https://www.gregorygross.com/blog A blog that’s mostly about photography but that also includes an assortment of other thoughts, concerns, questions, and comments. en-us 2026-06-21T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2026062100 Using black and white film offered me an opportunity to achieve a different aesthetic. Local Events Photography 2026-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2026060400 I used a slower shutter speed to capture more surreal images. Local Events Photography 2026-03-26T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2026032600 The Moon is high in the sky this time of year. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2026-03-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2026031800 My photography metadata helped me answer a simple question. Film Photography Database Development 2025-12-27T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025122700 It’s been a while since I’ve had a good look at the Moon. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-10-02T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025100201 A recent experience with a Voigtlander Vito II folding camera confirmed that owning a Leica rangefinder is not for me. Photography Film Photography Camera Gear Travel 2025-10-02T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025100200 Sometimes a good photography book is worth a lot more than a nice camera. Book Reports Photography Film Photography Camera Gear Travel 2025-09-16T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025091600 I have greatly expanded my discussion of individuals whose work I admire. Photography 2025-08-22T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025082201 This time I brought with me some modern equipment. Local Events Photography 2025-08-07T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025080700 Serendipity brought me an opportunity to do some rather unconventional people photography. Local Events Adapted Lenses 2025-07-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025071500 I spotted something fresh in a movie I’ve seen countless times. Everyday Minutiae Classic Movies Camera Gear Film Photography 2025-06-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025060400 Solar activity was a little anemic today. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-05-30T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025053000 It was a lovely evening to get out and have a look at our lunar neighbor. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-05-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025052900 On a recent trip to Portland, I got some meaningful experience making prints, and I ended up fundamentally reevaluating my photographic practice as a result. Film Photography 2025-04-30T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025043000 A large sunspot region is rotating into view around the Sun’s limb. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-04-09T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025040900 As much as I love working with film, there are times when digital photography delivers more. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography Film Photography 2025-04-03T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025040300 To observe the Moon tonight, I went a little old school. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-03-30T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025033000 Which film speed to use on a regular basis? Film Photography 2025-03-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025032900 I finally took the plunge and assembled a home film developing kit. Film Photography 2025-02-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025022800 I love the low-light performance of my Canon EOS R8 for astrophotography. Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-02-14T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025021400 A PDX Photo League event hosted by Franklin Foto in Portland gave me an opportunity to work in a darkroom for the first time in quite a while. Film Photography 2025-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025012900 I was finally successful obtaining a good example of this legendary portrait lens. Camera Gear Adapted Lenses Film Photography 2025-01-22T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025012200 I had a beautiful mild day to get out and have a look at our star. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2025-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2025011500 This wonderful book offers a ton of great advice from one of the pioneers of photojournalism. Book Reports Photography Film Photography 2024-11-07T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024110700 Although the seeing wasn’t great, it still felt nice to get out with a telescope to have a look at the Moon. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-10-11T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024101100 Nature put on a spectacular display last night. Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-10-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024100401 What a way to end the 2024 baseball season! Baseball Travel 2024-10-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024100400 It never hurts to try something different every now and again. Out and About Photography Adapted Lenses 2024-10-03T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024100300 More experimentation with using my Canon EOS R8 for solar imaging. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-09-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024092900 I had the chance to test out a legendary portrait lens. Camera Gear Adapted Lenses 2024-09-20T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024092000 Separating the wheat from the chaff in one’s photography. Photography 2024-09-01T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024090100 An incredible loop prominence appeared on the Sun today. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-08-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024082900 I tried a bit of a different approach to imaging the Sun in white light today. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-08-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024081800 Our backyard feeder was a busy spot this morning. Nature Adapted Lenses 2024-08-14T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024081400 I’m eager about possibilities for this combination of gear. Nature Adapted Lenses Astrophotography 2024-08-07T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024080700 An impressive group of sunspots has appeared. