Richard Herzog Photography

11/04/2026

Have you ever wondered how photographers create those unusual black-and-white landscapes where trees and foliage appear almost completely white?

It's called infrared photography, and it opens up a fascinating new way to see the world.

With an infrared-pass filter, familiar landscapes can take on an entirely different appearance. Green foliage can turn brilliant white, skies become dramatic, and ordinary scenes can become something truly unique.

In my latest Herzography video, Infrared Photography 101, I walk through the process of shooting black-and-white infrared landscapes, including choosing filters, focusing, exposure settings, and avoiding common lens hotspots.

The full tutorial is approximately 37 minutes and is packed with practical information to help you get started.

Watch it on my YouTube channel, Herzography!

https://youtu.be/5T5ZCVu7kEQ

Discover the magic of black-and-white infrared photography as I sho...

10/13/2026

Maven Filters is expanding beyond camera filters with the new Talon folding LED lights, launching on Kickstarter October 13, 2026.
The lineup includes three models: the compact Talon Mini, the adjustable-color-temperature Talon Pro, and the higher-output Talon Max.
I contacted Michael, the owner of Maven Filters, to ask about the Kickstarter's credibility, introductory pricing, production plans, and expected delivery. Maven says the lights are working products that have been tested by beta testers, with production preparations in place.
The company advertises Kickstarter savings of 50–60% on selected rewards. Starting prices are approximately $129 for the Mini and $159 for the Pro and Max. Maven currently estimates delivery around April 2027.
If you're considering backing the campaign, be sure to review the reward details and remember that crowdfunding delivery dates can change.
Watch my full Maven Talon review for a closer look at the lights and their features!

TALON Kickstarter opens Oct 13th
https://michael-the-maven-llc.kckb.me/736da3fd

https://youtu.be/Tw3OkILi1ZU

TALON Kickstarter link opens Oct 13th https://michael-the-maven-ll...

10/13/2026

Maven Filters is expanding beyond camera filters with the new Talon folding LED lights, launching on Kickstarter October 13, 2026.
The lineup includes three models: the compact Talon Mini, the adjustable-color-temperature Talon Pro, and the higher-output Talon Max.
I contacted Michael, the owner of Maven Filters, to ask about the Kickstarter's credibility, introductory pricing, production plans, and expected delivery. Maven says the lights are working products that have been tested by beta testers, with production preparations in place.
The company advertises Kickstarter savings of 50–60% on selected rewards. Starting prices are approximately $129 for the Mini and $159 for the Pro and Max. Maven currently estimates delivery around April 2027.
If you're considering backing the campaign, be sure to review the reward details and remember that crowdfunding delivery dates can change.
Watch my full Maven Talon review for a closer look at the lights and their features!

ALON Kickstarter opens Oct 13th
https://michael-the-maven-llc.kckb.me/736da3fd

https://youtu.be/Tw3OkILi1ZU

10/02/2026

I've owned a lot of photography gear over more than 30 years — and I've learned that the most expensive gear isn't necessarily the gear that makes the biggest difference.
In my latest Herzography video, I'm talking about the 6 pieces of gear that actually improved the way I photograph landscapes.
That includes my tripod system, panoramic head, rail, filters, lenses, and camera.
But there's a reason I saved the camera for last.
One of the cameras I owned cost me over $7,000, and I eventually sold it because it couldn't do something that was important to the way I wanted to photograph.
That experience changed the way I think about buying photography equipment.
The question isn't always:
"What's the best gear?"
A much better question is:
"What problem am I trying to solve?"
Because sometimes the answer is a new piece of equipment.
And sometimes the answer is better technique.
That's a lesson I've learned over decades of photography, and it's something I think applies whether you're just starting out or you've been photographing for years.
Watch the full video and let me know:
What's one piece of photography gear that actually changed the way YOU photograph?

https://youtu.be/CjnXpiAIUw8

📩 Don’t miss new tutorials, blog posts, photography tips, and gear ...

