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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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….

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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….

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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FAVORITE 8 PHOTOS FROM 2019
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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…

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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…

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Storm Clouds over the Virgin River in Zion National Park take on an amazing color
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….

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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,…

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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?…

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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…

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© 2023 Maria Struss Photography

  • 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