Why You're Not a Great Photographer

Great landscape photographers are distinguished not only by their stunning images but also by their approach to their craft. Mark Denney, a prominent figure in the landscape photography community, advocates for several principles that contribute to greatness in this field.

Mastering Awareness to Improve Your Landscape Photography

Photographers often chase the "best" camera gear or ask, "what settings did you use?" in hopes of improving their own landscape photography. Mastering your tools is an ingredient of stunning images but not the only one. Acute awareness of your environment is also a key component.

Is This the Ultimate Photography Accessory?

When I first started my photography journey, I was full of hope, excitement, and wonder about what adventure the day would bring me. The challenge for me was that it was just a day before I either had to head home again or find a place to stay, so I could spend more time in a certain location.

The Least-Discussed Aspect of What Makes a Camera Good

The connection between a photographer and their camera can significantly impact their creativity and enthusiasm for photography. This unique relationship often goes unnoticed but is crucial for nurturing a photographer's passion and drive to explore and capture the world through their lens.

A Beginner's Guide to Lightroom

Learning Lightroom can be taunting for photographers new to the program, but it is well worth knowing the ins and outs of the program. This helpful video aims to simplify and demystify the process.

How to Get the Film Photography Experience With Digital Cameras

Oftentimes, film photographers cite the slower, more considered pace and style of shooting film as one of the biggest reasons to shoot it. While that may be the case, it's a limitation that you can bring to the digital world with little lost in the process.

Debunking Common Photography Myths

The myths and misconceptions surrounding photography equipment and techniques are topics that generate significant discussion among both amateur and professional photographers. This important video addresses these topics directly, challenging commonly held beliefs that can influence how photographers choose their gear and approach their craft.

Navigating the Future: AI's Role in Photography's Evolution

The rapid evolution of technology and its impact on photography has sparked widespread debate, with artificial intelligence at the forefront of discussions. This insightful video addresses this concern head-on, asserting that AI will not extinguish the essence of photography but rather augment its possibilities.

5 Pro Tips for Avoiding Burnout in Landscape Photography

Burnout can happen to any of us, from hobbyist photographers to established professional photographers and everyone in between. Whether you feel like you are on the path to burnout or are already there, I have five tips to help you through it!

The Psychology of Photography Pricing

In my latest video, I accept vulnerability in photography, focusing on two pivotal aspects: refining street photography skills on camera and mastering the psychology behind pricing your photography services. The first is scarier for me.

How Not To Fail as a Photographer in 2024

Having a profitable photography business may seem especially difficult right now, but there is hope out there. By following this quick guide, you can give yourself the best possible chance of success in 2024.

Profoto B1X Review: Time To Say Goodbye in 2024?

Often regarded as the best lighting company in the world, Profoto offers a few battery-powered lights. The pinnacle of such lighting is the Profoto B1X. In 2024, however, does it hold up against the competition, and are there better alternatives?

The Reality of Professional Photography

Turning creativity into a business is a dream many photographers harbor. However, the journey from passion to profession is not as idyllic as it seems, presenting a unique set of challenges that are often overlooked in the glamorous portrayals of the photography business.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (February 2024): Herbert A. Franke

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2023, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

A Review of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 Laptop

The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 is a powerful laptop with features for gamers and creatives alike. Is it the right choice for you? This excellent video review takes a look.

A Deep Dive Into Beauty Dishes

Understanding how to use beauty dishes is key for portrait photographers seeking close-up shots. This fantastic video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of using them for optimal results.

A Review of the Impressive New Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens

The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art offers users a unique optical instrument with the promise of top-level image quality. What kind of performance can you expect from the lens in real-world usage? This fantastic video review takes a look.

A Review of the Impressive New Venus Optics Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus Lens

Venus Optics is known for making some of the neatest lenses out there, and the new Laowa 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D FF Autofocus is no exception to that rule. With that wide focal length and wide aperture, it is quite a unique optical instrument. Can it provide the sort of performance and image quality pros need in practice, though? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.

BenQ ScreenBar Halo: The Best Upgrade You Can Make Under $180

I didn't think it would be as useful as it ended up being. And I was quite wrong about how much I would use it. Turns out, I use it all the time, and it's one of the best things you can get for your desktop setup. In this article, we will review the BenQ ScreenBar Halo.

5 Common Photography Myths

Understanding the impact of equipment, settings, and timing on photography is crucial for both amateur and professional photographers. This fun but informative video discusses five common photography myths and how they might be holding you back.

Capturing a Bygone Era of Front Yard Bonding

Photography has changed dramatically over the years. In the 1970s through 1990s, people spent more time casually socializing outside with friends, family, and neighbors. Photographer Sage Sohier captured images of these front yard gatherings during that era. Her new photo book, Passing Time, offers a glimpse into a tighter sense of community that has diminished in recent decades.

Should You Buy the Sony a9 III or a1?

The Sony a1 and a9 III are two of the most impressive cameras ever made, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. This fantastic video dives deep into both to help you choose the right camera for your work.

I Turned My Photography Passion Into My Career. Do I Regret it?

It’s safe to say we’ve all heard the phrase “love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” There is also the antithesis to that, where if you love what you do, you’ll work 24/7. Well, I turned my passion for photography into my career, but the ultimate question is: does it feel like work, and do I regret my decision?

Photography Tips for Iconic Locations

Capturing unique photographs in popular tourist destinations presents a significant challenge for photographers. The influx of visitors and fellow photographers can often clutter the frame, making it difficult to capture the essence of iconic locations without the distraction of crowds. This fantastic video tutorial offers some useful advice for dealing with the problem.

