Elevate Your Portraits With These Essential Tips

Portrait photography can be tricky, especially when it comes to capturing authentic expressions and emotions. It’s not just about your camera settings; it’s also about how you interact with your subject, the environment, and the mood you create. In fact, being able to put your subject at ease and make thoughtful choices in framing and lighting are what separate good portraits from great ones.

Fujifilm GFX100S II: Medium Format Power in a Smaller Package

Medium format cameras are known for their stunning image quality and large sensors, but they often come with a hefty price and bulky bodies. The new Fujifilm GFX 100S II is trying to change that, offering an impressive balance between high-end features and a more compact, affordable design.

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Why The Matrix Still Feels Ahead of Its Time

The Matrix changed how we think about science fiction and visual effects when it arrived in 1999. Its bold ideas, groundbreaking effects, and philosophical depth continue to leave a lasting impression. The film's mastery in blending storytelling with technical innovation is one reason it still holds up over two decades later.

A Webcam for a Modern World: The EMEET Smartcam Nova 4K

There’s an ever-growing need for decent webcams. As more people work from home, families move farther afield, and global networks grow, the ability to transmit decent sound and vision is essential to projecting good-quality images and sound.

Chasing Image Quality? You Might Be Looking in the Wrong Place

It’s easy to feel like you need the latest camera or lens to improve your photography. With constant advertising, you’re led to believe that without the newest features, your images will be lacking. But that’s not entirely true.

Everyday Photography: Finding New Inspiration in Familiar Places

Photographing beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas can feel effortless when you’re in a new or exotic location. But how do you keep your eye sharp in your everyday environment? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s nothing new to see, especially in familiar places.

Polarr Next: Fast and Easy AI Photo Editing You Should Try

Polarr has just announced its new Polarr Next Public Beta 2.0. It is a considerable update, introducing integrated AI culling as well as enhanced AI editing experiences. I took a closer look at the new update to see how it can solve some of the frustrations photographers face in their current workflows.

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3: A Versatile Zoom Powerhouse

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens offers impressive versatility. With its zoom range starting at 50mm and stretching all the way to 400mm, it covers an 8x zoom ratio, allowing you to capture tight shots and wide scenes without needing to switch lenses.

Mastering Flash: Key Methods for Tackling Common Lighting Problems

Using flash can completely change the way you approach your shoots, especially when natural light just isn’t cutting it. Whether you’re in a dim venue, dealing with color casts, or just trying to add a bit of pop to your images, flash can solve a lot of problems. But it’s not always straightforward. Knowing when and how to use flash is a key skill that can take your work to the next level.

Experience Canon's Beautiful Tribute to Yellowstone National Park

For nearly 30 years, Canon U.S. has partnered with Yellowstone Forever, and I recently received a beautiful photography book based on Yellowstone National Park and Canon's short film "Seismic." In this article, I interview two of the amazing creators behind this project.

The Advice Film Director Stanley Kubrick Left to All Photographers

You may not have been aware that film director Stanley Kubrick was also a professional photographer, having shot assignments for magazines before he ever made any of his award-winning movies. So what did his photographer’s eye bring to his movies, and what can we learn from his creative process?

Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits

The 85mm focal length is a go-to choice for many types of photography, offering versatility beyond just portrait work. Its ability to isolate subjects and create depth makes it valuable across genres like landscapes, street photography, and even product shots.

My Favorite Travel Bag that Doesn’t Exist Anymore

In the world of seemingly endless options for camera bags, this has remained a favorite of mine and has been a workhorse for the past six years. It may not be the most popular bag out there—in fact, it has since been discontinued—but here’s why I wish it weren’t.

Essential Tips to Look Professional on Set

Looking professional in your work is crucial, especially when clients are making snap judgments based on your equipment and setup. Whether it’s fair or not, the way you present yourself and your gear affects how seriously you’ll be taken.

Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition for Adventurous Photographers

Hasselblad has announced a limited edition version of its X2D 100C, designed specifically for photographers who explore and capture the beauty of Earth's natural landscapes. The X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition will be available in a limited run of 1,000 units worldwide. The camera combines the same high-performance features of the X2D 100C with a unique Tundra Brown exterior, inspired by Nordic landscapes.

iOS 18 Now Available: Major Redesigns, Smarter Features, Better Photo Management, and Enhanced Control

Apple has announced the release of iOS 18, a major update for iPhone users, available now. This new version brings a variety of features focused on personalization, privacy, and intelligence-driven user experiences. Among the highlights are redesigned interfaces, advanced photo and messaging capabilities, new privacy tools, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, which will roll out next month.

The ‘AI Info’ Controversy: Is This Label Undermining Classical Photography? Industry Experts Weigh In.

“Ridiculous”, “oversimplistic”, and “immensely frustrating”: photographers worldwide are weighing in on the broad social media label "AI Info". While some industry leaders see the value of the designation, the blanket “AI Info” label is also criticized as being oversimplistic. This rollout is causing some photographers to feel punished for using basic tools in Photoshop to avoid the label. I talked with some of the biggest names in commercial photography and retouching to get a pulse from industry experts.

