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Critique the Community

This was Difficult!

Your Most Complicated Photoshoot

Welcome to the February 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this contest and critique we wanted to switch up the theme a bit by asking you to submit the most difficult and challenging images you've ever taken.

Submission Deadline:
February 27th 2025 - 10:45pm
A Smarter Way to Edit Landscape Photos in Lightroom

Editing landscape photos can feel overwhelming with all the tools available, but you don’t need to use most of them. The key is knowing which adjustments actually make a difference. A few simple changes can turn a flat raw file into something that reflects the scene as you remember it.

Do You Own The Best Photography Book of All Time?

The Decisive Moment is arguably one of the greatest photography books ever published, featuring photos from Henri Cartier-Bresson that capture the precise instant when all elements in a scene come together perfectly to create a powerful and meaningful image.

Why Won’t Sony, Nikon or Canon Make This Camera?

Given that finding a Fuji X100VI is ultra rare and the Leica Q3 is reserved only for those with very deep pockets, surely there’s a gap in the market. None of the big three manufacturers seems interested, but why not?

Saramonic Ultra Mic Review: Can It Compete with DJI and Rode?

Last week, I received an email from Saramonic. They wanted to sponsor a video featuring their new Ultra Mic System. But unlike every sponsored video request I've ever gotten, they didn't want control over the video, they asked for a fair and honest review, comparing their product to two of the industry leaders: DJI and Rode.

Fujifilm’s New 16-55mm Lens: Lighter, Faster, Better?

Fujifilm’s XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens updates one of the most popular zoom lenses in the X-mount lineup. With its versatile focal range, constant f/2.8 aperture, and improved design, it’s built for those who need flexibility without sacrificing image quality. The big question: is it worth upgrading if you already own the original?

Turning a Kid’s Camera Into a Unique Shooting Experience

A tiny digital camera made for kids has unexpectedly become a hit with adults who want a simple, screen-free shooting experience. But what if it could be more than just a toy? One creator decided to take this little camera and push it to its limits, transforming it into something completely different—and way more fun.

A Simple Photoshop Trick for Better Light and Atmosphere

Sometimes, a small edit can bring a photo to life. Adjusting light, enhancing atmosphere, and directing attention can make a huge difference, especially when working with images that feel flat or lack impact.

The Greatest Force That Is Ignored by Photographers

There is a hidden force that can elevate your photography massively. I know about it because, after 35 years in photography, I stumbled upon it accidentally. And I get goosebumps just thinking about it.

A Landscape Photographer's Advice: Learn to See the Beauty All Around You

Places of emptiness and desolation might not immediately demand the attention of the photographer, but they have a haunting beauty that is all too easy to overlook. For one landscape photographer, the quiet magic of these neglected spaces has often been the source of his inspiration.

Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM: Worth the Price?

Canon’s RF 35mm f/1.4 L VCM lens is an intriguing option for anyone invested in the RF system, especially those who shoot both photos and video. It brings some unique features, a high-quality build, and Canon’s latest autofocus technology. But with a price tag of $1,500, it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.

My First Experience Using Hasselblad (X2D Review)

I've never had the highest opinion of Hasselblad. 10-15 years ago I saw two of them completely fail on set. I saw them struggle with autofocus even in a bright environment. I've seen my cheap DSLR take better-looking images in low light.

How This Budget 135mm Lens Stacks Up Against the Big Brands

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a budget-friendly telephoto prime that competes with much more expensive options from Sony, Canon, and Nikon. It’s part of Viltrox’s LAB series, which aims to push optical performance to new heights without costing a ton.

Is the Fuji GFX 100S the Best Medium Format Camera for the Price?

A camera’s real value isn’t just in specs—it’s in how it fits your work. High-resolution sensors, dynamic range, and autofocus systems matter, but usability, workflow, and price matter just as much. The best camera for you isn’t always the latest model; it’s the one that balances performance and practicality.

