Jared Birt Photography

Bali is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The landscape, the people, the food, their culture...it all culminated into this amazing experience that I know I will never forget. From the minute I landed, I was instantly enamored with this island and its people. I stayed at this incredible health spa resort in the middle of the island called Ubud Sari in the village of Ubud. I was up every morning with the sunrise, so excited for my day to begin and to go into the village to take photos and experience their culture firsthand.

From trees, to the ragged shore cliffs to waterfalls, the jungle backdrop was so lush and beautiful. The ocean was such an unreal color of turquoise that it almost looks fake in my photos. Trust me it's not! Vibrant colors are everywhere and the whole village smells of tropical flowers and incense.

But even more than that, the most beautiful thing about Bali was its people. From the very beginning, I couldn't get over just how friendly, hospitable and happy these people were. I would wander the streets and they would invite me, a stranger, into their homes and allow me to take photos (which is an interesting adventure since we didn't speak each other's languages!). The kids, especially, were so beautiful and precious. I can't tell you how much I wish we could adopt a child from there!!! One very important part of my time there was spent with my driver, Wyan, who is just an amazing man. He is a person that is completely thankful for every little thing he has...which isn't much at all. He started out as my driver but we instantly forged a friendship and I still write him to this day. It was amazing to listen to him speak about his devotion to his family/kids and to hear the contentment in his voice. Though Balinese families only live on about 3,000 Rupiah a day (that's about $3 USD), they are some of the most content, happy, and humble people I have ever encountered. Their life consists in such peaceful simplicity: family, hard work, community, their religion, eating healthy and just enjoying life. It's a perspective I want to hold onto. It's a far cry from what we sometimes see and experience in the hectic and "I want, want, want" world of living in America.  

My time was short there but I came away with such a full experience. I now completely know what my clients, Tom and Keryn, were talking about when they tried to describe how much they love Bali. I was there to photograph their wedding and it was such a beautiful and intimate day. I won't post these photos until September, when they have their reception party here in Portland but know I couldn't have asked for lovelier clients.  

Bali will always have a special place in my heart and I am so thankful and humbled that I had the opportunity to go there. I can't wait to take Rebekah there so she can meet Wyan and his family and have the same experience I had.