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The Birth of the Digital Camera: From Film to Filmless Revolution

Photography has always been about capturing light to preserve moments. For over a century, that meant exposing a roll of film and then disappearing into a darkroom or waiting for a lab to develop the images. It’s easy to forget how different this process was before digital cameras came along. In the 1970s, the idea of instantly seeing a photo on a screen felt like science fiction. Yet it was in this era of film and chemicals that a young engineer quietly built a device that would change photography forever. What follows is the story of how the first digital camera was invented and how it transformed the way we take and share photos.

Active Contests
Your Best Portraits
Critique the Community

Your Best Portraits

Enter and Win $1200 in Aftershoot Prizes

Welcome to the April 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this month's contest we want to make it super simple and inclusive by asking for your best portrait images. They can be full length, headshots, single person, multiple people, natural light or lit in the studio.

Submission Deadline:
April 30th 2025 - 11:45pm
Zeiss vs. Viltrox: Is Premium Always Better?

When photographers debate lens quality, few brands stir up as much discussion as Zeiss. The Zeiss 55mm f/1.8, despite being over a decade old, still attracts plenty of attention—and debate.

Highlights From Adobe MAX in London

Adobe MAX is a gathering of photographers, filmmakers, and designers who want to see the latest innovations the company is working on and learn from other creatives who have mastered using the company’s software to fulfill their creative vision. There was no stated theme for this year’s event, but it was apparent to me that Adobe is making an effort across all its platforms to reduce tedious tasks in the creative workflow.

Why Your Photography Should Avoid the Obvious

William Eggleston famously described himself as being "at war with the obvious," a compelling concept for any photographer to consider. Exploring what exactly counts as obvious—and why steering clear of it might make your work stand out—can help you create photographs people remember.

The Falcam TreeRoot Quick Lock Pro: Because Your Camera's Worth It

There are dozens of tripods on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. None are suitable for every circumstance. The new model from Falcam TreeRoot, the Quick Lock Pro R240T, has a very specific use, and I put it through its paces to find out whether I need one.

Did Fujifilm Steal My Idea for Their New Camera?

Five years ago, I humorously "leaked: a rumor that Canon was about to release the RiP, a camera with a vertical sensor designed for Instagram influencers. Sadly, the RiP never came to market, but the concept may have inspired Fujifilm’s intriguing new camera.

Blow Up on Social Media (And Never Appear on Camera)

The business value of social media can’t be overstated, but not everyone wants to vamp in videos—the common path to stardom. Luckily, you don’t have to, says Janis McGavin, director of marketing and social media for the Los Angeles Center of Photography. “How do I know this?" she said. "I’ve done it.” She took the LACP’s following from zero to 18,000 followers (and growing) without appearing on camera. If you follow a few basic principles, you can expand your audience and your business without stepping in front of the camera (and even more if you do).

Predict Moments, Improve Your Shots

Timing makes or breaks photography. Being ready for the right moment transforms average shots into memorable images.

Transforming Mobile Shots With Leica's Lux Grip

The Leica LUX app brought some fresh tools to mobile photography, but handling your phone like a real camera? That’s where the LUX Grip steps in. This isn’t just a Bluetooth shutter button. It’s an ergonomic extension that is meant to give you a DSLR-style hold while unlocking full control over your iPhone’s native features and LUX app functionality.

Effective Ways to Clearly Communicate Your Photography Ideas

One of the toughest parts of photography isn’t mastering camera settings or lighting setups—it’s actually about keeping the person you're photographing engaged. Your excitement doesn't automatically transfer, so learning how to clearly convey your ideas becomes essential.

Depth of Interest: What Makes a Landscape Photograph Stick

Give your eyes a destination and a route to get there. Our job as artists is to find a place we want to direct the viewer’s eye to, find a way to direct them there, and then to show them what it is we want them to see. Everything else is just visual clutter.

How to Enhance Images With Midtones Contrast

Contrast is one of those subtle elements that can elevate a photo, turning a flat image into something dynamic. Understanding how to manage contrast, especially in midtones, is essential to capturing richer, more vibrant images.

The Neighborhood and the Photographer

You don’t need a passport. You don’t need a model. And you sure as hell don’t need permission. What you do need is your camera and a little curiosity.

Efficient Image Editing With Affinity Photo 2

Affinity Photo 2 offers powerful tools to enhance your raw images quickly and accurately, giving you professional results without the complexity or high cost of other software.

How One Self-Proclaimed Dogtographer Uses Her Camera to Change Lives

Some photographers view the craft of photography as a creative pursuit that enriches their lives on a deeply personal level, while others are motivated by income or social media attention. Some are driven to use their cameras to effect change. Self-proclaimed “dogtographer” Kaylee Greer is one such person who uses photography to tell the story of shelter dogs in search of a loving home.

The Art of Seeing in a Mundane Landscape

Do you find yourself scrolling social media, admiring wonderful photos from exotic locations with a bit of jealousy? Or maybe you are frustrated with not being able to travel frequently? You may have fallen into the trap of thinking you have to travel to take great landscape photos. It doesn’t have to be that way.

What It Takes to Make Truly Huge Prints

Buying a large format printer doesn't automatically guarantee big prints. Understanding what "big" really means and the considerations involved in producing large-scale photographs is crucial, particularly if you're planning to print at exhibition sizes.

