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Patrick Ocampo

@pophotography

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📷 Adventure Photography
🔥 Volunteer Fire Lookout
🥾 Hiker / Backpacker
Every view is earned. 🏞️🌄🌌

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Been trying to make this drive for three weeks, but something kept getting in the way.
So last weekend, storm warning and all, I left home at 4 AM and finally headed for the coast.
Ragged Point → Cambria → Morro Bay.
Ocean views, roadside stops, no rush, and a big bowl of cioppino to end the day.
Exactly the drive I’d been needing.

#coastal #weekend #ocean #beautiful #waves taken in Central Coast, California by @pophotography

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a day ago

Definitely picked the right Sunday to chill at Red Box Picnic Area. Came up to watch the sunset, and this cotton candy sky was unreal. Spent a little time taking a few photos and a little time just taking it all in. It's a nice way to wrap up the weekend and start the week.

#angeles #forest #sunset #reset #slowdown taken in Angeles National Forest by @pophotography

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19 days ago

I really needed this little holiday weekend escape. The last four weeks have been a lot, so getting back on the trail, slowing things down, and spending a couple of days in the mountains was a much-needed reset. And seeing the first little signs of fall made it even better.

#sierra #backcountry #bishop #trek #carefree taken in Lower Lamarck Lake by @pophotography

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a month ago

Have you ever stood in such complete silence... that you could feel the universe breathing?

#stars #silence #moments #california #adventure taken in Dusy Basin by @pophotography

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3 months ago

Photos can never fully capture the scale of a place like this. It's not just the mountains or the lake, it's the perspective they give you.

We were lucky to have an entire side of the basin to ourselves. No crowds. Just the wind through the peaks, water over granite, and a rare kind of quiet.

Out here, life's worries don't magically disappear, but they stop feeling so heavy. The responsibilities are still waiting, but for a little while, nothing feels urgent.

I came back with photos.
I left with perspective.

#backpacking #sunsets #perspective #moments #vibe taken in Dusy Basin by @pophotography

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3 months ago

Every time I bring someone into the Sierra, they ask me, "What's the best part?"

I always think the answer is just ahead.

Then we cross another pass, round another bend, and somehow it gets even better.

The truth is... the best part of the Sierra is the Sierra itself.

The alpine lakes. The endless granite. The snowfields in the middle of July. The quiet mornings. Even the relentless mosquitoes become part of the story.

It's hard to explain until you're standing there.

Every itchy bite, every mile, every climb is worth it for moments like these.

Until next time, Sierra. 🏔️❤️

#beautiful #freedom #choosemountains #whereifeelalive #wildplaceswildhearts taken in Bishop Pass Trail by @pophotography

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3 months ago

Today, we honor the brave men, women, and four-legged heroes who gave everything in service to others.
Some carried rifles, some carried medical kits, and some carried loyalty and courage on four paws. Each one answered the call with selflessness, bravery, and love for something greater than themselves.
And while we remember those who never made it home, we also honor the families they left behind. The spouses, children, parents, friends, and loved ones who carry their memory every single day. Their sacrifice is part of this story too.
May we never forget the cost of freedom, nor the heroes who gave their tomorrows for our todays. Gone, but never forgotten.

#memorialday2026 #usa #heroes #patriots #honor taken in El Centro, California by @pophotography

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5 months ago

Vetter Mountain is officially open for the season—and we’re back on lookout duty! If you make the hike up, don’t be surprised if you spot one of us keeping watch 👀🔥

Before you head out, a few friendly reminders to keep your adventure fun (and safe):

Hydrate like a pro—bring more water than you think you’ll need 💧

Layer up—mountain weather can change fast 🌬️

Respect wildlife—look, don’t approach 🦌

Drive smart—follow posted signs, keep a safe speed, and use turnouts if you’re moving slower than others 🚗

We want everyone to enjoy the mountain and make it back safely. See you up there—and happy hiking! 🥾

#anf #angeles #anffla #forestry #staysafe taken in Angeles National Forest by @pophotography

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6 months ago

We are excited to welcome our 2026 class of fire lookout recruits. After completing their in-class training last week, they are ready to begin their in-tower training and put their new skills into practice.

We truly appreciate the dedication of our volunteers and the time they commit to this program.

Here's to a great season ahead.

May all our shifts bring clear skies, calm winds, and smooth days.

#ANF
#protectourforests
#wildlandfire
#forestwatch
#volunteer taken in Angeles National Forest by @pophotography

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7 months ago

Spring is in full force at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. While it may not rival the legendary bloom of 2019, this season is still putting on a beautiful show. Hillsides brushed in vibrant orange and wild desert color.

Just remember, this is a true high desert country. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready for some heat while wandering the trails.

And please tread lightly and respect the landscape. Stay on the paths, don't trample the flowers, and follow Leave No Trace principles.

#poppies #blooms #spring2026 #landscape #moments taken in Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve by @pophotography

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7 months ago

Last weekend I decided to head out to Carrizo Plains National Monument. The hills were glowing with golden wildflowers, stretching across the landscape like a living painting. What was supposed to be a quick day trip turned into an overnight stay when I realized I couldn’t miss sunset at Soda Lake. Watching the sky light up over the quiet grasslands was absolutely worth it.

And since I was already there the next morning, I figured I might as well squeeze in a hike before heading home. My plan was simply to explore—and you can’t really call it exploring if everything goes exactly according to plan.

#spring #wildflowers #golden #wandering #flora taken in Carrizo Plain National Monument by @pophotography

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7 months ago

The evening began with a beautiful sunset at Barker Dam, where the seasonal rains had left the reservoir filled with water. An uncommon sight in the desert. The still surface reflected the sky and surrounding rock formations, turning the quiet landscape into a natural mirror.

As the night fell over @joshuatreenps, the full moon rose in brilliant clarity. Over the next several hours, that bright lunar glow slowly transformed into copper red during the Total Lunar Eclipse. A rare celestial moment when the moon passes into Earth's shadow and emerges as a hauntingly beautiful blood moon.

If you missed this event, the next Total Lunar Eclipse is expected to occur on December 31, 2028.

#eclipse #moon #celestial #transformation #mystical taken in Joshua Tree National Park by @pophotography

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7 months ago