Wildlife Portfolio Updated

I just updated my wildlife portfolio. While I am very involved in sports photography, wildlife photography is another photographic passion of mine. There is no place like the mountains and whenever I can get there I enjoy photographing the wildlife. You can see my complete updated wildlife portfolio here.

Here are some examples:

MLP-11

Increase Your YouTube Subscribers in a Unique Way

YouTube has become a powerful platform for content creators to share their videos and engage with their audience.
However, gaining subscribers can sometimes be a challenging task. In this article, we will explore a unique way to
increase your YouTube subscribers and boost your channel’s growth.

The Power of Social Media

Social media platforms have revolutionized the way we connect and share content. Utilizing social media can
significantly enhance your YouTube channel’s visibility and attract new subscribers. By promoting your videos
across various social media platforms, you can tap into new audiences and encourage them to subscribe to your
channel.

Engage with Your Audience

One effective way to increase your YouTube subscribers is by actively engaging with your audience. Responding to
comments, asking for feedback, and starting conversations will make your viewers feel valued and connected to
your channel. Encourage viewers to subscribe by creating compelling calls-to-action within your videos.

Collaborate with Other YouTubers

Collaborations with other YouTubers can be a game-changer for your channel. Partnering with creators in your
niche allows you to tap into their subscriber base and expose your content to a new audience. Collaborative
videos or shoutouts can help you gain more visibility and attract subscribers who are interested in similar
content.

Create High-Quality and Engaging Content

The quality of your content is crucial for attracting and retaining subscribers. Invest in good equipment for
filming and editing to ensure your videos look professional. Additionally, focus on creating engaging content
that provides value to your viewers. Unique and creative videos will make your channel stand out and encourage
viewers to subscribe for more.

Buying YouTube Subscribers

While organic growth is desirable, some content creators choose to give their channel a boost by purchasing
YouTube subscribers. It’s important to note that buying subscribers should be approached with caution. Quality
and engagement are vital for long-term success on YouTube. If you decide to buy subscribers, make sure to choose
a reputable service provider like https://themarketingheaven.com/buy-youtube-subscribers/

The Marketing Heaven offers real and high-quality subscribers that can help jumpstart your channel’s growth.
However, it’s essential to use purchased subscribers as a starting point and continue to focus on creating
valuable content and engaging with your audience.

New Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience Announced

Ready for an unforgettable photo experience? Join us for a photo trip to photograph the Pennsylvania elk! We just announced the upcoming fall trip: October 1-4, 2018. For more details and to sign up go to: http://www.bobshankphotography.com/PA%20Elk%20Experience/Upcoming%20Trips.htm

PEPE#7 2528 PEPE#7 1020 PEPE#7 2541 PEPE#7 1774

Blue Light Glasses in the Workplace: Essential Protection for the Modern Professional

As screen time becomes an integral part of the modern workplace, the demand for blue light glasses has surged among professionals. With remote work and digital tasks taking center stage, blue light glasses are quickly transitioning from a helpful accessory to an essential tool for those spending prolonged hours in front of screens. This article explores the importance of blue light glasses in the workplace, their impact on productivity and employee well-being, and how businesses can encourage their use to support staff health and performance.
The Rise of Screen Time in the Workplace

The shift to remote and hybrid work has fundamentally transformed how we engage with screens. Employees now rely on laptops, desktops, and mobile devices not only for work but also for meetings, collaboration, and communication. According to recent studies, the average office worker spends between 6 to 8 hours a day looking at screens, which is even higher for professionals in tech, finance, and digital sectors.

As screen exposure grows, so does the need to protect eyes from the harmful effects of blue light, the high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by digital screens. Blue light is known to cause eye strain, disrupt sleep patterns, and lead to longer-term vision problems. For many professionals, blue light glasses have become a simple yet effective solution to mitigate these adverse effects and promote a healthier, more comfortable work experience.
Understanding the Impact of Blue Light on Productivity and Well-Being

Excessive blue light exposure is linked to several physical symptoms that can hinder productivity and overall well-being:

Digital Eye Strain: Long hours in front of screens can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by dry eyes, blurred vision, and eye fatigue. Blue light glasses can reduce eye strain, helping employees feel more comfortable and less fatigued throughout the workday.

