It doesn’t take much to say something when you think it might be necessary—and it can be a good way to help foster a sense of community.
Archive - 2024
The True Meaning of Originality
In this day and age of Google Image Search and photographic travel guides, what does it truly mean to be original? Here are my thoughts on originality.
Balancing Perfection
If ever there were a creative devil, it’s perfectionism. Learn how to selectively cut corners to move on to new projects rather than rehashing the old.
Clean Edges
The devil is in the details, as they say, and we photographers don’t always notice the little distractions around the edges. Here are some thoughts on...
Avoiding Extremes
Marketers sell flagship cameras because that’s the only way to excite us. But do we need it when less expensive models will suit most needs?
Edward Weston
Edward Weston was a famous 20th-century photographer who was known for his pioneering work in high detail photography. His personal life was...
Meaningful to Whom?
There’s a difference between personal significance and significance for all. It takes creativity to show people what makes a photograph meaningful to...
Training Your Brain
Brain training is a popular fad nowadays, and there are ways to train your creative brain, too! It’s all about activating the brain’s reticular...
Emphasis
Sometimes the emphasis is necessary for photography, but it’s not so easy as adding an exclamation point. Here are thoughts to help you get your point...
Zooming In on the Inverse Square Law
Ah, the Inverse Square Law. No, it’s not the latest Netflix thriller, though it could be the title of a photographer’s journey to mastering the art of...
Effortless Photography
Art should be an effortless thing that sweeps you up rather than leaving you in awe of technical aspects. Here are my thoughts on achieving effortless...
Lessons from Old Gear
There is a lot to be learned from old cameras—lessons that we risk losing. Maybe it’s time to dust off those antiques to see what they can teach us.
Taking Light and Making Lemonade
When you don’t like the lighting or the conditions in which you have to photograph, what is the solution? Find a way to turn your lemons into lemonade!
The Best Camera is the Camera that Works with You
It isn't always easy to choose a camera that doesn't hinder you in any way. Let me show you some of the things to think about as you pick out a new...
Printing by Feel
What are the best papers and printing techniques for your images? There isn’t an objective answer...
Is Photography Dying?
Is photography dying as an art form? I don’t think so, and here are my arguments against the idea that photography is in its waning years.
Bragging Rights
We sometimes fall into the trap of doing things the hard way just to say that we did. But, viewers rarely get to hear the story of an image’s creation.
Photography for Yourself
Are you truly photographing the things you love, or are you unknowingly letting trends guide you? Here are some thoughts to help you find out!
Finding Time or Making Time?
Accomplishing the things we want to do isn’t so much about finding time, but about making time. Here are my thoughts on why this mindset is important.
Photography Every Day
Daily photography is a good habit to form if you can make time for it! It keeps us sharp and increases the odds of making something fantastic.
Objectives Define Everything
Sometimes our objectives limit what we can do—and they may limit our mental capacity to accept change. Going in with an open mind is always the better...
Personal Expression
How does one create unique art in an age when everything has already been photographed? By taking the subject material and making it personal.
Technology is Just a Tool
Discussion of good images and bad often talks about gear. Gear isn’t what makes the image. It’s just a tool. The mind behind the image is what makes it...
Relearning
Knowledge changes with time. Sometimes we need to relearn what we thought we knew—and that’s why going back to the basics for a refresher is important.
Do You Experience Life as You Pursue Art?
Are photographers so busy taking photographs that they forget to enjoy the things they are photographing? Take a break and learn how to immerse...
Magic Numbers
Magic numbers are a real thing, though perhaps not in the way that you suppose. I’ll show you how certain numbers will benefit your photographs.
Finding Ways Around Physical Limitations in Your Photography
Sometimes it’s not the weather, the gear or an external factor that gets in our way. Sometimes it’s physical limitations.
Understanding the Human Eye
The human eye does not look at the world the same way that a camera does. To design effective images, you'll need to understand how the eye sees.
Postcard Giveaway
I love collecting postcards from all around the world. It’s been a hobby of mine for many years, and I’ve acquired several doubles throughout this...
Finding Inspiration
What is it that has moved you to create photographs in the past? Can you repeat the experience? Here are some thoughts to help you find sources of...