We're Michael & Therese

Award-winning Photographers & Journalists

Telling inspiring, amusing and informative stories in words and photographs is what we do. Together, we are a powerful storytelling team that knows how to discover the unexpected and extraordinary in any destination –- and can tell a compelling tale about it. Our travel is slower and more immersive, allowing us to connect with the soul, culture, and people of a place in ways few others can.

Our story and photography interests focus on experiential travel, cultural and historical immersion, the natural world, adventurous experiences, and culinary exploration. Our photography captures and expands the essence and energy of any story or destination.

Featured in an Outdoor Biz podcast

We talked with Rick Saez, host of the award-winning Outdoor Biz podcast, about the world of adventure travel photography and writing. Give a listen below to hear about our adventures and how HI Travel Tales was born.

Featured in a CoupleCo podcast series

Want to know what it’s like to work with your spouse – and stay married? Then listen in to two CoupleCo podcast episodes featuring Michael Hodgson and Therese Iknoian below.

We’ve traveled to:

U.S. States

Countries

Continents

We’ve won a number of awards along the way.

2024

NATJA – Photographer of the Year; 3 Photography Gold Medals; 3 Photography Silver Medals. PPA’s International Photographic Competition – Bronze Medal Wildlife Photography.

2023

IFWTWA – Excellence in Journalism Award; Best in Show Photography; 2 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal; 1 Photography Bronze Medal; NATJA – 4 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Bronze Medal.  California State Fair – Best in Show Photography. InFocus – 1 Photography Gold Medal. OWAA Excellence in Craft – 2nd place Outdoor Adventure Writing; 3rd place Photo Essay; 3rd place Action Photography; 3rd place Wildlife Photography. Minimalist Photography Awards –3rd place Night Photography.

2022

IFWTWA – 3 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal; 2 Photography Bronze Medals. NATJA – Bronze Medal “Best Independent Travel Blog; 1 Photography Gold Medal; 2 Photography Bronze Medals.

2021

IFWTWA – Best in Show Photography; 2 Photography Gold Medals; 1 Photography Silver Medal. NATJA – 1 Photography Gold Medal; 2 Photography Silver Medals, 1 Photography Bronze Medal.

2020

NATJA – 1 Photography Gold Medal; 1 Photography Silver Medal, 1 Travel Essay Silver Medal. Washington Post Travel Photography Contest – 3rd Place.

Recent Travel Posts

We are travelers. Always have been. We engage. We explore. We immerse ourselves everywhere we go. We are both uber-curious and enthusiastic about sharing our experiences. Here are just a few of our latest travel stories.

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