Headaches and Migraines: Blue light overexposure is also associated with headaches and migraines, especially for individuals sensitive to bright light. By filtering out a portion of blue light, these glasses can alleviate headaches, reducing the need for breaks and enhancing focus.

Sleep Disruption: Blue light exposure suppresses melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. This can lead to poor sleep quality, particularly in employees who work late or check screens close to bedtime. Blue light glasses help minimize this disruption, allowing employees to maintain a healthy sleep cycle, which translates into better energy and focus during work hours.

Mental Fatigue: Digital fatigue, often triggered by constant screen engagement, can impact mental well-being, causing burnout, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Blue light glasses reduce eye discomfort, helping employees stay sharp and alert, even during long workdays.

The Role of Blue Light Glasses in Enhancing Workplace Productivity

The benefits of blue light glasses extend beyond health, directly impacting productivity:

Improved Focus and Efficiency: When employees are not dealing with eye strain, headaches, or mental fatigue, they can focus on tasks with greater efficiency. This improvement can lead to higher quality work and increased output.

Reduced Absenteeism: Eye strain and related symptoms are common causes of workplace absenteeism, especially for professionals working with screens all day. By reducing these issues, blue light glasses can contribute to fewer sick days and improved employee attendance.

Enhanced Mental Clarity: Blue light glasses can minimize symptoms that distract from work, such as dry eyes or mild headaches, helping employees maintain mental clarity and perform their tasks with precision.

Long-Term Wellness Benefits: Supporting employees with tools like blue light glasses signals that their health and wellness matter. Over time, this investment in well-being can boost morale and job satisfaction, leading to a more engaged and loyal workforce.

Encouraging the Use of Blue Light Glasses Among Employees

Businesses can take proactive steps to encourage the use of blue light glasses, helping protect their teams from the adverse effects of prolonged screen time:

Provide Education on the Benefits: Start by educating employees on how blue light affects eye health, productivity, and overall well-being. Conduct informational sessions, webinars, or send out company-wide emails explaining the science behind blue light and the benefits of blue light glasses.

Offer Blue Light Glasses as a Workplace Perk: Some companies provide blue light glasses as part of their employee wellness perks. This could be in the form of reimbursing employees for the cost of glasses, offering a small stipend, or partnering with eyewear companies to offer discounts on blue light glasses.

Incorporate Blue Light Glasses into Health and Wellness Initiatives: Companies with wellness programs can consider adding blue light glasses as a component of their health benefits, much like ergonomic chairs and standing desks. This reinforces the company’s commitment to employee well-being.

Encourage Regular Screen Breaks: Complement the use of blue light glasses with policies that encourage regular breaks to reduce digital eye strain. Encourage the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), which, combined with blue light glasses, can significantly reduce strain.

Raise Awareness Through Testimonials and Success Stories: Employees are more likely to adopt blue light glasses if they hear positive feedback from their colleagues. Collect testimonials from employees who have experienced relief from eye strain and improved productivity with blue light glasses to encourage others.

Recommended Blue Light Glasses for the Workplace

Here are a few highly recommended brands and models that offer quality blue light protection tailored for workplace needs:

Felix Gray: Known for its high-quality blue light filtering without the yellow tint, Felix Gray offers both prescription and non-prescription options that are perfect for all-day wear.

Warby Parker: Warby Parker’s blue light glasses come with stylish frame options and a virtual try-on feature, making it easy for employees to find a pair that suits their style.

Gunnar Optiks: Gunnar Optiks has been a leader in blue light blocking glasses for years and offers glasses with adjustable intensity for different environments, making it ideal for those working long hours.

Pixel Eyewear: Pixel Eyewear focuses on reducing digital eye strain with lightweight, comfortable frames. Their options work well for both short and long screen sessions, providing affordable yet effective solutions.

EyeBuyDirect: With a wide range of frame styles and blue light filtering levels, EyeBuyDirect provides budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice quality.

Conclusion

Blue light glasses are more than just a trend—they’re a practical tool for protecting employee health and enhancing productivity in an increasingly screen-dependent workplace. By minimizing the symptoms of digital eye strain, reducing sleep disruption, and fostering a healthier work environment, these glasses can become a valuable asset for both remote and in-office employees.

