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Announcing our first podcast episode!

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podcast3A few weeks ago, we asked you for nature photography questions, and today we’re happy to announce the release of our first podcast (hosted by Matthew Fletcher), where we answer some of these questions.

Thanks to all those who sent in questions, and although we don’t answer them all in this first episode, we may get a chance to answer them in a future episode (or write an article about it). So, stay tuned!

In our first episode we talk about the top 3 things to know before a trip to Yellowstone along with the top 3 things to bring, tips for getting sharper macro photos, and a critique of the photo below of a male Frigate Bird taken by Janet Atkinson. We also summarize a few news stories. [Read more…] about Announcing our first podcast episode!

How to fix underexposed areas of your wildflower photos (using Photoshop)

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Photo by Steve Berardi
Photo by Steve Berardi
In our free eBook on wildflower photography, we mentioned how a perfect exposure is critical to getting good flower photos.

There are times, however, when that perfect exposure doesn’t exist. We’ve already explained how to fix blown-out highlights, but what if your flower photo suffers from shadows or underexposed areas?

You may think of taking two exposures in this case, but flowers bounce so much through the air that aligning these two exposures later will not be fun.

Fortunately, there’s a simple way to fix these underexposed areas of your photos, using Photoshop. Here’s how: [Read more…] about How to fix underexposed areas of your wildflower photos (using Photoshop)

How to fix blown-out highlights in your wildflower photos (using Photoshop)

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Photo by Steve Berardi
Photo by Steve Berardi
In our free eBook on wildflower photography, we explained how important it is to get a perfect exposure when photographing wildflowers. Otherwise, you’ll get blown-out highlights.

Well, sometimes there just isn’t a perfect exposure, and no matter what shutter speed you choose, you’ll either get a wildflower that is way too underexposed, or you’ll get tiny overexposed “patches” on your wildflower.

Fortunately, if these “patches” are small enough, there’s an easy way to fix them in Photoshop. Here’s how: [Read more…] about How to fix blown-out highlights in your wildflower photos (using Photoshop)

FREE eBook: 13 tips for better wildflower photography

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free_ebookcoverIn anticipation of a great spring wildflower season, we decided to put together a FREE 20-page eBook, 13 tips for better wildflower photography. It contains some of our existing articles, but also includes SIX brand new articles!

Here’s what you’ll learn in this free 20-page eBook: [Read more…] about FREE eBook: 13 tips for better wildflower photography

How a shower curtain and an old wire clothes hanger can get you better wildflower photos

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img_7386c2In a previous article, I revealed the secret to getting perfect light for your wildflower photos–shoot on an overcast day. The thick clouds act as a natural diffuser, helping to balance the light.

But, what if you can’t wait for an overcast day? Or worse, what if overcast days rarely occur in your area?

In the article, I briefly mentioned how you can build a box, covered with a shower curtain, and use this as a sort of artificial light diffuser.

I never liked the idea of building a box, because it would just add too much more for me to carry. So, this past weekend when I saw a bright sunny day in the desert forecast (surprise surprise), I decided to try and build a more lightweight solution. All I used was a small cutout from a shower curtain, and an old wire clothes hanger. Total cost: $5 and 5 minutes.

Here’s how you can build your own lightweight diffuser (in two easy steps): [Read more…] about How a shower curtain and an old wire clothes hanger can get you better wildflower photos

Why you should always take lots and lots of photos (regardless of subject)

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Photo by Cliff Hutson (used under the CC-Attr-2.0 license)
Photo by Cliff Hutson (used under the CC-Attr-2.0 license)

When you decide to photograph a particular subject, how many shots do you usually take? Do you just hit the shutter once and move on? Or, do you take a lot of shots, and perhaps change your camera settings in the process?

Well, regardless of what your subject is, you should always take lots and lots of photos. This may not seem obvious for all subjects, so here’s a breakdown:
[Read more…] about Why you should always take lots and lots of photos (regardless of subject)