This made me laugh!

While in Oregon this year, one of my clients rolled out the quote, "I saw the light with Tommy White!" Thanks to Austin for this awesome quote! We both laughed out loud. He followed by saying there were numerous ways we could spin that, and we spent the next two days rolling out every version we could think of. There were many, and we both laughed until our ribs hurt.

The truth of it is, we did see the light, good light. No, great light! And we had a blast doing it. But that begs for more conversation and has given me the idea to create a new tutorial. The topic of light comes up at every workshop, and it's always about light hitting something in the scene. But honestly, there are many variations of light, color, tone, angle, quantity, quality, and the list goes on. Light can be so much more than a bright spot in your image. It can truly help set the mood, drama, or even depth in your image.

Learning how to see and read light can be invaluable to your landscape photography, and I would even go as far as saying that it can make or break your image. Sometimes producing a flat or overly contrasty image. How you shape and use the light in your image helps to direct the viewer further into your scene.

Reading light, the color, shape, and direction are also very important in how to retouch your image, and I believe that this can get lost in the quest for more technical skills or even the rush to post on Social Media. Using light fall off and your white balance can be critical to shaping your image and providing something that makes sense and easy to connect to. This is the type of retouching that global editing will not cover. Look for this tutorial soon on my website. I'm sure you will find it of value!

Currently, I am off to the Brevard and the Southern Blue Ridge Parkway areas for my annual Waterfalls and Wildflowers Workshop. This link for 2027 has just been opened for booking! Check it out. The conditions this year look perfect!

If you're already a Client, take an additional 10% off any future Workshop purchase!

Code "TWP10"

My latest review:

"Just finished an outstanding landscape photography workshop with Tommy, and I couldn't be happier. Tommy absolutely overdelivered every single day with his knowledge and expertise of both photography and the sites we visited. What set this workshop apart was the personal attention. He took the time to review my work, give honest feedback, and tailor his guidance to where I was in my own progression. I walked away with new skills, sharper instincts, and images I'm genuinely proud of. Highly recommend to anyone looking to take their photography to the next level!"

Autumn Color in the Smokies 3 spots left! Reserve my spot October 20 - 23, 2026. 3 full days exploring the Vistas, Streams, Waterfalls and golden pastures of the Great Smokies. This is an unforgettable Workshop!

Oregon Coast and Redwoods A spot has opened up! Reserve my spot September 17 - 22, 2026. 5 full days along the Oregon Coast, hitting all of the hottest spots I know, and ended in the gorgeous California Redwoods!

Fall at the Outer Banks Only one spot left. Reserve my spot November 5-8, 2026. 3 full days exploring the Autumn magic of OBX! Along with a bonus day of Astrophotography.

New for 2027!

Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon

February 23 - 28, 2027

3 spots left!

Considering a Private Tour?

You totally should! From mastering manual settings to learning how to create depth, emotion, and drama in your images, these workshops are all about unlocking your potential as a landscape photographer and having loads of fun doing it. Whether you're looking to build a stronger portfolio, expand your print sales, prepare for an exhibition, or simply grow your own creativity, I’ll meet you where you are and help point the way forward so you can avoid spending unnecessary time to figure it all out.

This is the single best way to step up your game in the fastest way possible. All Private Tours are designed specifically for you!

Here's what to expect:

• Plenty of one on one time with a working professional.
• Confirmation that your equipment and settings are solid, and providing what you hope to capture.
• Learn how to create powerful compositions with balance and harmony.
• Learn how to create depth and dimension in your images, with leading lines and visual flow.
• Learn how to identify, capture, and control all types of light.
• Learn how to control shutter speed to create lines, shapes, and express movement within your frame.
• Histograms, how to read them, and why they play an important role.
• Focus Stacking for tack sharp front to back focus.
• How to use lens distortion to your advantage.
• Focal length blending. When to use it and why.
• Exposure and shutter speed blending made easy.
• How to successfully use Luminosity Masks.
• How to create awesome Panoramas the easy way.
• How to shoot for Black and White, including processing.
• Apps used in the successful planning of Landscape Photography.
• Post Processing and Digital Workflow in Lightroom and Photoshop.
• More fun and photography than you thought possible!
• And much, much more

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A parting thought...

As you find your way out into the Backcountry, pay attention to the small details in your shot. Outside of your composition and tech skills, you are trying to deliver a story to your viewer. Use these small details to help tell your story and drive the viewer deeper into your image. I think in nowadays fast paced World, the aspiring artist tends to try to drive home a good composition. While I agree that's a very important part of the image, don't forget about the message that supports your composition. What are you telling the viewer?

These details, along with the light coming into your image, are imperative to creating depth and dimension in your image. What are you seeing in your shot, and how will the viewer interpret your message?

Cheers and happy hunting!!

Connect with me!

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You can always reach me at:

white_tommy@bellsouth.net or 828-773-0369

Hope to hear from you soon! ~Tommy

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