As photographers, we plan our shoots. Anyone photographing outside will check weather, sunrise or sunset times, and try to understand anything else that might impact getting a good image. But do you ever plan to fail?

The debate about shooting in JPEG versus raw format is familiar territory for most who hold a camera. Understanding their differences isn't about deciding a winner, but rather about knowing which works better for your specific needs as you shoot and edit.

Understanding how to use light creatively transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary photographs. Knowing how to handle different lighting conditions ensures you never walk away empty-handed, even when conditions initially seem less than ideal.

In recent years, some of the world's cheapest lenses have made appearances in the world's most expensive movies. Several scenes in "Batman" (2022) and "Dune: Part Two" (2024) were filmed using re-housed vintage Soviet optics first produced in the 1950s. Surprisingly, these lenses—actually defective copies of optically superior German Zeiss designs mass-produced in Soviet factories—are cheap and plentiful and can be obtained for under $100 apiece. So why are major movies being shot on cheap lenses?

When traveling, choosing what gear to pack is always a balancing act between capability and convenience. A single lens that covers a wide focal range can drastically simplify your kit, but often at the cost of certain performance trade-offs.

Mastering complex lighting conditions is a crucial skill when capturing city scenes at night. Getting clear, balanced exposures in areas with intense contrast can significantly elevate your final images.

Feeling stuck, unsure of what to shoot, is a common issue when you pick up your camera. It’s frustrating and can sap the joy out of photography if you let it linger too long.

Street photography has grown hugely in popularity over the past couple of years. For me, it’s become one of my favorite photography genres because it’s easy to do, a lot of fun, and so accessible. Most of us live in or near a large town or city, so a spontaneous outing is feasible without planning. I like that. And you don’t need a lot of fancy, expensive gear.

Masking is one of those skills that can dramatically change how you edit your photos. Knowing how to manipulate masks effectively can save you a lot of frustration and improve your editing results, especially when the AI selections in Lightroom or Photoshop Camera Raw aren't quite perfect.

Are filters still relevant in landscape photography, or have they become outdated? Deciding whether to invest time and money into filters or rely solely on digital editing significantly affects your photographic workflow and results.

In my first portfolio review, my critic was drawn to the cat photos, “because I know how hard that is,” he said. I didn’t let on that it’s not so hard. I volunteer at a local shelter and have learned a trick or two. And it turns out that best practices for cats also apply to dogs, horses, birds, and, come to think of it, people.

Automation can streamline your workflow, but it also has clear limits. Understanding when and how to use automation effectively can significantly impact your final images.

Unlike the popular 35mm, the 28mm is often misunderstood or underutilized, but with the right approach, it can significantly improve your photography.

Creating a photo book involves far more than just selecting images; the practicalities of production, publishing, and shipping present significant hurdles. Understanding these challenges can help you realistically plan your own book project.

We like to buy ourselves little luxury indulgences once in a while that make us feel good—something as small as a fancy bar of Swiss chocolate, or maybe a new piece of jewelry or a designer shirt. So my thinking is, why not do that with camera accessories? It makes sense. After all, you’re likely to use your camera more than you’ll wear a shirt, and too much chocolate is bad for you. When I treated myself to my Leica Q2 Monochrom, I did just that. I bought the perfect luxury accessory for it: a Hawkesmill strap, proudly handmade in England.

The 35mm focal length holds a special place in photography, prized for its natural perspective and storytelling ability. Its strength lies in capturing just enough context without overwhelming or distracting the viewer, striking a balance that feels intuitively right.

Auto ISO can significantly improve your photography, especially when handling shifting lighting conditions or needing quick adjustments. If used correctly, it helps you maintain consistent aperture and shutter speed settings without constant manual tweaks.

Creating powerful photographs often comes down to how deeply you can enter a creative state during a shoot. This state, known as the photography flow state, can significantly improve the quality of your images by letting you focus entirely on composition, lighting, and storytelling elements without distraction.

Photoshop recently updated its hue/saturation adjustment tool, making it simpler and more intuitive to quickly modify colors in your images. Mastering color adjustment techniques can significantly improve your editing efficiency and image quality, offering precision control without complicated procedures.

Applying a linear gradient in Lightroom can feel limiting since the effect usually starts strong at one edge and gradually fades out. Here's a better way.

The idea of traveling with just one camera and one lens wasn’t something I decided on a whim for my most recent trip to Hong Kong. If I am being honest, it was mainly inspired by Leica’s design philosophy, Das Wesentliche, or "the essentials," when I read about it a few months back.

A few weeks ago, I tested the Saramonic Ultra against the Rode Wireless Pro and DJI Mic 2 — and to my surprise, the Ultra held its own, even outperforming in a few key areas. But what if you need something more professional? The Saramonic K9 is the answer.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens has sparked considerable attention for its high-end optics and build quality. It's an attractive choice, particularly if you specialize in portrait photography.

Marketing a wedding photography business differs greatly from marketing other businesses. Weddings involve high emotion, significant expense, and one-time events, making client trust and connection crucial.

