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
Beginner’s Guide to Astrophotography
New Zealand is known to have some of the best starry sky visuals in the world. It's probably due to the fact that this little country is known as having some of the cleanest air in the world. I've enjoyed getting out and shooting the night sky a time or two while we've lived here, and after sharing a couple of those posts (found here and here) I thought it was high time to write a tutorial on how I take my night sky pictures. Astrophotography is a tricky thing. Not only do you have to get the light settings just right, but the proper infinite focal placement is insanely important. If you happen to stumble upon a quiet, clear night, head out and try your luck! What you need: -A camera with manual settings and manual focus -A ... 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
12 Tips on Night Photography
I haven't had a flash for my camera since 2012. It's not that I hate them or anything, I just don't see the necessity for the kind of pictures that I take. Believe it or not, a flash isn't necessary for amazing night pictures. In fact, 97% of your night pictures (we're talking general landscape here, not portrait) will look better without the flash. Night photography is a whole different ballgame than 'day' photography. You'll have to reverse some settings typically used in the day due to the sun not being there for you. Also, you're going to have to switch your DSLR off automatic mode and click it right on over to manual mode. Scary, I know, but I'll walk you through a few tips to help you capture gorgeous, crisp night photos. FOR ... Read More
How to Photograph Fireworks
A few weeks ago I posted about the gigantic International Fireworks Festival in Busan, and had a lot of interest in a tutorial about how to shoot fireworks. So here I am today, delivering on promised goods! We're going to have a short and sweet lesson on how to get the most out of your firework pictures. Let's face it. We've all been to that amazing fireworks show, just to come home, take a look at our camera roll, and realize we shot jack squat for pictures. Well I'm here today to teach you how to capture those fireworks in a way that makes them look just as amazing (or better) than they did at the show! What you need: -A camera that has a manual mode (fully adjustable aperture, iso, and shutter speed) If you have no idea what I'm ... Read More