This spider web really has rainbows thanks to a complex and slightly weird combination of physics and biology. Not just iridescence, but an ever-changing rainbow that shifts all over the web in the morning hours. It’s one of those shots that when I was looking through the camera I figured no one would believe it hadn't been photoshopped (it wasn't, I even have video!). While there is a lot of cool science going on here involving light and the unique properties of spider webs to create the effect, it’s also one of the prettiest things I have … [Read more...] about Making Photos: “Rai” the Rainbow Spider
Jason Hahn
Nature Photographer and Instructor at Hahn Nature Photography
Jason is a nature and adventure photographer who has been photographing all the amazing creatures and places this planet has to offer for over a decade. Also a Florida Master Naturalist, he enjoys teaching about photography and the natural world. He currently calls Florida home, with his wife, son, and more cats than he would like to admit. When not writing about himself in the third person, he enjoys sunsets and long walks on the beach while carrying 40 pounds of camera gear. He can most often be found wading through a swamp, hunting down a good burger joint, or enjoying time with his family.
You can find out more about Jason, including his photo workshops, at HahnNaturePhotography.com.
You can find out more about Jason, including his photo workshops, at HahnNaturePhotography.com.
Latest posts by Jason Hahn (see all)
- Making Photos: “Rai” the Rainbow Spider - May 21, 2017
- Using the Platypod Ultra from a Car, “The Sling Mount” - May 10, 2017
- Getting Out of Your Photography Comfort Zone: A Nature Photographer Wanders into a Studio - April 29, 2017
Using the Platypod Ultra from a Car, “The Sling Mount”
Given the opportunity to test out the new Platypod Ultra, I started with the same question I ask with all new gear, "Do I really need this?" After all, my camera bag is already large enough to qualify for its own zip code. Is this going to join the pile of photographic stuff I don’t often use? Or, will it become an indispensable part of my photographic armory. I admit, at first glance, my reaction was "What is it? Some type of fancy bottle opener?" This was quickly replaced with the realization, “I can use this to put cameras and flashes … [Read more...] about Using the Platypod Ultra from a Car, “The Sling Mount”
Getting Out of Your Photography Comfort Zone: A Nature Photographer Wanders into a Studio
I made it a goal this year to learn something way outside of my photography comfort zone of the great outdoors. After my first plan for a project exploring "underwater fine art nude food photography" fell through (apparently, Thanksgiving dinner was not the place to jump-start this idea), I decided to take a workshop on studio model photography. Yes, that is correct. Me. Indoors. In a studio. With models. Gasp... Let's face it, I am a lot more comfortable waist deep in a swamp filled with ‘gators than in a studio! Fortunately, a few weeks … [Read more...] about Getting Out of Your Photography Comfort Zone: A Nature Photographer Wanders into a Studio
Are Your Photos Getting the “Blurts”?
One of the ultimate compliments for a photo is when it makes someone just blurt out a one syllable word or sound. "Wow", "ooh", "awww", "damn", "whoa", "spoon"... you get the idea. The measure of a photo's success isn't if it followed all the "rules", it's whether it makes the viewer feel something. If you get a spontaneous exclamation out of your viewer, they have felt something! If you aren't getting these "blurts" about your work, using these concepts and techniques will make an instant impact on your creative process for … [Read more...] about Are Your Photos Getting the “Blurts”?
