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

What is on the Horizon for a Better 2021

2021...what will the New Year be? I hope it is a year of change, hope, and new beginnings. I hope it is a year brimming with opportunity and blessings for all. Whatever it is...let us wish for good health and new challenges that make us better and closer to our ultimate goals in life. Here are some images I've taken over time that capture the natural beauty of nature. I hope they give you a sense of peace, encouragement, joy, and hope for what is ahead. Happy New Year 2021!!! Images by JollySiendaPhotography.com. Contact Jolly on the Kitsap Peninsula, in Bremerton, at 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Ruby Beach, Highway 101, Blue Ray Sunset by Jolly Sienda Photography

Clarity, Puget Sound Kitsap Peninsula, Poulsbo and Liberty Bay photography by Jolly Sienda Photography

What will 2021 bring, by Jolly Sienda Photography

Tranquility and hope for a calm and brighter day! Commercial landscape photography by Jolly Sienda Photography.com

Exploring your home, both indoors and outdoors, with your camera and have fun with photography!

Yeah, it’s a Pandemic and yes, we’re staying at home for the most part. So, letting go and allowing yourself to get creative with your camera or camera phone and have fun and relax — get into the zone —will probably surprise you because you will get great pictures and you will learn a few new tricks. Like working with macro photography and using a macro lens. All of the shots below were taken with a Canon 100 mm lens and some with flash. Are you excited to learn more! Yay!!!

Jolly Sienda Photography offers one-on-one photography lessons either virtually and in person doing it safely. We’re based in Bremerton, Washington. Contact me at 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography.com, or via the website - here - to inquire about classes and specials we’re offering now for classes. Here’s some fun photos that I hope make you smile and make you think about what you can do with your camera at home!

Macro shot of a Daylily by Jolly Sienda Photography

Portrait photography and pet photography by Jolly Sienda Photography

Author and love of my life, Richard Anderson, at home writing and researching his new book. Photo credit Jolly Sienda Photography.

Want to become a better photographer and learn more about how to use your camera? Jolly Sienda Photography, located in Bremerton, Washington, offers one-on-one photography lessons either virtually and in person and we do it safely. Contact me at 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography.com to inquire about classes and costs. Here’s some fun photos that I hope make you smile and make you think about what you can do with your camera at home!

Jolly Sienda Photography follows Washington State COVID19 guidelines for health and safety.

Beach and Waterview Escapes by Jolly Sienda Photography

We woke up this morning, 4/18/20, to much needed rain in the Pacific Northwest to nourish our gardens and fresh plantings. Many of us will be inside today so to honor that let's spend a few minutes together and visit some beaches and waterfront views; near and far. I hope you are healthy and staying safe. We're in this together...Jolly. COVID19 go away! Photos on the Web by Jolly Sienda Photography. If you fall in love with an image, please let us know. Metal photography prints are available in many sizes from 11 x 14 to 24 x 36. https://www.jollysiendaphotography.com/fineart We can print anything from this blog post for you, or anything from our website, and the photo may not be posted on the Fine Art section of the website yet — so please ask us about it so we can order it for you. PAYPAL and credit cards are accepted. Please allow time for delivery, especially during the pandemic health crisis. Thank you.

Fog Lifting, Anacortes, WA., by Jolly Sienda Photography (Black and White).

Haystacks, Cannon Beach, OR., by Jolly Sienda Photography

Sailing Away, Puget Sound, Salish Sea, by Jolly Sienda Photography

Floating on a Pastel Bay, Tracyton, WA., by Jolly Sienda Photography

Jolly Sienda Photography is based in Bremerton, Washington. An award winning photographer, Jolly and her partner Richard travel around the world in search of beautiful imagery. Own a one-of-a-kind fine art photography print at https://www.jollysiendaphotography.com/fineart. Or contact us at info@jollysiendaphotography.com and at Tel: 240-899-5295. PAYPAL and credit cards accepted.

