Month in Review | February 2025

With February behind us and March already in full swing, it’s time to look back on another month filled with creative exploration and exciting projects. From photographing dynamic equestrian sports to testing new gear and refining my workflow, February was all about pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges. As always, there’s so much to learn in photography, whether behind the camera or in post-processing, and I’m excited to share what I worked on last month. Let’s dive in!

Words That Inspire

“It’s important to take bad pictures. It’s the bad ones that have to do with what you’ve never done before. They can make you recognize something you hadn’t seen in a way that will make you recognize it when you see it again.”
– Diane Arbus

What I Photographed

February brought a mix of fast-paced action, serene landscapes, and everyday beauty. One of the highlights was photographing the Galway Downs Horse Trials, where I captured the power and grace of both horse and rider in a thrilling equestrian event. (You can read more about that experience here.)

I also ventured out early to photograph Lake Henshaw at sunrise, where the soft morning light and misty hills created a peaceful and breathtaking scene. Beyond planned shoots, I made a point to document daily moments, finding inspiration in the small, everyday details that often go unnoticed.

Each of these experiences reinforced my love for capturing the world around me—whether it’s a grand event, a quiet landscape, or the fleeting beauty of everyday life.

What I’m Testing

This month, I’ve been diving into the world of medium format photography with the FUJIFILM GFX100S II paired with the GF32-64mmF4 lens — and to say I’m impressed would be an understatement. With its 102-megapixel sensor, this camera produces the largest, most detailed files I’ve ever worked with. The clarity and resolution are simply astounding!

One of the biggest surprises has been the depth of field differences compared to my Canon R6. With full-frame, I’m used to achieving sharp landscapes by focusing about 1/3 into the scene at f/11, but with the GFX, the focus falloff is far more pronounced. To compensate, I’ll either need to shoot at a smaller aperture (higher f-number) or experiment with focus stacking—a technique I’m eager to refine.

While the GFX100S II is larger and heavier than my usual gear, it’s still quite manageable, and I’m loving every moment with it. I’ll be sharing a full review soon, but for now, my first impressions are overwhelmingly positive—I’m enamored! Stay tuned for more insights as I continue exploring this incredible camera.

I’ve also been exploring the ON1 Lightpanel add-on for Lightroom Classic, an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline photo culling and editing workflows. While it’s primarily geared toward portrait and wedding photographers, Lightpanel offers features beneficial to landscape and cityscape artists as well. Notably, its AI-driven adjustments integrate seamlessly with Lightroom’s sliders, allowing for intelligent enhancements without disrupting existing workflows.  

One standout feature is Lightpanel’s ability to group similar photos automatically, detect faces, and highlight the sharpest images, significantly reducing the time spent sorting through large collections. Additionally, its AI can intelligently adjust color, tone, and detail based on the context of each photo, making it a versatile tool across various photography genres.  

I’m currently integrating Lightpanel into my editing process and plan to share a comprehensive review soon. Initial impressions suggest it could be a valuable asset for photographers seeking to enhance efficiency and maintain high-quality edits

What I Worked On

February was a busy month filled with exciting projects! As many of you know, my work with Mylio Photos keeps me immersed in creating educational content to help people organize, protect, and enjoy their photo collections. In addition to my ongoing presentations and resources for Mylio users, I’ve also started writing for FUJIFILM—a new and exciting opportunity to share insights on photography and creative tools. While I can’t share those articles just yet, I look forward to including them in next month’s roundup. In the meantime, here’s a look at what I published in February!

• Link, Copy, or Move? Demystifying Mylio Photos Import Options [Video]
• Navigating Sync Policies in Mylio Photos [Video]
• Folders vs. Albums Explained in Mylio Photos [Video]
• Effortless Sharing in Mylio Photos: Fast, Customizable, and Connected [Article + Video]
• How to Safely Free Up Space on Your Phone Using Mylio Photos [Article + Video]
• Crafting Custom QuickCollections in Mylio Photos [Article + Video]

Photography Tip of the Month

Creativity thrives when you push your boundaries! Challenge yourself to try something completely different with your photography. If you usually shoot landscapes, experiment with street photography. If you’re a portrait photographer, try intentional camera movement (ICM) or abstract compositions.

Stepping outside your comfort zone doesn’t mean abandoning what you love—it’s about expanding your skills, seeing the world in new ways, and keeping your passion fresh. Not every shot will be perfect, but that’s part of the learning process. Embrace the unexpected, experiment with new techniques, and have fun!

What’s a photography genre you’ve been curious about but haven’t tried yet? Let me know in the comments!

Where I’ll Be in March

March is shaping up to be an exciting month of travel and photography events! If you’ll be attending either of these, I’d love to connect:

📍 RootsTech – Salt Lake City, UT (March 6-8)

I’ll be at RootsTech, the world’s largest family history conference, exploring the latest tools and technology for preserving memories. Whether you’re passionate about genealogy or looking for ways to organize and protect your family’s photo collection, this event is full of valuable insights. Learn more here.

📍 WPPI – Las Vegas, NV (March 16-20)

Later in the month, I’ll be heading to WPPI (Wedding & Portrait Photography Conference) in Las Vegas, where photographers from around the world gather to learn, network, and explore new gear and techniques. If you’re into portrait, wedding, or commercial photography, this is a must-attend event! Learn more here.

If you’ll be at either of these events, let me know! I’d love to meet up, chat about photography, and connect in person. Drop a comment or reach out if you’ll be there!

Until Next Time…

As we settle into March, I’m looking forward to continuing my experiments with new tools, sharing insights, and capturing fresh perspectives through my lens. Whether you’re trying a new photography technique, organizing your photo library, or simply making more time to shoot, I hope this recap inspires your own creative journey. Have any exciting projects planned this month? Let me know in the comments! Until next time—happy shooting!