In this episode, I dive deep into the impact of creativity on navigating grief. Sharing personal stories and insights into the grieving process, I discuss how creative outlets like photography and gardening can serve as anchors during tough times. We'll explore the healing power of nature, the importance of rituals, and how to keep moving forward on the healing journey.Key TakeawaysCreativity can be a powerful tool for processing grief and finding healing.Being in nature has numerous benefits...

Understanding and effectively utilizing light is key in capturing stunning images of the Milky Way. By exploring the contrast and harmony between natural and artificial light sources, photographers can hone their skill and express their artistic vision in the night sky. Whether using consistent starlight, blue-hour ambiance, or strategic low-level lighting, the mastery of light takes centre stage in creating impactful Milky Way photographs. Let's peel back the layers on the art of lighting in...

A photo is just a 2D representation of the physical world, isn’t it?  This is something I hear a lot in the fine art world and given the history of photography and how widespread and easily accessible the medium is now I’m not surprised. In this episode I’m peeling back the layers of how I build an image, because it is so much more than just using the source material (aka our world) to create a digital representation. I talk less “how-to” and more about how I decide on creating an image, the...

March! Here in Nova Scotia the birds are out, the snow is melting, and my brain is sloughing off the layers that have built up over the winter. It is also the return of the Milky Way core being visible in the night sky! In the hours before dawn you can look to the southeast and see the Galactic Center of our home galaxy rising up above the horizon. Today’s episode is one to get you back out and shooting.  We’ll talk about the reasons you might not get out under the stars and the ways to...

The photography industry has undergone significant changes due to technology and social media. Photographers are now seen as personal brands. The ugly truth is that to be a working photographer you will not just be taking photos, there is so much more to it, that’s what this episode is all about.   Episode Highlights: Embrace collaboration, relationships, and networking as essential for success in the modern art industry.Utilize social media and personal branding to connect with potential...

As a photographer looking to build or improve your website, wouldn’t you like to know the 10 biggest mistakes photographers make when creating their websites? In this episode I explain why in the age of social media we need a website, avoiding perfectionism paralysis, and driving traffic to the website through various strategies.  Episode highlights: • Prioritize having a website that exists and functions rather than waiting for it to be perfect. • Strategies for driving traffic to the...

In our latest episode we focus on the importance of a central theme or intention. A cohesive body of work not only enhances artistic expression but also opens doors for exhibitions and sales. It's a journey that allows for profound exploration of ideas. A body of work allows photographers to embrace diverse experiences, connect with various communities, and explore different perspectives. This journey of intentional creation enriches both the artist and the audience, leading to a deeper,...

Overwhelm and feeling stuck are common experiences that can hinder productivity and well-being. By questioning the reality of demands, examining thoughts and stories, and shifting language and thoughts, it is possible to overcome overwhelm. Similarly, acknowledging and accepting feeling stuck, identifying underlying fears, and taking imperfect action can help overcome the feeling of being stuck. Breaking tasks down into smaller, manageable steps and prioritizing rest and relaxation are also...

Despite the cold weather, there are still plenty of opportunities for night sky photography in winter. Planning and researching based on your location is important, and software like Stellarium can help you figure out where and when to see different celestial objects.  We talk about opportunities for tracked and untracked photography, planning your shots, execution, and things to keep in mind when the weather can be extreme. Episode highlights: Moon photography opportunitiesOrion and winter...

Today, I want to talk about my goals and plans for the year 2024. I believe that setting intentions and being intentional are key to achieving our desired outcomes.  One of the frameworks I follow for goal setting is the SMART framework. It helps me stay focused and accountable. I like to plan my year month by month, with one main goal for each month. This way, I can break down my goals into manageable tasks and stay on track. Episode Highlights: Documenting goals and creating a plan: It's...

In this episode, I take a deep dive into my year, reflecting on my goals, accomplishments, and the lessons I've learned along the way. Join me as I share my experiences, challenges, and the impact I've had on others. Episode Highlights: Setting Goals and Achieving Them- Throughout the year, I set quarterly goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. From launching my business class to creating the Shoot to Sell Society, I pushed myself to a place I didn’t think I could get to.Overcoming...

