woman standing by a trail market sign at the top of a mountain

MEET ELLEN!

Hi, I’m Ellen!

A photographer and travel expert chasing the rare, the wild & the unforgettable, the encounters that leave a smile on your face for years to come. From whales off the bow to bison on the trail, the moments that leave me shocked and awed are the ones I want to bring into focus for you. 

Underneath it all is a simple belief. The closer we get to experiencing the wild, the more we want to protect it. Not only do I share in-depth how-to guides to having incredible experiences around the globe, I also show you how to do it responsibly. 

Pull up a chair. The planet is showing off.

What you’ll find on Journeys in Focus:

  • In-depth travel guides to unforgettable wildlife and bucketlist adventures
  • Travel tips to make planning your adventures easier
  • Honest reviews based on my own personal experience
  • Incredible travel inspiration to help inspire your next adventure!
Gyeongbokgung Palace Seoul South Korea

ALWAYS READY FOR AN ADVENTURE!

National Parks

Countries
US States
Havana Cuba Vintage Car

ABOUT ME

Between work and fun, I’m on the road constantly, traveling overseas and within the US. On an average year, I take 3-5 international trips and just as many within the US. And it’s safe to say, I’ve definitely picked up a thing or 2 along the way!  Every place I go, I make it my personal mission to find incredible adventures and experiences in nature that are bucket-list worthy and guaranteed to leave a lasting impact on your life. 

Responsible Travel

FUN FACTS

  • Has been given the title “whale whisperer” by my friends due to some of the insanely magical experiences I’ve had with them in the wild
  • Hiked 28 miles in one day to bring awareness and raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation San Diego Chapter
  • Hosted a beach clean-up in. Vietnam with over 100 people from 7 different countries
  • Once ate 8 bowls of pho on a 6-day trip to Vietnam (big fan of pho!)
  • Known to find the best off the tourist trail adventures and experiences
  • Has been known to break out into song, making any moment a live-action musical
  • Was once gifted a temporary pet goldfish while I stayed at a hotel in India. I named him Fin. Turns out she was actually a girl named Fifi and you can follow her at #fifiatshangrila on Instagram
  • The 5th content I visited was Antarctica (still trying to make it to Africa and Australia)
  • Stayed in a treehouse on an organic farm, living out my Swiss Family Robinson dreams. It was all fun and games until the bugs showed up on the last night.