5 Common Exposure Mistakes You Should Avoid

Light is damn-near everything to photographers, and the exposure of an image is how it is captured. It isn't complicated to get right, but that doesn't mean there aren't many pitfalls to avoid. Here are five.
How to Use Negative Space in Landscape Photography

A lot of landscape photography tends to be maximal, using intricate collections of elements in the frame to create lush balances that convey the grandeur of scenes at least partially through their sheer overwhelming nature. Of course, that is not the only way to approach the craft, however. Embracing negative space can help provide more balance in your images. This great video tutorial features an experienced landscape photographer discussing negative space and how to apply it to photos.

The Powerful Benefits of Photography for Mental and Physical Health

Photography is not just about capturing beautiful images; it is a powerful tool that can positively impact our mental and physical well-being. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer, picking up a camera and immersing yourself in the art of photography can bring numerous advantages to your overall health. In this post, let's explore the remarkable benefits that photography offers for both mental and physical well-being.

Sony 400mm Lens Saves Sports Photographer From 104 MPH Foul Ball

Jim Rassol wasn't expecting to have his $12,000 Sony 400.. G Master lens smashed when he headed in to photograph an MLB game on June 24, 2023. Check out the story of how his lens saved him from injury and the community rallied together to help him fix his lens.
The Worst Photographer Ever?

William Eggleston is best known for his color documentary photography, but the photos really just look like snapshots of the mundane. This is a great documentary to give you a little insight into his work.
Exploring the Diversity of Seascape Photography: Benefits and Techniques

Seascape photography presents an expansive realm of creative possibilities, where the ever-changing nature of the ocean becomes a source of inspiration. From tranquil sunsets to tempestuous storms, the diversity of seascapes offers photographers a wide range of subject matter and moods to explore. In this article, we delve into the various types of seascape photography and discuss the unique benefits and techniques associated with each.

A Review of the Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM Lens

135mm lenses have long been a popular second option to 85mm lenses for portrait photography, where their longer focal length and higher levels of telephoto compressions offer flattering renderings. Canon’s EF 135mm f/2L lens was long one of the company’s best hidden gems, offering fantastic image quality in tandem with deep contrast and colors and snappy autofocus. It’s successor, the RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM is here, and it looks like an awfully impressive lens. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

The Craft of Telling Stories With Photos

As photographers, we work hard to create photos with technically accurate exposures, balanced compositions, and skilled edits, but what often separates a good photo from a truly compelling one is storytelling. Storytelling can be a difficult thing to develop, though. This helpful video tutorial features two experienced photographers sharing their thoughts and advice on what makes for good storytelling in photography.

Why You Should Embrace Difficult Locations in Landscape Photography

Landscape photography often requires a large amount of physical exertion simply to get to a location, particularly when you are carrying a heavy bag of gear. While you might want to stick to the trails and the paths of least resistance, sometimes, it pays to embrace the more difficult locations. This great video tutorial discusses why you should head off the beaten path every once in a while.

Book More: 5 Keys to Close Every Photography Sales Meeting

In the competitive world of photography, closing a high percentage of your sales meetings is crucial for success. However, many photographers make common mistakes that hinder their chances of sealing the deal. To help you improve your sales approach and increase your conversion rate, here are five key rules to follow. By implementing these strategies, you'll be equipped to establish strong connections with clients, effectively communicate value, and ultimately close every sale.

The Magic of Long Exposures in Challenging Conditions

Seascape photography has a way of captivating our senses, drawing us into the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean's rhythms. However, not every day at the coast is blessed with perfect weather and ideal conditions. As photographers, we must adapt and find creative solutions to capture stunning seascapes even when faced with challenging circumstances. Let’s explore the art of using long exposures to transform less-than-ideal conditions into ethereal and evocative seascapes.

A Review of the Impressive New BenQ PhotoVue SW272U 27" 4K HDR Monitor

BenQ is one of the most respected monitor manufacturers in the industry, offering an array of devices for professionals and hobbyists alike. The new PhotoVue SW272U 27" 4K HDR offers a huge range of features sure to please most users and does so at a reasonable price. This excellent review takes a look at the new monitor and the sort of performance and quality you can expect from it in usage.

Here's What's in the Sky This Month

The night sky is a surprisingly active place, and it helps to know what is on deck for the next few weeks. If you want to enjoy a nice summer night or two with your camera, check out this fantastic video tutorial that discusses some of the most exciting astrophotography opportunities coming up in July and offers some useful for getting the most from your images.

