My Thoughts, Ramblings and Ideas

Welcome to the journal — not quite a blog, not quite a notebook. Just a quiet space where I can put words to the images I create and share stories from the road. Sometimes it's a reflection, sometimes a glimpse behind the scenes, and sometimes it's just the thoughts that surface after a long hike, a quiet camp, or time spent off the beaten path.
Think of it as a place to wander — through landscapes, ideas, and whatever else the journey stirs up.

Andrew Hertel 5/25/25 Andrew Hertel 5/25/25

Winter’s Gateway

A soft snowfall, two quiet trees, and a final frame that almost didn’t happen. Winter’s Gateway captures the fleeting beauty of winter in San Diego’s Mount Laguna and the quiet reward of going just a little further.

Andrew Hertel 3/18/25 Andrew Hertel 3/18/25

Snow Day in San Diego

A heavy winter storm brought fresh snow to Mount Laguna, offering conditions most people would avoid—but for me, it provided a perfect day of clarity and creativity, embodied in this solitary Jeffrey Pine.

Andrew Hertel 1/26/25 Andrew Hertel 1/26/25

Hokkaido: Act III, The Christmas Tree

A breathtaking moment in Hokkaido, Japan, featuring the iconic "Christmas Tree" under dramatic winter skies. This image from my series Hokkaido: A Tale of Light and Snow captures the fleeting magic of light, shadow, and snow, showcasing the quiet beauty of this serene landscape.

Andrew Hertel 5/5/24 Andrew Hertel 5/5/24

Hokkaido: Act II

Embark on a visual journey through the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan, as captured by a passionate black and white photographer. Explore the enchanting beauty of winter scenes, where majestic trees stand against the backdrop of softly blanketed skies, inviting you to immerse yourself in the serene majesty of nature's canvas.