Big Circle France 2026 Trip, stops in Reim and Last stop Paris, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rich and I took at trip to France, April 27 - May 27. We flew to Paris from Seattle and rented a car from Charles de Gaulle. Our first stop was the fishing Viking village Honfleur for two days, then we drove to Normandy beaches to see Omaha and Utah Beach, the American Cemetery Normandy, the Utah Beach Museum, and then stayed in Roche Torin close to Mont. Saint. Michele three nights seeing the abbey on the island across the water and landscape from our hotel where we admired the medieval Abbey and local farm sheep grazing and sleeping in the bucolic fields. We then drove to the Loire Valley staying at Auberge de la Caillere to visit chateaus: Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Ambroise where Leonardo Di Vinci’s tomb lays in the church. Next stop, and our longest drive, to the Basque region of France, staying at the lovely seaside Saint-Jean-De-Luz and enjoyed fours days at Hotel Plage soaking up the sun, admiring the Pyrenees mountains, exploring half-timber house villages, and we took a a bus/train day trip to San Sebastian, Spain for a authentic tapas and pinxtos crawl. Next stop for two days staying at Mercure Carcassonne La Cité hotel, the medieval town of Carcassonne to see the castle and eat cassoulet. Delicious! Our next stop for five days, Boulbon, France, near the Rhone River in Provence. We loved the maison we stayed in Hotel Bastide, loved the village, danced to disco music with a local chef, and explored wonderful towns: Arles, Nimes, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Aux-En-Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Not enough time to see every town - another trip perhaps. From Boulbon, we drove to Lyon where we enjoyed three days staying at Le Phoenix eating to our hearts content at Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, a bouchon, and more. For wine, oh yes, Rhone, Loire, and did I mention Burgundy - Oui! We stayed in the lovely grape growing village, Aloxe Corton - a piece of heaven, at Villa Louise explored, shopped and dined in Beaune - it was lovely! We toured the interesting historic Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune - a must see in Beaune. Two days is not enough time in Burgundy. We shall return to visit more villages and Dijon in the future. The last leg of our trip we spent two nights in the Champagne region, Reims, where we enjoyed seeing the gothic Reims Cathedral and sampling different champagnes, after two days we drove back to Charles de Gaulle Airport, dropped off the car, and took at taxi to Paris where were spent three HOT days (temps hovering 94 degrees in May), between the 4th and 11th Arrondissement’s. We rode the Paris Metro to see Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Moulin Rouge area, the Eiffell Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, The Galeries Lafayette Dome, a sunset river cruise on the Seine River, and shop and eat in the Paris Marais district and Jewish quarter. FYI - if you want to eat well, visit Michelin Guide France to review restaurants in various languages and book reservations. BTW, Rich and I were also our own travel agent. We did all the research. Spent time on Goggle Maps exploring hotels, locations, and restaurants. This is one of eight blog posts about our France trip. Lots of beautiful, interesting, and fun photos to see. Images by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA. Here we go!!! Seven - Reims and Paris!

Reims grand gothic Cathedral, Reims Notre Dame is very worth the stop by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Reims grand gothic Cathedral, Reims Notre Dame is very worth the stop by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Gargoyles at Reims grand gothic Cathedral, Reims Notre Dame is very worth the stop by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Architecture in Reims, art nouveau, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Black and white architecture street photography in Reims by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Art Deco and Art Nouveau is at the center of Reims architecture by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

This smiling couple was getting married. They let me take their photo in front of the Eiffell Tower by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

We heard a lot of Michael Jackson music in Paris and throughout France - wall mural photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, taken in Paris.

Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Morning clean up, a daily routine, Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Wall art painting near Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Pont Alexandre III seen from our Seine River cruise at sunset, Paris, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Taking a call in Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Notre Dame Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Mass at Notre Dame Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Daily clean-up, Moulin Rouge, Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Seine River cruise at sunset is fun! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Cafe life and a teddy bear, Paris, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Notre Dame Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Notre Dame Paris by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Parisian cafes in the spring by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Waiting for a friend in the Marais, Paris, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Art Nouveau dome at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann shopping photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Wall mural art Paris photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann magazine covers on a wall - photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann - Paris fashions photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Tired of shopping, check your phone, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Art outside the Paris Opera, photo, Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

It’s really all about the wine, Paris, photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

The Eiffell Tower at sunset seen from a Seine River cruise - really fun stuff! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA, T: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook and Instagram

Big Circle France 2026 Trip, this stop in Burgundy, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rich and I took at trip to France, April 27 - May 27. We flew to Paris from Seattle and rented a car from Charles de Gaulle. Our first stop was the fishing Viking village Honfleur for two days, then we drove to Normandy beaches to see Omaha and Utah Beach, the American Cemetery Normandy, the Utah Beach Museum, and then stayed in Roche Torin close to Mont. Saint. Michele three nights seeing the abbey on the island across the water and landscape from our hotel where we admired the medieval Abbey and local farm sheep grazing and sleeping in the bucolic fields. We then drove to the Loire Valley staying at Auberge de la Caillere to visit chateaus: Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Ambroise where Leonardo Di Vinci’s tomb lays in the church. Next stop, and our longest drive, to the Basque region of France, staying at the lovely seaside Saint-Jean-De-Luz and enjoyed fours days at Hotel Plage soaking up the sun, admiring the Pyrenees mountains, exploring half-timber house villages, and we took a a bus/train day trip to San Sebastian, Spain for a authentic tapas and pinxtos crawl. Next stop for two days staying at Mercure Carcassonne La Cité hotel, the medieval town of Carcassonne to see the castle and eat cassoulet. Delicious! Our next stop for five days, Boulbon, France, near the Rhone River in Provence. We loved the maison we stayed in Hotel Bastide, loved the village, danced to disco music with a local chef, and explored wonderful towns: Arles, Nimes, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Aux-En-Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Not enough time to see every town - another trip perhaps. From Boulbon, we drove to Lyon where we enjoyed three days staying at Le Phoenix eating to our hearts content at Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, a bouchon, and more. For wine, oh yes, Rhone, Loire, and did I mention Burgundy - Oui! We stayed in the lovely grape growing village, Aloxe Corton - a piece of heaven, at Villa Louise explored, shopped and dined in Beaune - it was lovely! We toured the interesting historic Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune - a must see in Beaune. Two days is not enough time in Burgundy. We shall return to visit more villages and Dijon in the future. The last leg of our trip we spent two nights in the Champagne region, Reims, where we enjoyed seeing the gothic Reims Cathedral and sampling different champagnes, after two days we drove back to Charles de Gaulle Airport, dropped off the car, and took at taxi to Paris where were spent three HOT days (temps hovering 94 degrees in May), between the 4th and 11th Arrondissement’s. We rode the Paris Metro to see Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Moulin Rouge area, the Eiffell Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, The Galeries Lafayette Dome, a sunset river cruise on the Seine River, and shop and eat in the Paris Marais district and Jewish quarter. FYI - if you want to eat well, visit Michelin Guide France to review restaurants in various languages and book reservations. BTW, Rich and I were also our own travel agent. We did all the research. Spent time on Goggle Maps exploring hotels, locations, and restaurants. This is one of eight blog posts about our France trip. Lots of beautiful, interesting, and fun photos to see. Images by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA. Here we go!!! Six - Aloxe Corton, Beaune, in Burgundy wine region, France.

