Uchima summer15sp

WANDERLUST VOL.I ISS.I

SUMMER 2015

WANT TO GO ON ADVENTURE?

FOOD ACTIVITIES PLACES TO SEE RICHARD AVEDON

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MUST SEE PLACES AROUND THE WORLD AURORA BOREALIS ARE AMAZING IN THE FLESH!

4 EDITORS LETTER Introduction of Wanderlust Magazine's Editor-in-cheif Darienne Uchima.

15 TWENTY MUST SEE PLACES

You have no clue where to go for your next trip, view this section to see the twenty places to visit around the world

6 STRAWBERRY LOVE

27 RICHARD AVEDON

7GET LOST

35 NORTHERN LIGHTS

Nutrional facts about strawberries and how they can benefit you.

Take the time and breathe, go somewhere and get lost. Appreciate your surroundings and admire the beauty.

Fahley Klien presents a major retrospective of the photographers work.

An adventure that will complete your Alaskan trip.

8 POST-MODERN

FIDM's fifth floor window displays honor the pop art era.

11NECESSITIES

Essentials for both men and women during their vacations.

WANDERLUST|2

Wander without purpose or reason EDITORIAL

JA C KIE C A RT ER / / P U BL IS H ER JOH N D OE / / A RT D IREC T OR L IN D S EY BORGES / / A S S OC IAT E D IREC T OR KEVIN C H A N G / / C OP Y ED IT OR C H RIS T OP H ER L EVY / / P ROOF REA D ER S T EP H A N IE S M IT H / / S TA F F WRIT ER M IC H A EL RIC H A RD S / / M ED IA D IREC T OR

ADVERTISING

KA REN ROS S / / A S S C OC IAT E P U BL IS H ER BEN JA M IN A D A M S / / S A L ES

CONTRIBUTORS

WANDERLUST (N.)-A STRONG DESIRE OR URGE TO WANDER OR TRAVEL

AND EXPLORE AROUND THE WORLD.

We love spontaneous adventures. Our life consists of being care and stress free, we live in the now rather than looking back or forward. We are open-minded to all forms of living. We find the beauty in all aspects around us. We appreciate time and spend it making every moment last. The world is our playground...why stay trapped in with four walls surrounding you? Admire and take advantage the simple things in. Ignore all negativity and embrace the positivity around you, the world can be scary and cruel sometimes but it is also healing. Seclude yourself from everything and go to a place where you can take the time to reflect on all parts of your life and be thankful for every blessing. We aim and strive to influence others on living a better life. We are filled with curosity looking for more questions than answers. We get so lost that we choose not to come back. We aim and strive to influence others on living a better life. We are filled with curosity looking for more questions than answers. We get so lost that we choose not to come back. We aim and strive to influence others on living a better life. We are filled with curosity looking for more questions than answers. We get so lost that we choose not to come back. We aim and strive to influence others on living a better life. We are filled with curosity looking for more questions than answers. We get so lost that we choose not to come back.Admire and take advantage the simple things in.

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T RU D Y GL A S ER / / S T EVEN JA C KS ON / / C A L EB S T EVEN S ON V E RON IC A H OL M ES / / JEN N IF ER BROWN / / C H RIS T IN E O ' B RIEN / / A N N E S WAWS ON / / C A ROL IN E JA C OBS / / SU SAN BU T C H ER / / P ET ER D OU GL A S / / D AVID L IN D F L IEL D MASO N T RU M P / / L IA M GOOD M A N / / JAY D EN S M IT H / / D AYC IE N GU Y EN / / A L EXA N D ER M AT T H EWS / / VERON IC A H O L M ES / / JEN N IF ER BROWN / / C H RIS T IN E O'BRIEN / / AN N E S WAWS ON / / C A ROL IN E JA C OBS / / S U S A N BU T C H ER PE T E R D OU GL A S / / D AVID L IN D F L IEL D M A S ON T RU M P / / L I AM GOOD M A N / / JAY D EN S M IT H / / D AY C IE N GU Y EN / / ALEXA N D ER M AT T H EWS / / L OS A N GEL ES BU REA U

COLUMNISTS S C OT T A RM S T RON G / / BU N KER VIS ION S T EP H EN GOL D BERG / / A RT BRIEF JOS H H ERM A N / / C U RF EW ROBY N M A P L E / / P RIVAT E EY E ZA C K S L A U S ON / / D EC OD ER C U RT IS T H OM P S ON / / RET ROS P EC T

SPONSOSORS F OU R S EA S ON S U N IT ED A IRL IN ES V8 D RIN KS C A N ON APPLE

C O N TA C T U S PO BOX 6147 LOS ANGELES, CA 90007 EDITORIAL: 213 - 657 - 7635 // ADVERTISING: 310 - 547 - 6679 We would to hear from you. Send a letter or comments to editor info@wanderlustmag.com To submit any personal experiences, please share them info@wanderlustmag.com with us to be feautured.

Wanderlust is registered California LLC co-founded by Darienne Uchima and Lisa Layne.

STAY C O N N E CT E D www.wanderlustmagazine.com

EDITOR'S LETTER

escaping reality

Dear readers, During the process of creating Wanderlust Magazine, it was a lot of hardwork and dedication. This is probably one of my best works I have done. It was a fairly challenging project being that I needed to design a whole magazine from scratch.

Trying to be cohesive throughout the process was probably the biggest challenge. Making sure there was enough photos and text. Having a nice amount of white space, putting the layouts together were like putting puzzles together. I felt publication wasn't my strong point but now having a better understanding and actually working own my own, I really enjoyed it. The overall process was very fun with every challenge that came with it. I am very proud of myself as how it came out as well. It came out how I wanted to and the look I wanted to go for.

During the process of creating Wanderlust Magazine, it was a lot of hardwork and dedication. This is probably one of my best works I have done. It was a fairly challenging project being that I needed to design a whole magazine from scratch.

Trying to be cohesive throughout the process was probably the biggest challenge. Making sure there was enough photos and text. Having a nice amount of white space, putting the layouts together were like putting puzzles together. I felt publication wasn't my strong point but now having a better understanding and actually working own my own, I really enjoyed it. The overall process was very fun with every challenge that came with it. I am very proud of myself as how it came out as well. It came out how I wanted to and the look I wanted to go for. During the process of creating Wanderlust Magazine, it was a lot of hardwork and dedication. This is probably one of my best works I have done. It was a fairly challenging project being that I needed to design a whole magazine from scratch. Trying to be cohesive throughout the process was probably the biggest challenge. Making sure there was enough photos and text. Having a nice amount of white space, putting the layouts together were like putting puzzles together. I felt publication wasn't my strong point but now having a better understanding and actually working own my own, I really enjoyed it. The overall process was very fun with every challenge that came with it. I am very proud of myself as how it came out as well. It came out how I wanted to and the look I wanted to go for.

