The PhotoTipster Team

We Love Photography and want to help you become a better Photographer.

We’ve put together a list of things about us so you can get to know us better 🙂

Feel free to contact us should you ever have any questions about us or Photography.

About Us

Douglas Jaeckel

Macro Photography & Photoshop Expert

Why I Love Photography:
Photography gives me a chance to slow down and look at the world in a different way. It lets me get away from the everyday grind and just be. I love Macro photography, so getting in close opens a whole other world for me to explore and appreciate.

A location I would love to Photograph is:
I would love to travel anywhere there are mountains, but I would really love to see those ancient ruins in Ta Prohm, Cambodia where all the trees have grown in and out of the buildings. It just looks so amazing, not to mention the bugs over there are crazy looking, and would make for some great macro subjects.

The Gear I Use:
I am currently shooting with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BUYJX6G” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS 80D[/easyazon_link]

My backup is a [easyazon_link identifier=”B004M170YC” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS Rebel T3i[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”120″ identifier=”B010W2MAOO” locale=”US” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/41iAYMrkZrL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”160″] [easyazon_image align=”left” height=”160″ identifier=”B007S02GX4″ locale=”US” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/31b2WrfxCqL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”97″]

I also use a [easyazon_link identifier=”B001CCAISE” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash[/easyazon_link] to eliminate any hand shake with the aid of a [easyazon_link identifier=”B007S02GX4″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]LumiQuest SoftBox III[/easyazon_link] to defuse the light when shooting macro without a tripod.

One of my favorite photos I’ve taken:

Dragonflies shot by Doug Jaeckel

These little baby Dragonflies were not very cooperative, but this one stayed still just long enough for this shot. The details I started seeing once I flipped my lens around blew my mind, and got me so excited to get out and shoot some more!

My favorite lens:
My favorite lens right now is my [easyazon_link identifier=”B00894YP00″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens[/easyazon_link]. It is a very sharp, inexpensive, and very versitile for a prime lens.

It also makes the perfect SuperMacro lens when paired with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DFWXTD4″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Movo Photo AF Reverse Mount Macro Lens Converter for Canon DSLR Cameras[/easyazon_link]

The 2 Photographers that inspire me most are:
When it comes to Macro I’d have to day Thomas Shahan who can be found at thomasshahan.com

While not widely known, his images have never made me more motivated to find every insect and arachnid I can find and get in close for the shot.

If I’m not shooting Macro, I like landscape photography and Trey Ratcliff from StuckInCustoms.com has always created representations of the world that have always left me in awe.

My favorite Quote is:
“I’ve never come across a quote I could remember.” me and probably someone else.

If I am not taking Photographs you will find me:
When I’m not behind the lens you’ll find me behind the keyboard and mouse of my gaming PC, or building a new one. Since I am a part of the “PC Master Race” A term given to those of us who are a bit fanatical about technology, I spend more than the recommended amount of time staring at a monitor.

My favorite non-Photography book is:
I don’t get a lot of time to read through a whole book, but a series I have enjoyed (it’s been a long time ago now) is by writer Wendy Alec, [easyazon_link identifier=”0955237777″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]The Fall of Lucifer (The Chronicles of Brothers)[/easyazon_link]

My favorite Sports Teams are:
I never watch sports, but my Dad likes the Green Bay Packers. Does that count?

If money were no object:
For me shooting Macro and Landscape photography I would love to have a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00T3ERT5S” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS 5DS R[/easyazon_link] with the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00009XVD5″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens[/easyazon_link] for my Macro needs, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PF39PEY” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens[/easyazon_link] for my wildlife shooting and the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00T3ERXKE” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens[/easyazon_link] for all of the landscapes.

Conclusion:
I’ve come to discover that those who love to learn also love to teach. After learning new things I’ve always been compelled to share my experience with others. There’s been no greater reward in life for me than knowing that I’ve helped someone unlock their potential for enriching their life and the lives of those around them. Photography can be an art form, a documentation, a hobby, a stress release, and for some all of the above. Whatever category you fall into, whether you’re a beginner or a veteran there is always room for a little more know how.

