Hello Reader!

I hope you are doing well. The past few months have been filled with travel, projects, and exciting adventures. My cup was so full that it started to spill over, hence the delay since my last newsletter. But I'm happy to report we're back on track! Here's a quick recap of the past few months.

In March, we hosted the Out of Big Sur Photography Conference. Each conference is special in its own way, but this experience is one I'll still be talking about while reminiscing on a porch rocking chair in years to come. Exploring the Big Sur coast with a camera is like walking through landscape photography history. Not only did I get to spend the week with some of my favorite colleagues, but the icing on the cake was visiting the homes and darkrooms of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Meeting their families, hearing their stories, and seeing their original artwork on the walls - 'surreal' doesn't even begin to describe the experience. I left filled with gratitude and a greater understanding of Ansel's and Edward's work ethic, drive, and passion for photography.

April was dedicated to finishing a goal I started last year - completing my certification as a Georgia Master Naturalist. It's something I've thought about for a while but finally dedicated the time to make it happen. I learned so much through the curriculum, leaving not only a better photographer but also a better human. Additionally, I learned that these courses are like potato chips - you can't have just one. So, I started another master naturalist program for Southern Appalachia. This will take a few years to complete, but I know I'll enjoy the journey.

And finally, that brings us to May. I've spent the past few weeks refilling my tank. This past winter and spring left me depleted, both physically and creatively. I hate to use the term 'burnout,' but it's probably the most appropriate description. That's why this month's featured article is about breaking out of a creative rut, along with a technical tip on figuring out what size hard drive you need to store all your photo files. Enjoy!

Cheers,
Chrissy

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​​Lessons from the Landscape​ ​How to Get Out of a Creative Rut

Have you ever felt stuck in a creative rut? You're not alone. Creative blocks can happen to anyone, and they often leave us feeling isolated and uninspired. Over the past few months, I've been navigating my way out of my own creative black hole. What I've learned from this rut and past ruts is they pass much quicker if you employ a few practical strategies to reignite that creative spark.

Read Breaking Out of a Creative Rut

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TECHNICAL TIPS​ ​What Size Hard Drive Do You Need?

A question that regularly lands in my inbox is something crucial for every photographer: photo storage. So, I thought it's about time for an update on a topic I covered a while back – how to figure out the perfect size hard drive for your image library and how often should you be replacing it? In my latest article, I break down my whole thought process on how I estimate what size hard drive to purchase and talk about how frequently you should replace them.

Find Out How Much Storage You Need

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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES​ ​Learn Nature Photography Flash Sale

In case you didn't see, the Learn Nature Photography "Workflow Collection" dropped this past weekend. ​​ ✔︎ Seven brand new tutorials from Sean Bagshaw, Sarah Marino, Josh Cripps, Alex Noriega, Eric Bennett, Nick Page, and Michael Shainblum. ​ ✔︎ Covering planning, fieldwork, processing, and printing ​ ✔︎ Available only through Monday, May 20th, 2024

Learn More & Buy​

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Last Call - only a couple of spots remain! ​ Join me and this fantastic team of instructors at the Out of Chicago Grand Teton Photography Conference next month. ​ ✔︎ June 16-20, 2024 ​ ✔︎ 4 nights of a single-accommodation hotel room at the historic Jackson Lake Lodge. ​ ✔︎ Daily hands-on instruction during extensive field sessions, group meals, and interactive lodge sessions. ​ ✔︎ Diverse learning environment with 15 incredible photography instructors.

Learn More & Register​

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MONTHLY MANTRA​ ​To repeat and shape our mindsets

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GRAB BAG​ ​Favorite Photography Finds

1.) Nature Photographers Network (NPN) is hosting a Free Webinar with Stephanie Johnson on "The Creative World of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) Photography" on May 22nd at 1 PM EDT. Note: You can watch the webinar live for free; only paid NPN members can watch the recording.

2.) If you're not a member of the Nature Photographers Network, you should change that today...

3.) Cole Thompson released a new black and white portfolio: "Melting Giants".

4.) Beth Buelow sat down with Matt Payne on F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast to talk about "Beyond the Label: Exploring Creative Identity in Photography".

5.) Michele Sons launched The Art of Place, a new learning resource for Nature Photographers. She describes it as "like art school, but for nature photographers".

6.) Entries for the fourth Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA) close on May 31st, 2024 along with a grant program to fund a young up-and-coming photographer who may not have their own means to conduct a photography project aimed at the conservation of the natural world.

7.) Richard Bernabe interviewed Matt Richtel on his Beyond the Lens Podcast about "Why Creativity is Terrifying, Finding Inspiration, and the Problem with Perfection".

8.) Adam Gibbs shares practical tips and advice on how to Achieve Stunning Wildflower Shots in his latest YouTube video.

9.) Mark Denney released his survey results with one of his latest YouTube videos, sharing the answer for what 87% of Photographers Agree is the Most Important Aspect of a Great Landscape Photo.

10.) Naturalist Nugget: Migratory birds don’t all take off at the same time. Their departures and arrivals are staggered based on historical patterns tied to food and habitat availability. Thanks to the Bird Migration Explorer, you can find out exactly where your favorite birds are hanging out today so you can put yourself in the right place at the right time with your camera.