Can A Smartphone Replace A Dedicated Camera?

I think this question comes up a lot, and the answer isn't the same for everyone.  In fact the answer for a lot of people has shaken up the entire camera industry and flung its future into uncertainty.

What about for those who are more serious about photography?  I'm definitely one of those people so here's what I've experienced...

The Practical Guide to Buying a New Camera

I want to save you a ton of money on camera equipment. Most blogs make their money through affiliate programs with major equipment vendors. They're better off when you buy more expensive equipment using their links. This blog also uses affiliate links, so what's the difference?  I'd like to think it's honesty, some might even call it stupidity. Either way, I want you to buy the least expensive equipment possible.

If you're just getting started and want to get the most for your money then let me explain why I don't want you to spend a lot.

Portland Maine

I've been way behind on posting lately, but I wanted to tell you about a trip we took over the summer.  Tracy and I had an amazing opportunity to spend a couple of days in Portland Maine without kids. This was some well deserved freedom that we relished every moment of. We could go anywhere we wanted for as long as we wanted without anyone getting cranky, bored, or going crazy. We could eat at interesting restaurants without someone whining about not being able to order "noodles".

Why You Should Photograph An Eclipse Through A Telescope And Not A Camera Lens

A few Sunday nights ago, in the Northern Hemisphere, there was a "supermoon" lunar eclipse. I wasn't planning on formally viewing it until last minute plans came up and we decided to have a viewing with my daughter and her friend.

Prepping For The Contest

My wife had been suggesting for years that I submit photos to several contests she had come across. At the time, I wasn't ready. I didn't think I was good enough. I didn't think that any of my photos stood a chance of winning. I was afraid of how I would feel when I lost, the idea of a thing I had lovingly made tossed aside like garbage. I was also embarrassed at the thought of having my amateur slop side-by-side the work of professionals. So what was different in 2015 that made me change my mind?

Practical Failure

OK, so the 4th of July Photo Contest was a complete bust for me. If you can't already tell: I didn't win. There's no value in discussing the details of the winning photo or how the contest was run. All I can say is congratulations to the winner, I bet that made them feel great. The only real lesson for me on this is that I can't go into these things expecting anything.  Neither should you.

I honestly expected to do better. I figured that given the day, a patriotic theme would have played well. After all, the winner was chosen by popular vote.  Sadly it did not.

What went wrong?

Happy 4th of July!

Hello,

Happy 4th of July!

Hopefully you saw my photos at the Merrimack 4th of July Photography Competition.  If you're interested in prints, here is the pricing and contact information: