Category Archives: Using Your Gear

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Cropping? Better Drop Your ISO!

Let’s face it – sometimes we need to crop. However, when you’re faced with a photo in the viewfinder that’s gonna need an appointment with the crop tool, you gotta be careful. Noise is a tricky thing and it’s especially hard on images where cropping is required.

In this video, …

Also posted in Techniques, 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, Opinions, Podcasts, Techniques, Wildlife
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How To Add Copyright Information In-Camera

Do you have your camera set to automatically add copyright information to your images? If not, why not? Digital theft is at an all time high and adding copyright data to your images can add another layer of protection in the event of a dispute.

However, it’s important to know …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Techniques
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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, Opinions, Photo Trips, Podcasts, Techniques, Travel Tips, 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 Opinions, Techniques, 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, Opinions, Photo Trips, Techniques, Travel Tips, Wildlife
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Is This The Best Monopod Head Ever?

As you know, I’m a bit of a tripod / monopod junkie. So, I’m excited to share my review of the new Wimberley MonoGimbal head.

This new lightweight head allows you to balance your rig just like a regular gimbal head – point up or down and everything stays in …

Also posted in Misc, Reviews, Techniques, Wildlife Tagged , |
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ISO Insurance

I know what you’re thinking, “What the heck – is Steve trying to peddle some kind of ‘photo insurance’ now”?

Not so much, but I didn’t really know how else to describe what I’m about to explain 🙂

So, let’s dive in – what do I mean by ISO Insurance?…

Also posted in Techniques, Wildlife Tagged , |
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What’s In My Bag? Costa Rica Edition

Here it is! I’ve had a TON of requests over the years for a “What’s in my bag” video. The trouble is, what’s in my bag varies by location. So, I decided to start with the wildlife kit I use when I’m in Costa Rica. However, this is also a …

Also posted in Nikon Gear, Travel Tips
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Finding Your Subject With A Long Lens

One of the most common problems I observe while in the field – and during my workshops – is when someone can’t find the subject in their viewfinder while using a telephoto lens. Nothing’s quite as cringeworthy as watching a photographer flail around with their glass in a desperate attempt …

Also posted in Techniques, Wildlife