Posts

I Took a Wrong Turn… and Found This Sunrise

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Sometimes the best photography locations are found completely by accident! In this video, I head out before sunrise to photograph a location I discovered while taking a drive through the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky. I wasn’t looking for a famous photography destination or an iconic landscape—I simply noticed something interesting while taking a different road. Armed with my Leica SL2, I return before sunrise to see what I can capture. From mist drifting across the fields to golden light, trees, rolling hills, old barns, and even a possible sunstar, this photography adventure is a reminder that you don't have to travel to the Tetons, Iceland, or the Faroe Islands to create meaningful landscape photographs. Sometimes the next great photography location is right down the road. The biggest takeaway from this video? Take a different route. Look around. Pay attention to what catches your eye. Then get up, get out, and take the photograph. 📷 In this video: Sunrise landscape ...

Sunrise Glow at Hartig Nature Preserve — Kentucky’s Hidden Landscape Gem

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Join me for an early-morning landscape photography adventure at Hartig Nature Preserve, where I set out hoping to photograph a sunrise panorama overlooking the Ohio River, Kentucky, and Indiana. The original plan doesn't quite work out—the overlook has become overgrown and the view is largely blocked—but that's often how landscape photography goes. Instead, I work with the conditions I have, including beautiful morning atmosphere, fog, golden light, and a riverboat pushing a long string of barges down the Ohio River. Along the way, I experiment with different compositions, discuss my camera settings, work with an L-bracket, and try to capture the riverboat as it moves through the scene. I also explore several other photographic opportunities around Hartig, including straw bales, wildflowers, berries, an old stone wall, and reflections along the water. Later in the video, the conversation turns toward something every photographer can relate to: how much camera gear do you rea...

Photographing Sunrise at an Abandoned Golf Course

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Join me for an early-morning photography adventure at Fox Run Park in Independence, Kentucky, as I explore this beautiful former golf course with my Leica SL2 in search of a sunrise landscape photograph. I had never visited Fox Run Park before, and this was a last-minute decision to get out of the house and see what I could find. I arrived a little later than planned, but the sunrise was still producing beautiful light and reflections across the pond. In this video, I work through several compositions, including vertical and horizontal landscape options, while photographing the sunrise, trees, mist, and reflections on the water. I’m shooting the Leica SL2 at ISO 100, using apertures around f/11–f/16, along with a circular polarizer. One of the things that makes Fox Run Park especially interesting for landscape photography is its history as a former golf course. There are plenty of paths, mature trees, open areas, and water to explore, and I can already see the potential for some gre...

Taking My Leica SL2 to Africa?! Here’s the Plan Plus Channel Updates

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Is taking a Leica SL2 to Africa a crazy idea? In this Garage Talk episode, I’m sharing some important channel updates, talking about why I’ve started printing more of my photographs, and responding to some great comments about my decision to use the Leica SL2 for my upcoming South Africa safari. I’ll be traveling to South Africa in October, with plans to photograph landscapes around Cape Town and wildlife in Kruger National Park. That trip has me thinking carefully about my camera setup—and whether an older camera like the Leica SL2 can really handle the demands of African wildlife photography. I explain why I enjoy shooting the Leica SL2 despite its limitations, why I chose to simplify my photography gear, and how I’m planning to use a rented Lumix S5II alongside the SL2 to give myself phase-detect autofocus when I need it. I’ll also be renting a Sigma 500mm f/5.6 for the trip and pairing it with the S5II for wildlife, while using my Leica SL2 with the 70-200mm f/2.8. My 24-105mm ...

Leica SL2 Wildlife AF Test: Can It Really Track Bison?

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Today I'm putting the Leica SL2 autofocus system to a real-world wildlife test at Big Bone Lick State Park in Kentucky. The goal is simple: can the Leica SL2 actually track wildlife reliably? I've been testing the SL2 in different conditions, and this time I wanted to give its autofocus system a tougher challenge. I'm photographing bison while shooting through a fence—adding plenty of potential distractions for the camera's focusing system. I'm using the Leica SL2 with the Sigma 70-200mm, and I also test the setup with a teleconverter. I put the camera's Tracking AF, Spot AF, and Field AF modes through their paces to see how they perform with moving wildlife. The results surprised me. The Leica SL2 isn't necessarily the newest or most sophisticated wildlife camera on the market, but this test shows that it can track wildlife and produce some very usable images when you understand how to work with the autofocus system. I'll also talk about one issue...

