Jansen Photo Expeditions Blog
Are You Over Processing Your Images?
“Dodging and burning are steps to take care of mistakes God made in establishing tonal relationships.” - Ansel Adams Ansel Adams embraced post processing in the dark room by dodging and burning (making adjustment in exposure) [...]
Using Essential Adjustments in Adobe Lightroom CC
Have you wondered how the pros create beautifully edited pictures? Here’s one of the secrets to editing in Adobe Lightroom CC. It’s not only about having the exposure, contrast, white balance, and saturation globally adjusted, it is also [...]
Sharpening – How to Get Tack Sharp Images
Creating sharp images is a goal for most avid photographers. As an instructor for landscape photography, there are many tools that I teach to create the sharpest images possible. Here are some of the tactics I use when [...]
Landscape Photography with Post Processing in Mind
I’m sure you’ve heard this before several times... Landscape photography is all about the light. And when is that light the best? In my opinion, I love the light 1/2 hour before and after sunrise, and 1/2 before [...]
The Best Way to Use Lightroom When Traveling
Many people have asked me how to continue editing and cataloging their images with Adobe’s Lightroom program when traveling. There are many things to consider when you are planning a photography trip and the ability to store [...]
Mirrorless Full Frame Debuts by Nikon and Canon!
We normally don’t talk about camera brands and specifications that much here at Jansen Photo Expeditions. Mainly because we have always focused on the creative end of landscape photography and how to get the best out of [...]
The Importance of Horizon Lines in Landscape Photography
I'm a stickler when it comes to horizon lines in landscape photography. Where do you place the horizon line for the most emphasis and drama? Beginner photographers will almost always place their horizon lines dead center of [...]
5 Steps to Improve Your Landscape Photography
Landscapes photography is the single most pursued form of photography for many. It seems simple at first, especially if you're an introvert. You don’t need to interact with another person or a model, and you don’t need [...]
Why You Need to Use Lightroom Mobile
With the new changes that have recently come out with the Adobe subscription plan, there are even more reasons to take a good look at your Lightroom plan and be familiar with all the features [...]
Photographing the Aurora Borealis In Iceland
Photographing the Aurora Borealis in Iceland can be an exciting and challenging experience for beginner and advanced photographers alike. Everyone has their own way of accomplishing this. The following steps reflect what you might already [...]
How Did I Get the Shot? Southwest Florida
Excelling in landscape photography takes some thought and preparation. It's not a drive-by shooting out the car window and it's not a mid-day shot when you're having a picnic with your family. In my new series of articles, [...]
Do You Need to Upgrade Your Camera?
We are constantly having this conversation about upgrading cameras. What is the newest neatest thing and how much is going to set me back? I don't know about you, but a camera is a major investment and I don't [...]
Will that new camera make you a better photographer?
We live in a time of rapidly advancing technology everywhere, especially when it comes to digital cameras. Long gone are the days of that infrequent film camera purchase, where the type of film you used determined so much. [...]
Private Photography Workshops in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is one our favorite places to hold our photography workshops and we offer both group and private workshops there. One of our most popular offerings is our private photography workshops in [...]
Landscape Photography Manifesto
Mark Jansen working with a client Beyond everything else, and I think you’ll agree, the greatest thing about landscape photography is that it is a passport to adventure. The camera has always been an excuse [...]
The Benefits of Private Photography Workshops
Have you considered a private photography workshop? Are you considering a private photography workshop? Here are some reasons to consider this option with Jansen Photo Expeditions. Private photography workshops give you flexibility and the ability to shoot where you [...]
How to Protect Your Camera in Wet Conditions and Keep Shooting!
Since winter is at our door, I’m sure you have been gearing up for the season and perhaps you’re even thinking about joining us for our upcoming Iceland photography workshop. I thought I would address how [...]
Private Photography Workshop in Yosemite
Yosemite National Park is one our favorite places to hold our photography workshops and we offer both group and private workshops there. One of our most popular offerings is our private photography workshops in Yosemite. Here are some of the reasons why: [...]
How to Take Advantage of the Sweet Light in Landscape Photography
Anyone that lives in California knows that November is the prime month for great sunsets on the Central Coast. The sun is in just the right place in these rugged locations. It reflects on the beaches, as it dances off [...]
Tripods, Landscape Photography and the Reason why?
Are you wondering what type of camera tripod to purchase? It can be a confusing task. Many newcomers are often lost on the subject of tripods altogether. In this blog and accompanying video, I will [...]