5 of Photoshop's Most Important New Features

Photoshop has been evolving at a breakneck pace lately, with a number of groundbreaking features expanding and even completely changing the ways in which photographers approach editing their images. If you have not had a chance to catch up on everything that is new yet, check out this helpful video tutorial that will show you five of the biggest changes, what they can do, and how to use them.

85mm Versus 135mm Lens Comparison for Portraiture

Two of the most popular focal lengths for portraiture are 85mm and 135mm. If you want to upgrade your nifty-fifty for something a bit longer, which should you choose? Well, it depends on a number of factors.
How to Use the Fujifilm Pixel Shift Multi-Shot Works

Have you ever wondered what the Fujifilm Pixel Shift Multi-Shot mode does and how it works? Whether you have or not, it's worth learning about this technology and just how powerful it can be.
5 Reasons Why Sunset Photography Steals the Show

The enchanting allure of golden hues, vibrant skies, and serene landscapes make both sunrise and sunset photography captivating endeavours. While sunrise photography has its undeniable charm, there are distinct qualities that make sunset photography equally mesmerising, if not more.

We Review Profoto Clic 2.7' Softbox – Not for Everyone

Reviewing good light modifiers is one of my favorite types of reviews to write. As I highly value light, I aim to cover light-shaping tools more than anything else. When this softbox was released, my thoughts were split in half. On one hand, I see how it is useful, but on the other, it is simply not for the majority. Read on to find out why.

The 24K Gold Lens You Cannot Buy

Usually, companies create lenses they would very much like to sell you, particularly if they only make lenses. However, TTArtisan's special edition 35mm f/1.4 isn't for sale, which works perfectly on me, as now I want it more than I ever would have.
We Review the Profoto Clic Magnum: A Must-Have Modifier

Something that was always missing from the Profoto Clic lineup was hard reflectors. Being very low-powered while also aimed to be used outside, the A series was a bit of a mystery to me. After all, can you really work in harsh sun with a light that can't do anything about it? Well, now you can. Your 100-watt light becomes 1.7 stops more powerful, making it suitable for more location work.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (June 2023): Petri Damstén

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.

The Truth About Wildlife Photography

I'm a landscape photographer who knows that to take great photos you must put in the work. And even then, you might still go home empty-handed a lot of the time. As this video by Gareth Leonard shows, wildlife photographers might have an even more difficult job.

Why You Only Need Two Lights to Start as a Portrait Photographer

Getting started with flash can be both exciting and intimidating; it is an entirely new set of techniques, but it also enables a wide variety of creative opportunities that simply would not be possible otherwise. If you are ready to tackle artificial lighting, it is important to get off on the right foot. This great video tutorial features an experienced beauty and portrait photographer discussing why it is best to start your lighting journey with no more than two lights.

How to Increase Your Photo Bookings

Being good with a camera and having great creative ideas is, of course, crucial to finding success as a professional, but it is not enough. Knowing how to attract clients and convince them to book with you is a crucial skill. If that is something you have trouble with, check out this fantastic video tutorial that offers three actionable tips for increasing your bookings.

Is This the Ultimate Nikon Portrait Setup?

The Nikon Z8 has lit the photography world on fire, offering almost all of the benefits and advanced features of the highly respected Z9 at an aggressive price. Paired with the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, the combo becomes a formidable setup for portraits. So, what can you accomplish with it? This excellent video takes a look.

How to Use Fill Flash for On-Location Portrait

Shooting portraits outside of the studio can be a great way to add context to an image, tell a story, or simply generate a bit more visual interest. Bringing along a flash for fill can often help you create a higher-quality image with a more balanced exposure. This great video tutorial will show you how to use a fill flash on location for better portraits.

Five Things That Are Guaranteed to Skyrocket Your Photography Career

When talking about improvement in photography, we often hear a lot of nonsense answers, such as upgrading equipment, hiring more staff, trying to find a niche, and so on. This isn't bad advice, and I give it as well. The thing is, it is so generic and so common that it has lost its meaning. Here are some real tips on how to become a better photographer.

A Review of the New Fujifilm INSTAX Square SQ40 Camera

The Fujifilm INSTAX line of instant film cameras has been a runaway hit for the company, tapping into the nostalgia of instant photography and introducing a new generation to the technology. The INSTAX Square SQ40 is the latest entry in the line, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from this fun and affordable little camera.

Printing Your Images: Make More Through An Online Client Photo Gallery Without Being Sale-sy

When was the last time you fulfilled a print order? When I think of print sales, I envision awkwardly contrived meetings where proofs have been held hostage and finally revealed as leverage, using the client's emotions to maximize profits. I know in-person sales is an effective strategy, and photographers bankroll this method frequently. However, for the majority of photographers who don't want to take that approach, providing an online client photo gallery and a few simple suggestions can help you maximize your profits without the pressure of in-person-sales tactics.

