What type of photographer are you? Today I am a birder!
I’m a landscape/travel photographer by default but sometimes titles can get in the way from trying new things. Today, I decided I was a bird photographer….What sort of photography have you always wanted to try?
Kumbh Mela Festival Day One
It’s been a crazy trip, but we’ve arrived safe and sound in Delhi. I don’t enjoy long distance flights, and I thought the 15 hour flight was going to be an issue, but a mixture of Dramamine and Air Supply… ended up being “Sweet Dreams” for this flying phobe. The next morning we woke up [...]
1600 Pennsylvania Ave
While in D.C. I of course made the journey to get a glimpse of the White House. There’s only so many ways you can photograph the White House through a fence competing with hordes of people around you, police behind you, and snipers on the roof.
Perplexed on what to buy?
Yes, I’m a real winner at picking out cool tech gifts.So, I thought I would put my talents to work and give you some suggestions. If you know a self proclaimed “photo geek” then keep reading!
Find the “Magic” Hour
Landscape photographers live for what’s called the “magic” or “golden” hour. The iPhone has a great application called Photobuddy, that has a nice built-in sunrise/sunset calculator. I would recommend going to www.sunrisesunset.com and using their sunset/sunrise calculator and printing out a very simple calendar.
Honl Flash System is nice
The Honl Photo Speed Strap fits around your flash securely, allowing you to place a Honl Photo Speed Snoot, Honl Speed Gobo Bounce card or gels. This stuff is very compactible, so it’s easy to store with your gear when you’re traveling with a small pack.
It’s all about good optics
I decided to rent a Canon 85mm and the Carl Zeiss 85mm manual focus. For years, I’ve always focused on the camera body, but now I tend to think more in terms of the optics.
Keep your camera dry
I was watching a Rick Sammon video the other day and he started to talk about this really cool piece of gear called a Storm Jacket.
October’s Desktop Calendar
October’s desktop calendar was taken of the wheat fields in Idaho. The wide screen version is available for download HERE and the standard size is HERE. I’ve had a lot of questions lately regarding camera equipment. Specifically, what lens I should buy or what camera body is best?
Tough light, easy solution
We were using the gold side of the ZipDisc because it complimented the available light as well as skin tone. It worked beautifully.
Speed at a cost
I thought I would share a link to the world’s fastest lens; the Leica Noctilux-m 50mm F/0.95 ASPH. Now folks, if have $10,000 burning a hole in your pocket and you don’t have a 50mm lens, well I guess this might be the ticket for you.
Last Day For “Low Light Contest Entries”
Today’s the last day to upload images for the “low light contest.” If you haven’t already entered, then click HERE to read more about the contest.
Where the buffalo roam
If there’s one piece of equipment that I think every serious photographer should own it’s a DROBO. Simply put, the Drobo is several hard drives working together as a single drive.
The “low budget” starter studio.
I wouldn’t say studio photography is one of my strong suits. It takes a lot of practice and requires a ton of technical knowhow. One of the best ways to gain experience beyond a formal education is to find a position working as an assistant in a studio. However, that goal might be a little [...]
Life with infrared
I enjoy shaking things up on a regular basis. It keeps the boredom at bay. Although I have been guilty of wearing the same shirt too often. But hey, I’m a guy. But when it comes to photography, I’m all about trying new things. A few years ago it was impossible to pick up a [...]
Odds & Ends
I’ve fielded a few questions lately about image stabilization and if it is really worth it. In particular, this individual was looking at the Canon 70-200 (2.8) with image stabilization (I.S.). I.S. is extremely helpful in correcting for hand shake and allowing photographers to shoot at slower shutter speeds. There have been countless times I [...]
John is an award winning landscape and travel photographer who splits his time between Chicago and Montana. His work has been featured in National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson Hole. John loves the outdoors and traveling, and sharing his images with others.