The Presets Room: A Game-Changing Marketplace for Photography Presets

Photographers know that working smarter means more time snapping shots and not being stuck behind a screen. But for newbies, finding an editing style can feel like a never-ending puzzle. Luckily, The Presets Room is here to save the day—offering quick, pro-level edits so you can spend less time clicking and more time creating.

Why Your Portraits Aren’t Sharp—and How to Fix Them

Are your portraits consistently coming out softer than you expect, even after careful focusing? Clarity makes a significant difference in the professional appearance of your images. Here's how to achieve it.

Small Adjustments That Lead to Stronger Photos

Ever feel like your photos are just shy of great, missing something small yet crucial? Many photographers experience this subtle frustration, and recognizing what's off is the first step toward exceptional results.

EVF Resolution and Refresh Rates: What You Need to Know

Electronic viewfinders have transformed how you interact with your camera. Beyond just framing shots, these tiny screens affect everything from how accurately you can judge focus to how connected you feel to your subject during fast-paced photography situations.

Reolink Go PT Ultra Field Review: Excellent Footage, But Not Quite a Wildlife Camera

I’ve spent some time testing the Reolink Go PT Ultra to see if it’s a viable option for use as a remote wildlife camera, particularly in woodland areas. With 4K video, pan/tilt control, and 4G connectivity, it looked promising on paper. In practice, the footage quality is superb, but the battery performance in real-world conditions—especially shaded woodland—is a significant limiting factor.

Dreamy Photos Without the Obvious Tricks

Dreamy photos don’t happen by accident. They require understanding subtle techniques that create images filled with atmosphere and emotion.

Using (and Breaking) Composition Rules Intentionally

Composition isn't just a set of arbitrary rules photographers invented to make life complicated. These guidelines connect deeply with how your mind naturally sees the world, shaping how effectively your photos communicate.

Leica Lux App: Leica Looks on Your iPhone

In a sense, the Leica LUX app brings Leica’s look and feel to the iPhone. It offers a less convoluted UI, a more tactile shooting experience, and access to custom Leica color profiles. It doesn’t try to mimic pro cameras through gimmicks and the like—it leans into what the iPhone can already do and gives you more control over it.

I used the app in various locations: architectural shots, teaching sessions, and as my main iPhone camera when used in conjunction with the Leica LUX Grip. It hasn’t replaced my camera, but it’s the only mobile app that made me want to slow...

Testing The World's Most Powerful Laptop, MSI Titan

Intel sent me their $6000 MSI Titan laptop with a Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX and RTX 5090. This is the most powerful computer I've ever tested, but is it worth the size and outrageous fan noise?
Simple Tips to Immediately Improve Your Photos

Taking great photos doesn't need to be overly complicated. The key to better images lies in mastering just two foundational aspects—understanding light and thoughtful composition.

Advanced Techniques to Level-Up Your Landscape Shots

If your landscape shots feel flat or incomplete, even though you're using solid photography basics, it's probably time for some fresh insights. The reality is, great landscapes are less about basic rules and more about nuanced details that shape your composition and enhance the drama in your images.

Easy Precise Edits With Photoshop’s Adjustment Brush

Adobe recently introduced a new Adjustment Brush in Photoshop 2025, designed to simplify precise editing tasks. Knowing how to efficiently make targeted adjustments can significantly streamline your editing process.

Studio-Grade Lighting, Pocket-Sized Power: The Hobolite Micro Bi-Color Light Review

In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?

Zeiss Returns With the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4: Is it Worth the Premium?

Zeiss is back in action with their latest lens release, the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, designed specifically for full frame mirrorless cameras. For those considering a high-end lens, this release marks a significant shift from Zeiss’s older, larger Otus lenses.

The Art of Controlled Lighting for Striking Portraits

Exploring how to intentionally push your creative limits can dramatically improve your portrait photography. Whether you're seasoned or starting out, understanding how to control lighting effectively shapes your style and widens your capabilities on set.

Do You Really Need a Photography Agent? Here's the Truth

In the creative industry, having an agent is often seen as a hallmark of success. Many believe that securing an agent signifies reaching a higher level in one's career. However, the reality is more nuanced. Not all agents are created equal, and their roles have evolved. I've been with three agents, and here is my personal experience to help you navigate the agent game.

How Many Wedding Photos Is Too Many?

Determining the right number of images to deliver for a wedding isn't just about hitting an arbitrary number. It’s about understanding what's truly valuable from the client's perspective and tailoring your gallery accordingly.

Master Lightroom Masking for Better Landscape Photos

Editing flat images in Lightroom can seem tricky, but mastering masking tools can dramatically improve your final photos. Understanding masking allows you to add depth and dimension, turning good shots into visually impactful ones.

Why the Size of Your Prints Changes Everything

Photograph size shapes how your images are experienced and understood. It's not just about dimensions; it's about how people connect emotionally and physically with your work.

Maono Wave T5 Lavelier Mic: A Sound Investment

If you’ve ever watched a YouTube video or taken part in a Zoom meeting, you will know that sound quality is usually more important than any other factor. With this in mind, I put the new Maono Wave T5 wireless lavalier mics through their paces.

Why Your Photos Look Amateur and How to Fix Them

Many amateur photographers keep repeating the same mistakes, often without realizing it. Fixing these simple but fundamental errors can dramatically change your photography and move you beyond that amateur status.