Jody Holman
Bio
Wanderluster, wine drinker, pro photographer and travel designer. NorCal boutique studio for weddings and portraits, but I love to discover new corners to write about, shoot, and share through creation of unique itineraries.
Stories (21/0)
You’re Engaged! Now What??
First, let me say congratulations on your engagement! As a wedding photographer, I have been capturing love stories for over 20 years. And as someone who seen it all through the lens, I have picked up a few tricks and tips to help you start planning your big day. Hopefully, this will give you a kick-start to the event planning and help keep things enjoyable instead of stress-filled.
By Jody Holman2 months ago in Marriage
13 Iconic and Boutique Hotels in Paris with Historical Facts You Probably Didn't Know
The City of Light is famous for its grand palace hotels, but also scattered throughout Paris are boutique properties bursting with fascinating stories. Let’s step inside these distinctive Parisian addresses to experience French elegance intertwined with extraordinary tales of history and culture.
By Jody Holman2 months ago in Wander
Telluride
Nestled in a remote valley of the jagged San Juan Mountains in Colorado, Telluride draws visitors from around the world with its blend of old Western charm, vibrant contemporary culture, and breathtaking scenery. Originally a mining town, Telluride boomed in the late 19th century with the discovery of gold, silver, and, you guessed it, Tellurium. It was in Telluride that Butch Cassidy and his gang robbed one of their first banks. Telluride played a huge role in the creation of the Labor Movement with its mining worker strikes in the early 1900’s. And it became one of the first towns in the world to have commercial alternating current electricity thanks to Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse.
By Jody Holman3 months ago in Wander
Unforgettable San Francisco Adventures with Teens
San Francisco is a city that thrives on diversity and the outdoors, making it an ideal destination for families with teens in tow. With its iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and eclectic cuisine options, there's something for everyone. To help you plan the perfect trip, I have curated ten dynamic itineraries that promise an unforgettable experience, grouped by neighborhood/area.
By Jody Holman4 months ago in Wander
The NorCal Coast
This summer I was given an opportunity to take a drive down Highway 1 to shoot some coastal scenes for a local magazine. I was expecting it to be fun, but I was honestly not expecting such raw (and cultivated) beauty. Nor was I expecting to see such a change in the coastal vistas and offerings from Pacifica to Paso Robles.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Stuck at Home? Use the Time to Capture Those Kids!
To me, there are few things in the world more fun that attempting to capture a child’s true essence with a camera- that fleeting moment that can never (especially with kids) be planned. The look that says it all, the glimpse of genuine curiosity or glee, even the tears and the tantrums, will remind us forever of the person they were and have become. And now that we have a LOT of time at home with them, take advantage!... While shooting kids is always a bit of a game of luck, here are a few tips to make it easier, whether you are a budding pro or a parent with a camera.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Photography
10 Activities To Do with Your Kids During the Covid Shut In
I am not a parent who is above bribes. Nickels, jelly beans, a few minutes of screen time- pick your poison. But I have learned that these “incentives” need to be coupled with at least a tad of interest and a skosh of engagement by your target rascal or they can fall flat.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Families
Paris with Teens
I have searched the internet over for recommendations on itineraries and activities that will appeal to teens and adults alike in Paris; there is a dearth. Since I have taken my two boys a couple of times and have more trips on the docket, I thought I would share my experiences and plans. This is my list of places and activities I have enjoyed with my boys ranging in age from 10 to 16. Typically, I make a “half-agenda”, aiming for one museum or major site per day (tickets in advance), and then let the spirit of la flânerie take over.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Yountville - Bay Area Weekend Getaway Extraordinaire
" Where to go in wine country for a day or two?", you ask. My enthusiastic reply of late is “Yountville”! With so much to offer: eats and drink within a four block area, Yountville is one of my favorite places in NorCal wine country. No designated driver? No worries; park and walk the whole town in a leisurely day. Better yet, stay the night in one of its many hotels and inns. Yountville runs high on luxury, indulgence and beauty, but maintains a quaint charm and sense of ease. It is also accessible to both Napa and Sonoma, and only about an hour from the city.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Mono Lake to Mammoth & Yosemite
Mono Lake is one of oldest lakes in existence, known in part for its bird life, evidenced by the nests on top of some tufa. Watching the gulls chase after the ground-dwelling, mass-moving sand bugs yesterday was entertainment itself. But today, it is 5:15 AM and all is still- not another soul in sight. I am mesmerized by the sounds of the birds in the water and on the tufa, flying overhead, skimming the water, disrupting the beautiful reflections on the lake as they swim towards shore. As I sit, the sun comes up over the glacier-cut hills and sets the Sierras and lake alight. It was a moment I will likely never forget.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
California Gold Country Road Trip
It is rare to have one day to oneself, not to mention four. So I set out to find the best 3 day roadtrip getaway that would be part adventure, part leisure, within a 300 mile radius of home. With 15 pages of printouts from every source I could find on the Sierras, I determined my route in part by room availability. Given the mileage I was aiming for, and the intent NOT to spend every day, all day in the car, I decided to leave the Southern Tahoe, Carson City area to another trip. But the Eastern Sierras and Highway 395, touted as an area not to miss, were beckoning me.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander
Bodie to Mono Lake A Road Trip of History and Beauty
I set out with 15 pages of printouts from every source I could find on the Sierras. My route was somewhat structured by available rooms, since I waited until the last minute to book. And given the mileage I was aiming for, and the intent NOT to spend every day, all day in the car, I decided to leave the Southern Tahoe, Carson City area to another trip. But the Eastern Sierras and Highway 395, touted as an area not to miss, were beckoning me.
By Jody Holman4 years ago in Wander