The Secret Way I Save Money When Buying Gear

Buying equipment is as exciting as ever, if you ask me. While my tastes are probably slightly different than yours, in the sense that I buy '90s flash gear and DSLRs, I have been doing this for around five years and have come up with a few tips on how to save money when buying gear.

A Review of the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop

The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop offers a lot of power, screen real estate, and flexibility in a portable package, making it an attractive option for creatives on the go. This great video review takes a look at the laptop and the sort of performance you can expect from it in use.

Overcoming Nature's Challenges in Landscape Photography  

Landscape photography is a pursuit that challenges photographers to harness the unpredictable beauty of nature, pushing them to adapt to ever-changing conditions. This genre demands not only an eye for composition but also the resilience to face natural elements, from navigating rugged terrains to capturing the dynamic interplay of light and shadow in remote locations.

Stock Photography Is a Scam

There is a lot of bad advice online on how to make money as a photographer. Truth be told, I followed much of it and made a big fat zero. This is not because such advice is wrong, but rather because it is out of touch with what the market is in 2024. In this article, I will shed light on one of the worst ways to make money with your work.

The Art of Using Speedlights for Dynamic Portraits

Mastering off-camera flash techniques with a speedlight is a fantastic way to get started with off-camera portrait lighting. Utilizing a speedlight away from the camera allows for more controlled, professional-looking results, transforming simple shots into meticulously crafted images.

Model Versus Slime: Using Slime in a Photoshoot

Doing a photoshoot with slime was my Nickelodeon-inspired childhood dream come true. We used 20 gallons of blue slime in this shoot, and it created some wild photos.

5 Beginner Lighting Mistakes That Make You Look Like An Idiot

Having used flash for most of the work I've shot, it’s fair to say that I made a number of mistakes when starting out with a flash kit. Everything that could go wrong did, but I learned a number of techniques along the way. In this article, we will dive into some of the most common mistakes I see photographers make when using flash.

How to Improve Your Waterfall Photography

Capturing the ethereal beauty of waterfalls remains a timeless pursuit for photographers, offering a blend of technical challenge and artistic expression. This helpful video dives into this subject, sharing insights based on extensive experience with waterfall photography, underlining its significance not just for its aesthetic appeal but for the technical acumen it demands.

Mastering Light and Shadow for Eye-Catching Portraits

The transformative power of shadows in photography is often understated, yet they hold the key to creating images that resonate with depth, emotion, and a sense of mystery. This fantastic video tutorial explores this concept through the lens of Vincent Peters, a master of using light and shadow to craft visually stunning portraits that evoke the glamour of classic Hollywood.

Rediscovering the Art of Photography in the Social Media Age

Photography's essence and education have been significantly altered by the surge of social media, presenting a complex challenge for photographers. This insightful video dives into this topic, exploring how the focus has shifted from the art of photography to monetization and gear reviews, emphasizing the importance of this shift for both emerging and established photographers.

Practical Advice for Monetizing Your Photography

Knowing how to navigate the financial landscape of photography is crucial for those looking to turn their passion into profit. Understanding the various avenues through which photographers can monetize their skills will help you find the right niche for you.

5 Tips for More Effective Interior Photographs

Shooting interiors for real estate shouldn’t be that challenging if your goal is simply to photograph the entire space. However, if the goal is to come up with visually impactful images, then it’s very likely that you’ll have to solve some problems while shooting.

The Secret Key to Success a Photographer Must Know

There is a growing tendency in photography to produce commercially viable portfolios. I can't say that this is a bad tendency, as it nurtures image-makers who are more profitable. However, there are a few negatives to this. One of them is that everyone's portfolio looks the same.

Can Canon and Sony Both Be Number One in Mirrorless?

If you happened to see the recent press release and subsequent articles, you may be under the impression that Canon has become the number one brand of mirrorless cameras. And this data is probably correct. But after their release, Sony was asked about it and decided to share their end of the same data, which also says they are number one in mirrorless. So what's the deal?

News About Canon's Most Important Cameras Emerges

The 1 Series and 5 Series are Canon's most important professional bodies, representing their flagship and workhorse cameras, respectively. As such, many users are eagerly awaiting more information on the upcoming EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II cameras, and we now know a bit more.

