Here’s to a 10-year friendship, and to friends, no matter who they are.
It rained on this particular early November morning for Katie’s maternity session. I had just gotten back from the sunny Caribbean a few days before, and was still getting used to the damp Fall weather we were having. The rain kept us from being outdoors for this session so Katie and Bryan invited me into their beautiful home for an indoor, at-home session. They shared some laughs over random baby books and shared their hopes for their little one with me.
Here are some of my favourites from the session. Baby Benji’s newborn session will be up soon!
Here are baby Benji’s older brothers: Clark & Ralph :)
Whenever I travel (except if we are going to a resort), I always bring just one backpack and another smaller day pack such as a messenger bag.
But why travel with a backpack instead of a rolling suitcase with wheels? Wouldn’t it be easier to roll your luggage than carry a 20 lb pack (mine at its heaviest) on your back? Personally, I like the freedom a backpack allows me. While it can seem easier to roll your suitcase at times, traveling with one just doesn’t suit my travel style as an independent traveler. With everything I need in just two bags that can both go on my shoulders, my hands are free and I don’t feel tied down by the things I have. There have been countless times where I was very glad I had a backpack: going up and down stairs where there is no escalator or elevator (such as smaller hotels in Europe and elsewhere), walking to hotel or train station on cobblestone streets, walking in crowded places such as train or metro stations, traveling on a crowded local bus etc.
M and I enjoy traveling independently, so no organized tours (not to say there is anything wrong with tours). Having just a backpack and a day pack each provide us with the ability to move faster and be more nimble. Basically we travel Amazing Race style :) minus the fanny pack. There is something liberating about having everything you need on your back. You are not weighed down by your things; they don’t own you, you own them. And it’s amazing to know you really don’t need all that much stuff to survive or live comfortably.
Packing light for travel is easier said than done though. It’s even harder as a photographer when you want to bring every lens and camera body you have. In the past, I always ended up with more things than I actually needed or used. Which meant I ended up with a pretty heavy backpack, usually heavier than M’s haha. Although I’m by no means a well seasoned traveler (have only been to 14 countries to date), I’ve finally come up with my own system for packing lightly through trial and error.
Since I’m going to Stockholm and Iceland in a few days, I’m using the items I’ve packed for this trip as an example.
Here’s a breakdown of what goes into my backpack:
1. The backpack itself: a 50 L Gregory Jade backpack that I’ve had for a few years. I think I spent about $200 but it’s important to get a good quality backpack because it will be well built, durable and provide better support for your back and hips. I think I can easily get another 5 years out of this bag even after all the rough handling by airport personnel :D
2. Soft Lug travel pillow for those redeye flights and long distance train travels. Speaking of travel pillows, have you seen this new J pillow? It seems way more comfortable but a bit bulkier. Or this?? I don’t think I’d ever use this. ha.
3. Toiletry bag with all the essentials: personal hygiene items including face cleanser, moisturizer, tooth brush, tooth paste, deodorant, makeup, mostly all travel sized or under 100ml; face cloth; medications including Gravol (since I get motion sickness), cold/flu meds, tylenol or similar, bandaids, tums; tissues; cotton pads
4. 2 sweaters. The one on top is my Icelandic wool sweater which is the warmest thing I’ve ever worn! It’s really thick so I wear it on travel days. If I’m traveling to warmer destinations, I only bring 2 thin cardigans.
5. Light weight & waterproof rain jacket. I pretty much bring this with me on every trip now. It’s super light weight plus it has a hood so saves me having to bring an umbrella. Once while in Scotland, M and I (M has the same jacket but the male version in blue) walked in the rain for over an hour to our B&B after a hike . When we got back, we were still dry inside. Since I’m traveling in early March, it will still be fairly cold so I’m bringing a hat and mittens as well (not pictured).
6. 4 shirts/tops: 1 short sleeved t shirt, 2 long sleeved shirts as base layers and a denim shirt to layer with. If traveling to warmer destinations, I bring 4 short sleeved t shirts and 1 or 2 long sleeved ones plus a dressier top.
7. 1 pair of cotton pants, 1 pair of jeans (which I will wear on travel days) + wool tights to wear as base layer if really cold. If traveling to warmer destinations, two pairs of shorts + 1 pair of cotton pants.
8. 3 pairs of socks; usually I only bring 2 pairs but since it’ll still be cold I’m bringing my merino wool Icebreaker socks. My friend Kristen introduced me to these, pretty much warmest socks around.
