Hi everyone let's start sharing one photo every day here in the community. Doing so can help us all: 1. Improve in making daily choices of what pictures to share. 2. Improve telling their stories. 3. Help us all climb up the levels. 1 - Select a picture and attach it in your comment 2 - Write the story about the selected picture If you like a picture someone else shared, please add a comment to it. And I guess I'll start to get this thing going. Photo Title: "Rejuvenation" The Story: The hike back from the inside of the sand dunes field is always the toughest. Arriving at Mesquite Sand Dunes for the first time was definitely a memorable adventure, especially since we didn't know we'll see such field before we get to Death Valley National Park. We parked the car in Mesquite Sand Dunes parking lot, grabbed my camera gear and head out into the sands. We had so much fun running up and down the dunes finding all kinds of interesting compositions of abstract scenery. The running up and down was pretty tiring since some of the dunes were very tall. It first glance you think to yourself, "this should be easy", but half way up you're already breathless. After a couple hours of excitement, with sand up our ears, it was time to get back to the car and continue our journey. That's when I captured this image. A simple, quiet and beautiful dune snaking out from where I stood to the outskirts of Mesquite Sand Dunes. The dune was scarred by a few people who walked on it earlier but I knew the scars will disappear soon because the wind started blowing and most of the tourists and photographers were on their way out of the field. It was time for Mother Nature for rejuvenation. That was the last photograph I captured that day. The way back was very tiring after climbing up and down trying to satisfy our curiosity to see what's around the corner. Now, all we wanted was to get to the car and head out, so all we did was hike back. It was a constant walk from the deep of the field, across some very tall sand dunes, and rest was not an option.

Day 1: Oregon Coast Morning: Start at Cannon Beach to capture the iconic Haystack Rock at sunrise Midday: Head south along the coast, stopping at Hug Point for its sea caves and waterfalls. Afternoon: Visit Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City for its unique sandstone formations and dune landscapes. Evening: Sunset photography at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, focusing on the natural arches and rugged coastline. Day 2: Columbia River Gorge Early Morning: Sunrise at Vista House for a panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge. Midday: Explore the numerous waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway, including Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls. Afternoon: Hike in the Oneonta Gorge or Eagle Creek Trail for lush green scenery and hidden waterfalls. Evening: Capture the sunset from Rowena Crest Viewpoint, offering sweeping views of the winding river and surrounding hills. Day 3: Mount Hood and Surroundings Early Morning: Sunrise photography at Trillium Lake with Mount Hood in the background. Midday: Visit the historic Timberline Lodge and photograph the south side of Mount Hood. Afternoon: Explore the Tamanawas Falls trail for a scenic waterfall surrounded by forest. Evening: Sunset shots at Lost Lake, capturing the reflection of Mount Hood in the calm waters. Camera gear: - DSLR or mirrorless camera - Tripod for long exposures and stability - Wide-angle lens for landscapes - Telephoto lens for wildlife and distant subjects - Standard zoom lens for versatile shooting - Memory cards with high storage capacity - Extra camera batteries and charger - Polarizing and ND filters to manage reflections and exposure - Cleaning kit for lens and camera maintenance Clothing & Accessories: - Weather-appropriate clothing (layering is key) - Waterproof jacket and pants for coastal and waterfall areas - Sturdy hiking boots with good grip - Rain cover for yourself and your camera gear - Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection against the sun - Gloves and warm hat for chilly mornings and nights

Day 1: Arrival and Cades Cove Morning: If flying, aim for an early flight to Knoxville, then drive to the park. The scenic route will gradually introduce you to the lush landscapes of the Smokies. Afternoon: Check into your chosen accommodation. Consider the charming Old Creek Lodge in Gatlinburg for its cozy atmosphere and proximity to the park. Late Afternoon: Head to Cades Cove for your first photography session. This broad valley is teeming with wildlife and historic buildings, offering diverse photo ops. Evening: Return to Gatlinburg for dinner. The local restaurants offer hearty meals perfect for refueling after a day of exploration. Day 2: Clingmans Dome and Roaring Fork Early Morning: Drive to Clingmans Dome for sunrise photos. The observation tower provides panoramic views of the mist-covered mountains. Mid-Morning: Enjoy breakfast back in Gatlinburg or pack something to enjoy with the view. Afternoon: Explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. This one-way loop road offers easy access to a variety of waterfalls and old-growth forest scenes. Evening: Capture sunset shots from one of the trail's overlooks, then head back to Gatlinburg for dinner and a well-deserved rest. Day 3: Leisurely Morning and Departure Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and maybe a stroll around Gatlinburg, capturing the quaint charm of the town. Midday: Begin your journey back to Knoxville for your return flight, or if you're up for it, visit another nearby scenic spot for a final photo session. *** 3 Possible Photos to Capture *** 1. Wildlife in Cades Cove: Look for deer, black bears, and historic cabins as subjects. 2. Sunrise from Clingmans Dome: Capture the ethereal beauty of the Smokies bathed in the soft morning light. 3. Waterfalls along Roaring Fork: Use a slow shutter speed to get that silky water effect. This trip to the Great Smoky Mountains promises a mix of adventure, serenity, and, of course, plenty of fantastic photography opportunities. Get ready to capture the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of America's most visited national park!

This is a location I recommend everyone who ever visits here in Southern California, to go to and take their shot. Literally

This is a challenge for all photographers who visited the Portland Japanese Garden. If you've been there you probably know that one of the most photographed tree there is the Maple tree. We've all seen a gazillion images of it and most of them look the same. Share your photo of the Japanese tree and let's see how unique your photos are. Rules: 1. Upload up to 3 images 2. Note when you visited for each image 3. Give each image a title Prize: 1x Mosh Planner Pro 1x Levitate Hanger To win the prize you'll have to have a unique looking picture of the Japanese Tree. I will select 7 photographers and then we'll all vote. There will be 3 winners to this challenge. Good luck :)