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 Make the Background Blurry
Background blur eliminates distractions, creates depth, and makes the person’s face stand alone from it’s surroundings. A combination of the four elements laid out in this post will get you good results every time!
More Than Snapshots
I felt like there were enough good shots from my quick stop in San Diego to use a few as wallpapers. I like to have a different wallpaper on my computer desktop every few weeks, and it certainly has been a few since posting any new ones. So, there’s plenty to...
How to Create an Ebook
Books are one of my favorite things to design! I just love watching the complexities of each paragraph, character, and object style work effectively together in unison as I add each new page . . . each new chapter! I recently put together an ebook called Launch...
Where to Go in San Diego
After my extended stay in Alaska, I stopped in San Diego to visit a friend before heading across the border into Tijuana to jump into an intense design work-schedule with MissionTalk. I didn’t have much time to be taking pictures in San Diego, so I just went out on...
Latest from Lenspiration Updates
Click here to view the latest Latest from Lenspiration update. I don’t have enough time to keep up with all the blogs I wish I could follow. However, I do love to get e-mail updates that notify me of what’s up so I can look into the stuff that interests me most....
Announcing CAPTURE Kansas
I’m excited to announce the third and final 2013 Lenspiration photography workshop: CAPTURE Kansas! Nevermind the obstacles—flat prairie, torrential rain, desolate drought, unceasing wind, forsaken flatness—it makes no difference to a landscape photographer! In...
Last Days in Alaska
Over the last few days in Alaska, there were a whole lot of places we scouted for next year’s CAPTURE Alaska workshop. Moving into September, the rainy season started to let up, but for the most part, Alaska continued to hide the essence of it’s glory in the...
How to Shoot on Rainy Days
The locals weren’t kidding when they said this time of year in Alaska was the rainy season. After the few days of sunshine last weekend, the clouds moved in and haven’t left. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t stopped seeking for “wow” pictures! A Break in the Clouds...
Home, Home in the Mountains
On our two-day excursion down to the Kenai Peninsula this weekend, I would have to say this was one of my favorite places we stopped to take pictures. If you are ever driving the scenic Seward Highway between Anchorage and Seward, make sure to stop and enjoy this...
Alaskan Culture
This is really odd. It’s practically 10:00pm and it’s still pretty light outside as I get ready for bed. It’s even more strange to think that at 12:00 midnight tonight there will still be vestiges of light on the horizon, as I noted was the case on the drive back...
Why I Use a Polarizer
We hiked along the banks of the beautiful and secluded Eklutna Lake, Alaska, today. From what I heard, the water level was very high and over it’s normal banks making it difficult to find an open area to shoot with anchor objects in the foreground. But after hiking...
Experiencing Hatcher Pass
Last night and this afternoon we explored the area around Hatcher Pass, a 45 minute uphill drive from Wasilla. What I loved about this place was the fact that we were close to the mountains, traversing the subalpine and alpine zones. I didn’t know exactly what that...
An Introduction to Alaska
Words can not describe how incredible the landscape is up here in Alaska! I’ve never seen such vastness and variety. In preparation for future CAPTURE workshops in Alaska, I’ve been traveling around with my exceedingly hospitable and educational tour guides, the...
No Need to Edit . . . Sometimes
After returning from CAPTURE North Carolina, I headed out with my family to attend the Virginia FEW Conference in Brandy Station, Virginia. There’s a ton I could say about our stay, but in summary I must say that it certainly was an encouraging weekend because the...
An Icon of West Virginia
Glade Creek Grist Mill, West Virginia My brother Jonathan and I stopped in at Babcock State Park, West Virgnia on our way back from the CAPTURE North Carolina workshop. Though I had driven past it by less than twenty minutes away dozens of times, I had never taken...
The Golden Hour
Life Along the Parkway Download as Desktop Background My brother Jonathan and I couldn’t help but stop and marvel at the beauty of God’s creation when we spotted this beautiful white-tail during our scouting excursion for CAPTURE North Carolina on the Blue Ridge...
What I Learned at CAPTURE NC
There are so many pictures to go through after shooting for three days straight last weekend! During the summer months, I never have much time to edit pictures, but with the efficient post-processing features of Lightroom, I feel that I can at least publish a...
What Happened at CAPTURE North Carolina
The CAPTURE NC Team So here’s a pictorial summary from last week’s CAPTURE North Carolina workshop! We prayed often on our way to our shooting locations for sunrise and sunset that it would stop raining and not once did it hinder us from taking pictures. On the...
Enjoying the Blue Ridge Parkway
Finished a fabulous day of shooting in the North Carolina highlands today with an awesome group of photographers on this CAPTURE North Carolina workshop! Here’s some snapshots of our time this morning shooting sunrise right off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We are all...
A Few Days of Scouting
My brother Jonathan and I have spent the last few days hiking and scouting out the Linville area in final preparation for the CAPTURE North Carolina workshop! Even in as naturally beautiful a location as this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway, “wow” pictures...
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What are we up to?
Follow along with Lenspiration travels…
It’s been just over a week since pre-ordering opened on Lenspiration 2027 calendars, and I’m so grateful for everyone who has placed an order already! It means so much to us.
⏰ Special 10-day Celebration ends on Monday! ⏰
Here`s the DEAL: 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! 🎉
So don’t wait. Pre-order your 2027 Calendars by Monday and we’ll email you your 20% discount coupon!
🔗Pre-order at link in bio
*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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#PhotoCalendar #PhotographyLovers #FineArtPhotography #NaturePhotography #GodsCreation #BeautyOfCreation #FaithInspired #ChristianCreatives #ChristianGifts #HomeschoolFamily #HomeschoolLife #FamilyTraditions #IntentionalLiving #PreOrder #ShopSmall
New blog post! There`s plenty of adventure for a landscape photographer in the State of Connecticut! Here are 10 of the best landscape photography locations in Connecticut. . . Read more at link in bio.
#lenspiration #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #christianphotographer #photographyeducator #photoinspiration #photography #photoblogger
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.