9. A bathing suit. I might not use these but in case I visit the Blue Lagoon or a hot spring.
10. Tripod for those beautiful night photos. This is probably one of the heavier things in my bag, I might get a lighter version next year.
11. Hiking shoes. These are a bit bulky and not so stylish but I’m past the point in my life where I sacrifice comfort for style too much. ;) They are sturdy, warm, water resistant and really comfortable. If traveling to warmer places, I add a pair of Birkenstocks as well.
Not pictured here: mittens, a scarf and under garments
Additional things: 3 – 4 dresses + a skirt and a straw hat for warmer climate travels. Oh and sunscreen!
I find with this list, no matter if I’m traveling for 1.5 weeks or 5 weeks, or indeed 2 months, they are more than enough. The key is to pack clothes that will mix and match well and are versatile. Wear bulkier items on travel days if possible. Beyond that, the trick is to wash your clothes while traveling. Laundromats can be found almost everywhere.
Things that go into my day pack:
12. The bag itself; a leather messenger bag I’ve had for years. It’s roomy, sturdy and has additional pockets for smaller items.
13. Travel documents, a pen, a Moleskine journal, my passport and always, a book. I usually try to pick one that’s not as thick, and no hardcovers!
14. Lenses; not pictured here is my 35mm f1.4 lens since I was using it :)
15. Canon 5D Mark iii camera body (pictured here is the 5D instead since I was using the Mark iii)
16. Wallet with credit cards, travel insurance details, bank cards + cash
17. Battery charger + extra battery
18. Memory cards
19. iPhone for emails & Instagram of course
20. Lens pouches to protect the lenses
21. iPhone charging cord + the correct plug converter
22. Sunglasses
This list is quite a bit longer if I’m traveling for work for obvious reasons. Add another camera body, lens, flash, and more batteries. Besides my camera gear, I’m pretty low tech, no iPads or laptop…for now anyway. I might need to get a laptop for on the road editing and such if I travel for work more.
Additional things: sometimes a guidebook. But I try to use electronic versions these days. Lonely Planet is great for these.
Here’s what the final packed bags look like! I might actually be able to bring both as carry on items. The backpack being the carry on and the messenger bag is my personal item. The biggest advantage of not having to check your bag is not have to worry about the airline losing it! And then once you get to your destination you can hit the ground running and not have to wait at the luggage carousel.
Final tip: start early! I’m bad at this but M always plans an hour for packing at least a week before we leave. You don’t have to put everything into your bag/suitcase, but at least gather things and put them in a separate area. Plan your outfits strategically while you do this (I know this can be hard for the ladies), and then edit, edit, edit!
The first time I traveled to Italy was in 2010. M and I visited Rome, Amalfi Coast, Florence and Venice in our short 12-day trip. Italy was always high on my “must visit” list ever since I was little. The country just seemed so romantic. And their language sounds so beautiful. When I read Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, I read that the Italian language had a very poetic and literary origin. I will try to be brief here and try to paraphrase from the book as much as possible. Italy for centuries had been independent city-states often at war with each other, and alternately dominated by other European powers. It did not become unified until 1861. Though Latin was still used, it was mainly used by the scholars and educated men in a written format. A derivative of Latin called Vulgar Latin (a colloquial form spoken by common people) was the predecessor to Romance languages such as French, Spanish, and Portuguese. In every other country, the resulting modern day national language was a result of the dominating city, which determined the language of the whole country. This was not the case in Italy. Like its neighbours, many regional dialects existed across the country; dialects so different that a Florentine scholar could not communicate with a Venetian merchant. Then in the 16th century, some Italian intellectuals got together and decided that it was absurd they didn’t have a common language to be called their own. Then they did something quite dramatic, which was they handpicked the dialect that was the most beautiful, which became known as Italian. The basis for that beautiful dialect? It was based on the Florentine language in which Dante had used to write his Divine Comedy in the 14th century. Dante actually thought Latin to be a “corrupt, elitist” language and had turn to the street where Florentine was spoken by the residents of his city.
For a while I somewhat doubted her account because I thought it was unbelievable for a language to be “picked” that way. Then I realized this was in a published book, which means she must have done her research and wouldn’t have published content that was inaccurate (duh). I have since confirmed this with Wikipedia (I know, very scholarly of me). As Elizabeth Gilbert pointed out, for a group of Italian intellectuals to get together and pick a dialect that was the most beautiful to be their official language is equivalent of a bunch of Oxford scholars to get together in early 19th century and decide that from now on we would all speak pure Shakespeare. I actually think that would be kind of amazing. I love the way Shakespearean English sounds.
