Seeing the World through a Camera Lens and Hula Hoop

Once you’ve caught the travel bug, there’s no getting rid of it. That’s what happened to our very own USAC alumni, Maria Jacobs and Grant Mallory. The couple spent a semester studying abroad in Chiang Mai, Thailand, but it didn’t end there. They’re next goal was to travel across the United States.

“After having studied abroad together in Thailand, we came home with lots of friends from all over the country and realized we had so much to see still of our own homeland, so we figured it was now or never,” Maria told us.

Grant photographs Maria in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Maria and Grant set off on their road trip across the country, stopping to visit friends and to see national parks along the way. But it wasn’t enough to just see it. No, Maria and Grant turned these beautiful places into something even more incredible.

“Our intent to visit as many national parks as we could gave us the idea to make this photo series – our national parks are the heart of the United States and we were eager to document them in a unique and creative way.”

Maria and Grant pause for a photo in Luang Prabang, Laos during their time abroad.

This is a perfect example of what it means to make a mark on the world in a positive way.

Maria and Grant got engaged on the trip and will be returning to Asia next year while Maria teaches English.  “Hopefully we can continue to take LED hoop photos in every exotic and beautiful location we find ourselves.”

Grant photograph Maria in Olympic National Park, Washington.

The two were able to combine their talents and create something magnificent. Their photographs have been featured on several different websites. You can follow along with their adventures through their blog, or see more of Grant’s photography on his website.

No matter where you are, you can create amazing things and leave your own mark on the world. Take a page from Maria and Grant’s book; just do what you love and something magical will come.

–USAC