20–30 Trains a Day Run Through This Main Street?! | Leica Q Photography

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La Grange, Kentucky is one of the most unusual small towns in America — because freight trains run right down the middle of Main Street! 🚂 In this video, I take my Leica Q on a one-hour photography walk through historic downtown La Grange, Kentucky, just outside Louisville. The goal is simple: one camera, one lens, one hour, and see what kind of images I can capture. La Grange is known for its historic downtown, beautiful old buildings, murals, restaurants, and — most famously — railroad tracks running directly through Main Street. There can be 20–30 trains passing through town each day, and I was hoping we'd be lucky enough to photograph one. After walking around photographing the architecture, murals, historic buildings and small-town details, the moment finally happens — a freight train comes right down Main Street! 🚂📷 Along the way, I also talk about the challenges of photographing in harsh midday light, the Leica Q settings I'm using, and my ongoing struggle to beco...

I Drove to Kentucky's Oldest Covered Bridges | Leica Photography & Hidden History

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  Have you ever driven miles just to photograph an old covered bridge? In this episode of Dewey's Photography Adventures, I travel through northern Kentucky to visit two of the state's oldest surviving covered bridges—the beautifully restored Dover Covered Bridge and the historic Walcott (White) Covered Bridge. Along the way, I share why these forgotten places deserve to be photographed, preserved, and appreciated. Using only my Leica Q, I show how I approach photographing historic architecture in harsh midday light and explain the difference between taking a picture of something versus creating a photograph about something. If you enjoy landscape photography, travel photography, history, architecture, Leica cameras, or discovering hidden gems across America, this video is for you. 📍 In this video: Dover Covered Bridge Walcott (White) Covered Bridge Historic Kentucky covered bridges Leica Q photography Photographing in harsh sunlight Storytelling through photography Histo...

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...

Bourbon County's Hidden Gem | Leica SL2 Photography Walk

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Explore the historic charm of Cynthiana, Kentucky and the Coleville Covered Bridge (built in 1877) as I spend an hour photographing this beautiful small town using the Leica SL2 + Lumix 24‑105mm. We start at the last covered bridge still open to automobile traffic in Bourbon County — a rare burr truss bridge, not the typical arch design (“this is what's called a burr truss bridge, not a burr arch truss bridge” ). Then we head into downtown Cynthiana, known for its murals, historic architecture, opera house, and small‑town Kentucky charm. Along the way, I capture murals including the tribute to legendary UK coach Joe B. Hall (“That is Joe B. Hall, former basketball coach, University of Kentucky” ), explore the old theater‑turned‑museum, and photograph the iconic Van Hook Hardware building. If you enjoy small‑town photography, covered bridges, Leica shooting, or discovering new places within a day’s drive, this episode of A Day’s Drive is for you. #LeicaSL2 #LeicaPhotography #Ke...

Cloudy Mornings With the Leica SL2 | Full Frame Mirrorless in Unpredictable Weather

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See how the Leica SL2 handles real-world outdoor conditions. This Leica SL2 review shows footage captured with the 24-105 lens. I took the Leica SL2 and the versatile 24-105 lens out into the field to see how they perform in varied environments. From driving on wet roads to shooting near old barns, this footage demonstrates the camera capabilities during changing weather conditions. If you are considering this setup for your own kit, this test provides a raw look at the image quality and handling you can expect in the field. Whether you are interested in landscape photography or daily shooting, seeing how the Leica 24-105 lens manages different lighting and moisture levels is key. This outdoor camera test highlights how the full frame mirrorless system manages dynamic scenery. Use this as a reference point for your next gear decision. Subscribe for weekly camera gear breakdowns, and comment below if you want to see a low-light test next.

Whitehouse Ohio, A Photo Walk With Family Ties

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Take a photo walk with me through Whitehouse, Ohio — the small town where my wife grew up and where my brother is currently the mayor. This video is part of my Leica Summer Series, and even though I forgot my SD card and had to shoot with my phone, we still explore the town’s history, memories, and landmarks that shaped our lives. We start at the city park and quarry pond — “this has been here forever… now they got a nice little fountain here in the middle” — then walk Main Street to revisit places like the old Don Scott dealership, the Buzz restaurant, the restored early‑1900s gas station, and the memorial honoring local veterans. Along the way, I share personal stories: Tuesday night volleyball at the old elementary school, quarter‑pitcher nights at Rumors, giant tacos at the Whitehouse Inn — “two tacos… literally as big as your head for $2.25” — and memories of friends and family who shaped this community. We finish at Anthony Wayne High School, where my wife and I met in the e...

