Malcolm Gladwell wrote about the “10,000-hour rule,” asserting that the key to achieving true expertise in any skill is simply practicing, albeit correctly, for at least 10,000 hours. David Epstein’s fascinating new book The Sports Gene argues that the ten-thousand-hour idea must be average.

Psychologist K. Anders Ericsson looked at students studying violin at the elite Music Academy of West Berlin. I was interested in the general finding: the best violinists, on average and over time, practiced much more than the good ones. In other words, within a group of talented people, what separated the best from the rest was how long and how intently they worked.

I can personally attest to the fact that I am still learning. I am working on a project to review a photographer’s raw photos from 2007 to 2024. There are easily 300,000 images that I am culling through and then picking the best ones to edit.

This process is very similar to when I played trumpet regularly. In college, I practiced many hours outside of East Carolina Jazz Band class and as part of the marching band.

I didn’t just practice the music I would be playing but also practice books.

The best thing that happened for me early in my professional career was working at the Hickory Daily Record. I was shooting every day and processing it over and over and over. Before that, working for the school paper in college, I would come even close to what one week was at the Hickory Daily Record in a month at best.

So here is my tip: Repetition, and lots of it, will improve your skills more than anything else.

So shoot all you can and practice, practice, practice.

[NIKON D100, 120-300mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 100, 1/160, ƒ/22]

As a professional photographer and storyteller, I often discuss the intricacies of photography with clients and enthusiasts. One key concept that significantly impacts composition is depth-of-field (DoF). Understanding how to manipulate DoF through your camera’s aperture can elevate your photos, whether isolating a subject or capturing a detailed scene. Let’s dive into how DoF influences composition and explore some practical applications across different genres of photography.

Shallow Depth-of-Field

A shallow DoF means that only a tiny portion of the image is in sharp focus while the rest is beautifully blurred. Achieving this effect involves using a wide aperture between f/1.4 and f/2.8. Here’s how a shallow DoF can enhance your compositions:

1. Subject Isolation:
   • Focus on the Subject: By blurring the background and foreground, you can isolate the subject, drawing the viewer’s eye directly to it. This technique is particularly effective in portrait photography, where you want to emphasize the person and minimize distractions.
   • Creating Mood: A shallow DoF can create a dreamy, intimate, or dramatic feel, enhancing the emotional impact of the image.
2. Bokeh:
   • Aesthetic Appeal: The out-of-focus areas can produce a pleasing blur, known as bokeh, adding an artistic element to your photo. The bokeh quality depends on the lens and the shape of the aperture blades.
3. Simplifying the Composition:
   • Minimalism: By reducing the elements in sharp focus, you can simplify the scene, making the composition cleaner and more impactful.

Deep Depth-of-Field

Conversely, a deep DoF means that a larger portion of the image, from foreground to background, is in sharp focus. This effect is achieved using a smaller aperture, such as f/8 to f/22. Here’s how a deep DoF can enhance your compositions:

1. Environmental Context:
   • Storytelling: When you want to tell a story by including the background and surroundings, a deep DoF ensures that all elements in the scene are in focus. This approach is common in landscape, architectural, and street photography.
   • Detail Capture: Capturing intricate details throughout the scene can add richness and context, enhancing the narrative.
2. Layering and Depth:
   • Complex Compositions: A deep DoF allows you to create complex compositions with multiple layers of interest, leading to more dynamic and engaging images as the viewer’s eye moves through the different elements.
   • Perspective: Emphasizing the depth and perspective of a scene can make the viewer feel more immersed in the image.

Practical Considerations

• Aperture and Light: A wider aperture allows more light into the camera, which is useful in low-light situations but can make achieving a deep DoF challenging without increasing ISO or using a slower shutter speed.
• Lens Choice: Wide-angle lenses naturally provide a deeper DoF, while telephoto lenses can more easily achieve a shallower DoF.
• Subject Distance: The closer you are to the subject, the shallower the DoF becomes. Conversely, increasing the distance between the camera and the subject deepens the DoF.

Creative Uses

• Portraits: Use shallow DoF to highlight the subject’s eyes and create a soft background.
• Landscapes: Use deep DoF to ensure the foreground and background are sharp, capturing the entire scene in detail.
• Macro Photography: Often uses extremely shallow DoF to focus on small subjects and create artistic effects.

