Exploring the picturesque wine country of Stellenbosch, South Africa en route to Kilimanjaro.

1 of 2 for @topodesigns

#bigcatsplayball

(at South Africa)

Sonita

I just returned from True/False Film Fest in Columbia, Missouri and saw some incredible, beautiful, and thought provoking documentary films. One of my favorites was Sonita, about a young female Afghan rapper that is fighting to end child marriage. I have a strong feeling that this will be an Oscar contender next year. Be sure to check it out!

A film by Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami, 2015/Iran, 91 minutes

“If 18-year old Sonita had a say in things, Michael Jackson would be her father and Rihanna her mother. She captures her dream of being a famous rapper in her scrapbook. For the time being, her only fans are the other teenage girls in a Tehran shelter. There, Sonita, a refugee from Afghanistan, gets counseling for the traumas she has suffered and guidance in shaping her future. Her family has a very different future planned for her: as a bride she’s worth $9,000. What’s more, women aren’t allowed to sing in Iran. How can Sonita still succeed in making her dreams come true? Director Rokhsareh Ghaem Maghami ends up personally involved in answering that question, reigniting the discussion as to how documentary makers should relate to their subjects. This is just one of the many unexpected twists in an exciting journey replete with the setbacks and successes of a young women looking for her own path. The film’s core consists of Sonita artistically arguing against the disastrous forced marriage practices that obstruct her freedom in an impressive, dramatic rap video.”

How to Quit Your Job

Check out this fun 30 sec sketch video I directed :)

Improv + the 21st Century: http://www.lapertoso.com/when

Directed and edited by Reuben Hernandez
Created by Lisa Pertoso
Produced by Lisa Pertoso and Reuben Hernandez
Featuring Poppy, Philip Markle, and Star
Additional Cinematography & Studio provided by Daniel Castro

Tiny Beautiful Things

#antarcticaordie #marchofthepenguins

(at Antarctica)

| changes |

Contemplating these words today:

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”

- Rumi

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

“He who seeks beauty will find it.” - Bill Cunningham

#antarcticaordie #iamnature

(at Antarctica)

Locals tell us that Vermont is on track this year to have the worst snowfall of all time. Meanwhile, NYC might have more snow than all of Vermont… #❄️

(at Stowe, Vermont)

“Run from what’s comfortable. Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.”

- Rumi

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

In honor of #Jonas, here’s one of my favorite images from last month’s Antarctic expedition

#antarcticaordie #❄️

(at Antarctica)

My name is #Jonas

#snowstormjonas

️(at New York, New York)

| 10:41 PM |

Mik, Camping Master

Antarctica

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

#mlkday #millionsmarch

(at New York, New York)

A look back at my #bestnine2015 curated by you

#sharkaholic #antarcticaordie

| MY FIRST NEW YORK |

Exactly 5 years ago today, I fulfilled my long time dream of moving to New York City. I remember it was in the middle of one of those record breaking snowstorms, and there were massive piles of snow everywhere. I was officially homeless crashing at my little brother’s apartment, had zero work lined up, was fresh off of a breakup, had very little money in my bank account, and I was searching Craigslist for photography jobs feeling defeated and wondering, “What the hell did I just do?!!”

Back then I had no way of knowing that taking that leap of faith and moving to NYC would lead me to Antarctica, many other meaningful adventures, and love. Looking back I do know that jumping off the cliff and moving to NYC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made.

This is a photograph of me after we crossed the Antarctic Circle during my first trip to Antarctica last season, and probably one of the most raw and honest photos you will ever see of me. My face is freezing, but I am happy and fulfilled, ready for anything.

#antarcticaordie

(at Antarctica)

| MARS |

where we saw a black turtle lay 100 eggs

(at Costa Rica)

| FIRST LIGHT |

The bull sharks and the crocodiles are doing just fine

#puravida

(at Playa Grande, Costa Rica)

Starting the new year off surfing Witches Rock

#endlesssummer #puravida

(at Witches Rock, Costa Rica)

2015 | A Year in Review

Greetings from Costa Rica! Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for quite some time so it’s wonderful to be relaxing and writing here as 2015 comes to a close. This year has been one of the most fulfilling and memorable years and looking back I am grateful and my heart is full.

One of the major highlights this year was my time as Photographer in Residence onboard the M/S Expedition ship in Antarctica twice this year, at the end and the beginning of the Antarctic season. It has been my long time dream to visit Antarctica ever since I was in 4th grade, and Antarctica forever changed me and left an impression on me. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced so much raw, untouched beauty, and Antarctica is out of this world and like no other place on earth. Antarctica was also my 7th and final continent. It’s crazy that I was there just 11 days ago!

I also had a blast and learned a lot freelancing for The New York Times, and working on the JR art piece that graced the cover of the New York Times Magazine, Walking New York issue. New York continues to surprise me, and I’m lucky to call it home.

This year I spent over 6 months on the road, which was exciting, tiring, and difficult at times. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to travel and create some of my most cherished memories with some of my loved ones and dear friends this year. I am reminded that life is about relationships and building community and making moments with the people that you love. 

Next year I’m excited to do an extended residency in Berlin and visit South Georgia and Antarctica again onboard the M/S Expedition.

Thanks for following along and for allowing me to share some of my images and stories this year. I’m thankful for my clients, loved ones, and friends who support me and allow me to do what I love everyday. Wishing you love, light, and peace in 2016 and beyond.

The photos above are my top 10 of 2015, curated out of 40,000 images, with captions below.

All My Best,

Reuben

1. Josefina, “Man on Wire” redefined, Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia

2. A morning filled with 400 billion suns, the rising of the Milky Way over the Atacama Desert in Northern Chile

3. Breaching humpback whale, Antarctica

4. Hiking Neko Harbor, Antarctica

5. Iceberg, Antarctica

6. Antarctic light bounce

7. Breaching great white shark, South Africa

8. Recently circumcised junior Maasai warriors, Tanzania

9.  Iceberg, Antarctica

10. 12:50 AM, Camping on Rongé Island, Antarctica

Head in the clouds

(at Costa Rica)

Cool beans

#puravida

(at Costa Rica)