Stephen Rauch’s 2025 Year in Review
From land diving on Pentecost Island and timeless days in Fiji to wildlife encounters in Africa and quiet moments in the Pacific Northwest, 2025 was a year of discovery through photography. This post reflects on the places, people, and stories that shaped my journey across the globe.
Exploring the Heart of Polynesia: Samoa and Tonga
In just a few short hours in each destination, I discovered two vastly different yet equally captivating corners of the South Pacific. Apia, the lively capital of Samoa, pulses with cultural heritage—its vibrant markets, colorful buses, and faith-filled spaces tell a story of tradition and community. Across the ocean in Tonga, the quiet charm of Neiafu in the Vava’u islands offers a slower rhythm, where wild gardens and warm smiles welcome you into a more untouched world. Through my lens, I’ve captured moments of everyday life and the deep-rooted traditions that define these beautiful islands.