Growing up in rural Georgia inspired a profound love of nature in me. So when I moved to Los Angeles in 2023, I was excited to discover there were just as many opportunities to connect with the natural world—and a community of like-minded people to savor it with.
By Peyton Fulford
I shot these photographs along the coast of California on two separate trips: Big Sur was a girls trip with two friends, and the Sierras was a big camping trip with around 30 people for a birthday celebration.
We all love camping. In my opinion, it’s a better bonding experience than hotels or Airbnbs, and it’s much more affordable. We all get by with simple living.
I think the best part is how communal it is. It really feels like we’re a family.
We do everything together: set up camp, cook around the campfire, etc. We all help each other out unconditionally, and no one thinks about owning certain roles or abiding by societal norms. We make our own world to live and play in. It’s very freeing.
We swam in the ocean in Big Sur, swam in the Owens River and June Lake in the Sierras, skipped rocks, played soccer, went to the natural hot springs, told stories around the campfire, danced, and most importantly were fully present with each other. We don’t even listen to music usually, just the sound of the trees in the wind, birds, and each other.
These outings are becoming a tradition for me. I am so lucky to have a big, beautiful community here.
—As told to Kristina Feliciano
‘The best part is how communal it is. It really feels like we’re a family.’
Peyton Fulford is a photographer based in Los Angeles. Follow her at @peytonfulford.