Iceland :: Summer Travel Photography :: Ring road images

The mountains do call; and you should go. 

You should definitely defy TLC; go chase all the waterfalls. 

**Insert John Muir, Henry David Thoreau, or even Ron Swanson quote here**

When I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty in 2013, it sparked my interest in Iceland. I had never before considered that as a travel destination, but good Lord, the moody vibes and epic vistas piqued my interest. So, this trip was epic and a little surreal. At times, I had to remind myself where I was, because I wasn't so far outside a western comfort zone. Yet, I was halfway around the world, eating the freshest food (even tho it cost an arm and a leg); drinking the purest water (even tho, at times, it smells like rotten eggs); and freezing half the time (even tho I'd walk right back into that cold to escape the AZ heat!)

But, how can I even begin to sum up roadtripping Iceland's ring road?... let's get to the pictures!

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Sheep, horses, dogs oh my!

Red roofs on farm houses; red roofs on lighthouses.

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One of the most special moments for me. 

Finding this beach beyond the rolling hills behind the historic church.

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blues & greens; rain & snow; fog & mist; 24hr sun/24hr clouds - saw it all. 

Another favorite - icebergs behind you, sunny beach in front of you. Wow.

And... there's so many more. I hope too see you again, Iceland. 

Images are the property of Anna Rochelle ©AnnaRochelleImagery and may not be used in any format or for any purposes unless requested and received written permission in advance.

Explore :: Arcosanti Arizona :: Arizona Portrait Photographer

Maybe you've heard the quote that states, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.

For some, the untethered life comes easily. Wanderlust runs through their veins. For others, exploration feels risky & unsettling. But, in our own ways, we all search for beauty & a sense of belonging. We question our courage & test our bravery.  

I’ve travelled solo, moved across the country, been alone in a new city, and experienced excitement synonymous with loneliness. Honestly, if I could choose a superpower, I’d want to fly – to experience freedom from gravity and the ability to rise above!

Arcosanti Urban Laboratory. Beautiful and unique architecture in the Arizona desert.

Paolo Soleri knew how to make a thing of beauty.

I’m in love with the shapes, textures and reflections.

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For all of us, there is a time to travel; explore; and discover and there’s a time to plant; build; and fortify… a time to stay. While we long for a home; we long for freedom. While we long for anonymity; we also long for connection.

What season are you in right now? Do you need more stability or do you feel the need to shake-things-up? I’ve taken risks that have not panned-out, and I’ve felt mentally, emotionally and spiritually exhausted afterward, but I have found inspiration and renewal in both familiar and new lands.

So, whether you’re sick on the couch this weekend or spending the last weeks of your summer traveling about, take a moment to stop and explore – where are you right now? What beauty or need is around you? Even more importantly, what beauty or need is INSIDE you right now?

First: pause, stop and reflect. Then: go, do and be!

Much Love,

-Anna

P.S. Isn’t my mom just gorgeous??? 

All images are the property of @AnnaRochelleImagery and may not be used without permission.