How the Camera You Choose Changes the Way You Shoot

A camera should work for you, not the other way around. The tools you choose shape how you shoot, how you move, and how much you think about settings versus composition. Some cameras get out of the way. Others force you to slow down. Understanding how different cameras affect your workflow can help you make better choices before you even press the shutter.

It’s Better to Be an Amateur Photographer Than a Pro

After 38 years of making a living in photography—either behind the camera or directing other photographers—I’ve come to the conclusion that, for many, it might be best to keep photography as a hobby. It’s something I’ve been thinking about of late because photography in recent years has been elevated to such a glamorous career choice. Now it seems everyone wants to be a pro photographer and turn their hobby into a career. So allow me to share a few thoughts about this.

Inside a Professional Hotel Photography Shoot

Advertising photography isn’t just about taking nice pictures. Every shot needs to sell an experience, blending technical skill with storytelling. That’s why planning and execution are crucial.

Mastering Lightroom’s Most Overlooked Editing Tools

If you’re only making quick adjustments with auto settings or exposure sliders, you’re missing out on Lightroom’s most powerful tools. Understanding how to work with tone curves, masks, and color adjustments will push your images to the next level.

A Photographer's Guide to Maximizing Each Season's Opportunities

As a landscape photographer based in Ireland, I've come to realize that capturing a compelling image is about more than just pointing a camera at a beautiful scene. It's about understanding the subtle nuances of light, atmosphere, and the rhythms of our natural world. It’s about feeling the crispness of the air in autumn or the gentle warmth of a summer evening.

FOMO Warning: Imaging USA 2025 Was Tremendous

“What made you come to Imaging USA?” the videographer asked me on the bustling expo floor, with the mic placed on my lapel. I raced back in my mind to a few months ago when I declined Imaging USA’s invitation. I’m just so swamped; I don’t have time. I fast-forwarded under pressure to what made me change my decision. I realized that I didn’t have time not to come to Imaging USA. Let me explain.

Why Generative Fill Isn’t Always Enough for Removing Distractions

Removing distractions from a photo has never been easier, but relying on one tool alone won’t always give you the best results. If you’ve used generative fill and noticed low-resolution patches in your edits, you’re not imagining things. The tool is great for quick fixes, but when you need high-quality results, there’s a better way.

The Change That Could Transform Your Photography

There are many opinions and pieces of guidance imparted to new photographers. Many show up regularly, like how you should “make” photos rather than “take” them. Some of this advice is helpful, while other pieces might crush your creativity. Following the advice to avoid one common technique may unintentionally stunt your growth without you even realizing it.

Five Ways to Strengthen Your Brand When Business Slows

Most people panic when business slows down, but this time of year is an opportunity, not a setback. A slow season gives you space to refine your strategy, attract better clients, and strengthen your brand. What you do now will determine how successful your next busy season will be.

The Best Beginner's Guide to Lightroom

Editing your photos well makes a huge difference in how professional they look. Lightroom is one of the most popular tools for photo editing, but it can seem overwhelming at first. Knowing how to use it efficiently can save you time and improve your final images.

Google Adds Watermarks to AI Photos

Google has introduced a digital watermarking system called SynthID to discreetly label images that are generated or heavily edited by artificial intelligence. The technology embeds an imperceptible identifier into the pixels of AI-created or AI-modified photos, which humans cannot see but software can detect​.

The Three Overlooked Skills Wedding Photographers Need

Being a wedding photographer isn’t just about mastering camera settings or posing techniques. The job demands serious physical and mental endurance, and if you’re not prepared, it can take a heavy toll. Long hours, high-pressure moments, and back-to-back weekends can leave you drained, impacting both your work and well-being.

Less Is More: A Guide to Cleaner Composition

Photography often starts with a full scene that overwhelms the eye with every detail. You face the challenge of choosing which elements to let stand and which to remove in order to craft a compelling image.

Stop Losing Image Quality in Photoshop With This Trick

Smart objects in Photoshop solve one of the biggest problems you face when working with images: loss of quality. You scale an image down, then decide later you want it bigger, and suddenly it’s a pixelated mess. Smart objects prevent that.

