Photography
When I first started in 2016, I genuinely believed that becoming a great photographer meant mastering camera settings, nailing composition, and building a big social following. Maybe you feel the same—that technical skills, a signature editing style, or the ability to capture perfect lighting is what lands the biggest jobs.
Read MoreI paired up with Tamron Americas to bring to life a 1500 word guide, filled with images, about photographing historical monuments in Egypt. This story is focused on sailing/cruising the Nile, visiting the ancient sites of Luxor, visiting museums, and, of course, photographing the pyramids.
Personally, this project was one in a lifetime, as I achieved a childhood goal of visiting every continent. Finishing with Egypt, a childhood fascination, I couldn't be more in shock. Before I write any more of a sob story about achieving childhood dreams, here is a taste of the article:
Golden light coats the largest natural lake in California and blankets the Emerald Range lining the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe. From Pope Beach, looking north across the lake reminds me of being in a cove opening to the ocean. Kristin inflates her Bote kayak and begins the short paddle to her ideal destination during this sunset.
Read MoreWhile road tripping down the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Santa Cruz, CA, I asked Kristin Riegel if she would be open modeling for a spec shoot for Blundstone while we stopped at Sharkfin Cove for sunset. She looked at me with a smile, “I’m ugly right now, but of course I will.” For the past three years, Kristin has always been there for me and the building of my career. For this, I am forever grateful ❤️
Read MoreFor a couple of years I was the go to photographer for water bottle companies. While you can say what you want about photographing outdoor lifestyle campaigns around water bottles, it was rad. Right now, I am smiling as I look through my archive at the countless photoshoots I did for brands like MiiR and Klean Kanteen but something is off!
Read MoreBefore the sun rose, we had our shorts on, bags packed, and towels slung over our shoulder. Andrew has the behemoth Muse Roamer that allows for a very plush life on the road, meanwhile I have modest comforts with a converted van. So, I crawled out of the van and headed into the heated Muse Roamer to enjoy coffee to wait for the best lighting.
Read MoreConsistency is not frequency, yet many creatives think these words are synonymous. Heck, I used to think this was the case until a few years ago, which lead to me leaving all social media platforms for about 2.5 years, but that is a story for another time. To debunk the consistency vs frequency argument, I’m starting with the fundamentals…
Read MoreHere are 16 tips for budding photographers looking for quick advice on getting started in the career of adventure photography. After 10 years in the career, adventure photographer Dalton Johnson shares his experience to becoming the go to content partner for brands with adventurous clients.
Read MorePhotographing Olmsted Point in Yosemite National Park is an overcrowded tourist experience I pretty much never pass up. While I have been to this spot roughly 20 times, each stop is different, so I always bring my camera. With its sweeping views of Half Dome, Tenaya Lake, and Clouds Rest, this spot is a favorite among landscape photographers. Equipped with a Sony A7R IV and a Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, you can make the most of this location's photographic potential.
Read MoreTucked away along the Oak Creek in Sedona, AZ is L’Auberge de Sedona. This four star resort should be on everyone’s bucket “must-stay” list if you are looking for luxurious stays. If you are a Sunday brunch kind of human, well, they also have the best Sunday brunch in town. But, good luck getting a room, this spot is almost always booked out, so get on your reservations now.
Read MoreAs a kid, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I’m proud to say, after this trip to Egypt, my 12 year-old-self would greet me with a smile and say, “Good job, Dalton, you did it. Now, were else else are we going to go? You’re only 31.” Laughing to myself as I write this, I understand my younger self was never satisfied. I’m still kind of like that, but, for now, it’s time to sit back and process this privilege I’ve been blessed to enjoy.
Read MoreFrom 2016 to 2022, my focus was strictly on adventure content. I chased swells towering 50 feet above my head as I snapped images from the water, dangled from ropes 3,000 feet above Yosemite Valley’s floor, and all the things in between that stroke an adventurer’s ego.
Read MoreTucked away in Halibut Cove, Alaska is a hidden series of cabins with waterfront views belonging to a two key Michelin adventure lodge; Stillpoint Lodge. Getting there might spike your cortisol levels if you are not keen on boat rides or plane flights, but once you’re standing on your front porch staring out at the water, all your stress will fade away.
Read MoreFor two months, the Peak Design Outdoor 45L Pack sat on my shelf. Its design intimidated me: no traditional clips, a roll-top, and an array of dangling cords. I’ve packed hundreds of bags, but I couldn’t figure out where to start with this one. I shelved it for "later," waiting for the right opportunity. That opportunity finally arrived. I was heading to Loreto, Baja California Sur, for a quick trip to photograph whales. Carry-on only, no room for error.
Read MoreWhen I drove to Alaska with my dad and later returned with my girlfriend Kristin, one thing remained constant: the Tamron 150-500mm lens was always attached to my camera. If there’s one thing you learn quickly on a road trip to Alaska, it’s that wildlife can appear at any moment. Whether it’s a bear lumbering along the roadside, an eagle soaring overhead, or a moose grazing in a meadow, you’re constantly surrounded by incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Having the Tamron 150-500mm on my camera ensured I was always ready to capture those fleeting moments, no matter when or where they happened.
Read MoreWhen you’re planning a sunrise shoot at Glacier Point, simplicity can be your greatest ally. During an ambitious morning shoot at Glacier Point I embraced this concept with the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 mounted on my Sony camera, and that's it. Despite my usual inclination to carry multiple lenses, this lightweight zoom delivered everything I needed—and nothing I didn’t.
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Capturing moments in a frame is an art, and every photographer deserves tools that enhance their creative journey. Whether you're shopping for a novice shutterbug or a seasoned pro, this gift guide covers a spectrum of essentials, from cutting-edge camera gear to educational resources.
Read MoreLiving on the road isn't for the faint of heart and, despite what social media shows, vanlifing can be hard on the body and mind. Yet, there are a few gifts that make road trips and vanlife that much more, as we should say, easy-going. Below is a complete list of gifts that any vanlifer or road tripper would be excited to receive.
If you are searching for a gift for a vanlifer, or an avid road tripper, look no further. We have complied over 50 items to select from broken down into a variety of categories and price ranges. If that is a little overwhelming, start with the Table of Contents and navigate around.
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