The rolling hills of vineyards in Burgundy. This is the village of Aloxe Corton where we stayed and bought wine. Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Nurse nuns at Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Burgundy scenery from the drive by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune ceiling by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Aloxe Corton Burgundy wine region by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Wine cat, Aloxe Corton village Burgundy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Cafe and a sleepy dog, Burgundy, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Dog wanders the vineyards in Aloxe Corton, Burgundy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Burgundy wines are fantastic! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

The pretty village church at Aloxe Corton by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Food and wine is France - plus fashion of course! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Stained glass window at Hôtel Dieu - Hospices de Beaune, Burgundy, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Vineyards and chateaus at Aloxe Corton Burgundy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Wine watch dog, Aloxe Corton Burgundy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Pretty bucolic French countryside in Burgundy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA, T: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook and Instagram

Big Circle France 2026 Trip, this stop Carcassonne and The Rhone Provence, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rich and I took at trip to France, April 27 - May 27. We flew to Paris from Seattle and rented a car from Charles de Gaulle. Our first stop was the fishing Viking village Honfleur for two days, then we drove to Normandy beaches to see Omaha and Utah Beach, the American Cemetery Normandy, the Utah Beach Museum, and then stayed in Roche Torin close to Mont. Saint. Michele three nights seeing the abbey on the island across the water and landscape from our hotel where we admired the medieval Abbey and local farm sheep grazing and sleeping in the bucolic fields. We then drove to the Loire Valley staying at Auberge de la Caillere to visit chateaus: Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Ambroise where Leonardo Di Vinci’s tomb lays in the church. Next stop, and our longest drive, to the Basque region of France, staying at the lovely seaside Saint-Jean-De-Luz and enjoyed fours days at Hotel Plage soaking up the sun, admiring the Pyrenees mountains, exploring half-timber house villages, and we took a a bus/train day trip to San Sebastian, Spain for a authentic tapas and pinxtos crawl. Next stop for two days staying at Mercure Carcassonne La Cité hotel, the medieval town of Carcassonne to see the castle and eat cassoulet. Delicious! Our next stop for five days, Boulbon, France, near the Rhone River in Provence. We loved the maison we stayed in Hotel Bastide, loved the village, danced to disco music with a local chef, and explored wonderful towns: Arles, Nimes, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Aux-En-Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Not enough time to see every town - another trip perhaps. From Boulbon, we drove to Lyon where we enjoyed three days staying at Le Phoenix eating to our hearts content at Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, a bouchon, and more. For wine, oh yes, Rhone, Loire, and did I mention Burgundy - Oui! We stayed in the lovely grape growing village, Aloxe Corton - a piece of heaven, at Villa Louise explored, shopped and dined in Beaune - it was lovely! We toured the interesting historic Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune - a must see in Beaune. Two days is not enough time in Burgundy. We shall return to visit more villages and Dijon in the future. The last leg of our trip we spent two nights in the Champagne region, Reims, where we enjoyed seeing the gothic Reims Cathedral and sampling different champagnes, after two days we drove back to Charles de Gaulle Airport, dropped off the car, and took at taxi to Paris where were spent three HOT days (temps hovering 94 degrees in May), between the 4th and 11th Arrondissement’s. We rode the Paris Metro to see Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Moulin Rouge area, the Eiffell Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, The Galeries Lafayette Dome, a sunset river cruise on the Seine River, and shop and eat in the Paris Marais district and Jewish quarter. FYI - if you want to eat well, visit Michelin Guide France to review restaurants in various languages and book reservations. BTW, Rich and I were also our own travel agent. We did all the research. Spent time on Goggle Maps exploring hotels, locations, and restaurants. This is one of eight blog posts about our France trip. Lots of beautiful, interesting, and fun photos to see. Images by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA. Here we go!!! Four - Carcassonne and The Rhone Provence!

