[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 170)]

I recently spent three intense days photographing in one of the darkest rooms I’ve ever encountered, covering a meeting for a client. The experience pushed my skills and equipment to the limit, but the results were worth every moment of effort.

The Setup

The room was dimly lit, forcing me to shoot at ISO 25600, with shutter speeds of 1/125 or 1/250 and apertures of ƒ/4 or ƒ/5.6, depending on the lens. The high ISO was necessary to capture the scenes without introducing too much blur, but it also meant dealing with a significant amount of noise.

I chose not to use flash during this religious meeting so as not to attract attention and annoy the people.

My gear for the event included:

• 2 Nikon Z9 cameras
• 24-120mm ƒ/4 Nikkor S
• 100-400mm ƒ/4.5-5.6 Nikkor S
• 14-30mm ƒ/4 Nikkor S – Explicitly used for a large group photo with strobes

The Solution: DXO PureRAW 4

To tackle the noise issue, I turned to DXO PureRAW 4. For those unfamiliar, PureRAW is an app and plug-in that pre-processes raw files, effectively cleaning up lens distortions, noise, sharpness, and optical aberrations. It also addresses issues caused by the mosaicing process of color sensors. On average, it took about 90 seconds or more per photo to process on my MacBook Pro M1 with 32 GB of RAM; then, each photo was edited beyond that in Adobe Lightroom Classic. The time investment was substantial, but the results were outstanding.

[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Mode Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/250, ƒ/4, (35mm 29)]

All photos except for the last three were available light.

The Results

Despite the challenging conditions, the client was thrilled with the photos. They immediately updated their website, lacking fresh images from recent meetings. Seeing my work featured prominently on their site was incredibly satisfying and made all the effort worthwhile.

Lessons Learned: The 100-400mm Challenge

One of the biggest challenges was shooting with the Nikkor 100-400mm lens at 400mm. The low light and long focal length made it challenging to avoid motion blur, mainly because I could only shoot at 1/250 instead of the ideal 1/500. A 400mm ƒ/2.8 lens would have been perfect, but since I didn’t have one, I had to be extra mindful of staying still and squeezing the shutter gently.

Tips for Covering a Meeting in a Dark Room

1. Use High ISO and Fast Lenses: Don’t push your ISO to the maximum your camera can handle while maintaining acceptable noise levels. Pair this with the fastest lens you have available.
2. Steady Yourself: If using a long lens, stabilize yourself as much as possible. Use a tripod or monopod and practice proper hand-holding techniques to minimize motion blur if available.
3. Leverage Noise Reduction Software: Invest in noise reduction software like DXO PureRAW 4. The post-processing time is well worth it for the quality improvement.
4. Test and Adjust: Spend time testing different settings on the first day. This will help you find the optimal balance between shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for your specific situation.
5. Communicate with Your Client: Keep your client informed about the challenges and your solutions. They’ll appreciate your dedication and your extra steps to ensure high-quality results.

Photographing in low-light conditions is always a challenge, but you can deliver impressive results with the right tools and techniques. Remember, every challenging shoot is an opportunity to learn and grow as a photographer. Happy shooting!

Stanley is speaking to the YWAM School of Photography in Kona, Hawaii. Photo by Dennis Fahringer

When asked to speak to a camera club composed mainly of amateurs, many thoughts run through the mind of a professional photographer. These invitations are both an honor and a responsibility. It’s a chance to share knowledge, inspire others, and give back to the photography community. Here’s a peek into the thought process of preparing for such a talk.

Tailoring the Presentation

One of the first steps is understanding the audience. I always start by asking the organizer:

Which topics do you think your camera club is most interested in hearing from me about? Once you pick, I can send you a synopsis.

Some of the topics I suggest include:

• The Power of Storytelling in Photography: This is a central theme in impactful photography and resonates universally.
• Lighting Techniques for Impactful Photography: Mastering lighting is crucial, making this a valuable topic for all photographers.
• Creating Emotional Connections Through Portrait Photography: Improving portrait skills and capturing genuine emotions is always in demand.
• Brand Building Through Visual Storytelling: Essential for those looking to commercialize their photography skills.
• Travel Photography: Capturing Stories from Around the World: An exciting topic that appeals to hobbyists and professionals.
• The Business of Photography: Practical advice for turning a hobby into a business.
• Videography for Photographers: Expanding Your Skills: As videography gains importance, this topic can help photographers broaden their skill set.
• Faith and Photography: Using Your Talents for a Greater Purpose: This is particularly meaningful for those interested in faith-based or nonprofit work.

Knowing the Audience

To deliver a meaningful talk, it’s crucial to understand the club’s dynamics:

• What do the members like to shoot? This helps tailor examples and anecdotes to their interests.
• How often do they shoot? Understanding their commitment level can guide the depth of technical details.
• Is the camera club a social group or focused on growth? This insight shapes the tone and content of the presentation.

