terryamcdonald.bsky.social
@terryamcdonald.bsky.social
12, 2025

Seeing is believing. Here are my 12 most significant photographs from 2025 . . .
12, 2025
Seeing is believing. Here are my 12 most significant photographs from 2025 . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:46 PM
52 Friday Faves of 2025

A look back at the 52 Friday Faves I posted on Instagram in 2025. Enjoy!
52 Friday Faves of 2025
A look back at the 52 Friday Faves I posted on Instagram in 2025. Enjoy!
blog.luxborealis.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:56 PM
The New Topaz Photo: How well does it compare to Lightroom and DxO?

I'm revisiting some work I did earlier in the year. Back in February, I completed some fairly extensive testing of DxO PureRAW, Lightroom, and Topaz PhotoAI. Since then a few changes have come about. Has Topaz Photo matured into a…
The New Topaz Photo: How well does it compare to Lightroom and DxO?
I'm revisiting some work I did earlier in the year. Back in February, I completed some fairly extensive testing of DxO PureRAW, Lightroom, and Topaz PhotoAI. Since then a few changes have come about. Has Topaz Photo matured into a full-featured editing app? In some cases, yes, in others, no; it depends on your end use. Keep reading . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
December 23, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Gearing up for Winter Photography

Don't miss out on winter photography because you're cold. Dressing in layers is the key. Mixed in with some winter photos, this post will provide examples of what works from base layers to outer shells, plus what to do for feet, hands and your head. Read on . . .
Gearing up for Winter Photography
Don't miss out on winter photography because you're cold. Dressing in layers is the key. Mixed in with some winter photos, this post will provide examples of what works from base layers to outer shells, plus what to do for feet, hands and your head. Read on . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
December 8, 2025 at 11:08 PM
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 3: B&W, Output and Cost

This is the third in a series of articles reviewing DxO PhotoLab 9 compared to Adobe Lightroom. In it, I explore black-and-white, printing, and the relative cost of the ’buy-once’ versus subscription model. Read on so you don't miss the…
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 3: B&W, Output and Cost
This is the third in a series of articles reviewing DxO PhotoLab 9 compared to Adobe Lightroom. In it, I explore black-and-white, printing, and the relative cost of the ’buy-once’ versus subscription model. Read on so you don't miss the exciting conclusion!
blog.luxborealis.com
November 11, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Wildlife and birding photographs from Costa Rica

The final post about our experiences in Costa Rica highlights our three-week birding and wildlife adventure. Our group recorded 337 bird species (!), showcasing Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Along with the stunning views and wildlife, we share…
Wildlife and birding photographs from Costa Rica
The final post about our experiences in Costa Rica highlights our three-week birding and wildlife adventure. Our group recorded 337 bird species (!), showcasing Costa Rica's rich biodiversity. Along with the stunning views and wildlife, we share some concerns regarding ecological sustainability, pesticide use, and the impacts of tourism on natural habitats and present a Gallery of 26 photos.
blog.luxborealis.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:05 PM
Affinity: Completely re-designed and absolutely free—forever—with a twist.

Affinity has unveiled its new suite, combining Affinity Photo, Publisher, and Designer—offering powerful tools for creatives and remaining free of charge, including future updates. While it lacks AI features, it serves as a…
Affinity: Completely re-designed and absolutely free—forever—with a twist.
Affinity has unveiled its new suite, combining Affinity Photo, Publisher, and Designer—offering powerful tools for creatives and remaining free of charge, including future updates. While it lacks AI features, it serves as a strong alternative to Adobe. For those needing AI, options like Canva AI Studio exist but can be costly. Read on . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
November 1, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Update: Bird Photography in Costa Rica

The birds of Costa Rica are simply stunning. This post includes 17 images and is about an 11-minute read in which I detail not just the field techniques, but also the editing that goes into each image. Enjoy!
Update: Bird Photography in Costa Rica
The birds of Costa Rica are simply stunning. This post includes 17 images and is about an 11-minute read in which I detail not just the field techniques, but also the editing that goes into each image. Enjoy!
blog.luxborealis.com
October 25, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Photographing in the rainforest is bloody difficult, but oh so satisfying!!

