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Hi Everyone, Happy 2026! Wishing everyone an incredibly safe year ahead. The past month has been a blur in the best possible way. We were on the road almost nonstop, which means I came home with full memory cards and a long list of photographs I cannot wait to share. We spent several weeks in Dubai, then rang in the New Year in Hong Kong. It was my first time photographing Hong Kong, and it instantly pulled me in. The energy, the layers, and the constant motion make it a photographer’s dream. Everywhere you look, there is something happening, a moment waiting to be captured. While in Hong Kong, we took a side trip to Macau, just about an hour away, yet it feels worlds apart. The contrast between the two cities could not be stronger. Macau’s reputation as one of the world's largest gambling hubs did not interest me much, but its historic side absolutely did. As a former Portuguese colony, the old streets, churches, and quieter neighborhoods tell a very different story, one that rewards slowing down and paying attention. From there, we headed to Doha, another first for me with a camera. Doha surprised me in the best way. The city is filled with striking architecture, clean lines, and bold designs that are especially fun to photograph. It is a place where light and geometry really matter, and I found myself constantly stopping, looking, and rethinking compositions. One important reason we spent so much time photographing all over Dubai is that I will be an instructor on a Scott Kelby photography workshop in November 2026. Knowing that photographers would be traveling from all over the world, I wanted to be well-prepared. I explored the city extensively, photographed locations at different times of day, and paid close attention to access, light, and practical details. My goal is simple. When the workshop arrives, I want to help participants make the most of their time and come home with strong, meaningful images. We made our way home via New York City and are now back in Washington, DC, catching our breath and organizing photos. I am also busy preparing a talk next week on photographing Dubai, which has kept me happily busy, and I recently finished a new book featuring some of my favorite wildlife photographs. Of course, real life has a way of keeping things interesting. The renovations on our condo are running about ten days behind schedule, so we are hoping to be fully back home by the end of January. Renovations are always exciting, but the delays can be a killer. To add to the adventure, one of our suitcases did not make it home with us and took three days to show up. Just another reminder that travel is never boring. Looking ahead, I am excited about photography adventures in 2026 and continuing to grow, learn, and explore with a camera in hand. Thanks, as always, for following along and being part of this journey. My Best, Vito
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