Maven Filters - Fantastic quality, color coded for ease of use and compact carrying!

Buy the Maven Filters at https://mavenfilters.com/

The title is my review! Michael asked me last year to test his new magnetic filters. Michael is a YouTuber who has been producing quality photo education for over a decade and I have always paid attention to what he was talking about and sharing. So, I was excited to try out his new filters and I can say after using for almost a year - they are excellent. UPDATE Jan 2024 - Closing in on two years of traveling the world with these filters and they continue to impress!

Updated - April 2026! 4+ years of using Maven Filters and I have nothing but praise!

I just wrapped up 50 days of travel through Southeast Asia, and it’s incredibly important that the gear I bring along is a great value, especially when it comes to space.

Having a high-quality, easy-to-use system that is this compact really blows my mind. It is miles above the competition. As you can see here, using the front cap and magnetic back cap allows me to keep the entire system extremely small in my bag.

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about which Maven filter sizes to get and how the step-up rings actually work. I’m more than happy to put together a custom shopping list for you. Just let me know which lenses you’re working with and I can make personal recommendations for you. Just reach out to me at toby@photorec.tv.

Buy the Maven Filters at https://mavenfilters.com/

Maven Filters in Greenland

Here is what I love about this Maven Filter Set -

• The highest quality glass of any filter system I have tried (and I have tried MANY) no color casts or loss of sharpness.

• Smart color coding makes it easy to quickly grab the filter type and strength you want. When I am out in the field I don’t like to waste time trying to read the tiny print.

• The magnetic strength of these filters is better than the competition. They do not fall off when you bump the camera/lens and are still easily removable.

• Hydrophobic coating means water/dust/dirt just wipes off without any streaks. It is a bit like magic and I know I sound a little like an infomercial but I dropped one of the filters in the snow this weekend and was amazed that I didn’t have any streaks left behind.

• The carry system is nice and compact, as a worldwide travel photographer and workshop educator I value travel-friendly products and these easily slip into the bag and take up less room than my smallest lens.

3.2 second photo captured with the 6-stop Maven Filter

Buy the Maven Filters at https://mavenfilters.com/

The New Lightroom Reality: Why Your Old Workflow Is Costing You Time

If you’ve felt like Lightroom has been getting a bit sluggish lately, you’re not imagining it. With the recent explosion of AI tools like Denoise, Generative Remove, and Lens Blur, Adobe actually updated their recommended order of operations. Most of us were taught to work from the top of the panel down, but the new AI tools have flipped the script. If you apply things in the wrong sequence now, Lightroom often has to "recalculate" or "refresh" your previous work, leading to artifacts or a significant lag. If you aren't doing AI Denoise first and masking last, you're essentially working against the software's engine.

The Secret is in the Sequence

I wanted to create something to help you navigate these changes without the headache. I’ve put together a set of presets that aren't about "magic" styles, but about teaching you the modern roadmap. If you look at the screenshot of these presets, you’ll see they are numbered. This isn't just for organization; it's a step-by-step guide to the way Lightroom wants to work today. We even dive into using the new Adaptive Presets, which act like a significantly improved "Auto Edit" by intelligently targeting the subject and sky specifically for your unique photo.

More Than Just a Preset

The presets themselves are helpful, but the real value is in the learning. I’ve recorded a detailed video walkthroughthat accompanies these presets, where I explain the "why" behind every step.

But it doesn't stop there. When you join the Photo Enthusiast Network (PEN), you get:

• The Workflow Video & Presets: Your foundation for better edits.

• The Full Library: Instant access to dozens of videos covering every aspect of post-processing.

• Weekly Updates: New editing and photography videos released every single week.

• An Incredible Community: We have everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. It is easily one of the most friendly and supportive groups of photographers on the internet.

Join the Community (and get the Presets) for Free

I’m currently offering these presets and the workflow video as a welcome bonus for joining PEN.

If you’re on the fence, come see what the hype is about with a 10-day free trial. You’ll get the presets, the library, and the community access immediately. If it’s not for you, you can cancel at any time—no hard feelings. And if you read this far- Here is a coupon to use for 45% off your first year with us. Use PODCAST at checkout.

I’d love to see you inside and help you finally master a workflow that actually works.

