Category Archives: Opinions

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Nikon Z6 & Z7 Firmware 3.0 Field Test

Yes, I know I’m a little late to the party with this test. However, rather than just installing the new Z6 / Z7 firmware, testing it for an hour, and giving you a “report” like most YouTube videos, I wanted to be a little more thorough. 

I have been using …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Techniques, Tests, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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VR Shutter Speeds, BBAF Tip, Adobe Or sRGB? and Tripod vs Monopod

In this episode we continue our conversation from Episode 3 about VR use – this time discussing which shutter speeds work best and which ones to avoid.

From there, it’s off to the Q&A section where we tackle a common technique question with Back Button AF, decide if you should …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Podcasts, Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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Keep Shootin’, Mirrorless Future, Box Talk, VR And Tripods

In this episode, we’ll talk about the importance of knowing when to stop shooting and when to keep going. From there, we’ll talk about when it’s time to upgrade to mirrorless, if you should keep your boxes (yeah, it’s weird), and if you should use VR / Stabilization when using …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Podcasts, Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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Settings Check, YNP Gear and Locations, RAW Trouble, Get Low And Dirty

It’s here – podcast #2!

In this episode, we’ll start with a quick followup to episode #1 to add a little clarification to my Z series analysis and shadow pulling. Then we’ll jump to a quick tip that will cover a simple but effective tip that’s sure to help minimize …

Also posted in Locations, Photo Trips, Podcasts, Techniques, Travel Tips, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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Wildlife Photography Presentation – My Best Techniques

This video is a little different. I was invited to be a keynote speaker for the Chicago Area Photography School and this is the presentation I gave. Yes, it’s long – about 2 1/2 hours – but it’s jam-packed with tips, techniques, and advice.

When I put this presentation together, …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife Tagged |
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How I Got The Shot: Sunset Dust Bath

It was evening on the Chobe River in Botswana, Africa. The day had been a good one, bursting at the seams with all manner of wildlife. We were in the final, golden hour of it, had our game faces on, and our cameras at the ready.

As our flat-bottom boat …

Also posted in How I Got The Shot, Locations, Photo Trips, Techniques, Travel Tips, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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The “Secret” To Locating The Hard-To-Find Gear You Want

So, I talk to a LOT of people who are excited about Nikon’s new products (although this post applies to any manufacturer) but there’s often an issue with availability.

In fact, I get e-mails and comments on a regular basis from people asking if I know anything about a particular …

Also posted in Misc, Nikon Gear
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7 Quick Tips For Wildlife Photographers

This probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, but as it turns out, I tend to have a lot of “random” little thoughts creep into my mind when I’m out doing wildlife photography. Some of these are actually pretty handy, others are just bizarre, and some …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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Game Changer – Shootin’ Eye Level

OK, I’ll admit it, this is a weird post for me. The thing is, I realize I’m covering a topic that pretty much every photographer already knows:

If you want better wildlife photos, get to eye level or even lower.

In fact, getting eye-to-eye with my subject(s) is something I’ve …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife
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Using A Gimbal Head On A Monopod

So…

A few months ago I released a video where I discussed my various tripods, heads, and how I use them. It generated a lot of comments and a few really stuck in my mind – they were about using a gimbal head with a monopod. 

At first, I sort …

Also posted in Techniques, Using Your Gear, Wildlife