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!

Updates & Opportunities
A Work in Progress

A Work in Progress

Well, I didn’t exactly get the back end of things off the ground before September 1, the day I wanted to officially announce Lenspiration’s 2012 Calendar. But at least something is up! Though the interface is not perfect yet, the calendar is ready to go, so feel...

Tips & Tricks
Capture Lightning!

Capture Lightning!

Thank you everyone for your comments; I know how to capture lightning now! Seriously, because I do so much trial and error, and I don’t get to shoot storms very often, I really enjoyed reading your comments. In all actuality, you probably don’t want to take...

Tips & Tricks
How Would You Take It?

How Would You Take It?

The evening was warm and blustery, the gusts of wind bringing with them the suggestion of an approaching storm. Then feeble flashes of light could be seen on the distant horizon, easily perceived from my vantage point on the front porch of the Wilkes new home in...

Stories & Expeditions
Northwoods Tubing

Northwoods Tubing

When I get the chance (and when I’m not on the tube), I like to ride along in the motor boat to see if I can capture some of those split-second wonders of tubing. I’ve taken thousands of pictures of people tubing, yet the lure for a better shot is always too strong...

Tips & Tricks
More than Smooth Water

More than Smooth Water

I was going through pictures today and came across two practically identical waterfall pictures I took last month at Bond Falls State Park, Michigan. Notice how the second picture looks so much better than the first one. Both were taken on a tripod only 26 seconds...

Stories & Expeditions
God Provides

God Provides

God provides in both small ways and big ways. At the Conference last week, I lost some small, yet relatively important items. The first thing I lost was the little eye piece that fits over the viewfinder of my camera. I guess this isn’t that important, but it sure...

Perspective
Be Doing and Daring

Be Doing and Daring

Photography is so much fun! It forces me to do things I would never otherwise want to do, takes me places I would otherwise never get to go, and introduces me to people I would otherwise never know. Last week, at the Indianapolis Conference was the perfect example...

Perspective
Over the Next Week

Over the Next Week

Just a heads-up: the Lord has worked it out for me to be a guide on a young men’s Journey to the Heart over the next week. Therefore, I will be unable to post anything here on Lenspiration.com until after the 1st of August. I’d appreciate your prayers for...

Updates & Opportunities
Feedback Wanted

Feedback Wanted

Believe it or not, though we are scarcely halfway through 2011, I’ve been working feverishly on the 2012 Lenspiration calendar. I’ve reached a point now where I need some feedback. Even if you only have a few minutes, I would really appreciate your comments about...

Impressive Places
Clingmans Dome, TN

Clingmans Dome, TN

One of the last places we stopped on the way back from Texas was the highest point in Tennessee, a mountaintop in the middle of Great Smokey Mountains National Park. At 6,643 feet above sea level, Clingmans Dome affords a 360 degree view up to 100 miles away on a...

Tips & Tricks
Texas Shed

Texas Shed

After Robert’s wedding, we stopped at a few places in Texas in the Dallas area. This old shed, now out of commission, was on a chicken farm that we toured. It was a drab picture originally, being taken in early afternoon. But I found a new Adjustment in Photoshop...

Tips & Tricks
Taking Panos

Taking Panos

Over the past month, while traveling through the Appalachian mountains, I have begun experimenting with taking true panoramic images. Not one image cropped to a 3:1 ratio, but a series of images side by side that, when stitched together, create a true high-res...

Get each article as soon as it goes live!

Recommended Ebook

What are we up to?

Follow along with Lenspiration travels…

"The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, 'Who shall bring me down to the ground?'" (Obadiah 1:3). All I can think of is, beware America.
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #yosemite #california #verseoftheday #versepic #bibleverse #truth #prideoflife #pride
Had a great time at the IAHE @theiahe convention over the weekend! 7 photography students on the Photography Team Workshop plus 2 alumni @isaac.peterson.media @elijah.fullerton covering the conference while the beginners were getting up to speed!
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#photographyteam #homeschoolconvention #workshop #photographyworkshop #homeschooled #photographers #team #photoworkshop #homeschooled #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #homeeducators #homeeducate #homeschoolingteens #lifelearning #homescool #photographyeducator #christianphotographer #photoblogger #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #iahe #indianapolis
For, lo, He that formed the mountains, and created the wind, and declared unto man what is his thought, that makes the morning darkness, and treads upon the high places of the earth, "The LORD", "The God of hosts," is His name (Amos 4:13).
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #mountain #colorado #rockies #pikespeak #clouds #verseoftheday #godscreation #godofwonders
"...if any say, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right...', [God] will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light." --Elihu on repentance, in Job 33:27-28 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #sunset #bridge #bridgediagram #bridgeillustration #gotowv #wvphoto #wvphoto #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #westvirginiamountains
PRAYER. That's this month's Shoot to Serve photo assignment! Learn how to shoot it yourself or submit your own photos at www.lenspiration.com/current-assignment 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#assignment #photoassignment #onassignment #assignmentphotography
#homeschooled #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #homeeducators #homeeducate #homeschoolingteens #lifelearning #homescool #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #prayer #forest #alone #woods #happyplace #optoutside
Wow, picnicking in March is pretty nice! 😀
Really enjoyed stopping at the New River Gorge yesterday! The Lord even worked it out to be there for sunset. 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#travelphoto #travel #lifelearning #optoutside #travelphotography #traveling #adventure #explore #ventureout #outdoors #thegreatoutdoors #photographyeducator #christianphotographer #photoblogger #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #gotowv #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #wildwonderful
"I [God] taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them" (Hosea 11:3). It took me a few times reading this chapter to realize just how packed it is with God's love! Isn't that how it is, though? It doesn't matter how often or how much we forget about Him, He is always working on us and helping us to return to Him. 

Reminds me of something that happened yesterday! I was recording various business statistics in the morning and this thought popped into my head: "I've only photographed 1 wedding so far this year. It normally takes 2-3 for supplemental income to stay on budget....I wonder if any more will come up this year." And I kept right on going. I completely didn't even pray about it! Not a single thought to ask the Lord to provide. A great example of forgetting about God in day to day life.

But guess what? God's working on me without me even knowing it. An email came in later that day from a friend, asking if I could photograph their wedding. And I was convicted! "Lord, you provide for me even when I forget about you!" His loves us so much. He wants to provide for us! And now it is fresh on my mind to ask Him for provision so He will receive all the glory and honor for all He does to provide for me. Take me by the hand, Lord, and teach me how to live! 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #godseesyou #godslove #love #truelove #truth #scriptureverse #scripture #verseoftheday #bibleverse
New post on the blog about my latest winter photo excursions! www.lenspiration.com/blog
--
#photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #sunrise #winterwonderland #winterphoto #wintery #snow #snowphotography #snowphoto #church #churchphotography
The perfect sunrise at Nubble Lighthouse, Maine! A perfect illustration of Hosea 5:15, "I [God] will return to My place, till they acknowledge their offense, and seek My face: in their affliction they will seek Me early." May the storms in our lives lead us to repentance of sin. 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #sunrise #nubblelighthouse #storm #epic #epicsunrise #oceanscape #lighthouse
"And they consider not in their hearts that I [God] remember all their wickedness:...they are before My face" (Hosea 7:2). No point in trying to hide anything from the Lord! Instead, he that confesses and forsakes their sin shall have mercy! (Proverbs 28:13) This photo was taken in Garden of the God's, Colorado. The distant storm clouds, red rock, wide open views, and interesting formations made this place such an enjoyable place to photograph! 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #colorado #verseoftheday #desert #godseesyou #godsees #godismerciful
"...your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away" (Hosea 8:4). Morning mist can cover a vast area. Dew drops are very tiny. Regardless of size or amount, to God, our own good works amount to nothing in the long run. He desires the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings! The work of Christ in us is the only goodness acceptable to God. Wow, enjoying reading through Hosea!
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #mist #dew #view #bible #bibleverse #verseoftheday #hosea #illustration #scriptureverse
"...he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger" (Job 17:9). May we walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God today!
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #mountain #snowscape #lake #wilderness #reflecting #reflection #scenic #montana
What an honor to photograph the wedding of this mature young couple! Integrity, self-control, and modesty are rare virtues these days, but where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty! Thank you for being an example of genuine love and living demonstration of the fruit of living after the Spirit, and not after the flesh. Romans 8:13
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
-- 
#wedding #weddingphoto #weddingphotography #weddingphotographer #weddingday  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #photography #photographer #christianphotographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #february #februarywedding #selfie #love #truth #integrity #virtue #selfcontrol
Even the simplest of locations can offer an interesting photo when the conditions are right. Already looking forward to the next deep snowfall!
--
Become a photographer: www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #snow #winter #gotowv #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #winterwonderland #wildwonderful #westvirginiamountains #westvirginiahills
When I saw a photo of this place for the first time, I could hardly believe such a perfectly picturesque spot could exist! But it does. Heart Lake, in the shadow of Mt. Shasta, deep in the wilderness wastes of California. 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #mountain #mtshasta #heartlake #california #reflection #sunset
Winter has finally arrived in West Virginia! 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #gotowv #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #westvirginiamountains #westvirginiahills #westvirginia #woodland #mountainscape #composition #framing
Super excited about the January photo assignment, learning how to photograph Moon Scenery! Get the details on the blog (link in bio). 
--
Become a photographer:  www.lenspiration.com/blog
--
#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife  #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #wvphotographer #lenspiration #moon #moonphoto #fullmoon #moonset #moonphotography #lunar #lunarbeauty #dusk #bluehour