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Coronado Island | San Diego, CA There's nothing like waking up and catching the first light of the day. We gave ourselves extra time this trip to watch the sunrise. It was still dark when we arrived, the lights around the bay glowed and danced on the water. It was much more romantic than I had expected, even Belle and I felt as though we should have brought dates. Fellas, take note! Nezzy

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#7 Coronado Sunrise

Inez and I went to take pictures during sunrise a few months ago at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Having a full-time job makes it so hard for me to witness the sunrise on the weekend - all I want to do is sleep in, but then when I do get to witness it, it makes it all worth it. Something about sunrises and the fresh air. It was a beautiful day.

- Belle

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[#6] Scripps Pier | La Jolla, CA

Hello! Sorry it’s been a while since our last post, but we’re back now! I first shot at Scripps Pier about a year ago for a black and white film project. My friend recommended this pier and I’m glad she did. That project didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped, the lighting was terrible (midday) and most of my shots were overexposed. When Marian Bear didn’t pan out the way Belle and I would have liked, I remembered Scripps Pier. Not wanting to waste the day, we jetted out of the creepy park and on to the the beach for some sunset shots. Definitely one of my favorite shoots so far, and completely spur of the moment.

If you guys have any recommendations or suggestions for content feel free to message us! We’re looking for more places to check out and photograph.

Happy Holidays!

Nezzy

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#6 Scripps Pier

Hi, it’s been awhile. It’s been such a busy couple of months! Once the holidays are over, I hope to make it my new year’s resolution to photograph as much as I can to have content for our blog. Here’s a throwback from a couple months ago. This is located in beautiful La Jolla next to the UCSD Scripps Institute of Oceanography. 

I’m ashamed to say I’ve lived in San Diego all my life and don’t recall ever having visited Scripps Pier. It’s almost impossible to take pictures in the summer without any people so you really just have to time it correctly or use them as a subject. Anyway, if you want a more quieter place to relax, I’d recommend this over La Jolla Shores. 

Until Next time, Belle.

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[#4] Marian Bear Park | San Diego, CA One of the more interesting spots we've explored is Marian Bear Park. This place looked serene in the photos we found online, but what we encountered was an episode of CSI waiting to happen. We got lost trying to find this place and when we found it we almost didn't want to travel further. The parking lot alone was enough to make us want to turn around. I don't think I've ever been so worried on a hike, ever. We hiked the trail along the freeway and kept thinking about how someone could easily hide a body there. After hearing something moving in the bushes we hightailed it out of the park. Turns out it was just a rabbit, not a serial killer. There is another side of the park we didn't get to which may or may not be just as sketchy. It would be fun to check out another time. If you plan on coming here, might I suggest pepper spray? Oh, and a companion. Until next time, Nezzy

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#5 Marian Bear Park

You know those places you always drove by but never noticed? This is a perfect example. 

I’ve been wanting to explore this park since i’ve seen engagement photos taken here. It was a bit of a challenge to take pictures here because it was not very pretty. Wasn’t able to explore the whole thing since it was pretty sketchy, so maybe we should give it another chance and explore the other side!  --Belle

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[#4] Torrey Pines | La Jolla, CA

I sometimes forget about Torrey Pines, but I wish I didn’t. It really is a beautiful gem by the beach. There are several trails for hiking, perfect for nature exploring. Belle and I planned on a sunset shoot, but the marine layer that is all too common here rolled in on us. Determined not to let that deter us, we set out to explore; so we kicked off our shoes and headed along the beach to the tide pools. The red cliffs along the beach were my favorite part of the walk.

Since we were in bright daylight I used an ND filter in most of my shots. I didn’t really do much editing to these photos. We’ll have to redo this shoot another time. If you plan on hiking Torrey Pines, I recommend the Broken Hill trail during sunset. The light hits the red cliffs in a magical way. Check the weather ahead if time!

Until next time,

Nezzy

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[#4] TORREY PINES | LA JOLLA, CA

Having lived in San Diego all my life, I feel like I take our beaches for granted. Torrey Pines State Reserve is about a 10 minute drive from where I work. Inez and I went here in hopes of taking sunset shots, unfortunately, it looked like a storm was about to roll in and we got nothing but clouds (that’s okay, trial and error, right?!). 