Real-World Application: Architectural and Design Photography

Recently, I received an assignment from an architectural and design magazine. They were very specific about their requirements, emphasizing the need for deep depth-of-field in every photo. They instructed me to shoot at f/16 or f/22 to ensure all elements, from the intricate details of the architecture to the expansive backgrounds, were in sharp focus. This approach helps capture the full context and grandeur of architectural designs, allowing readers to appreciate the finer details and overall aesthetic of the spaces featured in the magazine.

Genre-Specific Preferences

It’s important to note that different genres of photography have distinct DoF preferences. For instance, a shallow DoF is often preferred in sports and portrait photography. In sports photography, a wide aperture can help isolate athletes from distracting backgrounds, highlighting their movements and expressions. In portrait photography, a shallow DoF creates a pleasing blur that draws attention to the subject’s face and eyes, creating an intimate and engaging image.

Understanding and manipulating depth-of-field allows you to control what parts of your image are in focus, guiding the viewer’s attention and enhancing the storytelling power of your photographs. Whether aiming for a sharp, detailed scene or a soft, focused subject with a dreamy background, mastering DoF is essential for effective composition.

By honing your skills in managing depth-of-field, you can adapt to various photography genres and meet specific client requirements while creating visually compelling and emotionally resonant images.

Flash used outside

Lately, I’ve had the pleasure of helping a few amateurs edit their photos. One is working on a delightful project: creating a coffee table yearbook of their family’s pictures through the years, with a new yearbook for each year. Another is finally processing a large backlog of digital images they’ve accumulated but haven’t had the time to edit.

Reflecting on my early days managing a one-hour photo lab, I’ve seen thousands of photos and have given countless tips. Here are some timeless tips that have proven helpful both then and now. There is no particular order, just a collection of advice to improve your photos:

1. Take Lots of Photos

When you want that one perfect shot of a subject, don’t be shy—take lots of photos. Shooting 3 to 10 images increases your chances of capturing:

• Better Expressions: People’s expressions can change in an instant. More shots mean more chances to capture the perfect smile or candid moment.
• Focus: Ensures that at least one shot will be perfectly focused.
• Camera Shake/Movement: Reduces the risk of all shots being blurred due to camera shake.

2. Use a Flash Outside

Using a flash outdoors can significantly enhance your photos by addressing the following:

• Racoon Eyes: Sunlight from above can cast unflattering shadows on faces, which a flash can help lighten.
• Backlit Photos: Adds necessary light to faces in backlit situations.
• Color Improvement: Outdoor environments can create unwanted color casts. A flash can help correct this.

3. Review Your Images on a Larger Screen ASAP

Reviewing your shots on a larger screen as soon as possible allows you to:

• Check Stability: Ensure you keep the camera steady to avoid blurry images.
• Focus Check: Confirm that your intended focus point is sharp.
• Color and Exposure: Verify that the colors and the exposure are correct.

4. Adjust Your Depth-of-Field

Changing your aperture to control depth-of-field can drastically improve your photos:

• Shallow Depth-of-Field: Blurs the background, making your subject stand out more.
• Larger Depth-of-Field: Keeps more of the scene in focus, providing context to your subject. This requires more skill in composition, so consider using these composition tools:
  • Rule-of-Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds, horizontally, and vertically, and place critical elements along these lines or their intersections.
  • Golden Ratio, Golden Spiral, Triangle: Use these mathematical compositions to create naturally pleasing images.
  • Aspect Ratio: Pay attention to the dimensions of your photo to enhance its aesthetic.
  • Diagonal, Leading Lines, S-Curves: These techniques guide the viewer’s eye through the photo.

By incorporating these tips, you’ll find that your photography skills will improve significantly. Whether creating a beautiful family yearbook or finally organizing your digital photo library, these techniques will help you capture and enhance those precious moments. Keep shooting, experimenting, and most importantly, have fun with your photography!