Crafting the Message

I strive to avoid talking down to the audience. Instead, I share my experiences and the stories behind my epiphanies. Here are additional considerations for a successful presentation:

• Engage with Stories: Personal stories and real-life examples make the content relatable and memorable.
• Provide Practical Tips: Offer actionable advice that attendees can immediately apply to their photography.
• Encourage Interaction: Foster a dialogue rather than a monologue. Q&A sessions and interactive segments can be highly effective.
• Showcase a Variety of Work: Diverse examples can inspire and appeal to a broader audience.
• Highlight Mistakes and Learnings: Sharing mistakes and lessons learned can encourage and educate amateurs.

Inspiring Improvement

Finally, I aim to inspire and motivate the club members to improve their photography. Here are some tips to achieve this:

• Emphasize Practice: Encourage regular practice and experimentation.
• Advocate for Feedback: Suggest seeking constructive criticism to grow and improve.
• Highlight Learning Resources: Point them to workshops, online courses, and photography books.
• Promote Community: Encourage them to engage with each other, share work, and learn collaboratively.

Conclusion

Speaking to a camera club of amateurs is a rewarding experience that requires thoughtful preparation and a genuine desire to share knowledge. A professional photographer can make a lasting impact by understanding the audience, crafting a tailored message, and inspiring improvement. Whether discussing storytelling, lighting, or the business of photography, the ultimate aim is to ignite passion and foster growth among fellow photographers.

As a photographer and creative, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson over the years: the importance of trying, even if it means facing the possibility of failure. We often discover the most remarkable outcomes in the pursuit, the effort, and the willingness to step into the unknown. Let me share a recent experience that highlights this very lesson.

On May 11th, while visiting my daughter in Columbus, Georgia, I decided to try photographing the Northern Lights. I missed the opportunity the night before back home in Roswell, GA, because I gave up too soon. I went outside, looked up, didn’t see anything right away, and didn’t even bother getting my camera out.

The next day, I saw everyone else’s stunning photos of the Northern Lights online. Inspired and determined, I decided I wouldn’t miss another chance. So, I set out with my camera the following night, ready to capture the elusive lights.

Unfortunately, the Northern Lights weren’t visible that night either. Despite my best efforts, I didn’t get the shots I hoped for. But here’s the twist: although I failed to capture the Northern Lights, I ended up with some incredible photos that my Facebook friends genuinely enjoyed. The night sky, the serene landscape, and the tranquil atmosphere created a series of images that resonated with my audience unexpectedly.

The Moral of the Story

The key takeaway from this experience is simple yet profound: without trying, there’s no possibility of success. Had I not gone out that night, I would have missed the opportunity to create something beautiful. Failure is not the end; it’s a part of the journey. Not getting what we want sometimes opens the door to new perspectives and unexpected successes.

As photographers and creatives, we must embrace the process of trial and error. We grow, learn, and often discover hidden gems through our willingness to take risks and face potential failure. Every attempt, whether successful or not, adds to our experience and enhances our craft.

So, the next time you’re hesitant to try something new for fear of failure, remember that the act of trying itself is a victory. You may not always get what you envisioned, but you might have something even more remarkable. Keep pushing your boundaries, experimenting, and, most importantly, trying. The journey is as important as the destination; sometimes, failure leads us to our most stunning successes.

Embrace the adventure, fellow storytellers, and let your creativity soar, knowing that every effort is a step toward greatness.

Happy shooting!

Knolan Benfield, born on May 17th, 1941, passed away on July 11th, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, mentorship, and inspiration. His journey ended in the presence of his loving daughter, Therese Benfield LaValley, and his son-in-law, Brent LaValley, after a brief battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. What began as a seemingly simple UTI diagnosis on June 24th quickly revealed the gravity of his condition. Still, Knolan faced his final days with the strength and grace that characterized his life.

Knolan was more than just an uncle to me; he was my guide, my teacher, and the person who opened my eyes to the world of photography. His influence shaped my career and my approach to storytelling, especially within the realm of ministry. Knolan’s work with the North American Mission Board from 1969 to 1978 was a testament to his dedication to capturing and sharing the impactful stories of missions.

In 1978, Knolan gave me my first camera, igniting a passion that defined my professional journey. He patiently taught me the intricacies of the exposure triangle, composition, and lighting, skills that have become the foundation of my work. Our family vacations were often opportunities for me to learn from him at his studio, The Benfield Touch, in Hickory, North Carolina.

Through Knolan, I met numerous professional photographers who influenced my path. Robert Reed, whom I met during a visit in my final Spring Break from East Carolina, offered me a chance to work at the Hickory Daily Record. Knolan’s mentorship extended to his mentor, Don Rutledge, who played a crucial role in my hiring by the International Mission Board to work on The Commission Magazine.