Streamlining Photographer Creativity With Fundy Designer 11

I go full hands-on with the new version of Fundy Designer 11. Is it just an update to a tried and tested formula or does it have some new surprises in store for us? Here's the full scoop on what's new and improved.
A Review of the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR Lens

For Fujifilm medium format users, the GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR lens offers a wide angle of view suitable for genres like landscape and architectural photography. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Some of Lightroom's Best Hidden Features

Lightroom Classic is a surprisingly intricate program that, despite its widespread use among photographers, contains functionalities that often go unnoticed. For real estate photographers, and indeed for those in many other genres, mastering these lesser-known tools can significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of their workflow. This helpful video tutorial will show you several such tools.

Choosing the Right Lens: A Beginner's Guide to Zoom and Primes Lenses

The choice between zoom and prime lenses is a fundamental consideration for photographers, affecting everything from image quality to shooting style. Understanding their differences is key to selecting the right lens for your photography needs, whether you're capturing landscapes, portraits, or fast-paced events. This helpful video will show you what you need to know.

We Review the Compact Sony a7C II and a7C R Mirrorless Cameras

Most people are familiar with the Sony a7-series cameras. These mirrorless cameras have matured over the last decade and enjoy a wide fan base. However, they have also grown significantly in size. If you prefer a smaller form factor, perhaps it's time to consider the Sony a7C II and a7CR.

Why I Bought Ancient Flash Kit in 2024

One of the biggest tendencies I see among photographers is the pursuit of the latest and greatest kit. I, however, did the very opposite and invested in some truly ancient equipment. Not because I intended to write an article about it, but because there is a valid reason behind my choice. Let's delve into it.

Mastering Lightroom: How Masking Can Transform Your Edits

Masking is an essential technique for photographers aiming to refine their images with precision, affecting specific parts of an image without altering the whole. This excellent video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to get started.

Black and White Macro Photography Tips

Macro photography in challenging weather conditions, such as the cold and colorless winter of Stockholm, poses a unique set of obstacles and opportunities for photographers. Identifying the right subjects and adapting techniques to suit the environment is crucial for capturing compelling images, even in the least promising seasons. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to do that.

Photography: Enjoy The Journey

Whether you're just starting out or have been honing your craft for years, the practice of photography is a continuous journey filled with discovery, growth, and boundless opportunities for self-expression. You are stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds, and each time you press the shutter, you capture a moment frozen in time. This you already know, but has there ever been a time that you looked back to see where you started, and then suddenly realized how far you have actually come with your photography and appreciated the journey so far?

Finding Fulfillment in Photography: The True Value of Photography Goals

Photography, much like any artistic or professional pursuit, thrives on the establishment of clear goals. Setting objectives not only provides direction but also serves as a catalyst for growth, pushing creatives to explore new territories, techniques, and perspectives.

The Liberating Force of AI in Photography's Evolution

The intersection of artificial intelligence and photography represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of visual arts. AI's impact on photography is profound, challenging traditional practices and opening new avenues for creative expression, but also causing significant unrest. This development is not just a technological upgrade but a fundamental shift in how images are created and consumed.

The Reality of Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is an endeavor fraught with unpredictability and challenge, especially when one is faced with adverse weather conditions. This reality underscores the importance of adaptability and perseverance for photographers, who must often contend with elements beyond their control to capture the beauty of the natural world.

Finding Beauty in the Mundane: A Photographer's Challenge

Photography thrives on creativity, and finding ways to boost this creative energy is crucial for every photographer. This excellent video tutorial gets into practical exercises aimed at overcoming creative blocks, emphasizing their significance for photographers seeking fresh perspectives.

How to Change Colors in Photoshop

The art of color manipulation in Photoshop opens up a myriad of creative possibilities for photographers, allowing them to transform their images beyond the original capture. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to do so.

Exploring Macro Photography at Home  

Macro photography offers a unique lens through which photographers can explore the minutiae of the world around them, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. This technique is particularly compelling because it allows for the exploration of texture, color, and detail in subjects that might otherwise be overlooked, all without the need to even leave your home.

Revitalizing Your Photography With Minimalism  

Exploring familiar landscapes with a fresh perspective is a challenge many photographers face, particularly when seeking to maintain creativity and inspiration in their work. This issue is particularly relevant for those who frequently revisit the same locations, where finding new angles and approaches can significantly enhance the photographic experience and outcome.

