Recent Opinion Articles
The Twitter Killer: Will Threads Spell the End for Twitter?
Mark Zukerberg and the people over at Meta have just launched the new Instagram-adjacent app, Threads, which sees scores of photographers jumping ship from Twitter. Here, we unpack our initial thoughts on the new contender on the social scene.
Embracing the Dawn: 5 Reasons Why Sunrise Photography Outshines Sunset Photography
The golden hour, a cherished time for photographers, offers breathtaking opportunities at both sunrise and sunset. While both moments provide stunning lighting conditions, there is something truly magical about sunrise photography. This article explores the top five reasons why sunrise photography shines brighter than its counterpart, sunset photography, why many choose to set their alarm at a ridiculous hour, leave their warm bed, and head out into the darkness with their camera bags packed with both certainty and uncertainty.
Why New Gear Won't Make You a Better Photographer
We live in an age of instant gratification, and as such, it can be hard to have the patience it takes to develop and master a skill over the course of several years, and photography certainly is not immune to that. There is a temptation to throw money at the problem, and while that shiny new camera or lens will certainly be fun to play with, it will not make you a better photographer. This insightful video discusses seven reasons why.
The Worst Photographer Ever?
When Should a Wedding Photographer Eat During a Reception?
A wedding day is a marathon for photographers. Finding the time to grab a quick bite and refuel can feel impossible, but this is the perfect time to do it.
After 6 Months, Was the Leica Q2 Ghost Worth It?
AI-Generated Photos: Are They Art or Plagiarism?
The future of photography. Are we photographers in danger of being replaced, or is this just another fad due to pass us by? Who owns the digital rights? How much of a photograph that's generated by AI still belongs to the original artist, or does it belong to no one?
One Photographer's Failures That Led to Success
Why I Ditched Wedding Photography for Conceptual Photography
Wedding photography burnout is real. For nine years, weddings consumed my life, documenting every bouquet toss and first kiss. I was burnt out and needed to make a drastic shift.
Is This the Perfect Camera for Street Photography?
Micro four thirds is enjoying a bit of resurgence right now, with its lighter and smaller size, lower cost, and array of excellent lenses making it a fantastic choice for a wide number of genres and applications. Is it the ideal system for street photography? This great video makes a case for why that might be so.
The AI 'Photography' Race Is Getting Hilarious: Enjoy The Show
AI is the perfect hype commodity for tech companies and social media shills. If you thought NFTs and crypto cults were full of hot wind, then strap yourself in for the AI movement, because it’s bigger, gassier, and truly inescapable.
The Pressures of Social Media on Photographers
For years, photographers old and new would enjoy sharing their favorite work across social media sites such as Instagram. Sharing your images was fun and would create conversation, engagement, and perhaps sales. Nowadays, the situation has changed.
My Three Wishes for Nikon
It’s the time of year again for my 100% non-scientific, not-based-on-actual fact, purely speculative wonderings about the future of my main camera brand.
How Einstein, the Dalai Lama, and Abraham Lincoln Quotes Make us Better Photographers
Certain people from history are inherently quotable. Although their quotes were not necessarily aimed at photographers, they apply to us too and can help us improve our photography.
How Much Do You Value the Process of Creating Images?
Each week it seems, a new camera is released. And with every new release is the lure of new features promising to make the already easy image-making process even easier. This raises the question, do the benefits of easily creating images outweigh the potential benefits we might gain from taking a more challenging approach?
What Makes Us Click With Camera Brands?
Photography is an art form that allows us to capture moments, express emotions, and tell stories. The skill of the photographer is paramount to this, but the same can be said of the camera brand that they choose to shape their vision. We are all drawn to certain camera manufacturers for our own reasons, It can be said the right tool for the job applies here. So, why do photographers prefer certain brands over others?
Is Apple Vision Pro the Future?
Like many tech enthusiasts, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the announcements at Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference 2023. There had been wild rumors of a new Mac Pro, and a new AR/VR product which would be an absolute game-changer in the world of consumer technology. Is VR the future, just another gadget, or something worse?
Mastering Mobile Photography: Top Smartphone Cameras of 2023
Photography has become an everyday part of our lives, moving from the realm of professionals to the hands of amateurs and enthusiasts. With the continual evolution of smartphone technology, mobile photography has significantly transformed, delivering professional-level results that rival traditional DSLRs. This year, 2023, showcases some extraordinary smartphone cameras, pushing the boundaries of what mobile devices can achieve in photography.
The Impact of AI on Wedding Photography: A Contemporary Perspective
Photography has long been an evolving art form, and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced a new wave of innovation. As in many fields, AI has begun to shape the landscape of wedding photography, changing how photographers capture, edit, and deliver photos.
The New MacBook Air Might Become Apple's Most Popular Laptop Yet
Photography Exhibition Visitors Offer Their Thoughts on Martin Parr's Satirical Depiction of Working Class Life in Scotland
Visitors are urged to share their reactions to images showcasing English documentary photographer Martin Parr’s view of Scottish life and Scottish stereotypes in a new exhibition taking place this summer.
The Beauty of Generative Fill in Photoshop Beta: There Is Nothing to Be Scared Of
When Generative Fill in Photoshop Beta was announced, it seemed the world had gone crazy. From this time onward, nothing about photography could be trusted anymore, they said. It was the end of photography the way we know it, or so it was believed. But perhaps we’re really scared for nothing.
