It’s a cliché but true nonetheless—old habits die hard. Following the same routine day in and day out because it’s what we know and are comfortable with can lead us into a rut of our own making. In a creative process like photography, repetition and routine can easily become a recipe for bland.
RIP Photography, 1839-2023.
Mastering light in photography is essential, whether one is working with the natural glow of the sun or artificial studio setups. Understanding how to manipulate light with just one or two sources can transform the quality of your work, making the subject stand out in ways that are both subtle and profound.
The new Sigma 15mm f/1.4 DG DN Art offers users a unique optical instrument with the promise of top-level image quality. What kind of performance can you expect from the lens in real-world usage? This fantastic video review takes a look.
As professional photographers, we carry around a bunch of stuff. I can easily rock up to a shoot with way too much kit for the job. My daily carry-around equipment is quite different, though. Let's talk about some of the must-carry items.
I know the term "game-changer" is a tired cliché. However, having put Virtual Staging AI through its paces, I see it's a phrase that should have been reserved for this software, as it will revolutionize the real estate photography market.
Embarking on an intrepid journey through Cornwall's rugged landscapes, our mission to capture one of the UK's rarest bees, the Large Scabious Mining Bee, unfolds amidst the wild beauty of a National Trust farm. Join us as we delve into the world of solitary bees, where conservation efforts are sparking hope in the most unexpected of places.
For photographers, filmmakers, and cinematographers who understand the basics, going deeper into the nuances of focal length can be tremendously informative. This exploration is at the heart of this great video that takes a look at the sophisticated choices of renowned directors and their implications in visual storytelling.
In 1993, Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist, etched his name in photography history with one poignant image that encapsulated the harsh realities of the world. The iconic photograph, "Vulture and the Little Girl," stirred emotions, sparked debates, and shed light on the famine-stricken Sudan. However, it also plunged Carter into the depths of controversy, with this photograph revealing the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding shocking photography.
The Leica SL3 offers some of the company's most impressive design and features. This thorough examination highlights the significance of this camera for anyone keen on capturing images with remarkable precision and detail.
Stop motion animation is a great technique for creating attention-grabbing content to promote a brand or your own photography, or even just for fun. In this article, I am going to show you how to shoot and assemble a series of still images to create an eye-catching stop motion animation.
The X-T5 mirrorless camera took Fujifilm's highly popular X Series platform and upgraded it with a huge range of new features and advancements, the most notable being that new 40-megapixel sensor, the highest ever seen in such a camera. This great video review takes a long-term look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the camera in real-world usage.
Portrait photographers love a medium telephoto lens with good bokeh, and for most modern lenses, good bokeh means producing creamy, featureless backgrounds that allow total focus on the subject. But what is the bokeh has a character all its own? That is what TTArtisan is aiming for with the "Bubble Bokeh" lens, and this excellent video review takes a look at if its cheap price and interesting rendering make it a winner.
In the past few years, Lightroom has taken some powerful steps forward, making it a versatile and capable editing tool that can accomplish many tasks that used to require a trip to Photoshop. One of the greatest new additions is the ability to use curves in masks. This great video tutorial will show you how to use curves inside the program's masking panel to quickly and easily create powerful and precise edits.
For over a decade, I've been eagerly anticipating the release of a full frame digital global shutter camera. I'm honestly surprised it took this long, but it's finally here in the new Sony a9 III.
Fujifilm enthusiasts seeking extensive zoom capabilities will find the XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens an appealing choice, delivering a reach up to an equivalent of 914mm. This makes it particularly attractive for photographers specializing in sports and wildlife. Such genres have high standards, though, placing a lot demands on the lens. This excellent video review explores the lens' real-world performance and image quality, providing valuable insights for potential users.
Shooting interiors can be a daunting task for an unprepared photographer. No matter how big or small the space is, there will be challenges that you need to face and problems you need to solve. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Concentration and focus are among the most crucial skills to master as a freelancer and photographer. Being productive in your workspace is the key to gaining an edge over others when it comes to the basics. In this article, I have collected 11 of my best hacks for maintaining daily productivity.
DJI Air 3 versus Mini 3 Pro versus Mavic 3 Pro versus Mavic 3 Classic. It is all a bit much now, isn't it? Just like Sony, DJI is constantly releasing updated versions of their products, at varying price points, and with different sets of features, so it is tough to know which one to get. In this video, Kai looks at the four latest drones from DJI and breaks down what might be best for you.
The ever-increasing megapixel count in digital cameras is a trend that continues to shape the landscape of photography. While higher megapixels offer the potential for greater detail and flexibility in post-processing, they also introduce new challenges and considerations for photographers.
Adding to mobile power options for filmmakers, SmallRig has announced the newest update to its popular mini V-mount line, the VB99 Pro.
There are some very good reasons why photographers are switching over to Exascend. However, there was a problem that made me delay this article. Here's why.
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.
Lightroom offers a lot powerful editing tools, and you can often finish a photo without ever touching Photoshop. This helpful video tutorial will show you five tips to ensure you are getting the most out of Lightroom.