Regain your Mental and Physical Strength by Enjoying Nature Through Social Distancing

In this time of change and worldwide awareness for our health and safety it's important to do our best to remain calm, take care of ourselves, and I believe get back to the basics of life. As you know, I recently lost Anabel, my mom, and I'm grateful she passed before the Pandemic. In honor of her life I took a few days last week to recharge my batteries and soul and to remember her legacy. I walked the beach, felt the wind on my face, collected agates and rocks, breathed fresh air, hiked, and enjoyed the comfort of natural surroundings. I'd like to share this now with you in the hope that it may brighten your day wherever you are - Jolly

Towering evergreens over Ruby Beach at sunset by Jolly Sienda Photography

Ruby Beach, Wednesday, March 23, 2020, Olympic National Park at Kalaloch by Jolly Sienda Photography

Warm afternoon light frames the Robin on the wooden fence by Jolly Sienda Photography

Towering evergreen trees at the Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, by Jolly Sienda Photography

Herd of wild elk graze for food at the Hoh Rain Forest Olympic National Park by Jolly Sienda Photography

Jolly Sienda, owner of Jolly Sienda Photography is a photojournalist covering people for all life events (weddings, engagements, career, family), worldwide scenic natural places and cultural landscapes, food, real estate, and commercial photography. Please contact us in Bremerton, WA., at 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Holiday R & R at the ABC Islands and Spirit Specials

Happy Holidays to you and yours from our family to you during our vacation to the ABC Islands with stops in Aruba, Curacao, Bonaire, Domincan Republic, Bahamas, and Fort Lauderdale to see friends and relatives.

Happy New Year and all that jazz! May we continue to enjoy and sob over the bizarre and unbelievable news that 2020 may bring us. And, bask in the sunshine of pleasure capturing and creating timeless memories with our cameras! Enjoy our pics!

One of many beautiful Bahama islands!

Colorful painted Dutch buildings at Bonaire, ABC Islands

Sunrise lights up the clouds as our ship approaches the island of Aruba!

Artic Paradise in Alaska!

Just chill-in in Alaska a spell to see, stare at, at photograph wildlife and marine life. Photos by Jolly Sienda Photography. Alaska, August 23-Sep 7, 2019.

Sea lions napping; Kenai Fjords, near Seward, Alaska

Seals hanging out on glacier ice along the Kenia Fjords and glacier

Just Puffins!

Raft of cute seals, Kachemak Bay, Alaska

Sea Otters!

Sea Lion and seagulls

Orca Killer Whale, Kenia Fjords, Seward, Alaska

Jolly Sienda Photography is available for commercial assignments. Contact us at Tel: 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Chill Glaciers, Autumn Color, and Moose!

Our 14-day road trip in Alaska began in Anchorage. We traveled over 2,000 miles making 1-3 day stops in Anchorage, Homer, Seward, Whittier, Valdez, Glenn Allen, and Fairbanks! We traveled by car, float plane, ferry, and on foot to absorb the beautiful and wild Alaskan scenery. Photos by Jolly Sienda Photography.

Knik Glacier view from the Glenn Highway, Alaska

Moose on the loose!

Cook Inlet and smoke from the Swan Wildlife, burning since June 2019. Photo August 24, 2019.

Jolly Sienda Photography is available for commercial and editorial photography assignments. Contact us at info@jollysiendaphotography.com / Tel: 240-899-5295.

The Bear Necessities by Air Boat and a Float Plane in Alaska!

Seeing spectacular scenery with friends in Alaska is a blast! Add a ride in a float plane, a ride on an air boat, and coastal brown bears looking for fish at low tide with a majestic glacier mountain background — what could be better, right!? This was an experience I will never forget! Thank you Rich, Karen, Eric, and our skilled guides for getting us close to the bears and wildlife life to photograph them in the wilderness at Cook Inlet, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. Here are some of my favorite photos from August 25, 2019. Photos by Jolly Sienda Photography. Tour by Alaska Bear Adventures.

Coastal Brown Bears, Illaimna Volcano, Kachemak Bay

Large Brown Bear so close to us — about 30 feet away!

Bear yoga!

Sibling Bear Love!

Bear behavoir

Getting ready to take off in the air boat to photograph bears!

Just hanging out with the bears!

