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Showing posts from August, 2026

I Found a Photographers Dream in Maysville Kentucky

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Today we're exploring historic Maysville, Kentucky, one of the most fascinating small towns along the Ohio River. Armed with nothing more than my Leica Q and one lens, I spend over an hour photographing cobblestone streets, historic architecture, colorful murals, churches, theaters, and hidden details while dealing with one of photography's biggest challenges—harsh midday sunlight. Along the way I meet several friendly locals who share stories about the town's history, including its connection to Rosemary Clooney, the historic Russell Theatre, Market Street, and life along the Ohio River. This isn't just a photo walk—it's a reminder that incredible photography opportunities can be found in places many people simply drive past. In this video you'll see: 📷 Leica Q street photography 🏛 Historic Maysville, Kentucky 🌞 Photography in harsh midday light 🚶 One-hour photo walk 📸 Composition ideas for travel photography 🎭 Russell Theatre & Rosemary Clooney h...

Leica SL2 Wildlife Autofocus Test — Can It Keep Up?

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Can the Leica SL2 actually handle wildlife photography? I’ve been putting the Leica SL2 through some real-world wildlife autofocus tests as I prepare for an upcoming safari in South Africa. Instead of testing it under perfect conditions, I’ve been photographing elk at Big Bone Lick State Park in Kentucky—shooting through fences, into weeds, at distance, and with multiple animals close together. For these tests, I’m using the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 with a 2X teleconverter, giving me an effective 400mm f/5.6 setup. One of the biggest criticisms of the Leica SL2 is its autofocus performance, particularly when it comes to tracking wildlife and birds. And I’ll be honest: I’ve definitely experienced some frustration. But the results have surprised me. Out of roughly 300 images, around 250 were in focus. That’s not perfect, but under the difficult conditions I was intentionally creating, I think the results are pretty impressive. In this video, I talk about the different autofocus modes I’...

The BEST Time to Photograph Cincinnati | Blue Hour at the Roebling Bridge

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Welcome back to another photography adventure! In this episode, I head to the banks of the Ohio River to photograph one of Cincinnati's most iconic landmarks—the historic Roebling Suspension Bridge—during sunset and blue hour. Armed with my Leica SL2 and the Lumix 24-105mm f/4, I capture the changing light as the Cincinnati skyline begins to glow. Along the way, an unexpected riverboat and dinner cruise create some unique composition opportunities, while I share the camera settings I'm using throughout the evening. Sometimes the sky doesn't cooperate, but photography isn't always about dramatic sunsets. It's about adapting, slowing down, and making the most of the light that's available. If you enjoy: Landscape Photography Cityscape Photography Blue Hour Photography Leica SL2 Videos Cincinnati Photography Photography Tips Travel Photography then you're in the right place. Camera Gear Used 📷 Leica SL2 📸 Lumix 24-105mm f/4 If you enjoyed the video, pl...

Going All In On Leica

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Am I crazy for going all in on Leica? After using the Leica SL2 with the Lumix 24-105mm f/4 for nearly two months, I'm sharing my honest thoughts—and making a big announcement. In this Garage Talk episode, I discuss what it's really like using the Leica SL2 as a one-camera, one-lens setup for landscape and nature photography. I cover the camera's build quality, image quality, ergonomics, customization, and why it has completely changed my photography experience. I also reveal my decision to commit to Leica for the next 12 months and explain how I plan to photograph everything from local landscapes to an upcoming South African safari in Kruger National Park using Leica gear. Along the way, I talk about the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8, teleconverters, autofocus concerns, and whether renting an SL3 or Lumix S1RII makes sense for wildlife photography. If you've ever wondered: Is the Leica SL2 worth it in 2026? Is Leica really different? Can the Leica SL2 handle wildlife? Is on...

My Plan B Led to the BEST Shots in Maggie Valley NC | Waterfalls & Historic Buildings

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What do you do when the weather ruins your photography plans? I headed to Cataloochee Valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park hoping to photograph the Milky Way—but Mother Nature had other ideas. Instead of giving up, I switched to Plan B and spent two incredible days exploring one of North Carolina's most beautiful photography destinations using just one camera and one lens: the Leica SL2 paired with the Panasonic 24-105mm f/4. Along the way I photographed: 📍 Cataloochee Valley 🦌 Wild elk encounters ⛪ Palmer Chapel 🌄 Mingus Mill 🏞️ Mingo Falls 🏛️ Oconaluftee Visitor Center 🛍️ Asheville's Antique Tobacco Barn Sometimes the best photographs come when your original plan falls apart. This trip is proof that flexibility can lead to amazing experiences and unexpected images. Camera Gear Used Leica SL2 Panasonic 24-105mm f/4 Circular Polarizer Tripod If you enjoy landscape photography, travel photography, Leica cameras, or the Great Smoky Mountains, I'd love to...