Shirley Day Photography https://shirleydayphotography.com en-us Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800 A Grand Trip https://shirleydayphotography.com/my-journey-as-a-creative-photog/a-grand-trip-2291920 Call me crazy, but I actually wanted snow at Grand Canyon National Park. Winter has been so mild in SoCal that a little chill and a blanket of white would’ve felt like a treat. But Mother Nature had other plans. No big deal. The sheer presence of one of the Seven Natural Wonders is spectacular with or without the winter drama. And honestly, visiting in February has its perks. Fewer crowds meant we wandered several trails without another soul in sight.

Since it was my first time seeing this geological giant, I went all in on the travel adventure. Instead of flying or driving from California, we took an overnight train, then spent a couple of nights at El Tovar, the historic hotel perched right on the South Rim.

Each day started with long hikes, pausing often to soak in the endless views and watch the canyon shift colors and textures as the light changed, from clear blue skies to scattered clouds drifting in from the North Rim. We also explored native art and crafts, learning about the people who once lived here and the tight-knit community of current residents who keep the park running, many of them living in dorm-style housing.

My camera barely got a break. I shot panos, played with macro, and revisited the same spots under different lighting just to see the canyon reinvent itself. Check out some of the photos I took please click here.

If you’re thinking about a similar trip, here are a few nuggets worth knowing:

  • If you’re taking the overnight train, check the schedules. We arrived just before 5 a.m. for our connection after a night of barely any sleep. I usually find the rocking of a train soothing - yes, I know that’s odd - but not this time. No sleep plus an early wake-up plus a booked breakfast and tour before hotel check-in made for a rough first day.
  • Bring cash for tips. Shuttle drivers and tour guides work hard, and I was grateful to have enough ones and fives on hand to show my appreciation.
  • Order anything with bison chorizo. Slightly spicy, super flavorful, and a fun break from the usual breakfast sausage. Definitely not something you see often in California.
  • Support native artisans. I’m a sucker for good design and ended up splurging on a sterling river band with Navajo symbols for peace and unity. Purchased at Hopi House.
  • Be ready to fall in love with something unexpected. The sunrise was breathtaking, but stumbling upon two cliffside structures really got me. The Lookout Studio, a stone, timber, rustic perfection, was under renovation, but you can still imagine the views from its terraces. And the Kolb Studio, with its five stories and 23 rooms, now a gift shop and gallery, is wrapped in windows that frame sweeping canyon views.
  • Consider staying at El Tovar. Rustic charm, modern comforts, a great restaurant, and just steps from sunrise points, sunset points, and countless trails.

Here’s to chasing beauty wherever it shows up, even when it doesn’t come with snow.

 

]]> Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0800 1658fb66e988e22061eb56324e8456b3eb546684 Chasing Autumn in the Catskills 🍁 https://shirleydayphotography.com/my-journey-as-a-creative-photog/chasing-autumn-in-the-catskills-8384252 October 2025 felt like the perfect excuse to chill out and head north to the Catskills in New York, with cameras in hand and autumn foliage on the brain. Peak fall color doesn’t wait for anyone, so this trip was all about chasing leaves, exploring back roads, and letting the days unfold without too much of a plan.

We stayed in the Catskills and took daily road trips to explore the surrounding areas, which honestly ended up being one of the best parts of the trip. Each morning started with a good breakfast, checking the weather forecast, and deciding which direction looked most promising. Some days we were hunting waterfalls, other days we were just driving until the scenery told us to pull over.

Two Must-See Stops in the Catskills

Two places really stood out during our October road trips and quickly became highlights of the entire foliage chase.

Ashokan Reservoir at Sunset Ashokan Reservoir
Catching sunset at the Ashokan Reservoir was pure magic. As the light faded, the surrounding mountains glowed with layers of orange, red, and gold, all reflected across the calm water. It’s an easy stop, incredibly peaceful, and one of those places where you just want to sit quietly and watch the colors change. 

 

Kaaterskill Falls  Kaaterskill Falls (Catskill Park, NY) Waterfall Visitor's Guide
Kaaterskill Falls was another can’t-miss location. The trails are easy to follow, making it a great option if you want big scenery without a complicated hike. The waterfalls are impressive on their own, even when there wasn't much water. Surrounded by peak autumn color, they felt even more dramatic.

