What camera gear do you use?

That depends on what I'm shooting! I've been known to use all manner of equipment, from 4x5 view cameras (the kind where you have to put a cloth over your head and look at an upside-down, backwards image!) ...to the latest high-tech digital SLRs. I stil enjoy shooting film, especially slide film in the outdoors, not because film is better than digital or anything, just because it's fun.


For work, I shoot pretty much exclusively with DSLR's, preferring usually to work with the Nikon system, but I've been spotted with both Nikon and Canon DSLR's around my neck at the same time. Whatever gets the job done!


I really don't hold an opinion about which camera system is better, or concerning "cropped sensors" versus "full frame sensors"... The bottom line is that every DSLR on the market today is fantastic and can deliver very professional results, it just depends on what you need and how you prefer your controls to be laid out.

Click HERE for more info on camera gear specifically, including assorted tests and opinions...

Two things I want to always stress about gear, though, and this is sort of a catch-22 that we all have to deal with:

First, never think your camera isn't good enough and that you really need to upgrade in order to take better pictures. Because unless you're into photographing fighter jets or humming birds, chances are that your camera is capable of much more than you are, all you need to do is learn how to master the camera! I've taken most of the photos you see with a cheap, old, Nikon D70...

Second, avoid cheap "support" equipment. This is not really about taking better pictures, it's about saving you money in the long run. I know that a nice tripod or a nice camera bag is just nowhere near as exciting as a new camera body or lens, but your investment will pay off in the long run. That nice camera bag will protect your camea bodies and lenses, and that nice tripod, well it won't break in a few months like the cheap one will, not to mention that it will give you the sharpest pictures you've ever taken...

Spend $100-200 or more on a decent camera bag or hard case. Spend $200 minimum for an aluminum tripod, and expect to start at $350 for a half-decent carbon fiber model. And TRY to avoid cheap plastic zoom lenses under $300, unless you are highly skilled at taking perfect care of your gear...

And ALWAYS remember to "just go take some pictures" as often as you can...

What do you use to create the slideshows you post on your blog?

A: I use SowitWeb Pro, the flash slideshow creation software created by David Jay. (David is one of wedding photographys topmost innovators, helping shape the industry into what it is today)

The software comes in a $99 basic version and a $199 pro version. The basic version might not be worth it if you already have Lightroom, but the pro version is AMAZINGLY powerful when it comes to syncing up music with the slideshow...

What do you use to edit photos?

I use the 2007 version of Adobe Photoshop, PS CS3. It runs "natively" on my Intel chipped MacBook laptop, and is noticeably faster than CS2. Still, it's not necessarily the fastest program out there, but it IS the most versatile, powerful editing tool on the market today.

I highly recommend upgrading to CS3 if you process large quantities of photos and if you don't already have Lightroom. However If you have Lightroom and maybe Photoshop CS or CS2, you may not need CS3...

Follow MY BLOG to see some of the "magic"!

What about LIGHTROOM? I heard it was the latest and greatest photo editing program!?

Lightroom is actually a stand-alone version of Adobe Bridge, which comes with Photoshop CS3. (You can get an older version of Bridge with CS2, but Bridge CS3 is amazingly powerful and fast...)

Lightroom and Bridge have a few key differences, but the same exact RAW processing engine. And the ability to process JPG images along side RAW images, too! I simply decided to stick with Bridge because it looked a little easier for me to work with, but they're both FANTASTIC programs...

Actually, I do most of my photo editing in Adobe Bridge CS3, not in Photoshop CS3. Bridge CS3 is powerful for correcting color, tone, converting to B&W, and also for creating special artistic effects...

But with seven different control panels and over 60 diferent controls, BR and LR are not for the faint-of-heart or the techno-phobe!

I do offer small-group coaching and teaching, available by special arrangement only, for everything related to digital imaging workflow, and Bridge / Lightroom / Apple Apeture are all programs I can help you master completely...

Do you use Photoshop actions?

A: Yep. I rely heavily on actions that I create as well as ones I puchase from other professionals. Actions are the perfect tool for someone who wants to learn from another photographer, yet keep their own unique, personal style. They are completely customizable, and incredibly time-saving once you master them.

Actions are one of the tougher things to grapple, because the actions interface is very complicated and un-friendly for someone who does not know what everything does.



HOWEVER, with the release of Adobe Bridge CS3, PS actions have taken a second-tier position behind BR / LR presets, which allow me to perform most image processing tasks even quicker than actions!

I would love to offer you my personal guidance and tech skill with presets and actions!