Photography
Jason O'Flaherty
What are Drop-In Filters?

Curious about drop-in filters and how they fit into high-end lenses like the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3? When I first encountered them, I found little to no explanation about what they were or how they worked—until I got hands-on. In this article, I break down the mystery behind drop-in filters, show you how they function, and share tips on where to find replacements. Whether you’re a wildlife or astronomy photographer, this guide will help you get the most out of your gear. Click to learn more!

What are Drop-In Filters?
Photography Tutorial
Jason O'Flaherty
11 Secrets to Stunning Zoo Photography

Unlock the secrets to capturing stunning wildlife photos at the zoo. With 11 expert tips, you’ll learn how to transform ordinary zoo snapshots into professional-level portraits. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these insights will help you elevate your zoo photography to new heights.

11 Secrets to Stunning Zoo Photography
Product Reviews
Jason O'Flaherty
Ulanzi Cooling Fan

The Ulanzi Cooling Fan is a cost-effective solution for preventing camera overheating, significantly extending recording times for models like the Sony ZV-1 and Fujifilm X-H2. Learn more about its impressive features and why it's a must-have accessory for videographers.

Ulanzi Cooling Fan
Product Reviews
Jason O'Flaherty
Tracking Camera Gear with Apple AirTags

The effectiveness of Apple AirTags in safeguarding camera gear against loss or theft is put to the test. Through real-world experimentation of their functionality, discover how these tags assist in tracking down missing equipment. Finally, the potential security implications of these tags for user privacy are examined.

Tracking Camera Gear with Apple AirTags

Holidays

Cuisine a la Pierre - Holiday Spiced Wine

Need the perfect adult beverage to serve at your next party, but are you sick of egg nog? Try this warming Spiced Wine recipe to help your holiday spirits. 
5 minutes to prepare and ready to server in 30 minutes.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 750 ml Bottle of Dry Red Wine

  • 1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar (or Honey)

  • 4 Whole Cloves

  • 4 Allspice Berries

  • 1 Pinch of Ground Ginger

  • 2 Sticks of Cinnamon

  • 1 Orange

  • 1/4 Cup of Brandy (optional)

Steps

  1. Put the Cloves and Allspice in a tea bag. If you don't have a tea bag, you'll need to strain these out before serving.

  2. Slice the Orange into 1/2 inch circles.

  3. Combine all the ingredients into a Crock-Pot or pot on the stove. Cover and heat on low. If you heat it too much, the alcohol will evaporate out.

  4. After about 30 minutes, when it is warm, remove the tea bag and set the Crock-Pot to the lowest setting.

  5. Server with one of the orange slices in each glass and an extra cinnamon stick if you like.

Download this recipe here: Pierre’s Holiday Spiced Wine

Cuisine a la Pierre - Chili Soup - Halloween Special!

This is a recipe that screams Halloween for Pierre. His mother used to make it before he and his friends would go to Haunted Houses every year.  It has some great flavor, is customizable and should only take 15 minutes to prepare.  It tastes great on the stove, but even better after simmering in a Crockpot all day.

Recipe

 Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 46 oz can Tomato Juice
- 14.5 oz can Stewed Tomatoes
- 15 oz can Dark Red Kidney Beans
- 15.5 oz can Chili Style Beans In Chili Gravy
Seasonings (To Taste, but start with)
- 4 Tbsp Dry Onion Flakes
- 1 Tbsp Dry Minced Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 10 - 20 dashes of Hot Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- Salt and Pepper
Steps
1. Brown Ground beef. Sprinkle in 1/4 of Onions and Garlic while browning.
2. Rinse and drain beef. Break up beef into small pieces.
3. Combine all ingredients into large pot or Crockpot and heat.
4. Sometime before serving, using the edge of a sharp spoon, cut the stewed tomatoes into smaller pieces.
5. Season to taste. Note that seasonings take about 20 minutes to release their flavor after being added to the pot. The longer you cook this, the better it will taste.
6. Serve. We recommend serving with Sour cream, Cheese, Crackers, Garlic Bread or Cinnamon Rolls.

Download this recipe here: Pierre's Chili Soup Recipe