Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

When you open a new book, the pages are blank.  Life is just like that blank book.  A brand new chapter is about to start in our lives.  May we make a wonderful story together and may the chapter meet with a happy ending!

From the Dakota Visions Photography family to yours...Happy New Year!  We'll see you behind the lens in 2013...

Happy New Year from Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Thursday, December 27, 2012

Leading Lines and Hoar Frost - Oh My?!

What better to find during the beginning days of winter then some hoar frost in the morning and some leading lines to go with it!  Oh my, that did sound like a photographer - didn't it?!  Well, the end result was worth it.  We hope you enjoy!

Hoar Frost, Leading Lines, Black Hills Photography

Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful.
And since we've no place to go,
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!


Black Hills Photography, Snowfall, Fog, Hoar Frost

With the first snow in a while in the Black Hills of South Dakota, we couldn't help but find a couple of snow pictures for the holiday break that we are taking.  Out and about in the snow in the Black Hills is my favorite place to be.  We hope you enjoy!

Sunflowers, South Dakota, Snow, Black Hills Photography

Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Merry Christmas to All!

A very Merry Christmas to all - from all of us at Dakota Visions Photography, LLC!  From our family to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Christmas Ornaments, sparkly stars, glitter, Christmas wishes, Black Hills Photography

Friday, December 7, 2012

To Border or Not to Border...That is the ????


THE HORROR! 
Well, ain't that quaint?!
Hell no, we won't border!
How do you know the photograph is finished without a border?
Depends on the size of the border - a couple pixels is fine, but feathered, beveled or something garish just ain't right!


Oh, the conversation really can go on, and on... and on... and on...  Well, you get the picture!

Roberts County, SD, Farm, Border on photography, frame around photography, to border or not to border

We would like to hear from you.  Whether it's Instagram or Photoshop , there are millions of opportunities to add on borders/frames.  Is there ever a time when a border is right for a photograph?

We would like to think that our photography needs to stand on its own 2 feet, not base its success on whether it has a border or not.  But please, put your two cents in. (Just remember to stay civil!)  Add it to the comments below, and let us know what you think. 

Don't forget to join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Top 9 Holiday Gifts For The Photographer In Your Life

We just got asked for our Holiday Shopping List, so we thought it was time to provide our avid readers a list for their beloved photographer!  If you can't afford to get them a new Canon EOS 5D Mark III or a shiny new professional L series lens, then you will have fun with this list!  And even better for you, we're not getting paid to promote any of these products.  We are promoting them as gift ideas because we use them ourselves.  See our disclaimer page for more information.

Pssstttt!  (Hint...Hint...)  We really like item #8 or a new L lens...  (Hey - we need have needs too, OK?!)

Pelican 0915 Black SD Memory Card Protective Case - Under $25


Pelican offers a water resistant seal, stores 12 SD cards, 6 mini cards, or 6 micro cards.  There is an insert liner that absorbs shocks and protects your precious photography memories.  The case is made out of tough, Polycarbonate resin.

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

 Zeiss Ikon Complete Optics Cleaning Kit - Under $50


Included in this lens cleaning kit is a brush for removing debris, optical cleaning fluid, moistened lens wipes, a microfiber cloth along with professional cleaning instructions (especially helpful for beginning photographers to properly clean their investment).

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Joby GP3 GorillaPod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod + BH1 Ball Head - Under $75


This is a great "in-the-bag" go-to for the serious photographer.  The GorillaPod SLR-Zoom can support 6.5 lbs yet remains lightweight so you can always have around, even in environments that do not allow tripods.  The BH1 Ball Head has a 3/8" thread and a 1/4" adapter screw.  It allows for 360 degree pan and 90 degree tilt. 

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Oben 2400 4-Section Aluminum Monopod - Under $75


63.2" maximum height with all anodized aluminum for maximum stability.  It collapses to 21.4" with a wrist strap and belt clip.  It weighs only 1.65lb for extreme portability while still supporting up to 26.4 lbs of equipment for real work. 

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Giottos AA1903 Rocket Air Blaster Large-Red - Under $25


Large red Rocket Air Blaster easily removes dust and debris from cameras, lenses, and filters with it's powerful blast.  Made of rubber and 'red' instead of those blah black ones that everyone else has.  Includes a one-way valve to prevent breathing in of dust and spreading back to your precious equipment.

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

The Strobist Collection by Rosco, Strobist 55 Piece Cinegel Filter Kit with Lumiquest Gel Filter Holder (1.5 x 3.25 inches) - Under $25


You don't see this one on too many lists, but it is a great addition for light painting or artistic portrait photography.  The size of these gels fits most Speedlites.  You have a strobist friend?  They will love these filters.

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

The Digital Photography Book, Part 4 by Scott Kelby - Under $25


Tired of just "OK" shots and ready to really make them pop?  Then this book is for you.  There are over 200 secrets of digital photography contained in this paperback.  What we love about Volumes 1-3 and the latest Volume 4 is these are written in every day language, not techno-jargon.

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Rogue FlashBenders Small Positionable Reflector - Under $50


For anyone who uses speedlites, the Rogue FlashBender is a must have accessory.  It can be used to either bounce light onto a subject or steer it away - all with just a bend.  With the 2 positional rods on the sides, it can be positioned in any direction.  For this price, it should be in everyone's bag.

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com

Polaroid Hot Shoe Three Axis Triple Bubble Spirit Level  - Under $25


Been looking at their photographs and always having to lean one way or another?  Give this gift for the perfectly aligned horizon.  This bubble spirit level works on 3 axis for precise leveling.  Great for those who like to shoot panoramas as well. 

Top 9 Holiday Gifts for the Photographer in Your Life by Dakota Visions Photography LLC www.dakotavisions.com
Hopefully this helps you pick out the perfect gift for your special photographer!  If you have any ideas we missed, please leave them in the comments below.  So PIN, SHARE, TWEET, OR LIKE this article with the social media buttons below and help us make this Christmas happy for all photographers! 

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Sunday, December 2, 2012

Bugling Elk: Once You've Heard One You'll Never Forget

The setting is Wind Cave National Park around sunset.  The wind is blowing gently from the south with temperatures in the 40's.  And there you begin to hear it, the medium clear note begins to gradually rise to a high pitch.  Then, BAM!  (No, not Emeril Lagasse?!) But BAM! That high pitch turns into a shrill scream, followed by a series of short grunts.  It's rut for the Rocky Mountain Elk found in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  It's time to round up the harem and bugle away.

Black Hills Photography, wildlife photography, elk photography, South Dakota, Cervus elephus, Rocky Mountain Elk

The first set of antlers of a young bull elk start growing as soon as a year old.  They tend to be spikes only 10 to 24 inches long.  The antlers are shed each year in early spring.  By age four, a young bull carries the usual 6-point antler characteristic of a mature bull. 

Join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC. Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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