What do you do when you step outside with your camera and feel like there’s nothing worth photographing? Recently, I took on a Shutterobi photography quest called Shooting Through Something. Surprisingly, it taught me far more than just a new technique. The Challenge The assignment was straightforward. Photograph subjects through…
If you enjoy creative photography, chances are you’ve experimented with in-camera multiple exposures. However, one of the biggest questions photographers face is which blending mode to use. If you’ve ever stared at the options—Additive, Average, Light, and Dark—you know it isn’t always obvious which one will produce the look you…
Three Lensbaby Lenses, One Rose Garden Spring brings an explosion of color, and as a result, it creates the perfect opportunity for flower photography. Recently, I visited the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, one of my favorite places in Northern California to photograph roses in bloom. Since the garden features…
Have you ever scrolled through a photography gallery and thought, “If only I had better equipment…”? I’ve been there. But here’s what I’ve learned after decades behind a lens: some of the most creative photography requires almost no gear at all. What Is Intentional Camera Movement (ICM)? ICM is exactly…
One of the things I enjoy most about photography is discovering artists who challenge the way I see the world. Recently, while browsing an Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) Facebook group, I came across a photograph that immediately grabbed my attention. Although the image lacked traditional sharpness, it overflowed with emotion,…
Recently, I participated in a fun photography challenge for Creative Sugar Photography Ideas. This was through Shutterobi, an online photography meetup community that hosts events almost every night of the week. They cover everything from portraits and street photography to camera gear and editing techniques. One of their weekly “Photo…
If you’ve ever looked at one of your photos and thought, “Why doesn’t this feel as strong as it should?”—you’re not alone. Often, the issue isn’t your camera or settings. It’s composition. One powerful technique that can instantly improve your images is figure to ground. What Is Figure to Ground?…
Learn to shoot the ugly I’ve heard this so many times: “There’s nothing interesting to photograph where I live.” And if I’m being honest, I’ve felt that way myself. It’s easy to look around your neighborhood, your street, or even your own home and see nothing but the same ordinary scenes…
Understanding the Golden Spiral in Photography In a recent photo quest with the online photography community Shutterobi, I explored one of the most important topics in photography: composition. Last week I talked about leading lines, but this week I wanted to continue the conversation by diving into framing techniques like…
Here’s something I always remind myself—photography should be fun, not frustrating. And every once in a while, a piece of gear comes along that brings that feeling back in a big way. I recently picked up the Lensbaby Twist 28mm f/3.5, a newly released lens, and I took it out…
The Lensbaby Velvet 56 has just been added to my bag, but this isn’t my first experience with Lensbaby. A couple of years ago, I picked up the Composer Pro with the Sweet 50 optic. Although I enjoyed it, I knew there was more to explore with this unique style…
Retirement has a way of bringing old passions back to life. For me, that passion is photography. Many years ago, back in 1979, I earned a degree in photojournalism. But life took me in a different direction. I built a long career in technology and eventually became a vice president…
Retirement often opens the door to new possibilities. For many of us, it’s the perfect time to revisit old passions or discover brand-new hobbies. But what happens when that hobby starts to look like a business opportunity? It’s a question many retirees ask themselves. Maybe you’ve picked up the guitar…
Want to know the truth about side hustles in retirement? After diving deep into the current retirement landscape, I’ve uncovered a trend that’s quietly reshaping how Americans approach their golden years – and it might completely change how you plan for yours. Here’s the headline that caught my attention: 44%…
Starting new adventures with photography after retiring has become my passion. When I first picked up my camera after retiring, I never imagined it would become such a transformative passion. Like many of you approaching or navigating your own career transitions, I found myself searching for something that would bring…
Do you think you need a fancy camera to be considered a serious photographer? I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the myths we tell ourselves when it comes to pursuing new passions in our retirement. You know the ones – “I’d love to try photography, but I can’t justify…
Recently, I’ve been exploring water and ink photography as a creative outlet. The process involves capturing the mesmerizing dance of ink as it disperses through water, creating unique, unrepeatable patterns around a simple flower. The setup is surprisingly straightforward: a glass vase, water, white ink, a flower, and a “flower…
I have started learning Photoshop after 60. As Seneca wisely observed, “While we teach, we learn.” This philosophy has guided my approach to continuous learning, particularly as I embrace new challenges in retirement. Recently, I’ve been tackling Photoshop—that powerful but intimidating platform that had been sitting unused in my Adobe…
Have you ever admired someone’s work from afar, never imagining you’d one day meet them in person? That was my experience meeting Pep Ventosa, whose innovative photographic style I’ve admired for years. Recently, I discovered something surprising: Pep lives just less than an hour from me in the San Francisco…
As you know, I am all about embracing retirement and finding passion through a camera lens. In today’s video, I talk about how my photography journey has come full circle after nearly 40 years. Finding Passion Through a Camera Lens Back in 1979, I graduated with a degree in photojournalism.…
Let me share a story about rediscovering my passion for photography. Do you ever wonder what happened to those passions that once ignited your soul? I certainly did, and my journey with photography tells a story that might resonate with you. As a troubled teenager, I found my first real…
I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Keith Cuddeback, who at 76 found joy in a van and a camera. A 76-year-old photographer whose has completely changed my perspective on retirement. Keith’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in embracing life’s third act with purpose and passion. After…