California to Florida, the new chapter begins...

After many years of living, working and playing in California, I find myself relocating to Florida. On one hand it's hard to let go of what I know and love, and on the other hand, it's good to say hello to the things I've loved and missed for so many years. I have a great opportunity ahead and I'm going to dive straight in.

Logan, Julia and myself made the 2600 mile drive and what a journey it was. From narrowly escaping floods in Arizona to dealing with hot weather the entire way, we arrived safely here in our new home of Vero Beach, Florida. 

As I begin to settle in, I hope to start capturing the beauty of both the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida. It will probably take me some time to find my way, so please be patient.  If you have suggestions on shoots, locations, adventures, have questions or wish to inquire about my services, please drop me an email. I'd love to hear from you. Cheers!

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Join me at the Chocolate and Art Show - Los Angeles, April 11 & 12

I've officially signed on to show my work at the Chocolate and Art Show in Los Angeles.  It's happening April 11th and 12th from 7pm to 2am. Who doesn't like chocolate, art, and music? Come say hello. 

Chocolate & Art Show event information and tickets.

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“The Chocolate and Art Show is an underground art show in the Los Angeles area designed to bring Angeleno’s a unique, fun-filled Friday or Saturday night. An intimate social occasion where one can find themselves surrounded by fine art, great music, tasty chocolate and good vibes. Come and join us.”

— Director/Event Organizer – Danilo Santos

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A Few Helpful Websites and A Desktop App for Photographers

I got up early and thought about photographing the sunrise this morning. Before heading out, I always walk out in the back yard and take a look. That's always a good start. Another thing to check is your local weather, but that doesn't always cut it either.

Today there was a heavy marine layer. I couldn't see one star above me. It could possibly be a beautiful sunrise, and the marine layer may not be as heavy at the location I'm shooting. Where do I get more information?

Some factors are; What time of year it is? Where does the sun actually come up? Will the sunrise be lined up, or even in close proximity to the subject that I have in mind? Oh, and what time does it actually rise? I wasn't sure, so I went to check a few things on my computer.

Here's a couple of website's and a desktop app I use before heading out. Whether it be for a sunrise, sunset, low tide, high tide, or meteor showers, you name it, these help me a ton.

There are a few mobile apps I use, but I've got to get out for sunrise right? If you're interested in those, drop me a note and I'll share those as well. I hope these come in handy for you.

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The Photographer's Ephemeris - Free download for desktop and paid mobile app available. Update: 

Clear Sky Chart 

Dark Sky Finder - Light pollution in and near your city. (United States)

Tide Forecast 

Tides Chart - Tides, weather, water temperatures and fishing times

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Grateful for Today

Checking my email this morning, I ran across an email from Nasim Mansurov at PhotographyLife.com,  a blog that I read on a regular basis. A great site for tutorials, gear reviews and deals. Worth checking out if you're a photography enthusiast.

He posted a beautiful video called "Gratitude". A short film by Louie Schwartzberg. I found it so moving that I thought I'd share it with you.

It's that time of year when we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Holidays, and we need to remember to be grateful for today.

Happy New Year!

DSLR Controller Application for Android Devices

This year I finally purchased a tablet after years of debating which brand/model to go with. I wanted one to use as an external monitor for photography in the field rather than using my bulky laptop. (Laptop batteries die quick as well, at least mine does). I needed WiFi only, but I also wanted something with a usb or micro usb port. After reading reviews, checking out different brands and models, I went with the Nexus 7. I've been very happy with it so far. I'd recommend it if you're looking into purchasing a tablet, but I'm not here to review the Nexus 7.

Check out DSLR Controller $9 if you're an Android user. It's an app allowing you to fully control your Canon DSLR camera from your Android device. Not only that, if you have both an Android phone and tablet, they can be used together to trigger your camera wirelessly.

Here are some videos that helped convince me that not only was the Nexus 7 a good choice for me, but to ditch my iPhone. I needed an Android phone to trigger my camera wirelessly, right? Glad I did, I've been really satisfied with my switch to Android and using the DSLR Controller app.