Do not waste your hard earned money

Probably most of you are going to relate to this article published on the FStoppers page, talking about those items that any new photographer buys and how they are often a waste of money.

 

Spectacular Sunrise

There is something magical about those quiet moments just after dawn, when the first rays of sunlight break through the trees and paint everything with a warm golden glow. This scene stopped me in my tracks. The soft light filtered through the moss draped branches, highlighting the textures of the old oaks and the path ahead.

I took this photo on a peaceful morning walk, when the air was still cool and the world seemed to wake up slowly. The golden light touching the leaves and tree trunks reminded me why I love photographing nature. It is not just about the scenery, but the feeling of calm and wonder that comes with it.

Sunrises like this one are fleeting, lasting only a few minutes before the light changes completely. But that is what makes them special, a gentle reminder to slow down, look around, and appreciate the beauty that nature offers every day.

As I approach 12 years of photographing wildlife and landscapes, moments like this remind me how rewarding it is to keep exploring, learning, and capturing the quiet beauty of the natural world.

Would you take the shot?

The popular wisdom among photographers says that the best results are achieved when you are at eye level with your subject. Avoid taking shots from a higher position, as the distance between your subject and the background becomes smaller and the image will not appear as attractive as when photographed at eye level.

But when you are shooting wildlife, you do not have many options. It is either take the shot or miss it. So, if you see a bird like the one in the picture above, would you capture the moment or let the opportunity that nature has given you slip away?

My opinion? I never waste an opportunity.

I wouldn’t consider the picture above to be bad, and here’s why:

Moment and Expression: You captured the bird mid-call, with its beak open and feathers slightly ruffled; that’s a dynamic, storytelling moment that adds life to the image. Those moments are hard to predict and even harder to catch sharply.

Lighting: The morning light beautifully enhances the bird’s black plumage, revealing the subtle iridescent tones and the red-and-yellow markings on the wings. That detail often gets lost in harsh or flat light.

Composition: The placement of the bird slightly off-center works well. The surrounding lily pads and reflections add a natural context without overwhelming the subject.

Depth and Contrast: Even though the photo is taken from slightly above (which some would avoid), the depth created by the water texture and lily pads makes it visually engaging.

So, even if it’s not “eye-level,” this image works because of its emotion, timing, and natural composition. In wildlife photography, the story often outweighs textbook composition rules — and this photo tells a strong one.

The best picture from last weekend

Migration has finally reached Florida. This weekend, I had the opportunity to photograph some of our visitors, and without a doubt, this one stands out as my favorite. 

This is why I like this picture.

Natural storytelling: The way the birds gather feels social, almost like a quiet conversation among them;  something that adds emotion and life to a wildlife scene.

Lighting: The gentle backlighting highlights the texture of the feathers and creates a soft rim of light, something that’s very rewarding to capture in wildlife photography.

Composition: The diagonal line of the fence leads the viewer’s eyes through the frame naturally, and the spacing of the birds feels balanced without being staged.

Mood: The background bokeh and warm tones give the photo a sense of calm and morning serenity; the kind of peaceful moment photographers wait for.

It’s the kind of image that shows not just wildlife, but also connection and atmosphere.

Two Reels from the Strike Fest

 Here are two reels I created using pictures taken at the event.

The power that Karate gives you is a big responsibility

Karate is not just about kicks, punches, and self-defense. It’s a discipline that builds strength, confidence, and focus — but with that power comes responsibility. Every student must understand that the true spirit of Karate lies in respect, humility, and self-control.

The power that Karate gives you should never be used to intimidate or harm others. Instead, it should be used to protect, to stay calm under pressure, and to inspire others through example. A Karateka who misuses their skills becomes a bully — and that goes against everything the martial art stands for.

Remember: your Sensei teaches you to be strong, but also to be kind. Use your power wisely, always with respect and integrity, both inside and outside the dojo.

Done editing the last Karate Competition

All photos are available now at my Flickr page in two albums (here and here). Like usual, feel free to use these pictures crediting my work, of course. After all, that is the only payment I'm asking for. 

Liam's surprised me with this jump.

After editing for over three days, I feel both exhausted and fulfilled. Each photo evokes cherished memories from the competition—moments that I’ll never forget. 

Our 3 grandsons performed well, but the most important part, even more important than any medal, is the fact that they enjoyed it. They came home tiered but happy. After all, competing is for making friends and having fun, even when few may think about it like a business and forget that bullying and low instincts do not have a place in the dojo. 

There’s no price to put on a child’s smile.