Dissecting How Social Media Algorithms Diminish Our Creativity as Photographers

Social media has undeniably dominated a major part of our lifestyle and played an even more irreplaceable role for us to express our opinions on the net. This social media domination has somewhat become both a blessing and a curse for photographers where most of their work is held hostage under the power of the scrolling algorithm. While some photographers may have taken the opportunity to market and broadcast their work to the world, it is still pretty challenging to maintain the utmost creativity and artistic integrity under the influence of the constantly evolving algorithm.

Advanced Editing Techniques for Dramatic Skies

Knowing how to efficiently make a precise sky selection is crucial to taking better control of your landscape photos. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to create better sky selections in Lightroom.

Will Artificial Intelligence Ruin Travel Photography?

Over the past few months, travel photographer and videographer Greg Snell has been putting the artificial intelligence tool Midjourney through its paces to create travel content for the tourism industry. Could Midjourney be the end of travel photography?

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

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens has captured attention with its radical design and potential for exceptional image quality and stunning bokeh. But does it live up to these expectations, especially with so much stiff competition out there? This detailed video review explores the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from the lens in real-world usage.

Finding Your Style Through Other Photographers

Exploring the art of creatively borrowing from other photographers is a nuanced skill that can significantly impact an artist's work and growth. Recognizing and adapting the influences of others into one's own photographic style not only broadens creative horizons but also deepens personal expression.

Simplifying the Scene in Landscape Photography

Composition in landscape photography is an essential aspect of the craft. Many rules talk about leading lines, the rule of thirds, visual weight, and more. These rules are good guidelines, but the art of simplification is at the root of good compositions.

This $35 Wannabe Fujifilm Camera Is Something Else

Discovering a $35 knockoff of the Fujifilm X100V that claims to shoot 48-megapixel images and 4K video seems like a dream come true for budget-conscious photographers. However, as the saying goes: you get what you pay for.

5 Common Beauty Photography Mistakes

Navigating the nuances of beauty photography can be a complex endeavor, particularly for those just embarking on their journey in this specialized field. This helpful video tutorial addresses five common pitfalls that both novice and experienced photographers may encounter, offering invaluable insights into refining their craft and producing more captivating images.

Finding Growth in Failure: A Photographer's Journey

Failure is an intrinsic aspect of the creative process, yet it's a topic seldom discussed openly. This fantastic video pierces through this veil, offering a candid glimpse into the struggles even seasoned photographers face, underscoring the importance of embracing failure as a step towards mastery.

The Good, The Bad, and the Caveat of the Fujifilm X-T5

When Fujifilm released the X-T5 on November 25, 2022, I was one of the first in the queue as I wanted to experience a high-megapixel APS-C sensor. This was simply not GAS, as I had only months earlier purchased an X-T4, which was comfortably doing everything I needed. However, 40 megapixels for landscapes in such a compact and stylish design, I simply needed to see what it could do and more to the point, could do what I needed for my photography. Fast-forward 429 days later, has it been able to do everything?

A Review of the OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS Lens

The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-600mm f/5-6.3 IS lens offers micro four thirds users a ton of reach, making it suitable for a range of applications like sports and wildlife photography. 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.

Are We About to See This Insane Cameraphone?

A relatively new player in the smartphone arena may be setting the stage for a groundbreaking reveal, a device that promises to redefine expectations with its monumental battery capacity. This forthcoming model, dubbed the P28K promises mind-blowing battery life.

The Art of Selectivity in Photography: Lessons from a Day's Shoot

The challenge of displaying every photograph taken during a day's outing offers photographers a compelling lens through which to scrutinize their craft. This approach, highlighting the tension between quantity and quality, encourages a deeper engagement with the fundamental aspects of photography such as composition and lighting.

Unveiling the Unseen: The Art of Discovering Photos

Photography is not just about capturing what you see; it's about discovering the unseen and presenting it in a way that captivates the viewer. The great video features an experienced photographer diving into this concept by exploring the fine line between making, taking, and discovering photos, particularly through the lens of macro photography and his personal experiences with his camera. This challenges the conventional approach to photography, encouraging a deeper engagement with surroundings and the creative process.

We Review the Fotopro X-Go Max E 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod

Travel tripods are not just for travel photography. They pack lighter and more compact so that traveling with them can be less of a hassle, but just like any tripod, they can be used in a variety of shooting scenarios. This one from Fotopro is an option for shoots with higher demand.