Camera Store Robbery Leaves Owner Injured

In New Port Richey, Florida, a local camera store became the scene of a violent robbery that left longtime owner Jim Smetzer injured and sent shockwaves through the community.

Drones Help Rescue Missing Dog After 3 Days

In Ohio, a rescue mission that unfolded over three days has highlighted how drone technology can step beyond creative use into real-world problem solving.

Polarpro’s New Products To Help You Get To Grips With Your Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 Series

If you own a Leica Q3 or Fuji X100 series camera, you’ll fit into one of two camps: those who love the simple, old-school design of the cameras and are happy to use them as is, or those who don’t like the lack of grip. Up until now, there have been very few options to help those wanting a more comfortable solution when holding their little retro-styled cameras. But fear not, PolarPro has just launched a few products to solve this issue. And one of those options is rather sexy too!

What Is The Artist's Responsibility In Times Of Struggle?

As my hometown of Los Angeles continues to combat historic fires, my thoughts have once again been drawn to the age-old question posed by artists throughout time: What is the role of artists in times of strife?

The Key to Stunning Landscape Shots: Timing and Patience

Capturing dramatic landscape images isn't just about finding a great location. Timing, light, and composition play a huge role in transforming a scene into something special. Understanding how light interacts with natural elements can give your shots a unique depth and atmosphere.

Maximizing Portrait Photography Efficiency With Clever Lighting

Whether you’re working with athletes in controlled environments or trying to create a dramatic effect, the way you set up your lights can make or break the shot. Understanding how to efficiently arrange and use your lighting gear allows you to maximize your time while producing high-quality images.

How a Mid-Range Zoom Can Elevate Your Landscape Photography

The right lens can make or break your landscape photography. A mid-range zoom gives you the flexibility to frame shots without constantly switching lenses, helping you stay in the moment and capture what’s in front of you. If you want a versatile setup that lets you adapt on the fly, you’ll want to take a closer look at this approach.

Discovering Mexico Beyond the Tourist Lens: A Photographer's Journey to Hidden Gems

Picture this: rays of sunlight streaming through the pristine waters of an ancient cenote, forming a mesmerizing light display found nowhere else on Earth. Or a golden-hued petrified waterfall at sunrise, untouched by crowds. This is a side of Mexico rarely seen—far removed from the iconic shots of Chichén Itzá or the bustling shores of Cancún.

Wedding Videographer Allegedly Scams 100+ Couples

More than one hundred newlyweds in the UK are caught in a nightmare after a wedding videographer allegedly took their money and failed to deliver on her promises. Police have arrested a 34-year-old wedding videographer on suspicion of fraud and theft following a flood of complaints from couples over missing wedding videos​

Nepotism Allegations at National Portrait Gallery (UK): Donor’s Exhibition Sparks Conflict of Interest Concerns

The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London is embroiled in a “nepotism” controversy after hosting a photography exhibition by Zoë Law, a former celebrity make-up artist turned photographer who was also a major donor to the museum’s recent £40 million refurbishment​. Law’s exhibit, titled Legends, opened in late 2024 and features black-and-white portraits of famous figures like Noel Gallagher, Sir Rod Stewart, and Kim Cattrall​. Critics have pointed out that Law has close ties to the gallery: she was married to hedge fund manager Andrew Law, and their family charitable foundation contributed significantly to the NPG’s renovation fund​.

Kansas Trail Camera Ban Revisited

In 2023, Kansas instituted a statewide ban on the use of trail cameras on public lands managed by the Department of Wildlife and Parks. This controversial rule was implemented after years of mounting complaints about camera misuse. That ban is being revisited.

A Fabulous New Camera Enters the Arena: Welcome the New OM-3

OM System just announced their new camera and a raft of new lens versions. The new camera is an exciting addition to their stable and will be aimed at a completely different type of photographer. Street and urban wildlife photographers and photographic artists, check out the OM-3.