Tag: travels

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Japan, 2025

by bijansabet

Lauren and I had always wanted to visit Japan. We booked a trip for May 2020, but the pandemic canceled it.

At last, we made it there last October and it was everything we hoped for. Over three weeks, we moved between Tokyo and Kyoto and smaller places like Kiso and Matsumoto. The attention to detail was just incredible. A bento box arranged just so. A garden tree pruned with absolute precision. The quiet focus of a tea ceremony. The same care showed up at a tiny ramen shop or a traditional ryokan.

We walked old pilgrimage routes in Kiso and Matsumoto and took the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto. Each day felt like a gift, something old& something new.

Here are some photos from the trip made with my Leica MP and some Kodak film.

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Chamonix

by bijansabet

After our last day in Prague, Lauren and I weren’t ready to go home. We needed time to breathe before whatever came next. So we rented a small house in Chamonix, packed the car with skis, books, rolls of film, and Sam curled up in the back seat. We drove into the French Alps.

We stayed a month. Practiced our French. Hiked and skied and read. Mostly just slowed down.

(Cameras: Mamiya 7ii, Leica MP / Film: Kodak Portra / Developed & scanned: Richard Photo Lab)

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Kenya on film

by bijansabet

Kenya was one of those places I’d imagined for years.

This past December Lauren and I took our kids on our first safari.

Nothing stands still there. Light shifts fast. Dust kicks up and changes everything. A leopard appears on a branch and vanishes before I could get my old Rolleiflex in position.

We rose before dawn most mornings and headed out as light hit the horizon. One sunrise over the Maasai Mara the sky went from violet to gold while zebras drifted across the plains. Lauren kept spotting birds I couldn’t name and movement in trees I’d missed completely. The kids absolutely loved it all.

One afternoon a rhino crossed the road ahead of us. Our driver cut the engine and we just sat there watching. Later we came across a pride of lions lounging in the sun. Close enough to see their sides rise and fall.

Our guide could spot a cheetah at a crazy distance. He always knew where to put our vehicle for the best light. He and other Maasai villagers welcomed us and talked about preserving traditions while figuring out a changing world. So many stories.

Looking through these photos I’m right back there.

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Madeira, Portugal

by bijansabet4 Comments on Madeira, Portugal

When our son came to visit us in Prague for his spring break, we took his second week as an opportunity to explore Madeira, a destination we’d always been curious about. Over five days, we immersed ourselves in the island’s beauty, from its majestic mountains to its stunning beaches.

But beyond the scenery, it was the simple joy of being together that made our trip just the best.

(Cameras: Rolleiflex 3.5f & Leica M6, Film: Kodak Portra 400, Lab: Richard Photo Lab)

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Croatia, 2023

by bijansabetLeave a Comment on Croatia, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Croatia, following the advice of so many new Czech friends. In August, my family and I spent a delightful week on the island of Hvar. The weather was perfect, the ocean was stunning, and the seafood was delicious. I hope we can return and explore other islands next year.

This was my first trip with the Rolleiflex 3.5f. I’ve really fallen for this system. So compact and I love the quality of the fixed focal length 75mm lens. It’s just a tad wider than a standard lens on my Hassy but it makes a difference.


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Corfu, Greece

by bijansabetLeave a Comment on Corfu, Greece

This past July, my family and I went on our first trip to Corfu, Greece. 

We all crave the ocean in the summertime and Corfu’s beaches were a real treat.

The island itself is beautiful and the locals were all so kind. We spent our days exploring charming little towns and just finding and enjoying the calm. 

As the kids grow older, I’m so grateful for these family vacations. 

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All photos made with a Mamiya 7ii and Kodak Portra 400 film. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed our time on this Mediterranean island.

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Istanbul

by bijansabet2 Comments on Istanbul

Back in April, Lauren and I went to Istanbul for a few nights. It’s an easy flight from Prague. It was much too short, especially for our first trip to Türkiye. I am looking forward to spending more time on our next visit.

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Spain, 2022

by bijansabet4 Comments on Spain, 2022

In November, we spent Thanksgiving week in Spain. We stayed in Barcelona where Ellie was studying for the semester. We had been to Spain before but this was my first trip to Barcelona and we also took the train for a day trip to Montserrat.

It is very hard not to fall in love with Spain. The culture, food, sights and people are amazing.

(All photographs made with a Leica M6 and Kodak Port 400 and 800 films. Developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab in California)

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Rome, 2022

by bijansabet5 Comments on Rome, 2022

In June of this year I made a quick five day trip to Rome for a set of meetings. It’s been years since I’ve been to Italy and even longer since visiting Rome. And I just loved every moment. The people, the language, the food and the Italian spirt on every street and every interaction. I carried one camera and one lens everywhere and tried to capture little moments here and there.

Oh, Italy. You are amazing. I miss you already.

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Iceland, 2022

by bijansabet

We have been wanting to visit Iceland for a long long time. We made plans and had a trip on the books for April 2020 but that trip was canceled due to the pandemic. Two years later and a lot has changed and we felt like it was a safe time to make the trip. So last month we visited Iceland for the first time.

Iceland is truly magical. Many Icelanders believe in elves. And after my first trip I can imagine why. So much rich history and a breathtaking landscape combined with the heavenly northern lights makes for a place of wonder. This first trip was clearly too short. We only had time to visit Reykjavík and a portion of the southern coast. The weather this time of year was also extreme. Blistering winds and rain, followed by blue sky and then hail. All within the hour. And then the cycle seemingly repeats throughout the day. But it was an amazing experience and I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Iceland, you are amazing. We will return.

(All color photographs made with a Hasselblad 503cw and Kodak Portra films. Black and white photographs made with a Leica MP and Kodak Tri-X 400. Developed and scanned by Richard Photo Lab in California.)