The Perfect Gift For Photographers

In today’s podcast I share some of my favorite holiday gift ideas for photographers

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

The uncommon truth about editing

In this weeks podcast, we discuss the process of editing your photographs.

Click here to listen: Episode 138

Podcast Episode # 137

Outside The Safe Zone

Are you currently facing challenges in photography? Do you feel like you are in the same place you were in last year at this time? In this weeks podcast, Matthew shares tips on breaking out of your comfort zone in photography. This week’s podcast is focused on getting you in the right zone for success.

EPISODE 137: Outside The Safe Zone

First portrait of 2019

Miss Teen Nevada, photographed in Las Vegas 01/2019

How to start 2019

Happy New Year!

Here is a little help to start your New Year off right.

Click Here: How To Envision Your Perfect Life

Always dream big,

Matthew

Photo Plus Expo 2018

Are you coming to Photo Plus Expo next week in New York City?

Join me Thursday morning, October 25th at the Jacob Javits Center as I get the ball rolling at the Nikon booth.

I am speaking from 10:15 A.M. - 10:45 A.M. about my first experiences shooting with the new Nikon Z7 mirrorless camera.

See you in New York!

Goodbye Aretha

On August 15th, 2018 I called my long-time client and friend for the last time. The next day, August 16, Aretha Franklin passed away.

For the last 14 years, I have photographed Aretha and shared many wonderful moment along the way. Since October of 2017 we tried several times to arrange a photo shoot for her final CD cover (she was planning on retiring) however, each time the photo session had to be canceled at the last moment.

Over the last year we had a lot of opportunities to speak over the phone and many of those conversations were spent laughing and planning for the day she was strong enough to shoot. In November of 2017, she told me about her schedule to do an Elton John event in New York along with a late night talk show. We discussed doing the shoot while she was in New York but decided it would be too much and opted to wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving but the day before Thanksgiving she was admitted to the hospital. Sadly, our shoot never took place but I am grateful for every second I spent with Ms. Franklin forever.

Goodbye my friend!

Love, Matthew

This week in San Francisco

You just landed that big photo job...now what!

What happens after you land your first big photo assignment? In this weeks episode of the Master Your Lens photography podcast, we take a look at the steps to ensure you keep getting more big assignments. 

<<<CLICK HERE>> 

Have you taken the Smart Photo Quiz?

When was the last time you smiled and had fun as a photographer? The Smart Photo Quiz should definitely put a smile on your face...especially if you get all the answers right.

<<<CLICK HERE>>> to start your quiz.

Since we are on the topic of quizzes, here one to end this post.

Which prime focal length lens was used to create the following image?

1) 24mm

2) 35mm

3) 105mm

Write your answer in the comments section!

Always dream big,

Matthew

P.S. Here's the photography quiz link to pass along to all your friends. www.SmartPhotoQuiz.com 

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES 2018

CES Convention in Vegas

If you're in Las Vegas this week, join me along with a host of other great speakers as we share the joy of photography on the Nikon stage. 

What's your favorite lens?

Recently I’ve been asked this question quite a bit. It seems everyone wants to know what gear other photographers like using. What’s your favorite camera, your favorite lens, your favorite light, these days?

Over the years I’ve had many favorite lenses, but at this very moment, I have one lens that stands out above the rest and it keeps blowing me away every time I use it.  The Nikkor 105 f/1.4 lens is one incredible lens.

Yesterday, I went to Kamakura, Japan for the Yabusame ceremony (horseback archery), which is a traditional Japanese archery where an archer shoots arrows at three wooden targets while riding horseback. It was my first time attending this ceremony and I arrived later than I should have to get a good spot to take pictures. I took my new Nikon D850 camera and my Nikkor 105 f/1.4 lens. Before I left home, I decided to shoot at f/2.8 for the entire day. The bokeh (quality of blur) on this lens is insane and I wanted to test it in this situation.

For this ceremony, archers are dressed in beautiful Samurai attire and compete for the top honor. It is an amazing ceremony to see in person and even better to photograph.

After the event, I looked over my images as I took the train home. With the Nikon SnapBridge app, my images are transferred instantly to my smart-phone so I can share high-quality photographs instantly on social media or send to friends and family. I was blown away by the sharpness I was able to achieve as the archers flew by at lightning speed. The D850 camera and the 105 lens makes for a powerful combination.

For more info on photography check out the webinar this week.

Always dream big,

Matthew

Wish you had more time in the day?

I think we all wish we had more time in the day to do what we love. It seems time goes by faster and faster each year, especially as we work to grow our photography businesses. 

This week, I'm hosting a photography webinar to help you manage your time and get over any fears you may have surrounding pricing your photography. To join me on the webinar, click the link below. You'll have a chance to take part in a LIVE photography lighting exercise and have the opportunity to get in on WEEKLY LIVE TRAINING SESSIONS! 

SIGN ME UP FOR THE WEBINAR!

Photographed with the Nikon D850 and Nikkor 105 f/1.4 lens

You will LOVE this camera!

It's not every day that a camera comes out that blows me away, but the new NIKON D850 is knocking my socks off with all the amazing features it has. This is one incredible camera. 

Photographed with the Nikon D850 and a Nikkor 105 f/1.4 lens