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!
3 Things Photo Critique Is Teaching This Budding Photographer
Is there an experienced, modern-day photographer you look up to? Have you ever watched them critique photos? Have you ever watched them critique your photos? I’ve never had Frans Lanting critique any of my photos, but I did have the opportunity to watch him...
What It Takes To Be a Real Estate Photographer
When I first picked up photography, it was just for the fun of it. It was a great hobby. But as hobbies often go, it started taking more and more of my time and money. It wasn’t long before I was asking myself, “Is this something I want to make into an occupation?...
4 Steps to Photographing Beautiful Architecture Interiors
Last month, I had the opportunity to pick the brains of a professional real estate photographer as I followed him around on a couple real-world jobs! It was so amazing. I learned so much! I’m so grateful he allowed me to come, ask questions and even take video...
7 Fundamental Tips for Beginning Wedding Photographers
Looking at getting into wedding photography? For starters, here are some of the basic things that are good to know before shooting your first wedding.
The Power of Brushing
Recently, a photographer friend of mine encouraged me to consider spending a little more time doing “local brushing” on my photos to help accent highlights, deepen shadows and increase overall visual appeal. I’m still learning how to do it (often I don’t really...
This is THE Place for Photographers!
Having never been to one before, I wasn’t sure what to expect at the Photography and Media Summit hosted by Miracle Mountain Ranch last weekend…. Well, here’s what happened and my opinion on it: https://youtu.be/qkEEcntz9FI Behind the Scenes Insights My...
What Happened at Kent Falls….
My Saturday's are not usually as exciting as was this past Saturday, at least, in the respect to planned excitement. It was the first Saturday of it’s kind this year, and Lord willing, not the last…. https://youtu.be/PIIYQmKk6-M Behind the Scenes Insights I...
One Photography Principle You Don’t Want to Break!
I’m sure you’re familiar with various composition “rules” in photography, like the “rule of thirds” or “keep the horizon level”. And knowing and applying simple rules like these will certainly set your pictures apart from the average snapshots! But it's important...
Quick Edit: Spring Dogwood
I don’t know if you remember, but this month’s free desktop background wallpaper was a pretty branch of dogwood flowers taken during a stroll through the park surrounding the St. Louis Arch. Well, here’s a little video of how I edited it. In real time, using...
The Price of Adventure
Enjoy adventure?! Be sure to count the cost, because you never know when everything might just go dead wrong…. https://youtu.be/LMdRJTe7R7A Behind the Scenes Insights I was well aware of the danger of a wet snowfall….if it was a snowfall in late autumn when...
Exploring West Virginia: What NOT to Do!
Do you relish stress? Or would you prefer to steer clear of unnecessary problems? Learn from my mistake…never cross a point of no return if you don’t know what’s beyond it! Here’s a story of what happened when I did, and the lessons I learned from it…...
Strolling Through Downtown? Make the Most of it!
Going shopping? Finding a place to eat? Visiting a museum? Whether you’re by yourself, vacationing with family or spending time with friends, I’m sure it’s fairly often you find yourself strolling through the busy streets of downtown! If it suits the situation, why...
My 4-Step Process For Scouting Photography Locations Online
You don’t have to be a full-time photographer to find great places to take great pictures! But it does help to follow a process. So, here’s my process. In this particular video—scouting around for schoolhouses while visiting a friend in Connecticut—I happened to be...
Crazy Photo Excursion to Snowy Connecticut!
I don’t normally drive over 600 miles for a photo shoot…especially when it means driving straight into a major snowstorm! But this time, maybe I was going crazy. Here’s the story behind the assignment and just exactly what happened on this adventurous excursion to...
How I Use a Wal-Mart Tripod!
Not all tripods are created equal. So what can you expect in a tripod if you can’t afford a durable, name-brand one? After accidentally leaving my quality, Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod at home on a recent, multi-day photo excursion last week, I started learning...
I Couldn’t Find a Good Overlook….
….so here’s what I decided to do! https://youtu.be/cIS0n6C6P0g Behind the Scenes Insights A fellow from church first told me about 5 Points. He knew I liked photography so when I asked if he could recommend of any nice places around to take pictures, he said...
A Practical Use for “Split Toning” in Lightroom
I haven’t found many practical uses for the Split Toning panel in Lightroom. I probably hadn’t opened it for months! It’s one of those panels that seems to provide more of an artistic spin on editing photos versus the natural feeling that I'm usually trying to go...
Directing the Eye Using Overexposure
Here’s some real-world composition for ya! I wasn’t planning on creating this video, but because finding, composing and tweaking this shot turned out to be so “textbook perfect”, I couldn’t help but step back and quickly explain how it came together. ...
