GREER’S BEST BUYS:Head off on an expedition for photos

StudioHodson, a longtime photography studio in Costa Mesa, specializes in commercial, portrait, retail, food and wedding photography. Co-owners Bob Hodson and Jay Rifkin are hosting incredible photo expeditions in some of the world’s most exotic and scenic spots.

“Our goal is to indulge the curiosity of those who want to know what is behind the scenes, the insights into cultures, customs and natural wonders that remain hidden from conventional tourists,” Rifkin said. “We challenge the senses of those willing to explore an indescribable fusion of tastes, colors, sounds, vistas and textures and capture these into a photographic experience.”

The journeys offer once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities and appeal to travelers with a spirit of adventure and flexibility. International destinations include picture-perfect villages, ancient temples and fantastic palaces in Siem Reap, Cambodia; Udaipur and Agra, India; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Prague, Czech Republic; Cuzco, Peru; Istanbul, Turkey; Bhutan and Tibet. Domestic trips are on the agenda too.

StudioHodson plans on traveling to some of the country’s most photo-friendly areas: grain elevator landscapes, Utah’s national parks, Times Square and quaint small towns.

“The end result is that our clients come home from a phenomenal vacation with their own photographs, bound in a coffee-table style book that looks like a professional,” Rifkin said.

StudioHodson is at 124 D Broadway, Costa Mesa. For more information, call (949) 646-0337 or (949) 355-2198 or go to www.studiohodson.com .

ADVANCING SKINCARE

Bellagio Spa and Salon is a full-service hair salon that offers a wide range of body treatments, massage and cosmedical procedures including laser treatments and derma fillers. And it offers advanced beauty services exclusive to the Newport Coast area. Two unique treatments include a Cellcosmet facial and anti-cellulite sea algae wrap. Cellcosmet products are from Switzerland, and if you love facials, try this one to stimulate the skin. Devotees claim that you can see the effects of the facials immediately and have the most noticeable effects the day after. The re-mineralizing sea algae wrap is an anti-cellulite treatment that Bellagio is also one of the first to offer. The treatment claims to rid the body of excess toxins and aids in circulation. High-quality Decleor products from Paris are used in the wrap. Fans of the treatment say they experience a warm and tingling sensation, and that one session can provide noticeable results.

Bellagio Spa and Salon is at 21165 Newport Coast Drive in the Newport Coast Shopping Center. For more information, call (949) 720-9277 or go to www.salonbellagio.com .

SWING TUNEUP

Golfers can stop by Nike Women at Fashion Island to learn how to improve their golf swing at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Get Fit for Golf seminar features speakers from Body Balance for Performance who will demonstrate two products: Dynamic Balance System and the Body Motion System The balance system shows you how you maintain your balance, and where your weight is throughout your swing. The Body Motion System uses 3-D motion technology to pinpoint exact shoulder and hip-range of motion. A Body Balance Golf Fitness specialist can help you find rotational limitations that can’t be seen to the naked eye.

“Being able to share these products with the local golfers is such a valuable tool to help them understand the connection between their body and their swing flaws,” says Stephanie Overbaugh, director of the Body Balance center in Orange County.

And while you’re at Nike Women find the highest quality Nike athletic apparel, shoes and more. For more information, call (949) 720-7020 or go to www.nikewomen.com .

D&G; JUNIOR PREVIEW

Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza hosts an exclusive preview of the D&G; Junior spring and summer collection from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Check out the latest looks for children and enjoy a candy bar, a beverage station and a photo booth.

Saks is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Saks Fifth Avenue is at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. For more information, call (714) 540-3233 or visit www.saksfifthavenue. .com

writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s founder and president of www.greersoc.com , a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.