Inspirational

My Top Five Abraham Lincoln Quotes

Abraham Lincoln

In honor of President’s Day, here are my top five Abraham Lincoln quotes:


An iPhone, a treadmill and a vision

Screen shot 2012-01-27 at 9.35.42 AM

Motivation sometimes needs to be seeded with inspiration. Here’s how I motivated myself to get back in shape with my iPhone, Nik Software’s Snapseed, and a treadmill.


Goal setting — keep it S.M.A.R.T

2560X1600 Jan

Head over today’s blog to download January’s desktop calendar. Plus, I share a few of my thoughts about goal setting…;)


A view from the top of the Mackinac Bridge

We enter several doors on our way to the small elevator

Check out my journey to the top of the Mackinac Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. It was quite the climb to the top, but the views were second to none.


Saying goodbye…..

Tess Chilling on the couch

We said goodbye yesterday to one of our best buds, our twelve year old newfie—Tess. Tess has been a member of our family for nearly twelve years and was probably one of the sweetest dogs you would have ever met.


Check Your Focus by Aaron Graham

Smoky Mountain Morning by Aaron Graham

Guest blogger Aaron Graham gives us his take on truly evaluating your photography and your process in order to continue improving your work. Where is your focus?


Where are you heading?

“Is this the path I mean to be on? Am I heading in the right direction? Am I happy? Is my family happy?” This mental check-in is essential for the health of my photography and for my own sanity.


Technology can inspire

Madison River (1/800 sec at f7.1, 35mm at ISO 100)

I know it’s been said time and time again, it’s not the equipment that counts – it’s the visualization. I totally agree with that statement, but I’m also a strong believer that there are times that gear or technology can spark creativity or push us outside our comfort zone.


Finding my way as a photographer

Central Park, NYC

Many of you are or have been exactly where I was years ago. Wandering, searching, looking for guidance. It’s a vicious cycle, riddled with moments of doubt as you question your style, technique, or commitment. The reality is: it’s a process.


The Fog

Foggy Tree  (1/160th at f/8, 80mm at ISO 200)

Ever since I was a child I’ve always been fascinated by the fog. I love the idea how it transforms our perception of reality.


See the Arrow

Bear x-ings, photo by Kajsa Stolberg

It’s the same old prompt: even if you don’t feel like there’s something to shoot, get out and shoot anyway! You might find material to create some pretty great stuff.


Why I Joined Flickr

Head In The Sand (1/60th at f2.8, 23mm at ISO 500)

I finally got my head out of the sand and joined Flickr. I’m not sure why I waited this long to join, but it’s proven to be another wonderful outlet to connect with fellow photographers.


Remembering My First Mentor

Nancy and John on the job circa 1972 photo by Robert King

I’ve been taking photos for about as long as I can remember. Both of my parents were journalists, but I always thought my mother had the cooler job as the photographer.


Keeping an open mind

The Chicago Art Institute

It’s taken me many years to truly understand the phrase “art is in the eye of the beholder.” I think being a photographer has not only helped me tolerate, but more importantly, appreciate and accept many different forms of art.


A Snowy Recipe

John Batdorff Self Portrait

Yesterday I decided to grab my camera and take advantage of Chicago’s new fallen snow. I took a few photos at the lake and a fun self portrait. Today’s blog breaks down how I created the self-portrait.


New Year’s Resolutions

Kajsa Stolberg (1/4000s @f5.6, 80mm, ISO 400)

Kajsa here after the holiday break and we’re talking the new year. I always forget about the New Year’s resolution tradition… heck, the snow’s usually melted before I acknowledge it -


Put your boots on and shoot

Montrose beach basket ball court

One of my favorite times to photograph Chicago is during the holidays.


There are thousands of photos in your own backyard

Vacant Home

The reality is there are 1000s of photographs within 100 yards of either direction of where you are sitting right this moment. Here’s a way to see them for the first time.