I'm so glad you found me! I'm a San Francisco photographer, and this blog charts my journey in the ever-evolving world of photography. One of the things I love about photography is that it's a journey, not a destination. I'm constantly learning and meeting wonderful people. Please peruse the blog to your heart's content, then check out my website and feel free to contact me! (I love hearing from you.)

“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow." – Imogen Cunningham

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen

March is Manual Month


Ok, I have a dirty little secret to tell you. Most of the time, I don't shoot in manual mode. I am, in fact, usually super happy in Aperture Priority. I set the aperture and the ISO, and my (extremely intelligent) camera does the rest.

And oh! My laziness knows no bounds. If, say, the exposure isn't right on, or the white balance is off, no worries! I shoot in raw. Take that image into Lightroom and ta-da! Right as rain again.

Sometimes, yes. I do shoot in manual. I know how. If the lighting is difficult but constant, if something is heinously backlit, often for wedding ceremonies where the white and black clothing can really confuse the camera, I'll make the switch to manual. Also when I shoot interiors it's all manual, all the time. Because the highlights matter, and it's a naturally slower shoot. And then sometimes, yeah. Manual for fun.

But this month I have decided to try shooting in manual, all the time. Unless it's a paid shoot, natch. Then I'll shoot however I deem best suits the moment.

Anyway, the first thing I have noticed about manual that's annoying: you have to pay attention. To the exposure. Every time the light changes. What's up with that? More breaking news later.