During the process of creating Wanderlust Magazine, it was a lot of hardwork and dedication. This is probably one of my best works I have done. It was a fairly challenging project being that I needed to design a whole magazine from scratch.

Trying to be cohesive throughout the process was probably the biggest challenge.

Darienne Uchima DARIENNE UCHIMA EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

WANDERLUST|4

NOMNOM LET’S WANDER

LET’S WANDER N O M N O M / / T R A V E L / /C A M P U S / /

STRAWBERRY LOVE I LOVE YOU BERRY MUCH....

Many foods commonly consumed in the U.S. are valuable sources of antioxidants. But researchers have recently ranked the 50 best antioxidant sources among commonly eaten foods and found strawberries to be quite exceptional. When total antioxidant capacity was measured against a uniform amount of food (100 grams, or about 3.5 ounces), strawberries ranked 27th best among U.S. foods. In addition, when only fruits were considered, strawberries came out 4th among all fruits (behind blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries). However, since many foods (for example, spices and seasonings) are seldom consumed in amounts as large as 3.5 ounces, researchers also looked at common serving sizes for all foods and their total antioxidant capacity. In this evaluation based on common serving sizes, strawberries came out 3rd among all U.S. foods including spices, seasonings, fruits, and vegetables! (In this analysis based on serving size, only blackberries and walnuts scored higher in total antioxidant capacity.) When we hear the word “strawberry,” we might think about a very commonplace fruit. But the antioxidant capacity of straw-

BY : ANNIE HARPER

berry is anything but common! Improved blood sugar regulation has been a long-standing area of interest in research on strawberries and health.

However, scientists have recently discovered a fascinating relationship between intake of strawberries, table sugar, and blood sugar levels. As you might expect, excess intake of table sugar (in a serving size of 5-6 teaspoons) can result in an unwanted blood sugar spike. But you might not expect this blood sugar spike to be reduced by simultaneous consumption of strawberries! Yet that’s exactly what researchers have discovered. With the equivalent of approximately one cup of fresh strawberries (approximately 150 grams), blood sugar elevations from simple sugar intake can be reduced. These health science researchers have further speculated that polyphenols in strawberries played a major role in helping regulate blood sugar response. This finding is great news for healthy persons wanting to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and also for persons with type 2 diabetes who enjoy fresh strawberries and want to enjoy them on a regular basis.

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TRAVEL LET’S WANDER

GET LOST LET GO AND

BE FREE B Y: L I S A B L A K E

We all wonder where our next vacation is going to be. When will ever get a break from reality and just explore. That moment where you just want you despise people and just want to scream on the top of your lungs. Take the time to disconnect yourself from the world. Silence your phone, put in headphones, listen to your favorite music, and take a stroll or hop in your car and drive somewhere....anywhere. Embrace all the natural things around you and the beauty of it. Don’t think about anything, just let it be and live freely for a moment. Being spontaneous is one of best things you could be in life. Whether if you’re with people or not surrounding yourself just with natural surroundings, you will have a bigger apprecation in life. Stress takes a toll on one persons life, it will eat them alive, it will age them. Happiness is key and making memories will last a life time. So make your life a memorable one, smile more than you should. Leave a impact on peoples life, one that they will always have a good memory of you. One that people will only say good about you and will want to have life like yours. Once everyone has an impact with one another, the world will be less cruel and uncomfortable to live.

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NOMNOM LET’S WANDER

POST-MODERN ALL IS PRETTY.-ANDY WARHOL

B Y: D E N I S E A D A M S

When walking through the fifth floor halls of the Fashion Insititute of Design and Merchandign, you’re surrounded by captivating window displays. This summer of 2015, the Visual Communication students have done their displays based on Pop Art/Installation Art. Personally I have a great admiration for Pop Art and these are the best window displays I have seen yet. The work that the Visual Communications do overall are better than what I see out in the real world as you would see in the malls or shopping centers. They are so innovative and creative. When I would walk through them while they were working oni it, they put so much effort and time to make it absolutely perfect. They contribute equal amounts of energy and they are honest with one another, open to any suggestions from one another. But over all the students have done a fantastic job this quarter on their projects. I highly suggest everyone to go to FIDM and walk through their campus halls because these stuents are absolutely amazing!

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necessities FOR YOUR escape

1

Must need during for vacation to avoid sunburn and having a miserable trip but yet have a color by the end of your vacation!

2

Ray bans are the best sunwear to own. They go with any outfit, they are so fashionable. Can’t go wrong with a pair!

3 4

Nike Roshes perfect for a casual day or even if you plan to go hiking and most importantly they are so comfortable!

Perfect for both men and women!

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A Canon DSLR is perfect to capture all those memories with the best quality!

You will never be disappointed, best investment anyone could make!

5

Hydroflasks are the best liquid canteens ever made!

They keep your drinks cold with ice for 24 hours sometimes even more and they keep liquids hot up to 12 hours!

TOP TEN THINGS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL ON VACATION FOR MEN AND WOMEN!

8

A travel backpack that you can take anywhere and carry everything you need while you are on a hike, on the beach, or even walking around exploring.

9

Swimwear is essential for vacation wether you are by the pool, at a beach, or even jumping waterfalls!

Nothing is better than being in swimwear.

7

A windbreaker jacket is good to have just in case weather permits. Anything could happen wherever you are doing any activity, so always be prepared for the worst!

6

Everyone has iPhone’s, they are useful in finding places to go and see.They have maps indicating how long it will take to get to destitnation and how to get there. There are so many apps that can help with you on your vacation.

10

A beach towel is necessary for any accidents or just using to wipe yourself off.

You should have a towel within reach whenever you are on a vacation doing activities besides shopping!

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MUST see places around the world B Y: A N G E L A G A R D N E R

DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR YOUR VACATION? LET US HELP YOU LOOK AT TOP 20 PLACES TO SEE AROUND THE WORLD!

It’s easier than you think – We believe that traveling around the world should not be hard, but it should be something everyone should do at least once in their lives. Launch TripPlanner to price your ideal route or call one our travel consultant and ask for some free advice. You can choose to spend a year or a few months traveling this beautiful planet and seeing what is out there. It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step.

