Exploring nature and capturing its beauty through photography is, for me, one of the most relaxing and mind-clearing activities I can do. But no matter if you're going for a quick stroll or a fun hike, don't forget that there are unwritten rules to follow. These include not only local regulations but also those guided by common sense. In this blog post, I'm going to reveal my top 5 unspoken rules for nature photographers, rules that I always adhere to when I'm taking photos of nature! 1. Only leave footprints Whenever I go for a short hike, which usually lasts at least a few hours, I always pack some snacks and drinks. But here's the crucial part: I make sure to take all my trash back home with me. This rule may appear simple—just return with everything you came with. However, I frequently see trails covered with garbage, or parking lots at nature reserves packed with plastics and cans. Let’s avoid that; remember, we should only leave our footprints behind.  2.Only take photographs The natural world is full of wonders. As photographers, we must remember that we're only guests, not consumers. If you see something intriguing, let it inspire your creativity and capture it on camera. But never keep anything for yourself.     3. Be respectful of nature When you're out in nature, you might sometimes encounter obstacles blocking your view of the perfect shot. It's important to be mindful and respectful of your surroundings as you seek a better angle. Gently moving branches aside is usually okay but remember not to break them. If you need to step off the path, be cautious about where you place your feet to avoid harming flowers or other plants. For instance, if you're into macro photography and spot a beautiful spider, it's not okay to destroy its web for the sake of a photo. Respecting the natural habitat is key to ethical nature photography.   4. Wildlife animals are not pets. When you are out in nature, you might come across wildlife animals. Keep in mind, these are not domesticated animals, even if they have a collar or tag, they are still wild. It's important to keep a safe distance from them, as they can act in unpredictable and potentially harmful ways. If you end up near a wild animal, even horses and cows, stay calm and don't make sudden movements. Be especially careful when watching a mother animal with her young. They are defensive and may attack if you approach them. 5. Share locations responsibly Nature photography can sometimes lead you to a remarkable place, such as a fox's den with cute cubs or a breathtaking scenery. It's understandable to feel thrilled and want to tell others about this find. However, in nature photography, being discreet can be vital. Revealing a special location to everyone might attract many photographers, possibly disrupting the natural environment. So, when you find an amazing spot, think sensibly about sharing it. Think about the possible impact on the local plants and animals. Being careful about maintaining nature's peacefulness is as important as capturing its beauty.   5 Unwritten rules for nature photographers 1.               Only leave footprints 2.               Only take photographs 3.               Be respectful of nature 4.               Wildlife animals are not pets 5.               Share locations responsibly I hope these 5 unwritten rules for nature photographers are useful and you remember them when you go out in nature next time! Please spread the word and tell other nature photographers about these rules and drop a comment on this page. I always love to hear what you think and what you've been up to!   Have a great day!   -          Robert van Sterkenburg

Having a place on the internet that I can call my own has always been a dream for me. A place where I can tell my stories and talk more about my interests. And even though I had tried this a few times in the past, these projects always seemed to fail me. I wanted to create a space that reflects who I am and what I do, as well as provide value and inspiration to my readers and visitors. And I'm happy to say that I finally did it. I'm proud to present to you the new robertvansterkenburg.com , a website that highlights my work as a photographer, and writer. Here, you can find out more about me, my services, my portfolio, and my blog. If you want to chat with me or work with me, you can find me on social media too. But before you explore the website, I want to take a moment to thank you for being here. Whether you are a friend, a family member, a client, a colleague, or a stranger, I appreciate your interest and support. It means a lot to me that you are willing to spend some of your precious time on my website, and I hope you will find something that resonates with you. What to expect from me I made this website to share my thoughts and help my readers and visitors on all kinds of things that interest me. Mostly, I'll write about photography, but you'll also find stuff about ADHD, productivity, fatherhood, Microsoft 365, Artificial Intelligence, and more. My ADHD brain likes to explore all kinds of things. Some of my articles will be long and detailed, and some will be short, like this one. I can imagine not all my content will be something that you like, so if there is a topic you would like me to write about, let me know in the comments or contact me on social media! Thank you! Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I hope to see you again soon. And if you have any feedback or suggestions for my website, please don't hesitate to let me know. I'm always looking for ways to improve and grow. I hope the new robertvansterkenburg.com can help you with your photography and other parts of your life, and a big thank you from me.

