JohnManuelPhoto Blog

The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the cozy sweaters – fall is a photographer's dream. And guess what? You don't need a fancy camera to capture the magic of this season. Your iPhone can be your best companion in capturing stunning fall photos. Here are some tips to make the most of it: **1. Chase the Golden Hours: Just like with any photography, lighting is key. The warm, soft light of early morning and late afternoon enhances the vibrant colors of fall. Keep an eye on the clock and plan your photo sessions accordingly. **2. Mind Your Composition: Think about your shot before you take it. Apply the rule of thirds – imagine your frame divided into nine equal parts and place your subject (fall foliage, a pumpkin, or a cozy scene) along those lines or intersections. **3. Tap to Focus and Adjust Exposure: Did you know you can control your iPhone's focus and exposure manually? Simply tap on the screen where you want to focus, and a yellow box will appear. Slide your finger up

  As a beginner photographer, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the world of photography than during the enchanting season of fall. The vibrant hues of autumn leaves create a stunning backdrop for your photography adventures. In this guide, we'll explore how you can capture the beauty of fall and fill your frame with explosive colors. **1. Choosing the Right Location: The first step in capturing the brilliance of fall is selecting the perfect location. Seek out places known for their colorful foliage, such as parks, forests, or tree-lined streets. Research local spots that offer the most impressive displays of autumn hues. **2. Timing Is Everything: The timing of your photography expedition is crucial. Plan your outings during the peak of fall when the colors are at their most vibrant. Depending on your location, this could be anywhere from late September to early November. **3. Mastering Composition: To fill your frame with explosive colors, it's essential to p

July saw the onset of tremendous heat... and fireworks! Dallas Skyline with Happy Fireworks to Start July The beginning of July seemed to be more dedicated to efforts in capturing shots in the local Wetland Center. I can recall two early mornings in particular that I wanted sunrise shots during their special hours but the rains were ever present. Odd for Texas summers. All was not lost, because where sunrise escaped me I was able to capture a nice moment near a small hummingbird feeder set up on the porch area of the Wetland Center. For your viewing pleasure, please follow the link below... 6:30am Breakfast Served Up There was a moment that stood out in my search for good light. It was at the end of a sweltering day. More normal for Texas. The morning began exactly like detailed above, soaked. Huge clouds filled the sky and there was thunderful lightning strikes abound and all around. (New word: thunderful) After tucking my tail between my legs and sauntering home, we jumped i

Creation: It has taken many days to learn how to create and edit my first website, but it is finally at the point with which I am happy to present it to everyone.  As a budding photographer in Dallas, I need a way to set myself apart and/or draw more folks in to what I'm trying to accomplish. I understand that this is a saturated field but that won't stop anyone with a vision. My vision is to have my work adorn the halls and galleries of the largest cities and the most humble homes.  Here's the first write-up about adventures in photography that may go without notice to the rest of the world. My story isn't unlike that of any other landscape and wildlife photographer, but I wish for others to know what it takes to get a good picture.  Traveling three hours West from Dallas, one may find the road a bit barren and devoid of buildings/lights/people. Don't worry, there's other things to keep you company in the desert.  Finding myself in Albany, T