For businesses, encouraging the use of blue light glasses sends a clear message that employee well-being is a priority. With the right education and incentives, companies can create a supportive environment that not only safeguards eye health but also boosts overall job satisfaction and performance. As screen time continues to dominate the workplace, investing in blue light protection may be one of the smartest steps companies can take for the health and happiness of their teams.

The Role of Storytelling in Brand Marketing

In today’s crowded marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with advertisements and brand messages, storytelling has become an essential tool in brand marketing. At its core, storytelling goes beyond showcasing a product’s features—it builds an emotional connection between a brand and its audience, making it memorable, relatable, and engaging. Through stories, brands can convey their values, mission, and unique personality, transforming passive consumers into loyal advocates.

This article explores the significance of storytelling in brand marketing, why it resonates so effectively with consumers, and how businesses can craft compelling stories that enhance their brand identity.
1. Why Storytelling Matters in Brand Marketing

Storytelling in marketing is about creating a narrative that captures the brand’s essence and communicates it in a way that resonates emotionally with its audience. Unlike conventional advertisements, which focus solely on products or services, storytelling dives deeper, enabling consumers to see themselves as part of the brand’s journey.

Emotional Engagement: Humans are wired to respond to stories. When brands share a compelling story, it taps into emotions, making the brand more memorable and relevant. For instance, brands like Dove and Nike don’t just sell soap or athletic wear; they tell stories about self-confidence, resilience, and empowerment, creating a strong emotional connection with their customers.
Differentiation: In a market where many companies offer similar products, storytelling helps brands stand out. By crafting a unique narrative, brands can differentiate themselves from competitors, showcasing their values, heritage, or mission.
Brand Loyalty: Stories have the power to build relationships. When consumers feel aligned with a brand’s narrative, they’re more likely to remain loyal, turning into long-term supporters and advocates.

Storytelling, when done effectively, doesn’t feel like marketing—it feels like an experience, a conversation, or even an invitation to be part of something bigger.
2. The Elements of an Effective Brand Story

A great brand story isn’t just about showcasing the brand—it’s about creating a narrative that is both authentic and compelling. The key elements of an effective brand story include:

Relatable Characters: Every story needs characters that the audience can identify with. In brand storytelling, these characters could be the founders, employees, customers, or even the consumers themselves. By creating relatable characters, brands make their stories personal, helping customers see themselves in the narrative.
Clear Conflict or Challenge: A story without conflict or challenge lacks depth. This element is crucial, as it brings drama and relatability to the narrative. For instance, many brands share their struggles and challenges in bringing their product to market, building empathy and understanding among their audience.
Resolution and Purpose: An effective brand story offers a resolution that reflects the brand’s mission or values. Whether it’s a mission to make the world more sustainable, provide inclusive fashion, or promote healthy living, the resolution reinforces the brand’s purpose.
Consistent Tone and Voice: Consistency in tone and voice across all brand stories helps reinforce brand identity. Whether a brand chooses a lighthearted, humorous tone or a serious, mission-driven one, consistency makes the story more credible and familiar.

By incorporating these elements, brands can craft stories that resonate deeply with their audience, leaving a lasting impression that goes beyond the typical sales pitch.
3. Examples of Storytelling in Brand Marketing

Several brands have successfully leveraged storytelling to build strong connections with their audiences. Here are a few notable examples:

Nike: Known for its “Just Do It” slogan, Nike has mastered the art of storytelling by focusing on resilience, grit, and personal triumph. Its ads often feature real athletes overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries, inspiring audiences to do the same.

Airbnb: Airbnb tells stories that highlight unique experiences of guests and hosts, showcasing diverse destinations and personal journeys. By focusing on these stories, Airbnb creates an emotional appeal that positions it as more than just a booking platform—it becomes a gateway to connection and exploration.

Apple: Apple’s storytelling is centered on innovation and individuality. Rather than just selling tech products, Apple tells stories about how its technology enables creativity, expression, and connection, appealing to consumers who see themselves as creative and forward-thinking.

