Do you charge for photography sessions?

Short answer: Photography is both a hobby and a part-time job for me. I love nature photography and capturing events, especially those of our grandsons. While I often share photos for free, I also offer my services to those who want something more private or tailored to their needs.

Photography is more than just clicking a button — it’s an investment of time, skill, and professional equipment. The cameras and lenses I use cost thousands of dollars, and I continually upgrade, maintain, and insure this gear to deliver the best possible results. Along with editing software, storage, and the hours spent preparing and perfecting each session, these costs ensure you receive high-quality photos that truly capture your moments.

This is why I charge for photo sessions — so I can keep creating professional images while covering the real costs behind the art.

You can find the list price and FAQs here.

All About Pixels Size

 

📸 What is Pixel Size?

Pixel size refers to the physical dimensions of each light-sensitive pixel on a camera’s sensor, usually measured in micrometers (µm). Each pixel collects light (photons) and converts it into electrical signals that form your digital image.

• Larger pixels = more surface area to capture light.

• Smaller pixels = less light per pixel, but you can fit more of them onto the sensor (higher resolution).

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🌟 Larger Pixels – The Advantages

• Better Low-Light Performance – Larger pixels gather more light, producing cleaner images with less noise.

• Higher Dynamic Range – They can capture more detail in highlights and shadows.

• Improved Color Accuracy – Since more photons are collected, colors often look richer and truer.

This is why cameras with larger sensors and fewer megapixels (like full-frame cameras) often outperform small, high-megapixel smartphone sensors in challenging light.

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🔍 Smaller Pixels – Why They’re Used

• Higher Resolution – More pixels = more detail, allowing for larger prints and tighter cropping.

• Compact Sensors – Smartphones and small cameras fit more pixels into a tiny sensor to advertise “high megapixel counts.”

But the trade-off is that smaller pixels can get noisy in low light because each pixel gathers less light.

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⚖️ The Balance

• Pro Cameras (Full-frame, APS-C, Micro Four Thirds): Often strike a balance between pixel size and resolution.

• Smartphones: Use very small pixels, but rely on AI/software processing to compensate.

• Specialized Cameras: Some low-light cameras prioritize large pixels (lower resolution, but amazing performance in darkness).

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👉 Rule of Thumb: Larger pixels are generally “better” for low-light and image quality, but more megapixels (smaller pixels) can be “better” if you need high detail and plan to crop or print big.

Check this video recently released by Simon D'Entremont and you will have a better understanding of everything above-mentioned. 

 

Another highlight

 Another highlight coming from last weekend was some of the landscape pictures that I took at Bayport Historic Park. 

 I love the first picture for its simplicity and colors, but the second one is a view I can’t resist photographing every time I’m there. It’s just beautiful.

During last weekend: Heat affects birding

 It has been hot here in Florida and that affects birding. 

• Reduced Activity and Foraging: Birds become less active during the hottest parts of the day, limiting their foraging and breeding activities. 
• They may seek shade and cooler spots to rest and conserve energy.

As a result, I didn’t have many opportunities to capture good pictures.

One bird that didn’t seem to be bothered by the heat were the Laughing Gulls.

 I managed to take a few pictures of these birds in flight.

 The Herring Gull is large and pale gray with a white head, pink legs, and a strong yellow bill marked with a red spot. They are winter visitors to Florida, often seen along beaches, piers, and harbors, scavenging for fish or scraps.

The Laughing Gull, on the other hand, is a year-round resident and one of Florida’s most recognizable gulls. In breeding season, it has a black head, red bill, and a raucous, laughing call that gives the species its name. They thrive in coastal habitats, from sandy beaches to busy boardwalks, and are quick to swoop in on snacks left unattended.

Together, these two gulls capture both the seasonal rhythm and the lively spirit of Florida’s shorelines.

Another bird that I photographed was the boat-tailed grackle.  

Female Boat-tailed Grackle.