[NIKON Z 9, VR 120-300mm f/2.8G, Mode = Manual, ISO 5000, 1/4000, ƒ/11, (35mm = 600) with Alienbees B1600 strobes]

In wildlife photography, capturing the essence of nature’s wonders often presents unique challenges. The past few days have been a journey of experimentation and innovation as I sought to elevate my photography of the Red-Shouldered Hawks nesting in our backyard. In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you how I revamped my approach, incorporating studio strobes and high-speed sync technology to overcome obstacles and enhance the quality of my images.

The catalyst for this transformation was a persistent issue I encountered—shadows casting over a significant portion of the majestic hawks, diminishing the clarity and impact of my photographs. Determined to find a solution, I turned to my trusty studio strobes, specifically the Alienbees B1600 equipped with an 11-inch Long Throw Reflector, typically utilized for illuminating indoor basketball courts.

To synchronize the flash with my Nikon Z9 camera and shoot above the 1/250 sync speed, I employed PocketWizard TT5 transceivers paired with an AC3 controller to adjust the power settings and an AC9 adapter to combine with the PocketWizard TT5. A simple phone cord facilitated the connection to the back of the Alienbees B1600, seamlessly integrating the strobes into my setup.

With this new configuration, I unlocked the potential to shoot at high shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000 to an astonishing 1/8000, effectively balancing the strobe lighting with the ambient daylight. Gone were the intrusive shadows, replaced by crisp, well-lit images showcasing the Red-Shouldered Hawks’ beauty in all their glory.

Using strobes as a fill light outside can significantly improve the accuracy of color temperature in outdoor photography. By supplementing natural light with controlled artificial light, photographers can mitigate the inconsistencies often caused by changing weather conditions and varying times of day. Strobes emit a consistent color temperature, ensuring that the subject is evenly illuminated with precise hues, regardless of external factors. This enhances the image’s overall aesthetic and facilitates post-processing adjustments by providing a stable foundation of color temperature for a more seamless editing workflow.

In the spirit of transparency and progress, I’ll compare my previous photographs and those captured using the strobes. Through side-by-side visuals, you’ll witness the remarkable difference in clarity, detail, and overall image quality achieved through this innovative lighting technique.

However, the most gratifying aspect of this endeavor is the tangible improvement in the quality of my images. By embracing technology and pushing the boundaries of traditional wildlife photography, I’ve been able to elevate my craft and capture the essence of these magnificent birds with unprecedented clarity and depth.

So, without further ado, I invite you to join me on this journey of exploration and discovery. Let’s delve into wildlife photography, where innovation meets artistry, and every click of the shutter unveils a new dimension of beauty and wonder.

Fire Dancer, Aileen Kunewa. Photo by Dorie Griggs [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/200, ƒ/4.5, (35mm = 24) Processed with PureRAW 4 & Lightroom Classic]

In the ever-evolving landscape of photography, one of the most fundamental aspects has been the sensitivity of film or, in today’s world, the ISO setting in digital cameras. Back in the days of film photography, adjusting ISO meant grappling with the tradeoff between sensitivity and grain. The higher the ISO, the more light-sensitive the film became, but at the cost of introducing noticeable grain into the image.

Fast forward to the digital era, and the concept of ISO underwent a significant transformation. Instead of grain, digital sensors introduced noise as the primary concern with higher ISO settings. However, even in the early days of digital photography, the correlation between ISO and noise wasn’t drastically different from the film days. It was a familiar tradeoff – increased sensitivity at the expense of introducing unwanted noise.

But then came the technological leap. As Moore’s Law applied its magic to camera sensors, the noise performance improved exponentially. Suddenly, higher ISO settings didn’t necessarily equate to unbearable noise levels. With each iteration of camera models, the threshold for acceptable noise is pushed higher and higher. ISO 10000 or even 12800 became feasible options without sacrificing image quality significantly.

The game-changer, however, was the advent of denoise software. Tools like Topaz Denoise, PureRAW, and Lightroom’s denoise capabilities revolutionized post-processing, almost rendering the concept of noise obsolete. What was once a dreaded side effect of high ISO settings became a minor inconvenience easily remedied with a few clicks.

