Lens & Leather
Practical photography insights, gear guides, and behind-the-scenes stories for capturing the authentic West.
Bring the American West to life-one frame at a time.
Step behind the camera and into the heart of the West with Lens & Leather—a dedicated space for photographers and storytellers capturing the rugged beauty of frontier life. From expert gear recommendations to behind-the-scenes insights, composition techniques, and post-processing tips, this collection of articles is designed to help you refine your craft while staying true to the spirit of the land.
The Everyday Filter: A Subtle Signature of The Western Lensman Look
How a subtle black mist filter and three custom presets shape the signature look of The Western Lensman. A behind-the-glass look at the gear and inspiration behind the mood.
Mastering the Rule of Thirds for Western Photography
The Rule of Thirds is one of the simplest yet most powerful compositional techniques photographers can use. Understanding and applying this foundational principle will immediately elevate the storytelling quality of your Western images, giving them depth, balance, and visual appeal.
Why Shooting in RAW is Essential for Photographers
Shooting in RAW gives you full creative freedom in post-processing, allowing you to enhance colors, recover details, and transform good images into extraordinary storytelling moments.
Behind the Image Breakdown: "Cowboy Jury"
At the Ouray County Rodeo, moments of genuine storytelling often unfold quietly on the sidelines. While action happens rapidly in the arena, the real stories can sometimes be found in the subtle, candid interactions happening behind the scenes.
Beginner's Guide: Choosing and Using Presets in Photography Editing
Photography presets are predefined adjustments to image settings that help photographers quickly achieve consistent looks across their images. Think of them as filters tailored specifically to the characteristics and nuances of photographic images.
Behind-the-Image Breakdown: "Solitude in the Trees"
I captured this image with an iPhone 5c—a testament to the power of the device that's always in your pocket. Many assume great photography requires high-end gear, but great images often come down to timing, composition, and creative vision rather than just the equipment used.
Capturing Authentic Western Portraits with the Sony A7RV and 24-70mm GM II
As a documentary-style photographer focusing on the Western lifestyle, capturing portraits that feel authentic and intimate is essential. For this review, I'll explore why the Sony A7RV paired with the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II has become my go-to combination for Western portraiture.
