Visiting the LA arboretum
In August of 2024, my family and I visited the L.A. Arboretum. This place is located in Arcadia, California. It is a botanical garden, arboretum, and historical site. If you haven't been before, I'd highly recommend it. There are tons of animals, flowers, and historic buildings to see. In fact, my favorite part was getting to see the peacocks wandering around the grounds. It was surreal to see them, since they are such unique looking birds.
Touring the Grounds
The first thing we did upon arriving at the Los Angeles County Arboretum was take time to explore the grounds. I hadn’t visited in a few years, so I was curious to see what had changed—and what still felt familiar.
The first photo on the left captures a massive, ancient-looking tree that immediately caught our attention. Standing beneath it felt surreal—like stepping into another world. The photo doesn’t quite do it justice, but being in its presence reminded me of the incredible scale of nature, and how small we are in comparison.
The middle image was taken inside one of the homes on the property. This particular room was designed to reflect what a little girl’s bedroom may have looked like during the home’s original era. The soft lighting and antique dolls added a nostalgic, almost haunting quality.
The third photo on the right was taken through a window in that same bedroom. While the view was simple, there was something special about it.
Hidden gems on property
While there was a ton to see on the property, I managed to find a few spots that felt like hidden gems. These areas were secluded, and it honestly felt like I was the only person around. I personally love finding areas that feel abandoned because of the memories that they seem to hold.
The photo on the left was taken near the coach barn. What caught my eye was the abandoned-looking bench—its appearance seemed unappealing to many, which could explain why no one was there, but that sense of quiet solitude is what drew me in.
The middle image shows the coach barn from the outside. I chose to photograph it because, despite its age, the building had an elegant and refined charm that really stood out to me.
Through the zoom lens
The photograph on the left was one of many peacocks that I saw that day. While I kept my distance from them, I was able to capture this photo with my Canon 75-300mm lens. I don’t use my zoom lens often, but moments like this make me really glad I have it—especially when photographing wildlife.
The middle photo is of a goose gliding through the pond near the front of the property. While it’s not my favorite image from the day, I do appreciate a few details—particularly the tiny water droplets resting on its head, which add a delicate touch.
The photo on the right is of a baby squirrel that I spotted near the lake. There were two baby squirrels running around, but I only posted one of the photos, since they looked similar. This was another moment where I was thankful for my zoom lens, as the squirrels were very cautious and didn’t let people get close.
