The Vision: I wanted to capture the natural beauty and vibrant colors of the fish at the CSULB Japanese Garden. I saw all the fish and thought they were beautiful, so I wanted to capture their movement against the water. I really like how the colors stand out, and looking back, I think it captures the peaceful feeling of being at the garden perfectly.

Material(s): SONY DSC-W560 | ƒ/4.5 | 1/80 | 11.2mm | ISO 80

Date: August 18, 2024

The Vision: I was drawn to the sharp contrast between the deep purple of the Japanese Irises and the bright green of the garden pond. I wanted to capture how the flowers stand out against the water. I think the composition works well because it shows the flowers in their natural environment, and the colors feel very vibrant and alive.

Material(s): SONY DSC-W560 | ƒ/3.5 | 1/80 | 7.9mm | ISO 80

Date: August 18, 2024

The Vision: My goal was to capture how beautifully the whole scene at Sherman Library and Gardens compiled together. I was struck by the contrast between the still water of the lily pond and the overwhelming burst of pink and purple flowers surrounding it. 

Material(s): Apple iPhone 13 Pro | ƒ/1.5 | 1/1196 | 5.7mm | ISO 50

Date: April 14, 2025

The Vision: I captured this during my photography class because I was drawn to how this single Hong Kong Orchid stood out perfectly on its own. I wanted to highlight its unique shape and vibrant color. After taking the shot, I used Photoshop to slightly adjust the saturation to make the pink tones pop even more. I’m happy with how the final image emphasizes the flower's natural beauty against the soft background.

Material(s): Canon EOS Rebel T7 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160 | 55mm | ISO 100

Date: August 30, 2025

The Vision: I took this in my school's memorial garden during photography class. I was struck by the two white roses standing together and wanted to capture the sense of peace they brought to the garden. I think the soft lighting and the way the flowers complement each other create a very calm and graceful image.

Material(s): Canon EOS Rebel T7 | ƒ/5.6 | 1/160 | 55mm | ISO 100

Date: August 30, 2025

The Vision: I wanted to capture the beauty of my neighbor's plumeria tree when the lighting was at its best. I was really drawn to how the bright white petals contrasted with the warm, golden tones of the leaves. Looking back, I think the natural lighting really makes the textures of the plant stand out and gives the photo a very warm, peaceful feeling.

Material(s): NIKON COOLPIX S570 | ƒ/6.6 | 1/200 | 35mm | ISO 80

Date: December 8, 2025

The Vision: While it was raining in my backyard, I noticed this perfectly colored sycamore leaf resting on the wet, overgrown bricks. I wanted to capture the contrast between the autumn orange of the leaf and the bright green plants around it. I specifically used a flash to enhance the colors and the reflection of the rain. I really like how the flash made the scene feel more dramatic and sharp.

Material(s): KODAK PIXPRO FZ45 | ƒ/3.3 | 1/34 | 6.1mm | ISO 200 (Flash Fired)

Date: December 23, 2025