Andy Crawford – Anything but Automatic

I’ve always known Andy Crawford as a Bassmaster photographer, but now I consider him a good friend and photography mentor, too. During our recent Louisiana swamp photography workshop, he did more than just show me which buttons to push on my new camera -- he helped me see through the lens differently.

Until recently, my camera was always set on AUTO. The camera is pretty space-age, so it took great pictures on auto -- or so I thought until Andy set me straight. After about 4 hours of shooting with Andy, I realized how much more you can get out of the camera when you take it off automatic. From adjusting shutter speed, to picking the right aperture to playing with the ISO, I have finally started to understand what makes a great photo.

Every camera is different. Mine is a Nikon Z7ii mirrorless version. Andy sat down with me and programmed/customized settings for me that will allow me to take better shots of animals – in particular, jumping fish – as well as a setting for people, and one for landscape pictures.

I still may need to play with aperture, ISO and shutter speed but I am not lost behind the viewfinder any longer.

Both Pete and Andy wrote about our weekend of Louisiana adventures on and off the water soI don’t need to repeat how awesome it was but you can check out some of my favorite shots from the post-auto period.

The picture, taken with my cell phone, of the two floppy hats on Andy’s truck console is actually my favorite. Any time I see Andy outdoors he is wearing his floppy hat and it made me laugh to see he had a back up.  

If you are an amateur, hobbyist or professional you really need to experience the “Into The Swamp Photo Workshops”. It will take you where I am sure you have never traveled. You will capture the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets. And you do this all from kayaks which get you right on top of the wetlands, to explore and glide around in order to get that perfect shot.

Here is my testimonial, taken while on the water:

And if you’d like to take YOUR camera off auto, too, one of the best ways to do that is with one of Andy’s workshops. Shoot me an email and I’ll get you more info so you can take your lens work to the next level.