by Reed Hoffmann | Jul 12, 2020 | Beginner, Camera Gear, Composition, Editing, Exposure, Focus, Intermediate, Lenses, Light, Wildlife, Workshops
If you enjoy photographing wildlife, like I do, one of the best places to practice is at your local zoo. And these days, with COVID and social distancing, open areas at zoos can be a relatively safe way to get out (but keep your mask handy!). However, zoos can often...
by Reed Hoffmann | May 7, 2020 | Advanced, Camera Gear, Composition, Exposure, Intermediate, Lenses, Light, Night Photography
Last night I took a walk in the woods. Literally. It was my solution to social distancing, exercise, and most importantly, being able to do some creative photography outdoors. Where I live in Kansas, we’re still under a “stay at home” order, being asked not to go out...
by Reed Hoffmann | Mar 29, 2020 | Advanced, Beginner, Composition, Intermediate, Light, People, Travel, Wildlife, Workshops
Most years, in January or February I try to post a story about some of my favorite photos from the previous year. But this year I was so busy then that I never got around to it, and thought, “oh well.” Now, though, I have time on my hands, so here goes. Part of the...
by Reed Hoffmann | Mar 24, 2020 | Advanced, Beginner, Camera Gear, Composition, Education, Intermediate, Lenses
This story is a short one, because the visual evidence is so obvious. There’s no such thing as “compression” of the scene when talking about telephoto lenses. When you use a telephoto lens, you’re simply getting a narrower angle of view than what you see with your...
by Reed Hoffmann | Mar 15, 2020 | Advanced, Beginner, Composition, Intermediate, Light, People, Travel, Workshops
I’ve just returned from leading two trips to Cuba, and the street photography there is amazing. To be honest, though, I have mixed feelings about street photography. I’m all for it when it’s done in a way that’s courteous to the subject or says something about...
by Reed Hoffmann | Feb 6, 2020 | Action, Advanced, Camera Gear, Composition, Focus, Intermediate, Technology, Wildlife
Aside from understanding what the different focus modes on your camera do, the single best thing you can do to improve your use of autofocus is what’s often referred to as “back-button focus.” Here’s why… Back in the early 90s, when decent autofocus was in its...