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

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.

It's Hump Day! Laugh! Play! Smile! And Take a Picture of Yourself! Photographs Will Make you Laugh!!!

Yeah, it’s pretty grim out there with COVID19 lurking everywhere. Having a good laugh; one that makes your belly jiggle is good for the soul and good for everyone! Here are some funny photos that I hope make you grin BIG and laugh out-loud LOL! Do something you love to do today! Find your inner zen, smile, and laugh!

Photography by Jolly Sienda Photography - contact us at 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography / www.jollysiendaphotography.com Let’s laugh together and do it together with social distance!

It’s Hump Day!

Monkey in India laughs out loud, by Jolly Sienda Photography

Sea Lions laugh and shout out loud, by Jolly Sienda Photography

Having so much fun at their private wedding. Wedding photography by Jolly Sienda Photography

We’re ready to laugh with you practicing good social distancing. Contact us at Jolly Sienda Photography for a photography consultation. Let’s chat! Tel: 240-899-5295 / info@jollysiendaphotography / www.jollysiendaphotography.com

Offering 10 percent off on all branding image website and marketing projects. Offering 15 percent off on all wedding packages, visit Weddings, Save the Date.

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.

Happy Earth Day 2020! Earth Photos Too Make You Smile!!

Our Earth is 4.54 billions years old! The earth is precious. It’s the air we breath, the land we walk on, the land we want our children and their children to have, and as Climate Change shows temperatures are rising on land and on the high seas, drought, changing weather patterns, forest fires, pollution…all of these things put our Earth at risk. So, it’s up to us to do everything we can. Jolly Sienda Photography, based in the greater Puget Sound area (Bremerton, Washington), captures moments in time. Here are some images to celebrate our Earth!

Traveling in Patagonia to sail around Cape Horn -- this is a rainbow on the waterway with mountains of Tierra Del Fuego.

Storms followed by a sunset at the Columbia Gorge, Oregon and Washington.

Everglades sunrise, Florida.

Morning light in the hot humid summer, Lancaster, PA.

Taking a walk to enjoy autumn color in the Southwest.

Images on this post or on other posts may be purchased directly either on the website under Fine Art or contact us below. Jolly Sienda Photography is available for photo assignments for commercial and retail work: editorial, advertising, weddings, portraiture, food and beverage, stock, travel, architecture, interiors, and exteriors, and website branding images. Please contact us at Tel: 240-899-5295, E: info@jollysiendaphotography,com, Facebook and Instagram - Jolly Sienda Photography. Website: www.jollysiendaphotography.com.

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.

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!

Alaska Culture, Dancing, and Wild Wilderness Sights

Fairbanks ranking at 3 for the Borealis Aurora Northern Lights, Fairbanks, September 5, 2019

Puffin take off!

Autumn strikes Alaska early

Sea Otters at play, Prince William Sound, Valdez, Alaska

Sleeping bears, Kachemak Bay, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

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.

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

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.

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

Argentine Tango and Chilean Cueca Dancing Sways to Sexy Rhythms

During our recent trip to Patagonia with stops in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Montevideo, Uruguay, Santiago and Puerto Varis, Chile, we learned a lot about the history of the sexy and sublime Argentine tango and the coy and colorful Cueca folk dance.

Tango originated in the late 1800’s along the River Plate and the colorful port town of La Boca, Argentina. Slaves, brothels, and men first danced together to the pattern beats of the bandoneon. Over time, the dance was accepted by middle class and is seen today throughout this part of South America.

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!

Catching Autumn Color at Seabeck's Hood Canal

The sunrise, cool crisp air, crystal clear water, warm autumn color, fog layers, Olympic Mountains, seagulls, a fisherman taking his boat out to sea, tranquil and calm — this is what I feel and see as I look, linger, and take in the natural beauty of the Hood Canal, at Seabeck. A picture perfect slice of Pacific Northwest paradise.