These brands use storytelling to communicate their identity, build an emotional bond with consumers, and strengthen brand loyalty, making them more than just product providers—they become part of consumers’ lives.
4. How Storytelling Enhances Brand Identity

Storytelling plays a vital role in shaping and communicating brand identity. Here’s how storytelling enhances brand perception and identity:

Showcasing Core Values: Through stories, brands can convey their core values, such as integrity, innovation, or community. For instance, Patagonia, a brand known for its environmental commitment, frequently shares stories about its sustainability initiatives and eco-friendly products, aligning its brand identity with environmental values.
Creating Brand Legacy: Storytelling can also reinforce a brand’s legacy or heritage. Brands with a long history, like Levi’s or Coca-Cola, use stories about their origins and legacy to add depth to their identity, reminding consumers of their journey and long-standing reputation.
Fostering Trust: Consumers want to buy from brands they trust. Storytelling humanizes a brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy. By sharing authentic stories, brands can show their dedication to quality, ethics, and social responsibility, fostering a stronger relationship with consumers.

When consumers feel that a brand stands for something meaningful, they are more likely to support it and develop a sense of loyalty that goes beyond products and services.
5. Tips for Crafting a Compelling Brand Story

To create a story that resonates with consumers and strengthens brand identity, here are a few essential tips:

Keep it Authentic: Authenticity is key. Today’s consumers can easily spot inauthentic messages, so it’s crucial for brands to stay true to their values and principles. Avoid exaggeration or fabricating stories; instead, focus on genuine narratives that reflect the brand’s identity.
Know Your Audience: The best stories are tailored to the audience’s interests, values, and needs. Understanding the target audience helps brands craft messages that are relevant and impactful, fostering a stronger connection.
Use Visuals to Enhance the Story: Visual elements like images, videos, and infographics can bring stories to life. Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are especially powerful for visual storytelling, allowing brands to connect with audiences on a sensory level.
Make it Emotional: Stories that evoke strong emotions—whether happiness, nostalgia, or inspiration—are more likely to stick. Use emotions strategically to create memorable experiences that audiences will want to share.
Be Consistent Across Channels: Whether it’s on social media, websites, or advertisements, brand stories should have a consistent tone and message. Consistency reinforces brand identity and helps build recognition and familiarity.

By following these tips, brands can craft stories that captivate audiences and create a memorable brand image that stands out in a crowded market.
6. The Impact of Storytelling on Consumer Behavior

Effective storytelling can significantly influence consumer behavior. When consumers connect with a brand’s story, they are more likely to:

Make Purchase Decisions: Storytelling can provide the context that pushes consumers from consideration to purchase, as it gives them a reason to connect with the brand on an emotional level.
Engage with the Brand: Consumers who relate to a brand’s story are more likely to engage with it, sharing content, leaving positive reviews, and spreading the brand message through word-of-mouth.
Develop Brand Loyalty: A strong brand story can foster long-term loyalty, making consumers more likely to return and even become advocates for the brand. For instance, customers who resonate with the story of a sustainable brand are more likely to stay loyal due to shared values.

Through storytelling, brands can foster a deeper connection with their audience, influencing their behavior and enhancing brand loyalty in the process.
Conclusion

Storytelling has become a cornerstone of modern brand marketing from sites like The Marketing Heaven, transforming the way companies communicate with their audiences. By moving beyond traditional marketing messages, storytelling allows brands to create connections that are personal, meaningful, and memorable. It gives brands the opportunity to showcase their values, mission, and vision in a way that resonates emotionally with consumers.

In a competitive market, where consumers have endless choices, brands that master the art of storytelling will continue to stand out. Through relatable characters, authentic messages, and emotional resonance, storytelling builds trust, drives engagement, and ultimately strengthens brand loyalty. For brands willing to invest in authentic narratives, storytelling is not just a marketing tool—it’s a powerful vehicle for shaping brand identity and creating lasting relationships with consumers.

New Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience Just Listed

PEPE#7 2541

We just announced a new Pennsylvania Elk Photography Experience, which will be held on October 2-5, 2017. This guided photo trip will take you to the amazing Pennsylvania Elk for a photographic experience you will not soon forget!

PEPE#7 1774

Along the way, you will be around some neat and interesting people who, like you, share a passion for wildlife and outdoor photography. We present three different photography seminars, including how to set up your camera and photograph the PA Elk, and an in-depth look at how to use Adobe Lightroom for your photography. The final seminar is about wildlife photography ethics, the PA Elk Herd, and we also have you share your best five shots from the trip so we can learn from each other!

PEPE#7 1020

You will have the opportunity to be out on six photo shoots to photograph the majestic elk during the fall rut when their activity is at an all-time high. The photographic possibilities are only limited by your imagination!

