I get asked a lot about what camera I use / how I edit blog photos, and today I thought I would share a bit about how things work for me after a picture is taken and before I share them with the world. Although having an eye for composition and knowledge of proper camera settings is definitely key to taking and publishing good pictures, what’s done to the photo in post-production can still make or break a photograph. This post might also serve as a crash-course introduction to using Lightroom, so there’s that. Two-in-one? Works for me. Ok so let’s dig in: the 6 tricks I use to enhance my images for posts, social-sharing and more! 1. Shoot in RAW The importance of shooting in RAW versus shooting in JPEG is the fact that with RAW ... Read More
Finding and Photographing the Aurora in New Zealand
The Aurora Australis (otherwise known as the Southern Lights) is a rare beauty that only shows its splendor to those who seek it. Intrigued? I know I was! One of the biggest bucket list items I had while living in New Zealand was to see the Aurora Australis, especially since I grew up seeing the Borealis…there's just something about being able to witness such a gorgeous phenomenon in both hemispheres! Or maybe I'm just overly hyping that up? Anyway, I wanted to get down to the nitty gritty with you guys today and explain all you need to know about finding and photographing the Aurora Australis. It's simply not as easy as waiting until a friend calls you up on the phone and then walking out your door(or maybe you'll be the lucky one ... Read More
New Years Eve in Sydney Harbor
This is technically my first post of 2015. The last 8 posts or so were pre-written pretty much in the same 24 hours, before we left for our vacation, and I appreciated being mostly technology free for three weeks. Actually no, I didn't just appreciate it, I loved it. Our cruise was wonderful; I can't tell you how amazing it was to be able to have a vacation without having to worry about the little unknown aspects that comes with traveling in unfamiliar territory. The last three weeks were, if I were to put it in one word, refreshing. I feel so revived and ready to start 2015 with a bang, I'm just bursting at the seams to share it all with you! I'll be writing about the cruise, places we visited, and travel tips for the next several ... Read More
What’s In My Camera Bag
I don't actually have a good camera bag, so the title doesn't really make sense. I have a camera case that fits my DSLR and one lens, two if I'm lucky. I really just need to bite the bullet and get a good bag, but for now I guess I'll just have to continue sucking it up with what I have. I've been asked multiple times what kind of camera equipment I use, so this post is your answer. My interest in photography began my junior year in college. I saved up every bit of money I could from the three part time jobs I was working while not in class, and bought my very first DSLR Christmas of 2009. If any of you were wondering, I bought a Canon Rebel Xsi (not even sure if they make those anymore). I took a photography class that next ... Read More
Tunnel Beach, Dunedin
I'm convinced one of the most magical times of day is from sunrise-2 hours after. The sunlight, the dew still on the grass, sheep lazily soaking up the rays or grazing in the pasture (this applies only to NZ of course), and the sense of solitude as the world around you is still mostly asleep. I've been itching to get back out to Tunnel Beach here in Dunedin for quite some time, but it's been closed for lambing since August 31st. That's two whole months of waiting for the perfect day to trek the one hour long path down to one of the most breathtaking views in Dunedin. We're lucky to live an only 5 minute drive from Tunnel Beach, and I'm gearing myself up to wake up at the ungodly hour of 5:00am one of these weekends to go shoot the ... Read More
The Lunar Eclipse
I meant to write this post shortly after October 8th, but time got away from me. October 8th was a significant day for two reasons, one being the lunar eclipse (blood moon) that happened late in the evening (my time) or maybe early morning yours. The second significance? It was my 26th birthday. I was actually pretty bummed during the day because I thought my husband forgot my birthday, and I didn't have a single person to go out and celebrate with. But no, I was being overdramatic for nothing, because he came home with chocolates, beautiful brown orchids (seriously they're so pretty), and a dinner reservation at a local Thai restaurant. My day immediately did a 180 degree turn, and I thoroughly enjoyed rest of my birthday with ... Read More
10 Tips to Improve Your Photography
Alt title: How to rock the socks off of whatever you take pictures with. Disclaimer: I can’t tell you how to be an instantly awesome photographer. It doesn’t happen overnight (unless your born with it, which some people naturally are). Just like any art form, you’ve got to learn it, study it, practice it. You can’t just expect to point your shutter at something and win ‘photo of the year’ on National Geographic. I don’t have a super long history with photography (and am not a professional), I've just been working on my skills long enough to know there are little tricks you can use to help improve your photography instantly. Yes, instantly. You just need to know what they are and how to use them! Nowadays, with the technology ... Read More
Steel Wool Photography Tutorial
We all know I'm a pyro at heart. I also have a huge love for night photography. When the two combine, it's like magic! I've had my eye on steel wool photography for a while, and of course I procrastinated participating in the art until last minute. Thankfully I had a wonderful friend to spend 4 hours on the beach with me around midnight on Friday the 13th, and we had an absolute blast! I'm here to share my fun pictures (some are kind of flops, but I still like them), as well as teach you how to do it too! WHAT YOU NEED: -Camera with a manual mode setting -Tripod -Remote timer -Kitchen whisk -Shoestring -Steel Wool (grade 0 to 0000) -Clothes that cover your body (aka no shorts, tanks, t-shirts) CAMERA SETTINGS: In most ... Read More
Macro Photography Without A Macro Lens
Macro lenses are expensive, really expensive. I saved up a good year for my 100mm L series lens, and now I'm afraid to take it places due to the fact that it cost so much. It's not a great lens to take on a backpacking trip around Asia due to it's size, weight, and worth. I am 100% in love with the lens, and I don't regret getting it. However, I will admit to it not being the most practical lens to buy, especially if you're just starting out with your photography hobby (in that case I'd highly recommend a 50mm). Taking larger than life pictures is a blast. Once you start you can't stop, and you begin to notice things: textures, patterns, colors in a 'closer' way. This is macro photography. In my post earlier this week, I mentioned a tip ... Read More
