Three days of photography at the coast, with some successes, and plenty of mistakes.
Photography at the coast: mistakes and successes
in journal
journal
A game of shadows: why and how to crush the blacks
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The shadows play a very important role in my photography. By controlling them, I get to decide how much to reveal, and how much to hide. Instead of giving the viewer everything, I like my images to hint.
Photographing the underwater town of Aceredo
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The small town of Aceredo has been underwater for more than 30 years, but it's resurfaced for a brief time due to a drought. Of course, I had to capture it with my camera.
Yet another beautiful foggy morning walking around town
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Another beautiful foggy morning walking around town, POV edition.
There's freedom in constraints
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Most of my work is black and white, square images.
Over the last few years, I've witnessed quite a few stunning and colorful sunrises, and found scenes that would have worked pretty well on a more traditional 3:2 aspect ratio.
And yet, I stick to monochrome and the square format.
Those are not the only restrictions I impose on my photography. Even though a bit fuzzier than the other two, I'm pretty selective with my subject matter and the conditions I like to shoot in.
All of this might sound pretty restrictive but it is, in fact, liberating. After some time doing photography, I know what I'm looking for and what I'm trying to create with my camera.
If I had to capture everything I found in my explorations in the most fitting way, rather than the way I see it, the experience would be overwhelming. By limiting some of my options, I can better find what I'm looking for.
How to make square images
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The vast majority of my photography is in square format, and it's been this way for a few years now. In this video, I share many of things I've learned over time about the square format, as well as plenty of examples for every compositional technique.
I'm also releasing an e-book with all the information in this video, and much more! Additional compositions and many more examples.
My Patreons get the book for free. You can also purchase a copy of "How to make images in square format".
On being a photographer
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What does it mean to be a photographer? What do you photograph? And why do you do it? Those are the questions we should always be asking ourselves.
Photography is not the end result
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"You are not a photographer because you are interested in photography […] photography is only a tool, a vehicle, for expressing or transmitting a passion in something else. It’s not the end result.” - David Hurn, On Being a Photographer
How to find and create Black and White images
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Black and White photography gives us a new way to see the world. But because we life in color, the monochrome world can feel strange, and finding good images can be tricky. In this video, I offer some tips, things I look for when I'm in the field, and actions I take to make good Black and White images.
Image of the Month, January 2022: "Flying the light"
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The Oregon Coast is absolutely stunning, no matter where you are. Heceta Head, where this image was made, is not an exception.
That morning, I was taking photos of the beautiful light against the rocks, when I saw a seagull flying by. I framed the photograph as fast as I could and clicked a few times. Luckily, one of them was perfect, with the seagull lit up by the light.
two sizes
Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).
shipping included
Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.
artist contract
A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.
want to know more?
You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.
How to photograph a tree
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A field. One tree. The most simple scene. And yet, so many options. So many ways to make an image. Let's talk about them.
12 miles of photography
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Today, my only goal is to walk as much as I can, and make as many images as I can. Come with me as I walk 12 miles around town in a very thick fog.
It was too foggy
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In this episode, I find a new spot to photograph in the fog: a pond. But what a pond!
Conversation with Neale from Photography Daily Podcast
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A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Neale, from the Photography Daily Podcast. Have a listen to the episode, and make sure to check out the ample library of conversations with other amazing photographers.
The curse of the photographer: dissatisfaction
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Photographers might be destined to permanently feel dissatisfied. Because if we were to feel satisfied, would we still go out and create?
Learning to deal with this feeling is something a photographer must face at some point. To accept it as something that will always be there, if only as background noise. And to recognize what it is when it eventually becomes louder.
Image of the Month, December 2021: "The fence of winter"
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The Great Lakes are one of my favorite places to photograph during the winter. The conditions can be extreme, but that's what makes them so special. I lost count of how many times I froze at the shore taking photographs. What I do remember, though, is the feeling of gratitude afterwards. It is a very humble experience, to battle the elements. To discover how fragile we are.
This fence is almost the perfect metaphor for this feeling: we can try to put up gates, but there's no stopping nature. And that's just such a beautiful feeling.
two sizes
Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).
shipping included
Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.
artist contract
A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.
want to know more?
You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.
They are back
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The storks are back, and I couldn't be happier about it. Plenty of photo opportunities, and a lot to learn from these beautiful birds.
Most of my photography is practice
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Photography can look very easy: after all, it only requires pressing a button. Truth is, making good images requires a lot of practice, time, hard work, and persistence. This is how I practice the craft every single day.
Thank you for 2021
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Thank you for an incredible year of photography.
Image of the Month, October 2021: "Mt Hood Wilderness"
in journal
After spending a night up in Mt Hood, I was on my way down when I stumbled upon this beautiful view of the Newtown Creek and its canyon. The light was incredible, bathing an already stunning landscape with some magic.
A "last minute" image on a backpacking trip that almost didn't happen: sandwiched in between a windstorm and a snowstorm, the window for me to finally sleep next to the beautiful volcano was very, very narrow.
two sizes
Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).
shipping included
Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.
artist contract
A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.
want to know more?
You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.