Nik Collection 6 Is Out With Some Solid Updates

Today, DxO is releasing a revamped collection of editing tools that works as either a Photoshop plugin or as a standalone app. They also can function with Lightroom Classic, Affinity Photo and, of course, DxO PhotoLab.

A Guide to Retouching Portraits

Of course, knowing how to light and pose a portrait is essential to creating a successful image, but the process does not end there. Having an effective, structured, and efficient post-processing workflow will help ensure that you can create polished shots every time. This helpful video tutorial features an experienced portrait photographer sharing his workflow.

Which Exposure Mode Is Right for You?

When I started photography, many people would tell me to shoot in manual mode only, and because of that, it took me a long time before I realized what the other modes on the camera were. In this video by Steve Mattheis, Steve goes through each mode in depth and explains how they can be used to suit your style of photography.

A Masterclass in Photo Composition

Joe Cornish is one of the UK's most renowned landscape photographers and a master of his craft. The way he approaches composition makes his photos stand out. In this YouTube video, Alex Nail looks over Joe's shoulder as he shares his technical and creative process.

These GoPro Hero Accessories Saved My Shoot!

Recently I was hired to film a marketing video for a $12 million dollar yacht. Initially, I thought my professional Sony cameras would do the heavy lifting but to my surprise, the GoPro Hero 11 Black became my main camera. Today I break down some of my favorite accessories and the shots they helped me capture.

Helpful Advice and Philosophies for Better Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is both a wonderful experience and challenging genre, and it helps to always absorb new perspectives, advice, and philosophies to continue to grow and improve. If you would like to make your work better, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced landscape photographer sharing a wide range of advice and perspective sure to put you on the right track.

Why You Should Edit Your Older Photos

Do you edit your photos, post them, and leave them to sit on your hard drive, never to be touched again? If so, you might be missing out. This great video features an experienced photographer discussing why you should consider digging into your portfolio to pull out those older photos to edit again.

How to Add More Moodiness to a Photo Using Photoshop's Darken Blend Mode

Blending modes are some of the most useful functions in Photoshop, and yet, they are often overlooked, which is a shame, because they offer a ton of power and versatility for dialing in the exact edits you want, whether subtle and understated or an entire overhaul of an image. One of the most useful blending modes is the darken mode, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how to use it to add a bit of mood to an image.

How to Master Back-button Focus

There aren't many camera techniques that, once learned, will totally change how you shoot. But, back-button focus might change your life. Extreme? Maybe, but I urge you to watch this video from Sam Docker if you're new to the technique.
Is the Camera a Key to Experiences?

Landscape photographers use a camera to capture stunning images, but have you stopped to think about how the same camera is a key to experiences? A key to new places. A key to new adventures. A key to an enhanced experience with nature. A key to meeting new people.

Google Photos Tests Game-Changing AI Photo Transformation Tool

Google Photos is pushing the boundaries of image editing, testing a new feature that uses generative AI to transform photos in a groundbreaking way. Last week, I talked about Google Photos's revolutionary changes to their search feature, and today, we're going to explore the editing features themselves. Named the "Magic Editor," this innovative tool promises to offer a level of manipulation that allows users to make drastic changes to their photos seamlessly.

6 Affordable Products All Photographers Should Buy

Buying accessories for photography can be a never-ending game, however in this video by Simon d'Entremont, Simon covers some of the most essential products that you should own to make your life easier. All of these products can be found for under $100!

Are You Making This Common Mistake When Dealing With Failure?

One of the most common reactions to failure is saying that you will try harder next time. It’s an easy, quite popular way of dealing with failure at one thing or another. However, simply trying harder and expecting a different result is hardly a great way to progress. Here’s why it doesn’t work, and here is what does.

How to Dodge and Burn Landscape Photos

When you think of dodging and burning, you probably think of it as a technique that used for shaping and retouching portraits, but really, it is a technique that can be applied to any genre, including landscape photography. If you would like to learn how you can apply dodging and burning to your landscape work, check out this excellent video tutorial that will show you everything you need to know.

Are You Making Each Shot Better Than the Last?

