Hello, my friend!

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Lately, I’ve noticed how different the light feels in the early morning—softer, lower, almost like it’s whispering that change is coming. It’s subtle, but if you’re paying attention, you can feel the shift. These quiet transitions are some of my favorite times to photograph, and even more so, to pause and just observe.

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​​I hope you find some useful information in this edition of The Morning Blaze and as always thanks so much for reading & sharing. Have a great weekend! - Mark D.

📺 MY NEW VIDEOS

Image Stabilization on a Tripod? Surprising Results!

If you’ve ever been told to turn off image stabilization when shooting on a tripod, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common pieces of camera advice you’ll hear, but is it actually true? In this video, I put this long-standing tripod myth to the test to see if leaving image stabilization, also known as IBIS, on really causes blurry photos. I'll walk through what IBIS is, why some photographers believe it should be disabled for landscape photography, and show my side-by-side results with stabilization on and off when shooting on a tripod.

Does IBIS Ruin Long Exposures on a Tripod?

If you’ve ever wondered whether in-body image stabilization (IBIS) or lens stabilization actually hurts sharpness for long exposures or telephoto landscapes while on a tripod, this video should give you a clear look at how it really performs. Whether you shoot with Nikon, Sony, Canon, or Fuji, the goal here is to find out if you really need to switch stabilization off for sharper tripod photos, or if it doesn’t make as much of a difference as we’ve been led to believe.

🔓 VAULT FAVORITES

The Truth Behind the f/11 Myth that the Pros Know!

If you've gotten into outdoor and landscape photography in the last ten years you've more than likely heard that f/11 is the best aperture to use for this genre of photography. In this video, I'll share with you three reasons that debunk this f/11 myth along with what I've found to be a much better solution when it comes to determining the best camera settings for your photography gear.

🍁 2025 FALL PREDICTION MAP

Every year around this time, I love sharing this fall color map with you all—it’s not only incredibly helpful for planning trips, but also just fun to track where and when peak color is set to hit across the country. Watching the progression of autumn unfold never gets old.

📖 GOOD READS Live View vs Viewfinder: A Landscape Photographer's Perspective This is a topic that's become increasingly relevant to me and might resonate with you as well: the choice between using live view or the viewfinder for landscape photography. My thoughts on this has changed over recent years as my style of photography and eyesight have shifted. Transitioning Vision: Recently, I found myself facing a new challenge – a decline in my eyesight. For over 30+ years, I took my perfect 20/20 vision for granted. However, as my nearsightedness has worsened, I’ve had to adapt, especially in my photography endeavors where precise vision is a major benefit. Pros of Live View: First off, the advantages of live view. With live view, you gain better situational awareness, allowing you to assess your surroundings more effectively. Additionally, you can easily review your entire image, ensuring that nothing unwanted sneaks into the frame. Plus, tap to focus functionality offers a convenient way to pinpoint focus areas, saving valuable time. Adapting to Unconventional Shooting Positions: Live view shines when shooting from unusual angles or heights. Its flexibility accommodates low-to-ground compositions or high-angle shots effortlessly, making it a versatile tool for landscape photographers. Adapting to Unconventional Shooting Positions: Live view shines when shooting from unusual angles or heights. Its flexibility accommodates low-to-ground compositions or high-angle shots effortlessly, making it a versatile tool for landscape photographers. >> Read More​