Minimalist photography challenges you to see landscapes differently, stripping away complexity to highlight the simplest, most essential aspects of a scene. It's a style that demands thoughtful observation and a willingness to slow down to uncover quieter, more intimate perspectives.

Learning to shoot in manual mode gives you greater control over your photography and helps you understand how to adapt to various lighting conditions. Mastering this skill is particularly valuable for outdoor portraits using natural light since you have to constantly adjust settings to match changing circumstances.

Color impacts your photography more than almost any other factor. It shapes the mood, guides the viewer's attention, and can determine whether your image resonates emotionally or feels disconnected.

There is more to know about aperture than many realize. There is also some hogwash spouted by some. So, by getting to grips with more than the fundamentals, one can more precisely control how your photographs look.

Using a beauty dish in portrait photography is often misunderstood or avoided because of misconceptions around harsh lighting and challenging shadows. Yet, mastering this lighting tool can elevate your outdoor portraits significantly, creating a natural, defined look that large, soft modifiers can't replicate.

Canon recently introduced the RF-S 14-30mm f/4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens, a zoom lens tailored specifically for video creators using APS-C sensor RF-S mount cameras. With its power zoom and wide angle coverage, it aims directly at vloggers and video enthusiasts looking for flexibility without sacrificing portability.

Have you ever found yourself with many snapshots of buildings and architectural features of a city you visited while traveling? Perhaps you looked at these photos thinking they're just ordinary snapshots. What if there were a way you could transform these photos into architectural fine art pieces using Photoshop?

Understanding how to effectively edit your images in Lightroom is crucial. Mistakes in editing can turn exceptional raw photos into disappointing results.

Knowing how to quickly achieve professional results without sacrificing quality is crucial when editing portraits, especially when you have limited time. Here's how to do it.

Landscape photography doesn't require faraway places to be compelling. You might overlook your local area, dismissing it as mundane compared to exotic locales you see online. But recognizing the hidden potential around you can transform your creative outlook and lead to exceptional photographs.

Adobe has been at the forefront of incorporating AI-based technology into its platforms, with the goal of allowing more people to take an idea from conception to finished product. Today, Adobe is announcing the incorporation of agentic AI across many platforms, including Acrobat, Express, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop.

Don’t expect a tech review where I list a whole bunch of numbers and stats—and copy and paste lines oozing hyperbole written by young copywriters looking to impress—from the media release. I’m bored just thinking about that. No, I’m reviewing this neat and rather unique little wireless mic from Shure from the perspective of an actual vlogger and filmmaker. Because, well, that’s exactly what I am.

Editing a photo to capture the vibrance and warmth of a sunset is critical if you want images that resonate. Accurate adjustments can elevate your photo significantly, reflecting the true atmosphere of the scene.

Artificial intelligence isn't just for Photoshop anymore—Affinity Photo 2 is stepping into the game, aiming to offer powerful selection capabilities.

The Canon RF 24mm f/1.4 L VCM lens combines a versatile wide angle focal length with exceptional image quality, making it an intriguing option for anyone looking to elevate their photography or video. Whether your interest lies in capturing compelling travel portraits, expansive landscapes, or cinematic video scenes, this lens might have exactly what you're after.

Circular polarizing filters (CPLs) might seem like specialized gear, but they can be essential for capturing richer, more vibrant images. If you haven't experimented with one yet, understanding their real-world impact on your shots might just change your perspective.

Camping across Europe, camera in hand, can teach you a lot—not just about traveling, but about taking meaningful photos. Beyond gear choices or film types, it’s about developing a mindset that ensures your photos reflect genuine experiences instead of mere tourist snapshots.

In photography, as in life, the things we curse as impediments can sometimes turn out to be blessings in disguise. With careful observation, good timing, and a little luck, embracing this often challenging aspect of landscape photography can really raise the impact and emotional depth of your images.

Natural light versus flash is one of photography's enduring debates, influencing how you control mood, exposure, and sharpness. But what if you could have natural light whenever you wanted?

Sigma’s new BF mirrorless camera has quickly drawn attention for its unique blend of striking design and deliberate minimalism. It sits in a niche spot—appealing if you value aesthetics and simplicity over sheer performance or flexibility.

Adobe recently raised the monthly price for its photography subscription again. For many, this raises questions about whether subscription-based software remains the smartest choice for editing photos.

Strobe misfires aren't typically celebrated, but sometimes, these unintended mistakes create standout images.

I have two photography scenarios that maybe you can relate to. I like to travel and spend a day or two exploring a new destination but don’t want to carry much—maybe a couple of lenses, some filters, and spare batteries. What I do carry is heavy enough that a backpack makes sense, making photography easier. If I pop out for a few hours to wander around doing street photography, I have one little camera and lens, a filter, and a spare battery. I may have my reading glasses and phone too. I only need a small bag for that, where I can stow the camera if the weather gets bad. Otherwise, the camera is around my neck, so the bag is virtually empty.

Raw versus C-Raw file formats can significantly impact your photography workflow, especially if storage or buffer performance matter to you. Canon users, in particular, face choices between maximum image quality and practical file management.

I got to spend a week with the new Canon PowerShot V1 and wanted to share with you my impressions that might hopefully help you decide if this is the right camera for you.