Around the World & Back

Last Stop, The Edge on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
If you are interested in D800 file size check out the full size version of this shot. 41MB jpeg

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

All photos are free to download in high resolution on my Website for your desktop wallpaper. Limited Edition prints can also be purchased on the same site. If you wish to share the photos, please see the About Me link below.

These photos are NOT free to use for commercial purposes. Please contact me if you wish to use them for this reason.

I have included all of the software/hardware and different cameras, lenses, and tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also includes some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

The Shot
This shot was taken on one of the many overpasses that run East/West over interstate I-5 near Seattle. There are multiple different locations you can get a shot similar to this, but I prefer this one the best. Check out the geo-tagged info if you would like to shoot from this location:)

TIPS: Color Calibration
Well I finally folded. I bought a color calibration tool for my computer. After some research I went with the Spyder4Elite from DataColor. You just download the software plug in the hardware and it sets up your computer’s color calibration for you. I noticed a slight change in colors, but now post processing looks way better. For someone like me who is OCD about things being done correct, I got the chance to itch a scratch that had been bothering me for a while. If you are going to print/sell any of your pictures color calibration is a must. I would highly recommend this product, even tho there are some more pricey versions out there I think this one did a great job.

Anyone else have other software/hardware that they have had a good or bad experience with?


Enjoy….

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and Quick Release Clamp + Nikon D800 L-Bracket

Castles in the Sky on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

All photos are free to download in high resolution on my Website for your desktop wallpaper. Limited Edition prints can also be purchased on the same site. If you wish to share the photos, please see the About Me link below.

These photos are NOT free to use for commercial purposes. Please contact me if you wish to use them for this reason.

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also include some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

The Shot
This shot was taken at the Crown Point Vista House just East of Portland. I highly recommend visiting this location as well as the Women’s Forum which is right down the road and gives a great vantage point of the river and the Vista House and Columbia River Gorge.

TIPS
Mixing made man objects and nature is always fun, if done correctly it can look really nice as well. When I post process shots like this I like to focus on natural colors, such as blues and greens. If the sky is blue I also emphasize the colors of blue in the manmade objects to help them blend in with the beautiful landscape. In this picture for example I brought out the blues and the greens in the building along with the blue of the sky to help them all mesh together. Next time you go to process a picture “Google” the phrase “Color Wheel” and allow yourself to use 1 or two of these colors to nicely compliment each other. I will go more in depth on color theory in my next post.

Enjoy….

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and Quick Release Clamp + Nikon D800 L-Bracket

The Hive on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

All photos are free to download in high resolution on my Website for your desktop wallpaper. Limited Edition prints can also be purchased on the same site. If you wish to share the photos, please see the About Me link below.

These photos are NOT free to use for commercial purposes. Please contact me if you wish to use them for this reason.

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also include some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

The Shot
This was taken at Pioneer Square Station in Seattle. I was exploring downtown and came across this awesome place. It has a super futuristic feel to it that reminds me of Shanghai China.

TIPS
Black is key to any photo, without it the eyes are overwhelmed with color, saturation, and light and nothing pops out. Using black in different areas of the picture allows the viewers eyes to move around and get a break from all that great color. Look at the work of great painters such as Monet, there are always “sploches” of black in his paintings. Nameless other great painters as well as photographers use the same technique. The hard part is to decide what should and should not be darker, or lighter for that matter. Next time you go out to shoot a sunset, think about what parts of the scene you see darker, and add it to your post processing workflow. Just remember, don’t over do the light, dark matters too!

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and Quick Release Clamp + Nikon D800 L-Bracket

Out to Sea on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website for personal enjoyment.
For commercial use see licensing info below.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also include some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

Rialto Beach in La Push is an amazing place to catch the sunrise. I took this picture a few months back on a weekend trip to the coast.

TIP: Leading Lines in Nature and the Golden Ratio
If you are near the ocean and have some waves, you can always use these as “natural” leading lines. In this picture I set my subject up around the right side PHI line the horizontal direction. Then I used the ocean’s waves and the shore line to lead the eye back over to the sunset at the right side. The clouds can also be used as a tool to help the eye move around the photo. I will go more in depth with the Golden Ratio in my next post. For now read up on the link provided above to find out more.

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Canon 7D
Lens: Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5-5.6

As We Enter: Architecture Shooting Tips Included on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website for personal enjoyment.
For commercial use see licensing info below.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also include some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

The Suzzallo Library at University of Washington is an awesome place. No I am not supporting the University, I am a die hard West Virginia University fan till the day I die, plus who wants to support shitty sports of the PACNW. But none the less, their library is fu*#king cool! If you plan on going(photo is geo tagged) make sure to strap your tripod to your back pack and walk in like you know where you are going. This is my normal procedure anywhere I go to shoot. Otherwise they pick you off fairly quickly.

TIP: Shooting Architecture
Anytime you shoot a scene such as this there are a few main things to keep in mind. First of all you want the details of the architecture to be super sharp. I shot this at f/9. But even f/16 would work. Second of al you want it to be symmetrical. Shoot in live mode and make sure to line everything up right down the middle, or at least close so you can fix it in photoshop upon post processing. Third and last time, even tho there are a billion more, set your composition up with some nice leading lines that draw the eye to a couple different focal points. I used the roof, the book shelves and the lights as leading lines. Try these tips out on your next shoot and see what you think. And if you haven’t tried shooting in live mode give it a shot. I really enjoy it for most applications.