Gordes France, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Provence linens by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Town of Carcassonne by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Carcassonne castle at sunrise by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Cemetery at Carcassonne by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Boutique, Saint Remy Provence, By Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Modeling fashion designs at St. Remy Provence France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sightseeing in Gordes, France, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Tile and old beauty in Gordes, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Church in L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rhone river floods posted in Boulbon, Provence, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Lavender in Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Market business in Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Roman coliseum, Nimes, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hotel Bastide, Hôtel La Bastide de Boulbon, in Boulsbon where we stayed five nights, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Strawberries at market in Arles on market day, Saturday, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Water fountain in Arles Provence, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hospital, Vincent Van Gogh, Arles by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Walking up to Les Baux-de-Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Arles coliseum Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Market day, Aux-En-Provence, on my birthday, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Lunch in Nimes at the market was excellent! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Nimes parthenon, Maison carrée, Nimes Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Espresso, rum cakes and rum at the market lunch at Nimes, France, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Fashion at Aix-En-Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Aix-En Provence on my birthday by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Countryside views from Les Baux-de-Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Boulbon windmill, Provence by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Nimes Roman fountain, Provence, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Taking photos of the details, Nimes, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Cafe time with friends while the dog sleeps, Provence, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA, T: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook and Instagram

Big Circle France 2026 Trip, this stop French Basque Region and some Spain, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rich and I took at trip to France, April 27 - May 27. We flew to Paris from Seattle and rented a car from Charles de Gaulle. Our first stop was the fishing Viking village Honfleur for two days, then we drove to Normandy beaches to see Omaha and Utah Beach, the American Cemetery Normandy, the Utah Beach Museum, and then stayed in Roche Torin close to Mont. Saint. Michele three nights seeing the abbey on the island across the water and landscape from our hotel where we admired the medieval Abbey and local farm sheep grazing and sleeping in the bucolic fields. We then drove to the Loire Valley staying at Auberge de la Caillere to visit chateaus: Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, and Ambroise where Leonardo Di Vinci’s tomb lays in the church. Next stop, and our longest drive, to the Basque region of France, staying at the lovely seaside Saint-Jean-De-Luz and enjoyed fours days at Hotel Plage soaking up the sun, admiring the Pyrenees mountains, exploring half-timber house villages, and we took a a bus/train day trip to San Sebastian, Spain for a authentic tapas and pinxtos crawl. Next stop for two days staying at Mercure Carcassonne La Cité hotel, the medieval town of Carcassonne to see the castle and eat cassoulet. Delicious! Our next stop for five days, Boulbon, France, near the Rhone River in Provence. We loved the maison we stayed in Hotel Bastide, loved the village, danced to disco music with a local chef, and explored wonderful towns: Arles, Nimes, Les Baux-de-Provence, Gordes, L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Aux-En-Provence, and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. Not enough time to see every town - another trip perhaps. From Boulbon, we drove to Lyon where we enjoyed three days staying at Le Phoenix eating to our hearts content at Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, a bouchon, and more. For wine, oh yes, Rhone, Loire, and did I mention Burgundy - Oui! We stayed in the lovely grape growing village, Aloxe Corton - a piece of heaven, at Villa Louise explored, shopped and dined in Beaune - it was lovely! We toured the interesting historic Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune - a must see in Beaune. Two days is not enough time in Burgundy. We shall return to visit more villages and Dijon in the future. The last leg of our trip we spent two nights in the Champagne region, Reims, where we enjoyed seeing the gothic Reims Cathedral and sampling different champagnes, after two days we drove back to Charles de Gaulle Airport, dropped off the car, and took at taxi to Paris where were spent three HOT days (temps hovering 94 degrees in May), between the 4th and 11th Arrondissement’s. We rode the Paris Metro to see Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre, Moulin Rouge area, the Eiffell Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, The Galeries Lafayette Dome, a sunset river cruise on the Seine River, and shop and eat in the Paris Marais district and Jewish quarter. FYI - if you want to eat well, visit Michelin Guide France to review restaurants in various languages and book reservations. BTW, Rich and I were also our own travel agent. We did all the research. Spent time on Goggle Maps exploring hotels, locations, and restaurants. This is one of eight blog posts about our France trip. Lots of beautiful, interesting, and fun photos to see. Images by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA. Here we go!!! Three - French Basque Region and a day at San Sebastian, Spain!

