My photography journey is rooted in a deep sense of wonder and movement. "Prints from the World" is a visual diary—a curated gallery of places that have shaped my soul, sharpened my eye, and slowed down time just long enough to capture something lasting.

In 2022, I spent over five weeks in Italy—a journey that would become transformative in more ways than one. The trip began with a three-week photography workshop that took me through the diverse landscapes of Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and Venice. Each location offered its own rhythm and palette—from pastel cliffside villages and golden vineyards to fog-draped canals and cobblestone streets. But it was the physical challenge of those first three weeks that left an unexpected mark. Hiking steep coastal trails, walking for miles with camera gear, and navigating countless bridges exposed not just the beauty of Italy, but the limits of my own stamina. I was winded, sore, and often struggling—but I was also awakening.

Somewhere between the exhaustion and the awe, I found clarity. I didn’t want to just capture the world—I wanted to be fully present in it. I wanted to hike without hesitation, chase light without limitation, and say yes to adventures with confidence and strength. That realization became one of the greatest gifts Italy could offer me. By the end of those three weeks, I committed to improving my health—not just for photography, but for life itself. That commitment has stayed with me ever since.

After the workshop, I traveled briefly to Nice, France, before arriving in Monaco for the legendary Grand Prix. Watching the race from the terraces above Casino Square and walking the track with my camera felt like stepping into cinematic history. I then spent two days in Milan and moved on to Lake Como, where I slowed the pace and embraced serenity. Five days in Menaggio and four more in Tremezzo revealed a softer side of northern Italy—elegant villas, mountain reflections, and quiet lakeside mornings. My journey concluded in the hills of wine country near Asti, where I visited the Tosti Winery and reflected on all I had experienced.

But Italy is just one chapter. I've cruised through the glaciers and coastal inlets of Alaska, departing from Seattle. I’ve sailed to Bermuda from New York, and twice through the Caribbean—first from Cape Canaveral to the West Caribbean, then through the Eastern Caribbean’s turquoise passageways. Each destination, whether watched from a ship’s rail or walked barefoot on an island shore, has deepened my respect for the diversity of light, texture, and horizon.

I’ve also hit the road for long stretches closer to home. One road trip took me from Spring Lake to Pensacola, to Naples, and finally to Fort Lauderdale over the course of twelve days. Another took me from Spring Lake through Tampa and down to Naples over a week. These drives offered a different kind of pace—windows down, camera ready, and miles of coastline and back roads unfolding before me.

My travels have taken me to the heart of cities and the edges of coastlines—Charleston, Savannah, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and the historic charm of French Lick, Indiana. I’ve stood under the Pacific fog in San Francisco, photographed the rugged shores of Pebble Beach, and traced the skyline of Seattle. Winter scenes from Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Park City have added contrast and cold clarity to my portfolio.

Hawaii has been a major muse—three weeks on the Big Island and five total in the islands, including Maui and Oahu. From lava fields to lush rainforests, volcanic ridges to golden beaches, the islands feel both ancient and alive.

In Puerto Rico, twelve days gave me time to explore deeply: Old San Juan’s color and culture, El Yunque’s misty rainforest trails, and beaches where time slows and rhythm returns.

Closer to home, I live in Spring Lake, Michigan—an anchor that keeps me grounded. Each month, I travel the Western Michigan shoreline, photographing scenes from Grand Haven to Traverse City. The Upper Peninsula calls to me often, from the rushing power of Tahquamenon Falls to the quiet beauty of Houghton.

All of these journeys, near and far, have shaped the way I see the world—and photography has been my lens for gratitude, growth, and connection. "Prints from the World" isn’t just about where I’ve been—it’s about the emotion of being there. It's an invitation to step into the light, color, and composition of places both familiar and unknown. These prints are not just pictures; they are moments lived, stories felt, and a visual map of everywhere I've wandered.

Until the next adventure.

— Jay