Arrived at Kachemak Bay via a float plane by courtesy of Alaska Bear Adventures

Lavender, Eagles, the Coast, and Day Tripping Photography

The wonders of having a day to yourself is FANTASTIC! On these days, I love to do a day trip with my camera and rediscover favorite places while seeing new and wonderful scenes and nature. On this excursion, I chose to drive up to Sequim, Washington known as the Provence of Washington. I saw and photographed Red Winged Blackbirds, juvenile fledgling eagles in their nest, scenic coastal stops with bright yellow daisies, and purple lavender fields!!! Such a special day! And, I squeezed in a little shopping (lavender lotion) and stopped for lunch at a cute garden restaurant. Here are some of my photos from July 6, 2019 on the Olympic Peninsula!

Peaceful coastal pebble beach at Shine Tidelands State Park, Olympic Peninsula

Red Winged Blackbird on a bush at the wetlands along the Shine Tidelands State Park, Olympic Peninsula

Young juvenile Bald Eagles learn to fly while fledgling in their nest, Sequim, Washington

Jolly Sienda Photography is available for commercial and retail client photography assignments. I also offer one-on-one and small group photography instruction. Contact me at 240-899-5295, E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com. Based on the Kitsap Peninsula, Washington.

Tips on How to Photograph Fireworks

Photographing fireworks is fun and easy if you follow a few simple steps. First, have your camera solidly positioned on a tripod. You don’t want camera shake because of the low light. Turn your ISO down to 100. While in Manual Mode use a slow shutter speed like 1/10th of a second and your aperture to F8. Experiment with this. Also, if your camera has Bulb on the dial, select this and shoot in Bulb mode. With this mode either use your shutter button or a remote cable release to take a longer, shake free exposure, on the tripod. Below are some photo examples of fireworks in the city and over rural lakes. Have fun and enjoy!!!

Large cluster firework bursts over the Monongahela River in Pittsburg, PA.

Firework celebration for Whaling Days, Silverdale, WA.

Long fireworks burst over Dyes Inlet, Silverdale, WA.

Neighborhood fireworks battle over the bay at Sinclaire Inlet, Poulsbo. Can you see people watching the fireworks!? Play with the shadow slider in Lightroom to achieve this effect. Pretty neat!

Jolly Sienda Photography is available for commercial and client assignments. Want to learn how to become a better photographer? Jolly Sienda Photography offers small class and one-on-one photography lessons too. Contact us at Tel: 240-899-5295 or email at: info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Wine & Beer Tasting, The Palouse, and the North Cascades Highway

Rich and I recently covered about 800 miles of scenic and culinary stops from Ellensburg, Walla Walla, Palouse Falls, WA., Moscow and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Wintrop, WA., and the North Cascades Highway. We sampled some great brews at Iron Horse Brewery , added to our wine collection in Walla Walla, met up with Marmots and Wild Turkeys at Palouse Falls, enjoyed jet skiing and kayaking in Coeur d'Alene and Winthrop, and ended our trip with stops at scenic view stops along the beautiful North Cascades Highway 20. Here are some of our photos!

Diablo Lake where you can boat on the lake to the Diablo Dam surrounded by the North Cascades

We enjoyed sampling beers at Iron Horse Brewery in Ellensberg, WA.

Marmot on a ledge at Palouse Falls

Palouse Falls

Bridgeport Bridge, orchards and vineyards near Chief Joseph Dam, WA.

Seen any wild turkeys lately?!

Jolly Sienda is available for commercial, editorial, and retail photography assignments. Contact Jolly Sienda Photography via this website, info@jollysiendaphotography,com, Tel: 240-899-5295.

Early Morning Light and Reflections and Low Tide Eagle Activity Equals Fun Photography

Get up sleepy heads! Don’t miss the best light of the day! Early morning and late in the afternoon or early evening is often referred to as the ‘Golden Hours’, so true for photographers at any level. Today, I had a blast playing around with my camera with my photographer friend Marlene. We photographed landscapes in the morning and Bald Eagles in the afternoon at low tide! Here’s a photo tip: If you’re photographing moving objects set the Shutter Priority on your camera to at least 2500. This will help you freeze the action and your subject will be super clear and crisp.

