The transition from imitating to innovating is a critical step in a photographer's journey towards capturing stronger, more meaningful photographs. This progression is not just about mastering the technical aspects of photography, but also about developing a unique creative voice.

Just like most photographers, my off-camera flash journey began with the purchase of a speedlight and some inexpensive triggers. Many photographers will tell you that as soon as you get a speedlight, you need to acquire proper off-camera flash units. However, there are still many things you can do with a speedlight, and in this article, I will show you some of them.

Understanding and utilizing camera settings to their fullest potential is crucial to ensuring you get the shots you want. Among these, auto ISO plays a pivotal role, especially in challenging and quickly changing lighting conditions. This helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.

The endless quest for the "perfect" gear often overshadows the art of photography itself. This thought-provoking video delves into this dilemma, providing seasoned and amateur photographers alike with a fresh perspective on equipment choice and the pitfalls of comparison.

The discussion of what kind of glass is better for documentary photography has been around since the beginning of the genre itself over a century ago. Some swear by using primes only, while many prefer the versatility of a zoom. What are the benefits? What are the downsides? Let’s look at both!

In the past ten or so years, one of the most common features flash photographers started using is HSS. However, HSS can ruin your images when it comes to freezing ability, consistency, and light output. In this article, I will show just how HSS can be a detriment to your images and what you should do instead.

The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera is one of the latest to hop on the retro train, blending modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. Its features and design resonate with photographers who prefer the tactile experience of older cameras over using digital menus. This great video review takes a look at how that functional design holds up for demanding wedding work.

Sony has introduced the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, featuring a host of upgrades and fresh features that are likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers and videographers. What's its real-world performance like? This detailed video review explores the performance and image quality that one can anticipate from the lens in usage.

In an era where image quality no longer serves as the sole differentiator among photographers due to advancing technology, having the latest and greatest gear no longer gives photographers a drastic upper hand.

Astrophotography is a fascinating and challenging field for photographers. Choosing the right camera is crucial for capturing the beauty of deep-sky objects. This decision, often debated among astrophotography enthusiasts, hinges on the choice between a modified DSLR or mirrorless camera and a dedicated astronomy camera.

Editing is an integral part of photography, but it's easy to fall into common traps that can detract from an image's quality. Understanding and avoiding these mistakes is essential for photographers looking to elevate their work.

360 cameras have become jacks of all trades, but there’s a specific reason that photojournalists might want to consider carrying one in the field: to replace a wide angle lens.

In recent years, Viltrox has earned considerable acclaim for producing high-quality lenses that are priced much lower than similar models on the market. A prime example is the PRO Series AF 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens. This lens offers a 40mm equivalent focal length along with a notably wide maximum aperture, making it an appealing choice for various creative endeavors and uses. The fantastic video review delves into this lens, examining its real-world performance and the kind of image quality it delivers in various scenarios.

In an age where smartphones are practically extensions of ourselves, the idea of living without one for an entire year is both intriguing and daunting. This concept is particularly interesting for photographers, who often rely heavily on technology for both their work and daily lives and who might need a break from all that.

2024 is here—can you believe it? I certainly cannot! It really felt like 2023 flew by, and the older I get, the faster life seems to go. In this article, I want to explore five photography ideas that you can try this year and see where the adventures take you.

Understanding the nuances of Lightroom is crucial for photographers, as it not only refines their work but also streamlines their workflow. If you are new to Lightroom, check out this incredibly comprehensive video tutorial that will show you 70 tips and tricks for editing your images in the program.

This is the story of one of the most iconic tornado photographs of the 20th century, taken during a massive outbreak on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965.

Tallahassee, Florida: In a move that's left the digital art world reeling with horror, local photographer Benny "One Layer" Johnson has confessed to a practice that's nothing short of digital heresy: he edits all his photos exclusively on the background layer in Photoshop.

Let's talk about one resolution you'll be able to stick to.

Photography, a realm where technical skills and creativity collide, presents a perennial question to its practitioners: which is more important? This topic is not just a matter of curiosity but is central to the evolution and success of photographers, both hobbyist and professional.

The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 digital camera offers users the ability to shoot in just about any environment — even underwater — making it a fantastic option for anyone who routinely finds themselves in extreme environments and wants a camera that can keep up with them. This excellent video review takes a look at the camera and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it.

Even if you take out the cameras on your smartphone, it can still play a huge role in making life easier for you when you shoot. In every step of your creative process, your phone can be a tool to make everything easier.

In today’s modern age of digital cameras and near-instant results, it doesn’t take long for the pace of modern society to end up outside with us on the trail. This video helps show how being deliberate and slowing down can make for a relaxed and refreshing landscape photography experience.

It takes a special place to leave an indelible mark on a seasoned photographer. For world-class photographer Michael Shainblum, his recent exploration of Ireland turned into an awe-inspiring journey that surpassed all expectations. Shainblum embarked on a two-week adventure through our scenic landscapes of Ireland, a country renowned for its natural beauty but often overlooked in the grand scheme of global photography destinations.

A photographer narrowly avoided a drone collision with famed DJ Fatboy Slim, as reported in court proceedings, and has been ordered to pay over $1,000 in penalties.

As the year begins, people are making resolutions and setting goals. Add in the constant social media trends and photographer communities saying how things should be, and it can be overwhelming and a source of stress. Despite all of that, remember to create for yourself and be true to your vision.

