I think all to often, photographers inadvertently back themselves into a corner often feeling that what they do with the camera is of utmost importance. In a way it is, but it is not the only tool in the creative process. Many photographers are not as concerned about the camera aspect and rely more heavily on the digital darkroom and …
Dealing with those voices
Sometimes the questions that I grapple with as a photographer echo through my head each and every time I go out on a shoot. Is my work good enough? Will others appreciate what I am doing? Am I making a difference with causes that are important to me? Am I making a positive impact on others with my photography? When …
Not a photograph, yet
Standing along the reserve boardwalk, these Chilean flamingos were side by side wading for food. As they sifted through the water I was watching as other photographers frantically snapped their photographs. The flamingos started to move away, still paired off, and I could see the other folks with their cameras beginning to move off to the next thing that caught …
Embrace your failures
In reading a recent article about keeper rates and images, I thought to myself, why do we call it that? I guess it is for lack of a better term. I prefer successes and failures which may sound pretty drastic, but isn’t that what it really is in the truest sense? By definition, a keeper is a photograph that a …
Cameras can be overwhelming
Do you remember the simpler days when cameras only allowed you to set the aperture, shutter speed and ISO? You could also focus if needed, but they did not have the myriad of menu items that are available today. My Nikon Z9 seems infinite and it can be overwhelming. I have learned through the years that not knowing every function …
Photographing the lunar eclipse
Planning ahead was the name of the game. I was alerted to the occurence of the full lunar eclipse through the app Photo Pills early in 2025. Never having shot a lunar eclipse, the research began. Now, you can really get deeply involved in shooting one of these with specialized equipment like motion trackers that will allow for the rotation of …
Essential equipment
One of the most important traits that a wildlife photographer can have is patience and the ability to just listen and observe. So much of the success of “getting the shot” is preparation, doing your research and how well you know the behavior of your subject and, let’s be honest, how lucky you are One of the most essential pieces …
The amazing Pileated woodpecker
I have been on the hunt to photograph the Pileated woodpecker for sometime. My home is to suburbanized for pileated woodpeckers to hang around. I knew that if I was to find them, I had to go to the woodlands where they have been heard drumming. Pileated woodpeckers nest in late spring to early April. They excavate large cavities in dead …
Saving all those images
There are so many options out there now for storage to keep your files not only safe, but portable that it can often be a daunting taske to pick one. I wanted to share ones that have worked for me to possibly help someone out there who may be struggling to decide. Before I get into what I have used …
Eyecups and shooting comfort
All photographers have preferences with their gear that helps them get the most out of their cameras. I would be willing to bet that no two cameras, when it comes to accessories, or settings, are alike. That is the beauty of todays cameras whether mirrorless or DSLR, you have infinite possibilities to configure the camera to you liking. Sometimes its …
Keeping your hands warm
Taking a cue from another photographer that annually publishes a gloves post updating what he uses when out shooting, I thought that I could follow suit and share what has worked for me as the colder months begin to approach. I usually rank these in levels to make it easier to grab what I need while out shooting. Level One …
Benro WH15 Wildlife Head
One thing that all photographers love to talk about is gear. Although, the gear used can be a very personal thing. May be brand specific, may be based off a recommendation from a trusted source. For me, any new piece of gear has to serve a purpose and fill a need. Such was the case with the Benro WH15 Wildlife …