Why Photography Skills Alone Won’t Make You Money

Being a skilled photographer isn’t enough if no one sees your work. Talent alone won’t bring clients or make a living. If you want to turn photography into a business, you need marketing. Without it, even the best photos won’t generate income.

Active Contests
This was Difficult!
Critique the Community

This was Difficult!

Your Most Complicated Photoshoot

Welcome to the February 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this contest and critique we wanted to switch up the theme a bit by asking you to submit the most difficult and challenging images you've ever taken.

Submission Deadline:
February 27th 2025 - 10:45pm
Which Photoshop Tools Are Becoming Obsolete?

Seven Photoshop tools that were once essential are now facing competition from AI. The latest updates in Photoshop bring powerful automation, making once-manual processes significantly faster. But does AI truly make these classic tools obsolete, or do they still have a place in your workflow?

What I Learned From Intentional Camera Movement Photography

I’ve been practicing intentional camera movement occasionally for some years now. This technique, better known by its abbreviation, ICM, involves deliberately moving the camera during exposure. It turns out to be much more difficult than regular photography. You have to take movement into the equation.

Autofocus Tricks You Need to Know to Get the Hardest Shots

Autofocus has been an unfathomably large jump in user experience for photographers, but it doesn't solve all focus problems. Although it is almost always better than manual focus, it has plenty of problems that mean there is skill to mastering the use of autofocus.
Freefly Ember S2.5K Slow-Motion Camera Review

I recently had the chance to use the Freefly Ember S2.5K, and at $25,000, this is hands down the most expensive camera I’ve ever worked with. But, surprisingly, for what it can do, I actually think it’s a bargain.

What Makes a Photo Stand Out? A Breakdown of Strong Composition

Great composition makes a photo compelling, guiding the viewer’s eye to what matters most. Strong images don’t happen by accident. The best photographers use contrast, color, and balance to create photos that hold attention and tell a story.

The Best Photography Upgrade Doesn’t Cost a Dime

New camera gear can be exciting, but the novelty wears off fast. If you’ve ever bought something new only to feel uninspired after a few weeks, you’re not alone. Better photos don’t come from better gear; they come from better habits. Developing the right habits can improve your work more than any new camera or lens ever will.

Why You Need to Understand This Lighting Technique

Even if you have no interest in lighting theories or filmmaking, you will have a good understanding of how light affects a scene or image's mood. But if you want to control the mood with precision, you need to understand the techniques behind it.
The Secret to Capturing Stunning Wildlife Photos

Finding the right location can be the difference between frustration and incredible shots. Birds and wildlife follow predictable patterns, but if you don’t know where to look, you’ll miss out.

The Secret to Successful Photography Projects: An 11-Step Guide

Have you ever had a brilliant photography idea but didn’t know where to start? Planning a photography project isn’t just about taking great pictures—it’s about crafting a vision, telling a story, and making your work unforgettable. If you’re ready to turn your creative spark into a masterpiece, this guide will show you how to bring it together with these eleven steps.

The Art of Immersive Street Photography

Photography sometimes requires us to embrace the apparent contradiction that life can be beautiful even when it isn’t pretty. This is something that Serbian-born photographer Boogie understands all too well and is reflected in his raw and unflinching photographic style.

Stop Collecting Lenses and Start Creating Images

The misconception that you need every possible focal length to succeed is costing you thousands in unnecessary gear purchases. Building the perfect lens kit isn't about owning everything - it's about finding the focal lengths that define your unique creative vision.

This Slow Shutter Technique Is Worth Trying

If you want to improve your photography, experimenting with new techniques to achieve more creative and interesting results is the way to go. I did just that recently while out doing street photography by playing with a slow shutter speed while shooting handheld.

