[nggallery id=18]

I spent 18 days in Ecuador this summer with a group from National Geographic. We started in Quito, Ecuador and then moved through Mindo and Cotopaxi before heading to the Galapagos Islands. Because National Geographic has great connections around the world and is known for their great photography, the 27 other highschoolers and I were able to visit unique parts of Ecuador that many tourists were not able to see. Having National Geographic photographers with us was an awesome experience because they helped us learn different ways to take pictures and what shots would come out best. During our trip, we focused on the nature and culture of Ecuador by getting up at 4 a.m.  to take pictures of rare birds and by going around the town, meeting locals, and taking their pictures.