From my perspective
Thoughts on nature, photography, and sauntering.
Juan Melli
Turnpike Exit 15X – New Jersey’s Egretpalooza
Sep 15, 2024
You might not expect to find an explosion of nature in New Jersey’s most densely populated County – wedged between Newark and Manhattan – and immediately next to one of the busiest railway stations in the country and Exit 15X on the New Jersey Turnpike Eastern Spur, but you would be wrong. Very, very wrong.
Five Days in Titcomb Basin
Aug 30, 2024
A friend and I spent 5 days backpacking in the Wind River Range in August 2024. While last year we explored the Cirque of the Towers area in the southern Winds, this year we sauntered further north throughout Titcomb Basin and Indian Basin.
Not a Valley of Death, but a Valley of Red Ochre
Apr 28, 2024
As we drove past the limit of Death Valley National Park, we pulled over for the obligatory photo opportunity at the Death Valley National Park sign. At the bottom of the sign is a subheading: “Homeland of the Timbisha Shoshone.”
Between mama bear and her cubs
Dec 30, 2023
We were in dense woods when we saw him: A black bear about 100 feet ahead. I did what you’re supposed to do when you encounter a bear – I reached for my camera.
A Room with a View
Oct 24, 2023
Staying at a hotel room in Monument Valley with an unforgettable view from our balcony created an opportunity for capturing the same view at multiple times of the day, including during the special golden and blue hours.
Look behind you
Aug 28, 2023
I often have a vision in mind for how I want to a landscape photo to look. When the light is changing, it’s easy to get caught up in trying to capture the moment, but it’s also important to look around and behind you, because you never know what you might be missing.
Yellowstone Wildlife & Natural Wonders
Aug 27, 2023
An intact ecosystem with bison, wolves, bears, moose, and more. Hydrothermal features, including nearly half of the world’s active geysers. Geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. Any one of these traits would be a must-visit destination. Yellowstone has them all and more.
Five Days in The Winds
Aug 20, 2023
On August 11-15, 2023, my father, a friend, and I spent 5 days backpacking in the Wind River Range, a combination of on- and off-trail travel that included the famous Cirque of the Towers and the less-visited Desolation Valley.
Spearfishing and Lessons on Wildlife Photography
Jul 11, 2023
I used to see photos like this and think the photographer got lucky, was in the right place at the right time, and snapped the shutter at just the right moment. Getting a shot like this does take some luck, but luck is only part of it.
10 Tips for Hiking With Kids
May 23, 2023
Like parenting in general, hiking with kids can be extremely rewarding or frustrating, and it will probably be a bit of both. I partnered with The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey on a piece for NJ Family magazine on hiking with kids.
East Hudson Trails Map
May 15, 2023
A full-circle moment that brings me great joy – one of my photos of the Hudson River running between Storm King and Bull Hill taken at dawn from a ledge on the Washburn Trail will be featured on the back cover of the new East Hudson Trails map set.
Tips for Handheld Photography in Antelope Canyon
Apr 21, 2023
Tripods are no longer allowed in Upper Antelope Canyon, making the dark slot canyon both a photographer’s dream and nightmare (at least mine) that needs to be tackled with handheld photography in a fast-paced, crowded setting.
Two photos, two stories
Oct 1, 2022
One photo is of me and my dad on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It’s a photo of triumph, but it’s a deception. The other photo is of me and my dad with the people without whom we certainly wouldn’t have made it.
Why I’m a trail maintainer
May 25, 2022
I wasn’t always an avid hiker, but in a few short years, I went from hiking skeptic to becoming a trail maintainer with the volunteer-based NY-NJ Trail Conference.
Hitting the (hiking) trail with Sen. Booker
Sep 19, 2021
One September weekend, I had the great privilege of guiding U.S. Senator Cory Booker on a hike in the Jersey Highlands along with NY-NJ Trail Conference Executive Director Joshua Howard.