So, what does ISO mean in today’s digital photography landscape? It’s a question that prompts contemplation. The traditional tradeoff between sensitivity and noise has been disrupted. The grain of film and the noise of digital sensors no longer hold the same weight they once did. Instead, adjusting ISO in digital photography is more akin to controlling volume. It’s about amplifying the signal without amplifying the noise.

Yet, amidst this technological marvel, a lingering question remains – what is the tradeoff of ISO today? The answer isn’t as straightforward as it once was. With noise reduction software capable of miraculous feats, the boundaries of acceptable ISO settings blur. Perhaps the tradeoff now lies in the nuances of dynamic range, color accuracy, or subtle details that emerge or diminish with varying ISO levels.

Ultimately, the evolution of ISO from the grainy days of film to the noise-controlled realm of digital photography signifies more than just technological progress. It’s a testament to the ever-changing nature of photography, where what was once a steadfast rule becomes a fluid concept open to interpretation and exploration. And perhaps therein lies the beauty – in the perpetual quest to redefine and refine our understanding of light, sensitivity, and the art of capturing moments frozen in time.

Pastor Gheorghe Rudi engages in conversation with a visitor at the healthcare clinic organized by the church, alongside American doctors and nurses, in Obreja Veche, Fălești District, Moldova.

In business, success is often measured by profits and growth. However, amidst pursuing financial gains, it’s easy to overlook the most crucial element: people. Simon Sinek, a renowned author and motivational speaker, emphasizes the importance of understanding people and nurturing relationships to achieve business success. But how does this principle translate into actionable strategies for entrepreneurs and business owners?

Sinek proposes a paradigm shift where people are valued slightly more than profit. He suggests a delicate balance, perhaps with people holding a 51% importance over profit’s 49%. This philosophy challenges the traditional mindset that prioritizes financial gains above all else. Instead, it advocates for placing the well-being and development of employees and customers at the forefront.

Consider two hypothetical CEOs: one prioritizes growth above all, with people seen as a means to achieve financial goals, while the other places people at the center, recognizing that by caring for their employees, they will naturally drive the company towards success. Which leader would you choose to work for? The answer seems clear – the one who values people as more than just tools for profit.

This principle holds for large corporations, freelancers, and small business owners. When it’s just you or a small team, the responsibility for nurturing relationships falls squarely on your shoulders. Whether you’re a solopreneur or have a handful of employees, prioritizing their well-being is ethical and essential for business growth.

So, how does this focus on people translate into practical business strategies? It starts with your marketing approach. Instead of solely promoting products or services, emphasize the human element. Show your audience that your business isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building meaningful connections and caring for individuals.

Moreover, when it comes to recruitment, prioritize candidates who align with your values and demonstrate a genuine concern for people. Look for individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also share your commitment to fostering relationships and prioritizing the well-being of others.

Ultimately, business success hinges on understanding that people aren’t just a means to an end—they’re the heart and soul of your enterprise. By prioritizing relationships and demonstrating genuine care for employees and customers, you’ll drive financial success and cultivate a thriving and sustainable business built on trust, loyalty, and human connection. So, as you chart your path to success, remember: it’s not just about profits; it’s about people.

In storytelling, time is not merely a concept; it’s a crucial ingredient that enriches narratives, adding depth and authenticity. While some stories unfold swiftly, like the turning of a page, others demand patience, unfolding gradually like a flower in bloom. As a photographer and storyteller, I’ve come to appreciate the intricate relationship between time and storytelling, primarily when chronicling the lives of our backyard visitors, the Red-Shouldered Hawks.

Every story, whether captured through a camera lens or penned on paper, has its beginning, middle, and end. However, in the vast tapestry of life, we’re often just capturing a fleeting moment—a mere slice of someone’s grand narrative. This realization struck me profoundly this year as I embarked on the journey of documenting the nesting habits of these majestic birds.

In February, the Red-Shouldered Hawks began their annual nest-building ritual as the air still carried a hint of winter’s chill. Armed with my camera, I observed the intricate dance of courtship and the meticulous construction of their nest. Yet, little did I know that this was just the prologue to a much larger tale.