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and Quick Release Clamp + Nikon D800 L-Bracket

The Palouse: LAB Color Tutorial on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website for personal enjoyment.
For commercial use see licensing info below.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section. It also include some awesome websites that will help you find great places to shoot. So check out the link below.

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

After work on Saturday around 3PM I had the great idea to drive to Palouse Falls to shoot sunset, sleep in my car at the base of Steptoe Butte State Park, and then shoot sunrise. It worked out well and there was some stunning light.
I have included a tutorial for you today on LAB Color Space and how it can be used to make the colors in your photos really pop out. LAB can also be used to sharpen and contrast photos as well. I will include a tutorial on this later.
The tutorial also provides my basic digital workflow for single RAW processing only. I process HDR photos in a much different way.

LAB COLOR TUTORIAL

Like most people I see vivid color and light when I am out shooting. Upon loading a photo into CS5 I could hardly ever duplicate this vivid color. LAB color provides you with the color space to do so. If you want to go more in depth on the subject there is some awesome material HERE

This was my first extended length of time shooting with the Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and L-Bracket, and WOW you really get what you pay for. Hands down the best tripod I have ever used.

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L w BH-55 LR Ballhead and Quick Release Clamp + Nikon D800 L-Bracket

Hangin’ on the Corner on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website for personal enjoyment.
For commercial use see Licensing info below.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |Tutorials |

I have included all of the software/hardware and different tools that I use for photography in the About Me section, so check out the link below!

|About Me / Licensing Info|

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

Due to the beautiful weather here in Seattle I have been slacking on putting together the next tutorial. I will start work on it tonight and get something for you guys this weekend.

I plan on making a day trip to the Palouse Region this Saturday afternoon-Sunday night, anyone else gonna be out there? Would be fun to get together and shoot!

Drop me a line if you are interested.

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G
Tripod: Oben AC-1310 Tripod w/ Ball Head
Computer: 27” iMac i7 3.1GHz 16GB Ram
Programs: Photomatix, Photoshop, and Lightroom for final adjustments

Fade into Night on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

This shot was taken a short walk West from Kerry Park. There is always some awesome light fading over the mountains and this night was particularly bright.

I got my Really Right Stuff tripod on the mail yesterday, and it is absolutely awesome. Can not wait to shoot with it more this coming weekend.

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6
Tripod: Oben AC-1310 Tripod w/ Ball Head
Computer: 27” iMac i7 3.1GHz 16GB Ram
Programs: Photomatix, Photoshop, and Lightroom for final adjustments

Zen on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50

This shot was taken at the Japanese Garden in Portland Oregon. The sun was shining through the tress and it was a warm and relaxing day. I wanted to portray this feeling the best I could in the picture. What do you guys think?

After much positive feedback on the “TIP” section of the last post I have prepared a “Selective Sharpening” Photoshop tutorial for you guys. I am using an iMac so change your commands accordingly for windows. It is short and sweet but should give you some pointers on sharpening.

Just remember sharping should be the last step of your edit process.

Enjoy the ———-> Selective Sharpening Tutorial

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 14-24 f/2.8G
Tripod: Oben AC-1310 Tripod w/ Ball Head
Computer: 27” iMac i7 3.1GHz 16GB Ram
Programs: Photomatix, Photoshop, and Lightroom for final adjustments

Endless Days on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
All photos are free to download in high resolution on my website.

| Photography Portfolio | Google+ | 500PX | Facebook | Blog |

Currently I am putting together a set of 50 great photography destinations in the Pacific Northwest. All locations are geo-tagged, so you can check them out yourself——-> PACNW Top 50


I made a great trip to the gorge last weekend for my birthday. Took 2 days of driving and photos. Lots of new material to post in the coming weeks.

TIP: Getting your skies/clouds to POP
There are a few tricks to make the clouds really stand out in pictures. One of my favorite is done in photoshop. Start by making a new “overlay”(make sure your layer is set to overlay or this trick won’t work) layer covering your picture and filling it with 50% grey.
Now bump your opacity and flow down to around 50 and 3 respectively. You can change these values as you like to produce your desired results. Now pull out your brush. Using “X” to switch between black and white color swatches, you can darken the dark parts of your clouds using black, and lighten the light clouds using white. This takes some time to master but after a while, you will be able to produce much more depth of field in the clouds using this technique. Note: If your clouds are overly saturated from darkening them proceed with the following. Make another “normal” layer with slight vibrance reduction, now invert the layer, so it does not show. Select your white brush and drop the opacity and flow so you can very lightly remove any unwanted color in the clouds by masking it in.

Would anyone be interested in a video of how this is done? Or a full length tutorial?

Details/Equipment:
Camera: Nikon D800
Lens: Nikkor 28-300 f/3.5-5.6G
Tripod: Oben AC-1310 Tripod w/ Ball Head
Computer: 27” iMac i7 3.1GHz 16GB Ram
Programs: Photomatix, Photoshop, and Lightroom for final adjustments