Controversy Surrounds AI Recreation of Murdered Woman's Voice in Netflix Docuseries

Netflix's recent docuseries, American Murder: Gabby Petito, has ignited debate due to its use of artificial intelligence to recreate Petito's voice. Approximately 21 minutes into the first episode, viewers are informed that her journal entries and text messages are presented using voice recreation technology. This method aims to narrate her story through her own words, offering a personal perspective on the events leading up to her tragic death, but many think the choice was disrespectful and in bad taste.

Canon Announces the PowerShot V1: A Compact but Powerful Camera for Vloggers and Creators

Canon has announced the PowerShot V1, a compact digital camera designed for vloggers and content creators, set to launch in late April 2025. The PowerShot V1 is the second entry in Canon’s V series, following the PowerShot V10 released in June 2023. It features a large 1.4-inch CMOS sensor, which is approximately twice the size of the common 1.0-inch sensors found in compact cameras, aiming to provide improved image quality and low-light performance.

Apple Announces the New Budget-Friendly iPhone 16e

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, expanding its iPhone 16 lineup with a more budget-friendly option. The iPhone 16e offers several features found in higher-end models, including the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence integration, and a 48 MP Fusion camera system. Preorders begin on February 21, with availability starting February 28.

How AI Is Revolutionizing Movie De-aging Effects

The evolution of digital de-aging in films has transformed from crude experiments to sophisticated AI-driven techniques in less than two decades. What started with X-Men: The Last Stand in 2006 has become a powerful storytelling tool that allows actors to portray their characters across decades of life with unprecedented realism.

How Winter Storms Transform Yosemite's Most Famous Views

Winter storms create unique opportunities for dramatic landscape shots that most never get to capture. The combination of rain, fog, and shifting weather patterns transforms familiar vistas into ethereal scenes, offering fresh perspectives on even the most photographed locations.

How Goodfellas Reinvented Crime Films Through Camera Work

Crime films were once defined by mobsters, shootouts, and flashy action. Then Goodfellas changed everything. It introduced gangsters who obeyed their mothers, cracked jokes that made you uneasy, and self-destructed in their paranoia. More than three decades later, it still stands as a masterclass in visual storytelling.

Unlimited Depth of Field at Any Aperture

What if you could control perspective distortion and focus with pinpoint accuracy at any aperture? Dive into the world of tilt/shift lenses and learn how pros use the Scheimpflug Principle to create stunning images.

Using Lightroom to Give Your Flat Images More Zing

We’ve all had that experience of eagerly opening what seemed like a promising image in Lightroom, only to be disappointed when we discover that it lacks a certain something. Here’s a short tutorial demonstrating the use of masks and tone curves in Lightroom to bring more impact to your images.

Three Simple Lightroom Edits to Make Your Subject

Making your subject stand out in an image can be as simple as adjusting light, contrast, or depth. The right edits guide the viewer’s eye without making the changes look obvious. When done correctly, these techniques enhance an image without feeling overprocessed.

How to Adapt When the Weather Ruins Your Shot

Long exposure photography transforms water and sky into something almost surreal, turning movement into soft streaks and blurring away distractions. If you shoot seascapes, finding the right balance between exposure time, composition, and conditions can be the difference between a flat image and a striking one. When weather shifts quickly, adapting to those changes is just as important as camera settings.

Adobe Celebrates 35 Years of Photoshop With a New Video Series

Adobe's Photoshop software is so prevalent today that the name itself has morphed into a verb that refers to the process of editing an image in any given software. Over the years, Photoshop has acquired editing and AI-based features that weren't even dreamed of by the early adopters of the software. Most digital photographers cannot remember a time when the program didn't exist since its existence predates the widespread adoption of digital photography by almost a decade.

What Is The Value of Your Photography?

A lot of discussion focuses on how much photography is worth: how much you should charge for a photoshoot, how much you should sell your prints for, and so on. Value, however, relates to your judgment of what’s important in life. It’s different for everyone. So what’s the value of your photography?

