Full-Frame Cameras: Let’s Be Honest, It's the Best Format

Full-frame cameras have faced recent criticism, deemed unnecessary by advocates of smaller formats. This article aims to counterbalance the discussion, presenting arguments for why full-frame cameras may indeed hold the top spot for photographers.

Dealing With Rain in Landscape Photography

Few people enjoy getting soaked in the rain, and as such, it can be tempting to avoid even heading out when the drops start flying. Nonetheless, if you are willing to brave the inclement weather, it can make for some interesting landscape images. This great video follows an experienced landscape photographer as he deals with heavy rain and tries to make worthwhile images.

Sony a7R IV Fails at a Key Moment

When it comes to camera tech these days, one thing that we need to be sure of is reliability. When Gavin Hardcastle (Fototripper) was at an iconic location in Ireland, the worst that could possibly happen happened, and worst of all, he didn't realize it until he was back at home and had no chance of retaking the shot.

Canon Announces the RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

Canon has announced three new lenses tonight, the first of which is the RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, a small ultra-wide angle zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, sure to please landscape photographers, filmmakers, and more.
Canon Announces the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM Lens

Canon has announced the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM, a powerful zoom lens for wildlife, sports, and nature photographers that offers a wide range of focal lengths at a reasonable price.

Canon Announces the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z Lens

You read that right. Canon has announced the RF 24-105mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z lens, the world's first full frame lens offering that range of focal lengths in tandem with an f/2.8 aperture. With some incredible capabilities sure to capture the attention of events, portrait, wedding photographers and more, this looks like quite the exciting lens.

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Portraits/Expressions

With Peter Hurley
Join Fstoppers' Portrait Photography Competition

Fstoppers' photography contests/critiques are back, and now the prizes are bigger than ever. 

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Landscape Photographers: Be the Example in Nature

As outdoor recreation areas become more crowded, the adverse effects on the landscape become more evident. Landscape photographers can help set the example by practicing Nature First Principles while we are out in nature photographing these beautiful scenes.

The Rich, Richer, and Poor Photographer

Determining the right pricing strategy is one of the most challenging aspects for photographers aspiring to build a successful business.

I Wish I Had Known This Photoshop Trick Earlier

In this video tutorial by Christian Möhrle, you'll learn a great technique for improving your wide-angle photos by enlarging distant subjects in your landscape photos.

We Review the Reflx Lab Light Meter

A long time ago, I picked up my first Leica, a beater of an M4 that had been collecting dust and mold at the bottom of an old leather camera bag in a retired photographer's closet. With it came a number of oddities: close-up adapters, table tripods, and the like. But perhaps most interestingly, it came with an old Leica MC light meter.

How to Capture Epic Timelapses

When I think of timelapse photography there are many things that come to mind, however, there is one person who in particular comes to mind and that is the one and only Michael Shainblum. In this video, he not only shares his approach, tips, and techniques but graces us with some incredible footage to cement the idea of just how incredible timelapses can be.

Tips for Flying With Camera Gear

Flying with camera gear can be intimidating. Airports, security checks, will you get your bag on the plane or will someone try to make you check it, and more sources of stress. I have some tips that have helped make the experience easier for me.

Mistakes That Hold You Back as a Photographer

Becoming a confident and consistently good photographer is a complex and long journey with plenty of stops along the way. If you find yourself at the start of that journey, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced professional discussing some common mistakes that tend to hold back budding photographers and how to get yourself back on the right track.

A Review of Canon's First DSLR, the D30

The year was 2000: the Y2K bug had turned out to be a flop, a man purchased $200 million in Ansel Adams negatives for $45 at a garage sale, and Canon released their first DSLR, the D30, a camera that would go on to have a significant impact on the photography industry. What was the D30 like? This neat video review takes a look at the camera.

A Review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max for Photo and Video Creation

The iPhone 15 Pro Max sits at the top of Apple's popular line of smartphones, offering a wide range of powerful tools and capabilities for photo and video creators alike, making it a compelling option for many users. This excellent video review takes a look at the phone and how its most advanced features perform in the workflow of a professional creative.

