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MARIA STRUSS PHOTOGRAPHY

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  • YELLOWSTONE BEST PACKING GUIDE FOR SUMMER
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    YELLOWSTONE BEST PACKING GUIDE FOR SUMMER

    Yellowstone is a vast national park with incredible natural beauty including geothermal features, stunning waterfalls, numerous lakes, wildlife, and mountains. Within its wilderness, Yellowstone offers a vast range of…

    Read More YELLOWSTONE BEST PACKING GUIDE FOR SUMMERContinue

  • Photograph of Slough Creek in the Lamar Valley area of Yellowstone National Park
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY-WHAT TO PACK

    An adventure to Yellowstone National Park is the perfect time to capture nature in all its elements. From erupting geysers, to massive grizzly bears and everything in between, photo…

    Read More YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHY-WHAT TO PACKContinue

  • Photo of Castle Geyser in Yellowstone's Upper Geyser Basin
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    PHOTOGRAPHING THE WILD: A YELLOWSTONE SUMMER ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

    Are you planning a trip to Yellowstone for photography and don’t know where to begin? I get it. Yellowstone National Park has an insane number of great photography destinations…

    Read More PHOTOGRAPHING THE WILD: A YELLOWSTONE SUMMER ROAD TRIP ITINERARYContinue

  • Roosevelt Arch Yellowstone National Park
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    YELLOWSTONE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION-BEFORE YOU GO

    Visiting Yellowstone National Park with its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife is a dream come true. It is nature’s playground complete with an incredible array of wildlife, spectacular landscapes,…

    Read More YELLOWSTONE ESSENTIAL INFORMATION-BEFORE YOU GOContinue

  • A photo of Hayden Valley in Yellowstone on an overcast day with reflections of trees
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    CAPTURING YELLOWSTONE- 9 STUNNING PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH

    Yellowstone National Park is filled with breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife making it the perfect destination for photographers. From geothermal features that shoot high into the air, to deep…

    Read More CAPTURING YELLOWSTONE- 9 STUNNING PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPHContinue

  • a photo of John Cable Grist Mill in Cades Cove at the Great Smoky Mountains
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    5 GREAT TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING CADES COVES

    Nestled in the northwest corner of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove is a photographer’s playground. Within its 6,800 acre valley, the Cove is filled with an amazing…

    Read More 5 GREAT TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING CADES COVESContinue

  • a photo of a great egret pair beak to beak during breeding season
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY AT ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM

    Photographers flock to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park every spring to capture wild birds during breeding season. For here lies the perfect habitat for a world class…

    Read More BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY AT ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARMContinue

  • photo of two male sandhill cranes fighting for mating rights at a Florida refuge.
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    A FEATHERED ROUTE- FLORIDA’S TOP 13 BIRDING HOTSPOTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

    Are you considering a road trip to photograph birds in Florida? If so, let me take the guess work out of your trip planning. In this “Florida’s 13 Birding…

    Read More A FEATHERED ROUTE- FLORIDA’S TOP 13 BIRDING HOTSPOTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERSContinue

  • a photo of a side view of the Coquille Lighthouse in Bend, Oregon
    BLOG | PHOTO TRAVELS- Routes and Stories

    2018 Travels and Photos Updated

    Welcome to my 2018 photography and travel annual review. Each year I take a look back at the progress of my Mountain to Sea Photo Journey along with a…

    Read More 2018 Travels and Photos UpdatedContinue

  • A photo of the side of Silex Springs in the Fountain Paint Pots section of Yellowstone National Park
    BLOG | PHOTO TRAVELS- Routes and Stories

    2019 Travels and Photos

    Welcome to my Mountain to Sea Photo Journey’s 2019 Travels and Photos review. This was my third year on this journey and the best year to date. Unlike the…

    Read More 2019 Travels and PhotosContinue

  • a photo of natural bridge in Bryce Canyon
    BLOG | PHOTO TRAVELS- Routes and Stories

    2017 Travels and Photos

    It was 2017, the start of my “Mountain to Sea Photo Journey” and the second time I traveled the United States in an RV. However, unlike my first full…

    Read More 2017 Travels and PhotosContinue

  • A photograph of a lance travel trailer 2185 dry camping in Cottonwood, Arizona
    BLOG | PHOTO TRAVELS- Routes and Stories

    WHY I BECAME A NOMADIC PHOTOGRAPHER PART 1- Pursuit of a Portfolio

    Welcome to the “Why I Became a Nomadic Photographer” series, Part 1. Here I share my top 3 reasons for choosing the nomadic lifestyle over a sticks and bricks…

