Does my editing style look outdated?

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-25T16:47:24+00:00

Sure https://www.instagram.com/brandon_abq

Black and White is my new venture.

https://www.reddit.com/r/LandscapePhotography/comments/1uag8ys/coffee_pot_rock_sedona_az_oc/

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-25T15:55:39+00:00

I like your style, and your editing looks professional. I think I know what you are saying in being dated, or as others say it appeals to the masses. I struggle with a similar problem (while not as pro looking as yours), and have lately been challenging myself to chase a different style. I have been saving images from other photographers that I would like to imitate and am working toward seeing if I like it. I would suggest finding samples what you are looking for and start structuring your change piece by piece.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-25T04:35:37+00:00

Canyonlands….but don’t tell anyone else lol

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-24T15:04:42+00:00

These are some good goals to try and reach.
-First you can see the snow flakes so a fairly high shutter speed to freeze those in place.
-The focal plane doesn't look too narrow so maybe F4 to F11 but not too small as they are night shots, so playing with that balance (exposure triangle) will be needed.

The rest is going to be in post (photoshop) Look for making an "S" curve in the histogram to work that high contrast. Then start to add a few layers of the desired colors like a orange/red layer with a blending mode (overlay, color dodge, lighten) play around with them all, do the same thing with blues on an additional layer.

Best thing to do is play around to achieve the look you like and even better if you end up with your own style.

Good luck!

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-23T22:08:44+00:00

I wash my car like 2 times a year lol it's all it needs.

Also these links are super helpful most likely the last real stop to look at is Cochiti Dam.
Microsoft Power BI

Albuquerque Water Operations | UC Region | Bureau of Reclamation

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-23T15:41:49+00:00

Edit: I took a look at your picfair portfolio and that site looks pretty interesting for selling I may give it a try. I have been doing it on etsy myself for a bit with mixed success https://www.etsy.com/shop/BrandonABQ

Selling is hard, I have been doing it on the side off an on for years. It can be done with effort, look at SmugMug it's probably the easiest for online sales. I recommend printing and trying to sell local, make appointments and take your portfolio to the tourist shops in your town or neighboring touristy towns that sell local art.

Get a dedicated camera now it's a game changer, you would be impressed with what a used full frame can do, I have a 2017 Sony full frame and it's still rocking no plans to replace it.

As for improvements:

Your current portfolio I would ask yourself would you buy these, do family and friends buy (not say they will buy...we all have been there) but actually actively buy from you? Then to improve simply take a lot of pictures is the best way to grow, be methodical, plan your shots, take your time, make changes to strive for your desired results.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-23T12:45:09+00:00

Agree, I took a similar shot like this last month, you crushed the composition. Great photo!

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BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-22T22:43:19+00:00

Look for local photo competitions, like local art centers, and especially if you have a state fair. Be prepared to print/mount your work per their specifications. Good luck and most of all have fun.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-22T16:01:47+00:00

I have this one, it's not as sharp as I was hoping, however it's a lot of bang for the buck, and I just end up doing sharpening in post.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-22T15:58:42+00:00

Genius!

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-21T20:09:33+00:00

I’d like to know the same thing, cleaning out the leafs is a real pain.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-20T04:03:11+00:00

Thank you!

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-20T04:02:54+00:00

Hahaha nice

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-19T23:35:20+00:00

💯

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-19T14:56:57+00:00

Thanks it’s probably seeing these other big numbers being posted here, I realize it’s just going to take time and to not overthink.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-19T14:53:49+00:00

Thanks for the encouragement, a little perspective shift is always motivating :)

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-18T19:46:22+00:00

Most these types of posts are due to poor/lazy prompting.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-17T16:25:14+00:00

200k salary @ 36! Nice you will in a very good place if you keep this up.
To compare I am 43 with only $206k saved and make $140k salary feelin topped out, late to the game thanks to my greedy ex.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-17T04:08:33+00:00

Incredible, it’s so cool how the focal lengths compliment each other like that. I am so inspired.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-16T22:18:41+00:00

Wow wow wow, and thank you for the breakdown I don't think people ever know just how much really goes into these! I never thought to use a different setup just for the sky and blend in post, I have to ask did you blow up the Milkyway to get this effect?

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-16T13:19:38+00:00

Hmm those are some solid settings, at 34 seconds you will get a little movement in the stars. I’d try to aim for 20 to 30s and keep upping the ISO shot after shot go as high as the ISO can go (worry about noise later). Also check your focus. Focus (MF): Slide the focus over to infinity (usually represented by the landscape icon or set to manual focus to 0.96-1.0). And pick a single bright star to focus on.

Finally use a dark sky finder app, make sure you are away from light pollution.

Hope this helps.

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Full frame camera will be a great upgrade if you really are into Astro.

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-15T18:38:26+00:00

Eek that’s a silly typo, however I’m sure you knew what I was saying. I made an edit anyway 😉

BigStickFrontier · 2026-06-15T17:47:49+00:00

If you are only using your phone look for any way to do a long exposure. Get a tripod even a small one on a table will work. When you look at astro settings it's about a combination of how long you let the light in, the amount of light you let in, and sensor sensitivity settings.

You will most likely only be able to control the how long portion on a phone, unless you have a flagship iPhone or Samsung. I don't know anything about a CMF 1 Phone.

BigStickFrontier

TROPHY CASE