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The One Time a Photographer Should Be Mean

Are you kind? That sounds like an odd question to ask in a photographic article, but it impacts your work profoundly. However, there is one circumstance where you should be mean to other photographers.

Why Sensor Size Matters More Than Megapixels

Megapixels alone don’t determine the quality of your camera’s images. For most people, the number of megapixels in a camera is often viewed as the ultimate measure of quality. But this thinking misses the bigger picture—there’s more to it than just the number of pixels.

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How to Recreate the Polarization Effect in Lightroom: A Step-by-Step Guide

Polarizing filters can make your skies richer and your images more dynamic, but what if you could achieve that same look without any additional gear? With a few strategic tweaks in Lightroom, you can create that deep blue sky and high-contrast look, making your landscapes more vibrant and engaging.

DJI Introduces Air 3S Drone with Dual-Camera System for Powerful Photography

DJI has released the Air 3S, a new dual-camera drone designed to meet the needs of travel photographers and content creators. The Air 3S features a 1-inch CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, offering greater flexibility for capturing landscapes, architecture, and portraits.

Apple Unveils New iPad Mini With A17 Pro Chip and Apple Pencil Pro Support

Apple has announced the latest iteration of its iPad mini, featuring the new A17 Pro chip and integration with Apple Intelligence. The updated model promises enhanced performance, more powerful AI-driven features, and improved connectivity. Available for pre-order starting today, it will begin shipping on October 23.

DxO Brings a Unique ReShape Fusion Tool to ViewPoint 5

DxO has continued to innovate with tools for serious photo editors, and today they are releasing a significant update to ViewPoint 5, their tool that fixes geometry, perspective, and shapes. Anyone who does architectural or city photography is going to want this tool if they don't have it already.

Compositing Is Broken: Adobe Aims To Fix It

Before the recent advent of AI-based retouching, I struggled to make rather basic adjustments to my portraits. Using AI plugins, however, I can quickly whiten teeth and eyes, smooth over wrinkles in the fabric, and remove blemishes from a face. Portrait retouching has benefited greatly from AI-based intelligence. One area that has been neglected in this technological revolution, however, is compositing. To put it succinctly, compositing is broken. Fortunately, Adobe is aiming to fix it.

The Hasselblad X2D: A Medium Format Dream for Landscape Photography

If you're into landscape and portrait photography, finding the right camera for your needs can make all the difference. While fast-action shooting and convenience matter in many situations, there’s also something to be said for slowing down, being intentional, and capturing the perfect shot. The Hasselblad X2D might just be the camera to help you do that.

A Compact Powerhouse: Introducing the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens

Viltrox, as you know, has established itself as a go-to brand for photographers looking for quality glass at a more affordable price. The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 takes that ethos a step further, offering a compact, lightweight option that seems tailored for street photographers and travelers. With its discreet design and modest f/4.5 aperture, this lens feels like it’s made for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing sharpness.

A Guide to Snapdragon Laptops: Performance vs. Price

Snapdragon-powered laptops are known for their exceptional battery life and efficient performance, but not all models are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on how each processor performs and which features matter most for your daily use.

Common Flash Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Flash photography can be tricky when you're just starting out, and it’s easy to make a few common mistakes without even realizing it. If you're new to using a flash, there are a few things you need to get right from the beginning to improve your results.

Fujifilm Announces the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Lens

Fujifilm has introduced the FUJINON XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II, an updated version of the popular XF 16-55mm lens first launched in 2015. The second-generation lens offers improved optical performance, faster autofocus, and a more compact, lighter design, making it an attractive option for photographers who require versatility and durability.

Fujifilm Announces the X-M5: A Lightweight Mirrorless Camera for Content Creators

Fujifilm has unveiled the X-M5, the newest addition to its X Series lineup of mirrorless digital cameras, aimed at content creators seeking versatility in both photo and video capture. With a compact design, intuitive controls, and features geared toward creators on the go, the X-M5 offers a lightweight option for various shooting scenarios.

How to Build Your Wedding Photography Portfolio from Scratch

If you're looking to get into wedding photography, you might be wondering how to start without an established portfolio. This is a common challenge when you’re trying to break into the industry, especially if you haven't shot a wedding before. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to build a strong portfolio that can help you attract clients and grow your business.

Does Format Still Matter That Much in the World of Digital Photography?

With the current advancement of imaging technology in digital photography, the significance of format has evolved dramatically to a point where it no longer matters as much compared to the early film days. However, due to physical hardware limitations, it is still essential for us as photographers to recognize that the decision on selecting the imaging format should always align with our creative intent to help achieve the desired result.

A Practical Guide to Managing Photos While Traveling

Managing your photos while traveling can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with large batches of images from a single shoot. Whether you’re on a multi-day excursion or just out for a quick day trip, having a solid backup and organization plan is key.

Cameras Ready? There's Time to Get Some Great Shots of Comet C/2023 A3

If you'd like to try some comet photography, tonight and the next few days are for you. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be in our night skies just after sunset. Happily, you likely have all the gear you need on hand. No fancy tracking mounts, telescopes, or filters are required. A DSLR will do the trick. Yes, stacking and tracking are great, but I'm trying to keep it simple here so you can just go outside and bring back a good photo.

