Matt Russell Photography

05/30/2025

The page appears to have been hacked. Looks like I’ve gained back control. I will probably be deleting this page soon as I’m no longer doing photos.

10/17/2024

Here is a basic how to guide for cameras and phones to capture the Comet. These settings are subject to chance based on conditions so adjust as needed.

CAMERAS:
- DSLR/MIRRORLESS ONLY - Use a lens with a length between 24mm and 300mm for wide and up-close shots
- Find and select manual mode on your camera or lens
- Shutter speed: Around 10-20 seconds is best if the focal length is close (24mm). If the focal length is far (150mm+), 2 - 4 seconds is best.
- F stop: As low as it possibly goes for the lens that you are using. For example, my primary lens goes down to F2.8.
- ISO: Depending on the time of night, normally between 400 - 2000 but you might have to go higher if your images are darker. Be aware that the higher your ISO is, the "grainier" your picture will look.
- RAW vs JPEG. I always use RAW if you are doing any real editing. JPEG is fine for those who don't plan on doing much to the photo.
- Turn off autofocus. Manually focus your lens to just below the crosshairs of infinity. This will give you better control to get sharp images.
- Unless you have a remote shutter, turn on a 2 second timer to avoid any camera shake.
That is the basic starting point for your cameras. From there, you can adjust the settings to get your images perfect.

IPHONE SETTINGS:
- Use Night mode (iPhone 11 and later) or manual mode (third-party apps).
- Set exposure: 2 - 20 seconds depending how dark it is
- ISO: Start between 100 - 600 and adjust as needed
- Turn off flash
- Focus: Manual or Infinity
- Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
- Turn on RAW Max if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

ANDROID SETTINGS:
- Use Pro/Manual/Night mode
- Set exposure: 2 - 20 seconds depending how dark it is
- ISO: Start between 100 - 600 and adjust as needed
- Turn off flash
- Focus: Manual or Infinity
- Use a 3-second timer to avoid any camera shake
- Turn on RAW if it is available on your phone to get the best quality

LOOK TO THE WEST BETWEEN VENUS AND THE BIG DIPPER 30+ MINUTES AFTER SUNSET... GOOD LUCK!!!

11/23/2023

03/18/2023

https://mymodernmet.com/world-nature-photography-awards/

Want to see the best photos to showcase nature’s beauty? Check out the amazing winners of the World Nature Photography Awards.

12/10/2022

If you’re buying a new camera, look for a mirrorless model—most camera makers aren’t developing DSLRs anymore.

10/24/2022

Check out these absolutely mesmerizing pictures of Mother Nature under the lens of a microscope.

Check out these absolutely mesmerizing pictures of Mother Nature under the lens of a microscope.

10/23/2022

[VIDEO] Click Here For The Quick Tutorial

10/14/2022

You'll get the perfect shot every time.

07/22/2022

As an homage to Canon's EOS line of cameras, we asked a few PremiumBeat contributors to weigh in on how these cameras impacted their career.

06/29/2022

Another killer sunset at Fort Myers Beach 6/28/22

06/28/2022

Fort Myers Beach 6/28/22