Author: Jim
Creating Super-Files for Huge Prints
Everyone wants to make big prints, and for the last few years that is something I have been doing a lot of. I have been making aluminum prints to display at art fairs that are, at a minimum, 36 inches long, going up to about 72 inches long (although I have gone to 96 inches… Continue reading Creating Super-Files for Huge Prints
The Importance of Location to Your Photography
It often gets said that “you can take a great photograph anywhere.“ I actually take issue with this statement, even though I acknowledge it is probably technically correct. Is it possible to take a great photograph anywhere? Sure, I suppose it is possible. It is just that it is extremely difficult and very unlikely in… Continue reading The Importance of Location to Your Photography
Super Simple Flash
If you want to take amazing portraits with complete control over your flash unit, this article is not for you. That is way beyond what we are going to do here. Rather, this article is for those that want to “run and gun” with a flash unit (think wedding photographer at the reception). It is… Continue reading Super Simple Flash
Do You Still Need to Learn Photoshop?
Most people are using Lightroom to edit their photos at this point. We’ve also seen the rise of non-Adobe products like Luminar, Capture One, and other alternatives. These will all do much of what we all used to use Photoshop for, and in many cases they are all the photographer really needs to dramatically improve… Continue reading Do You Still Need to Learn Photoshop?
Next Level Bracketing (Video)
Bracketing is one of the most useful tools in digital photography. In this video we go beyond auto exposure bracketing (AEB) to see how you can take control of the process to make your pictures even better.
Your Next Step: Simplifying Your Message
Recently, I have judged a few photo competitions. In doing so, I found myself making the same comments over and over again. It was helpful to me because I now think I have a clearer understanding of what you are struggling with in your photography (whether you know it or not) and how you can… Continue reading Your Next Step: Simplifying Your Message
Big Results from a Small Sensor (Video)
In this video tutorial, you’ll learn techniques to make your camera create files that rival – or exceed – those created by more expensive cameras with larger sensors.
How Sensor Size Affects Your Photos (Video)
What is the real impact of different sensor sizes? It can be confusing. You’ve probably run into photographers that look down their noses at anything but full frame cameras. At the same time, you may have heard from evangelists out there shouting about the greatness of micro 4/3 cameras. So what impact does sensor size… Continue reading How Sensor Size Affects Your Photos (Video)
Picking a Tripod (Video)
Most of the advice you hear in the photography world tends to push you into buying a super-expensive tripod. Usually that means spending $1000 or more. That seems excessive to me, and I think you can get an excellent tripod that will suit all your needs for much less. I recommend something in the range… Continue reading Picking a Tripod (Video)
All About Neutral Density Filters (Video)
If you are not familiar with neutral density filters, I can promise you that adding one to your arsenal will dramatically impact your photography. It puts you in control of the water, whether that is the waves of an ocean, currents in a creek, or the appearance of a downtown fountain. It also allows you… Continue reading All About Neutral Density Filters (Video)
Preserving Highlights and Shadow Detail (Video)
Dynamic range is a topic that I have discussed here a lot. The reason for that is that it is really important to the outdoor photographer. You face the problem of a really bright sky and a dark foreground almost all the time. We’ve talked about dynamic range in the context of the camera, including… Continue reading Preserving Highlights and Shadow Detail (Video)
Planning Your Milky Way Shot
There is perhaps nothing better than getting a great shot of the Milky Way. With the Milky Way in your shot, you are almost guaranteed a great photo. The cluster of stars gives you a ready-made center of interest for any picture. Plus it is just cool. And they are fun to take. But if… Continue reading Planning Your Milky Way Shot
Getting a Shallow Depth of Field (Video)
Very often, outdoor photography involves the pursuit of pictures that are sharp front to back. Sometimes, however, you’ll want photos with blurred backgrounds. This helps isolate your subject, and can look very cool in the right circumstances. It is common practice (or at least it should be) when it comes to including people and wildlife… Continue reading Getting a Shallow Depth of Field (Video)
Keep Your Data Safe and Organized While Traveling
A simple, safe, and cheap backup strategy to use on the road I want to admit something at the outset: I hate spending money on backup and data storage. I refuse to buy expensive things like drobos or raid drives. Buying that stuff does absolutely nothing to advance your photography. There is nothing you can… Continue reading Keep Your Data Safe and Organized While Traveling
A Field Checklist for Your Photography
When I look back to my first photography trip to Ireland, I get pretty unhappy with myself. Looking at my pictures, I can see that there were a lot of opportunities present in the scenes I was photographing, but I just didn’t follow up on them. There were panoramas I should have taken, but I… Continue reading A Field Checklist for Your Photography