One other firmware update for the Z8 which many of you may like…you can increase the size of the red square focus point. How many times have you turned on your camera and not seen the red focus square? This happens a lot to me…I normally just hit the center ‘OK’ button of the thumb Read More
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Z8: New Cycle AF-area mode better than F1/F2 custom autofocus modes?
The new Z8 firmware version 2 has a few other updates (other than bird tracking) that are really useful. One of my favorites is the Cycles AF-area mode. This is a custom mode that can be applied to any button on the camera. Here is how it works. First, go into your controls (f) in Read More
Z8 updates to include bird autofocus
Huge update for the Z8 released. Probably the biggest addition is adding the bird autofocus mode that was already available in the Z9. Also noteworthy are Auto Capture, Pixel Shift shooting, and even some new shutter sounds. The update can be found here. I’ve been using the bird autofocus mode consistently, and I think it Read More
In The News: Nikon Plena and Route 66
Last fall when Nikon announced the Plena I was putting in my order before I had finished reading the specs. I mean really, if Nikon gives a lens a name I am going to buy it! But on a serious note, the Plena is a breed apart. Certain lenses are exceptional in every camera brand…they Read More
Day of the Dead Portraits: Elinchrom Three
I just returned from a week long photo workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico. We focused on portraits, travel and food photography while we were there (I’m still dreaming about the amazing mole sauces!). A big part of the our trip was creating portraits, both with available light and studio lighting. I was especially excited about photographing Read More
Lightroom versus Lightroom Classic, what’s best?
The new version for Lightroom (mobile version) has really added some great new features, but hands down the best one is the ability to browse and edit files on a local hard drive without having to import the files into Lightroom. There are two buttons in the upper left corner of Lightroom, one says ‘Cloud’ Read More
Workflow: Rating images in camera
I have been getting questions lately about my workflow, and has it changed with the new Lightroom (not Lightroom Classic/desktop)? The short answer is my workflow has changed some, mainly due to the ability of Lightroom to now edit images without having to import them into the program. Later this week I’ll post another blog Read More
Nikon 600mm 6.3 PF
When the 500mm 5.6 PF lens came out a number of years ago, it completely rocked my world. This lens was so small, light and incredibly sharp..it was hard to believe. Cree and I liked the lens so much we had to buy two of them, no sharing with this lens! The convenience of having Read More
ICM-Intentional Camera Movement techniques
Photographers love acronyms…ACR, DNG, RAW, NEF, IBIS,VR…and ICM. I sometimes find myself teaching a class on workshops speaking in code! What will be the new acronym for 2024? ICM, or intentional camera movement, is a fun, creative camera technique. Moving the camera during exposure transforms the image from everyday to unique. Recently I’ve heard from Read More
Best new editing tool in 2023
There have been monumental changes to Photoshop and Lightroom this year. I was just looking back at online classes we did four years ago on selections, and now with the new masking features in Photoshop those classes are obsolete! Masking has been a hit, and changed the way we make selections and edits on specific Read More
Creativity lessons: No expectations
I have been reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. This books explores creativity in all forms of art. The book has some very though provoking ideas, and also reassurances that all artists like to hear. I really enjoyed the concepts about just opening yourself to creative energy, not being so Read More
VSGO air blower/camera cleaning
I spend a lot of time cleaning cameras. Trips to Africa and Alaska can really load on the dirt, dust and debris. Recently I just returned from White Sands NP, and I noticed many of my lenses had sand on them, as well as my camera bodies. Time for a camera cleaning. I used to Read More