Hi Everyone,

I spent all of August in Washington, DC, which is unusual for me. At first, it felt strange to stay in one place for so long, but it turned out to be a good chance to slow down and fall into a routine. We also had family visiting, which always makes the days more lively.

This month, I also began one of my most significant projects yet. After years of encouragement from friends, I finally started writing a book about my 22 years living in Lebanon. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and it feels right to begin putting the stories on paper finally.

In between writing sessions, I hosted a few photography workshops here in DC. Teaching and connecting with others through photography continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

I am getting ready to get out on the road again which should give me some photography opportunities.

I am grateful for the journey so far, and 2025 already feels like it will be a meaningful year. Thank you, as always, for being part of it.

Take care,
Vito

Featured Travel Destination: Vermont Foliage

I put together this Vermont fall foliage guide to share my favorite photo spots in 2020. I am excited to be going back up to Maine, NH and Vermont in September 2025. I will post some new shots soon.

I started at Kent Pond near Killington for sunrise reflections, then moved on to Merck Forest for sweeping sunset views. I also included classic Vermont icons like the Henry Covered Bridge, Chittenden Reservoir, Lefferts Pond, Emerald Lake State Park, and Lake Bomoseen, which is magical at dawn. I offer some Lightroom tips for enhancing autumn tones, plus a downloadable Google Map to make planning easier. This guide is meant to inspire your own trip while giving you practical tools to capture the best of Vermont in the fall.

Photography & Tech Gear I Love

My recommendations:

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

• Nya-Evo Camera Bags FJORD 60-C GEN 4 ECONYL® CAMERA BACKPACK | 44-60L CARRY-ON ADVENTURE

• My New E-Book on Mastering ND Filters: A Photographer's Guide to Light, Motion and Magic

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 #49 (almost there). 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):

• The Summer Guest by Tess Gerritsen

• My Next Breath by Jeremy Renner

• Undeniable by Cameron Hanes

• The Mamba Mentality by Kobe Bryant

• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

• The Tenant by Frieda McFadden

• Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze

• A Marriage at Sea by Sophie Elmhiret

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

• Daily Rituals by Mason Curry

• Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy

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. Stick on Apple TV

3. Outside My Comfort Zone in Namibia by Andy Mumford

Photo of the Month

This month, I have enjoyed going over some old photos from Mont Saint Michel, France. It is a magical spot. You can read more about Mont Saint Michel on my Blog.

Final Note

"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—that is to have succeeded"... —Ralph Waldo Emerson

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Thanks for reading,
Vito