Here are photos from one of our two teaching trips to the YWAM School of Photography in Kona, Hawaii.

Even as I pursued my theological studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Knolan’s network supported me. Paul Obregon, whom Knolan had hired, informed me about a job opportunity at Georgia Tech. Gary Meek, a mutual acquaintance from the North American Mission Board, would later hire me at Georgia Tech, continuing the chain of mentorship and opportunity that Knolan initiated.

When I transitioned to full-time freelancing in 2002, Knolan encouraged me to seek advice from Ken Touchton, whose wisdom was invaluable for navigating the freelance world. Knolan’s support was unwavering; he assisted with editing my early newsletters and blog posts, and I often sought his help on commercial jobs. Our collaborative spirit extended to teaching photography at the School of Photography with Youth With A Mission in Hawaii, an experience I deeply cherish.

Family vacations were filled with moments of connection and adventure. Knolan, his wife Gale, and I shared countless hikes and camping trips from Cades Cove, Tennessee, to Stone Mountain State Park in North Carolina. These memories are a testament to the personal and professional bond we shared.

Knolan Benfield’s impact on my life and career is immeasurable. His legacy lives on through the countless stories he helped tell and the many lives he touched. As we remember him, we celebrate a life dedicated to faith, family, and the art of storytelling.

Rest in peace, Uncle Knolan. Your light continues to guide and inspire.

“Knolan means a lot to me. He started my career in photojournalism and multi-media.”

Jerome McClendon

“Knolan hired me and had he not I wouldn’t have enjoyed the professional career at the AJC. Guess The Benefield Touch touched a lot of us.”

William A. Bridges

The Fourth of July brought a fresh twist to my traditional fireworks photography this year. Instead of heading out to Roswell Area Park with my trusty tripod, I stayed home and captured the dazzling display from a new vantage point – my back deck. Equipped with my DJI Air 3 drone, I flew above my house and pointed it toward Roswell Area Park for an aerial view of the fireworks.

In the past, I’ve always enjoyed the up-close experience of shooting fireworks from the ground. Setting up my tripod, choosing the perfect spot, and waiting for the show to start is a ritual I’ve come to love. I shot these at ISO 100, with an aperture of ƒ/2.8 and a 2-second exposure to capture the bursts in all their glory. I wanted to try something different and see how the fireworks looked from above.

Flying the drone was an exhilarating experience. As I navigated the skies, I could see the fireworks at Roswell Area Park and an array of displays across Metro Atlanta. The view from up high was breathtaking, with bursts of color lighting up the night sky in every direction. Using the telephoto lens on the DJI Air 3, I managed to capture some stunning photos and videos that showcased the widespread celebrations.

One of the highlights was witnessing the synchronized fireworks explosions from multiple locations. From my vantage point, it felt like I was at the center of a grand symphony of lights, each firework contributing to a more significant, spectacular performance. The drone’s perspective allowed me to appreciate the scale of the festivities in a way I hadn’t before.

Back on the ground, reviewing the footage was just as exciting. The different perspective offered a fresh take on the familiar fireworks show. It was a reminder that sometimes, changing your point of view can reveal new beauty in even the most well-loved traditions.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s Fourth of July. Whether I return to my usual spot on the ground or take to the skies again, I’m excited to continue exploring new ways to capture the magic of the night. For now, I’ll cherish the memories and the incredible aerial shots from this year’s celebration.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July filled with joy, laughter, and spectacular fireworks!

I’ve spent years as a photographer using high-end digital cameras to capture stunning images. While these cameras excel in many areas, GPS functionality is one surprising aspect your smartphone often outshines.

The Power of GPS in Your Smartphone

Your smartphone has a GPS that tags each photo with precise location data. This metadata includes coordinates, altitude, and even the direction you’re facing. High-end digital cameras often lack this feature unless equipped with an additional GPS module.

Why GPS Metadata Matters

1. Easier Image Organization: GPS data can be beneficial for organizing your photo library. You can quickly find images based on location, making it a breeze to recall precisely where you took a particular shot.
2. Enhancing Storytelling: For photographers who emphasize storytelling, like me at Storyteller & Brand Builder Stanley Leary, location data can add context to your photos, enriching the narrative.
3. Professional Workflow Integration: Photo Mechanic and Lightroom can convert GPS coordinates into more readable street, city, state, and country information, streamlining your workflow.

Integrating Smartphone GPS with Your Digital Camera

Even if your high-end digital camera lacks GPS, you can still use your smartphone’s capabilities. Here’s how:

1. Take a Reference Photo: When shooting with your digital camera, take a single reference photo with your smartphone. This photo will have the GPS data you need.
2. Syncing Metadata: Import your photos into Photo Mechanic or Lightroom. You can then use the reference photo to copy the GPS data to your digital camera photos. This way, all your images will have the exact location information.

