Today's post is a bit personal.  We recently returned from a 7 week journey around the western US, and I have come home a changed man.  Now the question is - in what direction does this change lead me?

I've been taking a break from Facebook, and it's been great.  Here's what I am doing instead, and here's what I have learned.  

Here are 5 things I try and do every time I go shoot - well technically, before I go shoot.  It's important to plan ahead so you avoid delays or errors when you are standing in front of something awesome.  Plan ahead, be smart, and get the shot you want!

I have been really busy with my photography and blogging this year, and am well on my way to achieving my goals (and in some cases I am way ahead!). Today's post is a summary of what all I have been doing.  It's hard to tell just by stopping by and reading the blog every once in a while, so I thought I would summarize it all.  I really did it so I could see how I was doing against my goals, but if it's interesting for you to read then great. If not, umm, sorry?   :-)

Well, I finally have left Aperture behind and moved over to Lightroom.  It was a challenging process in several ways, but I am on the other side of it now and Lightroom is great!  Click on in to read about all the fun I had making the switch!  (That was a joke - it wasn't really very fun at all. But it's behind me now, YAY!)

I love the Impressionists, and enjoy their work immensely.  When Topaz Labs created Impression - a software product that helps you convert your photos to digital paintings in a very realistic way - I was very intrigued.  Well I have used it for months now, and have found that it is having a profound impact on my photography.  Today's post is all about that, and of course there are a BUNCH of my digital paintings included for your viewing pleasure.  Hop on in!

Do you ever go back and re-process photos that you have previously shared? I do that sometimes, and find that it's a great creative exercise.  But recently, I HAD to go back and re-create an old photo for a client, and it took me forever to make it look like how it looked when I first processed it, about 5 years ago.  And so I learned a lot in the process - and I am sharing those learnings and my observations in today's post.  Have a look!

Change is a given - and change is good.  I've personally gone through some major changes over the last (almost) year that I have been shooting with a mirrorless camera - and it's been incredible.  My eyes are wide open to the possibilities, and I am having a blast with all sorts of new and creative things that I never even considered before.  So, click on in and see what all I am talking about.  I now find myself on a new creative path, and it's awesome.

Here's my summary of 2014: travel stats, #'s of photos taken, some blog stats - heck I even threw in some airport codes just for the fun of it!  This is NOT your typical end of year photo post.  It's much more than that.  Dive in and enjoy!

 Today, my friends, I have a list of 15 tips that will help you take better photos in 2015.  Sound interesting?  Take a look and let me know what you think!  I wrote this as a way for me to get focused, but decided it might be helpful and was worth sharing.  Enjoy!

Today I share my thoughts on how I am changing as a photographer.  I love great photos of the big things, but I am finding an equal (and sometimes greater) satisfaction from shooting the little things.  Read on to get my thoughts on this and feel free to leave your feedback in the comments section!

Today I share some shots I created in the new Topaz Impression - it's a new and exciting (and fun!) way to turn your photos into digital art!  I have spent a lot of time with it over the last few days, and have really enjoyed it!  Take a peek inside and enjoy, and feel free to let me know your thoughts!  And note there is a special offer from Topaz Labs on this product until Sept 30, which is tomorrow!

Today I share 1 photo that I have process 8 different ways - and I share some thoughts on breaking free of routines and experimenting to broaden your creativity.  

Facebook has changed a lot, and not for the better.  It's harder and harder to drive traffic to the blog...so here is what I am doing about that!

You have heard me say how much I love train stations, especially those in Europe.  Now, here's a full examination of why, and some tips for getting the shot too!  This is a lengthy read, but I hope you enjoy it!

I love HDR photography, but it's changing - a lot.  And in my opinion, that's a good thing.  There are a million ways to skin a cat, as the saying goes, and that is very true with HDR as well.  Today I ramble a bit about HDR photography and share some resources to help you on your own journey.

Apple is going to drop Aperture, which I use every day.  What am I going to do about it?  Well, that's a good question.  I'm not sure I have an answer - yet.  But here's what I am thinking about it right now.