Hello, my friend! Summer is upon us, and I, for one, am already dreaming of crisp fall mornings—those quiet moments when the air bites just enough to wake your senses, and the trails wind through golden forests and misty peaks. There’s something magical about hiking into the mountains with a camera in hand, chasing that perfect light as the seasons shift. 🥵 But until then, summer offers its own unique beauty and challenges—bright skies, long days, and plenty of opportunities to refine your...
15 days ago • 4 min read
Hello, my friend! One of the most common frustrations I hear from photographers is soft or out-of-focus images. More often than not, it comes down to either shooting technique or the focus settings being used. I just released a video diving deep into this exact issue—and it’s already resonating with a lot of folks. If you’ve ever struggled with sharpness, I think you’ll find this episode especially helpful. I hope you find some useful information in this edition of The Morning Blaze and as...
29 days ago • 3 min read
Hello, my friend! 2025 is flying by—it’s hard to believe June is nearly here! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy the beauty of spring wherever you are in the world. Below is a new photo from the Smokies—a quiet moment that really resonated with me. 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. Smoky Mountains, TN 📺 MY NEW VIDEOS Finally! Lightroom Just Made Landscape Editing Way...
about 1 month ago • 4 min read
Hello, my friend! I’ve been having an incredible time in the Smokies, capturing mountain streams & sweeping vistas during my two spring workshops. These events sold out fast last year, and I wanted you to be the first to know—we’re bringing them back in 2026! 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. Great Smoky Mountains 📺 MY NEW VIDEOS The Long Exposure Trick Nobody Teaches...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hello, my friend! Fresh off an unforgettable workshop in Patagonia—jaw-dropping views, a legendary group, and some truly wild weather! I loved it so much, I’m already sketching plans for a 2026 return trip. Back home, I’ve been diving into Lightroom’s new Adaptive Color Profile (the subject of last week’s YouTube video). If you missed it, I also put together a free companion guide that breaks down each color profile and when to use which —perfect for dialing in your photo edits. ✅ Grab your...
2 months ago • 4 min read
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...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello, my friend! 🌼 Spring is in full swing - and I for one am really looking forward to it! Spring and Fall are my favorite seasons for photography, so I included two videos in this edition that I think will help with your upcoming adventures. 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. 👉 P.S. Due to popular demand, I’ve put together a Free Step-by-Step Focus Stacking Guide...
3 months ago • 3 min read
Hello, my friend! 🌟 I’m beyond grateful for the incredible response and support of the first ever Landscape Photography Bundle! While the presale pricing has ended, the value is just as incredible—and time is running out to save 95%. ✅ The sale ends forever today Tuesday, March 11th. Still on the fence? I’ve put together an updated infographic breaking down the unmatched value of each bundle. Check it out and see why this deal is too good to pass up! Explore the Landscape Bundle I hope you...
4 months ago • 3 min read
Hello my friend! I've heard many of you mention that you're primarily interested in Landscape Photography courses only rather than the entire Photography Bundle from the 5DayDeal. 💥 For the first time ever, I've joined forces with industry leaders to create the ultimate Landscape Photography bundle you've been asking for! No fluff—just powerful, curated content specifically for landscape enthusiasts. Discover pro techniques, premium tools, and insider secrets that transform ordinary scenes...
4 months ago • 1 min read