For Parastu, hiking is more than time spent outdoors — it’s a creative and mindful practice that helps her slow down, observe, and discover hidden beauty in the natural world. Last Labor Day, Parastu and her husband set out on a hike in the Monte Cristo area, a historic former mining region located about two hours from home in Snohomish County. That day they chose the Del Campo Peak hike, a popular destination known for its sweeping mountain views, rugged alpine scenery, and fascinating rock formations. Like many hikers, the couple focused on reaching the summit, steadily working their way through the alpine terrain. But when they finally reached the peak, Parastu shifted her focus from the destination to the experience itself.

Settling in for a well-earned rest, she allowed herself to fully absorb the landscape around her. With a self-described overstimulated mind, Parastu has learned the value of slowing down and being present in the moment. As she studied the rock formations surrounding the summit, something remarkable caught her attention—what appeared to be a human face naturally formed by the landscape. It wasn’t the first time nature had revealed artistic inspiration to her.

Four years earlier, during a trip to Costa Rica, Parastu experienced a similar discovery. While maintaining a routine of early morning beach runs, she noticed one morning that flower petals had formed a perfectly symmetrical imprint in the sand. The delicate, temporary design left a lasting impression and sparked a deeper appreciation for the artistic patterns that nature can create.

These experiences connect directly to Parastu’s creative path. With her background in street photography and senior portraits, she has developed a style centered on capturing human expression, connection, and storytelling. Those same themes now guide the way she observes the natural world, allowing her to spot patterns and faces reflected in landscapes and formations outdoors. Through her discoveries, Parastu became fascinated with the concept of pareidolia, a psychological phenomenon in which the brain interprets familiar patterns, particularly faces, in random shapes or objects. Learning about this phenomenon helped validate her experiences and opened the door to further artistic exploration. 

She later discovered books and podcasts dedicated to the subject, confirming she was far from alone in seeing these hidden figures in the landscape. To further her skillset, Parastu took a trip to Bandon, OR to attend a “Meaningful Photography” workshop led by Daniel J. Gregory, a fine art photographer based in Washington. The experience became a foundational moment in her journey, shaping the way she approaches observation and composition, and continues to influence the mastery of her photographic work today.

Her passion for both hiking and photography is also a reflection of her personal story. Parastu and her husband first met 16 years ago while hiking — a shared love of the outdoors that continues to shape their relationship today. They have lived in West Bellevue for over a decade and are raising two children, often incorporating outdoor adventures into family life.

Whether capturing candid street portraits or exploring mountain trails, Parastu approaches photography with the same philosophy: meaningful creativity begins with observation. By noticing patterns, pausing to reflect, and allowing imagination to interpret what nature presents, she finds beauty that might otherwise go unseen.

For Parastu, every hike holds the potential for discovery. Sometimes it’s a sweeping mountain view or a peaceful moment of stillness. Other times, it’s a hidden face quietly emerging from the rocks — waiting for someone willing to slow down and truly look. Travel will also continue to be an important source of inspiration for Parastu and her husband. Seychelles and the Maldives sit at the top of their travel bucket list for their untouched landscapes, and they also hope to explore more of what’s closer to home, with U.S. National Parks high on their list for future adventures.

If you’re interested in checking out her street photography, visit: paraslens.com. And if you're interested in learning more, check out these sources:

FACES IN THE ROCKS: Beyond Landscape to Psycho-Geological Photography, by Joel Simpson

 

Beyond Landscape, by Hans Strand

Podcast: Finding Faces in the Rocks, with John Paul Caponigro and Joel Simpson

Landscape photographers John Paul Caponigro and Joel Simpson discuss pareidolia—seeing familiar forms in random patterns—and its influence on their work.