Juvenile Eagle flies over low tide at Seabeck, WA.

Vivid light reflection on the Puget Sound in the early morning with the Olympic Mountains and the landscape/

Juvenile eagle flies over kelp and oysters at low tide at Seabeck

My friends dog, Ivy, enjoyed the day too!

Bald Eagle flies over low tide at Seabeck

Want to become a better photographer? I’d love to work with you so you can take better pictures. Let’s get some basics under our belts and I promise you that you will love your photography results! Contact me today at Tel: 240-899-5295, Facebook, Jolly Sienda Photography, or via this website.

A Day at the Beach at Fripp Island and Exploring Savannah

There’s nothing like having your toes in the sand, the sound of the surf, finding seashell treasures on the beach, and exploring the antebellum architecture and historic squares of Savannah, Georgia, and Fripp Island, South Carolina. Our family has roots in both areas so every other year or so, we travel there to enjoy some family time and southern hospitality. Here are some favorite pictures of the trip featuring cultural photography and landscape photography of the Spanish Moss and the easy island lifestyle.

Sunrise over the marsh and palm trees at Fripp Island; a barrier island off of South Carolina

Shrimp fishing boats and the dock at Port Royal, South Carolina.

Sandpipers peck at jellyfish on the beach at Fripp Island.

Large squid close to shore along the beach.

Osprey with the catch of the day! The Osprey hold the fish in his talons and takes off from the beach.

Even the deer like walking on the beach! We loved out time at Savannah and Fripp Island!

Jolly Sienda Photography captures and tells stories. Hire her today for weddings, engagements, stock photography, commercial photography, and lifestyle branding portraiture at Tel: 240-899-5295, email: info@jollysiendaphotography.com

Landscape and Nature Photography in Anacortes, the San Juans, and Orcas Island

Blessed with beautiful weather we recently explored scenic vista’s in Anacortes and sailed through the San Juan Island archipelago to spend a couple of days exploring Orcas Island. It was the perfect getaway! We enjoyed hiking in Moran State Park and captured beautiful views from Mount Constitution. One of my favorite spots for photography is at Deer Harbor. Contact me today to learn how to be a better photopgrapher at Tel: 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com.

Speed boat cruises through the San Juan Island archipelago with Mount Baker in the background.

Contrails in the blue sky and sailboats at Deer Harbor.

Evergreen tree reflection at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park.

Aerial views of the San Juan Island archipelago and the Cascade Mountains from Mount Constitution summit.

Person walks the beach in the fog at Ship Harbor in Anacortes, Washington.

Sunset at Cap Sante, Fidalgo Island, Anacortes.

Washington State Ferry sailings in the San Juan Islands with Mount Baker in the background.

Yep — this is a little slice of paradise! Jolly Sienda Photography captures and tells a story of our world.

Cruising around the fog around the San Juan Islands, Washington.

Love to hear from you! Contact me for information about individual and group photography classes at 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com.

Wildlife Bird Photography & Landscape Photography at the Skagit Valley & Whidbey Island

Cool, pastel, winter skies…wind, clouds, and sun-breaks…golden cattails and marshland…and snow on the barren farmlands, are the perfect beacon for birds of prey! The farms in the Skagit Valley are dormant and waiting for spring; yet its a feast for birders and birds alike that survive off of the grubs, field mice, and fish in the fields and sloughs. Below are photos taken from our February 16-17 trip to Mount Vernon Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island.

Bald Eagle on a winterized tree branch at Skagit Valley, Washington

Winter Cattails whistle and sway gently from winters wind.

Flock of Dunlins fly over Fir Island

Skagit Valley farm and farmland with a blanket of snow over the reeds and vegetation.