Want to learn how to be a better photographer? Please contact me today to set up an appointment for one-on-one photography instruction. Tel: 240-899-5295 E-mail: info@jollysiendaphotography.com . Let’s have some fun and take our photography to a new level!

Fisherman goes out on the Hood Canal in Autumn.

Serenity, color, light, shadows, reflections…and more.

Seagull flies over the pastel cloud reflection and the marina on Hood Canal

Wide angle shot of cumulus clouds over the Hood Canal with a seagull and a crow

The Brothers Mountain, Olympic Mountains, peaks over light pillows of fog on the Hood Canal.

Adventure Travel Photography in Morocco!

Traveling to Morocco has been on my bucket list for years! I spent one day in Tangiers in 1987 (ferry crossing from Spain). The intriguing sights, sounds, smells, and overall exotic feel called my name. Dreams can come true! In April 2018, my partner and I spent 17 days exploring Morocco. We traveled by car over 1,400 miles, passing through seaside towns, lush green agricultural landscapes, small villages each with their own mosque, up and down through the Rif and the Atlas Mountains, rode camels at the amazing Sahara Desert, and traveled through the rugged and tropical Dades Gorge -- all of this was now ours to share with you!

Our driver, Ali, told me daily, "Keep your camera ready because you never know what you're going to see." Boy, was he right!

Photographing the people, places, and culture of Morocco ignited my senses, made me SMILE,  and fueled my passion to capture the best in international photojournalism. Ali was right, you never know what could be around the corner.

Exotic Morocco will bring me wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! How about you? Reach out to me if you are interested in travel photography. I'd love to hear from you!

Travel Photography Caribbean Style! Explore, Color, Light, Angles & More!

People ask me all of the time -- what's your favorite type of photography? And, I answer by saying, "I love all kinds of photography: portraits, weddings, landscapes, food, etc." However, when I'm traveling and seeing new places I'm sooooo happy!! I'm on sensory overload. There's so much to see! And, I'm paying close attention to what's happening in the moment and how I will take pictures in different settings. I love this challenge!

Herd of goats stand on a large lava rock, St. Kitts, Caribbean.

Often I'll tell our driver, "Stop the car!" And, I'm jumping out and running to get the shot! Like I did for the goat scene in St. Kitts. 

I'm also drawn to color, shapes, and changing light. I'm always thinking about the light source and adjusting my camera dials to experiment with different ISO, shutter speed, and aperture settings. 

Left to right: St Kitts yellow barn and palms; Sunrise after the storm at St. Lucia; Afternoon sun in St. Kitts lights up row houses after a tropical rainstorm.

Woman selling plants on the street in Antigua, Caribbean.

I enjoy photographing people too using their natural surroundings. In Antigua, Caribbean, I got down low, almost on the ground, and photographed my subject using different angles which adds dimension and interest. It's all about experimentation and seeing what works!

After a long day of travel photography, I treat myself to an awe moment on this deserted beach on the Island of St. Lucia. Simply paradise!

Cat's are Quirky, Curious, Interesting, and Fun Creatures for Travel Photography

When I'm traveling I'm always looking for interesting subjects to photograph. Cats are unique because they have attitude and presence. They make a statement wherever they are. And, I love photographing them!

Tuxedo cat sits on a window ledge of a tole painted building, Oberammergau, Germany. This cat reminded me of my kitty, Topaz, also a Tuxedo cat and a charmer!

I love to catch cats when they could care less about me watching them. However, sometimes,  cats are eager and willing to be the stars in the picture!  From the left, cats on a bench in Kotor, Montenegro; center is an orange tabby cat on stucco stairs in Mykonos, Greece; right is a cat watching us eat at a marina in Kusadasi, Turkey.

It's really nice when you have great light, shadows, and textures to work with in your photo; and, there is the cat in the space. This is a photo I've sold many time from my fine art photography collection. I took the picture while traveling in Mykonos, Greece. It was taken at sunset.