The laying of eggs marked the next chapter in this avian saga. The nest became a cradle of life each day, sheltering the precious cargo within. Yet, unlike the instant gratification of modern life, hatching these eggs demanded patience. It wasn’t until late April that I caught my first glimpse of a newborn chick, a testament to the passage of time and the gradual unfolding of nature’s wonders.

As weeks turned into months, I witnessed the fledglings’ growth and transformation. From the safety of their lofty perch, they ventured into the world, their parents dutifully providing nourishment and guidance. And with each passing day, I realized that storytelling isn’t merely about capturing moments; it’s about immersing oneself in the subject’s world, understanding their journey, and translating it into a resonant narrative.

The journey of storytelling, much like the life cycle of the Red-Shouldered Hawks, requires careful planning and investment of time. It’s about delving deep into the subject’s world, allowing their story to unfold organically. Here are some tips to guide fellow storytellers on their quest:

1. Define Your Purpose: Before embarking on a storytelling endeavor, ask yourself why this story matters. What message do you hope to convey, and why is it worth telling?
2. Craft a Story Arc: Every compelling story follows a narrative arc—introduce characters, build tension, and culminate in a resolution. Understand the arc of your story and let it guide your narrative.
3. Visuals Speak Volumes: While words weave the narrative, visuals serve as windows into the soul of your story. Choose your visuals wisely, ensuring they complement and enhance the narrative.
4. Invest Time: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are great stories. Be willing to invest the time necessary to understand your subject and truly capture its essence.

In conclusion, storytelling is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the passage of time. By immersing ourselves in the lives of our subjects and allowing their stories to unfold at their own pace, we unlock the true power of storytelling. So, fellow storytellers, let us embark on this timeless journey together, capturing the beauty and complexity of the world one story at a time.

In the dynamic world of freelance photography and videography, every assignment presents an opportunity to innovate and deliver exceptional value to clients. I’m constantly seeking creative strategies to elevate my services and provide clients more than they expect. One such strategy that has proven immensely beneficial is the concept of piggyback assignments.

Imagine this scenario: I’m halfway across the globe on an international assignment for a department within an organization. Rather than confining myself to the confines of that one project, I seize the opportunity to reach out to other departments within the same organization. The goal? I aim to offer my services while I’m already in town, maximizing efficiency and value for the client.

The rationale behind piggyback assignments is simple yet compelling. Since the cost of international travel has already been incurred, extending my stay to capture additional content for another department comes at a significantly reduced rate for the client. It’s a win-win situation – the client gains extra value for their investment while I optimize my time and resources.

However, despite the potential benefits, I’ve encountered resistance from organizations hesitant to embrace this approach. Budget constraints and rigid planning often stand in the way, with many managers focused solely on their departmental goals and budgets. Yet, organizations can unlock a world of possibilities by breaking down these barriers and adopting a more collaborative mindset.

So, how can we overcome these barriers and harness the full potential of piggyback assignments? Here are some key strategies to consider:

Highlight Cost Efficiency: Emphasize the cost-saving aspect of piggyback assignments. By leveraging existing travel expenses, clients can access additional content at a fraction of the cost compared to a separate assignment.

Showcase Added Value: Illustrate the extra value that piggyback assignments can bring. Whether it’s capturing supplementary footage, conducting cross-departmental interviews, or documenting multiple facets of the organization, piggybacking allows clients to maximize their content output without breaking the bank.

Emphasize Collaboration Opportunities: Encourage clients to think beyond their departmental silos. Organizations can foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cohesive brand identity by coordinating coverage across various teams or initiatives.

Flexibility is Key: Highlight the flexibility inherent in piggyback assignments. Piggybacking offers a tailored solution to fit the client’s requirements, whether extending the stay on the front or back end of the primary assignment or adjusting the scope to accommodate additional content needs.

By embracing the concept of piggyback assignments, clients can optimize their resources and foster synergy and connectivity across different areas of their organization. It’s time to break free from the constraints of traditional budgeting and embrace the boundless possibilities of collaborative storytelling. Together, we can build bridges, capture moments, and unlock the full potential of every assignment. Join me on this journey, and let’s make every project an opportunity for innovation and collaboration.