Why you need an “L” Bracket for your Landscape Photography
"L" brackets for your camera are the cool cousin to the "always loosening up on you" single bottom plates. View Mark's L Bracket Video The simple "L" bracket is for your camera's body and you need [...]
How to Clean Your Camera Sensor Simplified!
On almost every digital photography workshop we have held, one problem our clients seem to stress about is sensor dust cleaning. Many take their cameras to the local camera store if they can find one these [...]
A Fresh look at a Salty World During Our Photography Workshop in the Eastern Sierra
Moving through the dusty, gravel-strewn road, we soon arrived at our destination, the saline aquifer, Mono Lake. It’s one of our favorite stops on our photography workshop in the Eastern Sierra. After years of photographing its [...]
Wildlife Photography Lenses and Cameras for Traveling Photographers: What Works Best?
What are the best wildlife photography lenses and cameras that will work for you? We all like to travel, explore and record our world through the lens, but SmartPhones leave many wanting more when [...]
Photographing with Lazy Eyes Reveals Nothing New!
Yosemite Valley ©MarkJansenPhotography.com Don’t be lazy when you have a chance to be in nature to create a photograph. Some new to landscape photography seldom venture much further than their cars to take [...]
Why the Craft of Photography is Learned and Not Purchased
With all the new and improved digital and mirrorless camera gear available these days everybody’s out there shooting. That’s mostly what we see in the field, a lot of shooting going on. High capacity memory [...]
5 Things You Need To Know About Dynamic Photography Landscapes Today
Being primarily a landscape photographer, I am always trying to push my images to the next level of attention to create dynamic photography landscapes. Like most, I have this thought in the back of my [...]
The Eastern Sierra Ultimate Photo Expedition
It’s five a.m. and all I can see in the pre-dawn is the light from my headlamp as I head across the desert. My husband and business partner is waiting for me at one of the famous [...]
7 Simple (But Important) Things To Remember About Astrophotography
We are really excited about heading out on this season’s first astrophotography event in the Alabama Hills in the Eastern Sierra. Timing, location, and clear skies are what it’s all about when you plan one of [...]
5 Secrets to Creating Successful Landscape Photography
Preparation, observation, persistence and patience and getting beyond the program modes are the key factors for getting your landscape photography on track! These are the 5 secrets for successful landscape photography. Getting great photos these [...]
Yosemite Photography: Expect an Adventure
Yosemite Photography is in my blood. I’ve been there too many times to count, but my favorite time is winter. Yosemite in winter is the best time of year because it’s quiet. The crowds of summer [...]
How Come My Photos are Never Sharp?
The most common question asked by many people is “How come my photos are never sharp?” Their big concern is that the lens or lenses they already own are not good enough and they need [...]
Complete the Creative Circle with your Photography
Last weekend I attended a local art show here in beautiful Camarillo, California. Having spent quite a few years working the Fine Art circuit from Malibu to Santa Barbara, (now guiding workshops and teaching photography [...]
The Lost Landscape Photographer
Now that summer has officially kicked in, you are most likely considering quite a few locations for capturing some great imagery. One can certainly cruise the web, or flip through that stack of landscape magazines you’ve been collecting all year to [...]
The Process and the fundamentals of Landscape Photography
Photography has been going through a rapid transformation. With the internet, it’s no longer resigned to the skilled professional. Democracy rules this craft more than ever. This statement has been bounced around for years. While [...]
Why is Photo Editing Essential?
Are you spending a lot of time learning how to use your digital camera and getting the results you hoped for? Learning effective photo editing is easily the other half of creating amazing images with your [...]
Landscape Photography (Learning The Basics and More )
I’ve been in the business of teaching landscape and street photography for the last 15 years. In the early days, the lion’s share of our business was fine art and commercial photography. But after countless requests, [...]
What to Expect from a Private Photography Workshop
Have you considered taking a private photography workshop? Have you ever been in a photography workshop where you are 1 in 30 people? Were you able to get near the pro running the workshop? Were [...]
Iceland Creative Photography workshop – Opening your Eyes to Adventure
As we were standing on Diamond Beach in South Coast Iceland, we were surrounded by surreal looking blocks of ice the size of small cars that had calved off the nearby glacier. Our Iceland photography workshop group was giddy [...]
Yosemite Valley and Iceland: Lands of Great Light!
Yosemite Falls ©MarkJansenPhotography.com I really had time to think after returning from Yosemite Valley recently. I was struck by the similarities and quality in light of Yosemite Valley and Iceland. They both have great [...]