So yes, a beautiful country with a beautiful language. We returned again in 2012 for part of our honeymoon. Because I have too many photos, I decided to split them into separate posts. Here are some photos from the Amalfi coast.
The Amalfi coast is probably one of the most well known regions in Italy, and for a reason. It’s stunningly beautiful. The towns that perch right along the cliffs with an azure Tyrrhenian sea at their doorsteps practically. Then there’s the hairpin turns of the coastal drive. For both of our visits, we started in the town of Sorrento, which is where the train line ended. But before that, if you are coming from the north, you will most likely be taking a high speed train from Rome to Naples. From Naples, you’ll catch a local commuter train called Circumvesuviana. The experience on that train is very authentic. Though if you do a search on travel forums, you’ll likely find some negative complaints from travellers, mainly about robbery or thieves. Our experience was as long as you keep a low profile (the stereotypical loud, naive American traveler comes to mind…), be alert of your surroundings and don’t wear flashy jewellery, you will be fine. My favourite memory traveling on that train was exiting the Naples suburbs and the train traversing through lemon and orange groves on one side; so close that the tree branches rattled against the windows as the train speeds along. And on the other side, the view to the Bay of Naples coming in and out of sight through the seaside towns. This is why I love train travel, you don’t have to worry about how to get to your destination once you step on the train, you can just enjoy the journey.
Sorrento is famous for its lemon products. Their lemons are very big.
Sorrento is the gateway to the Amalfi coast. From there, you can either hire your own car and enjoy the coastal towns or use the efficient public buses to connect your routes.
The first option gives you more freedom, though the drive can be a bit intimidating for non-Italian drivers.
The second option is a bit more restricted but cheaper. I almost forgot, you can also take a ferry between certain villages in the summer.
You can also take a short ferry ride (30 to 45 minutes) from Sorrento to the island of Capri.
Cable car ride (or more like cable chair lift) to and from Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island.
That was the most intense cable car ride I’ve ever had.
The only thing that stopped you from falling off was a thin iron bar.
Granted the ride was very smooth and the scenery was too beautiful to be afraid anyway.
Lots of tourists and boats jostling to get into the Blue Grotto. While we thought the island was beautiful, we also found it to be too touristy.
Bus ride photo of the coast.
A big part of why we decided to return to the Amalfi coast for our honeymoon was to hike The Path of the Gods.
Or Sentiero degli Dei in Italian. I don’t speak Italian but try to pronounce the words and tell me they don’t sound beautiful.
This was the absolute highlight of our trip. Besides a thrilling coastal drive (if that’s your thing),
this is in my humble opinion the best way to enjoy the coast.
And, it’s free!
You can find more info on the hike here, or read reviews of the hike here.
The views of the coast unfolding below was just breathtaking.
We were so high up I felt like I could touch the clouds if I reached up.
We started the hike in the little village of Bomerano, on the hill above the village of Praiano. The hike took us about 3 hours.
Most people stop at the little hamlet of Nocelle, high above Positano.
From there, we were told there’s a bus that can take us to Positano or take a series of steps.
We wandered around town but couldn’t find this bus stop. So we decided to take the 1,600 steps down to Positano.
I thought going uphill is bad, but nothing compared to the downward hike. It was tough on our knees and calf muscles.
One note here is if you do this hike any time from June to mid September, start as early as you can.
There are scarcely any shady patches on the hike, so it gets very hot by mid-day.
From Positano, we took a ferry back to Amalfi.
For our second visit, We stayed at Villa San Michele, which was just below the village of Ravello.
The hotel was built into the side of the cliff, right into the rocks. So each room has a sea view.
the beautiful Villa Cimbrone garden.
“My soul is full of longing
for the secret of the sea
and the heart of the great ocean
sends a thrilling pulse through me”
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Until next time, ciao ciao!
What to say about Tiara and Roy? From her first email, I already felt a connection with Tiara. When I met with her and Roy, we sat and talked about travel for a long time and felt like old friends.
They love to travel together and believe that “You can always make money; You can’t always make memories”. So it’s no surprise that for their Document Love session, they wanted to incorporate travel into it.
Thanks guys for inviting me into your journey! It’s been awesome getting to know you and I can’t wait to be a part of your big day in October!
they got engaged in Iceland :)