There are many different ways to grow as a photographer, but one of the most effective ways is to work the same scene or subject multiple times, evaluate what went well and what did not, and try again. This excellent video follows an experienced photographer as he does that and shows how he aims for the best shot at the end of the day.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens offers its users some of the best optical performance and image quality the company has ever put into a lens, making it a highly desirable option for a wide range of shooters, particularly portrait and wedding photographers. Can it offer what it promises in practice? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it.

Helpful Photoshop Tips From Some of the Best in the Business

Photoshop is a tremendously powerful and intricate program, and as such, it can be tricky to master (or even be aware of) every single feature it contains. If you would like to expand your Photoshop capabilities, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features some of the best Photoshop experts in the world sharing their best tips for using the program.

How to Increase Your Photo Bookings

Every professional wants to book more clients, of course, but how to actually go about doing so is not always obvious. If that is something you would like to accomplish, but you are unsure of how to approach it, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer that shares three useful tips that will put you on the right track.

What Is This Mystery Japanese 35mm Color Film?

When I was in Tokyo recently I saw a mysterious 35mm color negative film I'd never heard of before. The only course of action was to buy the film, shoot it, and see what it was like. So how did it turn out and what film was it? Keep reading and find out.

How to Create Eye-catching Wraparound Light in Portrait Photography

You might think that creating enveloping wraparound light requires multiple sources, but it can actually be done with just a single source. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to create such a portrait using only a single light and a small home studio.

A Look at the Leica M11 Monochrom Camera

Although they are not that common, black and white cameras can provide a unique experience and incredibly smooth tonality. The Leica M11 Monochrom promises a pure photography experience and some of the best image quality out there. How does it hold up in practice? This excellent video takes a first look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

How Photography Has Saved My Life

As the stigma around discussing mental health begins to improve, join me in this article to learn about how I have used photography over the years to help with my fight against PTSD and depression. Trigger warning: this article contains references to suicide, which some may find upsetting.

An Honest Look at Your Chances of Being a Professional Photographer

Professional photography is a challenging career choice, taking a wide range of skills and tough skin. If that is something you are considering, check out this fantastic video essay that features an experienced professional photographer discussing what it takes to be a professional and the chances of finding success.

Astonishing Super 8 Drone Footage

Strap yourself in, Jason De Freitas is back with a new project. This time he’s attached a Super 8 Camera to a drone and the footage is astonishing.

Rode Wireless Me Versus DJI Mic

Wireless mics have come a long way in the last few years. In this post, we will look at four different systems, with a focus on the newest mics from Rode and DJI.

A Beginner's Guide to One-light Portraits

When you are new to working with artificial light, it is important to start out with a single source at first to build your confidence and knowledge. And just because you are only shooting with one light, it does not mean you can't produce professional-level images. This fantastic video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to get started with one-light portraits.

Important Advice for Professional Photographers

Being a professional photographer is quite a challenge, as you need to wear many hats and wear them all well. Of course, you need strong technical skills behind the camera and at your computer, but those are not enough. In fact, creativity is arguably more important. This excellent video features an experienced professional discussing why skills in lighting, composition, and creativity should be a top priority for professionals.

A 10-Minute Beginner's Guide to Photography

You have bought your camera and lens, the memory card is installed, and the battery is charged. Now what? There are some fundamentals every new photographer should learn before they head out shooting, as having these down will help you take greater control of your images and gain more confidence with your camera. This great video tutorial will show you the basics of photography in just 10 minutes.

How to Create a Stunning Home Studio on a Budget: My Home Studio Secrets

Have you ever fantasized about transforming a corner of your home into a professional photography haven? Are you eager to cut costs, minimize stress, and craft remarkable images for your clients, all from the comfort of your own space? If so, this article is for you. As a seasoned headshot and portrait photographer, I've recently transitioned from a sprawling industrial studio in Richmond, Virginia to my cozy, basement-based studio in Atlanta, and I couldn't be more delighted.

How Good Is This Affordable 900mm Lens?

Generally, as you move into supertelephoto focal lengths, lens prices start to increase simply because of the sheer amount of glass it takes to produce such extreme images. That's why, at $699, the Tokina SZ 900mm f/11 Pro Reflex MF CF is an intriguing option. Can it offer good performance and image quality despite that modest price? This excellent video review takes a look.