There’s a few trails you can hike that are fairly easy. The view is breath-taking! I definitely want to come back and take better pictures.

See you soon, Belle.

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[#3] Pacific Crest Trail | Mt. Laguna, CA

First off, It’s October 25th, so I’d like to wish Belle a very happy birthday!

Ah, the PCT, This was my favorite spot we’ve explored so far. I’ve been here once before earlier in the year, but wanted to come here again because I loved it so much. It really is the perfect place to disconnect from the city and connect with nature. I had heard of Cheryl Strayed’s story of hiking the PCT alone, and wanted to see the trail in person; to experience a fraction of what she did. I’ve since read her book, “Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail,” and highly recommend it. Hopefully, one day Belle and I can explore the trail in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Break free from your busy life, unplug yourself from technology, and come here.

“How wild it was, to let it be.” -Cheryl Strayed

Until next time,

💜 Nezzy

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[#3] PACIFIC CREST TRAIL | MT LAGUNA, CA

The thing about photography is that it’s all about timing to get that perfect lighting. Inez and I planned on catching the sunrise at Mt Laguna, but did not make it on time. It is about an hour drive east and only got to enjoy the sunrise during our drive (that’s okay - next time!).

We did some hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and was able to get some shots. My favorite time to take pictures is during early morning when the sun isn’t too harsh yet. This is probably my favorite place we’ve been to so far. These were shot in mid-July.

Fun facts: 

The trail spans 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada through three western states: California, Oregon and Washington.

It starts near Campo, CA and ends on the US border at Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia.

See you soon, Belle

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[#2] Presidio Park | San Diego, CA

Presidio Park is nestled between Old Town and Mission Hills. It’s one of the tucked away gems here that I sometimes forget about, but wish I didn’t because it’s truly magical. The Serra Museum serves as a beautiful reminder of California’s first mission and presidio. The wooded area near the museum feels like a small forest in a big city. Belle and I came here on a weekday afternoon; we were treated with the presence of bunnies, squirrels, hummingbirds, and other critters. It definitely gave us fairy tale vibes. This place is perfect for a picnic, an easy hike, or a place to bring a book and relax. I recommend getting here around sunset.

Until next time, 💜 Nezzy

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[#2] PRESIDIO PARK | San Diego, CA

A historic park located just a few minutes away from where I live. I remember the first time I visited this place was on a field trip when I was in 4th grade. Quiet place if you want to just get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inez and I came here just before sunset. Enjoy :)

See you soon, Belle <3

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[#1] Salk Institute | San Diego, CA

Hello, my name is Inez aka “Nezzy.” I took up photography about a year ago and fell in love with it. I’m grateful to have a friend like Belle, who took me under her wing and continues to inspire me. One of my favorite things about our little adventures is how entertained we are with the little things; every detail, the lighting, the subjects. Not every trip goes smoothly, but we try to make the best of every moment. So it begins…

The Salk Institute is located in La Jolla. It’s one of San Diego’s best kept secrets. It’s an architectural dream, like something out of a dystopian novel. This place doesn’t look like something you’d find near the beach, which makes it even more intriguing. The smooth concrete finish, the elegant lines, the water fountain that runs off an edge that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. I recommend coming here earlier in the week, before sunset. I think Belle and I came here on a Friday and had to wait almost two hours to get a few shots without people in them. This place is even busier during sunset, which is to be expected with how gorgeous it is.

💜 Nezzy

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[#1] SALK INSTITUTE | San Diego, CA

Hi, my name is Belle. I enjoy photography and heart to heart conversations. Inez and I have known each other for almost 8 years and just recently started photographing together. It’s really cool to see the photographs she takes because it makes me look at the subject in a different perspective.

In April, we checked out the The Salk Institute. It is such a photogenic place and with no doubt the epitome of beauty in simplicity. The buildings did not have any crazy colors yet the view was breath-taking. The sun was still high when we got there, but we had to wait for others to get out of our shot. Luckily, we were able to snap a few pictures before the sun set completely. Here’s a couple shots I wanted to share. 

See you soon, ❤ Belle

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Hello!

Early in the Spring of 2015, Belle and I started exploring San Diego with our cameras. We each compiled a list of places and hidden spots we wanted to check out and photograph. In the next post, we’ll start from the beginning of our adventures in America’s Finest City.

💜 Nezzy