Digital photography has changed how we take and share pictures, and raised a frequent question for photographers of all levels: Should I use RAW or JPEG to save my photo’s? You're not picking between two equally good options. Both RAW and JPEG have different pros and cons, which affect how you work and how your images look. Let's look at these two formats to see which one matches your photography needs better. Understanding RAW and JPEG Formats What is a RAW File? A RAW file is like a film negative. It has all the information that your camera's sensor captures, without any editing or compression. This information-rich file gives you more control, color quality, and choices during post-processing. However, RAW files are larger in size and need special software, like Adobe Lightroom, Luminar Neo or DXO PhotoLab, for editing before you can use the photo. This is because a RAW file is more like a data holder than an actual photo. The information from the RAW file must be processed into an image, which can be done in-camera as a JPG or via a RAW editor, where it may be transformed to a JPG or another type of image format. What is a JPEG File? JPEG or JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files are like digital versions of instant photos. When the camera takes a photo, it first creates a RAW file, then edits the RAW data by adjusting white balance, color saturation, sharpness and other basic adjustments before saving it as a JPEG. This process makes JPEGs more compact, shareable, and compatible than RAW files. However, JPEGs use 'lossy' compression, which means it deletes data to shrink file size. The deletion of this data makes JPEG files less suitable for heavy photo editing as some information has been permanently deleted. Bonus - HEIF: The New Kid on the Block Some modern cameras have the HEIF image format as an option besides JPEG. HEIF is not very common yet, but it's a format to consider for your future workflow. HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) is a new format that's getting more popular in the photography world. It was made by the MPEG group (the same one that created video and audio standards like MP3 and MP4). HEIF can compress images better than JPEG, which means it can store better quality images in smaller files. The format can also store more than one image in a file, which is great for features like iPhone Live Photos. However, HEIF is not as widely accepted as JPEG. It's still growing, but it's not fully supported on all devices or editing software. So, I'd say stick with JPG for the time being, but keep in mind that HEIF is going to get more important down the road. RAW vs JPEG: The advantages and disadvantages The Advantages of RAW Image quality: RAW files save the most colors and details, so you get smoother changes between different tones and colors. RAW files will give you the best images that your camera can make after your processed them with software. Flexibility in Post-Processing: RAW files give you the most options for changing different aspects of the image during photo-editing. You can adjust exposure, white balance, or colors with more quality and detail than if you edit a JPEG-file. RAW files preserve more information and details. The Disadvantages of RAW File Size and Storage: RAW files are big and take up a lot of room on memory cards and hard drives. This means fewer photos per card and more storage needed. For example, one RAW file from my Fujifilm X-H2 is about 85 MB, while one JPEG file is around 20 MB. Requirement for post-processing: RAW files require post-processing with software to become an image. This process takes time, editing skills, and some artistic vision to turn the dull, colorless RAW file into a nice-looking image. The Advantages of JPEG Smaller, Share-Ready Files: JPEGs are small, easy to upload, and ready to share, because they are processed and compressed in the camera. They also work with any device and platform. Convenience and Speed: JPEGs are camera-ready images that don't need photo-editing, which saves time. This can be very helpful in cases where you need to work fast, like in event photography or journalism. The Disadvantages of JPEG Reduced Editing Freedom: JPEGs contain less data than RAW files, which limits the range of photo-editing possibilities. Larger changes can lead to issues like color banding or increased noise. Loss of Image Data: The 'lossy' compression of JPEG discards data permanently. These lost details can't be recovered once a photo is captured in JPEG, which is not the case with RAW files. When to Use RAW or JPEG? Pick a format based on what the situation needs and what you want to achieve with your photos. For Ultimate Quality and Creativity: Choose RAW If you want to have the best image quality, detail, and creative control, you should shoot in RAW. For example, a landscape photographer would probably shoot in RAW to be able to edit the photo with the best possible dynamic range and quality. For Speed and Efficiency: Go for JPEG JPEG is the best format when time and ease matter most. For instance, a photojournalist will often use JPEG. This makes the photos ready to send to the news agency right away, so they can publish a story or event quickly. Tip! - Use Both Formats and Decide Later Many modern cameras have the option to take photos in both  RAW and JPEG format at the same time, which creates two files for each shot. I personally like this method as it gives me the option to select which file to work with later on. However, keep in mind that this method requires more storage space since every shot produces two files. If your camera has enough storage and can take both formats, I strongly suggest using this method. If you want to know more about the gear I use, check out my gear page! Conclusion: RAW vs JPEG - Finding Your Ideal Balance The RAW vs JPEG debate is not about deciding which format is better than the other. Rather, it's about knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each format and choosing what matches your workflow, your style, and the specific requirements of your photography. Are you shooting a scene with high contrast where you want to have maximum control over the dark and