The Nikon Z9 Advantage

One of the reasons I love my Nikon Z9 is its built-in GPS functionality. It tags my photos with location data whenever a satellite is visible. Additionally, the GPS keeps the camera’s time accurate by allowing me to select the appropriate time zone. This feature ensures my metadata is consistent and reliable, even when shooting in different locations.

Tips for Maximizing GPS Data Use

1. Keep Your Smartphone Handy: Always have your smartphone ready to capture a reference photo, especially when your camera lacks GPS.
2. Regularly Sync Time: Make sure your camera’s clock is synchronized with your smartphone. This helps in accurately matching the GPS data later.
3. Use Dedicated Apps: Several apps can track your location and later sync it with your camera’s photos, making the process even more seamless.

Bonus Tip for Professional Photographers

As professional photographers, creating and maintaining comprehensive metadata for all your photos is crucial. Embedding copyright information, captions, keywords, and location data protects your work and makes it easier for clients to find and use your images. GPS data can add significant value by providing precise location context, enhancing storytelling, and streamlining workflow.

Adobe Lightroom features a powerful Map Module that leverages GPS data to display the locations where your photos were taken visually. This module integrates with Google Maps, allowing you to see precise geotags on a map. By simply clicking on a photo, you can view its exact shooting location, making it easier to organize and search for images based on geography. This feature is especially useful for travel photographers or anyone who shoots in multiple locations, as it provides a visual representation of your photo shoot journeys, helping to enhance your storytelling and organization efforts.

Conclusion

While high-end digital cameras are unparalleled in many aspects of photography, smartphones offer an edge with their integrated GPS functionality. You can enhance your photo organization and storytelling capabilities by leveraging your smartphone’s GPS data. And if you’re lucky enough to own a camera like the Nikon Z9, you get the best of both worlds.

Happy shooting!

Buying a car can often be more challenging than purchasing a house. In car dealerships, customers are frequently shuffled between rooms while salespeople dart back and forth to the sales manager. This practice not only feels disjointed but often appears to be a tactic to push prices higher. A more transparent approach would be for the sales manager to join the initial conversation with the salesperson and the buyer, discussing all details and upsells like warranties upfront.

This car-buying experience made me reflect on my transparency as a freelance Visual Storyteller. As someone who sells consulting, photography, video, and editing services, how clear am I in my dealings? The customer experience begins when the client first interacts with the business, whether through a website or in person.

A Tale of Two Dealerships

My car-buying journey began with a frustrating experience at Mike Reza Nissan of Atlanta. I had my eye on a Nissan Rogue S, advertised as a great deal on Edmunds. I was prepared to pay the asking price, the standard 7% tax, an $18 title fee, and a $25 license plate registration.

However, the salesperson vanished and returned with a price that was $2,400 higher. They claimed the lower price was only for financing. According to state law in Georgia, the listed price should be the total, with only tax, title, and license fees added. Armed with a PDF on deceptive car sales from the State Attorney’s office, I pointed out their violation. The sales manager rudely refused to sell me the car. I reported the dealership to the State Attorney’s office, who confirmed my stance and encouraged me to file a formal complaint. Standing up against deceptive pricing is crucial to protect other consumers from similar experiences.

The Good Experience

Contrasting this was my experience with Nalley Infinity of Atlanta, where I found a used 2023 Nissan Rogue SV with 33,200 miles. After the ordeal at the first dealership, Nalley Infinity made the process smooth and satisfactory, restoring my peace of mind.

Transparency in Business

Reflecting on these experiences, I see the parallels in my business practices. As a freelance Visual Storyteller, transparency is key. Whether I’m consulting, shooting photographs, or editing videos, clear communication and straightforward pricing are essential. The customer experience starts online, through my website, and continues through every interaction.

How I Found Out About the Law

I shared my van troubles and the need to replace it with my friend Gibbs Frazeur. Drawing from his dealership experience, Gibbs and his wife faced similar deceptive practices. Thanks to a document his wife had found from the Attorney General for the State of Georgia, they managed to save $4,000. Gibbs recommended printing out page 11 of this document and keeping it handy, which proved invaluable for them. They encountered a dealership trying to add hidden fees after the fact, just like in my situation. However, being prepared with the document empowered them to challenge these practices successfully. Gibbs informed me that the dealership admitted, “Everyone does what we’re doing with adding fees after the fact.” Thanks to his advice, I was ready to stand my ground.

Here is a copy of the state’s policies:

Price Representations

Advertised prices must state the actual total purchase price of the vehicle, excluding only government fees, which include tax, tag, title, and Georgia Lemon Law fees. All additional fees must be included in the advertised price. Any advertisement listing a price “plus” some additional amount will be considered deceptive.

