Tech Tips

Skyler sending 5.13 Red Rocks I just returned from a 2600 mile road trip with some fantastic photography. I spent most of my time in Red Rocks near Las Vegas photographing rock climbing. I’ve been rock climbing for 35 years, and it is still my favorite sport. Both my wife and I used to guide Read More

  One of the first tools a photographer uses to modify light is a reflector. They’re simple, inexpensive and create a nice look if used properly (i.e. not to close to your subject!).  White and soft gold make sense, these bounce light back onto the subject to reduce contrast and create nice soft fill light. Read More

I teach a lot of lighting classes, everything from speed lights to big strobes, one light to multiple light setups.  Recently I condensed down a lot of technique into three basic, but proven, lighting techniques for Digital Photo Magazine.  If you are just starting out, you will really get a lot out of this article. Read More

Backgrounds can make or break any photograph.  And the separation we get from the background is also critical for many photographs, especially portraits.  Key to creating separation in a photograph is your choice of aperture and depth of field.  Choosing F2.8 with a telephoto will give you a nice blurry background.  But the quality of Read More

I recently returned from a week long assignment shooting for a tourism bureau in Alaska.  I’ve worked with these folks for years, and it is always one of the most enjoyable assignments I shoot all year.  First, I get to return to my old home in Alaska.  And second, I get to shoot the coolest Read More

I just returned from a photography packed trip in Montana put on by the Mentor Series, and I am still trying to download all the images I shot.  We photographed animals at the Triple D Game Ranch, North American Indian Days, models fly fishing and kayaking, and the beauty of Glacier National Park.  Thanks again Read More

Workshop participants often ask about techniques they can use to improve their photography.  Many are busy with work during the week, so their only shooting time might be on weekends.  One thing we all can do to improve our shooting is practice a lot.  When was the last time you went to the park and Read More

I just returned from a terrific ANPW workshop in Alaska (if you are interested in next year, there are a few spots still open).  We had a private charter into Kenai Fjords NP one day photographing orcas, seals, birds and whales, and spent a number of days photographing bears in Lake Clark NP.  I brought Read More

I have found a combination of techniques that really makes a stunning shot when put together.  First, wait for a moody sky with good detail and contrast with some stormy clouds.  Then find a subject to work with this moody concept.  Add some of your own light to punch up the contrast on your subject….shoot Read More

I just returned from a great photo tour of Scotland put together by Strabo tours.  Scotland is a magical place with steep mountains and misty valleys, beautiful waterfalls and some really funny looking cows!  One of the most amazing parts of the trip was photographing puffins on Lunga Island.  These puffins nest along a cliff Read More