Photographs of birds flying in their natural habitat are enjoyed by both wildlife photographers and nature lovers. Photographing birds in flight, however, is one of the most difficult photographic challenges. Here’s why: One, birds are often zigzagging in different directions, so getting a sharp, in-focus shot is a challenge. Two, the background is constantly changing – from light to dark, dark to light, from busy to plain, and from plain to busy. Those changes are important, because the background can make or break a shot. Three, the lighting can change in the blink of an eye, sometimes shad ..read more

Do like to make and share creative smartphone images? Do you want to get inspired by others using smartphones? Check the Explorers of Life Facebook Group. Good fun and good inspiration and motivation ..read more

When I give a seminar or workshop, I am often asked, "What makes a photograph a good photograph?" A good question for sure. I suggest that a "good photograph" is subjective, just like a piece of music. For example, just because you may not like opera or rap, that does not mean those types of music are bad. There are, however, certain factors that make, what most would consider, a good photograph, such as and interesting subject, composition and lighting – stuff I talk about on my online classes and in my books. I also suggest that a photographer analyze a photograph to look for elements that ..read more

Here's a cool idea for all those going to Antarctica and the High Arctic: take a virtual photo workshop, online, with me. I’ve been to Antarctica five times and the High Arctic twice, and I can share photo and travel info with you to help get the most out of your adventure – and come home with great shots! What's included: • One-hour Skype session before your trip where we discuss your trip and I review your photographs and offer travel tips. • I need your Skype name and a link for a gallery of your best images. • Half-hour Skype session after your trip where I review your new photographs an ..read more

Yikes! I just realized that I’ll be 72 this year! The thing is this: I still feel like a kid (most of the time) . . . which is good thing! With that thought in mind, here are my “7 Suggestions for Not Feeling Like You’re In Your 70s.” But first, if you are young and think your 70s are a long way off, keep this quote in mind: “You are now where I once was, I am now where you one day will be.” Okay, let’s go! 1 - Exercise, and make exercising fun! I ride my bike almost every day, even when it’s in the low 30s here in Croton on Hudson, NY. It’s a ton a fun. I’m in the moment when I’m riding. I s ..read more

Photo: Truk Lagoon, Micronesia This is the shortest blog post I have ever written, because I want to get right to the point. If you have soft and grainy/noisy images, these two plug-ins will help you get a much improved image: Topaz Sharpener AI and Topaz DeNoise AI. I am sure you will agree that they are quite amazing. Explore the light, Rick ..read more

Left: Lots of raptors. Right: Same scene: top at 4 PM, bottom ta 5:30 PM. Here's a cool idea for all those planning a trip to Bosque Del Apache, NM - where is it literally cool - sometime below freezing in the AM but warming up to T-shirt weather in afternoon. The idea is to take a virtual workshop, which will save your hundreds of dollars on an on-site workshop - and give you great idea for photos and locations. I’ve been to Bosque five times and each time is truly amazing. Here is how it works: • We have a one-hour Skype session before your trip - during which I offer tips on how to get gr ..read more

“If you don’t find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die.”  – Warren Buffett The quote by Warren Buffett that opens this blog post was the inspiration for my latest book (paperback and Ebook), How To Make Money While You are Sleeping: A photographer’s guide to passive income – and other savvy business strategies. Click here to order the paperback version ($9.95). Click here to order the Ebook version ($14.95). In this post I’ll share with you the Introduction and Chapter 1. Before You Doze Off for that book. As you will see, if you put in the effort while you a ..read more

“You don't drown by falling in water; you only drown if you stay there.” That Zig Ziglar quote sounds kinda funny, but it sure is true – especially during this worldwide pandemic where many of us have “fallen in the water.” Breaking my ankle and having major surgery in July of 2021 compounded (greatly) my personal experience of “sailing in rough seas” during the “tidal wave” of pandemic. At times, like many of you, I felt as though the “water was rising” – especially with how the business side of photography was being affected. However, being the positive person that I am, I found a “life pre ..read more

My latest app is here: Composition Plus & Beyond: Iceland Edition. The app is actually several educational apps in one. In the Photo Tips section, I illustrate, with 27 photographs, time-proven composition techniques, including Use Negative Space Nicely, Golden Spirals are Cool, Love Those Leading Lines, Do a Background Check, Compose for a Mood or Feeling, Don’t Forget a Foreground Element, and Balance is a Good Thing. In that section, you also finds exposure information and the camera and lens I used to make the photograph. Knowing that information can help you make a photograph, and no ..read more