I’ve added my favorite images from the trip to a new SlickPic Photo Gallery album called “The Catskills in Autumn.” If you want to see what peak October looked like through my lens, you can check it out here:
👉 https://slickpic.us/19595803TzTT

 

Where We Ate (and Would Absolutely Go Back)

A few places stood out enough that they deserve a permanent spot in my “random recommendations” list:

  • Sunflower Market (Woodstock) Sunflower Market: This grocery store became our go-to for easy meals. We grabbed sushi, salads, breakfast sausages, and beer. Perfect for stocking up for staying in.
  • Bread Alone Bakery (Woodstock) Bread Alone: If you’re anywhere near Woodstock, stop here. The pastries and baked goods are dangerously good, and it’s an ideal morning stop before hitting the road.
  • Main Street Mexican Restaurant (Saugerties) Welcome | Main Street Restaurant:
    The taco platter and margaritas were exactly what we wanted after an outing. Solid menu, great flavors, and a relaxed vibe.

 

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Coldbrook Bed and Breakfast, and it deserves special mention. It’s modern, thoughtfully designed, and surrounded by forest. One of the highlights was the window wall looking straight out into nature, especially magical in peak fall color and when deer and wild turkeys come to visit. The amenities were fantastic, the breakfasts, yummy, and it felt like the perfect basecamp for exploring the Catskills. Coldbrook Bed and Breakfast | Book Your Stay Today

 

Between winding roads, fiery hillsides, and quiet moments by the water, it was the kind of getaway that stays with you long after the leaves have fallen. If you’re ever craving a reset wrapped in autumn color, the Catskills in October just might be the answer.

]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0800 7c4d4a8d62375b34c2d2c96602d921166548bd6a Sal and Eden: Forever Doing a Happy Dance https://shirleydayphotography.com/my-journey-as-a-creative-photog/sal-and-eden-forever-doing-a-happy-dance-9000607 I just had the sweetest vision of my lovely mom, cooking up one of her famous Filipino dishes, probably adobo (made with marinated meat, soy sauce, vinegar, and spices), one of Dad’s favorites. She’s standing by this shiny white stove, stirring her magic into a simmering pot. The rich, savory, and yummy aroma curling into the air, filling the room like a warm hug.

Mom’s wearing one of her colorful print dresses, paired of course with her red silk dancing shoes. Just one pair from her extensive collection. She’s smiling, swaying her hips to some invisible beat, like the kitchen was her own little dance floor.

And then just like a scene from one of those old romantic movies Dad appears to her side. Mom turns, and there he is, arms wide open. He pulls her close, twirls her around. His clothes are perfectly pressed, shirt tucked in, belt just so. That grin of his? As wide as Mom’s. And no walker or medication in sight, as they spin around like it’s another Friday or Saturday night in Texas, where they went to dances religiously.

Cue my happy tears.

I can still picture them: socializing with their friends, feasting on buffet spreads, living in that beautiful rhythm they shared for so many years. It fills my heart, and my siblings’ too, with so much joy. And that’s exactly why I felt so strongly about documenting their stories.

That little project of mine became SalEden, a small but mighty paperback full of their tales: from childhood mischief, family struggles during World War II, living the American dream, and all the beautiful, hilarious, triumphant, and even serendipitous moments in between.

Like the time Dad landed an engineering job in New York City. He was literally pounding the pavement, dressed professionally, wandering near Grand Central Terminal, when fate brought him to a building where he knew someone worked. This friend helped Dad to land a Structural Engineer job. Or the many times Mom, as a young girl, would accompany Nanay (my grandmother) at open-air markets to sell burlap tote bags that Nanay creatively made from burlap sacks. Tatay (my grandfather) brought the sacks home from the brewery where he worked. 

I started this journey in 2017 with simple phone calls to Mom. She loved telling her stories, and I loved hearing them. Sadly, she passed away in 2023 before I could show her the finished book. Dad was still with us when it was published, but his declining health (until his death last year) meant he couldn’t fully grasp what we had accomplished. Still, I know they’d both be proud.