The Real Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Light Modifiers

I get a lot of commentary on using expensive photo equipment, most notably lighting. Fair enough, a $400 softbox is not for everyone, and most people find it ridiculous to use a modifier this expensive. However, there are good reasons to use such tools. Here is why.

How to Shoot Film at Night

If you heard a modern digital camera could only reach as high as ISO 1600 or 3200, you might think it was a very limited device. Such is the case with film, though. That does not mean you can't shoot it a night, though; in fact, it can be quite rewarding, especially if you enjoy long exposures. This great video tutorial discusses shooting film at night (particularly long exposures) and how to go about it to come home with the best images possible.

5 Editing Mistakes That Make Your Photos Look Amateur

Post-production of your photography can feel like a minefield when you first start; overwhelming, endlessly complicated, and confusing. In this video, Pat Kay goes over five common mistakes that can ruin your images.
How Good Is a $5,000 35mm Lens?

For some people, the thought of spending over $5,000 on a 35mm lens, let alone one without autofocus, is an absolutely absurd proposition. On the other hand, Leica users often swear by the company's optics. Costing over $5,000, the Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. promises amazing optical performance. Can it live up to that promise? This excellent first look video takes a look at what you can expect.

Landscape Photography in the Middle of the Day

Most of the time, when you think of landscape photography, you probably think of golden hour, with soft and warm light spilling across the scene. And while that can make for fantastic images, if you restrict yourself to just a few hours a day, you are missing out on quite a few opportunities. This great video tutorial shows you the benefits of landscape photography in the middle of the day.

We Review The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is a super telephoto lens available for Fujifilm and Sony APS-C cameras, and it has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. In this review, I detail my experience using this lens for sports and nature photography using Fujifilm cameras.

How to Use Depth and Perspective for Better Landscape Photos

One of the most fundamental challenges of landscape photography (and many other genres) is taking a three-dimensional scene and translating it to two dimensions in a way that still conveys the depth of the environment. Mastering this will significantly improve your landscape images. This excellent video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of controlling depth and perspective in landscape photos.

Five Tips for Better Smartphone Filmmaking

Whether you're a budding vlogger or experienced filmmaker, cell phones can make for pretty powerful shooting tools if you know what you're doing and you're using the right program.
Here Is How I Upgrade My Gear as a Professional Photographer

There are infinite ways of upgrading gear as a photographer. Moreover, camera companies market their next product as the next best thing in the industry. All this results in a lot of confusion, speculation, and simple ambiguity. If we could, we would all upgrade everything at once, but money is a limited resource that we need to allocate with a high degree of efficiency.

Is This the Best Affordable Bird and Wildlife Photography Setup?

Wildlife and bird photography can be tremendously exciting and rewarding work, but the combination of fast action, faraway subjects, and frequent low light often necessitates the use of extreme cameras and lenses that can quickly put serious stress on your bank account. Thankfully, nowadays, we have a bevy of impressively capable budget options. This excellent video review takes a look at one of the best affordable setups for wildlife and bird camera and lens setups.

Which of These Two Supertelephoto Zoom Lenses Is Better?

In the past decade, we have seen an explosion of highly capable supertelephoto zoom lenses, and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR are two of the most versatile options. How do they compare? This great video review takes a look at both lenses, their various characteristics, and how they match up with each other.

8 Tips for Getting More Battery Life From Your Mirrorless Camera

Mirrorless cameras are superior to DSLRs in many ways, offering a wide range of modern features and capabilities that DSLRs do not or even cannot. However, one area where they still lag woefully behind is battery life. While they have certainly improved over first-generation options, battery life can still be a hindrance. If you find yourself sometimes struggling with that, check out this helpful video tutorial that will show you eight different tips for getting a little more life out those batteries.

5 Secrets of Waterfall Photography

Prepare to dive headfirst into the world of waterfall photography! In this article, we'll uncover the five secrets that will make your waterfall shots as majestic as possible. So, grab your camera, put on your raincoat, and let's embark on this adventure.

Capturing the Essence: Why Dog Photography With Families Is a Golden Opportunity

In a world full of a little bit of crazy one thing remains constant – our unwavering love for our furry companions. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, becoming cherished members of our families. They warm our hearts from being mischievous mutts to regal pedigrees, our four-legged friends bring joy, companionship, and a whole lot of slobbery kisses.