This is the first of a few articles chronicling our experiences in costa Rica and the amazing diversity of life we are seeing here.
Photographing in the rainforest is bloody difficult, but oh so satisfying!!
This is the first of a few articles chronicling our experiences in costa Rica and the amazing diversity of life we are seeing here.
blog.luxborealis.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:54 AM
Need an online photo service for books, calendars, canvases and prints?

I’ve had great success with PosterJack.ca—here’s why . . .
Need an online photo service for books, calendars, canvases and prints?
I’ve had great success with PosterJack.ca—here’s why . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
October 16, 2025 at 9:59 PM
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 2: Processing and Masks

In Part 2, we delve deeper into how well DxO PhotoLab 9 compares with Adobe Lightroom, focusing on functionality, processing order, lag issues, and editing capabilities. While PhotoLab 9 shows strengths in lens correction, image denoise,…
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 2: Processing and Masks
In Part 2, we delve deeper into how well DxO PhotoLab 9 compares with Adobe Lightroom, focusing on functionality, processing order, lag issues, and editing capabilities. While PhotoLab 9 shows strengths in lens correction, image denoise, and local adjustments, delays during editing can be frustrating. Read on for more details . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
October 13, 2025 at 9:48 PM
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 1: Interface and Library

Last month, DxO HQ in France asked me to review the newest iteration of PhotoLab, PL9, for Luminous Landscape. I applaud DxO for continuing a non-subscription-based software platform—but how will PL9 stack up against the industry…
DxO PhotoLab 9 vs Lightroom – Part 1: Interface and Library
Last month, DxO HQ in France asked me to review the newest iteration of PhotoLab, PL9, for Luminous Landscape. I applaud DxO for continuing a non-subscription-based software platform—but how will PL9 stack up against the industry leader—Lightroom? Part 1 or 3
blog.luxborealis.com
October 8, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Beautiful Autumn Light . . .

In southern Ontario, we’re enjoying some warm weather with beautiful autumn days, but it also highlights concerns related to climate change. Have a look at some recent photographs using a wide-angle zoom and HDR to capture light and landscape. Hopefully this will…
Beautiful Autumn Light . . .
In southern Ontario, we’re enjoying some warm weather with beautiful autumn days, but it also highlights concerns related to climate change. Have a look at some recent photographs using a wide-angle zoom and HDR to capture light and landscape. Hopefully this will inspire you to get out and enjoy nature while the good weather lasts.
blog.luxborealis.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:55 PM
BOLO! Upcoming Presentations

Join me for one or both of my upcoming presentations next week—on Monday in Hamilton for ‘Just Photography’ and on Wednesday in Guelph for ‘iPhoneography’. Read on for details.
BOLO! Upcoming Presentations
Join me for one or both of my upcoming presentations next week—on Monday in Hamilton for ‘Just Photography’ and on Wednesday in Guelph for ‘iPhoneography’. Read on for details.
blog.luxborealis.com
September 12, 2025 at 8:14 PM
The subscription plot thickens

Topaz Labs is transitioning to a subscription model for its software products, including PhotoAI, which will cost $35/month. This has raised concerns, as apps like Lightroom have more features at a lower price. Read on for all the details . . .
The subscription plot thickens
Topaz Labs is transitioning to a subscription model for its software products, including PhotoAI, which will cost $35/month. This has raised concerns, as apps like Lightroom have more features at a lower price. Read on for all the details . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
September 6, 2025 at 2:19 AM
A Week in Killarney Provincial Park—2.4 billion years in the making

My week in Killarney as the Friends of Killarney Park Artist in Residence was very rewarding. Have a look at some of the photos made during the week as well as some of the backstory . . .
A Week in Killarney Provincial Park—2.4 billion years in the making
My week in Killarney as the Friends of Killarney Park Artist in Residence was very rewarding. Have a look at some of the photos made during the week as well as some of the backstory . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
August 7, 2025 at 1:28 AM
Killarney! Artist in Residence

I am thrilled and honoured to be the Friends of Killarney Park Artist in Residence from Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August in one of Ontario’s gems, Killarney Provincial Park. Read on for more info . . .
Killarney! Artist in Residence
I am thrilled and honoured to be the Friends of Killarney Park Artist in Residence from Monday 28 July to Friday 1 August in one of Ontario’s gems, Killarney Provincial Park. Read on for more info . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
July 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 6 – Fundy

