As you leave Las Vegas, the landscape shifts quickly.
Within an hour, the city gives way to open desert — to red sandstone formations rising in every direction. Valley of Fire State Park feels quiet, expansive, and far removed from the Strip.
I spent a morning here focused on slowing down and photographing the beauty with my Sony A7r V with the SIGMA 70-200mm ƒ2.8 DG DN | Sports lens.

Florence is a historic city. It’s commonly thought to be the center of culture and art. It’s also a tourist destination for millions each year. Last year, I became on of those millions.

The city has a lot of offer, obviously. Cathedral of Santa Mario del Fiore, Galleria dell’Accademia and Gallerie degli Uffizi — just to name a few. These are all amazing, memorable and very much worth the visit. But I also wanted a little more authenticity from capital city of Tuscany. So I woke up early, packed my camera bag and walked the streets, watching as the Fiorentini commuted, opened their shops and began their day.

It was a small choice but it allowed me to see a vibrant city without the crowds. No tourists. No street performers. Semplicemente Firenze.