Directing Your Models–A Photographer’s Guide

Learn to pose and direct subjects for natural environmental portraits.

Photographing The Beautiful Flower Show On Figueroa Mountain

Using a camera to capture both the grandeur of these massive blooms and the intimate delicacy of each flower is a challenge, but it can be done using a simple tool—backlighting.

Drone Photography–It’s All About Altitude

Often I am asked if composing a photograph with a drone is the same as creating an image at ground level. It is similar, of course, but being able to make large adjustments to the altitude of a camera adds …

The 4 Piece Photo Challenge

It’s raining outside, you can’t go out and play and you’re developing cabin fever. What to do? Assign yourself the 4 Piece Photo Challenge! Sounds silly, I admit, but it’s a great tool for building up your photographic creativity.

Give Yourself A Photo Assignment II

I have too many interests! Photography is my passion, but I also love cooking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, gardening—the list goes on. Orchids have always fascinated the gardener in me and at one point, I decided to give myself an assignment …

Join A Location Photography Workshop In Spring 2019

Join professional magazine photographer Chuck Place for 5 fun location photo shoots on consecutive Saturday mornings starting March 23 in the Santa Ynez Valley wine country and Santa Barbara area. With input from Chuck, fine tune your photographic skills and …

Great Photography Tool For Leveling Your Camera

I love my cameras! There, I’ve said it. Neither my Canon 5D MkII or MkIII has ever quit on me. They give me consistent, predictable results. The quality is great and if an image does not resonate well, I know …

Photographing The Shape Of Motion With Shutter Drag

Most of the time we love fast shutter speeds. They “freeze” the moment. But on the other hand, fast shutter speeds also hide the beauty and grace of movement. The swirl of a dancer, the sensuous shape of a breaking …

The Ten Commandments Of Great Photographs

I was recently invited to be the juror for the annual Captured Photographic Exhibition at the Santa Barbara Tennis Club Second Friday Art Exhibition. During the years I have judged for professional photographic organizations and taught at Brooks Institute, I …

Photographing Native American Powwows: Planning, Etiquette and Tips

I could feel the drum beat in my bones, almost like a heart beat. Native American dancers seemed to float just above the dance floor, red rock canyon walls towering over the dance arena. I was photographing the annual Gallup …