Lightroom (and Photoshop) has another way to further refine your selection using the new masking tools. It’s call Intersect Mask, and here is how it works. Take a look at this image at top…a portrait of a friend during an adventure sports workshop in Alaska. Using the new ‘Select Subject’ feature, let’s first see how Read More
Blog
Reducing bright halos around selections.
We’re in the middle of an online class right now discussing the new masking features in Lightroom and Photoshop. If you work in Lightroom, this is a major update and allows a lot more power in selective editing. With just one click you can select a subject by a number of methods, invert, refine and Read More
Z9 Wide Area Large Autofocus
Cree and I just returned from three days of shooting in Jackson, Wyoming. We used to live in Wyoming, and love the Tetons. It also gave me an opportunity to continue to explore the autofocus options of the Z9. One thing is very obvious about the Z9, similar to otherl mirrorless cameras; choosing the Read More
My Z9 Settings
I have had so many questions on Z9 settings that I decided to do a blog post on it. The Z9 menu system is the most extensive on any Nikon camera, so there are a ton of options. Also, because you can customize so many buttons and modes there are lots of ways of setting Read More
No more back button autofocus using the Z9?
I have been using back button autofocus for years now…it was tough to switch over, but once I did couldn’t imagine anything else. The biggest reason was I often needed to focus on a spot, recompose, and shoot. DSLRs don’t cover 100 percent of the viewfinder with autofocus points, so you just focus on the Read More
Nikon Z9 snow portraits
We are in the coldest part of winter right now in Colorado, so it is providing great opportunities for winter shooting. Subzero temps, over a foot of new snow…bring it on! But you might not think portraits are good in these conditions, but it can provide some unique, beautiful images. Cree had a senior portrait Read More
Z9 shooting in subzero weather
It was -9 degrees the other day at our house, so I thought that would be a great first trial of the Z9 in cold weather. Not Fairbanks cold, but cold enough that snow was crunching and feathery ice crystals were on our windows. I spent 7 straight hours with the camera outside each day, Read More
Z9: Best Autofocus mode for wildlife
I just came in from our backyard bird blinds shooting my favorite wildlife combo…600mm F4E FL and the Z9. I have been photographing birds and deer near my house for the last few days, and I think I have a few observations that will help Z9 users figure out the incredible autofocus options on the Read More
My First Day with the Z9
I know most reviewers like to take days, weeks, even months of using a camera before they do a review. I mean, how much can you really learn about a new camera in one day? Tons!!! I don’t need more time to give an initial review, I’m way too excited not to pass on a Read More
MacBook Air with M1 chip
Okay, I saved one the best for last. Apple in transitioning into using their own chips (M1) into the computers, and the new line of laptop pros and airs is incredible. Why upgrade your computer? Speed, extended battery life, fastest thunderbolt ports, and a better screen. My last MacBook Air I had for four years, Read More
Photo Mechanic will make your photo editing easier
If you have traveled with Cree and I, you know we love Photo Mechanic. This simple, inexpensive program allows you to look at photos faster than anything else….maybe that’s why the overwhelming majority of photographers covering the Olympics were using it. We use Lightroom like most photographers, but we use Photo Mechanic to cull images Read More
Lens Coat Lens Sack
Here is another stocking stuffer under $30…a Lens Coat Lens Sack. This is a simple version of a bean bag support. You fill it up with rice, beans or similar, hang it over your car window opening or the bar of your safari vehicle, and you are ready to go. There are fancier versions for Read More