Wildflower Photography in Big Sur
After arriving in Big Sur at 10 pm, it was a bit of a challenge getting a place to park our camper for four days. You see most of Big Sur is only available to [...]
Landscape photography doesn’t stop just because things get wet and the temperatures drop. Be prepared!
I’ve been gearing up and preparing for our upcoming Big Sur and Iceland winter landscape expeditions. The following tips will help you avoid some unpleasant surprises next time you venture into the cold and wet. If you’d [...]
The Key to Successful Winter Photography in Iceland
There are so many reasons to photograph Iceland in Winter. The stark contrast between the volcanic black sand and the snow, the ice caves, the glaciers, and the aurora borealis to name just a few. [...]
Big Sur: The Lost Modern Frontier
This amazing stretch of land along California’s central coast has been strangely hidden from view from so many driving up and down it for years. Except for of its widely published Bixby bridge and a few known [...]
Big Sur Hippies and Hipsters, Cali’s Chill’n Coast!
. If you’re a native Californian, it’s rare that this fabled coastline has never crossed your mind at one time or another. As a young kid, born in Southern California, I always dreaded car sickness each [...]
Iceland Elves and Fairies, Really?
Frankly, when I first became aware of Iceland’s startling imagery back in 2005, I said to myself, this will be one of those places that would eventually find itself as one of our top expedition [...]
300 California Landscape Photographs Installed!
Lobby in Sysco Foods This is a story of the photographic arts and where it could lead to anyone who follows their bliss as a landscape photographer. I used to say, all the [...]
The Personal Photography Project
Hero: Waypoint Cafe, Camarillo, CA I’m sure many people have heard this phrase before, especially when it comes to photography: “The Personal Photography Project”. When you’ve been in the photographic field for a number [...]
The Sweet Light Of Yosemite Valley
Light in the late afternoon and morning often provides the sweetest glow in Yosemite, as it bounces off the towering granite spires at every turn. My wife and I have been traveling to Yosemite all [...]
Is Your Photography Any Good?
How do you know if you're making good photographs? How is it possible to gauge your progress as a photographer without unbiased criticism from family and friends? I'm sure everyone's heard: " I love your pictures, you're such a [...]
How to Photograph Iceland’s Diamond Beach
Iceland is an amazing photographic country. Every time I return to teach a workshop there, I’m always astounded by the changes I see. I’ve been fortunate to photograph many of its larger than life waterfalls, [...]
What is the Intention for this Photograph?
We arrived at our morning shooting location in Big Sur just as the first color of the morning light was disappearing. As the red light began to fade, the clouds in the distance started [...]
Help Finding your Photographic Vision
Finding your photographic vision is a great challenge for many photographers. Many people spend years honing their craft to understand the mechanics of aperture, exposure, and ISO, in addition to understanding their chosen camera’s form and [...]
Photo Editing – Why You Need to Learn It to Produce Compelling Images
Why is it Necessary to Learn Photo Editing? Are you spending a lot of time learning your camera and getting up early to shoot at just the right location, in just the right light? Are [...]
Photography Workshops – What to Expect When Booking
Are you looking to book a photography workshop or photography expedition? You love to travel and you’re excited about your new camera and you want to learn to create some amazing landscape images. What a perfect opportunity to [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Find Meaning in Photography
When I approach an iconic landscape photographic location on our photography expeditions these days, I often see other photographers jockeying for position. Some have traveled great distances and most certainly planned for a particular composition. [...]
My Revisit to Film SLR Cameras and Black and White Photography In Yosemite Valley
Captured on Ilford XP2 Super 400 The early dawn of digital photography promised endless quantities of free high resolution, simple to create images. That high tide has certainly been achieved, with the world’s [...]
Why is Photo Editing Essential in Digital Photography?
Why is Photo Editing essential? Are you spending a lot of time learning your camera and getting up early to shoot at just the right location, in just the right light? Are you getting the [...]
Endless Possibilities with iPhone Photography!
Do you want to learn to shoot great pictures with your iPhone camera? Do you want to learn to create spectacular images quickly and easily? With some basic photography skills and the help of some [...]
Creating Depth in Landscape Photography
Do you know what it means to create depth in your landscape photography? Do your images carry the viewer into the scene and move you from one corner of the image to the other? Are there compelling [...]
Astrophotography: It’s More Than the Milky Way!
