Do Something.

Paradise, is something we’re all searching for. A state of mind of absolute perfection. Whether it’s white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, swaying palm trees, and panoramic sunsets... For that one place that truly makes you feel alive. We all continue to search. But how far would you go to find it? - Quote from ISOLATED

Travel is a luxury. And dare I ever forget... every time it hits my travel mates and I the same... how lucky we are to be able to travel. I tend to travel to places with waves. Preferably to the more remote places, where I don't speak the language (but will try), and where local culture still exists.

I'm one week back from Costa Rica, and I'm revisiting my photos and watching surf movies  with any free time I have. I came across ISOLATED on Netflix on MLK Day. What does a surf film and MLK Day have anything to do with each other? Nothing and something - the understanding of human rights and taking action. I thought I was going to watch another surf film but ISOLATED is much more than a group of surfers carrying around their expensive boards, exploring remote areas to surf. It’s a film about human rights for the people of West Papua. See below for the trailer, find out more, and watch the film. 

Take Action: LINK

Trailer for ISOLATED from Executive Producer Ryan Phillippe Directed by Justin Lepera Network Summary: A group of feral surfers and modern day explorers embark on a journey to search for one of the world's last undiscovered waves in the journalist dead zone island of New Guinea. TAKE ACTION by becoming an Isolated Ambassador for Peace today at www.isolated.tv

Riding Giants

In 2004, I walked into a Hollywood Video (remember those? like a blockbuster) and saw a used copy of "Riding Giants" in the sale bin for $5. I had been a fan of watching surf competitions since a teen and I really couldn't go wrong purchasing this DVD with Laird Hamilton on the cover.

Let me tell you... best used DVD purchase EVER. One of my favorite documentaries, and solidified my love for the sport, big waves, and capturing the beauty and intensity of waves. You may have seen it already or not... but below is a link to watch the first part of the film online. You should be able to figure out how to watch the rest, or buy the movie. 

RIDING GIANTS 1 OF 5 by Top-Notch112

Robert August shaping a board in his studio, Costa Rica. (pic by linda lee)

Speaking of surf docs, Endless Summer is right up there with Riding Giants. I know, it's an obvious pick for anyone into surfing, but was only solidified for me after meeting Robert August in Costa Rica. A surf legend who is the epitome of good vibes (chatted a couple of afternoons about surfing and marketing), board shaper, and a ladies man! If I ever get better (phoenix), I'm going to buy a Robert August longboard. 

I Made A Book! | The Oaxaca Experience

I made a book! And it's good! And you should make one too if you care for this sort of thing. After enough procrastination, I put together a travel photo book called The Oaxaca Experience. It's a collection of photos from my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico in 2013/2014. I used Blurb.com to print the book, and the Blurb integration in Adobe Lightroom for the layout. The process was very simple, but time consuming because I had a specific way I wanted to layout the book. I also wanted to custom design the cover and introduction page. 

This will be a series of travel/photo books I plan on putting together for Grubtripper (my travel project), so be on the lookout for more. Separate blog post on Oaxaca, MX coming soon as well.

Peep below for more images of the book. If you have any questions in creating a photo book, shoot me an email. 

B&W Skateboard Photography

I like colors. But I love a color that pops against black. The contrast of black and white are dramatic. And I love any drama that doesn't have to play out in real life - artistic drama or crappy TV drama. 

I have no idea how I arrived to this video from RED BULL ILLUME, but am glad I did, because now I can share it with you. By the way, Red Bull has some of the most amazing action sports content available. So impressed and inspired by the work of the content creators and producers. 

In this video above, photographer Fred Mortagne expresses his passion for shooting b&w film. 

Life Lessions: Passion

ladies. remember a daytime soap named passions? It was kind of awful. And starred kooky characters as well as Jesse Metcalfe. And no, I'm not going to talk about the show. You're welcome. 

I didn't fully understand passion until recently. I've always been a passionate person, but as I was putting together a presentation to high schoolers about who I am, what I do, and how I got here, I realized.... damn Linda Lee, you've managed to do most of the things you love. 

Passions can change and evolve. To some, it may seem flaky if you don't complete all your passion projects. And I used to let that bother me. But then I realize I'm passionate about a lot! And some things have taken a long time to fulfill, and some things I'll revisit, and maybe some things I realize I'm not as passionate about. And that's okay. Don't let someone else's negative voice dull you. 

Some of us are lucky enough to be passionate with our work. Where we get paid to do what we love. I wouldn't say I'm 100% there, but I'm on my way to figuring it out. But if we don't get paid for it, that's okay too. Keep at it. Find the time when you can. Life happens, of course. But I will say that the moment we stop thinking about how we can make money from the things we're passionate about and just do it, somehow the universe will reward you in some way. 

A lesson I learned in my life, is that sometimes we end up doing what we think we love, but working in it, might actually make you hate it. Without that experience, I wouldn't know. Now, some of the things I'm most passionate about I'm not gaining any monetary value, in fact it costs me money, but it's totally worth it. 

The video I'm sharing "Dark Side Of The Lens" is probably one of my favorite short form videos ever. If you follow me anywhere else, I've shared this video countless times. The video is very inspirational to me - ocean, waves, cinematography... It's not a bright and uber cheery video about doing what you love, rather it's a video with so much beauty, such great storytelling, and completely oozing passion from all elements of this art form.