By way of illustration only, not meant to be exhaustive, the following are examples of fees that MUST be included in the advertised price of vehicles:

1. Additional fees, such as document fees, documentary fees, lot fees, processing fees, administrative fees, customer services fees, and any other terms of similar import;
2. Additional charges, such as freight charges, transportation charges, destination charges, dealer preparation charges, overhead charges, and any other terms of similar import; and
3. Dealer-installed options or accessories that are required or are routinely installed, or options which are already installed on the advertised vehicle at the time the advertisement is published, must be included in the advertised price. Only those options installed at the request of the consumer following contact/negotiation with the dealership may be omitted from the advertisement.

This car-buying saga is a potent reminder of the importance of transparency and excellent customer service. As a business professional, ensuring that clients understand every aspect of your service builds trust and fosters long-term relationships.

Can you tell the difference between the two photos? Look at the eyes and see how many people had raccoon eyes without the flash.

In the world of photography, light is everything. As a professional photographer, I often edit client photos and notice one common theme: ineffective lighting. This is where using a flash can make all the difference. Let’s dive into why you should embrace the flash and how it can elevate your photography.

The Importance of Flash in Photography

Flash isn’t just for dark rooms or night shots; it’s a powerful tool that can enhance your photos in various lighting conditions. Here are a few reasons why incorporating flash can benefit your photography:

1. Consistency: Natural light can be unpredictable, changing from one moment to the next. A flash provides a consistent light source, ensuring your photos are evenly lit.
2. Detail Enhancement: Flash helps to highlight details that might be lost in shadows or low light. It can bring out textures and colors, making your subject stand out.
3. Professional Look: Using a flash can give your photos a polished look. It helps to avoid common issues like graininess and blurriness in low-light conditions.

Tips for Using On-Camera Flash

Whether indoors or outdoors, an on-camera flash can significantly improve your photos. Here are some tips to get you started:

Indoor Photography

1. Bounce the Flash: Aim your flash at the ceiling or a wall to bounce the light. This diffuses the light, creating a softer, more natural look.
2. Use a Diffuser: Attach a diffuser to your flash to spread the light evenly. This reduces harsh shadows and glare.
3. Adjust Flash Power: Most modern flashes allow you to adjust their power. Experiment with different settings to find the right balance for your scene.

Outdoor Photography

1. Fill Flash: Use your flash as a fill light to brighten up shadows, especially in bright sunlight. This technique helps to avoid the harsh contrasts that can occur in the midday sun.
2. Backlighting: When shooting with the sun behind your subject, use flash to illuminate their face and avoid silhouettes.
3. Control Ambient Light: Use flash and ambient light to create a balanced exposure. You can adjust your camera settings to control the background light and use the flash to light your subject.

Getting the Flash Off-Camera

While an on-camera flash is convenient, getting the flash off the camera can significantly enhance your photos. Placing the flash at a 45º angle to the left or right of your camera is a great starting point. Here’s why this technique is beneficial:

1. Depth and Dimension: Off-camera flash creates more interesting shadows and highlights, adding depth and dimension to your photos.
2. Control: You have greater control over the direction and quality of light, allowing you to shape it to suit your subject and scene.
3. Separation: Off-camera flash helps to separate your subject from the background, making it stand out more prominently.

Standing Out from Smartphone Photography

Smartphones have made incredible strides in computational photography, but there’s no substitute for a well-placed flash. Using a flash, especially off-camera, can produce results that smartphone cameras can’t match. Here’s how:

1. Precision Lighting: While smartphones can enhance images through software, they lack the precision and control that a dedicated flash provides.
2. Creative Flexibility: Off-camera flash allows for creative lighting setups that give your photos a unique look, something smartphones struggle to replicate.
3. Professional Quality: The quality of light from a flash can’t be replicated by a smartphone’s tiny LED light. Flash lighting can highlight details and create a professional finish that separates your photos.

The Importance of Test Shots

Always take a test shot before diving into your photo session with Flash. Here’s why:

1. Before Adding Flash: Be sure the photo needs the flash help.
2. Avoiding Mistakes: A test shot helps you spot potential issues with your lighting setup, such as overexposure, harsh shadows, or unwanted reflections.
3. Fine-tuning: It allows you to adjust your flash power, positioning, and camera settings to get the perfect shot.
4. Confidence: Taking a test shot gives you confidence that your lighting is right, so you can focus on capturing the best possible image.

In conclusion, flash can significantly improve indoor or outdoor photos. By understanding how to use on-camera flash effectively and experimenting with off-camera flash setups, you can achieve the quality and creativity that sets your work apart from smartphone photography. Remember, always take a test shot to ensure your lighting is spot-on. Embrace the flash, and watch your photography skills shine!

While driving from Bobo to Banfora, David and Tami Wood experienced a broken belt on their engine. Fortunately, David was able to repair it on the roadside. Having lived in Burkina Faso for many years, David was well-prepared for potential breakdowns and had a spare belt for such situations.

