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Technical notes from the field

Practical guides on filters, lighting, flash modifiers, and the technical decisions behind the images — written for photographers who want to understand their tools as well as use them.

Winding dirt track cutting through rolling canola fields under a dramatic stormy sky, Palouse, Washington
Philosophy·August 2026

Should We Train Our Eyes to See Like a Camera?

While listening to National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita speak recently, one statement caught my attention: "Train your eye to see as your camera does." It made me stop. While I understand what he means, I found myself thinking the opposite.

4 min readRead
Soft directional light on a pink flower, illustrating the quality of light a good modifier produces
Lighting·July 2026

Choosing the Right Light Modifier: When to Use a Softbox, Beauty Dish, Umbrella, or Strip Box

One of the questions I hear most often from students is: "Which softbox should I buy?" My answer usually surprises them. The better question isn't which modifier is best — it's what kind of light are you trying to create?

6 min readRead
Fall colour reflected in still water in the Pacific Northwest
Filters & Gear·June 2026

More Than Glass: Choosing the Right Lens Filter to Tell Your Story

There was a time when I thought lens filters were simply accessories photographers collected. The more time I've spent behind the camera, the more I've come to appreciate that filters aren't about adding something to a photograph — they're about removing distractions, controlling light, and helping me create the image I envisioned before I ever pressed the shutter.

6 min readRead