    Read More WHY I BECAME A NOMADIC PHOTOGRAPHER PART 1- Pursuit of a PortfolioContinue

  • photo of the Chapel of Holy Cross nestled in red rocks in Sedona, Arizona
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    SEDONA’S CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

    This post’s photo adventure take us to Sedona where two things usually come to mind: stunning red rocks and pink jeep tours. Sedona, however, has more to offer than red…

    Read More SEDONA’S CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSSContinue

  • ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE: CAPTURING THE LIGHT
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE: CAPTURING THE LIGHT

    Charming St. Augustine, Florida is just 20 minutes from my home base in Florida and offers a wide variety of photographic opportunities including the historic St. Augustine Lighthouse. Of…

    Read More ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE: CAPTURING THE LIGHTContinue

  • BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY-CAMPGROUNDS
    BLOG | CAMPSITES

    BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY-CAMPGROUNDS

    The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s iconic scenic drives and what better way to experience it’s beauty than to camp in one of it’s designated campgrounds. There…

    Read More BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY-CAMPGROUNDSContinue

  • a photo of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Oregon
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE: PHOTO GUIDE

    Oregon is an incredibly beautiful state filled with spectacular landscapes including the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. In fact, this is one of my favorite photo destinations on the Oregon Coast…

    Read More YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE: PHOTO GUIDEContinue

  • a photo of Grand Canyon of Yellowstone Falls
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    HOW TO FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN YELLOWSTONE: FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE

    Are you planning a visit to Yellowstone and have no idea where to stay? I get it. Yellowstone is massive with 3,472 square miles filled with geysers, hot springs,…

    Read More HOW TO FIND THE BEST HOTELS IN YELLOWSTONE: FIRST TIMER’S GUIDEContinue

  • A photo of White Dome Geyser erupting in the Firehole Drive area of Yellowstone National Park
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH GEYSERS- 13 GREAT TIPS

    This post may contains affiliate links which means that if you click on products mentioned here, we will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Yellowstone National…

    Read More HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH GEYSERS- 13 GREAT TIPSContinue

  • photo of a dirt road in Bonaventure Cemetery lines with azaleas
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    BONAVENTURE CEMETERY- A MUST SEE SAVANNAH DESTINATION

    Savannah, Georgia is one of the most romantic southern cities in the United States. With its historic squares, interesting waterfront, cobblestone streets and expansive salt marshes, one probably does…

    Read More BONAVENTURE CEMETERY- A MUST SEE SAVANNAH DESTINATIONContinue

  • A photo of Tybee Island Lighthouse with the house in front.
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: GETTING TO KNOW TYBEE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

    My North America photo travels led me to the Tybee Island Lighthouse on beautiful Tybee Island, Georgia. Once there I could not wait to start photographing it but along…

    Read More UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: GETTING TO KNOW TYBEE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSEContinue

  • Picture of a snowy egret reflection with a dark background.
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    BEST PLACES FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY AT MERRITT ISLAND

    Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge is a top birding destination in Florida with over 340 species of birds that visit or reside on its over 140,000 acres. In fact, Merritt…

    Read More BEST PLACES FOR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY AT MERRITT ISLANDContinue

  • Lightroom’s Crop Tool-Beginners and Beyond
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    Lightroom’s Crop Tool-Beginners and Beyond

    Lightroom’s Crop Tool is actually called the Crop Frame Tool and primarily used to crop out unwanted portions of an image or straighten a crooked horizon. But did you…

    Read More Lightroom’s Crop Tool-Beginners and BeyondContinue

  • How to Use Lightroom’s Transform Panel
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    How to Use Lightroom’s Transform Panel

    Have you ever photographed architecture in a city only to discover your photographs looked like the Leaning Tower of Pisa? If so, don’t despair. Lightroom’s Transform Tool can help…

    Read More How to Use Lightroom’s Transform PanelContinue

  • Understanding Lightroom’s Lens Correction Panel
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    Understanding Lightroom’s Lens Correction Panel

    Today we are going to learn all about Lightroom’s Lens Correction Panel and its two tabs, the Remove Chromatic Aberration Tool and the Enable Profile Correction Tool. Why? Because…

    Read More Understanding Lightroom’s Lens Correction PanelContinue

  • 18 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING OUTDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    18 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING OUTDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHTS

    The holiday season is a magical time of year when downtowns all across America are dressed up with thousands of festive lights and decorations. Just outside these glimmering downtowns,…

    Read More 18 TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING OUTDOOR HOLIDAY LIGHTSContinue

  • Photo of the Linn Cove Viaduct on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY-15 GREAT N.C. PHOTO SPOTS

    Update: As of October, 2024 the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed until further notice due to damage from Hurricane Helene. Sadly,photo sites listed below may no longer be there….