My last stop—the Bay of Fundy coast of New Brunswick—provides a very creative combination of landscape, seascape, weather and aesthetics. Thick Acadian forests, sheer cliffs plunging into the Bay of Fundy, vast tidal flats, sometimes fog, and always, the…
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 6 – Fundy
My last stop—the Bay of Fundy coast of New Brunswick—provides a very creative combination of landscape, seascape, weather and aesthetics. Thick Acadian forests, sheer cliffs plunging into the Bay of Fundy, vast tidal flats, sometimes fog, and always, the world famous tides—the highest in the world. Add in some astrophotography to produce a very successful last two days of photography.
blog.luxborealis.com
July 5, 2025 at 6:32 PM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 5 – Cape Breton Highlands

The Cape Breton Highlands are stunning in their geology, geography, drama, and their sheer beauty. Read on to discover the various places Cape Breton Highlands National Park, from Ingonish to Cheticamp, as portrayed through nature and…
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 5 – Cape Breton Highlands
The Cape Breton Highlands are stunning in their geology, geography, drama, and their sheer beauty. Read on to discover the various places Cape Breton Highlands National Park, from Ingonish to Cheticamp, as portrayed through nature and landscape photos, some close-ups of bog plants, a bit of geological background, and some astrophotography.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Africville

Some reflections on various modes of immigration to Canada, resulting from visiting Africville and Pier 21 in Halifax, and the home of Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
Africville
Some reflections on various modes of immigration to Canada, resulting from visiting Africville and Pier 21 in Halifax, and the home of Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 22, 2025 at 4:31 PM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 4, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia

Shoot the obvious, then look for the interesting details. Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Blue Rocks and points in between offer a variety of photographic opportunities in both colour and black and white. Fishing huts along the shores, colourful…
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 4, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
Shoot the obvious, then look for the interesting details. Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Blue Rocks and points in between offer a variety of photographic opportunities in both colour and black and white. Fishing huts along the shores, colourful lobster traps, lupins and houses. Read on to get a sense of the peacefulness of being Down East.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 21, 2025 at 1:49 AM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 3

Embarking on an exhilarating journey through the Maritimes, this third blog post highlights the natural beauty and photo experiences at Kouchibouguac National Park, including a variety of bog plants along the Bog Trail. Read on for photos of superb birding…
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 3
Embarking on an exhilarating journey through the Maritimes, this third blog post highlights the natural beauty and photo experiences at Kouchibouguac National Park, including a variety of bog plants along the Bog Trail. Read on for photos of superb birding opportunities at the Sackville Waterfowl Park.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 18, 2025 at 10:24 PM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 2

The boreal north: Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay and Forillon National Park are on the agenda for this blog post. Dramatic cliffs and coasts, lighthouses, and some intimate and tragic wildlife views. Read on . . .
PhotoGeo Trip Down East: Part 2
The boreal north: Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay and Forillon National Park are on the agenda for this blog post. Dramatic cliffs and coasts, lighthouses, and some intimate and tragic wildlife views. Read on . . .
blog.luxborealis.com
June 14, 2025 at 12:46 PM
PhotoGeo Trip Down East – Part 1

My friend Dan and I are enjoying a 10-day photo trip down East, exploring regions like Granby, Baie-Saint-Paul, and Mahone Bay while avoiding the haze of recent. We focus on landscapes, cultural sites, and photography techniques, sharing insights and adapting our…
PhotoGeo Trip Down East – Part 1
My friend Dan and I are enjoying a 10-day photo trip down East, exploring regions like Granby, Baie-Saint-Paul, and Mahone Bay while avoiding the haze of recent. We focus on landscapes, cultural sites, and photography techniques, sharing insights and adapting our plans as needed amid challenging conditions during our journey through Eastern Canada.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 9, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Astrophotography—my first serious attempt with the OM-1

In preparation for an up-coming trip to Québec and the Maritimes, I set-out to practice my Astrophotography. Although hoping for an Aurora display (which didn’t materialize), I worked on shooting stars, experimenting with various settings and…
Astrophotography—my first serious attempt with the OM-1
In preparation for an up-coming trip to Québec and the Maritimes, I set-out to practice my Astrophotography. Although hoping for an Aurora display (which didn’t materialize), I worked on shooting stars, experimenting with various settings and techniques, ultimately achieving some intriguing results. It has whet my appetite for future Astrophotography opportunities.
blog.luxborealis.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM