by Reed Hoffmann | Sep 17, 2015 | Beginner, Camera Gear, Composition, Education, Exposure, Flash, Intermediate, Light
I’m a big fan of planning. Thinking through what you’re going to do, having the right gear, being prepared – those are all important to being successful. But things don’t always go the way we plan. So it’s just as important to be flexible, prepared to toss that...
by Reed Hoffmann | Aug 31, 2015 | Beginner, Camera Gear, Education, Exposure, Flash, Intermediate, Light, People
A long time ago I learned the hard way that the more I tried to do fancy lighting for portraits, the less likely I’d get a good picture. So my rule became “simple is good.” And that’s just what I did last week. I’ve got a friend who coaches his kids’ sports, and...
by Reed Hoffmann | Aug 15, 2015 | Advanced, Beginner, Camera Gear, Education, Intermediate, Lenses, Travel, Wildlife, Workshops
In June I got a call asking if I was available to teach photography on an Arctic cruise in July. And since I’d already be there, could I stay and do a second cruise? While my calendar’s been pretty full this year, July was the one month that was wide open. So,...
by Reed Hoffmann | Jun 13, 2015 | Action, Advanced, Camera Gear, Education, Exposure, Flash, Intermediate, Light, Technology
One of the unique “gifts” of photography is its ability to stop time. We can freeze a moment and study it, which we can’t do with our eyes alone. Athletes in the air, a baseball coming off a bat, dogs in mid-bark are all photos we love to look at for that reason. And...
by Reed Hoffmann | May 14, 2015 | Advanced, Beginner, Camera Gear, Exposure, Intermediate, Light
The first time I saw light painting demonstrated, I had the same reaction as when I first saw a print come up in developer in the darkroom – it was magical. That was back in 2000, at an early digital workshop. Dave Black, who may well be known as the Godfather of...
by Reed Hoffmann | Feb 23, 2015 | Beginner, Camera Gear, Exposure, Flash, Intermediate, Light, People, Travel, Workshops
As I watched – and ground my teeth – I realized it was simply a matter of ignorance. They just didn’t know any better. Here we were at an incredible photo op, and people were using direct flash! Don’t get me wrong. I’m a big fan of flash. Used properly, it lets...
