From Hollywood Western film set to desert legend - this is Pioneertown’s second act.
In 2020, two LA brothers breathed new life into an old ranch-town motel and turned it into Southern California’s most magnetic desert hideaway.
Step into the story of Mike & Matt French as they revive Pioneertown Motel, a place where dusty movie roots meet modern desert culture — and where nights come alive at Pappy & Harriet’s, with shows from the likes of Paul McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, and Queens of the Stone Age shaking the saloon walls.
@juliettaylor / Director / Cinematography
@dominiclocherfilms / Director / Cinematography
@nickbonsta / Producer / Creative Director
Veil Obscura is a visual meditation on transformation, time, and the natural forces that shape our continent. A landmark project capturing Kati Thanda - Lake Eyre at its fullest in more than fifty years. This body of work stands as both an abstract record and a documentary of one of Earth's most extraordinary transformations.
Exhibition Launch: Thursday 11.12.25 at Newstead Studios - 22 Ross Street Newstead, Qld.
Production: @human.terrain
Director & Photographer: @samthies
Motion: @jumpinanddieagain
Producer: @ufoundjc
Producer: @nickbonsta
Media: @celebrateourcreatives
Gallery: @newsteadstudios
Acknowledgement: Produced on the traditional lands of the Arabana People
#veilobscura #katithanda #lakeeyre #fi̇neartphotography #australianlandscape #environmentaldocumentary #artbook #samthies #humanterrain
Our latest film follows Burnett Mary Regional Group and Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation as they bring ten islands in the Great Sandy Strait back to life, through cultural heritage work, removing invasive pests, and reviving traditional cool burning practices.
We spent two days in May out on the water, filming Butchulla people, with a focus on their next generation, heading back to the islands their ancestors looked after for thousands of years.
It's where traditional knowledge meets environmental science. With all involved learning from each other and healing together.
Project: Healing Butchulla Country
Client: @bmrg4nrm
Credits:
Producer: @ufoundjc
Creative Director: @nickbonsta
Director/Photographer: @samthies
DOP: @itsmikeyconlon
B-CAM/Drone Operator: @gately.ethan
Editor: @gately.ethan
#HumanTerrain #People #Place #GreatSandyStrait #Queensland #BMRG #BNTAC
We started this thing called @human.terrain
It’s a creative studio telling real stories about people, place and the planet through film, photography and cool projects with @ufoundjc@samthies and stuff we are doing at @journeymakertravel
More soon. 🌍 📷 In the meantime please give us a follow…
🌍 Paradise is getting crowded. Are the travel algorithms sending us all to the same places?
The harsh truth? Global tourism is set to grow 1.75x in the next decade, and our favorite destinations can't handle it.
But here's what nobody's talking about:
• OVERTOURISM isn't just about long lines and crowded photos
• It's eroding local cultures
• Destroying environments
• Pushing residents out of their own cities
The good news? We can be part of the solution 👇
LOCAL GEMS are the future of travel. Places like:
• Lombok instead of Bali
• Benevento instead of Tuscany
• Scotland's hidden trails beyond NC500
Why it matters:
When we choose lesser-known destinations, we:
✨ Support local communities
🌱 Preserve authentic cultures
🏡 Create sustainable tourism
💫 Get more meaningful experiences
Real talk: The future of travel isn't about checking off bucket list locations - it's about discovering authentic experiences that benefit both visitors AND locals.
Think differently about your next trip. Sometimes the road less traveled leads to the most extraordinary stories.
🤔 What's your favorite hidden gem destination?
#ResponsibleTravel #SustainableTravel #TravelDeeper #HiddenGems #AuthenticTravel #SlowTravel #MindfulTravel #TravelTips #OffTheBeatenPath
The most powerful part of travel isn't the destination - it's the ANTICIPATION. 🌟
I discovered this in a tiny boutique hotel in Buenos Aires, where a simple handcrafted guidebook transformed our entire experience. It made me realize something huge...
The tourism industry is missing its biggest opportunity. We focus so much on bookings and logistics that we forget about the 73 days of pure MAGIC between booking and takeoff.
Think about it:
• You're dreaming about your destination
• Imagining every experience
• Building excitement day by day
• Planning every detail with passion
Yet most businesses disappear during this crucial phase. They take your booking and... silence. 🤫
But here's what I've learned after years in tourism:
The anticipation stage is where travelers are most engaged, excited, and open to influence. It's where dreams take shape and decisions are made.
This isn't just about better planning - it's about transforming how we experience travel. When done right, anticipation becomes part of the adventure itself.
The future of travel isn't just about the destination. It's about creating magic from the moment you click "book." ✨
What's your favorite part of planning a trip? Share below! 👇
#TravelInspiration #TourismInnovation #TravelPlanning #WanderlustDreams #TravelTips 🌎✈️🗺️