Slice of paradise at Saint-Jean-De-Luz, Basque country, France, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Love the beauty of Saint-Jean-De-Luz by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Pyrenees mountains, France and Spain - taken in France, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Are you hungry? Sweet pastries and desserts, the French know how to eat! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sunset looking out from our balcony at Fort de Socoa

View from our room at Saint Jean De Luz, France, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Fish market at Saint Jean De Luz, France by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Lady smiles while selling her food at the market at Saint Jean De Luz by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

May 8, 2026, VE Day Victory Day, France, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rich is a superb driver, planner, and Goggle Map direction navigator, Bayonne, France - waiting for the bus back to Saint Jean De Luz by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Tapas and pinxtos, San Sebastian, Spain by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Girls in pretty traditional dress, San Sebastian, Spain by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Family play, San Sebastian, Spain by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Cathedral, San Sebastian old town Spain by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Basque country meats by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

San Sebastian apartment living by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Wedding day at the San Sebastian city hall, old town, Spain by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

French countryside, Saint Jean De Luz by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, USA, T: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook and Instagram

The West Roadtrip with Friends, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, Eastern Sierras, and Superstitious Mountains by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Spring 2025 will be a lasting memory. I helped a friend drive her car from Washington State to Arizona. Along the way, we had overnight stops in Bend, OR., and Reno, NV., stayed a couple of days in Bishop CA., to visit friends, an overnight in very hot (107 degrees) Needles, CA., and lastly destination, Apache Junction, Arizona. I drove over 1,400 miles, and we saw dramatic and beautiful countryside with lakes, streams, the high country, the high desert, Cascade Mountains, Cascade Volcanic Arc, the Eastern Sierra Mountains, and the hot Mojave Desert and the Sonoran Deserts. We stopped along the route to take photos, stretching our legs, and during the drive had meaningful conversations. Here are some photo highlights of the trip. Copyright photos by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Let the road trip begin! Susie and Jolly, Bend, Oregon, May 2025

Mount Jefferson, Oregon, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

White church along the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Scenic lake, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

High country, mule ear wildflowers, Eastern Sierras, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway lake by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Country meadows with purple wildflowers, a blackbird, and a red barn, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hereford cattle graze high country meadows with the Eastern Sierras in the background, Oregon Outback Scenic Byway, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Oregon Outback Scenic Byway countryside by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

A vista view point near Mono Lake, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Mono Lake, California, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Scenic views of the Eastern Sierras, near Bishop, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Large Cottonwood frames the view of the Eastern Sierras Mountains, Big Pine, CA, near Bishop, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Mountain stream at Big Pine Creek, about 8,000 feet, Big Pine, CA by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Hiking Big Pine Creek towards the Eastern Sierras and a waterfall by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

My friend Bobbie and I on the Big Pine Creek hike by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Waterfall at Big Pine Creek, Big Pine, CA by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Big pine cones grow on the Jeffrey Pine trees at Big Pine Creek, CA by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sisters, Bobbie and Susie, together at Aspendell, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Beautiful Eastern Sierra mountain views and wildflower meadows, yellow mule ears, Aspendell, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Lake Sabrina, CA., about 9,000 feet, Eastern Sierra Mountains, near Bishop, CA by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sunrise and palm trees, Needles, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sunrise at Needles, CA., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Traveling on Route 66, Needles, CA., hot, hot, hot!! Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Apache Junction blooming Saguaro Cactus by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Scenic Sonoran Desert with a rainbow after June rains by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Rainbow reaches over the Sonoran Desert and cactus, Apache Junction, AZ., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Road to the Superstitious Mountains, after the rains, with lacy fog, Sonoran Desert, Apache Junction, AZ, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Lacy fog surrounds Superstitious Mountain, Apache Junction, AZ., by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sonoran Desert and the Superstitious Mountains, after a rainstorm, early morning, Apache Junction, AZ by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Copyright images by Jolly Sienda Photography, Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, T: 240-899-5295, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook , Facebook and Instagram.