This is what we've been waiting for. How it all comes together and gets us our final image. The first step in that is understanding our ISO and how that is the same and different with digital cameras (vs ASA films speeds of yore) and how it contributes to our overall exposure. As promised, here is the ISO scale, in FULL stops, as I told you in the episode: ISO 100 ISO 200 ISO 400 ISO 800 ISO 1600 ISO 3200 ISO 6400 ISO 12800 ISO 25600 ISO 51200 ISO 102400 ISO 204800 The real star of our...

Part 3 should be a breeze after getting through Part 2: Aperture.  I do this on purpose actually, give you the setting and control that takes some mind wrangling to wrap our heads around and then let you breeze through this episode that is all about our Shutter Speed.  Shutter Speed is synonymous with motion, though when we're shooting at night the rules are a wee-bit different than what we're used to during the day. The biggest thing we need to pay attention to with our shutter speed is...

The next step in our world domination, I mean camera mastery is to understand how our lens controls the amount of light getting recorded and the actual way the photo looks beyond exposure. That comes down to three factors: Aperture Focus Point Focal Length This episode will walk you through everything you need to know (that you didn't know you needed to know) about your lens and how it affects our image.  Yes it gets technical. Yes you need to know all of it! So grab a notepad (or notes...

This is the first in a 4-part series on mastering your camera. As we’re going into my free training: Your First Milky Way Photo I wanted to get everyone on the same page and up and running with your gear. No matter if you regularly use it, or if your camera is quietly crying in a corner gathering dust (no judgement here!) In this episode we will cover: Understanding the components of a DSLR or ILS camera  Knowing how to handle and care for the camera and lenses. Getting familiar with the...

I took a break, just over 2 months off of social media and here with you on the podcast. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been that long, given everything that has happened in that time. Including an amazing conference, being evacuated due to forest fires, flash floods and more. This podcast is about why I took that time off, and what I learned during my time away. My though behind this episode is to let you benefit from what I took the time off to learn - both what my goal was and what I...

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3RqS1rOlxY

Hooooboy – are you ready for a really important conversation about night photography? Yes, I’m about to get very technical, and this could be one of the most important episodes you ever listen to on the theory of light and signal as it pertains to Milky Way photography. Not convinced? Ok, how about this: Do you want to capture stunning images of the Milky Way that have depth, clarity, and amazing colour? If you said yes then you need to have a deep understanding of how signal is created and...

What does it take to be a Master Milky Way photographer? Well, it takes going that first step out your door and getting started. But if we’re being transparent here that is 100% true, it’s not really helpful. What is helpful, is knowing where you are at in your journey and the steps you need to take along the path. That is this episode. I’ve built out custom levels and metrics for being a Milky Way photographer and I invite you to listen and see where you fit. This is a really powerful...

Are you just getting started in night photography?  This episode is mostly gear based, but looks a little wider as well at what you need to know to get started. I have a lot of links to gear mentioned in the podcast, so I’ll keep this short here, and if you want all of the links to everything I talk about in today’s podcast please go to the show notes page: https://www.afterdarkphotographypodcast.com/blog/37 To sign up for the Your First Milky Way Photo free training go...

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTKiOCYhrkk

This is the first episode that I did for the secret podcast experience, the "From Passion to Profit Bootcamp" and there was such resounding feedback on the metrics and scale of where people are at as photographers that I decided to post it here on our regular podcast feed for everyone to enjoy and reference. Please note that the Facebook group and other additional resources are not currently available, but I will post again the next time I run this live!

Are you a nightscape photographer looking to improve your skills and take your photography to the next level? In this episode, we explore the four biggest struggles/mistakes that nightscape photographers and enthusiasts face, and provide practical tips and solutions to overcome these challenges and achieve success in your photography endeavours. Join me as we delve into the topics of confidence, imposter syndrome, style/niche, and overwhelm. We’ll explore ways to push through fear, find...

You can also watch the video version of this on my YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onQywTNVG-Y