The transformative power of embracing the unexpected is an exploration worth undertaking, particularly in environments as unpredictable as Antarctica. One photographer's recent journey to this icy continent serves as a compelling testament to the value of adaptability in the creative process, illustrating how a willingness to let go of meticulous planning can uncover breathtakingly spontaneous moments.
Big softbox, little softbox, umbrella, or beauty dish? When choosing a key light modifier for your portraits, it can be daunting to decide which one is the best for the job. I've been working as a portrait photographer for 19 years, so in this article, I'll take you through the modifiers I grab most often for shoots and explain what each one does and the best scenarios to use them.
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.
One of the most rewarding things you can do as a photographer is to see your images printed. Prints can be made either at home or at specialist labs, such as WhiteWall. Having dominated the fine art printing industry for years, WhiteWall keeps on evolving. Their latest innovation is related to monochrome photography.
Sony has introduced the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, featuring a host of upgrades and fresh features that are likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers and videographers. What's its real-world performance like? This detailed video review explores the performance and image quality that one can anticipate from the lens in usage.
Mirrorless mounts have allowed the creation of increasingly lens designs, and as such, we have seen more and more rectilinear full frame lenses that push to wider and wider focal lengths, including single-digit focal lengths. One such example is the 7artisans Photoelectric 9mm f/5.6, which offers people like landscape and architectural photographers a unique field of viewer that inspires creativity. Can it offer the performance and image quality to match? This great video review takes a look at what you can expect.
Superzoom lenses offer the ultimate level of convenience, replacing several other lenses and allowing a photographer to travel lighter and work faster. For Nikon mirrorless shooters, there is the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of image quality and performance you can expect from the lens in real-world use.
Photoshop has some pretty incredible features, and while some, like the new Generative Fill tool, get all the headlines, others are buried deep in several layers of menus, where you might never even know they exist. One such feature is Path Blur, which can quickly and dramatically transform your images. What is Path Blur, and how can you use it in your work? This excellent video tutorial will show you everything you need to know.
Sometimes, the simplest ideas can create some really cool images. Here’s how I created a fun and colorful DIY photoshoot backdrop for less than $25.
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.
Under-eye bags are some of the most common things clients will want you to retouch, and as such, it is important to know how to take care of them efficiently and convincingly. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to do exactly this.
Impressionistic photography challenges traditional approaches by emphasizing mood and atmosphere over sharp, detailed imagery. This style captures fleeting moments of light and color, offering a painterly quality that stands out in the digital age.
In a world overwhelmed with photography advice on YouTube, Instagram, or even articles like this one, it can be hard to know whose guidance to trust when building your career. However, chances are, you may be overlooking the most valuable source of input that will always guide you in the right direction.
The Fujifilm XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR gives users a nice long telephoto focal length in combination with a wide aperture, which makes it an appealing option for a range of users, particularly portrait and wedding photographers. This fantastic video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Like a lot of creatives, finding that perfect desk setup is sort of like searching for the holy grail. But after a lot of searching, I think I found mine.
Perhaps no workhorse lens is more ubiquitous than the standard zoom with an f/2.8 aperture. Capable of handling a diverse range of applications and needs, these lenses can be found in many photographers and filmmakers bags, though they are often rather expensive. At $799, that makes the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD rather refreshing. 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 from the lens.
The brand new Sony a7C II offers a huge amount of tech in a very compact body. What if you could supercharge it so that it suddenly had most of the functionality of a cinema camera? Can you get the best of both worlds? How much would it cost?
Transforming the tedious task of color grading from a Photoshop layer-heavy process to a streamlined Lightroom slider manipulation is a real game-changer. This simplification not only speeds up the workflow but also offers precision and creativity, making it a significant advancement for you if you're looking to elevate the quality of your images with less hassle.
Understanding and effectively utilizing contrast is crucial for creating compelling and dynamic photographs. It's not just about making your images pop; it's about adding depth, guiding the viewer's eye, and setting the mood of your scene.
When it comes to cameras released in 2023, most would find it hard to argue that the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 was not only the most anticipated but also delivered on almost all of its hype upon release. However, several fixes need to happen to make this the best camera for video content creators.
In 2021, I bought the Think Tank Retrospective Backpack 15. This would be my lightweight backpack for holidays and day trips. I’ve enjoyed using this backpack, and now, it’s time to make a long-term review.
The art of translating the nostalgic essence of film into digital photography has gained momentum, bridging the gap between analog textures and the precision of modern technology. Are presets and recipes a shortcut to this nostalgia, or do they stifle creativity?
Finding the right laptop can be a challenge, especially with the constant influx of new models and fluctuating prices. While the general advice for 2024 has been to stick with slightly older models for cost savings, the Asus Vivobook S 14 presents a compelling case for considering a 2024 release.
In my previous article, we talked about the technique and tips for performing focus stacking for e-commerce shoots. In this article, we will further expand into discussing the advantages of using focus stacking techniques, apart from the obvious reasons of getting the entire product to be in focus. There are a few more logical reasons and advantages behind focus stacking.
