by Reed Hoffmann | Oct 8, 2020 | Beginner, Exposure, Intermediate, Night Photography, Travel, Wildlife
When we rented a house in Colorado last week to relax, escape COVID and do some hiking, we didn’t think about the wildfires out there. Staying in Estes Park, they weren’t near us, but we still occasionally smelled smoke and the grand vistas seen in the past were hazy....
by Reed Hoffmann | Aug 18, 2020 | Action, Advanced, Camera Gear, Editing, Exposure, Intermediate, Lenses, Wildlife
I’ve always said I pity people who like to do bird photography. Their goal is to get close to small critters that don’t want them close, which requires patience and a long lens. It’s a real challenge. I’ve never been much of a birder before, but now, well… COVID. I...
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 | Jun 4, 2020 | Action, Advanced, Camera Gear, Intermediate, Lenses, Sports, Wildlife
I’ve been shooting digital for over twenty years, starting with a 1.3-megapixel camera that cost $15,000. For those first ten years, every camera I used had a sensor smaller than a piece of 35-millimeter film (what is now referred to as “full frame”). But even after I...
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 | 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...