As photographers, we take a small slice of the world around us and frame it within the viewfinder of our camera. If we like what we see, we press the shutter and record the image within the boundaries or frame of the camera’s sensor. But we can use framing within the frame of the image…
Solitude is often associated with loneliness, isolation, and separation. And yet, solitude has within it many gifts. A chance to slow down and pause, to exist in the present moment without any distractions. An opportunity to connect with yourself. To check in with yourself, to examine your emotional landscape, and to come to a deeper…
Changing your perspective can give you new insights and a deeper appreciation of your subject. The most significant example of this is when astronauts go to space, and see the earth from above. “As we got farther and farther away, the Earth diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the…
“Soul” was one of my favorite movies of 2021. It’s a beautiful story that affirms “regular old living” is the miracle of life. Not the achievement of one’s grand dream or the pursuit of one’s passion. While dreams and passions are certainly very special, it ends up being the small moments, the grace notes that…
Most people take photos from eye level. This is in part because you stand out if you do something different, like take out a telescoping pole to hoist your phone up or get down on the ground to take a photograph. It can be uncomfortable to stand out, to draw attention to yourself. A few…
I recently watched my Dad toss hundreds of slides he had taken from a trip he took around the world when he was in his 20s that meant nothing to him any more. As I looked through the growing stack feeling a little badly that I didn’t want them either, I realized that any tourist…
What is the best way to change our behavior, tough love or compassion? Do we respond better to loving encouragement and correction, or harsh and disapproving judgment and correction? Tough love is treating someone harshly with the intention of motivating them to do better. It’s more than just setting and establishing boundaries and/or standards —…
These gifts are perfect for the holidays or anytime you need a gift for a photographer! I’ve used and loved all of these products for years unless otherwise specified. Without further ado, here is my list of gift ideas for photographers! Please note that these may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a…
Red Rock Overlook is a fantastic location for senior pictures! It is part of the regional park system and is a 67 acre wooded area located in Leesburg, Virginia. I usually take senior pictures at the historic buildings on the property, but have occasionally hiked down to the river to take photographs down there. The…
Whether you know it or not, you probably have a morning routine, or a series of habits and actions you perform almost every morning when you get up. Perhaps it is something like mine used to be: Hit snooze twice Grab phone and browse Be shocked that 45 minutes have passed. Jump out of bed…