Why You Don’t Need Film Cameras to Achieve a Film Look

Switching things up can breathe new life into your creative process. In landscape photography, using different equipment or emulating different styles can help you see familiar scenes in a new light.

Can Green Energy Keep Up With the AI Boom?

Digital technology is rapidly reshaping the world around you, but it’s also demanding a massive amount of energy. One question that’s growing louder is whether renewable energy can keep up with this digital boom.

Don't Let the Wrong ISO Ruin Your Photography

A common misconception in landscape photography is that using the lowest ISO setting always results in the highest quality images. I frequently encounter this question and concern in my YouTube comments. Therefore, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share a video and article discussing the importance of ISO.

Can the iPhone Compete With the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and the GoPro 13 Black?

For the last few weeks, I have been filming with the brand new GoPro Hero 13 Black and the new DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro action cameras. To mix things up a bit, I also tested them against and Apple iPhone. Can your older "professional" model iPhone produce video that competes with these new state of the art action cameras? Let's find out.

New AI Tool in Photoshop Makes Removing Wires and Cables a Breeze

If you’ve ever tried removing wires, cables, or other distractions from your photos, you know how tedious it can be. Photoshop’s new AI-powered tool aims to change that. This feature, currently available in the Photoshop beta, lets you erase unwanted elements in a few clicks without the need for complicated selections.

Simple Edits to Make Flat Photos Pop With Color and Contrast

A photo can sometimes look flat or uninspiring, but with just a few tweaks, it can become vibrant and engaging. This video tutorial explores straightforward editing techniques in Lightroom Classic that can elevate your images without overwhelming them with heavy edits.

A Guide to Choosing the Right Shutter Speed for Every Scene

Choosing the right shutter speed can make or break a photograph. It’s not just about light or exposure; it’s about how you convey your subject’s motion and stillness. This video highlights different scenarios where varying shutter speeds bring out the best qualities in a shot.

How Central Framing Can Transform Your Images

Creating a narrative through photography involves making deliberate decisions about composition, lighting, and framing. One underappreciated but powerful tool for telling visual stories is central framing. It’s a simple yet effective technique that places the subject right in the middle of the frame, making them the immediate focal point. Used correctly, it can transform your images by adding impact, clarity, and balance.

Simple Tips to Make Your Photos Stand Out

Creating compelling photographs takes more than just technical skill. It’s about crafting images that evoke emotion, tell a story, and grab the viewer’s attention. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits, having a strategy in mind before you click the shutter can make all the difference.

Why Simplifying Your Photos Can Make Them More Powerful

Photography is often associated with capturing dynamic scenes full of energy and motion, but there’s a lot to be said for a different approach—one centered around silence. By incorporating silence into your photography, you can completely change how viewers experience your images, making them linger longer and see more deeply.

Why Most People Struggle With Retouching and How to Fix It

Retouching photos can sometimes feel like an endless process that pulls you away from enjoying your photography. Finding a more efficient workflow is key. If you’re spending hours adjusting sliders and curves, you might be missing out on capturing more great shots.

The Most Important Lesson a Creative Photographer Can Learn

Diving into the fascinating world of creativity within our craft can raise people’s hackles. Many commonly accepted truths about what makes a good photo are subjective and swayed by widely held opinions. Nevertheless, breaking free from the constraints of popularism can lead to creative results that stand apart from the crowd, and that's important.

Fake AI Photos of Hurricane Rescue Efforts Flood the Internet After Disasters

No, that's not a dog flying a helicopter to save people from the raging hurricane floodwaters in Florida. It's an AI-generated image made via ChatGPT. But while I've clearly labeled it as such in the lead of this story, there are folks out there creating and spreading arguably more realistic AI images that purport to be of the current hurricanes.

Is the Canon PRO-1100 the Right Choice for Your First Printer?

Choosing the right printer can be overwhelming, especially when you’re considering a professional-grade model. This printer is designed for those who want to create gallery-quality prints, but it comes with a learning curve and a significant investment in both time and money.

The Benefits of Using More Than One Camera System

If you’ve ever considered using more than one camera system, you’re not alone. Recent polls show that nearly half of camera users have multiple systems, and many have even more. While it might seem like overkill at first, there are good reasons why people invest in different brands and models.

The Ultimate Photo Editing Workflow

In this article, I share the photo editing workflow I use for all my photos, and if you want to achieve high-quality results, this is for you.

Exploring Affordable Vintage Medium Format Cameras

Vintage digital medium format cameras are finally starting to drop below $1,000, opening up a new world of opportunities for enthusiasts who’ve always been intrigued by these massive sensors but put off by the price. But are these older systems actually worth the investment, or are they just expensive paperweights?

How to Edit Autumn Landscapes for Richer Colors in Lightroom

With fall just around the corner, you might be wondering how to make the most of the changing foliage in your photography. One way is through some simple adjustments in Adobe Lightroom that can enhance the natural colors and give your images that warm autumn feel.

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II lens has a lot to offer its predecessor. Lens upgrades can mean sharper images, better handling, and improved usability. But with the steep cost of new lenses, you want to make sure you’re getting value before making a switch.

Portrait Magic With Medium Format

The Fujifilm GFX 100S II offers the allure of medium format imaging in tandem with a 102-megapixel sensor. A camera like this provides features that can elevate your portrait game, but it comes at a significant investment. So, what sets it apart?