bright areas? If so, RAW might suit you better. Are you covering an event where you need to be fast and produce a lot of images, or are you just taking holiday pictures with the family? Then JPEG may be your preferred option. RAW Editors Choosing between RAW or JPEG could be based on which software tools you know best or are willing to invest time in to learn. Programs like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, and Luminar Neo can help you get the most out of your RAW files. However, bear in mind that these programs come with a hefty price or a paid subscription. JPEG files, being pre-processed, may only require minor adjustments. For such changes, simpler tools like Google Photos or even Instagram's in-app editor could be enough. The results you get with these tools may not equal what you can do with more advanced software. Experiment and Learn Like any aspect of photography, the best way to learn is to try and practice. Shoot the same subject in RAW and JPEG, work on both versions, and see the differences. Becoming skilled in using both formats well will give you more options to express your creative vision and make you a more flexible photographer. The same applies to photo-editing software, most programs offer a trial period, so try them out to see which one suits your needs. Thank you for reading and have a great day! -Robert van Sterkenburg

I once read a quote by Maya Angelou “You can't know where you're going until you know where you've been” and I think this quote serves as a great introduction to this article, as I want to look at what photography is and where it comes from. What is Photography? Photography is the process of creating images by capturing light on a light-sensitive medium, such as a photographic film or a digital sensor. It combines artistic and scientific elements, and it can serve as a method for recording, narrating, expressing, or communicating something. The word "photography" originates from the Greek words 'photos' (light) and 'graphein' (to draw), which together means 'drawing with light.' These days, a lot of people have great cameras on their phones, which has changed how we capture and share pictures. Thanks to digital technology, photography is easier and more flexible than ever. Photography has many uses in our world today - we can use it to take pictures of our special memories, or of things happening around the world, make art, show off, be ourselves, and communicate with other people. No matter what kind of photography you like, whether it's landscape photography that shows the beauty of nature, portrait photography that reveals the personality of a person, street photography that records daily life, or any other type of photography, there's always something new to discover and try out in this amazing field. Where does photography come from, a few highlights from history. Photography began in the early 1800s. In 1826, a French man named Joseph Nicéphore Niépce used a camera obscura and heliography to make what is now known as the first photograph in the world. The image, called 'View from the Window at Le Gras,' was a simple, fuzzy view of rooftops and countryside. It was a humble start but one that will change the world greatly. After Niépce's discovery, another Frenchman named Louis Daguerre created a better and easier way called the daguerreotype process, which he revealed to the world in 1839. The daguerreotype was a one-of-a-kind picture on a copper plate with silver coating, very sharp but not able to be copied. Another method that changed photography was the calotype process by William Henry Fox Talbot, which created a negative that could be used to make multiple positive prints. This method allowed for mass production and was an important advance for photography as we know it today. The 20th century saw a rapid growth of technology. One of the breakthroughs was the roll film, invented by George Eastman in the late 1800s. This innovation enabled the production of the Kodak camera, which made photography easier and more affordable for the average person, not only for professionals and enthusiasts. The first digital camera In 1975, an engineer called Steven Sasson at Eastman Kodak created the first digital camera. He had the job of investigating an innovative technology called a charged coupled device (CCD). Sasson made a camera that used this CCD to capture images electronically. By modern standards, the camera was quite large, roughly the same size as a toaster. It saved black-and-white images on a cassette tape, had a resolution of 0.01 megapixels, and needed about 23 seconds to take a picture. Digital photography didn't take off right away, and Kodak didn't launch its first digital camera product for consumers until 1991, the Kodak DCS-100. It was mainly designed for photojournalists, with a cost that was too high for most ordinary consumers. The development of consumer digital cameras that were affordable and easy to use accelerated in the late 1990s and early 2000s, due to improvements in technology and a reduction in costs. By the 2010s, the emergence of smartphones with powerful cameras ushered in a new era of photography. Today, almost anyone can take and share pictures instantly, everywhere, anytime. Photography: More Than Just Technology Photography is more than just its technical developments. It's a way of communicating, a medium for sharing feelings and thoughts, a technique for narrating stories, and a tool for recording our lives and the world around us. Photography is always changing, but at its core, it is still a way of showing. It lets us express and understand our experiences, capture moments in time, and convey our personal views on the world. The history of photography reflects our constant quest to discover, create, and communicate. From Niépce's groundbreaking photograph to the countless images we produce and share every day, photography has evolved and expanded tremendously. As we imagine photography's future, we should honor its roots, acknowledge its past, and look forward to the amazing opportunities ahead. Thank you for reading and have a great day! -Robert van Sterkenburg