A Review of the Impressive New Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. Lens

The new Panasonic Lumix S 28-200mm f/4-7.1 MACRO O.I.S. lens offers users the promise of tremendous focal length range suitable for a huge range of applications, making it an appealing option for many users. This excellent video review takes a look at the new lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Exploring the Creative Possibilities of a Global Shutter for Portrait Photography

The Sony a9 III, featuring the first-ever global shutter in a full frame camera, is revolutionizing photography by offering unparalleled shutter speeds and flash synchronization capabilities. This innovation is particularly crucial for photographers who require precise control over both ambient and strobe lighting, and this fantastic video tutorial will show you how to take advantage of it.

Every Single Light Modifier Compared: The Ultimate Guide

I notice many guides online for various light modifiers available. What I don’t see as much is a proper comparison of nearly every modifier available. Having sorted through my kit a few days ago, I realized I have numerous modifiers. In this article, we will compare modifiers so that next time you’re selecting one, you understand their functions.

Mastering Light: Innovative Techniques with Strip Boxes

Strip boxes are an essential tool for photographers looking to refine their lighting techniques. Their dual functionality as both a narrow and broad light source allows for unparalleled versatility in creating both dramatic and subtle lighting effects.

Don't Overlook This Lens: The Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8

Viltrox has quickly established a reputation for producing some of the most affordable but surprisingly competent lenses out there, and the AF 20mm f/2.8 is no stranger to that trend. At less than $200 and with a tiny footprint, it is a tempting option for many users. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Here Is the Workflow of a Professional Landscape Photographer

Navigating the complexities of landscape photography, particularly in the vast wilderness, takes more than just capturing images. It's about the entire journey, from planning and visualizing to experiencing the majesty of nature firsthand. This adventure, especially in remote locations like New Zealand's Fiordland National Park, gives you a chance to express your unique perspective and emotions through your work.

How to Scout Wedding Photography Venues

Stepping into a new wedding venue for the first time can be a daunting experience for any photographer, filled with challenges and opportunities. Understanding the intricacies of the venue's layout, lighting, and potential photography spots is essential to capturing the essence of the couple's special day effectively. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to maximize the space.

Which Nikon 400mm Lens Is Right for You?

400mm f/2.8 lenses are often the tool of choice for sports and wildlife photographers, but with prices easily stretching north of $10,000, they are anything but cheap. So, if the quality and performance of older versions is suitable, it is well worth saving your cash. This fantastic video takes a look at the Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR and Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses to help you decide if you need to splash out for the newest version.

The Art of Color Grading With Lightroom

Color grading in photography is a crucial skill that transforms a good image into a keeper. It's especially important for photographers seeking to achieve a harmonious balance between different areas within their images, enhancing both their aesthetic appeal and emotional impact.

Navigating the New Frontier: AI's Impact on Photographic Creativity

The integration of artificial intelligence in photography has sparked a complex debate within the creative community, touching on issues of authorship, creativity, and the essence of the photographic process. This insightful video dives into this contentious subject, unpacking the nuances of AI's role in photography and its impact on the traditional practices and perceptions within the field.

What Is a Briese and Why Do Pro Photographers Love It So Much?

Probably, most of us have at some point encountered a behind-the-scenes photo where there is a parabolic reflector with the name Briese written on the side in yellow letters. Yet, very few photographers have actually worked with it or know what makes it so special. Recently, I got a chance to try out Briese reflectors and generators in Hamburg. Read on to find out why I fell in love from the first sight.

The Art of Editing Landscape Photos

The process of photo editing can significantly alter the perception and impact of an image, and it deserves as much attention as the process of taking the photo itself. This exploration of how photographers at different skill levels approach editing sheds light on the nuanced journey from capturing to finalizing an image, emphasizing the importance of editing in the creative process.

Landscape Photography Under Cloudy Skies

Landscape photography often challenges photographers to find beauty and composition in less than ideal conditions. This excellent video tutorial ventures into a seemingly mundane weather day and showcases this skill, demonstrating the potential of "boring" weather to produce stunning, intimate landscape shots.

Photography as a Path to Mindfulness and Curiosity

Photography transcends mere image capture, evolving into a profound exploration of the world and self-awareness. This fantastic video essay features insights into this transformative journey, underscoring photography's role in shaping perceptions and enriching life beyond the lens.

Exploring the Path to Starting a Photography Business in 2024

Navigating the complexities of starting a photography business in 2024 is a daunting task for many aspiring photographers. Understanding the state of the industry and strategizing for success amidst intense competition and technological disruptions is crucial for those looking to make a mark.

National Geographic Flips the Camera Around in a New Series Spotlighting Photographers

National Geographic is heralded as "the top of the mountain" when it comes to photographic journalism, or photography in general. This new six-part series gives us a glimpse into what it takes to be at the top of the mountain. As a landscape photographer, something I constantly hear from friends and family when they see one of my images is, "Wow, this could be in National Geographic!" If photography was a scale from never having taken a photo to being a photographer for National Geographic, I'm certainly closer to the "never taken a photo" side. Most of the time, these remarks happen...

A Behind the Scenes Journey Through a Challenging Self Portrait

Self-portraiture can be a showcase of technical skill but also a testament to the transformative power of creativity and determination. Through her captivating narrative and breathtaking imagery, Laura BC invites viewers to join her on a quest for artistic excellence, reminding us all that the most rewarding achievements often stem from the most challenging endeavors.