09/16/2026

Have you ever looked at a photograph you've taken and thought, “That's not what I was seeing”?
Sometimes the answer isn't a better camera. It might be a filter.
Filters can be incredibly useful photographic tools. A polarizing filter can reduce reflections when photographing water, glass, and foliage. An ND filter can reduce the amount of light entering your camera, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds and create beautiful long exposures—even in bright daylight.
Think about photographing a waterfall. Instead of freezing every droplet of water, a longer exposure can turn that moving water into a smooth, flowing element that helps simplify the photograph.
And filters aren't limited to traditional cameras. Many of these techniques can also be used with an iPhone when you have the appropriate filter system.
The important thing is not to use a filter simply because you own one.
Ask yourself: What am I trying to accomplish with this photograph?
Control reflections? Use a polarizer.
Control light and create motion? Use an ND.
Add atmosphere or a creative effect? There are filters for that, too.
Filters aren't about making every photograph “better.” They're about giving you more control over the photograph you want to create.
https://youtu.be/LMYd44RkwV8

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09/04/2026

Are you a landscape photographer thinking about getting a fluid head?

Fluid heads are fantastic for video because they provide smooth, controlled panning and tilting. But if you’re primarily shooting still landscapes, there are a few things you should consider before buying one.

The mounting clamp on many fluid heads is designed around video use, and you may find that you need an additional accessory to get your camera positioned the way you want for landscape photography.

A nodal rail with a double clamp is one option. A pano clamp is another.

But the biggest question is simple:

Do you really need a fluid head?

If you shoot a lot of video, it could be an excellent choice. If you’re primarily a still photographer, a ball head, three-way head, or dedicated panoramic setup might be a better fit.

Think about how you actually use your tripod before making the investment.

https://youtu.be/aYuPo5yep5E

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08/29/2026

I’ve been taking a closer look at the NEEWER LT39 carbon fiber travel tripod, and this is one of those pieces of gear that has more versatility than you might expect from a travel tripod.

It weighs only 2.7 pounds and folds to 19.3 inches, yet extends to 62.4 inches and is rated for a 22-pound load.

What really makes it interesting is the design. It has a detachable low-profile ball head, three leg-angle positions, interchangeable center columns, a panoramic quick-release plate, and the ability to reverse the center column for extremely low-angle photography.

That combination makes it particularly interesting for landscape, macro, travel, and panoramic photography.

I’ve put together a full review looking at what this tripod offers and who I think it might be best suited for.

https://youtu.be/TjDM0K5Ejf4

08/16/2026

A nodal rail might seem like a specialized piece of equipment that you only need for shooting panoramas.

But I think it belongs in almost every photographer’s camera bag.

A rail can help you balance a long, heavy lens on a tripod, make precise adjustments to your camera position, and—one of my favorite uses—move your camera closer to a macro subject without moving the tripod.

That can be incredibly useful when you’re photographing flowers or other subjects where there are obstacles between you and the subject, or where moving the tripod would disturb the scene.

The simple idea is this:

Move the camera instead of moving the tripod.

It’s a small piece of gear that can give you a surprising amount of flexibility when you’re out making photographs.

https://youtu.be/5O99wn2fLJs

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08/08/2026

Have you ever picked up your camera backpack and wondered why it’s getting heavier?

Over the years we all accumulate extra filters, batteries, cables, adapters, and accessories that quietly stay in the bag long after the original photo shoot.

Once a year I completely empty my backpack, clean out the dust, and reload only the gear I actually use today. It’s one of the easiest maintenance jobs you can do, and it makes every photography trip more enjoyable.

What’s the oldest piece of gear you’ve found hiding in your camera bag?

Share your answer in the comments!

https://youtu.be/vrq5qgiwVBY

📩 Don’t miss new tutorials, blog posts, photography tips, and gear ...

07/31/2026

For years, the standard ND filter kit included a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop filter. If you wanted more density, you simply stacked filters together.

Today, magnetic filter systems have made stacking much easier—but is stacking still the best solution?

In this video, I explain why I believe a dedicated 13-stop ND filter is the perfect choice for many landscape photographers, and why it has become one of my favorite tools for creating dramatic long-exposure images.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you prefer a 10-stop filter, or would you consider adding a 13-stop filter to your camera bag?

https://youtu.be/SDVuhebma0Q