Lenspiration Blog
Welcome! Wherever you are on your photography journey, learn to take better photos through the photography tips and stories you'll find in the following free articles. By learning from the experience of others, you can also start taking pictures that you're excited to share with others!
Unexpected First Step into Color Theory
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy...
Why Great Photos Depend on the Small Stuff
In a past blog post, I said I'd share more photos from our short stop in Sedona, Arizona. Well, here they are, plus a fascinating tidbit behind great photos that I discovered while as I was editing them.
I didn't know my way around Sedona very well. But after doing some online scouting, I was convinced that Bell Rock was the place I wanted to go for my only sunset in the area. Naturally, I followed Google Maps to the "Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead Parking Lot." But when we got there, I didn't see any Bell Rock.
How My Love for Outdoor Photography Deepens My Understanding of Scripture
The snow fell thick and fast. Wind whipped across my face. Just days earlier, I had been strolling with the family through early, spring blossoms in beautiful, warm weather. But on this mid‑March afternoon, winter wasn’t giving up without a fight. To get any sort...
The Cost of a Relaxing, Sunset Photo Shoot with Family
The last bit of light after sunset doesn't take long to disappear. Sparkling stars were peering through the pinyon pine boughs above us. We were in the deep shadows of dusk as we picked our way down the rock strewn trail back to the parking lot.
How We Took Amazing Rainy-Day Photos in the Smoky Mountains
Rain poured down in torrential waves as we made our way through the Smoky Mountains. We had gotten up insanely early—long before dawn—to make the most of our time photographing at the high-elevation overlooks before the storm. But now the rain was coming down so hard that even the most dedicated among us didn’t feel like stepping out of the car for a photo. Until we rounded a bend and saw...
Rainy Day in the Smokies
The photographer who makes decisions based on comfort won’t get out in the field, even in a place like the Smokies—and therefore won’t come home with any photos.
My Favorite “Next-Level” Photos From Big Sandy
At the Big Sandy Family Conference last week, the students got so many great photos! Families together, faces smiling, kids all excited, speakers in action—exactly the kind of images we were going for. Like these . . . But as I was reviewing the photos afterwards,...
A Lesson in Faith from Banks Lake, Washington
I can’t tell you how rejuvenating it is when I cross paths with a Christian photographer loves to write and share Christian perspective in photography! Not that long ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the photo blog of Jeffrey Cummings, a nature photographer on the west coast. And I’ve been enjoying following his blog ever since! When I read the following post about his experience at Banks Lake in Washington, I thought it would be an excellent read for everyone here at Lenspiration, and Jeff was more than happy to share. —James
A Day To Remember
The hard deadlines of filing taxes and preparing for an upcoming road trip prevented me from being able to write up a full blog post this week, but I did takes some photos over the Easter weekend that I thought you might enjoy seeing!
A Picture‑Trail Through the Desert
I had an unusual opportunity to wander the desert at my own pace. No schedule. No rush. Just me, my camera and the desert waking up around me...
One Simple Mistake that Ruins Great Photos
As you may have read in earlier blog posts, I had thoroughly enjoyed photographing the sunrises, sunsets and golden hours at the Grand Canyon during a trip to the southwest in July. I was beyond satisfied with the great photos I had. . .
Two Important Roles of an Event Photographer
We just got back from an exciting trip to the 2026 Indiana homeschool convention! Not only was I was responsible for teaching a Photo Class, I was also supposed to be the official event photographer in charge of photographing the whole event. Thankfully, I had two...
Student Photographer Spotlight: Ellie Handley
We first met Ellie when she came to a Photo Class at a homeschool convention in Arizona. Since then, Ellie has been taking Lenspiration's photography courses as a high school elective, and we've enjoyed having her participate in Photo Assignments along the way. Here's a bit of our subsequent conversation from this Arizona student photographer!
The Rarity of a Perfect Winter Scene
As a landscape photographer, there’s a part of me that genuinely looks forward to the kind of winter cold that brings snow, ice, and blizzards! Those are the days when the world is transformed—when every branch becomes a brushstroke and every field a blank canvas....
How I Organized My Phone Photos After Finally Making Sense of Google Photos
Is it just me, or is anyone else running out of storage space in Google Photos?
A Divine Composition: 9 Providential Encounters on Jekyll Island
Have you ever read the poem, "Disappointment - His appointment, change one letter and I see that the thwarting of my purpose is God's better choice for me. . ." After a year of planning and then cancelling our October EXPLORE Meet Up at Jekyll Island, choosing a date in January had its risks.
Student Photographer Spotlight: Summer Milligan
One thing I love about EXPLORE Meet-ups is the people! As I packed my suitcase and camera gear for the quick trip down to Jekyll Island, Georgia, I already couldn't wait to see the West family again along with their grandfather, Slade. And Lukas, who talks photography every time I see him at the TTD Convention in Pigeon Forge would be there too! This was going to be fun.
Who Wins the Prize for the 10 “Most Unique” Photos of a . . . Door?
Photos of a door? You read it correctly! For the Jekyll Island EXPLORE Meetup we did a unique photography challenge. “Go find a door and take 10 artistic photos of it. The one who comes away with the most unique set of 10 photos wins!” Yeah, I know. Sounds rather difficult. If not downright strange. But you should try it sometime!
The Jekyll Island Sunrise I Didn’t Choose
I could hardly believe I was actually on my way to Jekyll Island! I’m not even sure when I first heard about this small, unassuming island off the coast of southern Georgia. Maybe it was in an old issue of Outdoor Photographer I pored over when I was young. Or...
Student Photographer Spotlight: William Fallow
Congratulations to student photographer William Fallow on being chosen as the winner of the recent assignment, The Gift of Photography! We recently sent him some questions to get to know him a bit better, and loved hearing all the ways he has been enjoying photography. Let's sit down and have a chat and see some of his stunning photos!