Five Mistakes That Ruin the Quality of Your Film Images

Film photography has enjoyed a notable resurgence in recent years, offering users a chance to take part in a different approach to the craft and enjoy a more tactile and nostalgic process. Just like digital, though, there are some common pitfalls that can derail the quality of your images. This excellent video tutorial discusses five such pitfalls and what you can do to improve the quality of your film photos.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (October 2023): Dan Ostergren

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 Affordable Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Lens

Viltrox has quickly grown into a respected manufacturer of lenses that offer good results at extremely competitive prices, and at $158, the AF 20mm f/2.8 is no exception to that trend. With a small footprint and a versatile focal length, can this lens deliver professional-level results despite its rock-bottom price? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

A Comprehensive Guide to Architectural Photography

Architectural photography is a challenging and rewarding genre that requires a lot of technical know-how and specialized skills. If you are interested in architectural photography and ready to grow, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced architectural photographer sharing in-depth knowledge about everything you need to know to create stunning images.

5 Easy and Popular Wedding Video Effects

Wedding videography is a fun and challenging genre that will keep you on your toes and give you an opportunity to capture one of the happiest day's of a couple's lives. And while the footage you capture is obviously important, what you do with it in post-processing is just as important. This helpful video tutorial will show you five easy and effective effects you can apply to your footage to make your final product more compelling and exciting.

The Art of Noticing Potential Photos

One of the subtlest and yet most important skills an accomplished photographer has is the ability to look at a scene, no matter how ordinary, and find a way to portray it that captures the viewer's eye and imagination. How does one go about actually doing that? This great video follows one photographer discussing the process.

A Review of the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8S DA DSM Lens

A good portrait lens with a wide aperture is often worth its weight in gold for many photographers, but unfortunately, many such lenses actually cost about their weight in gold as well. That makes the Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8S DA DSM, which offers a 75mm equivalent focal length and costs $129, a breath of fresh air. Can it keep up with more expensive options? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect in usage.

Ricoh GR III: the Perfect Compact Camera for Street and Travel Photography

Is the Ricoh GR III the perfect compact camera for street and travel photography? Based on my time with the camera this year, I’d say yes. Having made the switch from the Fujifilm X100V to the Ricoh GR III I took the camera on a 3 week trip to Japan. It quickly became my most used camera - shooting with it was an absolute joy.

Why You Should Travel With Less Gear

Are you a chronic over-packer? Do you lug bags full of gear everywhere you go, just in case you need that rarely used accessory? While preparation is, of course, a good thing, there is a such thing as taking it too far. Packing lighter than you think you need to can actually be a good thing, and this great video essay discusses why.

59 Lightroom Terms Every Photographer Should Know

Lightroom has grown from a cataloging application with basic editing capabilities to an advancing post-processing program capable of tackling a huge range of creative needs. If you are new to using Lightroom and feeling like the full gamut of features is a bit daunting, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced pro showing you 59 Lightroom terms and tools you will need to know in order to get around the program.

Building Custom Photo Frames for a Gallery Show

Having a gallery show is a dream for most artists and photographers, and for my husband, David, and me, that dream finally became a reality. We had to figure out how to build professional looking custom frames for the show!
How Do You Make Unique Photos at Popular Locations?

There are some timeless, popular landscape photography locations that countless photographers visit every year. And while those places are certainly popular for a reason, the downside is that it can be quite difficult to create unique images that stand out from the thousands of others from the same spot. So, how do you go about rising above the crowd? This excellent video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer discussing the issue.

How to Use This Powerful New Lightroom Feature

Lightroom has undergone some major transformation in recent years and has grown into a far more powerful editing platform, making it quite convenient for anyone who also uses the program to catalog their images and who doesn't want to round-trip between other applications. One of its newest features is Point Color, which revamps how the program approaches editing colors by offering far more control. This fantastic video tutorial will show you what Point Color is and how to use it in your own images.

Would You Buy a Retro-Styled Canon Camera?

Retro-styled cameras, one simply an aesthetic attraction, have grown wildly in popularity, with companies like Fujifilm demonstrating that mechanical controls can be highly functional and even preferable to digital options. Canon may be the next company to jump on the train.