Photographing Wildlife Up Close… the Right Way
Usually, my articles have a lighthearted note, full of photography wit and wisdom (bite your tongue, let me cling to my illusion.) But, I’m going to get a little serious in this one. I am a firm believer that to be a better nature photographer, you have to be a better naturalist - a continuous student and passionate observer of the natural world and all its creatures. To do so requires a core code of ethics; there are lines that you just do not cross in pursuit of your nature pictures. With wildlife, it is very tempting to try to get closer … [Read more...] about Photographing Wildlife Up Close… the Right Way
Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
A sense of dread begins to fill you as frightening words and symbols flash before your eyes. Afraid all is lost, you begin to panic... An error message has appeared on your camera screen! An error message is a sure way to send blood pressure skyrocketing and heart beat racing. Often the messages are cryptic at best, requiring you to look it up while envisioning an expensive repair bill for your camera. But, some of the most common errors I have seen on DSLRs in my photographic endeavors are due to communications issues between the lens and … [Read more...] about Fast DIY Fix for a Common Camera Error
Straighten Your Photos with a “Reflection Correction”
One of my favorite features within Lightroom is the Straightening Tool. I have the exceptional ability to consistently produce images with slightly crooked horizons; my theory is that I am somehow 5 degrees off kilter to the planet. The Straightening Tool fixes this quickly and easily; click, drag, fixed! But, you don’t always have a distinct horizon to go by to get things straightened out, which requires you to do some experimentation to get your shot looking right. Since I photograph around a lot of water, I picked up a trick in Lightroom … [Read more...] about Straighten Your Photos with a “Reflection Correction”
How to Make Distortion Disappear with Lightroom’s Transform Tools
Sometimes you look at a photo and you know something just isn’t right. If there is one thing that will cause that uneasy feeling, it is unfixed lens distortion in a photo. Our brain knows buildings have straight lines, faces have certain proportions, and animals don’t lean as they are standing. Curved trees, crooked buildings, or pinched faces - they all subconsciously scream “unnatural” to our brain. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix lens distortions within the digital darkroom. In just a few clicks, using Lightroom's Lens … [Read more...] about How to Make Distortion Disappear with Lightroom’s Transform Tools
Getting Creative With Instagram’s Multiple Photos Feature
Recently Instagram added the “multiple photos” feature, where an image post can include up to 10 images and/or videos which you can swipe through. Although sharing an album of shots from a trip or shoot is the most obvious choice, I am always on the lookout for new ways to share my work and the stories behind it. Below are some creative ways to use multiple photos in my Instagram posts, as well as a short primer on how to use this new feature. Ideas for Things You Can Do with Multiple Photos Action Sequence (See it on Instagram. Best … [Read more...] about Getting Creative With Instagram’s Multiple Photos Feature
Fast & Easy Photo Keywording from the Cloud
If you ask a random group of photographers what their favorite things about photography are, odds are "spending hours keywording images" is not on anyone's list! Keywording is a task that is easy to put off. I am guilty of this and quite often behind getting it done. I've set aside a specific "keywording" day on the calendar, used keyword lists to make it easier, I've even adked my wife to hide my memory cards until I get the latest batch of images done. For all of this, keywording remains my number one most procrastinated task on my … [Read more...] about Fast & Easy Photo Keywording from the Cloud
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article For my two photography businesses, I have about 9 billion different social media services, profiles, portfolio sites, and websites. Well, maybe 9 billion is a slight exaggeration. But, just keeping up with your online presence can turn into a full-time job. I would rather be spending time with my family and going out to take a photo or two, than basking in the glow of my computer screen. Whether you are new to IFTTT.com (IF This, Then That), or have been using it for a while, these applets … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 3: Managing Your Social Media
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
Are you new to IFTTT? Then check out this article first! For many of us in photography, keeping up with the business side is probably not at the top of our list of fun things to do. Realistically, most of us would rather be crafting that perfect photo than itemizing our receipts. Using an automation tool like IFTTT.com can ease the burden of the business side. Think of it as your internet friend who doesn’t mind doing the stuff you don't want to do! How to use IFTTT Here are some ways I use IFTTT (IF This, Then That) to stay on top of my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 2: Stay on Top of Your Photography Business
IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
I love technology and innovation, and thanks to it, the amazing things we can do in photography. But, like many photographers, I confess to excessive grumbling about the amount of time spent in front of the computer and away from the camera. I am always looking for something that shifts the balance from computer time to camera time. I found IFTTT.com a few years ago and by using it, many of my online “chores” are now automated. It's a tool that saves time at the computer and helps keep me organized, all for the low, low cost of free (my … [Read more...] about IFTTT for Photographers – Part 1: Save Time and Get Organized
9 Tips to Put More Life into Your Wildlife Photos
As the (insert amazing wild animal of choice here) steps out of the edge of the woods into view and you imagine getting award-winning images of it, countless choices face you for how to make those images. "What aperture should I use...what ISO...should I try to move closer...should I shoot it as a vertical...should I put on a teleconverter...should I take off the teleconverter... should I switch my car insurance to that company run by a lizard…?" In wildlife photography, things happen fast. Deep, right? You can quote me on that. When … [Read more...] about 9 Tips to Put More Life into Your Wildlife Photos
Photography in the Fog
Fog can be one of the most beautiful weather phenomena, but it can be surprisingly difficult to photograph. The light levels are misleading and ever-changing, the lack of contrast can make your auto-focus next to useless, and you can end up getting yourself and your gear soaked if not careful. While fog can be very challenging to photograph, it can also produce some exceptional outdoor photography opportunities! Science Moment: Fog Facts and Flavors I’m a big believer that to be a better nature photographer, you have to be a better … [Read more...] about Photography in the Fog
