Road Trip in U.S, Yosemite National Park.

So, next part of the U.S.
As mentioned in the previous post, after leaving LA we were off to Yosemite NP. A trip that took around 6-7 hrs. From the beginning we were supposed to camp rather deep into the park, but due to the fires that have raged in the area we were put further south :( 
So we ended up in an area called Mariposa Grove. To be honest, not a bad area either compared to the previous as its closer to the giant Sequoior. Its assumed that the oldest is about 2,700 years old...?! Amazingly large and cool trees. This part of the forest has throughout the years been through many fires, but these trees are durable and except some blackened, it looked like it was feeling perfect.
We spent one and half day here. After a night sleep we hiked along the Mist Trail, that goes up to Half Dome (2695m). But instead of walking the whole 23km up to the top, we walked up to the 2 first waterfalls and it was very wonderfully that too. The first one is about 30m but unfortunately it's not that much water in the river this late in the year as you can see in the pictures.
Second one is few miles up the trail and has a fall of 181m. The entire round trip was about 11km and took us approx 5h, as we stopped a lot to rest and take pics :)) It felt so awesome to hike here, as I have seen so many time on nature programs. And now I was there, among all of these high mountains and deep valleys. But this visit was just a scratch on the surface of what more there is to see/experience here. For example there are several more waterfall, higher and at more amazing scenery (if that is possible) but it was the dry period of the year :/ 
Yosemite falls with its 800m, you can imagine!
The evening was spent at the lookout point, Glacier Point, from which there is an incredible view of the Yosemite valley and the Half Dome. Amazing place to be at and enjoy the sunset.

Next, Las Vegas!!

The view of Half dome and Yosemite valley from Glacier point

The view from Glacier point

Mariposa Grove, giant sequoia

Stellars Jay

Giant sequoia

Granit rocks, half dome in the distance



A rainbow below the waterfall

Abstrackt Coyote

Tight

The lower fall

Famous view with El Capitan on the left side

Sequoia

Me sitting on the edge of Nevada fall

 

Road Trip in U.S, Los Angeles

Time for the pictures from the 'road trip' in The States.

Let's start at the beginning, the trip was to start and end in Los Angeles, so in total we would have two full days to explore it. Obviously iy's not enough, but hopefully this is not the last time.
It might feel odd, but I will show you pictures from both occations in this post.

When arriving we stayed on the south side of LA, close to the gorgeous Hermosa Beach. So of course the first day was spent walking along it, and just after a few minutes we saw both dolphins, pelicans and few surfers (not that unusual as you might suspect :) ) But actually the first day was just spent enjoyed the warm weather.
On our last day, we stayed at Santa Monica beach where the famous muscle beach is. Unfortunately we did not really see any 'proper' body boulders but people keep in shape! Everywhere you could see people running, cycling, walking, rollerskating along the beach promenade.
Of course we also saw parts of Hollywood and Beverly hills, but just because we needed to find/see the Hollywood sign :) and wow how small it is. Even if the houses were luxurious here, the beach property would be prefered (if I ever would have a choice)

When first arriving I thought that this would be a city for me, but when actually seeing the traffic, NO WAY!

Anyhow, this is few of the pictures from LA, and next is Yosemite where also the trip took us.

 

Santa Monica Pier

 

Muscle beach at Santa monica

Santa Monica Pier

Johan and Martinas Wedding Day

Before the trip to the USA now almost 3 weeks ago, me and the wife was over to Örebro, Sweden to attend her little sister's wedding.
And I had the great honor to be the photographer, which of course was very nervwrecking. It's their big day and they of course wanted the best pictures possible.
This was the first time I have done anything like this more seriously. Previously I have photographed two weddings but only as extra-photographer with no pressure on me.
Well since we got there a few days before the wedding I had time to also take few more casual photos too which was nice for me as I got to practice a little bit too :)
On the wedding day I followed Martina to the hairstylist, which took a bit longer than planned. So when it came to the make-up pictures it got a bit more stressful.
And at the time I hadn't even got dressed myself yet, and there was not much time which didn't make my nervs any favour. But everything worked out well because as a guy you don't have much to worry about, a pair of decent trousers and a tie ;) and your all set. So in the end I had time to take some more photos before the ceremony itself.
In the church, I felt calmer and photography went pretty well. I got the 'mandatory' pictures; the ring exchange, the kiss, the signing of the merrage certificate etc..
After church we went off to different places to photograph only the newlyweds. You would assume that it would be less stressful, but actually the opposite as the guests were waiting for us. We had approx an hour to take the planned picturs.

The party was a mix of Croatian and Swedish, croatian as the bride has her roots there and well swedish because of the groom as you could have guessed. It was a very successful mix.
While we were taking pictures, the guests enjoyed a Croatian wine and food tasting (Dingac, Plavac Mali and a blend of different cured meats and cheeses). 
A catering company took care of the dinner, and everything just was really well done.

When the dinner was done and the tables were cleared away, a Croatian band played live music. Croatian rock and folk song which was so much fun. Even though most of the people didn't understand the lyrics, the dancefloor was packed. Also, according to Croatian style, a whole grilled lamb was served. It had been roasting in the garden next to the venue since we came back from church. A whole Prsut was brought out with a selection of strong croatian spirits; Loza, Travarica and Sljivovica. All of course homemade in Croatia.
The party didn't end until the next morning.
So thanks Johan and Martina for giving me the opportunity to document your day.

 

More heather from the Peak district NP

After we came home from Wales  I had time to take the rental car to the Peak district NP one evening and I went to a place called Hathersage moor.
I checked for places in Google that are worth visiting in the Peak District when the heather is in bloom and this place was good to visit.
There would be quite a lot of heather and it was, so now it was just to wait for the sunset but unfortunately the thin nice clouds that i wanted disappeared so the pictures where not quite as I wanted, but this was the only chance to shoot heather at sunset this year.
Several evenings before, it looked promising but a few hours before sunset the clouds came and thats not what I wanted.  I mean I wanted clouds but not so much that the sun disappears :)
Why do I mention the clouds so much, because the right amount of clouds in the sky offers nicer images, because the sun can shine on them and gives a little extra color and depth. Without clouds the sky just gets boring blue which is nice sometimes.
Now it's only 5 days left until we fly to U.S and I'm really looking forward to the trip.

Anglesey and Lleyn Peninsula

Here are the remaining pictures from the trip in Wales and now from Anglesey in the north-west Wales, and as I mentioned in the previous post, it's connected with mainland with two large bridges. It was very nice here and the flat surrounding feels weird as its just 40km from here to Snowdon massif. The second night was spend on the Lleyn peninsula which lies south of Anglesey, well worth visiting. Both places have wonderful little villages with fantastic sandy beaches.

Anglesey

Anglesey

Anglesey

Lleyn Peninsula

Lleyn Peninsula

Lleyn peninsula

Lleyn peninsula

Lleyn peninsula

Bonfire at the beach