Misty Autumn Photography and a Mobile Darkroom

In this behind-the-scenes video, watch a beautiful autumnal shoot take place, first during the blue hour, and then with some incredible morning light through the mist. Then, to top it off, some on-location printing!
Rising Above the Noise: Why Ignoring Social Media Trolls Is the Best Strategy

In the ever-expanding landscape of social media, where voices echo and opinions clash, trolls have become an unfortunate reality. These internet provocateurs thrive on negative attention, seeking to disrupt, demean, and derail meaningful discussions. However, instead of getting caught in their web of negativity, there are compelling reasons why ignoring social media trolls is not only wise but also empowering. In this article, let's explore why rising above the noise and refusing to engage with trolls can lead to a healthier, more positive online experience.

Trolls Feed on...
A Review of the Incredible Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens has been turning heads for offering some of the most impressive results from a portrait lens in quite a few years, making it worth a look from portrait and wedding photographers. How good are the results? This fantastic video review takes a look at the sort of performance you can expect from it in practice.

How To Get the Most Out of Lightroom's and Photoshop's Masking Capabilities

Lightroom and Photoshop have taken some massive steps forward with regards to their masking capabilities in the last few iterations, and if you have not taken the time to dive into all the new features yet, you are definitely missing out. This fantastic video tutorial takes a look at some of the best new capabilities and offers a range of tips to help you get the most out of them, making your workflow both easier and more efficient.

How to Create a Timelapse Video

Making a time-lapse video is a blend of photography and videography. While the outcome can be stunning, the process requires preparation and can pose certain challenges. In this article, I will walk you through my workflow and offer a glimpse of some real-life examples I've created.

4 Helpful Tips for Your First Portrait Shoot

Portrait photography is a challenging genre, but within it are numerous creative paths and rewarding adventures if you are willing to put in the time to learn and grow. This fantastic video tutorial offers beginners four helpful tips that will help you tackle your first shoot.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens

The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is the workhorse of choice for a huge range of creatives and applications, offering a wide maximum aperture in tandem with a very versatile focal length range. Nonetheless, such lenses can often be very expensive, which is what makes the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, which costs $1,250, an intriguing option for any photographer looking for an affordable alternative. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

The Difficult Decisions in Landscape Photography

Landscape photography can be a bit of a start and stop genre, with hours of waiting punctuated by fleeting moments of opportunity. That can lead to some difficult decisions about how to maximize your chances of coming home with worthwhile shots. This great video follows an experienced landscape photographer as he grapples with such decisions and discusses how he moves forward.

Helpful Advice for Printing Your Photos

Printing your photos can be a tremendously rewarding exercise, but it is also an expensive venture, and as such, mistakes can quickly add up in cost. If you are new to printing your image, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer sharing a range of useful advice to help ensure you get the best possible results.

How You Can Use AI to Create Portrait Backgrounds

There has been a lot of frustration and uncertainty in the photography world regarding artificial intelligence, but it also has a lot of potential as a legitimate tool for photographers to expand their creative capabilities and make their workflows more efficient. This awesome video tutorial will show you how one photographer is using AI to generate impressive backgrounds for his portraiture work, including how to customize and seamlessly blend them for convincing final images.

Important Advice for Budding Photo Professionals

Making the transition from hobbyist to professional takes a lot more than simply being good with a camera, and it is important to enter it with the right idea of what to prioritize. This great video essay features an experienced commercial photographer discussing some important topic, particularly the balance of technical and creative as a professional, and how to thread the needle to maximize your chances of finding success.

3 Ways To Improve Your Photography Today

Despite what social media may tell you, there is no such thing as a magic path to success. But what are some concrete steps you can take to reach your goal of becoming a successful artist?

Don't Overlook This Affordable 85mm Lens

The world is absolutely overflowing with 85mm lens options, and you can find lenses from anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well over $2,000. You might think that there is a strict correlation between price and quality, but there are a few hidden gems out there that can offer fantastic images at very affordable prices. One such option is the Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8S DF DSM, and this excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it in usage.

A Review of the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM Lens

Do you have a spare $20,000 laying around that you are just itching to drop on a new piece of gear? For that price, you can take home your own copy of the Canon RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM, which offers some of the most extreme capabilities of any lens on the market. This fun video takes a look at just what you can accomplish with a lens that costs the price of a car.