I was in Moab last week working on a shoot which involved a lot of night photography. My timing was pretty good since the moon was just strong enough to add some light to the desert, but not overpower the stars in the sky. The desert in the Moab area is spectacular for night photography, Read More
Shooting Tips
Think graphically
I regularly teach composition classes on photography workshops. I have changed my class frequently through the years, trying to create the perfect composition class that gives students tangible creative techniques to try. But one thing has never changed in my presentation; ‘think graphically, not literally.’ Or as Monet said, “In order to see you must Read More
Contrast is good.
I was photographing rock climbing yesterday, and by the time we got to the route I wanted to photograph, it was midday. With a cloudless sky and intense sun, this is a time most photographers would kick back and wait for better light. But what if the ‘better light’ is in the middle of a Read More
Creative church images
If you ever photograph while traveling, chances are good you will visit a church or other place of worship during your trip. Some churches are massive and ornate, others are simple and quaint. You probably shoot a few exterior shots, some of the detailed stonework or statues, and maybe a cross on top. Next you Read More
Camera angle is what makes the shot.
I just returned from a fantastic workshop with ANPW in Provence, France. One of the most exciting days involved traveling to the Camargue area of southern France to photograph the famous white horses of this region. These horses love the water so we arranged a shoot with a local ranch to photograph the horses running Read More
Self Timer options
I have been shooting the D810 for awhile now, and the camera continues to impress me. Incredible file quality, group-area autofocus, faster autofocus, faster frame rate…the list is long. But one feature this camera has, and other recent Nikon bodies as well, is multiple choices for self-timer shooting. What might these be? I go to Read More
iPhone Apps
Let’s face it, cell phones are more capable than ever and will continue to improve. I have a love/hate relationship with mine. On one hand I need it to stay in touch with my business and stay current with social media like Instagram (if you want to follow my travels, Instagram is where you will Read More
Let it Rain.
Okay, this is one of the wettest springs I can remember in Colorado. And for that matter, it seems like on my past few workshops and assignments I have run into rain. What are you going to do? Of course you are going out to shoot! Bad weather is good weather! Whether you are in Read More
Creative trees
On my recent travels in Mexico I kept encountering beautiful purple Jacaranda trees. The challenge with photographing the trees was their location; busy streets, private yards and cluttered courtyards. But one morning we found a beautiful tree near a church, and this Jacaranda was perfectly silhouetted against the blue sky. How to photograph this tree? Read More
Street shooting; make your own luck.
I just returned from a wonderful trip organized by Strabo Tours to San Miguel De Allende. If you like beautiful orange and red buildings, narrow cobble streets, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, go to San Miguel. This town has a vibrant art scene with numerous galleries, and terrific shooting all Read More