Contact Me @ Doug@PhotoTipster.com

Nicki Toizer

Photography & Photoshop Instructor

Why I Love Photography:
Using a camera has always been easier for me than drawing or painting. It’s a great tool for creative expression, especially when combined with the digital darkroom such as Photoshop and Alien Skin’s plugins such as Snap Art.

A destination I would love to Photograph is: the Great Wall of China

The Gear I Use:
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00HQ4W1QE” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Nikon D3200[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B008YHA8SU” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Nikon D7000[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00HQ4W4PC” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II Zoom Lens[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B003ZSHNCC” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 ED VR Zoom Lens[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00JQ7TD2E” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Tamron 16-300 F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro 16-300mm IS Lens[/easyazon_link]

Nikon D7000 with Tamron 16-300 mm lens

Nikon D3200 with Nikon 18-55 mm lens

Nikon 55-300 mm lens

One of my favorite Photographs I have taken:
Redwood & Ferns remains a perennial favorite of mine. I have two versions of it: the original and one modified in Photoshop to mimic infrared film, but only on the greenery around the trunk.

Redwood & Ferns, original

Redwood & Ferns, infrared version

Best Photography book I recommend every Photographer reads:
I’m not a photography book junkie, but any book of [easyazon_link identifier=”0821225758″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Ansel Adams[/easyazon_link] images is certainly worth a look. I have Trees, but it’s no longer in print.

My favorite lens:
The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00JQ7TD2E” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Tamron 16-300[/easyazon_link] is currently my favorite lens because of it’s wide range. I hate carrying around multiple lenses so this is a very serviceable all-in-one lens that can be used in a variety of situations.

Tamron 16-300 mm lens

2 Photographers that inspire me are:
Ron Tarver is a Pullitzer-prize winning photographer whose creativity in monochromatic images helps to remind me that photography is not always about color. I especially love his images of trees. Find him at: www.rontarverphotographs.net.

Carien Schippers inspires the equine photographer in me. She takes beautiful photos of horses and organizes several events each year that gather other equine photographers together, a few of which I have attended. Her website is www.imagequine.com

My favorite Quote is: “Do or do not. There is no try.” Yoda from The Empire Strikes Back

If I am not taking photographs you will find me:
building LEGO creations, especially Star Wars themed

My favorite non-Photography book is:
[easyazon_link identifier=”0062315005″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]The Alchemist[/easyazon_link] by Paulo Coelho (and most of his other books are good reads, too!)

My favorite Sports Teams are:
I try to watch the Triple Crown of horse racing each spring. Otherwise, my home town of Philadelphia generally disappoints with their sports teams.

If money were no object I would shoot with a wide aperture telephoto lens like a [easyazon_link identifier=”B00AXZYVNE” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 Lens[/easyazon_link]

Conclusion: I started teaching others about digital photography in 2006. While the technology has changed, the knowledge necessary to make good images remains the same. Photography is about light and vision; and giving the viewer something to experience. It’s been my distinct pleasure to help hundreds of students discover the joy of photography.

Website: www.Toizer.com

Contact Me @ Nicki@PhotoTipster.com

David Neff

Photography & Photo Editing Instructor

Why I Love Photography:
Photography is a visual documentation of history.
Good photographs are a challenge between the photographer and the subject and light he is working with at any given moment in time.

A location I would love to Photograph is: New Zealand…The views look absolutely amazing.

The Gear I Use:
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0002XQI2E” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS 20D[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B001EQ4BY0″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS 50D[/easyazon_link]

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0035FZJI0″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″]Canon EOS Rebel T2i[/easyazon_link]

My everyday lens is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B002ZNJB32″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM Lens for Canon Mount Digital SLR Cameras[/easyazon_link]
[easyazon_image align=”center” cart=”n” height=”133″ identifier=”B00AXZYY86″ locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/41JwZFcPNKL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”160″]

The lens I recommend every photographer have in their bag is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00X8MRBCW” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens[/easyazon_link]. You will hear it called the “Nifty Fifty” by many photographers as it is a very versatile lens. It was the lens I first learned how to use as every 35mm film camera came with one attached to it back in the film days. This is the least expensive lens you can buy, but one of the best in my opinion. The 50mm comes in three varieties:

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00X8MRBCW” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens[/easyazon_link] (budget friendly)
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”375″ identifier=”B00X8MRBCW” locale=”US” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/31oJ3rIgyyL.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”500″]The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00009XVCZ” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard Lens for Canon SLR Cameras – Fixed[/easyazon_link] (a few hundred bucks, but well made)

[easyazon_image align=”center” cart=”n” height=”160″ identifier=”B00C94WIK0″ locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/51w7nMFSbpL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”133″]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B000I1YIDQ” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Canon EF 50mm f/1.2 L USM Lens [/easyazon_link] (I want the best 50mm lens Canon makes!)

[easyazon_image align=”center” cart=”n” height=”160″ identifier=”B000I1YIDQ” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/513NX9MPKXL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”140″]

My Telephoto lens is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00EFILVQU” locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]Canon EF-S 55-250mm F4-5.6 IS STM Lens [/easyazon_link]. Certainly not the best Telephoto lens that Canon makes, but it takes some nice shots and does not break the bank.

[easyazon_image align=”center” cart=”n” height=”160″ identifier=”B00EFILVQU” locale=”US” nw=”y” src=”http://melodic-wind.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/412G0gYZXzL.SL160.jpg” tag=”healfiss-20″ width=”73″]

One of my favorite photos I’ve taken:

“Morning Mist”

This was shot with a Canon T70 35mm film camera when I just started learning about composition and light. This photograph is one of those that I like to call “A Gift From God” as I was in the right place at the right time with the right light.

Best Photography book I recommend every Photographer reads:
[easyazon_link identifier=”0201577879″ locale=”US” nw=”y” tag=”healfiss-20″]The Joy Of Photography[/easyazon_link] : The best lesson I ever learned about becoming a better photographer was from this book. Quite simply, “The Joy of Photography is learning to see”. This book will teach you to use the two best tools you have as a photographer….your eyes.

The 2 Photographers that inspire me most are:
Trey Ratcliff from www.stuckincustoms.com

I started following Trey’s photography when I found out about a new style of shooting he was using called HDR (High Dynamic Range) Photography. I was blown away by just how awesome his images looked. He has the eye of a great Photographer and I hope to meet him one day.

Clyde Butcher from www.clydebutcher.com

I had the privilege and honor of meeting Clyde at his Venice, Florida Studio & Darkroom.

David Neff and Clyde Butcher
Many consider him to be the Ansyl Adams of our time. He truly is a master of Black & White Landscape Photography. He is very approachable and always willing to share his knowledge of photography with others. He was very kind to sign his book Seeing The Light for me 🙂

My favorite Quote is: Sorry, I couldn’t decide on just one.
“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” ~ Peace Pilgrim

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

If I am not taking Photographs you will find me:
Working around the house on the “Honey Do” list.
Enjoying a Craft Beer from the many great breweries here in Florida
Watching our son’s little league baseball games
Listening to music on Spotify

My favorite non-Photography book is:
[easyazon_link identifier=”1582701709″ locale=”US” tag=”healfiss-20″ cart=”n” popups=”n”]The Secret[/easyazon_link] by Rhonda Burne
This book has changed my life by teaching me the Law of Attraction. I highly recommend reading this book if you are struggling to make any kind of positive change in your life.

My favorite Sports Teams are:
I like to watch Baseball and Football. I am a Tampa Bay Rays baseball fan and a 12th Man for the Seattle Seahawks…Go Hawks!

If money were no object I would spend a few months traveling our beautiful planet and photographing the wonders my eyes will see.

Conclusion:
I believe God has given me the gift of being a good photographer. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than sharing this gift with the world. PhotoTipster.com is my way of helping you to become a better photographer too.

Contact Me @ Dave@PhotoTipster.com