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!
Pic of the Month: August ‘10
Indiana Countryside When I was first getting into photography, I remember reading something like this: “A landscape photographer never has any leisure time. He’s out before dawn; he scouts locations during the heat of the day; and he doesn’t return until after...
Shedding Some Light on Lens Hoods
What is the purpose of a lens hood and when do you use one? –Hannah I remember many a cheery late-afternoon, squatting in some awkward position in some secluded location attempting to get just the perfect angle of some perfect composition, where I had to get in an...
Need Help Choosing a Canon Lens
Recently someone told me that they were seriously updating their lenses and wanted my recommendation on what portrait lens I would recommend. I couldn’t really tell her exactly what lens to buy because I don’t do enough portraiture to be 100% confident, but I could...
Shooting at Midday
If you have to take a picture in the sun, how can you use the bright light to your advantage? Often, our "working on the farm" shots need taken in the heat of the day--when we're working. Is there a way to do that right, or will all the...
Want to Learn Desktop Publishing?
I drove down to Indianapolis with three folks from Headquarters today and joined five other students who are greatly anticipating a lively, full, intense week of learning DTP! I’m looking forward to sharing tips in Photoshop and InDesign, studying principles of...
Critiquing the Details
Michael is an energetic, responsible young photographer who attends the same church here in Chicago that I’ve been attending for the past two years. I didn’t know he enjoyed photography until recently, so I was quite elated when I received an e-mail from him...
Finding the Right Camera
I have often been asked: “What camera would you recommend I buy?” There is no easy answer. There are dozens of important factors to consider such as what type of photography you want to pursue and how much you are willing to pay. Add to this technical factors such...
A Piece of Montana
Thanks for letting me critique your pictures, Barbara. I’ve never been to Montana before, so it’s neat to see your beautiful state from your perspective. No matter how brilliant a sunset may be, they indefinitely end up looking “flat” without a subject in the...
Comments on a Battery Grip
I just got a new battery grip for my 40D. I usually only buy Canon products and accessories, but I didn’t feel like spending all the extra money. So I held my breath and bought a Zeikos ZE-CBG50 Battery Power Grip for Canon 40D & 50Ds. And I guess I’m still...
Will the Rain Stop?
This was the question on my mind as we drove the 10 miles of windy roads in pouring rain toward Hocking Hills State Park. I had visited this park many times in the past, but I especially wanted it to stop raining today because my entire family was with me this...
Keeping Track of Equipment
Do you make a mental note every time you set your camera down? During the Indianapolis Conference, I learned that even when I didn’t think it was necessary, remembering exactly where I put my camera is very important. I never not know where my camera is. That’s why...
Pic of the Month: July ‘10
Peruvian Traffic The traffic in Lima, Peru, is horrendously congested yet tremendously fun to travel. At least, when I’m not the driver. You see, I supremely enjoy the talent of the one who was driving. The responsibility of pulling through tight places, making...
Shooting in Indy
I’m in Indianapolis now, enjoying the time with my family at the last Regional ATI Conference of the year! There’s a story to tell about this picture which I might as well tell while I’m at it. 🙂 I gripped the camera with sweaty hands as I watched Robert...
A Few Words on a Few Pictures
I met Peter just a few weeks ago at a homeschooling conference. He likes photography, and seeing I had a camera, he came over and said hi. I found out he was an amazing locomotive photographer, and I suggest you see more of his pictures at this website. After the...
The Journey of Life from a Photographers Perspective
Have you waded through streams in summer with tripod in hand? Have you biked trails in winter till your camera just quit working, it was so cold? Have you slipped on yellow-leaf-littered asphalt on a rainy day in autumn? Though I have never trekked the Michigan...
Not an Ordinary Trip!
Perhaps you have noticed that I have not posted anything for a while. Due in part to travel and Independence Day celebrations, the lack of posts is mainly due to recent preparations for a very special trip. And this is not your ordinary trip. In fact, only a month...
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Getting around to editing my autumn photos! It was a great year for color. A long season. Would love your critique! How would you have photographed this differently?
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Muddy Creek Falls, the largest waterfall in Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland. Also the most picturesque in my opinion! Photo critique welcome in the comments below!
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Judging for the photo challenge at yesterday`s Explore Indiana Waterfalls and Gorges workshop!