    Read More BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY-15 GREAT N.C. PHOTO SPOTSContinue

  • The Photographers Guide to Buying a Tripod-New
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    The Photographers Guide to Buying a Tripod-New

    This post contains affiliate links for which I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. There are numerous reasons every photographer should own a tripod. However,…

    Read More The Photographers Guide to Buying a Tripod-NewContinue

  • RV LIVING AS A PHOTOGRAPHER – Pros & Cons
    BLOG | RV AND VANS

    RV LIVING AS A PHOTOGRAPHER – Pros & Cons

    In the Photo Travels and Routes section of this blog, I addressed Why I Became a Nomadic Photographer. Now I want to share with you why I chose to…

    Read More RV LIVING AS A PHOTOGRAPHER – Pros & ConsContinue

  • 4 GREAT PHOTO SPOTS IN MT. PLEASANT
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    4 GREAT PHOTO SPOTS IN MT. PLEASANT

    It’s well known that Charleston, South Carolina is a photographer’s paradise with its world-renown historic downtown, beaches, marshes, and a beautiful waterfront park. In fact, take a look at…

    Read More 4 GREAT PHOTO SPOTS IN MT. PLEASANTContinue

  • TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ARCHITECTURE IN CHARLESTON’S HISTORIC DISTRICT
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ARCHITECTURE IN CHARLESTON’S HISTORIC DISTRICT

    A photo guide that lists some of the best photo spots for buildings and homes in Charleston’s Historic District

    Read More TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHING ARCHITECTURE IN CHARLESTON’S HISTORIC DISTRICTContinue

  • EXPLORE NEWPORT OREGON- TOP PHOTO SPOTS
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    EXPLORE NEWPORT OREGON- TOP PHOTO SPOTS

    The cute town of Newport, Oregon, surrounded by jaw dropping scenery, is packed with great seafood restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, marinas, lighthouses and outdoor activities. For vacationers, exploring…

    Read More EXPLORE NEWPORT OREGON- TOP PHOTO SPOTSContinue

  • THE SANDHILL CRANES OF WHITEWATER DRAW REFUGE
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    THE SANDHILL CRANES OF WHITEWATER DRAW REFUGE

    Learn about Whitewater Draw, why thousands of sandhill cranes winter there, what other wildlife is at Whitewater Draw along with photo and camping tips.

    Read More THE SANDHILL CRANES OF WHITEWATER DRAW REFUGEContinue

  • GREAT APPS FOR LANDSCAPE AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNING
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    GREAT APPS FOR LANDSCAPE AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNING

    In this Learn Photography post, I cover an important and often neglected aspect of Landscape and Travel Photography: planning. So today we are going to explore some great apps…

    Read More GREAT APPS FOR LANDSCAPE AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNINGContinue

  • THE PERFECT RV FOR PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST
    BLOG | RV AND VANS

    THE PERFECT RV FOR PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLIST

    Photographers, are you dreaming about traveling the country in an RV for photography? Perhaps you already own an RV but are struggling to make your photography travels work in…

    Read More THE PERFECT RV FOR PHOTOGRAPHY CHECKLISTContinue

  • A photo of Emerald Pool in the Black Sands Basin of Yellowstone National Park
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    PHOTOGRAPHING YELLOWSTONE’S BISCUIT, BLACK SAND & MIDWAY GEYSER BASINS

    Yellowstone’s Black Sands, Biscuit and Midway Geyer Basin are located on the lower western portion of Yellowstone’s Loop Road with two of these three basins being only a short…

    Read More PHOTOGRAPHING YELLOWSTONE’S BISCUIT, BLACK SAND & MIDWAY GEYSER BASINSContinue

  • Beyond The Basics Of Lightroom’s Radial Filter: 7 Creative Ways To Enhance Photos
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    Beyond The Basics Of Lightroom’s Radial Filter: 7 Creative Ways To Enhance Photos

    Lightroom’s radial filter is a great masking tool that lets you add personal style to photos by creatively adjusting select areas in an image. In fact, this amazing tool…

    Read More Beyond The Basics Of Lightroom’s Radial Filter: 7 Creative Ways To Enhance PhotosContinue

  • a photo of the sign for the Bisbee 1000 staircase climb
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    QUAINT BISBEE ARIZONA

    Quaint Bisbee, Arizona is a historic mining town turned thriving art and music scene surrounded by the Mule Mountains. This combination of western history commingled with free spirted artists…

    Read More QUAINT BISBEE ARIZONAContinue

  • TIPS FOR LOCATING GREAT PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    TIPS FOR LOCATING GREAT PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPH

    Historically posts have covered my photography experiences at specific destinations.  Many of these destinations have included well known iconic places.  Today, instead, we are going to take a look…

    Read More TIPS FOR LOCATING GREAT PLACES TO PHOTOGRAPHContinue

  • 9 QUESTIONS PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD ANSWER BEFORE BUYING AN RV
    BLOG | RV AND VANS

    9 QUESTIONS PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD ANSWER BEFORE BUYING AN RV

    When I decided to buy an RV for photography travels, my head was filled with visions of driving from one beautiful photo destination to another like those shown below….