It opens your eyes – If you are open to it, travel will simply make you a more well-rounded human being. Which is really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start check out our Around the World Planning Guide.

Learn who you are – Traveling with all the challenges it presents and opportunities, let’s you discover who you are in a way that only the road brings.

It will create meaningful relationships – People you meet while on the road usually become some of the most valued ones in your address book, giving you points on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, forcing you into new and refreshing perspectives on things.

It will develop skills you didn’t know you had – The satisfaction you get when reaching the top of the mountain, or crossing a gorge, or helping a villager clean up after a storm, or simply getting what you wanted at restaurant in rural China, these things all allow access to skill sets you didn’t know you had.

Learn new languages – There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a few words of Greek, knowing how to say hello and thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

Gives you adventure – No one looks back fondly on a trip to the dry-cleaner. But after ziplining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the alleys of Marrakech, the speedboat ride in New Zealand, or

Jeeping out with the grazing animals in Tanzania you get a feel for what being an active human being is like (again). The need for adventure is hardwired; travel lets you tap into it.

Gives you perspective – Meeting folks from exotic cultures will teach you that the way you look at the world (perhaps through the lens of mass media) is not the way everybody does it. That you could in fact be dead wrong about it. Seeing it for yourself brings a healthy dose of reality to your so-called higher thinking.

As a transition – If you happen to be between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to separate these life stages, give you insight into your next phase and provide closure on the last one. Plus there’ll be a nice time stamp on that moment in your life.

For education – Seeing the world provides a source of education absolutely impossible get in school, teaching you things like economy, politics, history, geography and sociology. While not an accredited institution, the school of travel is currently taking applications.

The challenge – Getting your daily Starbucks not nearly interesting enough for you? How about finding an address in downtown Tokyo. Travel is full of moment of joy and challenges. Overcoming the challenges will give you some of the greatest joys of all.

To do something new – It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. Travel can be the perfect solution. And what’s not new about being in Bolivia? Go ahead and plan your ideal route Around the World.

Dreams come true – If you want to do it now you’ve probably always wanted to. You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what?

Now’s the time to do it. We have put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream.

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BORA BORA:

The small island of Bora Bora (just 6 miles long and more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals. And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (small surrounding islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora's quaint town), hike Mount Otemanu and more. But there's a catch: Bora Bora is expensive — very expensive. In short, visit Bora Bora for natural beauty, visit for utter relaxation and visit if you have the money.

BAHAMAS:

The Bahamian islands lure millions of visitors to their white-washed shores, duty-free shops, fishing and scuba diving excursions and luxurious accommodations each year. The families that flock here tend to indulge in the diversions of the mega resorts, but this diverse island chain also offers a range of activities away from the hotel zone. Nature enthusiasts can explore the offshore reefs and wildlife preserves and golf lovers can tee up on the numerous par-72 courses. Bargain-hunters enjoy patrolling the marketplaces for the best duty-free deals. No wonder the Bahamas has become a popular destination in the Caribbean.

Though the area consists of more than 700 islands and cays, this first stop for most visitors is New Providence Island's Nassau. Here, the twinkling casinos and upscale resorts are intertwined with American Civil War history and pirate lore. The second most popular island is also the most northwest: Grand Bahama, home to bustling Freeport and a center of ecotourism with its underwater limestone caves and botanical gardens. When you need a break from all the crowds, head east from Nassau to the Outer Islands, where you can easily drop off the grid and enjoy a simpler way of life.

PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA:

When a hurricane blew his yacht off course in 1942, Hollywood heartthrob Errol Flynn discovered paradise in Jamaica’s Port Antonio, purportedly proclaiming it “more beautiful than any woman I have ever known.” This haven on the island's northeast coast first boomed when American millionaires such as Alfred Mitchell and his heiress wife, Annie Tiffany, built estates in the early 1900s. Flynn’s arrival cued a second swell, drawing Noel Coward and Katharine Hepburn.

Now a new generation has discovered Portie’s pleasures, from the smoke-fogged jerk grills lining Boston Beach to the log rafts that drift down the lazy Rio Grande. British music producer Jon Baker opened Geejam, a seven-room boutique hideaway. And with Portie-born, Toronto-based financier Michael Lee-Chin, he has relaunched two formerly faded properties, the Trident Hotel and the Castle.

Together they are reviving the Blue Lagoon, the famed swimming hole.

“The Blue Mountains are our natural filter,” says Baker of the forested highlands that lie between Jamaica’s capital, Kingston—Elaine Glusac,

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PACK YOUR BAGS AND LET'S GO!

MACHU PICCHU:

The Inca emperors had quite the eye for spectacular real estate. Upon taking power, each of these great lords picked a breathtaking piece of property for a new royal residence. The emperor Pachacuti likely built the most famous of these royal digs—Machu Picchu—on a mountainous ridge of cloud forest northwest of Cusco. But his successor, Topa Inca, was no slouch either: his presumed estate, Choquequirao, drapes temples, plazas, and fountains along an orchid-strewn mountain 61 miles west of Cusco.

At an elevation of 9,800 feet, it lacks easy access by railway or bus. But the cardio-intensive climb is well worth it. Choquequirao looks much as it did when the Incas finally abandoned it. And travelers often have the place nearly to themselves: only 20 to 30 people journey there each day in the high season. “It’s like Machu Picchu in the 1940s,” says Gary Ziegler, an American archaeologist who has written a book on Choquequirao.

But all that may be changing. The Peruvian government is studying the possibility of constructing a tramway to Choquequirao, hoping to lure travelers away from the crowded vistas of Machu Picchu. It’s a prospect that saddens Ziegler. Choquequirao, he says, “may be the last pristine royal Inca estate in the mountains.” —Heather Pringle,

PREACHERS ROCK: The hike to the plateau will take about two hours.

Your starting point will be the area around the mountain lodge Preikestolen Fjellstue, which offers accommodation and meals to the weary traveller.

This area also has public toilets, ample parking, a kiosk, and other facilities available.

In recent years a team of skilled stonemasons and sherpas from Nepal have done an impressive job of improving the path to Preikestolen. Steps have been built in the roughest areas, and a rocky trail has been made to keep the impact on the environment localized and to a minimum. As a result, the hike can be undertaken by most people with no significant disabilities.

From Preikestolen Fjellstue the hike is 2.6 miles each way, with a difference in altitude of 1,082 feet.