PEPE#7 2528

We only have 1 more opening available for 2017 but we will be doing this again next year. Click here for more information.

PEPE#7-3592

Bird Photography 101 at Pocono Environmental Education Center

Presentation - Bird Photography 101

I led a workshop entitled Bird Photography 101 at the Pocono Environmental Education Center this morning. Eleven participants showed up to learn how to make better bird photos and I had a blast!

I shared some basic equipment needs, camera settings, and tips on how to attract and photograph birds in our backyard. The participants were enthusiastic, had very good questions, and shared some additional tips, which really added to the success of today’s workshop. I enjoyed the time with this group very much!

I am scheduled to lead Bird Photography 101 again on September 20th from 2pm – 4pm. For more information and to register for this event, go to the PEEC website. If you are interested in learning some ways to make better bird photographs in your backyard, this is the workshop for you!

053114 Bird Photography

He was Barking at Me!

Chincoteague 2014-01-21-148I was in Chincoetague, Virginia this week. On Tuesday morning I was photographing a blue heron when I heard this sound. I wasn’t sure what it was at first. Then I looked down the way a little off to my right and there was this red fox barking at me!

Chincoteague 2014-01-21-145

 

It was great to see a fox so close. Sadly, it saw me before I saw it. I didn’t get many photos of it and no really great ones, but I did get a few. It was my first time seeing a red fox to photograph.

Chincoteague 2014-01-21-147

 

The blue heron saw this predator well before I did! This served as a great reminder: don’t get stuck in tunnel vision when photographing wildlife. Keep alert and watch in all directions. You never know what might come along!

Chincoteague 2014-01-21-150

Nikon 200-400mm f/4 — My Go-To Lens!

Pleasant Valley v. Lehighton

Out of the last 21 sports photographs I had published, 16 of them were captured with my 200-400mm f/4 zoom lens. This means that 76% of these published photos were taken by this lens.

I knew I wanted this lens over two years ago and even long beforehand. It was my dream lens and I saved for 3 1/2 years to be able to purchase it. The anticipation was almost too much to bear at times! I was sold on this lens by Lennie Rue III and his son, Len Rue, Jr. I read their book, How to Photograph Animals in the Wild. I read and reread this book, but I paid particular attention to all the photographs and with which lens they were captured. Overwhelmingly, a major majority were captured with the 200-400mm lens.

I also knew the 70-200mm f/2.8 was working at the time as my primary wildlife and sports photography lens, but it just didn’t have enough reach. The 1.4x extender helped, but it just hardly seemed to be enough. I convinced myself that I needed the 200-400mm lens. Then I started to save my pennies for it!

Now, after 1 1/2+ years of use, I can honestly and convincingly say that this was definitely a wise purchase for me. I use it on nearly every shoot and it is my go-to lens for both sports and wildlife photography.

I really like the zoom lens because I can compose different shots depending on how far away the subject is from me. This is particularly helpful in baseball. Let’s say that I am on the first-base side of the infield. From this location I can photograph the third baseman, the shortstop, the second baseman, the pitcher, the batter, and the catcher. This is nealry 2/3s of the team! Now these position players are not all at equal distances from my location, but with a simple twist of the zoom barrel, I can compose a pleasing composition on any of these six players.

Similarly, I find the zoom feature a great tool in wildlife photography. Patience is the key in wildlife photography. Staying still in one location is often helpful and the zoom lens gets put into a lot of use in this scenario.

I typically keep the 200-400m lens on my monopod or tripod. It can be handheld, which I do on occasion, but my preferred method is to mount it on a support. This makes using it a joy rather than a burden.

When I am shooting sports, I am almost always on my knees with this lens on a monopod. I rest my left hand on the barrel of the lens and can quickly zoom in or out depending on my need. I always remember: righty tighty to zoom in closer to my subject.

The lens is clear, too. The photographs it produces are excellent when printed or shown on a computer screen. It focuses very well, and it even has a memory position to store a select pre-focused location. With the touch of a button, the lens focuses to that memorized distance. This is great for plays at second base, for example. I can be shooting the batter and then quickly press the memory button and the lens is in focus for a play at second base. Sweet!

Yep, the 200-400mm f/4 Nikon lens is now my go-to lens for sports and wildlife photography. I am very glad to have it in my lens arsenal!