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What are we up to?
Follow along with Lenspiration travels…
This month brings an assignment we`ve run annually for the past couple of years, and it`s a favorite one! The goal is simple: increase the number of gorgeous photo location recommendations on the Lenspiration Scouting Guide. There are some important details on how to submit locations, so be sure to read that at the link in bio.
As we were driving along, you could tell an unexpected break on the horizon was going to colorize the sky after a full day of clouds....but the mountains blocked everything from where we were at. We kept driving and driving until finally we got just far enough that you could see the horizon....and there happened to be a pull off! I`ll never forget that frenzied ride along the Turnagain Arm.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#alaskalandscape #turnagainarm #sunset #godscreation #blastfromthepast
If you`re new here, welcome! I`m James, a landscape and wedding photographer from wild and wonderful West Virginia. I love capturing God`s creation and helping others grow in their own photography journey. This is my little family. 🤗
I`ve spent countless hours hiking, chasing light, and learning how to see the world the way God designed it....full of beauty, purpose, and detail. Photography is my way of slowing down and noticing His handiwork.
I run Lenspiration, where I teach photographers of all ages how to shoot intentionally, edit beautifully, and use their gifts for God`s glory. Whether you`re a beginner or seasoned shooter, you`ll find tips, challenges, and inspiration here.
What followers can expect:
• Behind-the-scenes from my travels
• Stunning landscape photography
• Faith-based reflections from the field
• Live photoshoots
• Real life stories from my photography adventures
I lead hands-on workshops, shoot Christian conservative weddings, and create fine-art calendars from my best landscape photography. If you love learning and exploring God`s creation, you`ll feel right at home here.
If you enjoy beautiful photography, Christian inspiration, and Bible-centered photography training resources with wholesome example images, tap Follow and stick around!
And before you go, tell me where you`re from and what kind of photos you love taking! 👇
Had the opportunity to go back to this enchanted West Virginia wonderland! I know of only a few places like this, where moss covers the forest floor like a carpet for as far as the eye can see.....which isn`t super far because the woods are dense and there`s almost always mist! Love this place. It`s definitely worth the drive to get to this remote spot if you`re in the area. Look up Gaudineer Knob.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#gotowv #westvirginia #exploretocreate #landscapephotography #moss
Join me for some LIVE photo coaching on Tuesday!
Register at link in bio.
What makes the southwest so much more popular for landscape photography than West Virginia? Far fewer trees. You can actually see the view! Of course, agriculturally speaking, I`d rather have the rain like we do here in the East, but photographically speaking, I often long for the expansive views. 🙂
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#southwest #landscapephotography #redrocks #sunset #enjoytheview @visitsedona
New blog post! In a past blog post, I said I`d share more photos from our short stop in Sedona, Arizona. Well, here they are, plus a fascinating tidbit behind great photos that I discovered while as I was editing them.
I didn`t know my way around Sedona very well. But after doing some online scouting, I was convinced that Bell Rock was the place I wanted to go for my only sunset in the area. Naturally, I followed Google Maps to the "Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead Parking Lot." But when we got there, I didn`t see any Bell Rock. Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
Had no idea this tunnel existed! Was driving into the park late at night when I turned the corner and was shocked out of my socks. Made sure to leave the park the same way the next day so I could take a picture of it. I love how the lack of underbrush keeps the scene feeling clean, while the diagonal lines add energy to an otherwise mysterious setting, creating a subtle tension about the unknown that lies ahead!
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#moodylandscape #roadthroughnature #exploretocreate #naturephotographylovers #landscapephoto
Only opportunity I had to break away to photograph a sunset during a time visiting family in Virginia. Was grateful for nice elevation above the Potomac! The giant tree made a great foreground. Had to shoot over a fence. The unbroken far shore is integral to eye movement and clean presentation.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#phototips #vaisforlovers #phonephoto #sunsetlover #potomacriver
New blog post! Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
Just now getting back to normal life after a super busy weekend which started with a little family camping excursion! It`s how we relax 😄
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#familycamping #camping #familyfun #family #timeoff
New month - new photo assignment! And this one is pretty sweet. 🙂 Our goal is to take beautiful photos that reflect the truths of Psalm 119:103, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
Get all the details at the link in bio!
Another behind the scenes shot....thanks to @real_lukas_n Though I usually use a tripod for landscape photography, there was no time in this situation where it was literally raining. When I saw the distant mountains after pulling in for only a short time at this open-to-the-public farm, I knew there was a shot somewhere. This vast field of flooded strawberry plants was the foreground I was looking for, offering perfect leading lines to the triangular peak framed by the sweeping mist.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#farm #landscapephotographer #shootingintherain #rainyday #behindtheshot
New blog post! The last bit of light after sunset doesn`t take long to disappear. Sparkling stars were peering through the pinyon pine boughs above us. We were in the deep shadows of dusk as we picked our way down the rock strewn trail back to the parking lot. Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
Behind the shot photo.... When it`s rainy, and you`re not on lights`s time table, there`s time to chat with friends while you`re out in the field! 🤩 Thanks @real_lukas_n for the second photo! --
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#outdoorphoto #lowkey #mystery #photographyfriends #explorenc
Happy Memorial Day! Let us honor their sacrifice by using our freedoms not to do as we please, but to live as we ought. #freedom #integrity #selfcontrol #memorialday #Godblessamerica
New blog post! Rain poured down in torrential waves as we made our way through the Smoky Mountains. We had gotten up insanely early—long before dawn—to make the most of our time photographing at the high-elevation overlooks before the storm. But now the rain was coming down so hard that even the most dedicated among us didn’t feel like stepping out of the car for a photo. Until we rounded a bend and saw... Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