Sedona Photo Bootcamp - 2026

Are you ready to elevate your photography skills and immerse yourself in one of the most stunning landscapes in the world? Our Sedona Photo Bootcamps offer a unique, hands-on learning experience.

In October 2026, we’re excited to offer two specialized sessions:

• Beginner Bootcamp (October 19th - 24th): Ideal for those looking to master the essentials of composition, exposure, and camera settings at a relaxed pace, with plenty of support both in the classroom and the field. Click here for full details and pricing.

• Advanced Bootcamp (October 25th - 29th): Perfect for experienced photographers who want to push their creativity and technical abilities with daily challenges, in-depth Lightroom sessions, and personalized feedback. Click here for full details and pricing. [SOLD OUT]

What makes our bootcamps special?

Each session blends classroom instruction with fieldwork in Sedona’s breathtaking scenery, followed by daily image reviews to help you refine your craft with personalized feedback from two experienced instructors.

Don’t just take our word for it—check out the feedback from our previous participants:

As one participant put it:

“The experience was phenomenal, and the guidance I received completely changed the way I approach photography.”

If you’re looking for a photo workshop where you’ll grow your skills, meet like-minded photographers, and capture incredible images, this is your opportunity!

Join us and discover what makes our Sedona Bootcamps a must-attend event for photography enthusiasts.

A gallery of photos from our 2024 Boot Camp, from fellow Instructor Frank Stelges

Lightroom and Photoshop in-person classes - Where next?

Where would you like to see a future in person Lightroom and Photoshop Class? Check the box. If you want to be notified add your info (optional)

Lightroom and Photoshop Class - Join Me!

A return to in person teaching - Come join this small, focused class where you’ll get personalized, hands-on instruction to finally get your photos organized and streamline your editing process.

Join me -

• January 24 & 25, 2026 in Washington DC [Register Here]

• April 25 & 26, 2026 in Gold River/Rancho Cordova, CA [Register Here]

Lightroom Topics Covered:

• Understanding Lightroom

• Installation and Catalog Setup

• Best Practices for Importing your Photos

• Staying Organized

• Understanding Collections

• Deep Dive into the Develop Module of Lightroom and Photoshop

• Editing, including the use of presets, masks, and brush tools

• Efficient use of the new AI tools in Lightroom

• Creating HDR and Panoramas

• Best Settings for Exporting for Print, The Web, and Instagram/Facebook

• Round Trip Editing with Photoshop

Photoshop Topics Covered

• Layers & Masks Explained Simply

• Editing in Camera Raw

• Healing and Content-Aware Fill

• Sharpening & Blur

• Making Photoshop work for you

Details:

• Workshop is from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday

• Time will be taken for a lunch break each day.

Price:

• $499 - Launch Sale of $479

Lodging:

• Lodging is not included in the course price. There are several hotels in the area. A list of recommended properties will be sent out after registration. We will assist with finding roommates for those who request it.

Does Not Include:

• Lodging, Transportation

• Personal expenses such as meals or beverages

• Computer or software costs

Q: What if I am new to editing?
A: This course is designed to teach you even if you have never opened Lightroom or Photoshop. You’ll learn an incredible amount in just two days!

Q: Do I need to own Lightroom and Photoshop
A: NO, Adobe offers a free 7-day trial of these programs. This course is designed to get you started from scratch - no prior experience with Lightroom or Photoshop is required.

Q: What if I own a different version of Lightroom?
A: There are several versions of Lightroom. Lightroom CC, Lightroom Classic and older Lightroom 6.  90% of what will be taught in this class applies to ALL the older versions of Lightroom Classic. If you have Lightroom CC you may find much of the first day frustrating as the organization tools are quite different.

I teach you how to edit most photos in just a few simple steps. With my Lightroom presets, you’ll not only speed up your workflow but also learn the correct order of operations — so you know exactly which tools to use and when. The result? Clean, natural-looking edits without spending hours behind the computer.

Where would you like to see me hold in person classes next? Fill out this 30 second form. Thanks!

Tour Du Mont Blanc Pano

Mont Blanc - The highest peak in the Alps and Western Europe, at 4,808.73 meters (15,776.7 ft).