The Versatility of a 150-600mm Lens

About a decade ago, 150-600mm lenses exploded in popularity, as offerings from companies like Tamron and Sigma gave photographers the opportunity to access decent image quality at focal lengths that were traditionally prohibitively expensive for most users. They have only grown in popularity in recent years, and their versatility and affordable prices make them an excellent tool for many applications. This helpful video discusses some of their best and lesser-known uses.

5 Crucial Details to Discuss With Clients Before a Shoot

Doing photography professionally does not only require you to be good at taking pictures. There are additional competencies that one must have to be able to provide what your clients need and one of the most important ones is communication.

A Beginner's Guide to Aperture

Aperture, together with shutter speed and ISO, is one of the three foundational parameters for achieving well-balanced exposures and significant creative control over your photographs. If you're new to photography and want to improve your images, don't miss this fantastic video tutorial that demonstrates the intricacies of aperture and how to use it to take better photos.

A Review of the Google Pixel 7A Smartphone

The Google Pixel 7A smartphone strikes a nice balance between price and performance, making it an intriguing option for many Android users. This excellent video review takes a look at the phone and the sort of performance you can expect from it in usage.

Is This the Best Drone for Landscape Photography?

In the last few years, the increasing image quality and decreasing size of drones has made them a fantastic addition to landscape photographers' toolkits. The DJI Mavic 3 Classic strikes a nice balance of price and capabilities, making it an intriguing option. This excellent video review takes a look at the drone and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

How to Cash In on ERAS Photos as a Photographer in the Spring and Summer: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a photographer looking for a low competition niche market that is in high demand during the spring and summer months, you might want to consider offering ERAS photos. ERAS stands for Electronic Residency Application Service, and it is the system that medical students use to apply for residency programs in the United States. As part of their application, they need to submit a professional photo that meets certain specifications and showcases their personality and professionalism. This photo can make a big difference in their chances of getting an interview and matching with their preferred program.

Boudoir Photography on Location in Bali

If you are looking for amazing tips of posing models and how to use natural light, this video has it all. In this video, Michael Sasser travels to Bali, Indonesia and shares behind-the-scenes footage along with lots of tips and tricks that will help you in boudoir and portrait photography.

$50 Versus $5,000 Camera in a Car Shootout

We've all heard the age-old adage that gear doesn't matter and sometimes that's true. However, it's sometimes hard to visualize how that plays out and so videos like this one are a great demonstration.
A Review of the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera

The Fujifilm X-T5 mirrorless camera takes the company's beloved X Series design and form factor and adds a huge range of new features and upgrades, most notable being a new sensor with the highest level of resolution ever seen in the line. This excellent video review takes a deep look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

How to Find Your Creativity in Landscape Photography

One of the trickiest aspects of landscape photography is that, unlike many other genres, you have no control over the elements in the frame, and as such, it can be tricky to find your individual voice and sense of creativity. It is not impossible, though. This great video tutorial discusses the topic and offers a range of helpful advice on how to find your creative voice in the genre.

What Makes You a Successful Photographer? And Do You Even Need to Be One?

You see them all over the internet, on your socials, exhibiting in galleries, and lining up clients by the dozens. Successful photographers seem to have it all figured out, and that makes you feel like you’re doing everything wrong. Do not worry. You’re not alone in this.
When to Go Full-time With Your Photography Business

I've been a full-time photographer for almost 15 years now, and I remember the pain of swapping my part-time hobby to be my full-time career. Katelyn James looks at how, when, and why you'd want to do this and lists the three key steps to consider if you decide to go full-time.

5 Helpful Portrait Photography Tips for Beginners

Portrait photography is one of the most popular genres, but it can be a particularly tricky one, as you have to have not only solid camera technique, but the ability to work with people well. If you are new to portrait photography and looking to improve your images, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features a seasoned shooter sharing five useful tips.

How To Take Epic Portraits of the Bride

Bridal portraits are a key part of the wedding day. So let's make them epic. This article is part two of a series where I walk through a series of favorite images from a bridal session.