Road trip! Traveling through Oregon's Outback, Eastern Sierra's, and Apache Junction, Arizona by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

This past week, I had a chance to help a friend move from WA to AZ. Along the way, we saw some spectacular country to include wildflower country meadows, soaring mountain peaks and lakes, and a rainbow and fog in the Sonoran Desert. Here are some photo highlights by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Bremerton, WA.

Big Pine Creek, near Bishop, CA, about 8,000 feet hike up in the Eastern Sierra’s by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Blackbird on a post overlooking purple wildflower meadow and a red barn by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Lake Sabrina, close to 9,000 feet, near Bishop, CA by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Saguaro cactus blooms, Apache Junction, AZ by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Desert rainbow after the storm with cactus at Apache Junction by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Driving 395 along the Eastern Sierras is stunning with mountain views by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Fiery sunrise and desert palm trees, Needles, CA, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Mule ear wildflowers, alpine Eastern Sierra views, about 9,000 feet, Alpendell, CA, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Hereford cattle and black cows graze the open range, Eastern Sierras, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Sonoran Desert scenic butte and a rainbow, Apache Junction, AZ by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Superstitious Mountain with lacy fog and the Sonoran Desert cactus, Apache Junction, AZ by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Mono Lake, CA scenic views by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Copyright images by Jolly Sienda Photography, Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, T: 240-899-5295, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook , Facebook and Instagram.

Antigua Guatemala Photojournalism by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Oh my heart! Visiting Antigua, Guatemala was a dream to come. It was our favorite country stop during our 15-day Central America and Panama Canal cruise, March 2025. The ancient Spanish colonial old town of Antigua is rich with culture, history, old world charm and photojournalist opportunities. The people, the colors, beautiful handmade tapestries, cobblestone stone streets, cathedrals and public squares are enchanting. And, the views of the active volcano Volcán de Fuego, Volcano of Fire, is seen from the town. I will visit Guatemala again. We barely scratched the surface - but this trip gave us a beautiful taste of what there is there. I love it so much! Photos by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio.

Looking at Volcán de Fuego and the Unesco World Heritage city of Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Guatemalan woman selling handmade Guatemalan textiles by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Iglesia de la Merced, the yellow church and cathedral adorned with intricate designs by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Iglesia de la Merced, Easter decorations, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Iglesia de la Merced, lighting a candle, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Arco de Santa Catalina, Volcán de Fuego - Volcano of Fire, cobblestones, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Guatemalan women dressed in handwoven clothing sell colorful Guatemalan textiles and souvenirs by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemala life size folk art, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Buildings are dressed up for Easter celebrations, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan woman selling handmade Guatemalan textiles by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan children huddle together for a chat, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

A painter paints and hopes to sell his local art, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Town squares, cobblestone streets, tourists and locals, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan men selling cotton candy, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Beautiful colorful Guatemalan textiles at the Centrale Mercado, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Children playing together and textiles for sale, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Centrale Plaza and square with the volcano, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan woman selling handmade Guatemalan textiles by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan woman makes tamales and they are for sale, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Taking a rest and getting some shade from the sun, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Volcán de Fuego, Volcano of Fire, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Colorful art for sale at the Centrale Mercado, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Charming old world Spanish colonial Unesco World Heritage city Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Jade is mined in Guatemala. This is Jade Maya. Man polishes jade Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Up close: Jade is mined in Guatemala. This is Jade Maya. Man polishes jade Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Guatemalan food is delicious! The best chips, homemade, nachos ever, Antigua, Guatemala, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Guatemalan women smiles whiles selling fresh fruit grown nearby, Antigua, Guatemala by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, T: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography.com, W: www.jollysiendaphotography.com, Facebook and Instagram.

Bella Bella Italy - We Enjoyed Our Visit So Much!

