Ever since I learned to ride a bike, it’s been my favorite mode of transportation. Some people like to go fast, but I like to go SLOW and soak in all the sights, sounds, and smells. That way, I can bike through Fenway Park’s Yawkey Way on game day and savor the experience: hearing the cheering of the crowd, smelling salty hotdogs I can almost taste, and taking in the sights of street performers entertaining spirited fans.
On my next outing, I bike through a remote path lined with sweet smelling flowers, watching butterflies float haphazardly through the warm air and tickle my arms and face as they flit by me, hearing birds chirp melodiously in the gigantic wise trees above.
On another outing, I bike along the Irish coastline, hearing waves splash violently below, smelling the salty water spray carried by strong winds up to my nose, and watching puffy white sheep heartily traverse the precarious grassy cliffside between the water and the trail.
It is in these moments that I become overwhelmed with awe for my surroundings, pull off to the side of the trail and reach into my camera bag to capture the moment. I might be uncomfortable, tired, and weary, but in that moment, all that matters is capturing the beauty that surrounds me.
When I’m bikepacking with my belongings to stay overnight and have long stretches between destinations during the day, it’s not unusual for me to stop hundreds of times in one day to capture these fleeting moments, now a memory forever. In two and a half weeks spent biking and traveling last summer, I captured over 20,000 of these sensory-laden memories of awe.
Most of these memories don’t make it to the printer. Instead, they’re for me to remember. But for those that I publish, I want viewers to feel the magic of that moment, of feeling disconnected from the stress of the modern world, out on the trail immersed in the rich sights, sounds, and smells of the world, as if they were alongside me, getting to experience that same awe as myself: traveling through the world with a camera, just a girl on a bike.
Just a Girl on a Bike
Magpie on Sheep’s Head (Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland): While biking along the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, I spotted this unlikely pair. I watched as the Magpie hopped all over this sheep's body, eating bugs along the way. Other than a gentle shake of the head, the sheep did not seem to mind. (Exhibited in BCC’s Show, Wellesley Free Library, 4/2026.)
Killarney National Park: Serene view of the lake and mountains inside of Killarney National Park in Ireland. (Exhibited in PRC’s Your Work Here, Lesley’s VanDernoot Gallery, 2/2026.)
This Tree Stands Alone: While boating to go on a bike ride through Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park (Ireland), rising up from the scene appeared this lonely tree.
Irish Coastline: I could hear the crashing of the waves and feel the mist carried up to the path from the wind as I biked beside this Irish coastline. Colorful flowers in the foreground lead to a person looking out over the water and the surrounding peninsulas.
White Horse in a Mountainous Field (Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland): A rainy bike ride on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland led to this white horse standing amidst a lush mountainous field, like a unicorn in a sea of green.
Ladies‘ View, Ireland: A man on the left stands and looks out into the clouds and the vast valley below. This location is called Ladies’ View because Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were deep admirers of the lovely view when they visited Ireland in 1861.
Quintessential Netherlands: We had been traveling through the Netherlands, and as an avid bicycler myself, I became obsessed with taking pictures of their most popular mode of transportation: the bicycle. They were everywhere and came in such a wide variety! Seeing them whiz by this windmill with puffy clouds in the background resulted in this shot! (Exhibited at Photo Art Pavilion (online), 2/2026.)
Magic Deer: While biking in Killarney National Park, my partner saw this elder deer in front of a tree with a sign that pointed to a Holy Well. The deer vanished into the woods. The next evening, I arrived, looking for this fellow. I prayed that I would see him, and just then, the wind kicked up, my husband called for me, and we saw this elder deer and his herd. He emerged from the flowers with the silliest expression. (Exhibited in NCC’s Show, Newton Free Library, 3/2026.)
European Village: Bruges is a bustling historic town where old constantly mixes with new. This is nowhere more apparent than on its streets, where modern bicycles zip by historic architecture. (Exhibited at Photo Art Pavilion (online), 2/2026.)
Tower at Sunset: Both birds and bats were busily hunting amidst the strikingly colorful sunset that lit up a tall tower over a quiet European village.
Spotted Sika Deer, in Field: While biking in Ireland, small, spotted sika deer would move in herds over the fields. This young one romped with her twin and seemed especially peaceful.
Statue in a Puddle: After a morning rain, you never know what tiny puddles in cobblestones are going to reveal in historic European villages.
Horse Shaking Head: While biking in Ireland amongst fields of horses and sheep, I spotted this large horse playfully rolling on its back. I couldn’t help but laugh and share in his joy as I grabbed my camera. Then he sat up and shook his head and I got this action shot.
Just Around the Corner: Biking around the coast of Ireland leads to beautiful, awe-inspiring views around every cobblestoned corner.
Lake Winnipesaukee: An early morning fog had settled over Lake Winnipesauke, New Hampshire on this peaceful June day. A fisherman looks out over the calm, still waters, as a single bird flies overhead. (Exhibited at Boston Public Library (Honan-Allston), 3/2025.)
Fog on the Lake: A quiet morning bike ride in New Hampshire led to this peaceful, reflective scene on the lake.
Tired Turtle Mom: While biking in New Hampshire, I was informed that this dedicated snapping turtle mother was protecting her eggs and was nestled in to take a nap. Come back in 31 days for hatchlings, they said.
Deer in the Tall Grass: Just before sunset, this Sitka deer was rustling around in the tall grass in Killarney National Park in Ireland. I love the blocks of color and the flowing, painterly effect of this photo.
Autumn Sunset on the Charles: The air turns chilly as the sun begins to set over the river on a crisp autumn day.
Blue Heron on the Charles: While biking along the Charles River, I spotted this peaceful blue heron through the trees. It was a windy day and it was creating ripples in the blue water behind him.
Baby Swan Yoga: I noticed this precious baby swan stretching towards this flower while biking with Dutch friends in the Netherlands.
Rothenburg Sunburst: During a bike trip, a walk around the city walls at sunset revealed sweeping colorful skies and a warm sunburst.
Hiding Squirrel: This squirrel on Cape Cod was busily jumping from branch to branch and munching on these delicious treats. It almost looked like it was hiding behind these leaves and peeking at me.
Gosling Eating Grass: Spring season means 2 things: it’s time for me to start biking again, and it’s time for me to photograph goslings! This one popped up whilst eating grass at a nearby river. What a cutie!