How to Capture Stunning Autumn Landscapes

Autumn is a spectacular time for landscape photography. The colors are vivid, the atmosphere is dynamic, and the changing light brings countless opportunities for creative expression.

Affordable 85mm f/1.4: Is This Meike Lens Right for You?

When you're in the market for an affordable 85mm f/1.4 lens, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 might catch your attention. It’s currently the cheapest of its kind, making it a tempting choice if you're budget-conscious. But with lower prices come certain compromises, and this lens has some clear pros and cons to weigh before making a decision.

2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards: The Winners

Back for its fourth year, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards has announced the 2024 winners. The competition sets itself apart with an emphasis on its golden rule, “the integrity of the subject should be maintained,” setting the standard for landscape photographers with similar approaches to their photography.

Saramonic WiTalk 9 In Use: Production Level Wireless Headsets for Everyone

While the image of a harried producer talking into a wireless headset on a film lot might be a cliche, there’s a good reason why these products exist. Saramonic’s WiTalk 9 series of headsets offer an affordable way to access professional quality wireless communication, ideal for productions, drone operations, or other content creation endeavors where hands-free communication is essential.

Adventure Camera Bag Solution: Two Red Tabs

I work in some pretty inhospitable environments; in places that take multiple planes, trains, and automobiles to get to. I'm typically trying to manipulate my bags and gear at -31F (-35C), or 100F (40C), trying to get my gear out for a shot in a blizzard, or while bouncing along in a soaking wet zodiac. I've been searching for the perfect bag for a long time.

Seven Essential Tips for Finding the Right Tripod

Many people skip the tripod, thinking it's just extra weight, but without one, you limit yourself to daytime shooting and miss out on the best moments. A tripod isn't just a tool for pros; it's an essential piece of gear for anyone looking to expand their creative options.

Creative Tips for Capturing Stunning Forest Scenes

Capturing the beauty of a woodland setting presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. With the dynamic play of light and shadows, it's easy to get overwhelmed by nature’s complexity.

How Not to Take Photos on Film

With film making a resurgence, especially among younger photographers, these are some of the critical mistakes I made while learning to use the medium that I had to learn the hard way. Throughout the video, I go through a few of them and will expand on them as well to hopefully help any photographers newer to film photography avoid making the same errors I did.

Five Film Cameras I Can't Live Without

This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 Released With AI-Driven Features for Faster Editing

ACD Systems has announced the release of ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025, a software update designed to enhance image editing and management workflows with the integration of AI-powered tools. The latest version brings significant performance boosts, utilizing GPU acceleration to power AI-driven features like the newly introduced ACDSee AI Super-Resolution.

Five Macro Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Getting started with macro photography, especially with insects, can be overwhelming. Mistakes with composition, focus, and lighting are common, but understanding these issues early on can significantly improve your results.

Polished Portrait Retouching in Photoshop

When it comes to retouching photos, backgrounds can be tricky. Whether you're working with a complex set or a worn-out backdrop, maintaining the natural elements while cleaning it up is essential.

Could This Tiny Device Save Your Photography Shoot?

As a landscape photographer, you've likely found yourself in a situation where you're capturing breathtaking scenes, and then suddenly, your camera's battery dies. It's an unfortunate predicament, especially when you're in the middle of a stunning location with perfect conditions. For those of us who rely on our gear to perform without fail, running out of battery power can feel like a nightmare. This experience led me to search for a reliable solution that would keep me powered up, no matter where my photography adventures took me. After some research and trials, I found a product that I believe will significantly enhance my workflow.

Can Your Smartphone Really Replace a Camera?

Smartphone cameras have made remarkable strides, becoming a tool you always have on hand. They’re convenient, portable, and capable of taking impressive shots. However, are they truly enough to replace traditional cameras for at least some serious photography?

The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload.

How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.

12 Ways to Improve Your Photography Without Taking a Single Shot

Improving your photography skills doesn’t always mean snapping away with your camera. There are plenty of ways to practice, refine, and enhance your craft without ever pressing the shutter. These methods not only help you think more critically about your photos but can also make your actual shooting sessions more productive and creative.

Can You Make a Living Solely from Photography?

Making a living from photography is a common dream, but the path to achieving it isn’t always straightforward. While it’s possible to generate your entire income through photography, many professionals diversify their income streams to maintain financial stability. Whether through additional creative ventures or traditional investments, it’s important to understand that your role as a photographer isn’t defined solely by your income source.

Preserving Your Memories: Epson FF-680W Photo Scanner Review

Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.

A Step-by-Step Landscape Photography Workflow

Are you making the most of your landscape shots? Sometimes, even with the best gear, we don’t always capture the scene as well as we could.

Coming to you from Brian Matiash, this insightful video offers a detailed look at the process of improving a landscape shot from start to finish. Matiash walks through his decisions at the location and how they translate into his editing workflow. He starts by explaining the limitations of his camera setup, including the Sony a7R Mark III and a 12-24mm lens, and how those choices affected his composition. The lens’s ultra-wide angle...

The Beauty of Large Format Photography

Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.