Outdoor Adventures in The Western United States & Photography

Hey there, and Welcome!

I’m Vanessa, a German girl living in California, where I’ve fallen deeply in love with the natural beauty and diversity of the Golden State — and the entire Western United States. I’m the one-woman-show aka the writer and photographer behind Venture Beyond the Picture.

You’re in the right place if you’re looking for travel guides, real tales from the trails, and photography that celebrates wild landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and the quiet beauty of nature.

I hope what you find here helps you plan your adventures across the Western U.S., capture the outdoors through your own lens, and spark new inspiration.

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