The Boat-tailed Grackle is a striking blackbird found along Florida’s coasts and wetlands. Males are glossy black with long, keel-shaped tails (like a boat’s hull), while females are smaller and brown with a slimmer build. They’re noisy, bold, and often gather in large flocks around marshes, parking lots, and boardwalks. Their loud, varied calls and confident presence make them one of the most noticeable birds in Florida’s coastal areas.

The cost of shooting video

I was recently asked to recommend a camera for shooting high-quality video. Ten years ago, “good quality” meant 1080p, but today, 4K is considered the standard for decent quality. Most modern smartphones can shoot 4K video, though with some zoom limitations. Keep in mind, however, that a capable phone with 4K video will cost you over $1,000—likely rolled into the monthly payments you already make to your service provider.

So, what does a camera for video cost? If you buy refurbished to save money, expect to spend at least $500 on a camera body capable of 1080p and another $500 on a lens (minimum). For 4K video, plan on spending more than $1,000 for the body and again around $500 for a suitable lens.

You can find a helpful article recommending the best refurbished cameras for video here.

Shooting video also requires a powerful computer for editing and plenty of storage for saving files. That can easily add several more thousands of dollars to your budget.

So, the next time you hire a photographer for your wedding and request video, don’t be surprised—or complain—when the bill comes to a few thousand dollars.

Kodak, the last victim of the digital era?

 For us, people from the old times when you needed a film to take pictures, Kodak is a big name. It was the symbol of great quality films resulting in good quality pictures. Then digital cameras came to the market and the Kodak Empire almost collapsed. The company tried to enter into that new market, but never was able to compete against the big companies such as Canon, Nikon and Sony, filling for bankruptcy in 2012.  

According to Fox Business, "Kodak announced in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing on Monday that there was "substantial doubt" about the company's ability to stay in business." 

 

Sandhill Crane in Florida

 

 

 

Sandhill Cranes in Florida — Majestic Neighbors of the Wetlands

If you spend time near Florida’s lakes, marshes, or even open pastures, you may hear a distant, rolling bugle that carries for miles. Look up, and you might spot a pair of Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) — tall, graceful birds that have become an iconic part of the Sunshine State’s natural scenery.

Year-Round Residents

While millions of Sandhill Cranes migrate across North America each year, Florida is home to its own non-migratory subspecies: the Florida Sandhill Crane (A. c. pratensis). These cranes live here year-round, nesting in freshwater marshes and open prairies. Standing nearly four feet tall with wingspans over six feet, they’re hard to miss — especially in breeding season, when pairs perform their famous courtship dances, leaping and bowing in perfect sync.

Mating for Life

Sandhill Cranes are monogamous, often mating for life. Pairs work together to build a nest of plant material in shallow water. Typically, the female lays two eggs, but often only one chick — called a “colt” — survives to adulthood. Parents are fiercely protective, and it’s not unusual to see them boldly confronting predators, from raccoons to hawks.

Where to Spot Them

In Florida, you can encounter Sandhill Cranes in state parks, wildlife management areas, and even golf courses or suburban fields. Common viewing spots include Crews Lake Park in Pasco County, Paynes Prairie Preserve, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, and Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive.

A Delicate Balance

Although Florida Sandhill Cranes are not currently endangered, they’re considered threatened by the state due to habitat loss. Wetland drainage and development have reduced their breeding grounds, and they are especially vulnerable during nesting season (January through June).

Photography Tips

• Keep your distance: Cranes are protected by law — it’s illegal to harass or feed them.

• Go early: Morning light enhances their red foreheads and soft gray plumage.

• Watch the behavior: Dances, bugling calls, and parenting moments make for compelling wildlife shots.

Why They Matter

Sandhill Cranes have lived in North America for millions of years — fossil records suggest they’re among the oldest bird species still alive today. In Florida, they’re more than just another bird; they’re a symbol of our wetlands’ beauty and fragility.

