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A California Road Trip Captured on Film

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

Not long ago, New York–based photographer Sabrina Santiago packed up a car full of snacks, a fire playlist, and two of her best friends for an 11-day road trip through California. They drove up the coast to their final destination, Portland, Oregon. “My first memories of travel photography were stealing my dad’s disposable cameras on family vacations,” explains Santiago. “I still shoot film on my trips because I love the feeling of getting the pictures back after the trip is over. It’s an eagerly awaited shared surprise.” Scroll down for her photos of the trip up Highway One.

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“Every morning of the trip I tried to watch the sunrise. In Joshua tree I was pretty successful. The moon in this one makes me happy.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“I packed this thrifted dress to play with on the trip. While I love being a photographer in New York, having a different landscape was a treat.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“This image was taken in an area called ‘Slab City.’ I spotted this man from afar while driving past and really hoped this one would turn out.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“I took several self-portraits on our trip as it’s one of my new years resolutions. Self-documentation is important. Do it for future you!”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“Ant people from the top of Salvation Mountain.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“The color palette and palm trees in L.A. are a David Hockney dream.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“We watched the sunset from the top of this hill, mesmerized by the waves and the shadows of people walking past.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“This café was called Fat Cats and was a recommendation from our Airbnb host. I love how classic Tabasco bottles look.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“The Redwoods were probably my favorite part of the trip. It was my first time and I’ve been trying to imagine the grandness of them ever since I can remember. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around it.”

Photo: Sabrina Santiago

“I’m not sure any image could do the Redwoods justice. Some things you just have to see for yourself.”

A California Road Trip Captured on Film