The EOS 1 and EOS 5 series cameras are arguably the most important in Canon's entire lineup, representing their flagship and full frame do-it-all options for a huge number of professionals. With countless users awaiting the announcement of the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II, news about their imminent announcements has emerged.

Understanding the intricacies of lens sharpness is crucial for photographers, as it significantly impacts the quality and aesthetic of their images. If you are new to photography, this helpful video tutorial will get you started on the right track.

Starting January 15, a new regulation, the Social Media Parental Notification Act, will be implemented across Ohio, requiring young social media users under the age of 16 to obtain consent from their parents or legal guardians before using these platforms.

What is the perfect trio of lenses for landscape photographers? This holy trinity of lenses is broken down into three main categories: a wide angle, a standard zoom, and a telephoto zoom lens. I’ve finally settled on what I think this trio is for Nikon landscape photographers.

In photography, the fear of making mistakes often overshadows the creative process. This anxiety stems from a common misconception in modern culture that every creation must be flawless. However, this important video challenges that notion, arguing that mistakes are not only inevitable but also essential for growth and development in photography.

In the early days of your photographic journey, chances are a tripod will be among the first few pieces of gear you acquire, simply because it's the next logical thing to purchase to elevate your photography. Whether you get it for free or pay for it, you'll soon realize it's cumbersome, bulky, heavy, and frustrating to lug around on every photo adventure. You may eventually abandon it or opt for one of those lightweight and small travel tripods to replace the bulkier one you have, hoping it will still be able to deliver. Unfortunately, you might soon realize that having a bad tripod is worse than not having one at all.

One of the most commonly asked questions I get is about AI and my opinion on it. Being an artist puts you at risk of AI taking your job, or so it would seem. In fact, I believe that AI is creating jobs. Here is why you should not worry about AI and what to focus on instead.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens offers photographers a very versatile focal length range for a wide range of uses, making it an appealing option for many creatives. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the lens is usage.

The debate on whether photography is an expressive art form ignites passionate discussions among photographers and art enthusiasts. This subject is particularly pertinent, as it delves into the essence of their craft: is photography about capturing moments as they are, or is it about creating something entirely new?

I used to think that creating virtual tours required thousands of dollars on gear and a subscription to expensive hosting platforms. In this video, I'm going to show you how to create one with a pocket-sized camera, a smartphone, and affordable software.

It seems more and more, competitors are showing up in the COB LED lighting world, and this is no exception. This is the Genaray Portabright, and here's what it’s like to shoot with and ultimately who it could be for.

Continually exploring new techniques is essential for capturing your best images, especially in landscape photography. The practice of exposure bracketing, a technique of taking multiple photographs of the same scene at different exposure levels, is one of those valuable tools for photographers seeking to achieve perfect exposure in their images.

Lightroom has become an impressively capable editing application, and you can easily use it to process a lot of photos without heading over to Photoshop. One of the most important skills a photographer needs is the ability to emphasize their subject, and this great video tutorial will show you three different ways to do that in Lightroom.

Photographing in low light is one of the most challenging tasks you can encounter. This is a scenario where your setup truly matters. Not only should you know what to do with your camera, but also keep in mind which camera to bring for low-light photography. In this article, I will go over the essential gear for such work.

What is it that makes a successful professional photographer? How does one rise above the din of images we are bombarded with every day? This excellent video features a seasoned professional photographer discussing the issue and offering some helpful insights.

The Sigma fp and fp L cameras, recognized as the world's smallest and lightest full frame interchangeable lens cameras, are products of Sigma's meticulous design and manufacturing process. A recent video reveals the detailed behind-the-scenes of how Sigma designs, machines, and assembles these cameras.

Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp experienced a mix of emotions following his team's significant victory in the English Premier League. His elation quickly turned to concern when he realized he had misplaced his wedding ring during the post-match festivities on Monday, buried somewhere in the grass of the massive pitch.

A legal conflict has erupted involving a former photographer for the British royal family, Glenn Harvey, who is taking legal action against a Chattanooga-based menswear retailer for allegedly using one of his photographs of Princess Diana without permission.

Venus Optics has recently announced the Laowa FF II 10mm f/2.8 C&D Dreamer, marking Laowa's initial foray into the autofocus lens market. Known for their manual focus lenses, particularly in the realms of extreme macro and cine lenses, this represents a new direction for the brand.

There is a lot of various advice on the internet. A large chunk of it is bad or irrelevant. Editing images is an art. It is an art that takes a while to master. Because there is so much bad info online, I decided to share some of my favorite editing techniques I use to get my signature look.

While the more specialized models generally get more attention, the Sony a7 line has long been the bread and butter camera of choice for many creatives who need a solid balance of photo and video features at a price that won't break the bank. How has the a7 IV held up over time? This great video review takes a long-term look at the camera and how it holds up to demanding modern workflows.

Golden hour, the time just after sunrise or before sunset, offers a unique and enchanting light that photographers love. This magical hour presents an opportunity to create images with a warm, soft, and dreamy quality that can't be replicated at any other time of the day. This helpful video tutorial offers 10 tips sure to improve your portraits.

I first heard of 52Frames on Reddit and joined a few months later in December, 2022. I liked the concept, but for some reason I didn’t think I could commit to a long-term project. As the New Year approached, I asked myself “Hey, what if...”.

Want to start the new year with a free tutorial from Fstoppers? All you have to do is help us choose our Photographer of the Year!