Take a look in the mirror

Everyone’s going mirrorless these days. If you’re still shooting DSLR, you’re living in the dark ages. That’s what everyone is telling us. Seems like nobody wants to talk about anything but who’s shooting what brand of mirrorless camera. And companies are cranking out upgrades and new versions so fast even if you purchased the latest model last month you’re probably already out of date and lost money on your investment. I’m not pointing fingers because I fallen victim myself.

It’s hard to believe that just a few short years ago mirrorless was so much vaporware. Still just a gleam in every camera designer’s eye. And it’s not just the cameras, there’s all the new lenses to go with them.Canon, Sony and Nikon each coming out with something new seems like every day.

The fact of the matter is that something new is always coming out. New car, new boat, new home... Sooner or later we all decide if the change is worth it. As with all these decisions you’re the only on that knows what’s right for you.

As for me, like I said, for better or worse, I’ve already started down the mirrorless highway.Was it worth it? Is my photography significantly better than it was before? Maybe...Maybe not.As with most decisions we make, the real answer only comes with time.

So if I don’t have any answers what’s the real reason for this post?Therapy... Mine and maybe yours. Take a look in the mirror.

Feel free to chime in.Ed

What's on Your Photographic Plate?

With the holiday season fast approaching our thoughts seem to naturally gravitate toward those wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. Good times with family and friends around the table. Our minds bringing up visions of plates loaded with all our favorite dishes.

Thanksgiving and Christmas remind me that winter is here and with it, for me anyway, beautiful snow and biting cold temps. Funny that a Florida boy, who never saw any snow until he was well into his 20’s, would say that but this is indeed my favorite time of year.

As a photographer it seems to me that everything is just more alive this time of year. I guide winter photography tours in Yellowstone National Park. I’ve worked with amateur and professional photographers from around the world. Without exception they all seem to have an elevated sense of excitement and wonder about photographing in extreme winter conditions.

How about you? Does winter bring an extra level of excitement to your photographic adventures? Does your heart rate quicken a little when you feel the crunch of snow and the bite of winters chill on your face? If so, please share some of your experiences. Do you have a special winter excursion planed this year? What location is on your photographic wish list. Just like you pictured in your mind that Thanksgiving orChristmas plate, try to imagine what might be on your photographic plate this winter season.

The strength of the wolf is the pack

Love them or hate them, wolves are one of the reasons why visitors come to Yellowstone each year.

The hope of actually siting a wolf pack is always in the back of your mind as you travel through Lamar Valley, Haden Valley, or scan the open meadows along the Madison River. While other animals like bison and elk draw a lot of attention everyones heart races with anticipation anytime wolves make an appearance. Even bears seem to take a backseat if wolves have been sited.

As a photographer in Yellowstone I'm interested in hearing about your experiences in the park. Please share your thoughts and I'll share my experiences guiding in Yellowstone the last 16 years. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.