Italy. The food, the wine, ancient history surrounds you, photo opportunities at every corner. Go in early spring, fall or winter when less are less crowds and tourists and more time for you, your family and friends, and to enjoy!! Here are some photos from our May 2024 trip to Florence, Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, Cortona, and the Veneto (Venice, Burano, Murano) and more!

Aerial shot of Florence, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Artistic Cypress Trees line a Tuscan hillside in Chianti by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Sunrise, a Tuscan vineyard, Cortona Italian villages, and the mountains by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Siena’s city hall at high noon where the Palio is an annual event by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Tuscan hill-town San Gimignano by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

San Marco, St. Marks Capenella and the Doges Palace in Venice, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Island of Burano and painted houses on the canal, near Venice, Italy, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Murano glass balls, Island of Murano near Venice, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Gondolier, a gondola, sails on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Black and white gondola glides through a canal alongside Venetian buildings by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Sunset on the Arno River and some boating activity on the river by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Dancing in front of the San Marco Basilica, Venice, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

A gondolier in his gondola passes under the Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Loading up colored bags onto boats on the Bridge of Sighs canal by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

International Hare Krishna dancers in Burano, outside of Venice, Italy, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Wedding photos at San Marco Basilica, Venice, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Rich and Jolly taken after wine tasting in Chianti, Italy! Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, T: 240-899-5295, Facebook, Instagram, Jolly’s Website

Kotor and Kusadasi Cats and Trieste Lights Warm our Mediterranean Souls by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Sailing to Mediterranean ports, 2022 trip, to discover and learn about different cultures and history is what Rich and I love to do. On these trips, I take two camera bodies and three lens, the trilogy: 70 x 200mm, 24 x 70mm, and 16 x 35mm to create and document what we’re seeing and where we’ve been. So, cheers to Kusadasi, Turkey, Kotor Montenegro, and Trieste, Italy!

Kotor, Montenegro is a naturally beautiful place; rugged and very Mediterranean, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Lights go on at dark on the historic Trieste, Italy buildings by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Vibrant old town Kotor, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Kotor, Montenegro landscape by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Our Lady of the Rocks, Montenegro, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Kotor cat and graffiti by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio located in Bremerton, Washington and offers a wide range of photography services: headshots, portraiture, branding photography, engagements and weddings, commercial photography, real estate photography, fine art photography, travel and photography instruction. Contact Jolly at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Oh for the Love of Greece - Hellenic Republic and a lot of Mediterranean Beauty by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Ludus is playful flirtatious love, Eros is romantic passionate love, Philia is affectionate friendly love. Greece is all of this and more! On our 2022 Mediterranean trip we visited Greek islands and the mainland of Greece: Kefalonia, Peloponnese, Santorini, Corfu, and Crete. Love the food, colors, landscape, friendly people, and the wine!

Thira or Fira an aerial view, Santorini, Greece by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Lovely seaside old town of Chania, Crete, Greece by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Beautiful red tile and blue dome Greek Orthodox churches, Pelopponnese, Greece, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio.

Gorgeous interiors of Greek Orthodox cathedrals and churches, Santorini, Thira Cathedral, by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Hiked up for a view of old town Corfu by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio located in Bremerton, Washington and offers a wide range of photography services: headshots, portraiture, branding photography, engagements and weddings, commercial photography, real estate photography, fine art photography, travel and photography instruction. Contact Jolly at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Malta is a Mediterranean Jewel - by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

I remember stories my step-father told me of flying sorties into Malta during WWII. This year, I visited Malta, the island of Gozo and Valletta for the first time and both Rich and I fell in love with the people, food, architecture and the rich culture. Malta gained independence in 1974, and was previously ruled by Romans, Moors, Knights of Saint John, French and the British. With that said Malta has a very rich history.