The beauty of wetland reeds and cattails a long the cold, blue, inlet at Whidbey Island

Skagit Valley, Bald Eagles flying around, and foothills

Great Blue Heron looks for a fish or frog in the marsh, Whidbey Island

Bald Eagles up in a tree, Skagit Valley, Washington

Stupendous Ring of Fire Mountains in Patagonia's Chilean and Argentina Fjords

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the ‘End of the World’? Or, checking off those ‘1001 Things to See and Do Before You Die’? Our recent trip to South America and Patagonia provided us some of the world’s most dramatic scenery; unveiling places few ever see. The weather too, in this area, can change so quickly; from calm to ferocious gale force winds preventing ships from traveling around the Cape Horn or arriving safely in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. Boy, did we luck out! In fact, the captain of our cruise ship said, “This is the calmest it has ever been, on my watch, sailing around the Cape Horn” The following images were taken on our journey. Happy Holidays!

Osorno Volcano, Puerto Monte, Puerto Varis, Chile

Glaciers at Glacier Alley, Chile

Usushia, Agentina - last city on the South American continent.

Sailing the Strait of Magellen

Sailing the Strait of Magellen

Glacial Striation and a beautiful reflection

Tierra del Fuego rainbow off of the Strait of Magellen near Usushia, Argentina

A cruise ship sails around the the Cape Horn, South America.

Iceberg

Jolly Sienda — Jolly Sienda Photography

Photographing Falkland Island Penguins at Bluff Cove

King Penguins and Gentoo Penguins are at home at Bluff Cove, a family farm, owned by Hattie and Kevin Kilmartin, on the Falkland Islands. We really enjoyed our time photographing the penguins, birds, and the farms sheep; while taking in the raw, natural, beauty of the Falkland Island landscape, and sampling delicious home baked cookies and scones at the farm. www.falklandpenguins.com

Baby King Penguin wants to eat!

Penguin Rookery at Bluff Cove

Magellanic Oystercatcher, Falkland Islands

Sheep at the Bluff Cove farm

Dancing Gentoo Penguins

Photo trip to Columbia River Gorge for Autumn Color and Cool Photography Ops!!

Had a great time this past week exploring the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. We made the loop, driving on Highway 84 (Oregon) and Highway 14 (Washington) going to Maryhill, Washington, up to Hood River, Oregon, White Salmon, Washington, and too Trout Lake, Washington. Both Mount Adams and Mount Hood shined with new snow and the mountains were surrounded by beautiful Autumn color. Here are some landscape photo pics from the trip!

Want to become a better photographer? Contact me to arrange for private lessons. Tel: 240-899-5295, info@jollysiendaphotography.com.

Snow capped Mount Hood looms over Hood River, Columbia River Gorge, and the Hood River Bridge

Columbia River Gorge near Maryhill, Washington

Crystal clear White Salmon River and Autumn color, White Salmon, Washington

Ring of clouds dance around snow capped Mount Adams with Autumn deciduous trees a blaze

Autumn Nature Photography Where You Live! Sign Up for My Photography Classes!

I enjoy all of the seasons of the year. I especially love Autumn and its rich, warm, colors; red, yellow, orange, purple, and green! When I get free time in the early morning or late afternoon to go outside into nature I’m feeling a bit of zen. Our earth gives us gifts of paradise each day to enjoy. When I get to play with my cameras and lens I’m really in the zone.

Seagull drifts on the water while a reflection of Autumn trees adds a touch of fall color to the water

I’ve traveled throughout the United States in search of beautiful colorful landscapes to photograph. There are many. But, in fact, some of the best and most beautiful natural landscapes showcasing Autumn color is where I live - close to my backyard.

Seattle Japanese Garden

The Olympic Mountains (Brothers Mountain) and beautiful Autumn color on the Puget Sound, Bremerton, Washington

And, for outdoor wedding photography — photographing a bride and groom under a blazing oak, alder, or maple tree is the best! All of my couples love this!!!

Autumn photojournalism wedding photography by Jolly Sienda Photography at the Jacob Smith House, Lacey, Washington.

I also love to let myself go and be totally creative! How about this abstract photography landscape in the water. It really looks like a watercolor painting!

Abstract photography of the Puget Sound - its like a watercolor painting

I really enjoy helping people who want to learn more about photography. If you want to see things differently, learn photography techniques, and get better pictures, please contact me at Tel: 240-899-5295, message, or email at info@jollysiendaphotography.com. I do one-on-one lessons and small groups. Let’s explore our world!