Mastering Foggy Forest Photography: A Simple Approach

Finding the right conditions for photographing forests can make or break an image. Fog, light, and composition all play a role in transforming a chaotic scene into something visually compelling. If you’ve ever struggled to create strong forest images, focusing on these elements can help.

Simple Lightroom Adjustments to Rescue Dark Images

Restoring underexposed files can seem like a challenge, but Lightroom has the tools to bring back lost detail without sacrificing quality. A properly exposed image captures more dynamic range, but when that’s not possible, knowing how to recover shadows without ruining the final result is essential.

The Truth About Competition in Photography

Some people believe that photographers who share industry secrets do so because they can’t make enough money from photography alone. The argument is that no one running a successful business would willingly give away valuable knowledge unless they needed another income stream. That assumption ignores the reality of how knowledge, competition, and creativity actually work in the industry.

Fujifilm’s Best Standard Zoom? A Look at the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II

The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II lens is the brand’s new flagship standard zoom, offering a versatile focal range and bright aperture. If you need a workhorse lens for everything from landscapes to portraits, this could be worth a look.

Why Choosing the Right Profile Matters in Editing

Choosing the right profile before editing can change the way your image looks and how much control you have over the final result. Different profiles apply varying levels of contrast, saturation, and tonal adjustments, making them a critical first step in post-processing.

What’s Missing From Your Trip? A Bag That Does More Than Hold Your Camera

When it comes to photography trips, I always make sure my dedicated camera bag is packed with everything I need to capture my next shot. My gear is safely stored, ready for quick action when the location and conditions allow. But something that often gets overlooked is the extra equipment—clothing, accessories, and other essentials for the journey.

Why You Should Try Shooting in 16x9

The 16x9 aspect ratio is everywhere, from televisions to smartphones, but it’s rarely a first choice when composing still images. It’s an option on many cameras, yet most people either ignore it or only use it occasionally. There’s a reason to reconsider that.

A Tiny $99 Autofocus Lens: Is It Worth It?

The Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 XF lens is one of the most compact autofocus lenses you can get. It weighs next to nothing and turns your camera into something truly pocketable. But is it worth the $99 price tag? There are some trade-offs to consider, and some of them may be deal-breakers depending on how you shoot.

Minimalist Winter Photography

The stark contrast of winter between the white snow and dark skies brings out compositions that wouldn’t be possible in other seasons. If you’re drawn to clean, simple images, this kind of environment offers an opportunity to refine your eye and experiment with composition in new ways.

Signs You’re a Better Photographer Than You Think

It's easy to underestimate your own skills. You compare your work to others, feel stuck, or convince yourself you’re not improving. But there are clear signs that show you’re better than you think. Recognizing them can help build confidence and keep you moving forward.

The Gear and Planning You Need for Wedding Photography

Wedding photography requires more than just showing up with a camera. From securing bookings to planning for lighting conditions, every step before the wedding day impacts your results. The right preparation ensures a smooth experience, minimizes surprises, and helps you capture meaningful images.

Do These 5 Things Instead of Buying New Gear

We are bombarded with videos and articles talking about the latest and greatest gear. No wonder we, as photographers, start to think we need new or better gear to improve our photography. But instead of buying gear, start practicing these five things to really improve your landscape photography.

Why Social Media Is Making Your Photography Worse

Social media rewards predictable photography. Popular trends get likes, shares, and engagement, but they don’t necessarily make you better. If you want to improve, you need to stop repeating the same shots that flood Instagram and start thinking more critically about what you create.

Why Telephoto Lenses Can Improve Your Landscape Photography

Wide angle lenses dominate landscape photography, but they aren’t the only option. Telephoto lenses offer a different perspective, bringing compression, depth, and new composition possibilities. They let you isolate details, enhance layers, and create a more immersive feel in vast environments.

How to Avoid Airline Hassles With Photography Equipment

Traveling with camera gear can be stressful. Security checks, weight limits, and the risk of lost or stolen equipment add to the challenge. The right strategies can make a huge difference in avoiding unnecessary hassles.