Hello, my friend!

Some of the most limiting camera mistakes come from rules we never stop to question. From the idea that ISO 100 is somehow sacred to a single autofocus setting that can quietly sabotage sharp photos, these two videos below dig into small assumptions that can have an outsized impact on your images.

If you've ever wondered why your photos don't quite look the way you expect despite doing everything “right,” this edition is going to click fast.

✅ Also a quick note before you dive in. There are just a couple spots left for the Patagonia workshop this April. This is one of those trips where everything comes together, iconic locations, changing light, and long days in the field focused entirely on creating strong images. If Patagonia has been on your list, I included more details below.

As always, thanks for being here. - Mark

📺 MY NEW VIDEOS

You’re Missing This in Your Landscape Photos

Landscape photos often fall short not because the scene wasn’t good or the edit was wrong, but because photography is a two-dimensional medium trying to represent a three-dimensional world. When light is evenly distributed across a scene, depth and separation disappear, and images lose their sense of realism. In this video, I break down what’s commonly missing, how to recognize it quickly, and how intentional use of light and exposure can bring depth back into your landscape photos without overediting or forcing contrast.

This Autofocus Setting is Costing You Sharp Photos

Sharp photos are not just about lenses, tripods, or technique. In this video, I break down a commonly overlooked autofocus setting that can quietly work against you and cost you sharp photos, even when everything feels right in the field. If you have ever come home from a shoot excited, only to realize your images look slightly soft on a larger screen, this is likely part of the reason why. I will explain how autofocus priority works, why default camera settings are often designed for speed instead of accuracy, and how a simple change can dramatically improve your keeper rate for landscape photography and beyond.

🌄 FALL IN PATAGONIA

My 2026 Patagonia Fall Tour is coming up this April, and there are just a couple spots left. This workshop is designed for photographers who want to slow down, work scenes intentionally, and leave with images they are genuinely proud of, not just memories on a hard drive.

If Patagonia has been on your photography bucket list, now is a good time to take a closer look. Full details are below.

🔓 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 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 fact, I want to dive into three essential pieces of advice that many photographers, including myself, often overlook but can significantly elevate your photography. ✅ 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. >> Read More​