The new summer movie in theaters is Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which introduces the character Anxiety, a figure many viewers can relate to deeply. While all the emotions play a crucial role in Riley’s mind, Anxiety is the newcomer, constantly battling with Joy over what they believe is best for Riley. Despite their good intentions, this internal conflict leads Anxiety to grow increasingly irrational throughout the movie.

Anxiety becomes panicked after accidentally creating Riley’s destructive belief that “I’m not good enough.” An anxiety attack is vividly depicted in the movie, showing a racing heart, quickened breathing, and an overwhelming sense of panic. Many with anxiety disorders have similar reactions to those Riley experiences.

The portrayal of an anxiety attack in Inside Out 2 is profound, capturing the intense emotional and physical turmoil accurately. The film uses Riley’s crisis to advance the storyline and help viewers feel the emotions tied to such an experience. Multiple psychology consultants aided Pixar in understanding adolescent psychology, enhancing the power and accuracy of the storyline.

Managing Anxiety: My Journey

As someone on the autism spectrum, I’ve experienced heightened levels of Anxiety for several reasons:

1. Sensory Sensitivities: Everyday environments can become overwhelming due to heightened sensitivity to light, sound, and touch.
2. Difficulty with Social Interactions: Understanding social cues and nonverbal communication can be challenging, leading to social Anxiety.
3. Need for Predictability: Disruptions in routine can cause significant stress.
4. Communication Barriers: Expressing thoughts and feelings verbally can be complex, leading to frustration and Anxiety.
5. Executive Functioning Challenges: Planning and organizing tasks can feel overwhelming.
6. Sensory Overload: Overly stimulating environments can trigger Anxiety.
7. Social and Peer Pressure: Conforming to social norms can create additional stress.

These factors can contribute to a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders among individuals on the autism spectrum. Understanding and addressing these specific challenges helps in managing Anxiety more effectively.

Dealing with Anxiety Before, During, and After an Attack

Before an Anxiety Attack

1. Practice Deep Breathing: It can slow your heart rate and promote relaxation.
2. Grounding Techniques: Use your senses to ground yourself by identifying things you can see, touch, hear, smell, and taste.
3. Mindfulness Meditation: Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through meditation sessions.
4. Create a Comforting Routine: Include calming activities like reading or listening to soothing music.
5. Prepare a Safety Kit: Have items that comfort you, like a favorite book or stress ball.

During an Anxiety Attack

1. Focus on Your Breath: Return to deep breathing techniques.
2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax each muscle group in your body.
3. Visualization: Picture a peaceful place in your mind.
4. Use Positive Affirmations: Repeat reassuring phrases to yourself.
5. Remove Yourself from the Situation: Find a quiet place to sit and breathe calmly.
6. Cool Down: Splash your face with cold water or hold a cold object.
7. Engage in a Distraction: Shift your focus to an activity you enjoy.

After an Anxiety Attack

1. Reflect and Journal: Write down what triggered the attack and what helped calm you.
2. Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist.
3. Take Care of Your Body: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it’s okay to have difficult moments.

Embracing the Mantra “Life Happens”

As one with autism, anxiety attacks have been a part of my entire life. “Life Happens” has become my mantra, expressing that unexpected and uncontrollable events are a natural part of life. Embracing this concept can be particularly relevant when dealing with Anxiety.

By adopting the mindset that “Life Happens,” you can cultivate greater acceptance, flexibility, and resilience—key components in managing and reducing Anxiety.

The Serenity Prayer: A Tool for Calm

The Serenity Prayer has been a powerful tool for managing my Anxiety. Its focus on acceptance, courage, and wisdom provides a framework for coping with stressful situations.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

1. Serenity to Accept the Things I Cannot Change: Encourages acceptance of uncontrollable circumstances, reducing feelings of helplessness.
2. Courage to Change the Things I Can: Empowers you to take action where possible, alleviating Anxiety by focusing on what you can influence.
3. Wisdom to Know the Difference: Helps prioritize efforts and reduce wasted energy on futile concerns.

Incorporating the Serenity Prayer into daily routines can promote acceptance, encourage proactive change, and foster wisdom in decision-making, providing a calming influence in the face of Anxiety.

I hope this blog post provides insights and practical steps for managing Anxiety, drawing from personal experiences and the inspiring portrayal in Inside Out 2. If you find yourself struggling with Anxiety, remember that help and support are available.

As a storyteller and brand builder at Storyteller & Brand Builder Stanley Leary, I’m passionate about the different photo editing styles and how they can be used to convey unique narratives. Two prevalent styles in photography are low-key and high-key editing. These techniques influence the mood and feel of an image and reflect different approaches to exposure and post-production. Let’s dive into these styles, their origins, and how they can be effectively utilized in your work.

