The Trip That Changed My Life
There are trips we remember because of where we went, what we saw, or the photographs we brought home. And then there are the rare journeys that quietly change the direction of our lives.
For me, that journey was a seven-thousand-mile road trip through the American West That journey became part of the story of how I rediscovered the West, reconnected with photography—and, in many ways, found myself.
I recently had the opportunity to tell that story in Wild Eye Magazine in my feature, Capturing Stars: My Memories Are Memories Written in Light.
The essay is deeply personal, and I’m grateful to have been able to share the journey that took me from growing up in Washington, D.C., to my first unforgettable view of the Milky Way over the Rocky Mountains, which ultimately inspired me to turn my camera toward the stars.
It’s a story about photography, wonder, memory, and the unexpected paths that can shape a life.
How Your Primal Attractions Can Lead to Your Best Photography
This essay has a genuine idea, not merely a collection of familiar composition advice. It explains the problem, establishes an original framework, shows photographers how to apply it in the field and in post-processing, addresses meaningful exceptions, and concludes with a memorable artistic principle.
A Quiet Tribute to the Landscapes We Remember
We tend to assume the places we dream about will be there when we’re ready. Often they are, but sometimes not in the way we remember.
Creative vs. Clinical: Using Vintage Lenses
In the ever-evolving world of photography, the lens is more than just a tool; it's a storyteller. Modern lenses have reached an era of clinical perfection, offering unparalleled clarity and precision. But has this quest for flawlessness come at the cost of character?
Beyond the Lens Blog
Welcome to the Blog!
Hello! I'm Christine Kenyon, and I’m thrilled to have you here at Beyond the Lens. This blog is a space where we’ll dive deep into the art, the adventure and the technical sides of photography, from capturing the magic of the Milky Way to exploring the rugged beauty of the American West. There’s much to share!
Invariant ISO Sensors – A Reality Check
The concept of ISO invariance is gaining attention among photographers, and this has led to some confusion and misconceptions about how this affects image quality and post-processing flexibility. This article aims to clarify what variant and invariant ISO mean, how they impact noise and image quality., and why, despite the advantages of invariant ISO sensors, it remains crucial to achieve proper exposure in-camera.
Why Return?
The Value of Revisiting a Beloved Landscape
It’s easy to believe that once we’ve been to a place — especially a strikingly beautiful one — we’ve “done it.” We’ve seen the sights, taken the photos, checked the box. But for photographers, and especially those of us drawn to the rhythms of wild, quiet places, the truth is something else entirely.
In the Dark: Many Americans Have Never Seen the Stars
For many who join my workshops, it’s their first time seeing the true night sky, unmarred by city light. Some have never photographed the Milky Way. Others have never stood in a landscape where the land itself tells a story that stretches back to antiquity. And almost all of them leave with a deeper appreciation not just for photography, but for the wild beauty of our own country.
How to Get the Most Out of Any Photography Workshop
After leading photography workshops for years, I’ve learned that the biggest challenges aren’t always the terrain or the camera settings. More often, it’s internal: mindset, preparation, and confidence. If you’re preparing for your first—or fifth—workshop, here are a few things to consider ahead of time.