Wear good shoes or hiking boots, as the trail may be wet and muddy in places.

Hiking to Preikestolen is free of charge. In fact, in the Norwegian countryside you can pretty much go where you please - but please be careful and considerate. The best time is from April to October.

The hike is not recommended in the winter, due to few hours of daylight and icy conditions.

MAUI:

Maui is not nearly as large as the Big Island, nor is it as small as Lanai, as bustling as Oahu or as quiet as Kauai. For many Hawaii vacationers, Maui is just right — offering a taste of just about everything the Aloha State has to offer, from impressive wildlife to intriguing history and culture. While on a visit here, you can shimmy alongside professional hula dancers, golf along coastal fairways, snorkel alongside five different types of sea turtles or simply lounge along some of Hawaii's most notable beaches.

One of the archipelago's most popular tourism spots, Maui can be found sandwiched between the Big Island and the much tinier Molokai. Maui is divided into five distinct regions: Many travelers base themselves along the coasts of South Maui (home to the famous Wailea Beach) or West Maui, where the sands of Kaanipali Beach and the music from the Old Lahaina Luau are located. But the rest of the island should not be missed. Travel along the Road to Hana to experience East Maui's scenic coastline, explore Haleakala — the world's largest dormant volcano — in the Upcountry, and explore the former tribal battlegrounds of Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park.

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SARK,CHANNEL ISLANDS:

In Sark, time flows like molasses. Sarkees will mark the 450th anniversary of feudalism in 2015; the tiny Channel Island off the coast of Normandy abolished the medieval form of governance in 2008. But old ways linger: The two banks have no ATMs; the unpaved roads lack street lights; cars are banned.

Signposts usefully give distances in walking minutes, for in this unhurried place ambling is what one does—or cycling, or riding in a horse-drawn carriage. Wander country roads bordered by fieldstone walls and storybook cottages, past foxgloves and bluebells and 600 other kinds of wildflowers, taking note of butterflies, seabirds, Guernsey cows. Destination? Perhaps the sea caves of Gouliot Headland, to find anemones. Or La Marguerite Cottage, to buy duck eggs from Sue Adams’s streetside honor box.

Or Venus Pool, for a swim at low-tide. Or especially La Coupee, to walk the skinny track atop an isthmus 300 feet above the sea.

A visitor’s daytime choices abound. But late at night, there’s just one: the sky.

FAROE ISLANDS: The Faroe Islands are always a beautiful destination, no matter what time of year you go. But on March 20, 2015, there will be a full solar eclipse visible from the Faroe Islands. For most people, a full solar eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and from what I've heard, it should be quite magnificent. My grandmother told me about her reaction to the full solar eclipse that was visible from the Faroe Islands 60 years ago, on June 30, 1954. She was terrified, thinking it was some kind of apocalypse.

What was a very bright day suddenly became black. The birds acted strange, but the hens just went inside their house to sleep. A few minutes later, the day was bright again, the rooster crowed "good morning," and life kept on going. —Sigrið Mikkjalsdóttir, Faroe Islands A visitor’s daytime choices abound. But late at night, there’s just one: the sky. Sark is the first island certified by the International Dark-Sky Association.

Time may have swept feudalism aside. The stars are timeless. —Peter Johansen A visitor’s daytime choices abound. But late at night, there’s just one: the sky. Sark is the first island certified by the International Dark-Sky Association.

MORNINGTON PENNINSULA:

Though Sydney might argue the point, Melbourne has established itself as Australia’s food capital, home to innovative culinary ideas such as micro coffee roasters, nonprofit cafés, and expat pop-ups (British chef Heston Blumenthal is moving his Fat Duck from England to Melbourne for six months next year). Melbourne’s chief wine region is the nearby Yarra Valley, but an emerging source of bounty is the rugged Mornington Peninsula, about an hour’s drive south from downtown via a recently opened roadway. The peninsula distills the flavors of down under in one boot-shaped cape: paddock-to-plate restaurants, down-to-earth wineries where the vintners themselves work the tasting rooms, and small sustainable farms such as 2 Macs and Green Olive at Red Hill that each offer cooking classes.with people flocking to the beaches over summer,” says Danielle Field, who, with her brother Max, guides —Elaine Glusac

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HAVE YOU DECIDED YET?

BARCELONA:

Barcelona contains both the authentically historic and the wildly bizarre. From the tree-lined Las Ramblas to the narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic; from the beachside nightclubs to the city’s dozens of sacred churches and cathedrals, this city by the sea seems to attract all types: the family, the adventurer, the couple, the backpacker, the culture lover — and more — with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do. You could stay for a few days, but chances are you’ll need a whole week to explore.

In Barcelona, even the beach is bustling, but it’s really the cosmopolitan city that gets all the attention. Much of the activity revolves around Las Ramblas, a series of narrow streets and alleys packed with restaurants, nightclubs and a vibrant pedestrian market. But you should also take a tour of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces; Gaudí is responsible for sites like Parc Güell, Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia.

And it would also be absurd to miss out on the eclectic shopping scene and the region’s exquisite food and wine.

TUNIS, TUNISIA:

Byrsa Hill, in Tunis’s upmarket suburb of Carthage, makes a dizzying aerie to watch the sun set into the bay. The vantage point might be the Light Bar at the decidedly 21st-century Villa Didon, but Phoenician streets lay deep beneath and, down on the waters’ edge, the scalloped foreshore traces a Roman naval port. Inland, the coils of the ancient medina and the colonial grid of the early 20th century French city tell other chapters of Tunis’s story of conquest, resistance, flux, and assimilation, from mythic Dido to the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.

The city’s layered charms are something that many pre-revolution visitors missed entirely, on their way to the Sahara or the Mediterranean beach resorts of Hammamet and Sousse. These sun-holiday tribes all but abandoned Tunisia after 2011, but with a relaxation of most travel warnings to the country, a new breed of traveler has replaced them. These sun-holiday tribes all but abandoned Tunisia after 2011, but with a relaxation of most travel warnings to the country, a new breed of traveler has replaced them. from mythic Dido to the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.

