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 Keep from Missing Good Opportunities for Good Pictures
My brother Jonathan and I drove down together from West Virginia to the Big Sandy Family Conference in Texas. It was quite the drive, but when I travel, I try to plan in some extra time to stop for sunrise or sunset pictures. So, as we were driving along that first...
How to Add a Professional Touch to Your Photojournalism Photos
Just finished up the Big Sandy ACTION Photography Team! Let me share some of the best photos submitted by the team members with my comments on the reason why I thought they were the best. The basic principle behind any good picture taken during an ACTION is, “the...
Preparing for the Epic Moment
Have you ever read an article and thought, “I wish I had known about that a long time ago!”? Well, this happened to me the other day. I was reading an article by landscape photographer Anne McKinnell with a title that interested me: 5 Tips for Sand Dune Photography...
How I Clean My Camera Sensor
Have you ever taken pretty pictures like this . . . . . . only to find that there were spots all over it, like this? I noticed spots like this in my pictures very soon after buying my first DSLR camera. My family was just beginning an amazing vacation through the...
What Camera Should I Use for Event Photography?
With the first ACTION Photography Team coming up in less than five weeks, I’ve been receiving questions from potential attendees about what to expect or what to bring. Here’s one question I received whose answer I thought might be helpful for more than just Wendi:...
How Do I Conduct an Engagement Photoshoot?
Four concepts to think about when conducting an engagement photoshoot.
About the Shot: Cerro Colorado
On Top of the WorldCerro Colorado, Baja California, MexicoSTANDARD 1280 x 1024px (5:4) LARGE 1440 x 900px (8:5) WIDESCREEN 1920 x 1080px (6:9) Cerro Colorado stands 1000 feet above the city of Tijuana, Mexico, and access to...
Do you Have a Picture that Speaks, “Stepping in the Light”?
When I was first getting started into photography, I remember wishing that somehow my pictures could be used for something bigger than myself. I knew my pictures weren’t all the great most the time, but I knew that some of them were good, and I wished they could...
Unnamed Badlands near Fox Lake, Montana
Ever traveled through eastern Montana? If you have, you would know that there’s not much out there. If you haven’t, then just take note that . . . there’s not much out there. However, before you just truck it through to get to your final destination, consider what...
Praise God for Second Chances
I didn’t post much about the snowstorm Jonas . . . I was really looking forward to getting some great shots, being in a new location and all when the storm hit, but after my first attempts of capturing the aftermath of the storm, I was so disappointed with the...
Answering the Most Common Question, Once and for All!
“What camera should I buy?” Have you asked yourself this question before? I certainly did when I was first getting into photography! And guess what? I still do. Because cameras get old and upgrades are required sometimes. There’s no easy, one-size-fits-all answer...
Using Photoshop to Make a Picture Look More Cozy
After tweaking a shot taken soon after the snowstorm Jonas last weekend, I figured it would be easier to show the many tweaks and edits I made in Lightroom and Photoshop in a video instead of in written text and screenshots. Watch how each step in the process and...
The Sign of the Storm
Have you heard about the storm? If you watch the news much, you’ll surely have heard about winter storm “Jonas”, the blizzard predicted to hit D.C., Baltimore, and New York City this weekend. Funny thing is, I don’t watch the news much, but I still know about the...
Scouting Perth, Australia, from my Desk in West Virginia
The Photo Critique forum topic called “Cityscape” turned out to be a rather in-depth discussion on several interesting discussions . The topic started off with a picture of the Perth skyline from a forum member from Australia. His initial question was as to whether...
10 Amazing Benefits of Shooting in Winter
Because winter is cold, it’s harder to get outside to take pictures. But have you ever considered these 10 amazing benefits of shooting in the winter? 1. Less people out and about When it’s cold, fewer people are out and about making it easier to shoot...
4 Keys to Enjoying Shooting in Cold Weather
Whether I’m shooting in my backyard or enjoying an epic location over the Christmas holidays, it’s usually a struggle for me to get outside and take great pictures in the cold if I don’t have four things in place to keep me motivated. With these four factors, I...
Christmas Tip: Blurry Background Christmas Lights
It’s been a while since I’ve posted something! Been too busy wrapping Christmas presents, decorating Christmas cookies, putting up Christmas lights, practicing special music . . . and celebrating the birth of Christ on Christmas Day itself! When I’m busy I don’t...
An Illustration of Trust
As I was reading through Isaiah not too long ago, I came across this verse that seemed to put this entire past year into perspective: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the...
Dealing with Fears in Photography
Are you a shy photographer? Learn how to transform negative fears into positive motivation!
One Time Only Sale for Email Subscribers!
I’ve never done this before. But I just love getting special deals and think it's only appropriate that I should be giving a special deal to my email subscribers this weekend too. Plus, it's something else you can give thanks for! 🙂 Normally, a box of 10 2016...
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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?!