In the realm of creative collaboration, understanding and accommodating the unique needs of each team member is essential for fostering a harmonious and productive working environment. Recently, my journey has been influenced by three individuals with ADHD, two of whom have been formally diagnosed and are actively seeking support, while the third remains undiagnosed. As I’ve delved into educating myself on ADHD and its implications for creative professionals, I’ve realized the necessity of adjusting my approach to better accommodate their strengths and challenges. This blog post is born out of my personal experiences and newfound insights, aimed at exploring how ADHD impacts photographers and videographers and offering practical tips to enhance collaboration and productivity in creative endeavors.

As a creative professional in the dynamic world of photography and videography, every project is an opportunity to capture stories, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression. However, for individuals navigating the creative landscape with ADHD, the journey can be filled with unique challenges that require thoughtful strategies and support. Let’s delve into how ADHD can impact photographers and videographers and explore practical tips to help them overcome these obstacles and thrive in their craft.

Understanding the Impact

The ADHD brain, characterized by its tendency to be locked in the present and oblivious to the future, can manifest in various ways that directly affect the creative process:

1. Trouble Cleaning/Organizing: Maintaining a clutter-free workspace and organizing equipment can be daunting for individuals with ADHD, leading to inefficiency and frustration.
2. Starting Projects Without Completing Them: The impulsivity associated with ADHD may result in many half-finished projects, hindering productivity and leaving a trail of unfinished creative endeavors.
3. Problems Prioritizing: Difficulty prioritizing tasks can leave photographers and videographers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to focus their creative energy amidst competing demands.
4. Time Blindness: The concept of time may elude individuals with ADHD, making it challenging to adhere to deadlines and manage schedules effectively.
5. Difficulty Maintaining a Schedule: Consistency and structure are vital in the creative process, yet ADHD can disrupt schedule adherence, leading to inconsistency and missed opportunities.
6. Lack of Focus: Maintaining focus amidst distractions is a common struggle, impacting the quality and efficiency of creative work.

Navigating the Creative Landscape: Tips for Success

While ADHD presents its share of challenges, there are practical strategies that photographers and videographers can employ to harness their creative potential and enhance their reliability for clients:

1. Utilize Digital Tools: Leverage digital calendars and project management apps to record activities, appointments, and deadlines. Incorporating reminders and notifications can help maintain awareness of upcoming tasks.
2. Actionable Calendar Entries: Treat tasks as actionable appointments by scheduling specific blocks of time for creative work, editing sessions, and client meetings. Breaking down projects into manageable chunks can alleviate the overwhelm and enhance focus.
3. Work in Sprints: Embrace the concept of working in short, focused bursts known as sprints. Set a timer for designated periods of intense productivity, followed by brief breaks to recharge.
4. Gamify the Process: Set personal goals and milestones to infuse your workflow with elements of fun and challenge. Reward yourself upon task completion to reinforce positive habits and motivation.
5. Ditch the To-Do Lists: Instead of traditional to-do lists, adopt a more visual and structured approach to task management. Consider using kanban boards or mind maps to organize and prioritize projects in a visually stimulating manner.

By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive environment, photographers and videographers with ADHD can navigate the creative journey with confidence and resilience. Embracing their unique perspective and harnessing their creative talents, they can continue to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on visual storytelling.

It is easy to get caught up in pursuing profits and growth in business. However, for many small business owners, a more profound motivation drives their work: the desire to positively impact their community. One powerful way to achieve this is through pro bono work—offering your services for free to individuals or organizations in need. Let me share the importance of pro bono work, using my experience with the Roswell Fire Department as an example.

Building Relationships and Trust

Pro bono work provides a unique opportunity to build relationships and establish trust within your community. When I began offering my photography services to the Roswell Fire Department, I didn’t just capture images – I became a part of their team. Through my work, I forged strong bonds with the firefighters and gained their trust, leading to additional collaboration opportunities.

Showcasing Skills and Expertise

By offering your services pro bono, you can showcase your skills and expertise to a broader audience. My partnership with the Roswell Fire Department allowed me to demonstrate my ability to capture compelling images, which attracted the attention of other clients impressed by my work.

Expanding Your Portfolio

Pro bono projects offer a chance to diversify your portfolio and explore new opportunities. My experience with the fire department enabled me to add impactful images of firefighters in action to my portfolio, showcasing my versatility as a photographer and expanding my appeal to potential clients in related industries.

