I just finished a lighting class with the Mentor Series in Chicago, and a common question came up. What is the difference between an umbrella and a soft box? Here is a quick list of pros and cons. Umbrella: -lightweight, easy to set up -inexpensive -produces nice soft light -can’t control light spill easily -light Read More
Dealing with mosquitos
I have been on the road for the last month, and a big part of that was shooting a major assignment in Alaska. This year we shot nearly 7000 images on a shoot for Alaska tourism. Weather can always be a challenge in Alaska, and this summer was a particularly gray, wet summer. But I Read More
Chicago Lighting workshop discount
As many of you know, Popular Photography closed it doors earlier this year. One of the longest running photography magazines, it was a shock to see them close down shop. Along with shutting down the magazine, the long running Mentor Series photography workshops also will be ending this year. I have been teaching for the Read More
Focus Limit Switch
I just got in this morning from a great trip to Alaska with ANPW. We were on a roll with wildlife shooting; bears, whales, puffins and even a wolf. Some of the most memorable moments were photographing puffins in flight. Any bird flight photography is challenging, and puffins are even more erratic than other Read More
Upcoming Workshops
Some folks have been asking about my workshop schedule next year, and I am finishing up details on a few more trips. This year there is still space on a few trips. One trip I am really excited about is Prague in the fall. This is my favorite city in Europe, and it is even Read More
Dehaze Filter
If you are not familiar with the Dehaze filter in LR or Photoshop, you should be. This slider can be the silver bullet to improving images…or making them totally over processed. Some situations you can just grab the slider and do a global adjustment. Try it out on Northern Lights images or hazy scenes (thus Read More
Color Theory; Warm advances, cool recedes
I teach composition on numerous workshops I teach, and one important part of this class is color theory. Seriously, I could spend all day talking about color and nothing else in composition. Color, or black and white, are incredibly powerful tools in design and art. Colors affect our emotion, mood and reaction to an image. Read More
Nikon 1.7x Teleconverter
I just returned from a trip to Yosemite with ANPW, and conditions were unlike anything I’ve seen. With a snowpack approaching 200 percent of normal, and hot sunny conditions in the Sierras, the Merced river was flooding the valley floor. While this prevented us from shooting in some popular spots, the flooding created beautiful reflection Read More
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR
Ever since I starting shooting professionally I have used a F2.8 70-200mm (or 80-200mm way back when). Why? Because this lens is a ‘meat and potatoes’ workhorse. I can’t think of a workshop or assignment this lens wouldn’t be in my bag. On some travel workshops I bring my F4 version of this lens to Read More
Alien Skin Exposure X Layers
I have been using Alien Skin since it first came out. Their film presets are unmatched and extensive, and with each update they keep adding great features. If I want to do some creative work on a portrait, I go to Alien Skin. Black and white conversion, I go to Alien Skin. Add some cool flare Read More