A Message Every Photographer Should Hear
New Blur Album Cover Image Leaves Me Feeling a Little Seasick
Icons of 90s British indie music Blur have just announced their long-awaited ninth studio album. The cover art has me tilting my head slightly to the left in confusion.
Is the Fujifilm GFX 100S Too Much for Weddings?
I’ll admit I was seduced by digital medium format, with its ridiculous resolution and that “medium format look.” It has been two years of full-time use. Do I still think it was worth it? Better yet, should you drop $10K+ for a medium format digital camera kit?
Why Every Photographer Should Create a Series of Images
Is Photography Dead? The Relentless March of AI
Why One Photographer Prefers Smaller Cameras
In recent years, we have seen budget full frame cameras become more affordable while medium format prices have become competitive with upper-level full frame options. At the same time, APS-C cameras have continued to grow in capabilities and performance, and micro four thirds is enjoying a resurgence. So, should a new photographer follow the old wisdom of using a larger sensor for the best image quality or consider the benefits of a smaller system? This great video makes a case for the latter.
The Strange Relationship Between Hobbyist Photographers, Professionals, and Influencers
Influencers have invaded just about every space in which there are products for sale. If there is money to be made, there is probably an influencer for it, whether you realize it or not. Photography has not been immune to this, and it has left hobbyist and professional photographers in a strange place. This insightful video essay features a long-time pro discussing the issue and offering his thoughts.
Why and When You Should Abandon Beauty in Photography in Favor of Something Sublime
If you look through the galleries here at Fstoppers, trending images on social media, or those on the pages of magazines, they usually depict beauty. Beauty is easy to like and is, understandably, popular. But there is something far harder to capture that is sublime.
Nobody Cares About Your Photography, and That's OK
OK, now that I have your attention, let's get something out of the way: I'm not trashing your photography. I'm sure it's all fantastic, and I sincerely hope you keep creating those amazing images.
The Best Landscape Camera Ever Made
Bold claims for a title indeed, but as photographers, we've all had the opportunity to try different brands to see which one best meets our individual needs. So, when it comes to forking out your hard-earned cash for something like this, you want to be sure you are making the right decision. I would also like to say at the start, although this is a very positive review of the camera, I wasn't expecting it to be just as good as it is.
Should You Buy the Nikon Z8 or Z9?
After the release of Nikon’s new Z8 mirrorless camera, you may be asking yourself a simple question. Should you get the Z8 or its big brother, the Z9?
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.
Publicity and Photographers’ Delusions of Mediocrity
Do your photos get noticed? Do you have a sizeable Instagram following? If you answered yes to those, you are probably in for a shock.
What Makes You a Successful Photographer? And Do You Even Need to Be One?
A Definitive Guide to Master Your Lenses in 15 Minutes
This is a great video for beginners and experienced photographers alike who are looking to get more out of their gear. In this video, Simon d'Entremont gives a definitive explanation of different lenses and how they can work best for you.
6 Reasons Why Printing Your Photos Is Important
As a photographer, I spend a lot of time taking photos, editing, blogging, and posting them on social media. However, are these photos just meant to be viewed for the 24-hour period (or less) that they're displayed on social media, only to disappear forever? Personally, I believe it’s important to create and share something tangible and special in this digital age of noise and instant gratification. That's why I've started to print my photos, and below are some reasons why you should too.
3 Biggest Changes Currently Happening in the Photo Industry and How We Can Adjust
Today, let’s discuss some of the biggest changes currently happening in the market and how those changes will affect our lives and our businesses as professional photographers.
Things This Photographer Wished He'd Known About Being a Content Creator
Stepping Into the World of Street Photography
Although I like photographing people, I never dared to step into the world of street photography. But recently I have tried it a few times, with mixed results. I would like to share my experiences and give some tips for those who like to try this for the first time also.
Will Going Pro Ruin Your Love of Photography?
One of the most common warnings you will hear about going pro as a photographer is that it will ruin your love for the craft. Why is that? Is it true, and if so, what can you do to mitigate that? This excellent video essay features a long-time professional photographer discussing the issue and his experience.
Adapt or Perish: AI Is to Digital What Digital Was to Analog
Some of the Good and Bad of Each Camera Brand
Photographers and filmmakers have more choices in camera brands than ever before, with standards like Canon and Nikon to more niche options like Pentax. So, which is right for you? This excellent video opinion essay discusses the good and bad of 10 different brands to give a bit of insight into what each manufacturer is doing right and how they might fit your wants and needs.
When Is It Wrong to Upgrade Your Camera Gear?
Talking about camera gear and upgrading has always been a polarizing topic anywhere. We all love our cameras but differing opinions often lead to long discussions. But when is it really acceptable to upgrade?
The Red Shoes and The Power and Pitfalls of Artistic Obsession
Today, we will talk about one of the most necessary and the most dangerous ingredients in a creative career.
The Secret to Success in Landscape Photography
Something to Think About as AI Infiltrates Photography
While the presence of AI in photography has caused anything from fear to excitement, one thing is for sure: it is here to stay and will have a significant impact on the industry in many ways. The interesting video essay discusses the issue and something important to keep in mind as the industry changes and the role of the photographer evolves.
What Would You Like to See From the Next Fujifilm X100 Series Camera?
Fujifilm's X100 series of cameras is now in its fifth generation, and it remains one of the most beloved cameras on the market, all but guaranteeing that we will see a sixth version at some point. What would photographers like to see in the next iteration? This interesting video features a photographer discussing his thoughts on the topic.