ADVENTURE REPORTAGE FROM CANMORE

I just returned from a week long trip to Alberta, Canada. While there, I spent time in the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park, Lake Louise and several other amazing locations. Though the trip was with family, I had the chance to do a fair bit of hiking and a little photographing. These are the shots worth sharing.

Rainbow over the Three Sisters in Canmore.

Paddling on Two Jack Lake.

Miles making the leap.

Pines and shadows.

The Three Sisters.

Paddling the Bow River.

Two Jack Lake.

I've actually really liked getting to travel more this year. This trip completed my seventh trip for the year with several more on the list before the year is through. Stay tuned for more pics. I'm off to New York and Toronto soon and then some more exotic locations like Europe, India, Singapore, Dubai, Australia and maybe some others.

HUNTING INSPIRATION FOR YOUR WEEKEND

For some, there is a lot of controversy surrounding hunting. I can't say I've done too much of it, but I do enjoy spending the time outside with great people. Even the little bit of bird hunting that I've done has given me more respect for those who make hunting an integral part of their outdoor enjoyment. One of the guys out there that's doing it right is Donny Vincent. If you don't know who he is go check out his website or watch one of his films. I'm impressed at the locations from which he and his team have brought back incredible film footage.

More can be seen at donnievincent.com Follow Donnie on Facebook: facebook.com/followdonnievincent "Don't confuse me with being anything else other than proud. Proud to be a hunter. It's time we stop apologizing for how we get our protein. This is who we are. Unless you're a small time rancher, small time farmer, a hunter or fishermen...

ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY INSPIRATION FROM KRYSTLE WRIGHT

Adventure photography isn't filled with female photographers like the accompanying sports are filled with female athletes. I have found several over the past few years and Krystle Wright is one that I have really admired. Krystle has some great work and recently Canon created a video showing her commitment to the art she loves. No matter your involvement in the outdoor industry, I think you'll appreciate watching her work.

PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION - QUOTES ON THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

I've been re-listening to several instructional photography courses that I've purchased over the past several years. In the process, two quotes really stood out to me, especially as they relate to one another. They both told me that being a successful professional photographer is about more than just good exposure.

COREY RICH

As I followed Corey Rich's Creative Live Class he said the following, this isn't word for word, but the gist was: "Great exposures and good technical settings won't set you apart. What sets you apart as a photographer is how you layout your frame."

JIM RICHARDSON

A couple of days after hearing that, I heard this from Jim Richardson in his class on National Geographic story research: "Photo editors don't buy images they like, they buy images they need."

I think a simple takeaway here is that we need to learn to tell a compelling story within a frame. The technical ability to expose and edit are a small part of the business of being a photographer. Create images that are needed and you'll set yourself apart.