 

Hummingbirds

 

Hummingbirds in Florida – Tiny Jewels of the Sunshine State

Florida may be famous for its herons, egrets, and spoonbills, but it also plays host to one of the most dazzling avian visitors—the hummingbird. Known for their iridescent feathers, incredible speed, and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds are a true delight for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Species You’ll See in Florida

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – The only species that breeds in Florida. Males sport a brilliant red throat that flashes in sunlight, while females have a plain white throat. They arrive in spring, nest during the warmer months, and some overwinter in the southern parts of the state.

  

  Ruby-throated hummingbird.

• Seasonal Visitors – In winter, a few other species occasionally appear, such as the Black-chinned Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, often spotted by dedicated birdwatchers in gardens and parks.

When and Where to Spot Them

• Spring & Fall Migration – Peak times for sightings, especially along the Gulf Coast and in gardens with nectar-rich flowers.

• Year-Round in South Florida – Warmer temperatures mean that some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stay all year.

• Best Locations – Botanical gardens, coastal nature reserves, and backyards with feeders and native flowering plants.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard

1. Plant Native Flowers – Coral honeysuckle, firebush, and salvia are favorites.

2. Use Feeders Wisely – A simple sugar-water mix (4 parts water to 1 part sugar, no dye) works perfectly. Clean feeders every few days to prevent mold and bacteria.

3. Provide Shelter – Small trees and shrubs offer perching and nesting spots.

Fun Facts

• Hummingbirds beat their wings about 50 times per second.

• They have excellent memories and will return to the same feeder year after year.

• Despite their size, they are fiercely territorial, often chasing away much larger birds from their food sources.

More Megapixels, more problems?

In my opinion, the ideal resolution range for a camera is between 24 megapixels and 35 megapixels. While more megapixels may be beneficial in certain situations, they shouldn’t be the primary factor when choosing a camera.

 

During the last weekend

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to take more pictures of hummingbirds—this time with better lighting, which made a big difference in the quality of the images.

 Another thing I did was test a Fujifilm FinePix S8200. This 16-megapixel camera is perfect for young people looking to start in wildlife photography. The autofocus, however, is slow—so it’s not ideal for action shots like birds in flight or sports photography. Shooting indoors can be challenging, but you can still get nice results using the built-in flash. Image sharpness isn’t on par with what you’d get from a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but the zoom is impressive and will satisfy beginners. Best of all, you can find it on eBay for around $60. Here is one of the pictures I took using this camera after editing it in LrC.

 

For sure, instead of paying $60 for a kid’s camera on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d rather spend that money on this camera from the second-hand market.

This is concerning

 There are people out there who love to take what doesn’t belong to them—especially your camera gear.

I have installed a quick release plate to my camera that carries an Airtag. Just in case. I may get some more Airtags for my Camera bags. Just in case. 

Are you using the viewfinder?

 Tom Northup, a fantastic photographer and influencer, is asking you to stop using the viewfinder and start using the rear screen. 

I personally love the viewfinder. Like Tony explains, when you are shooting mostly wildlife or sometimes sports, it's hard to focus using the rear screen. But I see his points. I may give it a try. 

The secret that many do not know

 You can get a MacBook Air for a fraction of the price—and still enjoy Apple’s 1-year warranty!

Refurbished laptops may come with minor scratches or cosmetic imperfections, but they’ve been thoroughly inspected and repaired by the manufacturer. When you buy through this link, you're purchasing directly from Apple. And here’s the best part: when I bought my MacBook Air M3, it arrived looking just like a brand-new machine—no scratches, no defects. It was packaged exactly like a new MacBook Air. Honestly, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference!

Stop struggling with your old laptop or trying to edit videos on your iPhone. And just so you know—this isn’t a sponsored post. This is not an affiliate link. I'm not getting paid by Apple. I’m simply sharing my personal experience, nothing more. I’m sharing this to show how happy I am with my purchase after three months of using it to edit my photos and videos. 

