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Mark Denney

βœ… Which Photo Do You Like Most?

Published about 2 months agoΒ β€’Β 4 min read

Hello my friend!
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Thanks so much for the massive response to the last edition. So many great suggestions were sent in - one of which is the new Vault Favorites section that highlights a popular video from the past.

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I do have a quick question for you: Below are two versions of a photo I very much enjoy from my time in the Dolomites last October.

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Image A (with the person & puddles edge)

Image B (without the person & without the puddles edge)

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Which composition do you prefer? Just hit reply and let me know.

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Thanks as always & have a great weekend!

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-Mark D.

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πŸ”₯ P.S. Don't miss the freebie below if you haven't already received your copy!

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πŸ“Ί MY NEW VIDEOS

Improve Your Photography FAST with a Telephoto Lens!

In this episode, we discus how you can improve your photography fast with a telephoto lens. While wide angle lenses are synonymous with landscape photography, they're actually rather limiting with what you can do with them. You can either capture grand sweeping vistas or exaggerate elements in your foreground, but outside of that you're sort of stuck. See Video Here​


RAW Photo Editing Basics: Pro Tips I Wish I Learned Sooner

In this video, we discuss RAW photo editing basics that professional photographers know that I wish I knew sooner. Editing RAW photos is one of the most intimidating and confusing aspects of photography. We all know that photographing in a RAW format provides the most flexibility from a post processing perspective, but how to get the most out of your RAW images can be overwhelming. See Episode Here​


πŸš€ FREEBIE

A common request recently has been downloadable "cheat sheets" covering the steps in some of my editing tutorials. So, I created a Free Step by Step RAW Editing Guide as a companion to the above video that you can keep handy while you're editing photos at home. Download RAW Step by Step Guide​


πŸ”“ VAULT FAVORITES

That's Why Your Handheld Photos AREN'T Sharp

In this video, we discuss why your handheld photos aren't sharp and how you can fix them moving forward. I recently returned home from my Greenland Workshop where we were photographing in some of the most difficult handheld conditions imaginable - low light during blue hour on a moving sailboat all handheld, doesn't get much more difficult than that! See Episode Here​

πŸ“– GOOD READS

Proven Advice Most Photographers Ignore

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of planning your next photography trip, endlessly scrolling YouTube, or daydreaming about capturing breathtaking landscapes in far-off destinations? If so, you're not alone. In this article I want to dive into three essential pieces of advice that many photographers, including myself, often overlook but can significantly elevate your photography.

βœ… 1. Less Thinking, More Doing

Imagine trying to master a new skill without ever putting it into practice. It's like attempting to play golf without hitting a single ball or giving a presentation at work without any rehearsal or prep. The same principle applies to photography. We often get caught up in overthinking and planning our next grand adventure, neglecting the incredible opportunities that lie right in our backyard.

When my photography interest first began, I fell into this same trap. I'd spend hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and planning future trips, all while neglecting the most crucial aspect of all - taking actual photos. The truth is, the best way to improve your photography skills is by simply taking photos, even if it means shooting familiar scenes in your local area.

Your neighborhood park, a nearby forest, or even a single tree can serve as excellent subjects for honing your skills. Challenge yourself to photograph these familiar sights from different angles, experimenting with composition and post-processing techniques. Remember, the key is to focus on doing rather than just thinking about doing. Read More​

πŸ“– GOOD READS

Mastering Sharpness: Essential Tips for Crisp Landscape Photography

Have you ever returned from an incredible adventure, bursting with excitement to see the stunning images you captured, only to find them disappointingly soft and out of focus? If so, you're not alone. In this article, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of achieving razor-sharp landscape photos.

Focus Modes: The Foundation of Sharpness

First off, one of the fundamental aspects of achieving sharp images: focus modes. It's crucial to select the right focus mode for the job. While autofocus continuous may be ideal for fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports, for landscape photography, autofocus single could be your best bet. Avoid the frustration of missed focus by ensuring your camera is set to the appropriate mode for static subjects - like mountains & trees.

The Impact of ISO on Image Quality

While it’s tempting to crank up the ISO in low-light situations, excessively high ISO levels can introduce unwanted noise and worst of all soften the details in your images. Keep your ISO in check, understand the limitations of your camera, especially when shooting landscapes where every detail matters.

Embrace the One Over Focal Length Rule

Now comes the biggie, shutter speedβ€”the unsung hero of sharp photography. Adhering to the one over focal length rule can work wonders for handheld shooting. Whether you're wielding a wide-angle or telephoto lens, matching your shutter speed to your focal length helps minimize camera shake and ensures crisp, blur-free images. Example of this in action - using a 50mm lens, set your shutter speed to at least 1/50th of a second. Read More​

πŸ€“ PHOTO NERDS

  • πŸ“Έ The word camera originates from the Latin word "camera obscura" which translates to "dark chamber"
  • πŸŒͺ️ The first known photo of a tornado was was captured on August 28, 1884 in Howard, South Dakota.
  • 🎨 Black & White photos help you see the story in the image by not distracting your eyes with colors.

✨ INSPO

"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera" - Dorothea Lange

🌳 FINAL WORD

I want to thank you for subscribing to The Morning Blaze. A great deal of effort goes into each edition and I hope you're finding it useful.

I'm always looking to improve, do you have any feedback you can provide? Is there anything you wish was here, that isn't?

If you have something you'd like me to know, just hit reply on this email.

Thanks so much!

Mark Denney​
Other things you might find helpful:

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Mark Denney Photography
PO Box 3422 80 Blake Blvd, Pinehurst, NC 28374-3422
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Mark Denney

πŸ”₯The Morning Blaze

πŸ“¨ Join 53,000 Photographers enjoying The Morning Blaze - my free, email newsletter where I share photo tips, tutorials, & inspiration I’ve gained throughout my journey from beginner to professional landscape photographer.

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