We’re finishing up our online cabin fever macro class, and today we are discussing getting really close. As in closer than your macro lens can get. While we will be discussing extreme close up lenses, we will also look at getting your standard macro lens even closer for 1.5x or 2x magnification. Extension tubes are Read More
Perspective and Tension
We have been doing a lot of online image reviews during these stay at home times, and landscape images have been a hot topic. One thing I see a lot of is a technically perfect image…but no tension in the image. What does this mean? Think of tension as eye movement, not necessarily drama or Read More
Focus Peaking Landscapes
This week during our online advanced landscape class we talked about maximizing depth of field, and figuring out where exactly to focus in an image. Traditionally photographers have used techniques like depth of field preview, hyperfocal distance and LCD image review to check critical focus. I still use my depth of field preview button on Read More
A quicker way to autofocus
Modern DSLRs have extensive menu systems. Each new camera seems to offer more customization options, which is good for photographers. When I first buy a new camera, I know I will spend a hour just going through the menu and setting my preferences, as well as setting different functions to different controls on the camera. Read More
Vanishing Point
Next week we are getting ready to start up another 3 day online class of Advanced Landscapes, and I was reminded from participants in our earlier classes how much they loved hearing new compositional guidelines. During workshops we get the chance to highlight some of these, but not nearly as in-depth as we do with Read More
My favorite feature about mirrorless.
Much is mentioned when photographers talk about what they like about mirrorless cameras. Often it is seeing real time exposure in the viewfinder. Or maybe it is the smaller size of mirrorless cameras and lenses. While those features are handy, they are not my favorite feature about mirrorless (okay, maybe they are tied for first). Read More
Photographing from Helicopters
As we look forward to 2021 and being able to travel again, one photographic activity I always look forward to are aerials. Not flying a drone, but looking out the side of a helicopter with doors off thousands of feet in the air. Having spent the last 30 summers in Alaska on commercial assignments and Read More
Seeing in Black and White
During our online Creative Camera Class, we spent one day discussing black and white imagery. Converting to black and white has benefits. First, without the bias of color, you are forced to look for other graphic qualities like texture, shape and form. Portraits become very raw, and it is easier to have a direct connection Read More
Nikon 180-400mm w1.4x
One lens I used a lot through the years was my Nikon 200-400mm F4. This focal range hit the mark for so many images, and I could always add a 1.4x converter if I needed to go longer. But I sold that lens years ago when I bought a 300mm F2.8 and 500mm F4. Plain Read More
Remote Camera Bird Photography
Looking for ways to keep expanding your creativity and technical skills this winter? Cree and I have been photographing backyard birds almost every morning for months now. It is just a great way to start the day, even if we only get a few pictures. It’s just good to sit behind that camera! But in Read More