THE WAVE, ARIZONA:

There are four trailheads which provide access to Paria Canyon and The Wave. However, in an effort to maintain the natural integrity of the region, there are no formal trails or signage to guide hikers to The Wave from any of the trailheads.The White House trailhead is the main entrance, and the one most commonly used. The Buckskin Gulch and Wire Pass trailheads offer more experienced hikers access to Buckskin Gulch, the main tributary of Paria Canyon. The Lee's Ferry trailhead, located at the lower end of Paria Canyon is the normal exit point for hikers traveling the entire length of the canyon.The shortest hike to The Wave begins at the Wire Pass Trailhead, about 8.3 miles (13.4 km) south of US 89 along House Rock Valley Road, a dirt road about 35.4 miles (57.0 km) west of Page, Arizona or 38.6 miles (62.1 km) east of Kanab, Utah that is accessible to most vehicles in good weather. During and after a storm the road may be impassable,

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HAIDA GWAII:

The quiet is what strikes people here most on Haida Gwaii. On this 180-mile-long archipelago off the coast of British Columbia, labyrinthine coves snuggle up to dense forests with towering cedars.

Beneath the ground, scientists have found evidence of human habitation stretching back 12,000 years.

“We brought students—minus laptops and cell phones—to the forest,” says Guujaaw, a Haida leader. “They could carry a pencil and tablet for sketching. A couple hours later, one student said the sound of the pencil scratching on the pad was too loud.”Thirty years ago it wasn’t so quiet. In 1985 the Haida people, alarmed by the ecological damage caused by clearcutting, blockaded the logging road. This nonviolent protest led to Canada's creation of Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. In the village of SGang Gwaay, Haida Watchmen share their culture with visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage destination.

“You use your listening sense more,” says Ernie Gladstone, a Haida who is superintendent of Gwaii Haanas. “You hear the water washing down the beaches, clams squirting, and ravens, eagles, and songbirds in the forest.” —April Orcutt

KOYASAN, JAPAN:

The austere heart of Japanese Buddhism beats loudly at Koyasan, a monastic complex that lies two hours by train south of Osaka. Koyasan marks its 1,200th anniversary in 2015.

Established by revered scholar-monk Kobo Daishi in 816 as the headquarters for his Shingon school of Esoteric Buddhism, Koyasan remains one of Japan’s most pristine and sacred sites, manifesting a masculine side of Japan worlds away from the hostesses and Hello Kittys of Kyoto.

“Koyasan is purity,” says a monk after a crack-ofdawn fire ceremony, where a priest burns wooden wish-tablets to the boom of a taiko drum and the sprinkling of herbs and oils on high-leaping flames.

Staying in one of the temples that welcome guests here opens a portal onto everyday monastic life.

Waking to enshrouding mists, visitors are invited to join morning chants swirled by cymbals, gongs, and incense. At night, no-nonsense monks who began the day hand-scrubbing wooden hallways roughly plop vegetarian feasts in front of visitors.

CORSICA:

Two hundred years after Napoleon Bonaparte suffered his final military defeat, Corsica, his birthplace, stubbornly resists its own cultural Waterloo. Though this Mediterranean island has deep, historic ties to Italy and has been part of France since 1769, its 300,000 inhabitants retain a fierce pride in their own unique culture, including the proverb-rich Corsican tongue. But to keep that birthright vibrant in the face of tourism and its homogenizing effects, their battle remains constant.

Fortunately, most of the island’s three million annual visitors come for the undeniable pleasures of the coast or for the thrill of visiting historic La Maison Bonaparte, in the city of Ajaccio. All of which leaves the island’s mountainous interior largely untouched. “Go inland and you will find the soul of Corsica,” advises Jean-Sébastien Orsini, director of a traditional Corsican polyphonic choir in the foothill town of Calanzana.

Olive groves and quiet villages dot the slopes and isolated valleys of the interior, vast swaths of which are protected by the Parc Naturel Régionale de Corse, which covers more than 40 percent of the island. —Christopher Hall,

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LONDON:

The English writer Samuel Johnson famously said, "You find no man, at all intellectual, who is willing to leave London. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford." More than two centuries have passed since Johnson's era, but his words still ring true. Life in London is invigorating, and travelers find that one visit isn't enough to experience everything this two-millennia-old city has to offer.

Here, the antiquated clasps hands with the contemporary. You'll find the historic Tower of London and the avant-garde Tate Modern both considered must-sees. Shakespeare's sonnets are still being uttered by actors who don modern garb. Londoners most certainly still revere the royals, but they also rock out to Coldplay and Lily Allen. And while they still sip tea, they now drink Starbucks, too.

A current leader in everything from politics and banking to fashion and music, London's culture compass is always attuned to what's next.

The British aren't being rude when they ask to bum a fag in the queue for the loo, but they might be if they ask to snog. To avoid misunderstandings, here is some British slang to add to your repertoire: To snog is to kiss; a fag is a cigarette; the loo is the restroom; bollocks means "that's wrong,"

PARIS:

The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance. Of course, the divine cuisine and vast art collections deserve some of the credit as well. The gentle River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and blocks of Rococo- and Neoclassic-design architecture, further enhanced by charming trees and glowing streetlamps. Peppering the Seine's cobbled walks and graceful bridges are impossibly chic Parisians, probably on their way to the market, cafe or cinema.

Containing world-class museums, fashion, cuisine, and an atmosphere all its own, Paris is also a city of "many splendors," as Ernest Hemingway recalled in his memoir, "A Moveable Feast." Visit the Centre Pompidou, enjoy gourmet pastries, shop couture on the Champs Élysées or hit the boutiques in Les Halles, take in the view atop the Eiffel Tower, or even plan a day trip to Versailles Palace. But don't miss out on the simple pleasure of meandering the marvelous arrondissements (districts).

SYDNEY:

Picture an easygoing seaside town: There are surfers riding the waves and beach bums lazing on the sands. Add to this landscape a horizon jagged with skyscrapers and iconic landmarks like an outof-this-world opera house and a famously stunning bridge. Then, you must paint in the cosmopolitans—they're sun-kissed and fashion-forward, making their way to photo shoots, architecture firms and cafés. And of course you must hear their conversation: Even their English is laidback, unlike the posh clip of the Brits or the sometimes-brash American intonation. This is Sydney.

The most populous city in Oz, Sydney is a natural choice for a first-time Aussie visit. With its lovely beaches, world-class restaurants, and cache of interesting things to do, Sydney's personality is a mix of carefree Australia and sophisticated metropolis. So, whether you want a laid-back vacation surfing the giant waves of the Tasman Sea or a high-octane trip of dining, shopping, and partying, Sydney's got you covered.

