I refer to various links, software, and websites in my post, so for the sake of simplicity, I will gather them here as I post them:

Tutorials:

Free HDR Tutorial: By Trey Ratcliff, aka “Stuck in Customs,” one incredible HDR artist.

Post Processing Tutorials: By Diane Varner who has an unbelievable eye for composition.

Astrophotography Video Tutorial: By Ben Canales, one of best astrophotographers I’ve seen.

Strobist:  By David Hobby.  Everything you need to know about lighting photographs on the cheap with speedlights.  A really invaluable tutorial and collection of DIY descriptions on how to make softboxes, ringlights, etc.

Software

NIK Software: I use Sharpner, Color Effects Pro, and Silver effects for those black and whites.

Photomatix: Photomatix Pro – pretty much the standard software for tonemapping HDR images

Topaz: Topaz Adjust and Detail have become standard to my workflow.  I am thinking of adding Focus as well.

Star Trails: A free software for astrophotography.

Other:

David Masini: A talented artist, web designer, and photographer in his own right.  Also the developer of the Nate’s Pics Logo.

Research Triangle Park: The infamous RTP area featured in the ongoing Lunch Break Series.

Conservator’s Center: An incredible place and the source of many of my wildlife photos.

Websites/People I follow:

Mark Kostich – a very, very talented wildlife photographer and friend.  He’s taught me more than anyone about photography.

Trey Ratcliff – of the HDR tutorial fame – Mr. HDR himself.

Aggie – A writer and photographer in Australia who will keep you highly amused with tales and photos of her step-daughter, Izzy.

Barbara Youngleson – an incredibly talented photographer from Georgia who provides a wide variety of shots – never know what she is going to post, but they are always amazing.

Diane Varner – of the tutorials mentioned above.  Absolutely stunning compositions.

Rob Hanson – a fellow North Carolinian with an incredible collection of photos.  Some of the best HDRs I’ve seen.

Scott Frederick – one of the best collection of Urbex HDR photos I’ve seen.  Scott always seems to top himself with his next photo.

Life in Mathews - a fun and irreverant blog by Chesapeake Bay Woman about life in Mathews County, Virginia, where I spent much of my summers.  She’s an excellent photographer herself and her photos of the area – especially Gywnn’s Island – keep me in touch with home.

Mikka – an amazing collection of travel photos.  I’m not sure how she does it, but they seem to have a very nostalgic quality to them.  Some of my favorite photos are on this site.