Outdoor Adventures in The Western United States & Photography

Outdoor Adventures

Arches National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, Zion National Park, Great Basin National Park, San Francisco, Batteries to Bluffs Trail, Pacific Coast, Canyonlands National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Point Reyes National Seashore, Mori Point, San Francisco to Colorado Trip

San Francisco to Colorado Road Trip Through Utah & Nevada (Late Spring Guide)

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Birding, Lychens, Monterey Cypress, Whale Watching, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters

Guide to the Best Short Hikes at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Birding, Lychens, Monterey Cypress, Whale Watching, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, Sea Otters

Mori Point, Rockaway Beach, Birding, Harbor Seals, Whale Watching, Wildflower Hikes

Mori Point Wildflower Hike: Admiring Coastal Habitat Restoration along the Pacific Coast

Mori Point, Rockaway Beach, Birding, Harbor Seals, Whale Watching, Wildflower Hikes

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.

About

my Latest Articles

Photography

Jun 11, 2025

10 Stunning Forest Photography Subjects (With Practical Tips!)

Jun 11, 2025

Ever been wowed by the serene beauty of a forest but ended up with a photo that screams cold green nightmare? You’re not alone! Forest photography is a unique challenge—light shifts, shadows play tricks, and the sheer depth can overwhelm your frame. There’s a saying about not seeing the forest for the trees—and that’s exactly how it feels sometimes in the woods. So many details hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to capture their magic. This article aims at inspiring you to explore those details and help you create photos that truly reflect the forest’s unique vibe.

Jun 11, 2025

Outdoor Adventures

Jul 1, 2025

Best Tide Pooling Spots Near San Francisco (With Tips & Marine Life to Spot)

Jul 1, 2025

When the tide goes out, a hidden world of marine life is revealed—full of strange and beautiful creatures clinging to rocks or tucked beneath seaweed. Tide pooling offers a rare glimpse into this world, and in this guide, I’ll take you to my favorite spots near San Francisco, with tips on when to go, what to look for, and how to explore responsibly.

Jul 1, 2025