📦 What’s in the Box? A New Wildlife Camera for 2025
I’ve been chasing wildlife at dawn with the Canon R8 and getting… blurry birds and muddy footage. So I made a move. In this post, I break down why I chose the Canon R7 over the R5 II, what problems I’m trying to solve in the field, and what you can expect next from Touchstone Pixels.
💸 How Much Does a Small Photography Channel Make on YouTube?
Ever wonder how much a small photography channel actually makes on YouTube? I’m sharing my real earnings, from ad revenue to merch and affiliate sales — plus why I keep pushing forward despite the slow grind. If you’re curious about the business behind the camera, here’s the honest story from Touchstone Pixels.
🎒 This Sling Bag Gets the Shot
📷 Chasing Moody Wildlife Photos with the Canon R8 + 100-400mm
A quick trip to Farmington Lake turned into a moody wildlife shoot with the Canon R8 and RF 100–400mm. Cloudy skies, soft light, and a surprise close-up made for one of my favorite field tests yet. Ducks, textures, and a coot that earned the spotlight — all in one lightweight kit.
Welcome
Welcome to the Touchstone Pixels blog—where the road is dusty, the gear is heavy, and the stories are told through glass. We shoot, test, and tinker our way through the world of filmmaking, photography, and behind-the-scenes grit.
✍️ What to Expect
🎥 Gear Talk — Real-world tests, no fluff. If it doesn’t perform, we say so.
📸 Visual Stories — Photos, b-roll, and field notes from the road.
🧰 DIY & BTS — Touchstone-style tips, zero-budget wins, and lessons learned the hard way.
📷 Can the Canon 28–70mm f/2.8 Replace My Primes?
Took the Canon RF 28–70mm f/2.8 on a road trip through Silverton, Colorado to see if it could replace my prime lenses. From sharpness tests to real-world video footage, this lens surprised me more than I expected. Here’s what held up, what got retired, and why this beast might just be worth it.