Interviewing Dad was like listening to a gentle storyteller. He’d close his eyes, take a moment, then share memory after memory. Occasionally, Mom would chime in from the background to correct him (of course she did).

It truly was a family affair. My brother, my sisters, and other relatives all pitched in—sharing stories, reviewing drafts, adding those little details only family can remember. I even had a friend help me polish the editing.

The final book is wrapped in symbolism. The cover is a bold, beautiful red—their favorite color. My photograph, Vintage Rose, graces the back. Mom loved roses. And front and center? A picture of my parents dancing, frozen in pure joy.

Sure, someday I’d love to revise the chapters, fix a few things, maybe add even more stories. But for now, I’m simply grateful that their stories are finally captured. Documented. Ready to be handed down to future generations. Because that’s really what it’s all about. Holding onto the stories, the love, the legacy.

And in many ways, that’s exactly why I love photography.

Photography is my way of capturing the feelings, the small glances, the light hitting just right. The tiny, quiet seconds that say everything. Just like writing SalEden, I photograph to hold onto the essence of moments I don’t want to forget.

Keep dancing, Mom and Dad! Your love and spirit will live on forever in our hearts.

]]> Sat, 14 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0700 748925621a6ac16fd9764563510e2d3ee4f07d2f Whistles, Windows, and Wandering Hearts: Why I love riding trains https://shirleydayphotography.com/my-journey-as-a-creative-photog/whistles-windows-and-wandering-hearts-why-i-love-riding-trains-7889981 Whistles, Windows, and Wandering Hearts: Why I Love Riding Trains

My love of trains started when I was just eight. My family boarded a train in Los Angeles, heading to New York City by way of Chicago. It was my first time seeing the country unfold from the comfort of an observation car—with floor-to-ceiling windows turning the landscape into a living movie. That trip stuck with me. Ever since, trains have had a special place in my heart.

Long-distance train travel is unlike anything else. You’re not just getting from point A to B—you’re immersed in the in-between, the places most people fly right over. It’s slow travel, and that’s exactly what makes it so rich.

Here’s why I keep coming back to the rails:

Why I Love Riding Trains

  • The ever-changing scenery:
    From coast to coast, the terrain is always shifting. You might start in Southern California with sun-drenched beaches and palm trees, roll through quiet deserts dotted with ghost towns and Joshua trees, then climb into the snow-capped Rocky Mountains, full of deep canyons and dense forests. The Great Plains open up with peaceful farmlands, big skies, and charming small towns. Farther east, the landscape becomes more wooded and hilly, with the soft ridges of the Appalachians giving way to bustling East Coast cities. It's like watching America breathe.
  • The sounds and rhythm:
    Growing up in Orangeburg, New York, our house sat right across from train tracks. You’d think the rumbling and whistles would be annoying—but I loved them. That low chugging and distant horn became something soothing, and they still make me smile today.  
  • You’re rocked to sleep:
    The train never stops moving, and at night, that gentle sway can feel like a lullaby. Sure, it takes some getting used to—it’s not unlike napping on a slow-moving roller coaster—but eventually the clicks and rattles just become background noise.
  • The view is your entertainment:
    Daytime naps are tough when the scenery is this good. With limited Wi-Fi and huge windows, you’ll find yourself glued to the passing world: backyards full of forgotten furniture, rusted cars, laundry on the line—and then, suddenly, a lake hidden between pine trees or a hillside glowing green after rain.
  • Tight spaces, cozy vibes:
    Even in a sleeper car, space is snug. You get creative fast—your bed becomes your reading nook, snack zone, and luggage shelf. It’s all part of the charm. That’s why it’s important to pack wisely.
  • The people you meet:
    One of my favorite parts of train travel is chatting with fellow passengers in the lounge or dining car. If dining is included with your ticket, expect to be seated with complete strangers. I’ve met Kay, a retired clergy member reuniting with lifelong friends; Frank, who’s hooked on British detective shows (he too was addicted to BritBox as I am); Michael, heading to a campground birthday bash; Conne, a former Australian Air Force officer on a globe-trotting adventure; and Beth, who chooses trains over planes to cut her carbon footprint.
  • It opens your eyes to everyday America:
    From scenic routes to rail car trivia, you pick up little things—like which trains have double-decker seating or who serves a real meal versus something microwaved. You get a peek into people’s lives and homes, the layout of towns, the clutter of backyards, and the grandeur of wide-open spaces. You see it all up close.

