Achieving tack-sharp focus is a fundamental skill every photographer strives for. Whether you're capturing portraits, landscapes, or fast-paced action, understanding the causes of blur and how to avoid them is crucial for creating impactful images.
The photography world was stunned on March 29 as we heard the news that Alyn Wallace, a popular and incredible astrophotographer, has sadly passed away. In this article, I want to pay tribute to Alyn.
The ability to create a sense of depth and realism in your photographs is important for conveying the true essence of a scene. While modern cameras are capable of capturing incredible detail, raw image files often lack the dynamic range and tonal contrast necessary to bring your images to life. This is where understanding and utilizing tonal contrast becomes essential for transforming flat, lifeless images into captivating visual stories.
This is not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor does it have some crazy autofocus performance. Yet, this is my new absolute favorite lens. Read on to find out why the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 is a fantastic choice even in 2024.
A few months ago, I wrote an article about how to get your website to the top of Google. I talked about the importance of search engine optimization, content strategies, keyword research, and search intent. If you put your SEO foundation in place following that article, you are ready to create content that will rank on Google.
Many dream of having one, yet most can’t ever afford one. What makes the Hasselblad X2D 100C so special? Should you even think about getting one? Who is it for, anyway? There are quite a few questions I had when I was getting this camera, and in the few weeks of using it, I got some answers.
Enhancing your life through landscape photography is not just about capturing breathtaking images; it's also an avenue for personal growth and mental health improvement. Understanding these benefits can profoundly affect your approach to this art form.
Probably, most of us have at some point encountered a behind-the-scenes photo where there is a parabolic reflector with the name Briese written on the side in yellow letters. Yet, very few photographers have actually worked with it or know what makes it so special. Recently, I got a chance to try out Briese reflectors and generators in Hamburg. Read on to find out why I fell in love from the first sight.
In the age of digital portfolios and online presence, photographers need to go beyond stunning visuals to truly connect with their audience and secure bookings. Building a strong social media strategy, particularly on Instagram, is crucial to showcase your work, establish your brand, and attract potential clients.
Camera straps are an often-overlooked accessory for photographers. If it’s something you’ve not considered before, then it’s worth looking at the adaptable Peak Design Leash.
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.
Named the world’s best photo lab, WhiteWall is in constant pursuit of excellence in the physical reproduction of photographs. How do they do it, what motivates them, and is there really a difference? I took a trip to WhiteWall’s factory in Germany to find out.
The Sony a1 and a9 III are two of the most impressive cameras ever made, and it can be tough to know which one is right for you. This fantastic video dives deep into both to help you choose the right camera for your work.
The Sony a7R V sits in an elite class of cameras, offering some of the best image quality available today. Is it right for you? This great video review takes a look.
As a photographer, you've likely dreamed of having your own dedicated studio space. It's easy to imagine the creative freedom and professional image that comes with a studio, but the reality involves much more than just taking pictures. Understanding the full scope of owning or renting a studio is crucial before taking the plunge.
One of the first lessons we learn in photography is to always try to shoot at the lowest ISO possible. In theory, this produces the cleanest images with the least amount of noise and gives us the most room to work with in post-processing, provided you expose the shot correctly. However, shooting at lower ISOs can cause more harm than good, especially when lighting starts to get tricky.
An often-debated element of camera systems is APS-C versus full frame versus medium format. Which one is better? Which one fits your needs? Which one should you use? This video dives into the question with real-world comparisons between all three!
Photography equipment is not cheap, and as such, it pays to think long and hard about where exactly you are spending your money. And so, when it comes time to upgrade some of your gear, is it better to put your money toward a camera or a lens first? This helpful video tutorial features an experience photographer discussing the topic and offering some great advice to help you ensure you get the equipment that will serve you and your budget best.
As a photographer, you're constantly seeking inspiration and exploring new ways to express your vision. Sometimes, the most impactful projects come from unexpected sources, challenging conventional ideas about what makes a compelling subject. This fantastic video explores two such projects that showcase the power of photography to elevate the ordinary and shed light on often-overlooked aspects of our world.
How do you keep yourself looking good while working from home, without turning your home into a workplace?
Capturing the perfect shot often requires a delicate balance between focal length, image quality, and portability. Finding a lens that excels in all three areas can feel like searching for a mythical creature. That's why lenses like these make us drool.
If you're using your DSLR or mirrorless camera for filming, you're likely familiar with the limitations these cameras can present for this type of work. While each new model offers more options, accessories can enhance your filming experience. An external recorder is one such accessory.
If you've wanted to try macro photography but didn't want to outlay on all the special equipment necessary, you're in luck. If you're an iPhone user, SANDMARC has a 100mm Macro lens you can screw onto your phone, and I put it through its paces.
Once your photos improve after practicing photography for a while, they will likely also attract a larger audience. And at some point, you might be asked if your photos are for sale. It is how I got into selling my images as prints more than ten years ago. In this article, I share an easy way to get started.
At $249, the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro offers users a glimpse into a hidden world without a significant hit to their bank accounts. 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.
The Fuji X100VI has been riding shotgun on the hype train since its announcement. And while it's a good camera, this camera is better.
Is swapping a camera system a valid and worthwhile move? I did it for very good reasons, and it's something you might consider if you analyze what you use and why you bought it.
For many, photography starts as an occasional practice—an outlet for creativity during leisure time. However, the journey from occasional snapshots to profound visual storytelling often hinges not on sporadic bursts of activity but on how ingrained photography becomes in daily life.
Some people think great landscape photographers are just lucky, always at the right place at the right time. The reality is great landscape photographers are persistent. Making portfolio-worthy images often entails repeat visits to areas to find the ideal composition paired with stunning conditions.
It can be frustrating when you find yourself struggling to make good images. If you're currently in a rut, check out this awesome video tutorial that offers five tips sure to help you improve.
Several days ago, on March 29, the photography world was rocked by the news of Alyn Wallace's sudden passing. The family of Alyn have now released a statement on his Instagram page.
Instagram and Threads have recently announced the integration of HDR (High Dynamic Range) photo support, a significant advancement aimed at enhancing visual content on their platforms. HDR technology is designed to preserve the full spectrum of colors and dynamic range captured by a camera sensor, resulting in more realistic and captivating images.
If you've ever owned a fixed focal length wide-angle lens, you've probably noticed the numbers located between the focus ring and the aperture ring. This is the depth of field scale, and it's a valuable tool that helps you check the depth of field for different apertures and focus distances.
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.
A cheap, vintage-looking lens that you can make at home sounds too good to be true, right? Thankfully, for us, a new camera lens is just a few easy steps away.
Do you remember the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM that was released in 2015? It was a one-of-a-kind lens and a large and heavy one. Canon released an RF version, and it is not only smaller and lighter, it offers an even wider field of view. This is the review of that lens; the RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM.
Portrait lenses are often quite expensive, with some easily running north of $2,000. That's why, at $168, the TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 is an intriguing option for Nikon Z, Sony E, and Fujifilm X APS-C users. 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.
Are you a photographer who prefers to shoot in the JPEG file format? In that case, you have to get everything right in the camera. Correcting a mistake afterward is limited. There are different in-camera tools available that allow you to get the best possible results.
Deadpan photography is a unique and thought-provoking style that challenges conventional notions of what makes a compelling image. By stripping away emotion and focusing on simple, straightforward compositions, deadpan photography encourages viewers to see the world in a new light.
The 23mm f/1.4 Contemporary lens is the latest offering in Sigma’s lineup of fast, compact, prime lenses for Fujifilm X Mount cameras. With a 35mm equivalent focal length, the 23mm is sure to be popular for street photography, portraits, landscapes, and more.
Landscape photography often hinges on ideal weather conditions, but overcast skies and stormy forecasts shouldn't deter you from capturing stunning images. With careful planning and a positive attitude, challenging weather can present unique opportunities for compelling compositions.
A 300mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 is a wonderful lens. But it’s often large and heavy, or so it used to be. Although the diameter of the lens is unchanged, Sony managed to keep the weight within acceptable limits. It makes the FE 300mm GM OSS a great tool to work with.
Right now, it seems like nobody has the new Fujifilm X100VI for sale unless you’re willing to pay a hefty premium over the retail price. But are you really ready to pull the trigger on one, or still on the fence about it? Never fear—help is at hand.
If you’ve been on YouTube at all in the past couple of weeks, the algorithm has more than likely served you up multiple videos of powerful influencers announcing that they are “quitting” the platform. While each person has their own reasons, I think there are a few common threads that we can all learn from.
Perhaps no lens is more ubiquitous than the 24-70mm f/2.8. A versatile performer, the 24-70mm f/2.8 is equally at home in a huge range of genres, making it a favorite workhorse of many different photographers. However, such lenses can often be rather expensive. So, at $1,100, can the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art compete with the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II, which costs more than twice as much? This excellent video comparison takes a look at both.
Storage is one of the most critical necessities for a content creator. After all, without a place to store your work, you can't enjoy the freedom of creating. While it might be fine to store your shoots on your computer initially, you will soon run out of storage space. This is when a product like the LaCie D2 external HDD drive becomes essential.