Sydney is a thriving metropolis teeming with culture. The city sees a high level of immigration, welcoming people from all over the world, includ

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OKLAHOMA CITY:

Oklahoma City has never been “mighty pretty,” despite the shout-out from Bobby Troup’s iconic “Route 66.” To look at, it’s been more like the beergut metropolis spilling across the Great Plains. But things have changed.

The central Oklahoma River has a community boathouse and a new West River Trail. An 11-acre white-water rafting center is due in 2015. Local architect firms and coffee roasters that wouldn't be out of place in Portlandia now line once dormant Automobile Alley. And then there’s MidTown. Not long ago a den of crackhouses and abandoned lots just north of downtown’s 1995 bombing site, MidTown has sprouted condos, a boutique hotel, and Dust Bowl Lanes, a Tulsan import, with its 1970s-style bowling alley. The city even plans to add a streetcar loop downtown in 2017.

This is Oklahoma? “We’re such a blank canvas that even people from Austin are moving here,” says Hunter Wheat, who launched MidTown’s Blue Garten last year, a one-block food truck complex with open-air movies and live bands. “I’m just happy to see it’s growing into the city I always knew it could be.” —Robert Reid,

PRAGUE:

A prosperous and bustling city, Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past; in its 1,100 years, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires and floods.

It's this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating. Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. Even the most jaded traveler would have trouble resisting this city's charms.

Prague was once a hidden gem, overshadowed by its flashier neighbors to the west. But the city couldn't keep its marvels a secret for too long -- now, it's a haven for travelers wanting for an awe-inspiring experience at an affordable price.

You can still find all of that today, with many top attractions -- including the famous Charles Bridge and the historic Prague Castle -- offering entry free of charge and many hotels offering rooms at a fraction of the cost of other major European cities.

But this bargain-hunting legacy has a ticking clock on it -- recently prices have been on the rise. If you're hoping to find a fire-sale price, now's the time to do so.

DO YOU SEE YOURSELF NEAR THE FALLS, ON A BEACH, OR IN THE WOODS?

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WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL?

It’s easier than you think – We believe that traveling around the world should not be hard, but it should be something everyone should do at least once in their lives. Launch TripPlanner to price your ideal route or call one our travel consultant and ask for some free advice. You can choose to spend a year or a few months traveling this beautiful planet and seeing what is out there.

It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step.

It opens your eyes – If you are open to it, travel will simply make you a more well-rounded human being. Which is really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start check out our Around the World Planning Guide.

Learn who you are – Traveling with all the challenges it presents and opportunities, let’s you discover who you are in a way that only the road brings.

It will create meaningful relationships – People you meet while on the road usually become some of the most valued ones in your address book, giving you points on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, forcing you into new and refreshing perspectives on things.

It will develop skills you didn’t know you had – The satisfaction you get when reaching the top of the mountain, or crossing a gorge, or helping a villager clean up after a storm, or simply getting what you wanted at restaurant in rural China, these things all allow access to skill sets you didn’t know you had.

Learn new languages – There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a

few words of Greek, knowing how to say hello and thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

Gives you adventure – No one looks back fondly on a trip to the dry-cleaner. But after ziplining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the alleys of Marrakech, the speedboat ride in New Zealand, or Jeeping out with the grazing animals in Tanzania you get a feel for what being an active human being is like (again). The need for adventure is hardwired; travel lets you tap into it.

Gives you perspective – Meeting folks from exotic cultures will teach you that the way you look at the world (perhaps through the lens of mass media) is not the way everybody does it. That you could in fact be dead wrong about it. Seeing it for yourself brings a healthy dose of reality to your socalled higher thinking.

As a transition – If you happen to be between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to separate these life stages, give you insight into your next phase and provide closure on the last one. Plus there’ll be a nice time stamp on that moment in your life.

For education – Seeing the world provides a source of education absolutely impossible get in school, teaching you things like economy, politics, history, geography and sociology. While not an accredited institution, the school of travel is currently taking applications.

The challenge – Getting your daily Starbucks

not nearly interesting enough for you? How about finding an address in downtown Tokyo.

Travel is full of moment of joy and challenges.

Overcoming the challenges will give you some of the greatest joys of all.

To do something new – It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. Travel can be the perfect solution. And what’s not new about being in Bolivia? Go ahead and plan your ideal route Around the World.

Dreams come true – If you want to do it now you’ve probably always wanted to. You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what?

Now’s the time to do it. We have put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream.

The cool stories – Don’t fancy yourself a storyteller? If anyone says “why travel” at a party, you’ll be able to outline why with any one of the many travel stories you’ll come home with. Even if they seemed trivial when they happened, nostalgia will create a epic spin around getting your laundry done in Zanzibar.

You will eat food like you never have – Yes, you will be constantly surprised at the flavors the world has to offer. To prove to yourself you can – If you’re the kind of person to dream big, and simply by reading this website you’ve proven that you are, you’re probably also the kind to reach for new challenges. Finishing a trip gives you the satisfaction that you were able to accomplish what you set out to do. And to give you energy to set up the next challenge too.

Just for the hell of it – Why travel? Because you can. Why not pick up your tickets and set the ball rolling!

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RICHARD AVEDON: A Portrait of the Artist Fahey Klein presents a major retrospective of the photographers work.

BY: KELY SMITH

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Andy Warhol; August 1946.

“As Avedon's notoriety grew, so did the opportunities to meet and photograph celebrities.�

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W

hat do Jean Genet, Jimmy Durante, Brigitte Bardot, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacques Cousteau, Andy Warhol, and Lena Horne have in common? They were a few of the many personalities caught on film by photographer Richard Avedon. For more than fifty years, Richard Avedon’s portraits have filled the pages of the country’s finest magazines. His stark imagery and brilliant insight into his subjects’ characters has made him one of the premier American portrait photographers.

Born in New York in 1923, Richard Avedovn dropped out of high school and joined the Merchant Marine’s photographic section. Upon his return in 1944, he found a job as a photographer in a department store. Within two years he had been “found” by an art director at Harper’s Bazaar and was producing work for them as well as Vogue, Look, and a number of other magazines. During the early years, Avedon made his living primarily through work in advertising. His real passion, however, was the portrait and its ability to express the essence of its subject.

As Avedon’s notoriety grew, so did the opportunities to meet and photograph celebrities from a broad range of disciplines. Avedon’s ability to present personal views of public figures, who were otherwise distant and inaccessible, was immediately recognized by the public and the celebrities themselves. Many sought out Avedon for their most public images. His artistic style brought a sense of sophistication and authority to the portraits. More than anything, it is Avedon’s ability to set his subjects at ease that helps him create true, intimate, and lasting photographs.