Capturing the Feeling

I recently tried to photograph the feeling of it all. I caught a train leaving the station in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The cars blurred past in streaks of gold, red, gray, purple, pink, and blue, reflecting in puddles from a recent rain. The sky was a soft blue with a warm wash of orange. The photo ended up winning a prize at the San Diego Fair—but more than that, it captured the exact feeling I chase every time I hear that distant whistle.

Several years ago, my boyfriend and I took our love for trains even further—up into the breathtaking expanse of the Canadian Rockies aboard the Rocky Mountaineer. That journey was nothing short of cinematic. We boarded in Vancouver and traveled first to Kamloops, winding our way through landscapes that felt pulled from a dream—soaring peaks, endless pine forests, and turquoise glacier-fed lakes. Along the way, we marveled at the quiet beauty of Jasper, the charm of Lake Louise, and, of course, the iconic allure of Banff. The panoramic glass-dome coaches gave us front-row seats to the drama of the wild: waterfalls spilling down cliffsides, elk grazing near the tracks, and morning mist curling over emerald valleys. It was truly hard to take a bad picture!

Train travel isn’t just transportation—it’s a full experience. A chance to slow down, take it all in, and connect with the world in a way few other forms of travel allow. It's cozy, a little unpredictable, and full of magic.

And once it gets in your heart, it stays there.

 

]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0700 539b0fe66b6f6f5937d68eedc953616e8044d1a2 When Angel took me under her wings https://shirleydayphotography.com/my-journey-as-a-creative-photog/when-angel-took-me-under-her-wings-4062941 Not long ago, I never would have imagined entering the Orange County Fair Photo Exhibit or any other venues. I didn’t believe my work was “good enough”—a common doubt among creatives, especially when comparison creeps in. But that mindset shifted when someone special helped me find confidence in my art, guiding me to uncover the deeper purpose behind the images I was creating.

I first met Angel McNall, an award-winning artist celebrated for her breathtaking landscape photography—especially of her beloved Lake Tahoe—when she hosted her first Photography Summit. This online forum brings together established photographers to share their expertise on shooting techniques, artistic philosophies, equipment, and workflows. Intrigued, I also joined her Base Camp, where photographers connect through live Zoom sessions, as we learn from seasoned photogs. It was there that I began to embrace constructive feedback, a pivotal moment in my growth as a photographer.

Not long after, I made the decision to hire Angel as my mentor. That decision was a game changer! For over a year, Angel has been more than just a mentor—she's also a source of inspiration and a dear friend.

Because of Angel's guidance, I've been able to:

  • Define my artistic brand. Now, when asked about my work, I can proudly say that Dreamscapes by Shirley is a reflection of my artistic vision, filled with dreamy imagery and moments.
  • Tell my stories through photography, explore fresh perspectives, and refine my craft. There's always something to learn!
  • Gain confidence to submit my work to exhibit contests—where I won prestigious awards. Angel's encouragement inspired me to launch my own website  and Etsy Photo Gallery, where people can purchase my prints. 
  • Enhance my post-production skills.
  • Discover new tools, techniques, and ideas to enhance my work.

Angel also has a gift for reviewing my work that challenges me pushes me forward. After each mentoring session, I always leave feeling empowered, motivated, humbled by the ongoing journey of growth, and most of all, excited to keep creating.

Although we have yet to meet in person, our connection has blossomed into something truly special—a sisterhood rooted on our shared love for photography, creativity, relationships, and the beauty of life.  

I am endlessly grateful for you, Angel. Thank you.

 

]]> Sat, 05 Apr 2025 17:00:00 -0700 0489cf30b21faeb4fcbd59a5411915dc39034a8c