“How You Can Take Amazing Photos in 4 Simple Steps”
Ultimate Bundles is offering a free Video Series on basic photography called “How You Can Take Amazing Photos in 4 Simple Steps”. As far as I know, it’ll only be available until February 25! I just finished reviewing it and am happy to say that, based on...
Learning How to Intelligently Predict Beautiful Times to Take Pictures in the Outdoors!
What if you could predict beforehand if it was going to be a beautiful sunrise tomorrow morning? Or a beautiful sunset tonight? Or the next night? What if you could intelligently calculate ahead of time if a particular snowfall was going to be particularly...
Get each article as soon as it goes live!
"*" indicates required fields
Recommended Ebook
"*" indicates required fields
What are we up to?
Follow along with Lenspiration travels…
It`s a choice to continue in sin. And it`s a choice to leave it. The way of escape is always open. "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" Isaiah 61:1
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#verseoftheday #christianphotographer #faithandphotography #freedominchrist #exploretocreate
Which lane am I in? Headed toward the light, or fleeing from it? "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 3:20-21
I`ve driven through this pass scores of times, but I`ve only taken the time to photograph it once. I`m busy. I`ve got places to go. But because capturing beauty is important to me, I find ways to prioritize it. Same in my walk with the Lord. I am in such desperate need of God`s light in my life, I prioritize going to His word in the mornings.
--
Wholesome photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#walkinthelight #faithinfocus #christianphotography #sunsetlover #landscapephotography
🎉 Celebrate with us! 🎉
The new “Jesus, I Come” Lenspiration 2027 Calendar is here!
This year, I made some changes to the monthly design, giving it a fresh, clean look while retaining the aspects that everyone has come to know and love about the Lenspiration calendars—intricate cutouts, hymn lyrics, and Scriptures on each month.
Pre-orders start today, and calendars will begin shipping in October after they’ve been printed.
🎉 To celebrate the launch, we’re giving out a special gift for the next 10 days (until August 31). Anyone who pre-orders any quantity of Original or Personalized 2027 Calendars during this time will get 20% OFF the Lenspiration store* for the rest of 2026! 🎉
May the 2027 Calendar be a blessing to all who receive it, and a fresh reminder to come to Jesus each and every day throughout this coming year!
*20% discount cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and does not apply to purchases of Original, Personalized or Artist’s Calendars, as well as Budget or Recommended Camera Kits.
--
Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
--
#2027calendar #lenspiration #landscape_photography #JesusIcome #Scripturecalendar #Christiancalendar #inspirationalcalendar #christianphotographer #wvphotographer #uslandscapes
The following story is from a Lenspiration blog post which tells some of the behind-the-scenes stories from the photos I chose for the 2027 calendar (pre-orders for calendars begin on Friday, August 21!!).
But did any of the photos from that stop in western Virginia make it into the calendar?! Well. . .you’ll have to find out on Friday when the big reveal happens! 😉
"In May of 2025, we set out on a 4-day trek from Tennessee to Maine for the next event on our calendar, not knowing that the journey itself would offer some of the most memorable moments of the whole trip!
The first day’s drive was relatively short. On the way to spend the night with friends in Virginia, we savored the quiet drive surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. We indulged in a long lunch break at a picnic table tucked among trees with perfect temperatures and lighthearted birds flitting around us.
That evening, at our host’s lovely home in the Shenandoah Valley, we stepped out on the front porch to enjoy the spectacular view. There was no color in the sky, but that didn’t matter. Since photography is my work, I usually set it aside on Sundays to enjoy a day of rest.
However, as we sat and chatted in the peaceful beauty of the country surroundings, the sky started to get colorful and kept getting better and better. Finally, I looked at Julianna to see if this short interruption of our time together would be an acceptable exception, and her sweet smile was all the answer I needed! I jogged down to the van and snapped these photos before the perfect color faded away."
🎉SAVE THE DATE: Friday, August 21 - Calendar pre-orders open! 🎉
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#lenspiration #lenspirationcalendar #2027calendar #fineartcalendar #landscapephotography #naturephotography #behindtheshot #behindthescene #wvphotographer
"Thus saith the LORD, keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed." Isaiah 56:1
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#californiawaterfalls #waterfallphotography #explorecalifornia #chasingwaterfalls #landscapephoto
Join me for some LIVE photo coaching on Tuesday, August 25! Register at link in bio.