Low-Key Editing: Preserving Highlight Details

Origin and Concept: Low-key editing is a technique that emphasizes retaining all the details in the highlights. This method originated from the era of film photography, particularly with transparency films like slides. Unlike negative films, slides required precise exposure because overexposed highlights could not be recovered. Photographers had to be meticulous with their exposure to ensure that the details in the brightest parts of the image were preserved.

Shooting Technique: Photographers often underexpose their shots slightly to achieve a low-key effect. This technique ensures that no part of the image is blown out. When shooting low-key, you might use a narrower aperture or faster shutter speed to limit the light hitting the sensor. Additionally, spot metering can help focus on the brightest part of the scene to ensure it’s not overexposed.

Post-Production: In post-production, low-key editing involves carefully adjusting the exposure and highlights to maintain detail. Tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are essential for fine-tuning the highlights, shadows, and mid-tones. The goal is to create a balanced image where even the brightest areas retain texture and detail.

Practical Example: Imagine you’re photographing a landscape at sunset. By exposing it for the bright sky, you ensure the clouds and sun rays retain their intricate details. In post-production, you can then bring up the shadows to reveal more of the landscape without losing the highlight details.

High-Key Editing: Embracing Blown-Out Highlights

Origin and Concept: High-key editing, on the other hand, emerged prominently from wedding photography. Photographers often prioritized capturing flattering skin tones over retaining all the highlight details. This approach led to images where the background and other elements might be overexposed, creating a dreamy, ethereal look.

Shooting Technique: Photographers generally overexpose their images slightly when shooting for a high-key effect. This can be achieved using a wider aperture, slower shutter speed, or increasing the ISO. Evaluative or matrix metering can help balance the exposure across the entire frame, but it’s often adjusted to prioritize the main subject, like the bride and groom in wedding photography.

Post-Production: In post-production, high-key editing enhances the overexposed areas to create a bright and airy feel. Adjusting the exposure, highlights, and whites in editing software can help achieve this look. The key is to ensure the subject, especially skin tones, remains well-exposed and flattering while allowing the background or other less critical areas to blow out.

Practical Example: Consider a bride in a white dress standing in front of a window. By overexposing slightly, you focus on her glowing face and dress while letting the light from the window create a soft, overexposed background. In editing, you enhance this effect to emphasize the bright, joyful atmosphere of the moment.

Modifying Your Shooting and Editing Approach

Low-Key Adjustments:

1. Shooting: Use spot metering to expose the brightest part of your scene. Underexpose slightly to protect highlights.
2. Editing: Carefully adjust highlights and shadows to retain detail across the image. Use tools like the highlights slider to bring back detail in the bright areas.

High-Key Adjustments:

1. Shooting: Use evaluative metering and slightly overexpose your image to prioritize skin tones and the main subject.
2. Editing: Increase exposure and highlights to enhance the bright, airy feel. Ensure skin tones remain flattering and well-exposed.

Conclusion

Both low-key and high-key editing styles offer unique ways to tell your story through photography. Low-key emphasizes detail and precision, creating rich, textured images. A high-key, bright, and airy feel can convey emotions like joy and elegance. By understanding and mastering these techniques, you can expand your creative toolkit and better serve the diverse needs of your clients.

Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a landscape or the ethereal beauty of a wedding, these editing styles will help you tell your story in the most compelling way possible. Happy shooting and editing!

Dorie & Stanley in Kona, Hawaii

They say when you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person. Each individual’s experience with autism is unique, with its strengths, challenges, and perspectives. After living with autism for more than 62 years, I’m just now feeling like I’m emerging from my cocoon, embracing my uniqueness, and discovering how it shapes my work as a visual storyteller.

As a creative artist who tells stories through still photography and video, I’ve realized that living with autism and being an artist have much in common. Both paths require embracing one’s unique perspective and finding ways to communicate it to the world. For those of us on the autism spectrum and artists in general, the journey to understanding and acceptance can be filled with both challenges and triumphs.

The Unique Perspective of Autism in Art

Autism often brings with it a distinct way of seeing the world. This unique viewpoint can be a powerful asset in visual storytelling. Autism enhances my attention to detail and helps me see nuances others might miss. It allows me to capture moments and emotions deeply, personally, and profoundly impactfully.

However, this uniqueness can also create a sense of isolation. Society doesn’t always understand or appreciate different ways of thinking and perceiving the world. As artists and individuals with autism, we often feel the need to bridge the gap between our inner world and the outside world.

The Artist’s Struggle for Understanding

Artists, much like those with autism, often struggle with the need to be understood. Our creations are extensions of ourselves; when our work isn’t understood or appreciated, it can feel like a personal rejection. But this struggle fuels our creativity and drives us to find new ways to express our stories.