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-07-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024071800 Some interesting solar features were visible today without anything truly remarkable to observe. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-07-03T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024070300 It’s getting hot here on the West Coast. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-06-26T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024062600 Powerful photography that isn’t mine to emulate. Book Reports Photography 2024-06-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024062500 Sometimes a quiet approach is all that is needed to practice meaningful street photography. Book Reports Photography 2024-06-21T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024062100 Sometimes constraints can deliver positive things. Film Photography Camera Gear Database Development 2024-06-20T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024062000 A piece of advice from the Hat Corporation of America. Book Reports Advertising Classic Cars Fashion Fruits of the Internet 2024-06-17T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024061700 Some nice active regions appeared on what was otherwise a relatively average day to observe the Sun. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-06-09T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024060901 A young Moon not even one-fifth illuminated made a nice appearance this evening. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-06-08T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024060800 When I was active collecting Questar telescope ads, I found other magazine promos that made me smile. Astronomy Photography Advertising 2024-05-27T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024052700 The simple yet contemplative experience of watching the world pass by still captivates me. Travel 2024-05-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024052500 To crop or not to crop? Book Reports Photography 2024-05-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024051801 There was more than a little bit of everything visible in H-alpha on the Sun today. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-05-08T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024050800 Lonely urban environments can sometimes yield opportunities for some interesting photography. Out and About Adapted Lenses Photography Single Frame 2024-05-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024050400 My thoughts on this influential collection of photography. Book Reports Photography 2024-05-03T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024050300 A sense of humor at a local tea and coffee shop. Out and About Adapted Lenses Photography Single Frame 2024-05-02T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024050200 A reminder of the value of simple wandering. Book Reports Out and About Photography 2024-04-30T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024043000 This mirrorless camera has proven to be the perfect full-framer for how I practice digital photography. Camera Gear 2024-04-26T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024042600 Sometimes a great shot is waiting above. Out and About Photography Single Frame 2024-04-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024041800 What a difference a day makes. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-04-17T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024041700 After a brief lull, sunspot activity has returned. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-04-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024041500 “X” marks the spot—and so does “V.” Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-04-10T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024041001 I’m eager to shoot through some film stocks I have yet to try. Film Photography 2024-04-08T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024040800 Although my view of the big event was a little on the anticlimactic side, I still had a satisfying observing experience. Solar Astronomy Astronomy Astrophotography Photography 2024-03-31T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024033100 Unless there is something significant about the color of a composition, shoot in black and white... but don’t do so reflexively. Book Reports Adapted Lenses Photography 2024-03-19T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024031900 The lunar terminator was favorably placed for a good look at Copernicus crater. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-03-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024031500 I had a beautifully clear and mild evening for getting out and doing a bit of lunar observing and imaging. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-03-13T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024031300 This inexpensive yet rather capable film camera deserves a serious look. Film Photography Camera Gear 2024-02-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024022900 A classic lens helps give me the kind of dreamy softness I love capturing off windows. Out and About Adapted Lenses 2024-02-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024022501 An unusually large and powerful sunspot has been facing Earth for the past few days. Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-02-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024022500 I finally worked out how to read a wide array of metadata directly from image files using custom-written programming code. Photography Database Development 2024-02-13T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024021301 I managed to image the Moon in a hole in our cloud cover this evening. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-02-13T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024021300 Eastman Kodak’s guide to photography offers an interesting view into the state of the craft generations ago. Film Photography Book Reports 2024-02-10T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024021000 There was some interesting activity to observe on the Sun today. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-02-05T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024020500 A first-rate collection of color film images by one of my favorite photographers. Film Photography Book Reports 2024-01-31T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024013100 My new favorite piece of photography gear. Camera Gear Adapted Lenses 2024-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012900 It turns out the internet has every conceivable thing ever made. Baseball Old TV Fruits of the Internet 2024-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012801 I had a brief opportunity to image M42 on an unusually mild evening. Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012800 This is the shot that helped inspire me to shoot a reflection selfie a few days later. Out and About Film Photography Single Frame 2024-01-27T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012700 Something different than the usual window reflection selfie. Out and About Film Photography Single Frame 2024-01-26T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012600 Vintage advertising for telescopes, photography gear, and cars has an allure I often can’t resist. Astronomy Film Photography Classic Cars Fruits of the Internet Advertising 2024-01-22T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024012200 I’m getting better with using a film camera without the aid of a light meter. Film Photography Out and About 2024-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024011501 A beautiful day turned into a beautiful evening to observe the Moon. Lunar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-01-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024011500 We had a beautiful day to observe the Sun. Solar Astronomy H-alpha Solar Astronomy Astrophotography 2024-01-12T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024011200 Here’s a bit of film camera hypnosis. Film Photography 2024-01-07T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024010700 My efforts to learn how to shoot a film camera without the aid of a light meter continue. Film Photography 2024-01-06T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2024010600 At least on its theoretical side, photography exhibits a beautiful mathematical harmony. Photography Database Development 2023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023123100 Using these core questions to think about one’s photography can yield a lot of satisfying insight. Photography 2023-12-18T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023121800 These concept vehicle images are awesome! Classic Cars Fruits of the Internet 2023-12-04T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023120400 A simple photographic technique for some interesting effects. Photography 2023-11-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023112801 The same subject but two different media: one digital, the other film. Photography Film Photography Adapted Lenses 2023-11-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023112800 A wonderful film photography book with both step-by-step guides and thought-provoking discussions. Film Photography Book Reports 2023-11-21T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023112100 Tempting as it may be, sometimes it’s better not to buy an old film camera. Film Photography 2023-11-16T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023111600 A wonderful collection of images by a photographer who I met purely by happenchance. Photography Book Reports Travel 2023-11-15T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023111500 This little book is packed with great advice. Photography Book Reports 2023-11-12T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023111201 It’s amazing how much beauty simple objects can have in the right light. Photography Adapted Lenses Single Frame 2023-11-12T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023111200 This stuff rocks! Everyday Minutiae Fruits of the Internet 2023-11-10T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023111000 Keeping on top of maintaining a good set of photography metadata is hard work but worth it. Photography 2023-10-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023102500 Being able to observe something as powerful as the Sun instills a sense of awe and wonder that nighttime astronomy can’t match. Solar Astronomy Astronomy 2023-10-23T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023102300 Reflections on the kind of people photography that is truest to my personality. Photography Book Reports 2023-10-21T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023102100 One of my guilty pleasures is watching old episodes of Peter Gunn. Old TV 2023-10-14T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023101400 An annular solar eclipse swept over my neck of the woods on October 14, 2023. Solar Astronomy Astronomy Astrophotography Photography 2023-09-26T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023092600 My reaction to the new retro-styled Nikon Z f mirrorless camera body. Camera Gear Photography 2023-09-01T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023090100 Magnum Contact Sheets is a great book especially those with an interest in film photography. Film Photography Book Reports 2023-08-25T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023082500 With wildfire smoke covering my region, I try to turn lemons into lemonade by capturing some interesting images of the Moon. Lunar Astronomy Astronomy Astrophotography Photography 2023-08-21T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023082100 I got a new (to me) Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 lens for my Nikon F. Out and About Film Photography Camera Gear Photography 2023-08-09T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023080900 I am continuing my effort to be a bit more social with my photography. Out and About Film Photography Photography Single Frame 2023-07-28T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023072800 I saw a huge prominence on the Sun today. H-alpha Solar Astronomy Solar Astronomy Astronomy Astrophotography Photography 2023-07-24T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023072401 Everyone has lazy days. Nature Adapted Lenses Photography Single Frame 2023-07-24T00:00:00.000+00:00 https://gregorygross.com/blog/entry.php?id=2023072400 I saw something a bit unexpected on my photo walk today. Nature Out and About Adapted Lenses Photography Single Frame