Madison, Indiana Through My Leica Q Lens

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Join me for a Leica Q street photography session in Madison, Indiana. See how I capture candid moments and local architecture during a spontaneous photo walk. This video follows my process as I wander through the historic streets of Madison, Indiana, looking for unique compositions. Whether you are a fan of Leica gear or just looking for inspiration for your next photo walk, this footage highlights the practical capabilities of the Leica Q in a real-world setting. I break down my approach to finding subjects near the river and how I frame shots on the fly. By documenting my workflow, I hope to offer some street photography tips for those who want to get more out of their own local explorations. We look at how light interacts with the town's architecture and why paying attention to the unexpected often leads to the best images. Subscribe for weekly photography gear breakdowns and field tests. Let me know in the comments: what is your favorite camera to bring on a solo photo walk?...

My New One‑Camera, One‑Lens Setup for Landscape Photography

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In this video, I'm excited to share with you my new one-camera, one-lens setup for landscape photography, perfect for travel photographers who want to capture stunning outdoor scenes without the burden of heavy equipment. As a travel photographer, I've learned that sometimes less is more, and this setup has allowed me to focus on the photography basics and experiment with different photography techniques to achieve the perfect shot. Whether you're a beginner in photography or an experienced shooter, this photography tutorial will provide you with valuable photography tips and tricks to improve your landscape photography skills. From understanding photography exposure to choosing the right photography equipment, I'll cover it all in this video. If you're looking for photography lessons or photography tips to take your travel photography to the next level, then this video is for you. With this one-camera, one-lens setup, you'll be able to capture beautiful urban a...

One Camera One Lens: Is It Enough for Landscape Photography?

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Experience three days of real‑world landscape photography as I test a brand‑new one‑camera, one‑lens setup across sunrise ponds, country barns, and the Cincinnati skyline. This video is all about simplicity, consistency, and seeing whether a minimal kit can deliver professional‑quality landscape images in changing conditions. We start near CVG Airport photographing a misty sunrise pond beside Perfetti Candy. Then we head to one of my favorite country barns to catch golden‑hour light after a late night at the Indiana Fever game. Finally, we wrap up at Devou Park’s Drees Pavilion, shooting the city skyline through clouds, haze, and post‑storm atmosphere. Throughout the video, I stick to my usual landscape settings — f/11–f/16, ISO 100, circular polarizer, and slow shutter speeds — while putting this new camera and lens combo to the test. In the next video, I’ll reveal exactly what camera and lens I’ve been using… so drop your guesses in the comments! If you enjoy sunrise shoots, real‑...

I Challenged Myself to One Lens in the Smoky Mountains

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What happens when you leave all your other gear at home and spend the day with just one camera and one lens? In this video, I take my Leica Q to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for another installment of my One Camera, One Lens series. Along the way, we'll search for wildlife, photograph mountain landscapes, capture a waterfall using long exposure techniques, and see what kind of images can be created with a fixed 28mm lens. While many photographers rely on multiple lenses and camera bodies, I've found that limiting my gear often helps me slow down, focus on composition, and simply enjoy photography more. The Leica Q continues to challenge and inspire me in ways I didn't expect. Join me and my granddaughters as we explore Gatlinburg, Cades Cove, and the Smokies with one simple setup. In this video: 📸 Leica Q Photography 📸 Cades Cove Landscapes 📸 Gatlinburg Tennessee 📸 Great Smoky Mountains National Park 📸 One Camera O...

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky | Why This Tiny Town Keeps Inspiring My Photography

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Sometimes the best photography adventures happen close to home. In this installment of my Leica Summer Series, I take the Leica Q on a relaxing Sunday drive through the Kentucky countryside to the historic river town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. From the iconic Rabbit Hash General Store to unexpected river traffic on the Ohio River, this tiny town never disappoints. Along the way, I capture photographs, share a little local history, enjoy a MoonPie and Diet Coke, and revisit an old country church and cemetery to recreate an image that inspired me through another photographer's work. The Leica Q's fixed 28mm lens continues to push me outside my comfort zone, forcing me to slow down, see differently, and appreciate the experience of photography as much as the final image. If you enjoy photography, small-town America, Leica cameras, road trips, and discovering hidden gems, I think you'll enjoy this one. If you have suggestions for future Leica Summer Series videos, leave the...