The Best Used DSLR Cameras Under $500

 According to KEH, the used camera and lenses store that I trust, here are the best DSLRs for under $500.

 

•  Nikon D5600: A well-rounded DSLR with features for both beginners and more experienced shooters.
•  Canon EOS 1300D: Simple controls and helpful auto modes make this ideal for new photographers.
•  Pentax K-70: A rugged, weather-sealed DSLR that is great for outdoor adventures. 

 

You may be doing it wrong, read this

Why don’t photographers charge camera batteries by connecting the camera to a USB charger?

Cameras get hot, especially when shooting video — and when they do, they can overheat and stop working until they cool down. When you're charging a battery — whether it's your camera or your phone — the battery generates heat. See the issue? By charging the battery inside the camera using a USB cable, you're adding more heat, which can shorten the amount of time the camera can operate while recording video.

 

What’s my most popular photo?

 It's not about Birds, a Portrait or a Landscape. My most popular photo according to Flickr is...

But why? The rich, vibrant red hues grab attention and evoke strong emotions like passion and warmth. The close-up reveals intricate textures of the petals, adding depth and interest. The tight framing focuses the viewer’s eye on the beauty of the flower without distractions. The contrast between the petals and the yellow stamens creates visual interest. Flowers inherently appeal to our sense of aesthetics due to their organic, symmetrical forms.

These elements combine to create a visually captivating image.

Last weekend was a Karate Weekend!

Last weekend I shot a Karate Event. I took more than 2000 pictures! I was using shooting bursts of 12 fps trying to capture all the most important moves of the athletes and as a result I ended with a huge amount of pictures that I'm still processing. I hate deleting pictures other than those that are not in focus, and when you shoot burst you have to delete pictures even if they are sharp, otherwise you are going to fill your backup drive really quick. 

 

I'm having a hard time choosing which ones are my favorites — I like all of them. What started as taking pictures of our grandsons quickly turned into photographing the whole team, as usual. I may have missed some of them, as many were competing at the same time — and I haven’t yet figured out how to be in two places at once!

Big thanks to Kaufmann's Karate (#kaufmannskarate) for allowing me inside the arena to capture these moments.

Note: All pictures of the event are located in these two pages:

1st: https://tinyurl.com/r3u9kdwu

2nd: https://tinyurl.com/bhe7ssxs 

 

You are wrong

If you're one of those who believe DSLRs are better than mirrorless cameras, you might be making a mistake.

 

 If you're buying today, and especially if you're shooting:

•     Sports
•     Wildlife
•     Events
•     Video
•     Low-light environments

Then a mirrorless camera of the same professional tier will usually outperform a DSLR. The technology has matured — Canon R3, Nikon Z9, Sony A1, etc., are at least equal to, and often better than, their DSLR counterparts (like the 1D X Mark III or D6).

But if you're:

•     Deep into a DSLR lens ecosystem
•     Prefer OVF shooting
•     Working in situations where battery life and toughness matter more than speed

Then a DSLR is still a strong, reliable tool.

 Mirrorless is the future — and the present — especially for high-level work. DSLRs were fantastic and still hold up in many scenarios, but the flexibility, AF performance, and video capabilities of mirrorless now tip the scale clearly in their favor.

Note for myself: I wonder how many hits this article will get just because of the tittle. ;-) 

Stop shooting at 100 ISO!

There was a time, not long ago, when shooting at the lowest possible ISO—100—was a priority for me. Today, I don’t care.

Can you guess the ISO used in the photo above? 25,600! Yet it looks like it was taken at ISO 800 or lower. Thanks to the performance of cameras like my Canon R6 Mark I and the power of post-processing software such as DxO PureRaw (my favorite), Topaz Photo AI, and Lightroom Classic, it’s now possible to achieve remarkably low noise levels—easily cleaned up with these tools. 

Results like the photo above made me change my default approach—from manually selecting the ISO to simply using Auto ISO.