The most important tool in a photographer’s toolkit is of course a camera and with the vast range of modern cameras and brands available it can be a big puzzle to find a camera that suits your needs. I wrote this article as a guideline to help you find a suitable first camera to start your photography adventure with. Keep in mind that this article won’t tell you the best camera there is to buy today but it will give you three steps and a general direction to help you find your first camera. Step one: What is your photography goal The first step to choosing a camera is to define your photography goal. What are you looking to photograph? What type or category of photography appeals to you the most? Are you interested in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, street, sports, or something else? Perhaps you only need a small camera for your family vacations, or do you have professional ambitions as a photographer? Think about what you want to do with your camera, and that will help you pick the right one for you. For example, if you like taking pictures of things that move fast, like sports or wildlife, you might want a camera that can take a lot of shots quickly and has a good autofocus. If you like taking pictures in dark places, you might want a camera that can handle low light and has a big sensor. Different cameras are good at different things, so think about what you want to capture before you buy one. Step two: Set a budget Another key factor to consider when choosing a camera is how much money you can and are willing to spend. Cameras come in a wide range of prices, depending on the features, quality, and brand. You don't want to spend more than you can afford, but you also don't want to buy a cheap camera that won't meet your needs or expectations. Setting a budget will help you narrow down your options and find the best value for your money. You should also keep in mind that spending a lot of money on a camera system doesn't improve your photography skills. Step three: Do your research It's important to do research and compare the different types and brands of cameras available. Doing your research will help you find a camera that suits your style, preferences, and photography goals. You can also learn about the pros and cons of each camera, the features and functions they offer, and the reviews and ratings from other users. There are many sources of information you can use for your research, such as online articles, blogs, videos, magazines, and forums. You can also visit local stores and try out some cameras in person. For instance, if you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your photography a.k.a. your photography goal, and how much you can spend, you could use a google or Youtube search like: “what is a good camera for wildlife photography under €800”. Remember to check out lenses too, since they matter as much as the camera itself! Things to consider for your first camera This article shows you three things to consider helping you find a good first camera to begin your photography adventure with. But besides these steps, there are also other factors to think about when choosing a camera system. 1.     There is no perfect camera and brand Different cameras and brands are good at different things and none of them are flawless. There's no such thing as the best camera or brand ever. So don't listen to the hype or the stuff people say about brands online. Choose a camera that suits your needs, regardless of the brand. All the major brands deliver good cameras at various price ranges. 2.     You don’t need a Fullframe camera, it’s a choice There is a myth circulating the internet that you need a Fullframe camera, otherwise you are not a serious photographer. Fullframe cameras have larger sensors than crop-sensor cameras, which means they can capture more light and detail, and produce a shallower depth of field. However, this does not mean that you need a full frame camera to take great photos. Fullframe cameras are also more expensive, heavier, and require larger and more expensive lenses than crop-sensor cameras. Many professional photographers use crop-sensor cameras for various reasons, such as portability, compatibility, reach, or to create a specific look. The choice of a full frame or crop-sensor camera depends on your budget, style, and photography goal, not on some arbitrary standard of quality on the internet. 3.     Lenses are more important than camera body’s One of the most important factors that affect the quality of your photos are the lenses you use. A good lens can make a huge difference in the clarity, brightness, and depth of field of your photos, while a bad lens can ruin them with chromatic aberration, vignetting, or softness. Usually, the quality of the lens matters more than the quality of the body when choosing a camera. A good lens on a bad body can produce better results than a bad lens on a good body. 4.     Don’t forget the essential accessories Essential accessories, such as an SD card, are particularly important. A low-quality SD card can cause photo loss or camera errors, so you should avoid buying a cheap one. Trust me, it's not worth the trouble. If you are unsure about which SD card to get for your camera, you can consult an expert at your local camera store, and they can help you pick a suitable one. Other useful accessories include a bag or backpack, a basic lens cleaning kit with a rocket blower, and one or two extra batteries for your camera. Some photographers think they need a tripod or monopod, but those are more for specific kinds of photography. But, if you have some extra money to spend, a basic tripod can be nice to have, even if you just use it to practice. But you don't really need one if you are just starting with photography. Conclusion Every photographer needs a camera and finding one can be a tricky process as there are so many options to consider. Feel free to use the steps I provided in this article to help you make smarter decisions when looking for your first camera. I hope this article helped you pick your first camera, and if you have any questions just drop them in the comments below or hit me up on social media! Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day -Robert van Sterkenburg