Astrophotography is emerging as a new experience for many photographers. The Milky Way is now open territory for all. Imagery with good stories is now being produced using it, pushing night photography to new heights! Camera sensors have become so [...]
Separation and Gesture
Culling through an amazing amount of imagery after a long day of shooting can be a daunting task. Whether on a long weekend or on an extended trip, we all go through this in one [...]
Iceland’s Warming Visual Ecstasy Will End Someday.
For the last 20 years, our planet’s environment has been going through some amazing and highly noticeable changes. Some will argue about the semantics of global warming. But inserting one’s self into the midst of it will [...]
The Human Flow of Life and Street Photography
When using a DSLR on the streets and your subjects are human (not architecture), leave those multi-focus long telephoto lenses at home. Prime, single focus lenses 35 to 50 mm, 1.2, 1.4 or 1.8's rule on the streets! They're small and unobtrusive and [...]
Iceland: Land of Contrasts for the Landscape Photographer
Every time we go to Iceland it’s different. The weather is very changeable in the late winter, and you can experience the whole range of the Icelandic climate. That’s what makes our travel and photography [...]
Mark’s Photography Quick Tips: Landscapes
Great landscape photos are captured when the light is optimum. This could be early morning or just as the sun sets and a bit after. Captures are also great on the edge of storms or immersed in them. Dramatic [...]
Mark’s Photography Quick Tips: Pre-visualize Your Image
Pre-Visualize your photo. Build an image in your mind, much like a fine art painter would do before putting paint on canvas. Then, think about the time of day, light, and composition for your image. Attempt to match it [...]
Beyond the Golden Circle…an Iceland Photo Expedition
Iceland is an impressive and beyond beautiful country. It’s nestled far out in the North Atlantic, 700 miles east of Greenland. It’s located directly where the North American and European tectonic plates collide, boasting one of the most active [...]
Street Photography in Chinatown: My thoughts and what to expect!
San Francisco's Chinatown is an amazing place to explore and photograph. Chinatown is nestled on Grant Street and Stockton Street in San Francisco. As as you explore the streets of San Francisco and approach this area, you're instantly transported into [...]
Mark’s Quick Tip: Anxiety of Photographing People on the Streets.
When hitting the city streets for the first time, many newcomers to street photography feel a certain anxiety about photographing people on the streets. There’s something they should know up front, that might help a bit. Anyone [...]
Visual Story Telling, It Takes More Than Just One Shot!
The next time you’re planning to go on a shooting trip or you’re heading out on a photography workshop with one great shot in mind, you might also attempt to create a visual story through a [...]
Iceland Photography Tour: It’s more than the Golden Circle and Elves…
Diamond Beach: 2016 Icelandic Tour Details Contrary to popular belief, Iceland is a very developed country at its core. Small and compact, with only 300,000 people. 200,000 of them [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Pictures with Purpose
With so many images being produced these days, it becomes more important than ever to lock in an eye-catching story. Storytelling and purpose is the cornerstone of photography once you've mastered the fundamentals. Telling a good story is a [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Luck favors the prepared Landscape Photographer
Do you ever wonder how those amazing landscape shots are pulled off? Most likely, they're not created by the lucky opportunist, pulling off the highway during a mid-day road trip. They come about by someone who does careful research [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Mirrorless Versus DSLR Cameras
Mirrorless Versus DSLR Cameras? This is a heated subject for many beginners just getting into photography. With so many options flooding the market these days, it’s a wonder anyone can make a choice. I myself [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Mastering the Basics of Photography
Whether you’re shooting a DSLR, mirrorless, or even film, all cameras do the same thing once you dig through the array of options packed within. They capture light onto a light-sensitive emulsion or sensor. Each camera [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: The Woes of the Beginner Photographer and Editing Images
We live in a world of amazing technology, everything is at your fingertips. iPhones are so simple to use and take great shots right of the box. Many are seduced by the quality of smartphone [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: Camera Lenses for the Task at Hand
The management and transport of camera lenses in the field can be a challenge. I like to suggest looking into your camera bag and find out what lens you actually use the most before heading [...]
Mark’s Quick Tips: There’s more to making a photo than pushing a button in our iPhone world
We live in the days of constantly evolving technology. New techniques of photo enrichment, manipulation, and photographic stylings are flowing like water with every software developer screaming for our attention. When something new hits the [...]
Give That Old Camera Some New Glass!
We encounter many photographers new to the craft on our workshops. Many of these new clients that are caught up in the technology. With so many options to capture a picture these days, it’s a wonder anyone can choose [...]