Hello, my friend!
🏔️ This edition of The Morning Blaze comes to you straight from the wilds of Patagonia! I’m in the midst of my fall photography workshop—a dream come true. While I don’t have any photos to share just yet (besides these two phone snaps), I’m soaking in the beauty and can’t wait to show you what I come away with.
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
5 Lightroom Sliders Most Use Wrong
Most people use these Lightroom sliders the wrong way, and it’s secretly wrecking their photos! If your edits look too harsh, flat, or overprocessed, chances are you’re making these common editing mistakes without even realizing it. In this video, I’ll break down the five most misused Lightroom sliders—including Texture vs. Clarity vs. Dehaze, Shadows vs. Blacks, and Highlights vs. Whites vs. Exposure—so you can fix your Lightroom edits fast and start editing like a pro.
Finally Fixed My Exposure! (It Was Ruining Every Shot)
For years, I thought my exposure was fine… until I realized it was quietly ruining every shot I took. What looked great on the back of my camera turned out dark, flat, and frustrating when I got home. Sound familiar? In this video, I’ll walk you through the critical exposure mistake I was making, how to recognize if you're doing the same, and the 3 simple steps I now use to get perfect exposures every time — plus a bonus pro tip at the end that made a massive difference in my photography and post processing workflow. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, this could be the fix you're searching for!
🔓 VAULT FAVORITES
The Truth Behind the ISO 100 Myth
When you're a beginner photographer, there's many techniques and "rules" you hear about. One of the most common misconceptions is the ISO 100 myth, which is the belief that one must always shoot at ISO 100 in order to create the best and cleanest possible photograph. In this video, I'll put this myth to the test to see if you can really even notice the difference between a high ISO image versus the same photograph taken at ISO 100. I guarantee you'll be surprised by the results.
📖 GOOD READS
The Final Touch: Elevating Your Landscape Photo Edits
In this rundown, I'll walk you through the last seven steps I take to polish my landscape photographs. In essence, these are the finishing touches I apply to transform a dull and lifeless RAW image into a captivating photograph with soul. From softening details to adding a subtle white border, each move plays a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
Step 1: Soften Larger Details: Art of Subtlety
I’m often asked why I choose to soften my photographs since I shoot with such a high-resolution camera. The short answer, I find that digital cameras today create overly sharp and detailed photographs that often results in a crunchy or sterile look. By delicately reducing clarity, which softens large sized detail, my aim is to achieve a more rich and painterly effect while enhancing the overall appeal of the image. For me, this is a great way to get away from the overly sharp and digital feeling many modern cameras create.
Step 2: Balance Softness & Definition
Now, onto enhancing the smaller details. While it may seem counterintuitive after softening the larger detail, it's all about striking the perfect balance. By delicately increasing texture, we bring out those intricate details without sacrificing the softness achieved earlier. It's a delicate dance between clarity and texture, each contributing to the final aesthetic. This meticulous approach ensures that every element of the landscape is accentuated, from majestic mountains to delicate foliage.>> Read More
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🤓 PHOTO NERDS
- 📸 The word "Photography" is derived from the Greek word to draw with light.
- 🕰️ The worlds oldest surviving image was taken almost 200 years ago.
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✨ INSPO
"When people ask me what equipment I use - I tell them my eyes" - Anonymous
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst." Henri Cartier-Bresson
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🌳 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 find it helpful.
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!
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