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Tim Engle Photography
  • Portfolio
  • About
  • Blog
  • Video
  • Contact
  • Workshops & Training

Why I Enjoy Photography More Than Ever

After years behind the camera, I find myself enjoying photography more now than when I first started. The technical side — lighting setups, exposure, gear quirks — no longer slows me down. Those things are second nature at this point, which means I can focus on what matters most: connecting with people.

Most of my sessions feel like a conversation. We’re talking, laughing, learning about each other — and I just happen to be taking pictures in the middle of it. That shift has completely changed how I experience my work.

August in Review

August is always a little quieter in photography. Families are on vacation, kids are heading back to school, and businesses are focused elsewhere. Years ago, that slowdown used to stress me out. These days, I plan for it. The truth is, the “slow” months often give me the space to enjoy the projects that do come through.

Here are a few highlights from last month:

Corporate Headshots and Branding Photography in Sacramento

I worked with several professionals and businesses on portraits and branding sessions. Headshots are one of my favorite types of photography because they’re about more than just looking polished — they’re about creating an image that feels authentic and approachable.

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Editorial Assignments

Editorial photography always brings something new. August included community profiles and business stories, the kind of work where you step into someone else’s world and capture what makes it unique.

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Product Photography

Even something as straightforward as product photography — like a custom knife shoot I did last month — is a creative challenge. The goal is to make an object stand out and give it personality through light and composition.

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Sports Photography: Friday Night Lights and Flag Football

High school football is back, and covering Casa Roble under the Friday night lights continues to be a passion project. This year also marked my first season covering girls’ flag football — one of the newest high school sports programs in California. Watching that grow from the start has been energizing to document.

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Planning for the Cycle

August may be slower, but I know September and October will pick up fast. December is always a wildcard — sometimes steady, sometimes quiet. Instead of worrying about it, I’ve learned to embrace the cycle and prepare for the dips. That shift in mindset has made the work far more enjoyable.

Looking Ahead

From headshots and editorial shoots to product photography and Friday night football, August may have been “slower,” but it was far from boring. Each assignment reminded me why I love this work — and why, after all these years, I enjoy photography more than ever.

If you’re looking for corporate headshots, commercial photography, or sports coverage in Sacramento, I’d love to connect.

tags: Sacramento photographer, corporate headshots, commercial photography Sacramento, sports photography, professional portraits Sacramento
categories: Deep Thoughts, Photo Life
Monday 09.15.25
Posted by Tim Engle
 

Why I Use What I Use: A Thoughtful Approach to Photography Gear

When I first started in photography, I’ll admit—I had my fair share of “gear envy.” The allure of shiny new equipment was hard to resist, and I made plenty of purchases that didn’t add much value to my work. Over time, I realized that having the right tools matters far more than having all the tools.

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tags: PhotographyGear, WhatsInMyBag, PhotographyTips, BehindTheScenes, CameraGear, PhotographerTools, NikonZ9, GodoxLighting, CreativeProcess, LearnPhotography
categories: Behind the scenes, Deep Thoughts, Photo Life
Sunday 12.29.24
Posted by Tim Engle
Comments: 1
 

The Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence in Photography: A Professional's Reflection

In the ever-evolving world of photography, the landscape is littered with the echoes of shutter clicks from those who've come and gone. The journey through the lens is challenging and fraught with competition and the constant demand for innovation and excellence. Over my years in the photography community, I've witnessed many talented individuals enter the fray with hopes high and dreams vast. Yet, many find themselves unable to weather the storm of the industry, struggling to secure consistent commercial clients.

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tags: Photography, ProfessionalPhotography, ExcellenceInPhotography, CreativeJourney, PhotographyReflections, PhotoCritique, QualityOverQuantity, Inspiration, PhotographyGoals, ArtOfPhotography, PhotographyLife, CreativeProcess, PhotographyPassion, PhotographyTips, PhotographyCommunity
categories: Deep Thoughts, Behind the scenes, Photo Life
Monday 08.05.24
Posted by Tim Engle
 

Embracing Faith and Photography: Documenting the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

The Decision to Volunteer

When the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage came up, it piqued my interest as a photographer and someone on a faith journey. I reached out to the organizers, and they were incredibly receptive. Adjusting my schedule to volunteer was a joy, as it allowed me to witness the dedication and faith of the pilgrims firsthand.

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tags: National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, NEP, Deep Dive, Documentary, America, Catholic
categories: Editorial, Behind the scenes, Deep Thoughts, Location, Travel
Monday 06.03.24
Posted by Tim Engle
Comments: 1
 

Mastering Your Gear: The Key to Elevating Your Photography

In the realm of photography, understanding the ins and outs of your equipment is not just about getting acquainted with your tools

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tags: Professional photography equipment, Photography gear mastery, Best camera settings for professionals, Advanced photography techniques, Photography equipment guide, How to use photography gear, Photography gear tips, Improve photography skills, Camera settings for high-quality images, Essential photography accessories, Photography lighting techniques, Mastering DSLR cameras, Professional lens guide, Enhancing photo quality, Photography equipment tutorials, Creative photography setups, Optimizing camera performance, Photography gear checklist, Custom photography settings, Expert photography advice
categories: Behind the scenes, corporate, Deep Thoughts, How-To, Location, Lighting, Photo Life
Wednesday 03.20.24
Posted by Tim Engle
 

My Evolution with AI in Photography: A Blend of Art and Technology

As a photographer, my journey has always been about capturing the essence of a moment, playing with light and shadows to tell a story. The advent of AI in creative arts presented a curious blend of possibilities and challenges. Generating images through artificial intelligence seemed like a distant, somewhat impersonal approach to creativity. However, my exploration into this new frontier, mainly through Midjourney, has reshaped my understanding and appreciation of AI's role in photography.

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tags: AI in photography, Midjourney, digital art, creative technology, photography techniques, artificial intelligence, visual storytelling, digital photography, innovation in photography, photography trends, AI-generated images, creative collaboration, photo editing, visual arts, technology in art
categories: Behind the scenes, Deep Thoughts, Fashion, AI
Friday 02.02.24
Posted by Tim Engle
 

Reflecting on a Year of Highs & Lows

As the year winds down, it's a time for reflection, a moment to reflect on the highs and lows that have marked the past twelve months. For me, a commercial photographer in Citrus Heights, this year has been a roller coaster of experiences, both in my professional life and personal endeavors.

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tags: Commercial photography, Business of photography, Photography, Photo life, Business, Sacramento photographer, California photographer
categories: Behind the scenes, Deep Thoughts, Photo Life
Monday 01.01.24
Posted by Tim Engle
 
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