At this very moment . . . the Lenspiration 2027 Calendar is being assembled. The theme has been chosen. The design has been tweaked. Each photo has been carefully edited, and hymns and Scripture verses selected.
On Friday, August 21, we`ll have a big reveal and pre-orders will begin!
So, mark your calendar and get ready for the all-new Lenspiration fine art 2027 Calendar!
#wvphotographer #landscapephotography #calendar #FineArt #landscapes #creationphotographer #savethedate #2027calendar #creation
2026 marks the beginning of my foray into art exhibiting! Started off with displaying some calendars at the annual @salemwvofficial Salem Community Arts Showcase on Saturday. Next will be the Salem Apple Butter Festival in October. Special thanks to the Cultural Foundation of Harrison County for making both events possible! My goal is to use the exhibits to create a wholesome, educational experience for art-lovers to expand their knowledge in photography, geography, and the ethics essential to success in any professional field.
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#artexhibit #learnthroughart #salemwv #lenspiration #artwithpurpose
Super excited! Thank you FeedSpot for naming Lenspiration as #2 in the top 10 Best West Virginia Photography Blogs to Follow in 2026! Just after Wonderful West Virginia Magazine @wonderfulwestvirginia Read more at https://bloggers.feedspot.com/west_virginia_photography_bloggers Truly, there`s no other place I`d rather call home than wild, wonderful West Virginia
--
#onlyinwestvirginia #photoblogger #wvblogger #top10
I learned what "flash flood" means, the other day. No problem driving into downtown Indianapolis when the rain started. But it rained so hard and so long, our efforts to leave were thwarted over and over again as we backed out of street after street trying to find a way back to the Interstate. Never seen so much water on the road before. Thankfully we were able to get to an entrance ramp that was on higher ground....and begin our long journey home through more storms, tornado warnings, and flooded construction sites. So grateful that God "rulest the raging sea: when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them"! (Psalm 89:9)
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#flooding #travelphotography #travel #danger #flashflood
We almost left the overlook, when something happened.... We were on our way home from Connecticut, stopping in Virginia to meet up with @samuelchingphotography to photograph sunset at @greatfallsparkvanps. I chose the Maryland side of the river because the overlook faced west toward the sunset. However, we ran into two problems. First, the boardwalk offered no opportunity to descend down to the waters edge (offering instead severe penalties for leaving it). And second, it was not a pretty sunset. After spotting the landscape for a while, why stick around? Part of our group headed back to the car and I began packing up. And that`s when, out of nowhere, these long, pink, apparently altocumulus radiatus clouds appeared in the western sky in the perfect spot for landscape compositions! I can`t believe we almost missed it. I learned I need to be patient, even after the moment of sunset.
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#greatfallspark #altocumulus #sunsetchasers #patiencepays #landscapephotography
For this month`s photo assignment, we`re doing something a little unusual: we`re learning how to take photos and add creative text overlay. With resources to help you through the process, this assignment takes your photography to the next level and helps you understand design concepts.
The goal is simple - to create "Verse Pics": taking any picture you’d like, with a verse relating to the scene designed on it.
Learn all about it at the link in bio!
On my way back from that morning hike at the top of South Mountain, the main thought in my head was to get back to the car so I could get home. Then I started thinking about why I wanted to get home. Well, one of the reasons was because I wanted to be back with Julianna and finally tell her good morning (because I had left so early that she was still asleep). That made me start thinking about how much she likes wildflowers and I thought "Hey, I should take some pictures of flowers to show her when I get back..." And that`s when I started noticing all the flowers by the side of the trail! --- Moral of the story: sometimes you don`t see things till you start looking for them. 😃 "Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see." Isaiah 42:18
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#flowerphotography #phoneography #lookandsee #lovestory #scripture
I can`t believe I found a spot like this in Connecticut! I`ve know a great photo spot like this existed, but couldn`t figure out how to get there without a super long, exhausting hike. Finally figured it out thanks in part to @alltrails. I can DM hiking directions if interested. It`s still probably a 2mi hike.
--
Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
--
#onlyinconnecticut #hikingadventures #bestphotospot #overlook #landscapephotography
Join me for some LIVE photo coaching on July 28 as we take a photographic tour across the world and explore "Picturesque Places"! Register at the link in bio.
I`ve had my eye on this location for years...and today I finally made the early morning hike out for golden hour. With the smoke coming down from Canada, would I get my chance for the photo I`ve been waiting for?!
A quick sunrise shoot with amazing potential. Right place at the right time. Would the sun show up and make it a perfect morning?!
Join me in the minutes before sunrise as I discover what the results of my early morning hike would be!
