I just picked up a 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in Underground. After driving past the Toyota dealership near me all week, one test drive sealed it. In this first post I share key specs—i-FORCE 2.4L turbo (278 hp/317 lb-ft), 8-speed, RWD with Auto LSD, Drive Mode Select, 20-in TRD wheels—and my build direction: aggressive but sleek, a clean OEM+ blackout that lets the new body lines shine. I’ll keep updating with installs, impressions, and sunset photo dumps as this long-term build evolves.

Upgrading just for camera quality? Here’s a creator-focused comparison of iPhone 16 Pro vs 17 Pro—what’s truly different, what’s not, and who should spend for the 17 Pro versus sticking with the value-packed 16 Pro.

Thinking about buying used cameras or lenses on eBay or Facebook Marketplace? Here’s a photographer’s field guide to spotting real deals and avoiding duds: green flags, red flags, pricing with sold comps, seller reputation, and a quick 10-minute inspection checklist. Plus the buyer protections that keep you from getting burned.

Choosing the best mirrorless camera in 2025 comes down to more than just megapixels — especially for content creators. As someone who shoots professionally and creates daily content for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, I’ve tested a lot of gear. My go-to setup? The Sony a1. It’s the rare camera that works just as flawlessly for food photography and commercial projects as it does for short-form social content. Honestly, it almost feels like cheating. Whether I’m filming in S-Log for a cinematic project or just hitting record for a quick reel, the Sony a1 delivers every time.

Professional food photography is one of the most powerful tools a restaurant can use to attract new customers. From Google listings to social media, high-quality images make your dishes crave-worthy, build trust, and set you apart from competitors. Serving Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, Canonsburg, Washington, and the greater Western PA area, I help restaurants capture clean, cinematic visuals that drive more clicks, visits, and sales.

Street photography is about capturing real, unposed moments in public spaces — and yes, it’s legal in most situations, even if strangers are in your frame. I started shooting with a Sony a7iii and Tamron zooms, but these days my go-to street photography camera is the Sony a1 paired with the Tamron 35-150mm. In this post, I’ll break down my gear, my favorite tips for getting the shot, how I edit for a moody look, and the street photography laws every shooter should know.

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is the newest ultra wide-angle zoom for Sony E-Mount, and it pairs perfectly with the Sony a1. With a wider zoom range than the 17-28mm, faster autofocus, and sharp edge-to-edge image quality, it’s built for travel, landscapes, video, and astrophotography. After putting it through real-world use, I can say it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a lens that gets the most out of the Sony a1.

Ever wonder how Wednesday Season 2 on Netflix looks so hauntingly cinematic? In this blog, Ian Jones of ISJDesigns breaks down how to color grade like Netflix in Season 2 using tools you already have — including Final Cut Pro and a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Learn how to recreate the show’s iconic moody tones, cool shadows, desaturated palette, and soft film-like texture step-by-step, even on a budget. Whether you're shooting your next short film or refining your YouTube series, this guide will help you unlock that gothic, cinematic Wednesday Netflix vibe.

Burnout is real and it can sneak up on even the most passionate creators. This blog is your reminder that stepping away from the grind isn’t quitting, it’s recharging. When you give your brain space, creativity has room to breathe. Sometimes your best ideas show up when you’re not looking.

In today’s digital landscape, your visuals are your brand. Whether you're a startup, entrepreneur, or established business, combining authentic user-generated content (UGC) with professional product photography is one of the most effective ways to build trust, drive conversions, and actually sell. In this post, I break down why both content types matter, how they work together, and why intentional, strategic visuals are the secret weapon behind every successful brand in 2025.

Most digital marketing companies are full of shit. They’ll sell you flashy buzzwords and vague promises, lock you into long-term contracts, and outsource everything to people who don’t know your business at all. You end up with templated content, generic SEO, and no real results. Just another invoice. This blog breaks down the red flags, exposes shady practices (like hiring cheap freelancers and marking up the cost), and shows you exactly what to ask before hiring a marketing agency.

Discover why the Tamron 90mm macro lens and Sony a1 mirrorless camera make the perfect pairing for detailed macro photography. Pittsburgh-based photographer Ian Jones of ISJDESIGNS shares how this underrated combo delivers sharpness, speed, and pro-level results in the field.

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is DJI’s most advanced drone yet—featuring a triple-camera system, 6K video, and 51-minute flight time. But there’s a catch: it’s not available in the U.S. (yet). Here’s everything you need to know, from specs to why it’s making waves in the aerial photography world.

Looking to level up your street photography edits? In this post, I break down the best moody Lightroom presets for 2025—including the exact Cold Tones preset I use to create cinematic, scroll-stopping photos. Perfect for Lightroom Mobile, Instagram edits, and urban creators who want serious mood.

The magic of photography isn't just about capturing sharp, clear subjects – sometimes, it's about the beautiful blur that surrounds them. This artistic blur, known as bokeh, has become one of the most sought-after effects in portrait photography, product photography, and artistic shots. In photography, bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus background in an image. When executed properly, bokeh transforms bright points of light and background elements into soft, creamy, circular shapes that create a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere in your photographs.

Understanding how to create beautiful bokeh can elevate your photography from simple snapshots to professional-looking images. Whether you're capturing portraits, products, or nature shots, mastering this technique will add a new dimension to your creative toolkit.

Explore why Sony mirrorless cameras, like the a7III and Alpha 1, are the top choice for hybrid shooters. Photographer Ian Jones of ISJDESIGNS in Pittsburgh shares his experience with Sony's autofocus, low-light performance, and versatile Tamron lenses. Learn why Sony, part of Sony Group Corporation, is perfect for both photography and video.

In today's competitive landscape, having a strong brand identity and marketing strategy is essential. As a creative consultant, I help brands, startups, and creatives craft compelling visuals, optimize their social media presence, and develop marketing strategies that drive engagement and sales. From high-quality photography and video production to branding and content strategy, my expertise ensures your business stands out. Ready to take your brand to the next level? Let’s make it happen.

The best camera isn’t the one with the biggest sensor or the highest megapixel count—it’s the one you have on you when you need it. As a professional photographer, I rely on my Sony Alpha 1 and Sony a7III for client work, but when it comes to everyday moments, behind-the-scenes shots, and Instagram stories, my iPhone 14 Pro is more than enough. With a 48MP main sensor, Smart HDR, Night Mode, and ProRAW capabilities, today’s iPhones are packed with powerful camera tech.

This blog breaks down how to get pro-level shots using just your iPhone—from composition tricks and lighting hacks to the best camera settings and editing apps. Whether you're snapping quick memories or leveling up your smartphone photography, these tips will help you make the most of the camera you always have with you. 📸🚀

Mastering food photography requires the perfect balance of lighting, gear, and creativity. Whether you're working with natural light or professional studio setups, knowing how to showcase a dish from the best angle, keep your focus sharp, and add dynamic motion can make all the difference. In this guide, I share my go-to food photography equipment, techniques, and tips to help you create stunning images that tell a story and leave an impression.

Explore how AI-powered tools like Topaz Labs are transforming photography and video editing. From noise reduction to upscaling, discover how integrating these cutting-edge solutions into your workflow can unlock new creative possibilities—while raising important questions about authenticity and ethics.