The key is to embrace our differences and use them as a source of strength and inspiration. Our unique perspectives are not limitations; they are the very essence of what makes our art special. By leaning into our uniqueness, we can create work that resonates deeply with those who see it.

Celebrating Uniqueness and Building Connections

So, how do we celebrate our differences and use them to connect with others? Here are a few tips that have helped me, and I hope they can help you, too:

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness: Recognize that your unique perspective is a gift. Celebrate what makes you different and use them to inform your art. Your authenticity will shine through and resonate with others.
2. Find Your Tribe: Seek out communities and individuals who appreciate and understand your work. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you. Online communities, local art groups, and autism support networks can be great starting places.
3. Tell Your Story: Don’t be afraid to share your journey. Whether through your art or in conversations, sharing your story can help others understand your perspective and connect with you on a deeper level.
4. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Not everyone will understand or appreciate your work, and that’s okay. Please focus on the positive feedback and use it to fuel your creativity.
5. Use Your Art as a Bridge: Let your art be the medium through which you communicate your unique perspective. Visual storytelling has the power to transcend words and connect people on an emotional level. Use this to your advantage.

By embracing our differences and celebrating our uniqueness, we not only enrich our own lives but also the lives of those around us. Our stories, told through our unique lenses, have the power to connect, inspire, and transform. Whether you’re an artist, an individual with autism, or both, your story matters. Celebrate it, share it, and let it shine.

In today’s world, where visual content is consumed at an unprecedented rate, capturing and holding people’s attention is more challenging than ever. As photographers, we wield a powerful tool: our camera. But to truly stand out and make a lasting impact, we need more than technical skills and creative flair. We need to harness the art of storytelling.

Why Storytelling Matters

Storytelling has been a fundamental part of human culture since the dawn of time. It’s how we make sense of the world, share experiences, and connect with others on a deeper level. In photography, storytelling transforms images from mere snapshots into compelling narratives that evoke emotions, spark curiosity, and invite viewers to engage with the scene on a more profound level.

Asking the Right Questions

Strong storytelling photos do more than capture a moment; they ask the audience questions. They invite viewers to ponder the emotions and actions depicted. Questions like:

• Why are they happy?
• Why are they sad?
• What are they doing?
• What’s happening next?

By provoking these questions, you create a sense of mystery and intrigue, drawing the audience into the story. This engagement is what makes your photos memorable and impactful.

The Photographer’s Journey: Asking “Why?”

To create resonant storytelling photos, photographers must ask themselves a crucial question: Why am I taking this photo? This question is the foundation of your storytelling journey. Here’s how to navigate this journey:

1. Identify the Story: Before picking up your camera, think about the story you want to tell. Is it a story of joy, struggle, triumph, or sorrow? Understanding the narrative will guide your creative decisions.
2. Capture Emotion: Emotions are at the heart of every great story. Look for moments that convey strong feelings and capture them in a way that allows viewers to experience those emotions, too.
3. Focus on Details: Sometimes, the smallest details can tell the most powerful stories. A tear rolling down a cheek, a hand reaching out, or a shared glance can speak volumes. Pay attention to these moments and use them to enrich your narrative.
4. Compose with Purpose: Composition plays a vital role in storytelling. Think about how you frame your subjects, using light and shadow, and the elements you include or exclude from the shot. Every choice should serve the story you want to tell.
5. Create Context: Provide context to your story by capturing the main subjects and their surroundings. The environment can add layers of meaning and help viewers understand the broader narrative.
6. Seek Authenticity: Authenticity is key to storytelling. Candid moments often tell more compelling stories than posed shots. Strive to capture genuine interactions and real emotions.

Enhancing Your Storytelling Skills

Continuous learning and practice are essential to becoming a master storyteller with your camera. Here are some tips to help you enhance your storytelling skills:

• Study Great Storytellers: Look at photographers known for their storytelling work. Analyze their photos and try to understand how they convey emotions and narratives.
• Practice Mindfulness: Be present in the moment and observe everything around you. This mindfulness will help you notice the subtle details that make a story come to life.
• Experiment with Techniques: Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and approaches. Experimenting can lead to unexpected and powerful storytelling opportunities.
• Solicit Feedback: Share your work with others and seek constructive feedback. Understanding how others perceive your photos can provide valuable insights into how effectively you’re telling your stories.

Conclusion

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can elevate your photography to new heights. You can create images that resonate deeply with your audience by asking the right questions and focusing on the “why” behind your photos. Remember, the key to impactful storytelling lies in capturing emotions, paying attention to details, composing with purpose, providing context, and staying authentic. As you hone your storytelling skills, you’ll find that your photos capture attention and leave a lasting impression.

So, the next time you lift your camera to your eye, ask yourself, “Why am I taking this photo?” Let that question guide you, and watch as your storytelling prowess transforms your photography into a powerful medium for connection and expression.