Making a Difference in the Community

The most rewarding aspect of pro bono work is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. By volunteering my time and talents to support the Roswell Fire Department, I played a small part in honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our local heroes. Knowing that my photography could help raise awareness of their crucial work brought a sense of fulfillment beyond any financial reward.

Marketing and Publicity

While the primary goal of pro bono work is to give back, it can also provide valuable marketing and publicity opportunities. My partnership with the fire department garnered attention from local media outlets, resulting in positive press coverage that helped raise awareness of my business and attract new clients who admired my commitment to community involvement.

Conclusion: Making an Impact Beyond Profit

In conclusion, pro bono work is not just about giving back – it’s about making an impact beyond profit. By offering your services for free, you can build relationships, showcase your skills, expand your portfolio, make a difference in your community, and attract positive attention to your business. So, the next time you’re considering investing your time and talents, remember the power of pro bono work to create meaningful change in the world around you.

Technology has long been a double-edged sword in storytelling, empowering and limiting the creative endeavors of storytellers across mediums. From the evolution of photography to the advent of digital capture and the proliferation of video, technological advancements have continuously reshaped the landscape of storytelling, offering both challenges and opportunities for storytellers like myself.

In photojournalism, transitioning from large format cameras like the 4×5 to more portable 35mm cameras marked a significant turning point. Photographers could move more freely, quickly capturing candid moments and intimate details. This shift enabled photojournalists to fully immerse themselves in their subjects’ worlds, resulting in more affluent, compelling storytelling.

Consider the work of legendary photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson, whose mastery of the 35mm Leica camera allowed him to pioneer the genre of street photography. His iconic images, captured with stealth and precision, offered glimpses into the lives of people from all walks of life, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Similarly, the era of Kodachrome film brought challenges and constraints for photographers, particularly those working for publications like National Geographic. With its limited latitude and sensitivity to light, Kodachrome demanded meticulous planning and timing. Photographers often had to rely on the golden hours of morning and evening light to achieve the vibrant colors and dynamic contrasts that defined the magazine’s visual aesthetic.

Yet, despite these limitations, photographers like Steve McCurry and David Alan Harvey produced timeless images that transported viewers to far-flung corners of the globe, capturing moments of beauty and resilience in the most unlikely places.

The advent of digital photography revolutionized the storytelling landscape once again, offering storytellers unprecedented freedom and flexibility. Suddenly, the constraints of film were lifted, allowing photographers to experiment, iterate, and innovate like never before. With digital capture, storytellers could push the boundaries of creativity, exploring new techniques and perspectives without fearing wasted film or missed opportunities.

Moreover, the affordability of digital cameras and editing software democratized storytelling, making it accessible to a broader range of storytellers. No longer bound by the prohibitive costs of film and darkroom equipment, aspiring storytellers could hone their craft more quickly and effectively, accelerating their learning curve and expanding their creative horizons.

Today, the storyteller’s toolkit is more expansive and versatile. With the rise of social media and online platforms, storytellers can instantly reach audiences across the globe, sharing their narratives with unprecedented immediacy and impact. From Instagram stories to YouTube vlogs, the possibilities for storytelling are virtually limitless, transcending traditional boundaries of time and space.

However, amidst this technological abundance, one fundamental truth remains unchanged: the power of storytelling lies not in the tools we use but in the stories we tell. Whether through photographs, videos, or any other medium, the essence of storytelling lies in our ability to connect, inspire, and move our audiences on a profound emotional level.

As storytellers, we must never lose sight of this fundamental truth. While technology may shape how we tell our stories, ultimately, the strength and substance of those stories will endure the test of time. So, let us embrace the possibilities that technology affords us, but let us never forget that at the heart of it all lies the timeless art of storytelling.

Embracing the art of storytelling is paramount in today’s ever-evolving landscape of visual communication. In an era where technology provides us with an abundance of tools and platforms, the actual currency of our industry lies in our ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with our audience. To thrive in this dynamic environment, one must possess technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the principles of storytelling.

