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!
How To Photograph Tack Sharp Reflections
Reflections are awesome! And they’re awesome-er if they are truly sharp. Notice how in this photo the reflection isn’t quite perfectly, tack sharp? This is what a PRO member was talking about when they asked this question recently on the Q&A Forum: Do you have...
A Creative Perspective on the Photography Team Group Shot
Saturday was the last day of the HEAV Photography Team! As always, we took a team group shot. Instead of doing it at the exact same location every year, I like to try and be creative by changing up locations if we have the time. This makes things a little more...
2 Things You Won’t Want to Miss Today
First, obviously, is the time-sensitive discount I mentioned the other day for those who might want to try PRO free for a month: Remember! Only available today, tomorrow and Saturday (June 8, 9 and 10) Go to www.lenspiration.com/pro and click to Join PRO Enter...
Special Discount Available This Weekend Only!
Summer is the time for conferences and conventions! And there’s something very special about the one that’s happening this weekend… At the last Conference, the one at the end of May in Toccoa, Georgia, it was special in it’s own unique way. Southern sweet tea, of...
Behind the Shot: Belvedere on the Gorge
Belvedere on the Gorge Endless Wall Trail, New River Gorge Trail, West Virginia Subscribe to Lenspiration updates to download as a desktop background in the next Latest from Lenspiration update Behind the Shot It's sure is fun to explore and find beautiful...
Discover the Best Methods for Photographing Steam
I wish I had more time to expound on this! For now I’m just going to have to leave it at this… For me, “steam” was just one of those subjects I had never thought of trying to photograph before. (Like, have you ever tried it?) So, when a PRO member asked me how to...
Photography From the Perspective of a Designer
Just a quick reminder that the deadline for this week’s photo assignment is coming up quickly! Midnight, Friday the 26th. Have a picture that portrays the idea of “the passage of time”, or some creative representation of Acts 24:25, “And as he reasoned of...
Why This Designer Really Liked This Photo
PRO member @creative-click-photography stole the prize for the 1 Peter 3:15 VersePic Opportunity with her fantastic submission featuring a girl reading her Bible! Here’s her original submission and the finished VersePic: And here are the VersePic Director’s...
Something New for Everyone!
In PRO or no, I’ve got some great new stuff for everyone today! PRO Members: if you didn’t see it on Friday, the May PRO Report—your source to exploring what’s new in PRO—is now available at www.lenspiration.com/proreports! The report includes articles on: How to...
5 Things to Consider When Shooting a Wedding As a 2nd Photographer
Ever been asked to shoot a wedding as a 2nd photographer? Here are 5 things to consider when stepping into this role.
Lenspiration Forums Now Simplified!
Hey, just a quick update here on some changes I’ve been making to the Lenspiration Forums… Instead of using the secluded PRO Forums, PRO members will now be using the regular Photo Critique and Photography Q&A forums to submit their photos and ask questions...
Here’s Something You Can Do While You’re Editing Pictures…
A new Photography Moment is up on the Sharpening Character podcast…and this time with a twist! Podcasts are awesome because you can listen to them while you’re doing something else, like working out, driving, taking a walk…or editing pictures on your computer. In...
Best Shots from the Big Sandy Photography Team!
Big photography teams are a blast! And that’s what we had in Texas at the Big Sandy Family Conference! Along with learning the best camera controls to use for event photography and shooting practical photo assignments for three days straight, photo critique was an...
Window On The Marsh
As I peered out of my hammock on that cool Louisiana morning, the pre-dawn sky to the west was dull gray. It didn't look like there would be much of a sunrise. I was tired and wanted to go back to sleep, but I peeked out the other side just to make sure. The...
Trying Out A New Camera-Carrying System
It's been a long time since I've been backcountry camping! But I've been enough times to know that there's one thing about it that always bothers me....I can't take pictures while I'm on the trail (with my DSLR of course)! Most of the big gear is packed away. If I...
What’s Happening This Week!
Last week was the Big Sandy Family Conference photography team in Texas! With 19 photographers, it kept me so busy I didn't have time to blog about it! Hoping this week will be a little different.... As I write, I'm swinging back and forth in a new hammock I'm...
A New Ebook On Family Photography!
For the past few months I’ve been working with JessiLise Studios to put together a new ebook, 30 Tips for Perfect Family Photos! Here’s the index: Family portraiture isn’t typically a common a subject for photography training material, so I hope it helps to “fill...
Is Photography A Distraction During Devotions? Here’s What To Do About It
Is photography sometimes a distraction during your devotions? If you’re like me, you like to have your devotions outside…you know, on the porch or in the woods or in some quiet spot around your house. Especially when it’s a warm, summer morning when it’s still...
A Practical Comparison of 3 Similar, Yet Very Different, Zoom Lenses
One of the PRO Members recently asked a great question about zoom lenses! It was fun to discuss on today’s PRO Q&A webinar and thought you might enjoy hearing the discussion too… Learn about lens creep, why I buy lenses refurbished, what focus searching means,...
An Important Update On “Shoot To Serve”
In case you didn’t see it in Tuesday’s PRO Report, I wanted to make sure everyone knew about an important announcement here about Shoot to Serve . . . Photo assignments are now free for anyone to participate in! Shoot to Serve used to be a PRO-exclusive section of...
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What are we up to?
Follow along with Lenspiration travels…
Did you see the new, “Jesus, I Come” 2027 Calendar that launched last week?! It’s been encouraging to see pre-orders coming in already!
🎉Reminder: Anyone who pre-orders any quantity of Original or Personalized 2027 Calendars by August 31 will get 20% off the Lenspiration store* for the rest of 2026! 🎉
PRE-ORDER AT LINK IN BIO!
❓Did you know that you can take the Original calendar and get it personalized . . . for the exact same price?
Over the past several years, I’ve figured out how to incorporate custom elements on the calendar in an affordable way. And in small batches . . . like 25. You don’t have to order hundreds or thousands of calendars to get a bulk price! Churches, businesses, and ministries—small or large—can use them, sell them, or give them away to family, customers, or supporters without breaking the bank.
To keep processes streamlined and efficient, I’ve simplified the pricing structure this year so that there is no price difference between Personalized Calendars and the normal, Original Calendars.
So, if you or someone you know might be interested in personalizing calendars this year, now’s a great time to get the process going!
⏰ Place an order by August 31 and get 20% off the Lenspiration store for the rest of 2026! ⏰
*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.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#ChristianFineArt #ChristianArt #ChristianCalendar #ScriptureArt #BibleArt #ChristianHymns #HymnArt #FaithAndArt #ChristianPhotography #GodsCreation #LandscapePhotography #ChristianHome #FaithFilledHome #BehindTheArt #ArtistStudio #ArtProcess #ChristianInspiration #ScriptureInspired #MeaningfulGifts #ChristianGifts
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
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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.
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Wholesome photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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.
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Family-friendly photography training
www.lenspiration.com
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#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! 🎉
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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
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#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)
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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.
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Family-friendly photography training: www.lenspiration.com
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#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?!



















