We have been having a blast teaching our online macro classes, who knew virtual learning could be so much fun? Each session we introduce new shooting techniques, discuss editing tips specific to macro, and review everyone’s photos. A lot of discussion has come up on gear, and I wanted to post this for all the Read More
Gear Talk
The Plamp
Here is an inexpensive gear tip. If you photograph flowers, macro or still life, you should order a Plamp today. This simple clamp/arm device is very helpful during shoots, and gives you a ‘third hand’ to hold reflectors or move things out of the way. I’ve been shooting a lot of macro in my backyard Read More
The results are in: best mitten system for photographers.
I have wrapped up my testing of various mittens and gloves to keep my hands warm during very cold photography sessions. I’ve been trying out different combinations in winter in arctic Alaska, the Colorado backcountry and winter in Japan. Before I get to what I wear in the coldest conditions, here is what I use Read More
Warmest glove system ever?
The older I get, the colder my hands get. I miss the days of ice climbing in Alaska at twenty below and having toasty hands. Now it seems just standing around photographing bison in the snow and my hands get cold really fast. I’ve been on a mission to find the best way to keep Read More
2020 CES Impressions
I just returned from speaking for Nikon in Las Vegas at the 2020 Consumer and Electronics Tradeshow. This is the biggest trade show in the country, 175,000 come to the event. If you are a photographer, it is like a giant candy store. While you could get distracted by Jumbotron sized HD televisions (did someone Read More
Nikon Z 24mm 1.8 S
One lens I was very excited about trying out in Patagonia last month was the new Z 24mm 1.8 S. We are already shooting both the F4 and F2.8 24-70mm, and the results are stunning. But why get a prime at 24mm? Simply put, this lens is faster by more than a stop, and that Read More
Holiday Gift Guide 2019
It’s that time of the year, let the holiday shopping begin! I’ve found some gift ideas for the photographer on your list, from inexpensive to expensive. Many companies have great sales, so now is a good time to shop. Here goes: 1. Buy a new camera! How much fun does that sound! There are incredible Read More
Singh-Ray filters on sale!
The holiday shopping begins! I’ll have a blog post of holiday gift ideas, but in the meantime, Singh-Ray filters are on sale, and they will be on the list. Wouldn’t it be nice to capture everything you saw in the landscape right in the camera? And when the photo contest comes up and says entries Read More
Raincover/Unscrewing the camera eyepiece
I’ve been in the mountains recently photographing elk, especially in Rocky Mountain National Park. Fall color has been really nice, and the temps have been mild…until a couple of days ago. Our first blizzard of the season came through, temps dropped to the teens, and snow starting falling. Any radical change in the weather often Read More
The king of bokeh?
Okay, I’ll admit I am fixated on bokeh. Bokeh (however you like to pronounce it), refers to the quality of out of focus elements in your image. Why is this such a big deal? Because bokeh establishes mood and separation in an image. A background with beautiful bokeh almost looks like a painting. And place Read More