Hi Everyone,

I spent all of July in Washington, DC, which is rare for me. Staying put for a month felt strange at first, but it was nice to slow down and settle into a routine. I could, however, do without the heavy heat and humidity that summer in DC so generously provides.

Most of the month’s adventure happened on the home front, as we tackled the “fixing the fixes” phase at our condo. Home repairs have a way of keeping life interesting, and there truly is never a dull moment.

Between the sawdust and paint, I carved out time for photography. I wandered the boardwalks at Huntley Meadows, explored the gardens at Meadowlark in Vienna, and soaked in some of DC’s best views during my workshops. The month wrapped up on a high note when friends came down to visit, and we headed to Merriweather Post Pavilion for a night of music with Cheap Trick and Rod Stewart. Great company, great music, and the perfect reminder that there’s always room for fun in the middle of the chaos.

I also gave a small presentation on Street Photography in Amsterdam, which was a lot of fun.

I am very happy to say that one of my photos in the Dolomites won Gold at the European Photography Awards for Landscapes.

Grateful for the journey so far—2025 is already shaping up to be a meaningful year. Thanks, as always, for being part of it.

Take care,
Vito

Featured Travel Destination: Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital, is the perfect blend of cosmopolitan charm and wild, untamed nature. Here, colorful houses line streets filled with cozy cafés, world-class restaurants, and unique boutiques, while just beyond the city limits lie volcanoes, waterfalls, glaciers, and geothermal hot springs. Whether you are strolling along the waterfront under the gaze of Mount Esja, soaking in the legendary Blue Lagoon, or chasing the Northern Lights on a crisp winter night, Reykjavík offers a gateway to unforgettable adventures while keeping you wrapped in the warmth of Icelandic hospitality.

Photography & Tech Gear I Love

All of my recommendations are related to ND Filters this month:

• Polarizing Filter: In bright July sun, a circular polarizer (like Kase Wolverine) deepens blue skies, cuts glare, and brings out water and foliage detail.

• My New E-Book on Photography Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Using Your Camera and Creating Better Photos

What I’m Reading

I read some great books this month. My goal of reading 50 books this year is getting closer; I am at #40 (I hope). My 2025 reading list can be found here on the link above.

Here’s my reading list for the month with hyperlinks to each book’s official or publisher page (or the most reliable source available):

• Tao te Ching by Lao Tzu

• Let Them by Mel Robbin’s

• An Inside Job by Daniel Silva

• Atmosphere by Taylor Reid Jenkins

• Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

• All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan

• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

• Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus

• Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Got a favorite read? Please just hit reply and share your latest page-turner.

TV/YouTube Videos I Recommend Watching

1. The Wild Ones on Apple TV - we loved this series on Animal Conservation. If you love wildlife, you should watch this series.

2. The Good Karma Hospital on PBS

3. Outside My Comfort Zone in Namibia by Andy Mumford

Photo of the Month

This month, I have enjoyed going to a local park called Huntley Meadows Park. It is one of those places where you never know what you will see. I was lucky enough to photograph this Osprey fishing.

Final Note

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everyone will respect you." —Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

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Thanks for reading,

Vito