Entering the walled city of Valletta at midnight on a ship by Jolly Sienda Photography, Bremerton, Washington

Inviting old town square at Rabat outside Valletta, Malta by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Malta is know for its ornate limestone, painted fixtures, and colorful balconies by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington

Walled fortress on the bay in Valletta, Malta by Jolly Sienda Photography, Bremerton, Washington.

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio located in Bremerton, Washington and offers a wide range of photography services: headshots, portraiture, branding photography, engagements and weddings, commercial photography, real estate photography, fine art photography, travel and photography instruction. Contact Jolly at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Travels to the Mediterranean - Featuring Alberobello, Naples, and Sicily by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Prego and welcome! Cruising the Mediterranean is a dream, especially in late September and October, shoulder season, and there are fewer tourists, the weather is warm but not too hot and prices are cheaper. Join me for highlights from southern Italy and the island of Sicily!

Cathedral in Palermo is grand! Imagery by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Trulli - Trullo houses in Alberobello, Italy are like something from a fairy tale by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Outdoor fruit, vegetable, and food markets are everywhere in southern Italy - Palermo, Sicily market by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Mount Vesuvius and Herculaneum Ruins - close to Naples, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA

Beautiful Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio located in Bremerton, Washington offers a wide range of photography services: headshots, portraiture, branding photography, engagements and weddings, commercial photography, real estate photography, fine art photography, travel and photography instruction. Contact Jolly at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Travels in the Mediterranean -- Featuring the Veneto by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio

Travel fills the soul and teaches us so much about other cultures and customs. This year, Rich and I traveled to several Mediterranean countries by airplane, train, van, and cruise ship. Welcome to the Veneto region of Italy!

Gondolas on the Grand Canal, Venice, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Washington.

Arena in Verona, Italy, and a concert is being set up. Photo by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, Wa.

Dante marble sculptures and terra cotta buildings in Verona, Italy by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Veneto Italy wine country where Prosecco grapes are grown by Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio, Bremerton, WA.

Jolly Sienda Photography and Studio located in Bremerton, Washington offers a wide range of photography services: headshots, portraiture, branding photography, engagements and weddings, commercial photography, real estate photography, fine art photography, travel and photography instruction. Contact Jolly at www.jollysiendaphotography.com, 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com, Google, Facebook, and Instagram.

Travel Photography - How to Capture the Local Culture of a Place - Be a Story Teller!

When I’m discovering a new place and culture, I am eager to capture, with my camera equipment, how people live and something unique about the place. I enjoy watching people and walking the streets. I look for color, every day lifestyle, movement, and dogs and cats. I take photos using different light sources and angles. To protect my knees, I wear knee-pads, so I can get down low to photograph my subject without pain. No matter where I am, I am always looking for a story to document in my photographs. I believe if you start to think about telling a story with your photographs, you will see improvement in your photos too. Here are some photos from our recent trip to Patagonia (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and the Falkland Islands). Enjoy!

When your shooting - using a natural frame, like the tree limb adds something of interest to the photograph. The Coca-cola photo is nice; however having the lady selling her vegetables and the bike adds even more interest an authenticity to the image. And, when you are photographing indoors with flash remember to turn up the ISO on your camera. The photo on the left is a graffiti image of Pedro Bonifacio Palacios, an Argentine poet; iconic Coca-Cola signage and local lifestyle, and the dome of Santera Cathedral in Montevideo, Uruguay.

San Telmo, Argentina architecture, graffiti, and basketball courts and hoops

Collectable stuffed animals at the Sunday San Telmo collectable and antiques market, San Telmo, Argentina

What makes this photo work is the dogs in the picture.

Graffiti wall, Montevideo, Uruguay

Lady in red walks past an art mural, Montevideo, Uruguay

Dog and a sunbather at Floralis Generica, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Cooking steaks in Argentina. Did you know, people in Argentina eat more meat and steaks than anywhere in the world? We thought the steaks were delicious!

What to become a better photographer? Jolly Sienda Photography offers private one-one lessons. Contact Jolly at info@jollysiendaphotography.com.