I will never forget the first time I saw the Pacific Ocean. It had been a long day of traveling from Baltimore to San Diego when we reached the cliffs of La Jolla at sunset. We meandered down a giant hill, one clumsy step after another as I fidgeted with my sandals. It was late winter and I hadn’t worn them in months, the soft leather sliding uncomfortably on my feet.
By the time we reached the cliffs, my head was pounding, exhausted, and I was ready to ‘check this off the list’ – when my eyes met the edge of the sea. Standing at the foot of the Pacific Ocean, I was completely and unabashedly smitten. It’s vastness, the crystal blue of its waters and the rocky ledges that guide you to the surf. I felt so small, immeasurably humbled, and completely awestruck.
It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
I had spent my entire life by the water and yet I had never seen anything as mesmerizing as the Pacific. The way the light dipped over the ocean, cascading rays of peaches and purples dancing along the water’s edge. It was like getting a glimpse at heaven.
My California friends thought I was crazy, standing there with tears welling up in my eyes… but I honestly couldn’t help it. I’m emotional by design and this sight pushed me right over the edge. Ever since that first night in La Jolla, I’ve been counting down the days until my next trip back;Â strategizing ways to actually work on the Pacific Coast and set down roots that I can nurture in the years to come.
And that brings us to today’s crazy exciting announcement… I’ll be spending three weeks in January touring the Pacific – from California to Hawaii to New Zealand. Photographing couples and landscapes, meeting with other photographers, and visiting an entire list of new cities and islands. We start our journey in Long Beach with Katie Yuen – trekking up the coast to San Fransisco – before Caitlin and I fly out to Honolulu and continue a week later to New Zealand!
January 8th – 12th:
California Road Trip: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, The Scenic Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur, and San Francisco.
January 13th – 16th:
Island of Oahu
January 16th - January 19th:
Island of Maui
January 21st – 25th:
North Island, NZ: Auckland, Bay of Islands, and The Cormandel.
January 25th – 28th:
South Island, NZ: Queenstown and Milford Sound.
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As I’m sure you can already imagine, I won’t be getting a lot of sleep on this adventure but I know that it’s going to be well worth it! All of the places above are completely new and foreign to me – so I’m looking for your suggestions: places to visit, restaurants to try, and scenic sights to take my breath away!
We’ll be photographing a mix of portrait sessions and scenic landscapes (+ starscapes) throughout this entire trip so photography is our main priority! If you or someone you love lives along our route who may be interested in an anniversary session, elopement, or collaborating on an editorial shoot – Please send me an email: natalie@nataliefranke.com  |  And be sure to follow along on Instagram too! (Prepare for a cheesy hashtag or two to track our journey! You know we can’t help it!)
We would love to tell some genuine love stories along the way and I am unbelievably excited for the shoots we already have lined up!
© 2023 Natalie Franke
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What an adventure! I’m so looking forward to seeing your travel pictures!
Wow! This sounds like such an amazing trip 🙂 Can’t wait to see the photos you’ll make 🙂
This sounds so exciting!! I can’t wait to see pictures 🙂
So exciting! Post lots of pictures – I will definitely be following along! xoxo
This is such exciting news!! You are going to enjoy yourself immensely! I just might have to steal this itinerary for myself one day 🙂
I cannot WAIT to do this trip with you- it’s going to be so amazing. Yayayay!! 🙂
I’m SO excited for you!! I spent a month in New Zealand in the Fall of 2010, and I’ve never had a place grab my heart so firm and fast. Prepare to fall head-over-heels in love! 🙂
So excited for you! This trip is going to be epic. Maui has the best fish tacos in the world, so you should definitely eat those at Coconut’s. 🙂
Sounds like such a fun adventure!! Can’t wait to see the pics!
Ah so exciting! What an awesome trip!
oh my gosh! sounds like an amazing trip! like sarah, i also spent a month in New Zealand (but in 2008) and it’s had a special place in my heart ever since. i would LOVE to go back, one day. i can’t wait to see all of the photos you’ll take! 🙂
Woohoo! You know I’m your gal when it comes to Maui recs! I sent a bunch to Caitlin already 🙂 This sounds crazy amazing!
Even though I live in and love Texas, I consider Hawaii my second home. In Maui you must take a boat out to go whale watching, one of the best things I have ever done and always plan my Maui trips in winter just to make sure I get to see the whales. The North Shore beaches are AMAZING in Oahu and winter is perfect to catch the big wave surfers (my daddy was a surfer in his younger day). And of course because I can’t go to Oahu and not eat at Duke’s on Waikiki Beach (the ice cream pie is totally worth it).
hawaii has my heart. on maui, check out Thompson Rd and the little breakfast place at the start of it. it’s magical.
Wow! That is so awesome!!!
Cannot wait to see and hear more about this!!!
xoxo
So completely jealous. Have an amazing time and don’t forget to bring that camera! =)
you are going to have such an amazing time!!
I have family that lives on Oahu. The tourist areas are beautiful and nice, but if you have a chance to live the “local” life for a day it is totally worth it! The local food and people are absolutely amazing. Kaneohe Bay is where my parents live and its worth making a trip over there!
I’m a photographer and I live in Maui. I’d be happy to show you some amazing things or go on some landscape shoots with you. Let me know if you’re looking for any information or recommendations for Maui!
#taillightstumbleweeds #andtiaras #hashtagsalldaylong #sunsetsandseasides #coastlinesandcameraslingingchicks
love you 🙂
That is amazing! Looking forward to seeing all of your amazing photos!!
This schedule is crazy! You’re so blessed to do what you love and travel the world at the same time!
On Oahu: Lanikai Beach during the day! We kayaked there and it is one of the best beaches I have ever been to!!
For sunset pictures (or just enjoying the view).. Sunset Beach on the north shore of Oahu!! Xoxo