Becoming a proficient storyteller requires more than technical skill; it demands a keen eye for detail, a compassionate understanding of human nature, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. As storytellers, we must immerse ourselves in the stories of others, learning to empathize with their struggles, hopes, and dreams. By recognizing the universal themes that unite us all, we can create narratives that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level.

I understand that compelling storytelling begins with empathy and insight. I believe in the power of narrative to inspire change, spark conversation, and foster connection. Whether working with a nonprofit organization, a business, or a creative individual, my approach remains the same: listening, learning, and crafting stories that speak to the heart.

When crafting a story, we adhere to a simple yet powerful framework:

a) Specific Person: Every story revolves around a central protagonist whose experiences and journeys are the narrative’s focal point. By humanizing our stories through the lens of individual experience, we create a connection that resonates with our audience personally.

b) Specific Challenge: A compelling story is driven by conflict and resolution as the protagonist confronts and overcomes obstacles along their journey. We can create narratives that offer insight, inspiration, and hope by identifying our audience’s challenges.

c) Specific Imagery: Visual storytelling relies on the power of imagery to evoke emotion, convey meaning, and immerse the audience in the world of the narrative. From striking photographs to cinematic sequences, each image serves as a window into the story’s soul, inviting viewers to experience its depth and complexity.

d) Specific Feelings: Ultimately, the goal of storytelling is to evoke emotion—to make our audience laugh, cry, think, and feel. By tapping into the universal language of human emotion, we can create narratives that resonate with our audience on a visceral level, leaving a lasting impression long after the story has ended.

In essence, storytelling is not just a skill—it’s a mindset, a way of seeing the world through others’ eyes. By embracing the art of storytelling, we can harness the power of technology to elevate our craft, amplify our message, and inspire positive change in the world. At Stanley Leary, we are committed to empowering storytellers to unleash their creative potential, one story at a time.

Renowned photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson once said, “The Decisive Moment is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event as well as of a precise organization of forms which give that event its proper expression.” Today, I experienced the truth of these words firsthand.

For months, I’ve been documenting the lives of a pair of Red-Shouldered Hawks that have made a nest in my backyard. From the early stages of nest-building to the arrival of eggs, I’ve been there, camera in hand, eager to capture every moment of this remarkable journey.

Red-shouldered hawk nests are marvels of nature, typically nestled in the crook of a large tree’s main trunk, high above the ground. Constructed with care and precision, these nests serve as the sanctuary for the hawk couple’s offspring, providing warmth, shelter, and security.

As a photographer, capturing the essence of this experience posed a unique challenge. Positioned on the ground, my view of the nest was limited, making it impossible to see the eggs or the newly hatched eyasses. But today, after months of patience and anticipation, I finally witnessed one of the central moments I longed for – the first glimpse of the baby hawks.

The magic happened during feeding time, a brief window of opportunity when the chicks were visible, nestled alongside their parents. It was a moment of pure wonder and delight, a scene that epitomized nature’s beauty and resilience.

Reflecting on this experience, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to my years of photographing sports. Much like in sports photography, capturing the decisive moment in wildlife photography requires patience, anticipation, and quick reflexes.

In sports, the action moments are fleeting, often occurring in the blink of an eye. The same is true for wildlife photography, where the perfect shot may last only a fraction of a second. But those moments can be captured and immortalized forever with practice and perseverance.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned over the years is the importance of overshooting. By taking more photos than necessary, I increase my chances of capturing the decisive moment. This strategy requires discipline and discernment but ultimately leads to more impactful and memorable images.

For those looking to improve their photography skills, I offer a few tips:

1. Put in the time: Arrive early and stay late. The best shots often happen when you least expect them.
2. Anticipate the moments: Study your subjects’ behavior and learn to anticipate when the decisive moments will occur.
3. Overshoot: Don’t be afraid to take more photos than you think you need. In post-production, you can always narrow your selection to the best shots.
4. Refine your technique: Improve your shooting angles, camera settings, and composition. The more you practice, the better you’ll capture the decisive moment.

Ultimately, photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling a story, capturing a moment, and sharing it with the world. Today, as I look back on the photos of those precious baby hawks, I’m reminded again of the power and beauty of the decisive moment.