Richard Herzog Photography

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

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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

07/24/2026

Have we been recommending the wrong tripod head for landscape photography?

For years, I told photographers exactly what most people recommend:

“Buy a good ball head.”

I still believe they’re outstanding tripod heads. I’ve owned some of the best, including the Really Right Stuff BH-55 and the ProMediaGear BH1.

But after more than four decades photographing landscapes, I realized something.

Landscape photographers rarely need the unlimited movement that a ball head provides. Instead, we spend most of our time making tiny adjustments while waiting for the perfect light.

In this short video, I demonstrate why I changed my mind and why I now prefer a panoramic head for most of my landscape photography.

I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

Are you using a ball head, a fluid head, a geared head, or something else?

Let’s discuss it in the comments!

https://youtu.be/SmgbVhXSeEE

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07/13/2026

Why would a landscape photographer put flower images on their website?

Because photography is about practice — and flowers are one of the best ways to stay sharp when you can’t get out to photograph big landscapes.

When I photograph flowers, I’m still working on many of the same skills I use in landscape photography: composition, light, depth of field, backgrounds, visual balance, and learning how to see the scene more clearly.

If you can’t get to a favorite landscape location, don’t let that stop you from picking up your camera. Head into your backyard, walk around the neighborhood, or visit a local park. Flower photography can be an excellent way to improve your eye, become more comfortable with your gear, and keep building the habits that make you a stronger photographer.

Sometimes the best photography practice is closer than you think.

https://youtu.be/p6mNHwYGfUE

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07/02/2026

I’ve tested a lot of camera mounting solutions over the years—from the PlatyPod Delta to the Really Right Stuff tabletop tripod and Multi-Clamp.

The HEIPI Super Clamp Sabertooth C100 surprised me with just how versatile it is.

Whether I’m mounting my camera to a tree, railing, pole, or simply getting inches off the ground, this clamp has become my go-to solution.

Check out my latest video to see why I think this may be one of the best camera accessories landscape photographers can own.

What camera mounting system do you use?

https://youtu.be/CXwdJiCr5UI

06/18/2026

One thing I highly recommend avoiding in mobile photography is getting locked into a proprietary filter ecosystem.

At first, it sounds convenient — one case, one filter system, one mounting setup.

But over time, it can seriously limit your creativity.

One of the best parts of mobile photography is flexibility. You should be able to move from cinematic video… to landscapes… to macro photography… without your gear getting in the way.

That’s why I appreciate flexible systems like Maven filters that allow you to experiment with different looks and shooting styles without rebuilding your setup every time.

Your phone case shouldn’t decide what kind of photography you can create.

Have you ever regretted buying into a proprietary camera or filter system?

https://youtu.be/78jzwTb1rUA

My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GE...