Throughout his career Avedon has maintained a unique style all his own. Famous for their minimalism, Avedon portraits are often well lit and in front of white backdrops. When printed, the images regularly contain the dark outline of the film in which the image was framed. Within the minimalism of his empty studio, Avedon’s subjects move freely, and it is this movement which brings a sense of spontaneity to the images. Often containing only a portion of the person being photographed, the images seem intimate in their imperfection. While many photographers are interested in either catching a moment in time or preparing a formal image, Avedon has found a way to do both.

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B

eyond his work in the magazine industry, Avedon has collaborated on a number of books of portraits.

In 1959 he worked with Truman Capote on a book that documented some of the most famous and important people of the century. Observations included images of Buster Keaton, Gloria Vanderbilt, Pablo Picasso, Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mae West. Around this same time he began a series of images of patients in mental hospitals. Replacing the controlled environment of the studio with that of the hospital he was able to recreate the genius of his other portraits with non-celebrities.

The brutal reality of the lives of the insane was a bold contrast to his other work. Years later he would again drift from his celebrity portraits with a series of studio images of drifters, carnival workers, and working class Americans.

Throughout the 1960s Avedon continued to work for Harper’s Bazaar and in 1974 he collaborated with James Baldwin on the book Nothing Personal. Having met in New York in 1943, Baldwin and Avedon were friends and collaborators for more than thirty years. For all of the 1970s and 1980s Avedon continued working for Vogue magazine, where he would take some of the most famous portraits of the decades. In 1992 he became the first staff photographer for The New Yorker, and two years later the Whitney Museum brought together fifty years of his work in the retrospective, “Richard Avedon: Evidence�. He was voted one of the ten greatest photographers in the world by Popular Photography magazine, and in 1989 received an honorary doctorate from the Royal College of Art in London. Today, his pictures continue to bring us a closer, more intimate view of the great and the famous.

Avedon died on October 1st, 2004.

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Audrey Hepburn; September 1959 ISS.

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“All photographs are accurate.

None of them is the truth.”

–Richard Avedon

A N

NORTHERN LIGHTS

U N F O R G E T T A B L E B Y:

A L A S K A N

GEORGE

A D V E N T U R E

PALMER

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D

on’t miss out on the opportunity to experience this rare and mystical event. Find out more about the Northern Lights and what you need to know to make your viewing trip a success. Trust us; this is something worth waking up in the middle of the night for. Peak viewing season is in the dead of winter, when the weather is the coldest and when it is the darkest. However, there are opportunities to see the northern lights at the tail end of the summer season in early September. If this experience is a priority for you, hold out for winter and bundle up. You won’t regret it.

WHERE TO GO + WHEN TO GO: Fairbanks: While you can potentially see them all over the state, the most reliable spot is Fairbanks. Up and inland, Fairbanks is geographically under the "aurora oval," where auroras are seen most frequently. You can even take excursions several hours north from there, offered by operators such as Northern Alaska Tour Company.

Anchorage: If you are flying into Anchorage, Salmon Berry Tours offers overnight and multi-day excursion to Talkeetna and Fairbanks. They take care of the transportation to and from, so you can focus on the experience.

W H AT A R E T H E Y A C T U A L LY G O I N G O N : No matter what you call them—the northern lights, or aurora borealis—these green bands of light in the sky are seriously cool to see. They're actually solar particles blown into the earth's magnetic field more than 60 miles above the earth's surface. Some people mistakenly think that the glow of city lights are northern lights, but the real thing starts as greenish bands that move in east-west direction, then sometimes evolve into undulating waves. They create greenish-yellow, faint blue, or even blood red curtains of color. Alaska Native groups once believed the lights had mystical powers, or were even the dancing spirits of the dead.

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W H AT T O W E A R : Since you can only see them at night, you want to come when there is the most darkness—from September until about April 20; that’s when there are: 1) frequent displays, 2) clear skies, and 3) generally mild weather.

Bundle up- Alaska gets mighty cold. Dress in layers and pay attention to the fabrics you choose. For a cold Alaska evening you need: Top and bottom base layer or "long underwear" that is close-fitting and made from a synthetic material like polypropylene or from natural wool. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and isn’t a great insulator.

Warm mid-layers like a wool sweater, a fleece jacket and a warm pair of pants.

There's no shame in piling on a couple of sweaters.

A wind-proof coat and wind-proof pants. This layer traps the heat close to your body. Gortex is the most widely available brand, but what you’re looking for is material labeled wind-proof and breathable.

A down-filled or insulated parka. will serve you well if you’re planning a trip to Fairbanks in the coldest winter months (November to February). Many companies (like L.L. Bean or Patagonia) will give you a weather rating for their parkas. Look for a coat good to -20 degrees.

Warm socks. You’ll find a good selection of wool-blend or fleece socks in any sporting goods or outdoor store. Two pairs of socks can’t hurt.

Good Boots. Winter boots, like Sorels, or hiking boots with Gortex work well.

Hat, mittens, glove liners and a scarf or neck gaiter. Remember that the warmest pair of gloves isn’t as effective as a good pair of mittens. The glove liners can stay on when you pull off your mittens to capture that award-winning photo.

Hand and foot warmers that stick inside your boots and mittens. These can work well, but take some time to warm up to their full strength. To get them hot fast, open them up and shake them around to get some air circulating through them.

“NO ALASKA ADVENTURE IS COMPLETE WITHOUT EXPERIENCING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS!”

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HOW TO CAPTURE THE

NORTHERN LIGHT SHOOTING IN THESE CONDITIONS CAN BE CRUCIAL, SO LET ME HELP YOU! Our sun is approaching its peak in sun spot activity this winter and producing some awesome night-light shows. This winter's aurora borealis hasn't been a let-down, so far, and we haven't even hit "peak season" yet, which tends to occur around the equinoxes. Alaskans are fortunate: the northern lights enhance our winter skies and give us something to anticipate on long, cold nights.

Capturing the aurora borealis with a camera may seem complex, but it's a fun family-friendly activity that also encourages everyone to get outside. Here are a few tips for finding good locations, forecast watching and camera handling to capture ideal northern lights photographs.

Location is a key factor when preparing to photograph the northern lights.

A clear shot of northern and eastern skies is helpful. As activity increases it normally starts from the east as Earth rotates into the aurora. If you need an excuse for a road trip, pack up the camera gear, bundle up the kids and head out beyond the city lights.

