Happy Friday!

It’s finally starting to warm up in Colorado and it feels amazing. I hope you get outside this weekend and enjoy some sunshine.

1. Why learning about color space will improve your photographs‍

The concept of “color space” is a bit complicated. 

It has to do with the range of different colors in an image that can be displayed on digital devices and in print, but the details get very technical (like advanced physics and math technical…).

The good news is that you don’t have to be a math genius to understand it at a basic level, and if you understand the basics, you can significantly improve the quality of your images. 

The color space you assign to an image could make a big difference in how the colors of your image look.

There are certain color space settings in Photoshop and Lightroom that you will want to change depending on the type of photo you are editing (e.g. RAW or JPEG) and the goal you have for the photo (e.g. if you want to display your photo on the web only, the type of computer monitor you are viewing the photo on, if you want to print the photo, etc.).

‍This Phlearn video really helped me make sense of color space and I hope it helps you too. 

It explains the most important aspects of color space in simplified, practical terms.

It also shows you the exact color space settings you need to use in Photoshop and Lightroom, and how to change them.

Side note: I always assign the ProPhoto RGB color space to my RAW photos when opening them in Adobe Camera RAW. This is because a RAW file contains the most light data possible and the ProPhoto RGB color space gives you one of the widest ranges (gamut) of colors to work with. This optimizes the color information retained in my final images. If I want to display a photo on the web, I convert it to the sRGB color space which is compatible with the web. If this doesn’t make sense, watch the video I linked to above.

2. How to train for a backpacking trip‍

Backpacking season in Colorado is just around the corner, finally!

If you are planning a summer trip in the mountains, this is the best time of year to start getting your body in the right shape. 

‍This REI guide is one of the best I’ve found if you need to help putting together a basic training plan that will get you in backpacking shape.

I recommend that you focus on building aerobic endurance, core and lower body strength, flexibility, and balance through weight lifting, cardio (e.g. running, cycling, rowing), yoga, and foam rolling. 

You should also plan to go on weekly hikes with your backpacking pack loaded down with weight. These hikes should get progressively longer each week. This will get your body used to the awkwardness of carrying 30-40 pounds on your back, which takes some time to adjust to.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more tips and resources that will help you make the most of your training.

3. Why you should use diagonal lines in your photography composition‍

This week, photographer Nigel Danson published a really insightful YouTube video about the power of using diagonal lines in your photography composition. 

This video focuses on how to use diagonal lines as powerful compositional tools that can draw the viewers eye to an area of interest in your photo.

If you have studied landscape photography composition, you have likely heard of leading lines as a key ingredient for a great photo. A leading line is one type of diagonal line, but there are several other ways to use diagonal lines in a photo.

Some key takeaways:

• Diagonal lines can give an image a sense of depth
• Parallel and 90 degree diagonal lines are good
• A diagonal creates energy and movement in an image
• S curves (e.g. rivers) are a type of opposing diagonal line that can create depth
• Here are some questions to ask yourself when setting up your composition in the field:

“Is there a diagonal in the scene?” 

“How many diagonal lines can I find in the scene?”

“Is there a way I can move my camera in order to connect one diagonal to another?”

This video really shifted the way I think about composing an image and has some tips that I definitely want to implement in my work.

4. The best places to go backpacking in Texas‍

Texas Monthly published a really great article last week on the best backpacking trails in Texas. 

Most people don’t think of Texas (my home state) as a top backpacking destination, but I think that is because most of the best spots are remote and take a while to get to from the major cities. 

West Texas, especially Big Bend National Park, has some unbelievable scenery that rivals some of the most popular parks in the country - but without the crowds.

If you are like me and always searching for beautiful (uncrowded) places to explore, you should check these destinations out. 

5. Finding creative inspiration from a coffee maker‍

I really enjoyed this article by Mikey Hayes.

Like many others, I’m a huge fan of the AeroPress coffee maker. I use it every morning while traveling for work and it is one of my favorite ways to make coffee while camping. 

‍In this article, Hayes talks about​ how the story of the AeroPress’ invention and success may change the way you think about your creative endeavors.

The lesson he shares on on creativity simple:

“Start small. Find a problem, a hobby, an outlet that you are passionate about, and make the things you wish existed.”

Talk to you next week, friends.

Meredith