Alan Brown 10/6/24 Alan Brown 10/6/24

Dare to be you

Feedback on our work can not only influence our mood but also steer the direction of our artistry.

Read on to learn why it's important to be cautious of others' opinions and discover tips for combating negativity.

Alan Brown 7/12/24 Alan Brown 7/12/24

the journey through ICM: From Novice to Expert

Many fail in their ICM endeavors due to a lack of understanding of the required learning process.

Here, I outline what I see as the key steps in a journey that will help transport photographers from beginners to those who achieve exceptional results.

Alan Brown 6/28/24 Alan Brown 6/28/24

snapgrip review update

Last month I posted about a camera grip accessory I had posted.

Now that I have spent significant time using the device read on for my current thoughts and an important caveat I have come across.

Alan Brown 5/11/24 Alan Brown 5/11/24

enhancing the smartphone experience

The challenge of accepting the smartphone as a capable camera persists.

But can a simple accessory help shift this 'snapshot' mindset and at the same time elevate the photo taking experience?

Alan Brown 4/18/24 Alan Brown 4/18/24

changing a mobile mindset

Until recently, I've somewhat regarded my mobile device as a 'camera of last resort.'

In this blog, I discuss the evolution of my mindset and explore where newfound realizations might lead.

Alan Brown 1/14/24 Alan Brown 1/14/24

stop looking, start feeling

How might our experience with photography be improved if we learned to feel rather than see?

Check out this video that explains how to craft photographs that stand out from the crowd.

Alan Brown 9/24/23 Alan Brown 9/24/23

in praise of the process

As hobbyist photographers we can often become discouraged when fixated on the end result.

Read on to discover how to rekindle the lost joy when pursuing your own craft.

Alan Brown 9/2/23 Alan Brown 9/2/23

ETTR - a technical perspective

‘Exposing to the Right’ is a controversial technique that claims to improve detail in the shadow areas of images.

In this post I take the reader through camera sensor design and my feelings on how that might relate to the ETTR theory.

Alan Brown 8/1/23 Alan Brown 8/1/23

a question of reality

They say “the camera never lies”. But how many times do we become discouraged by the camera’s inability to reflect what we witness with our own eyes?

Read on to discover how the camera and photographer may share differing realities.

Alan Brown 6/28/23 Alan Brown 6/28/23

seeing your vision

Your photographs may present the world as you see it, but do they present a personal vision?

Read on to discover why those with vision stand out, with a helpful tip on how to discover your own style.

Alan Brown 6/7/23 Alan Brown 6/7/23

a first look at the new Photoshop Generative Fill feature

The new Generative Fill feature of Photoshop v24.0.6 promises so much in the way of removing distractions, as well as adding or creating content.

But how well does the feature work when tested by a non-expert? Read on to see the results of my own dive into this exciting Photoshop addition.

Alan Brown 5/31/23 Alan Brown 5/31/23

is Instagram the fast food chain of the art world?

Does Instagram provide the fast food of the art world?

Instagram offers a ubiquitous platform that allows every photographer to share their work with the world. But does this exposure come at a cost?

Read on to discover how IG may reflect negatively on your artistry and how to best leverage what the platform has to offer.

Alan Brown 5/8/23 Alan Brown 5/8/23

defining the new ICM

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) techniques have evolved significantly since the introduction of the digital camera.

Is the long standing definition of ICM fit for today’s world, or does it need to reviewed to match current boundaries and techniques?

Alan Brown 5/1/23 Alan Brown 5/1/23

Considerate Camera Movement

Looking for ideas to take you ICM work to the next level?

Read on to discover how putting ‘intent’ back into intentional can be a game changer.

Alan Brown 4/24/23 Alan Brown 4/24/23

stuck in a rut?

Is your creativity stuck in a rut?

Read on for ideas that may help get that creative mojo flowing once again.

Alan Brown 4/3/23 Alan Brown 4/3/23

feeling loupey

Have you ever returned from a shoot only to discover that results were not as expected?

This one accessory may help reduce those frustrations.

Alan Brown 3/25/23 Alan Brown 3/25/23

Pep goes mobile

As photographers we often get hamstrung by the idea that creativity requires the use of expensive equipment.

Read on to discover if Ventosa-style images can be successfully achieved using the simple phone in your pocket.

Alan Brown 3/21/23 Alan Brown 3/21/23

snowstorm challenge

Shooting during a snowstorm offers a different set of benefits and challenges over the typical winter landscape.

Read on to discover potential gains and obstacles that may have to be overcome.

Alan Brown 3/15/23 Alan Brown 3/15/23

moving beyond the thirds

The rule of thirds can be an invaluable tool when learning composition, but over-reliance can stifle both creativity and interest.

How can we wean ourselves from this core staple, and ultimately produce more interesting, fulfilling work?

Alan Brown 2/20/23 Alan Brown 2/20/23

ICM simulation - a practical comparison

Estimating the effect of camera movement speed and direction requires a lot of experimentation in the field. However, there is a simple tool that can be used at home to speed that learning curve.

Here I process an image to prove results, showing that by simulating camera motion on a non-ICM image we can truly create what we might accomplish in the field.