In Anchorage or Fairbanks, outskirts above the cities make for an easy quick trip. Up north, Pedro Dome is also considered a popular spot. North of Fairbanks might seem an extreme trip but the experience is, oftentimes, worth it. In the Mat-Su Valley, Hatcher Pass is easily accessible and known for good photo opportunities. But there are lots of others -- just look for cars parked along the roads on nights with good aurora forecasts.

Be courteous and switch off your car lights. They can interfere with efforts of others. You should also consider turning your car off altogether: exhaust at low temperatures can cause ice fog, impeding the viewing experience and photography.

Looking for a true adventure? Leave the car and the crowds behind by skiing or snowshoeing to an awesome spot with a great setting. (Remember to let someone know your plans and destination, and check-in when you're back safely). An inexpensive, child's plastic sled makes a great transport for all of the gear you might need; just extend the ropes and drag it behind.

For beginners, moonless nights and clear skies are best. The moon can work to one's advantage, though, lighting up the foreground and making a pleasing photograph. That said, full moons tend to be bright enough to overcome the lights, so try and plan your shoot for a week with less moon light.

Partly cloudy skies can also provide great conditions for depth in your aurora photos. This takes some practice once you view some of your photos you will be hooked and want to add to the experience.

Traditionally, good times for aurora viewing and photographing is between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. But don't bank on it: during strong solar storms aurora can be seen at all hours once the sky darkens.

A digital single-lens reflex camera is best suited for photographing aurora.

Point-and-shoot cameras will work but they have their limits. Camera phones are not suited for this task unless the activity is really strong.

Remember that old camera manual you stashed away after you figured out the most basic features? Dig it out: you're going to need it. If you don’t have the manual find your way to the camera manufacturer's website. Bring it out to the shooting site. How about a tripod? If you've got one, dust it off and figure out its use before you're out in the cold, where the plastic becomes brittle and has a tendency to break in extreme temperatures. Point-and-shoot users will find a mini tripod sufficient; if you plan to use your car to steady it, make sure and turn the car off, first.

Point-and-shoot cameras have their advantages and disadvantages. Use a manual setting if you have one. Adjust the camera's ASA/ISO (film sensitivity); turn off the auto-focus, vibration reduction and auto flash. Get familiar with your camera's controls. Adjust exposure and aperture settings (refer to manual).

If manual settings aren't an option, most modern point-and-shoots have a fireworks setting, which, if the aurora is bright enough, will yield astonishing effects.

Don't get discouraged if all you see is a black screen, there is hope in the end.

Camera batteries in the cold lose power real quick; having a spare is an allaround good investment. Long exposures drain the battery. So does the cold.

At 40 below zero, a camera battery lasts around 20 minutes. Placing the battery in your coat pocket often will warm it back to life in some scenarios.

Keep a Ziploc bag handy for storing your camera (make sure it fits). You'll need this after capturing the photos in the cold. Placing it in a Ziploc keeps condensation from forming inside the camera.

Make sure your in-camera storage media card is clear of any other photos.

Long exposures require a lot of room.

Wide angle lenses are best suited for the northern lights. A lens over 50 milli-

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meters will limit your viewing area. Remove lens filters -- they block some aurora qualities you're trying to capture as well as a small percentage of the light. Lens filters can also produce what's known as a ghosting reflection between filter and front glass of the lens.

Automatic focus is absolutely useless for aurora photography -- make sure it's disabled. Most lenses have a manual focusing ring. Rotating a lens's manual focus clockwise will set it to infinity. A good rule of thumb is to rotate the lens to infinity and then back it off just a hair. Keep in mind that as you move the camera around in the cold, the focusing ring may need to be reset to infinity.

Most novice camera lenses have an f/stop (lens opening) around 3.5 to 5.6.

Set your lens aperture to the lowest number.

On film speed: a good starting point is 800 ASA/ISO. Activate high speed noise reduction, which will clean up the photo. Some cameras do this automatically. Some cameras also have a long exposure noise reduction function. If yours has it, turn it on.

When photographing northern lights, keeping camera movement controlled is paramount. Remote shutter release is one way to keep movement minimal.

On DSL cameras, mirror opening and closing creates most vibrations in long exposures. There are other options, though. Most cameras are equipped with a self-timer. Set it to a short time and push the shutter release to minimize camera movement. If "mirror lock up" is an option, use it.

Reminder: Turn off vibration reduction (VR). It's a bad idea. VR will try to compensate for the movement as well as use up valuable battery power.

Shooting the northern lights requires some testing for the novice. It's time to start! If the preview shows up black, do not, repeat, DO NOT, delete. Your camera will capture more than meets the eye. Due to long exposures, cameras record a lot more than the eye can process, and more than likely you won't be able to see it on the camera screen.

A good starting point is at 800 ASA/ISO, at 15 to 30 seconds with a lens aperture at f3.5. This, like everything else, depends on the aurora's brightness.

You're going to have to adjust the exposure times until you find the sweet spot.

The brighter the lights, the less exposure time is needed. A good rule of thumb: if you look at the snow and it's reflecting the the color of the northern lights, exposures need to be around 5 seconds. Adjust the exposure time rather than the aperture. If your preview shows up dark, add more exposure.

In the event that your camera won't allow you to shoot past 30 seconds and your results come up dark (which will likely happen with some novice cameras), adjust the ASA/ISO to a higher number. This will resolve the issue.

• When setting your camera exposure time to seconds, keep in mind that oftentimes, fractional seconds are indicated with the " sign and full seconds have no corresponding punctuation. So a 15th of a second will appear 15" and 15 seconds will appear as 15.

• Save yourself time and pain: set your camera up prior to heading out into the sub-zero Alaska winter temperatures.

• Once you've found a good exposure setting, avoid looking at the preview. Doing so wastes critical battery life.

• At times aurora borealis activity comes in spurts. Don't head out or give up after the first show. Instead, consider heading back to your car and warming up.

• If you do warm up, don't take your camera with you. Leave it in the cold but remove the battery and warm it up for the next round. Rule of thumb: once the gear is out in the cold, leave it out.

• Keep the battery as warm as possible at all times.

• Don't forget to turn off the headlamp while the camera is making an exposure.

• Don't forget to focus. Your auto-focus should be off while photographing northern lights.

• Don't breathe on or around the camera. Condensation will form on the optics at cold temperatures.

• Keep your dog restrained. Dogs and tripods don't mix.

WE ARE EQUAL WE ARE A TEAM