There's freedom in constraints

Most of my work is black and white, square images.

Over the last few years, I've witnessed quite a few stunning and colorful sunrises, and found scenes that would have worked pretty well on a more traditional 3:2 aspect ratio.

And yet, I stick to monochrome and the square format.

Those are not the only restrictions I impose on my photography. Even though a bit fuzzier than the other two, I'm pretty selective with my subject matter and the conditions I like to shoot in.

All of this might sound pretty restrictive but it is, in fact, liberating. After some time doing photography, I know what I'm looking for and what I'm trying to create with my camera.

If I had to capture everything I found in my explorations in the most fitting way, rather than the way I see it, the experience would be overwhelming. By limiting some of my options, I can better find what I'm looking for.

How to make square images

The vast majority of my photography is in square format, and it's been this way for a few years now. In this video, I share many of things I've learned over time about the square format, as well as plenty of examples for every compositional technique.

I'm also releasing an e-book with all the information in this video, and much more! Additional compositions and many more examples.

My Patreons get the book for free. You can also purchase a copy of "How to make images in square format".

On being a photographer

What does it mean to be a photographer? What do you photograph? And why do you do it? Those are the questions we should always be asking ourselves.

Photography is not the end result

"You are not a photographer because you are interested in photography […] photography is only a tool, a vehicle, for expressing or transmitting a passion in something else. It’s not the end result.” - David Hurn, On Being a Photographer

How to find and create Black and White images

Black and White photography gives us a new way to see the world. But because we life in color, the monochrome world can feel strange, and finding good images can be tricky. In this video, I offer some tips, things I look for when I'm in the field, and actions I take to make good Black and White images.

Image of the Month, January 2022: "Flying the light"

The Oregon Coast is absolutely stunning, no matter where you are. Heceta Head, where this image was made, is not an exception.

That morning, I was taking photos of the beautiful light against the rocks, when I saw a seagull flying by. I framed the photograph as fast as I could and clicked a few times. Luckily, one of them was perfect, with the seagull lit up by the light.

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two sizes

Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).

shipping included

Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.

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artist contract

A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.

want to know more?

You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.

"Flying the light" is available for purchase here.

How to photograph a tree

A field. One tree. The most simple scene. And yet, so many options. So many ways to make an image. Let's talk about them.

12 miles of photography

Today, my only goal is to walk as much as I can, and make as many images as I can. Come with me as I walk 12 miles around town in a very thick fog.

It was too foggy

In this episode, I find a new spot to photograph in the fog: a pond. But what a pond!

Conversation with Neale from Photography Daily Podcast

A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of talking to Neale, from the Photography Daily Podcast. Have a listen to the episode, and make sure to check out the ample library of conversations with other amazing photographers.

The curse of the photographer: dissatisfaction

Photographers might be destined to permanently feel dissatisfied. Because if we were to feel satisfied, would we still go out and create?

Learning to deal with this feeling is something a photographer must face at some point. To accept it as something that will always be there, if only as background noise. And to recognize what it is when it eventually becomes louder.

Image of the Month, December 2021: "The fence of winter"

The Great Lakes are one of my favorite places to photograph during the winter. The conditions can be extreme, but that's what makes them so special. I lost count of how many times I froze at the shore taking photographs. What I do remember, though, is the feeling of gratitude afterwards. It is a very humble experience, to battle the elements. To discover how fragile we are.

This fence is almost the perfect metaphor for this feeling: we can try to put up gates, but there's no stopping nature. And that's just such a beautiful feeling.

View fullsize

two sizes

Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).

shipping included

Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.

View fullsize

View fullsize

artist contract

A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.

want to know more?

You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.

"The fence of winter" is available for purchase here.

They are back

The storks are back, and I couldn't be happier about it. Plenty of photo opportunities, and a lot to learn from these beautiful birds.

Most of my photography is practice

Photography can look very easy: after all, it only requires pressing a button. Truth is, making good images requires a lot of practice, time, hard work, and persistence. This is how I practice the craft every single day.

Thank you for 2021

Thank you for an incredible year of photography.

Image of the Month, October 2021: "Mt Hood Wilderness"

After spending a night up in Mt Hood, I was on my way down when I stumbled upon this beautiful view of the Newtown Creek and its canyon. The light was incredible, bathing an already stunning landscape with some magic.

A "last minute" image on a backpacking trip that almost didn't happen: sandwiched in between a windstorm and a snowstorm, the window for me to finally sleep next to the beautiful volcano was very, very narrow.

View fullsize

two sizes

Remember: there are two sizes to choose from, 6x6 and 8x8 (inches). In both cases, the matt and frame are 12x12 (this means a bigger margin for the 6x6 print).

shipping included

Shipping is free to the US now. International shipping is a flat rate of $19.95.

View fullsize

View fullsize

artist contract

A new image will be released every month and offered at a reduced price during that time. After 30 days, it will be sold at full price. They will never be on sale at any time in the future, the rate during the first month will be the lowest, ever.

want to know more?

You can find more information about how I create my images and all the details about pricing on The Art and Craft behind my prints.

"Mt Hood Wilderness" is available for purchase here.

Foggy morning in town

A beautiful morning of photography in a very foggy town. Of course, I had to take you with me.

Does this lens deserve a spot in my camera bag? ~ Meike 50mm f/1.2

I might have a replacement to my beloved 35mm f/1.4, a lens that stopped working a few weeks ago. Let's find out if it meets all my requirements to be in my camera bag!

Photographing Don Quixote's giants in La Mancha

I just got back after a week photographing the legendary Don Quixote's giants: the stunning windmills of La Mancha. So many good images, so many good times. This video tries to compress several days, several mornings, several nights, of photography in 22 minutes of footage and images. Hope you enjoy it.

Every pixel counts

It is tempting to believe that a good subject will make for a good photograph. That all what need is a beautiful tree, a grand vista, or a stunning mountain peak. In this video, I want to argue that this isn’t enough. That we need to pay attention to every inch, every pixel, of our image. Otherwise, we might end up with an image that doesn’t do justice to that amazing subject.