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Looking for the Northern Lights the other night! Photo taken by my 11yo niece. 😎
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Some friends took us to a lake for a picnic dinner while in NC. Turned out to be a nice spot for sunset!
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #lake #sunser #mountain #reflection
Have you heard of "The Tail of the Dragon" on the TN and NC border? If not, look it up! Julianna and I drove it on our way to a wedding in Knoxville and it was crazy! I don`t remember driving something that curvey since descending out of Angeles National Forest on Gelndora Mountain Road in CA years ago.
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Last day to vote on which photos to use in the Lenspiration 2025 calendar! Survey here: https://forms.gle/FYCaUbWz1sZBQw1t8 (link is also in bio). Thank you for your help!
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #calendar #2025caledar #2025 #survey #popularopinion #helpwanted #giveyouropinion #opinion
Help me choose which photos to use in the Lenspiration 2025 calendar! Survey here: https://forms.gle/FYCaUbWz1sZBQw1t8 (link is also in bio). Thank you for your help!
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Become a photographer: www.lenspiration.com
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #calendar #2025caledar #2025 #survey #popularopinion #helpwanted #giveyouropinion #opinion
Been a while since I`ve posted! Here`s a favorite camping spot on our travels through Appalachia this summer.
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#travelphoto #travel #lifelearning #optoutside #travelphotography #traveling #adventure #explore #ventureout #outdoors #thegreatoutdoors #photographyeducator #christianphotographer #photoblogger #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #mountain #vanlife #appalachia #camping #campsite #carcamping
I think this is my favorite photo from the Photography Meetup the other week. It even has a good story behind it. 🙂 See blog post (link in bio).
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#exploremeetup #photographymeetup #workshop #photographyworkshop #outdoors #photographyday #photographyskills #photographybusiness #homeschooled #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #homeeducators #homeeducate #homeschoolingteens #lifelearning #homescool #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #explore #sunrise #sunburst #sun #gorge #gorgeous #story
There`s nothing like going out with friends to photograph the glories of God`s creation together!
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#exploremeetup #photographymeetup #workshop #photographyworkshop #outdoors #photographyday #photographyskills #photographybusiness #homeschooled #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #homeeducators #homeeducate #homeschoolingteens #lifelearning #homescool #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #explore #godscreation #creation #sunset #lensflare #friends #photobuddies
Cell phone snapshot of the sunrise God gave us at the Tallulah Gorge photography meet up. Nothing epic, but material to work with! Looking forward to sorting through my photos from the workshop soon.
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Had such a blast with this great group of photographers exploring Tallulah Gorge on Saturday! We got the passes to go through the entire gorge....and wow what an adventure! Don`t think I could have made it out without my equipment getting soaked unless I had been with a group! Seriously strenuous. Best photography day in a while!
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#georgia #workshop #photographyworkshop #outdoors #photographyday #photographyskills #photographybusiness #homeschooled #homeschoolphotography #homeschool #homeeducators #homeeducate #homeschoolingteens #lifelearning #homescool #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #tallulahgorge @tallulahgorge #photoadventures #photoadventure #strenuous
Behind the scenes shots from the webinar last night!
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Was editing covered bridge photos the other day and liked this one with the strong leading lines a day vanishing point!
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#photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #coveredbridge #pennsylvania #archetecturephotography #architecture #vanishingpoint #leadinglines
Last night`s sunset was simply amazing!
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #sunset #gotowv #westvirginiamountains #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #westvirginiahills
Share beautiful photo locations for a chance to win free access to the Lenspiration Scouting Guide!
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration @stonewallresort #gotowv #wildwonderfulwestvirginia #westvirginiahills #westvirginiamountains #westvirginia
Decided lastminute to go out for sunrise. Wasn`t a colorful one, but golden hour was nice. Found a nice, unmarked outcropping with a nice view!
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#landscapephoto #landscape #landscapephotography #art #nature #photo #godscreation #creation #greatoutdoors #outdoors #explore #optoutside #landscapeshot #canon #outdoorlife #photographyeducator #photoblogger #christianphotographer #photography #photographer #wvphotographer #lenspiration #wvhills #wvphoto #gotowv #westvirginiamountains #westvirginia #wildwonderfulwestvirginia @blackwaterfallsstatepark @tuckercounty_wv