    Read More 9 QUESTIONS PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD ANSWER BEFORE BUYING AN RVContinue

  • 5 PHOTOGRAPHIC HOTSPOTS IN THE TETONS- UPDATED!
    BLOG | PHOTO ROAD TRIPS

    5 PHOTOGRAPHIC HOTSPOTS IN THE TETONS- UPDATED!

    The Grand Tetons are some of the most recognizable and spectacular mountainous landscapes in the United States. For here lie jagged mountain peaks that soar into the skies, a Snake…

    Read More 5 PHOTOGRAPHIC HOTSPOTS IN THE TETONS- UPDATED!Continue

  • CHRISTMAS DAY AT SAN XAVIER MISSION
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    CHRISTMAS DAY AT SAN XAVIER MISSION

    It was Christmas Day, brunch was over, presents were opened, and little did I know my best present of the day was still to come. Earlier in the week,…

    Read More CHRISTMAS DAY AT SAN XAVIER MISSIONContinue

  • photo of Orange Mound Springs in the Mammoth Hot Springs area of Yellowstone
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    YELLOWSTONE GEYSER BASINS- MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS

    Update: This post was originally written before the historic flood of 2022 but has been updated to reflect the current situation in the Mammoth Hot Springs area. However some…

    Read More YELLOWSTONE GEYSER BASINS- MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGSContinue

  • FAVORITE 8 PHOTOS FROM 2019
    BLOG

    FAVORITE 8 PHOTOS FROM 2019

    Every year I designate one location where I will spend a significant amount of time photographing.  In 2019 it was Yellowstone National Park.  Although I had photographed the park…

    Read More FAVORITE 8 PHOTOS FROM 2019Continue

  • 3 GREAT TOOLS IN LIGHTROOM
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    3 GREAT TOOLS IN LIGHTROOM

    Lightroom offers a wide range of options for image processing including both global and targeted adjustments. Today we are going to take a close look at 3 great tools…

    Read More 3 GREAT TOOLS IN LIGHTROOMContinue

  • BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    INTRODUCTION TO DEPTH OF FIELD & HYPERFOCAL DISTANCE

    It is finally time to explore everything you never wanted to know about Depth of Field (DOF) in this final post of the “Photography Guide to Sharper Photo’s” series….

    Read More INTRODUCTION TO DEPTH OF FIELD & HYPERFOCAL DISTANCEContinue

  • 10 TIPS FOR PLANNING PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS
    BLOG | LEARN PHOTOGRAPHY

    10 TIPS FOR PLANNING PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPS

    Ever wonder how some photographers seem to be in just the right place to create those perfect photos?  What is their secret?  Are they just lucky?  In most cases,…

    Read More 10 TIPS FOR PLANNING PHOTOGRAPHY TRIPSContinue

  • PHOTOGRAPHING MARINA’S IS HARD!
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    PHOTOGRAPHING MARINA’S IS HARD!

    Marinas offer tons of photography opportunities from sea life to boats, to nautical items to the docks themselves.  So why did I title this post photographing marinas is hard?…

    Read More PHOTOGRAPHING MARINA’S IS HARD!Continue

  • PHOTOGRAPHING THE WINDOWS SECTION OF ARCHES NATIONAL PARK
    BLOG | DESTINATIONS

    PHOTOGRAPHING THE WINDOWS SECTION OF ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

    Finally my “Mountain to Sea Photography Journey” led me to the incredible Arches National Park in Moab, Utah in the fall of 2018.  After 4 weeks of fleeing wildfires…

    Read More PHOTOGRAPHING THE WINDOWS SECTION OF ARCHES NATIONAL PARKContinue

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  • HOME
  • DESTINATIONS
  • PHOTO ROAD TRIPS
  • BLOG
  • PHOTOGRAPHY⬇️
    • PORTFOLIO
    • ART ON WALLS
    • STOCK LIBRARY
    • Image Purchases
      • ABOUT THE IMAGES
      • Print and Wall Art Products
  • SHOP⬇️
    • GREETING CARDS
  • ABOUT
  • Contact