Overcoming Unpredictable Conditions in Landscape Photography

The unpredictability of weather is something you’re bound to face if you spend time doing landscape photography. Sometimes it works in your favor; other times, it’s a frustrating barrier to getting the shot you envisioned.

A NY Times Assignment Shot in One Day

Photojournalist Justin Mott recently took on a one-day assignment for The New York Times, documenting the journey of Freya, a transgender woman who moved to Vietnam with her partner due to safety concerns tied to the U.S. political climate. Mott's task was to capture moments of their life in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), including intimate portraits of the couple and shots that brought out the essence of their new environment. It's a delicate story that needed to be told visually with care, making it both personal and professional.

Creative Color Grading Techniques for Cinematic Portraits

When retouching your images, having a variety of techniques can make all the difference. Not every approach works for every photo, so learning multiple methods can help you adapt based on the image you’re working with. In this video, you’ll see a couple of ways to color grade your images, giving them mood, atmosphere, and even a cinematic touch.

Do You Really Need Expensive f/2.8 Lenses Anymore?

Professional lenses with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 lenses, have been a staple in photography for years. But with the advancements in software today, some might wonder: are these high-priced lenses still worth it, or can you rely on software to get the same results with cheaper gear? The question is valid, and photographers on a budget are increasingly exploring whether they can save money without sacrificing quality.

The Best Way to Respond to Clients Asking for Raw Photos

As a wedding photographer, you’ve likely had clients ask for raw files, thinking they’re getting more value by having access to every shot taken. But there are several reasons why raw files aren’t something you want to hand over, and your clients may not understand why. When this conversation comes up, it’s essential to explain the realities of raw files clearly and calmly, so they know what they’re really asking for.

Blackmagic Design Announces URSA Cine 17K 65 Large Format Digital Film Camera Pricing

At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, Blackmagic Design announced the pricing and availability of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, a new large format digital film camera. With a 65mm RGBW sensor and the ability to capture footage in resolutions up to 17K, the camera is aimed at high-end productions, promising exceptional image quality and workflow integration.

Leica Introduces M11-D: A Blend of Analog Experience with Digital Precision

Leica has announced the release of the M11-D, a digital camera designed to offer an analog-like experience while incorporating modern digital technology. With its minimalist approach, the M11-D eliminates distractions like the rear display and Leica’s signature red logo, focusing on the pure essence of photography. The camera's ISO dial is prominently featured on the back, adding to its streamlined design.

Canon Announces RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens and SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer

Canon has unveiled two new products aimed at enhancing the creative capabilities of photographers and everyday users alike: the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and the SELPHY QX20 compact photo printer. Both are designed to offer versatility and ease of use for a range of photography and printing needs.

Sharp Yet Soft: Ricoh GRIIIX HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) Review

Since its initial release in 2019, the GRIIIx has been a popular addition to Ricoh's revered GR series. Sporting a fixed lens with an equivalent focal length of 40mm, it’s the ideal companion for photographers keen to get a little closer to the action than the GRIII’s 28mm lens.

A Review of the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD Lens

The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD is designed to be your go-to lens for almost any situation. For those looking for a single lens to cover a wide variety of shooting scenarios, it promises a lot of flexibility.

Mastering Simplicity: Tips for Better Landscape Photography

Simplicity in landscape photography is not as easy as it sounds. The natural world is filled with complexity, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the visual elements. However, simplifying a scene can help create more powerful, evocative images, making it easier for viewers to connect with your work.

How to Capture Perfect Family Photos in Challenging Lighting Conditions

Family portraits can be a challenge, especially when you're working with larger groups, such as grandparents with grandchildren. Capturing these moments in a way that feels natural yet beautifully lit can be tricky, but it’s important for creating memories that last a lifetime. Lighting becomes a key factor when you want to ensure everyone is evenly illuminated and the setting feels organic, not overly staged.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography

When you’re working on improving your landscape photography, you’re trying to capture more than just a scene—you’re telling a story. From the foreground to the background, everything in the frame plays a role.

Landscapes Are the Cannabis of Photography

Landscapes are often the gateway drug into other genres. Be careful; it can be addictive and lead you to harder photography. Here’s how to get high from what might seem a benign habit.

Real-World Portraits With the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens

The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens is an intriguing option for anyone considering adding a fast prime to their gear collection. It offers a mix of familiar features with some quirks that make it unique, all at a very reasonable price.

How Photographers Can Grow Their Instagram Following Without Reels

As a photographer, like it or not, your social media can be the lifeblood of your business, and even if it isn't, it could act as the social proof you need. So, here are some of the latest tips to grow your Instagram following without having to film Reels.
One Thing You Must Consider Before Choosing a Career as a Commercial Photographer

Crafting a career for yourself as a commercial photographer can come with a lot of upsides. But there is still one big caveat you will need to take into consideration before choosing your path.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work as a commercial artist for nearly two decades. The term “commercial artist” can mean different things, so I’ll take a short moment to define what I’m referring to before moving on. In the strictest technical terms, any artist who is producing art in exchange for financial compensation could be termed a commercial artist, as they are running a...

How to Add Contrast to Green Grass for Better Photos

Editing large expanses of green grass can transform an otherwise flat image into something much more dynamic. It’s not just about pushing the contrast slider up and hoping for the best. To make an image pop, especially when working with grass or other natural elements, you need to approach it with more precision.

How to Capture Authentic Street Moments

Street photography is unpredictable, fast, and often happens when you least expect it. Capturing those moments requires preparation and awareness, which is why understanding key principles can make a significant difference in your work.

I Wish I Knew Earlier: Weather for Landscape Photography

As a landscape photographer, I've come to realize that one of the most important factors that can make or break a shoot is the weather. Landscapes themselves might not change, but the way they appear through the lens can vary dramatically depending on the weather. Understanding how to predict and interpret weather conditions is something I now consider crucial for capturing standout images. I only wish I’d appreciated its importance earlier in my journey. Before we get into what I wish I knew, let's discuss the importance of understanding weather for landscape photography.

How to Use Centralized Composition for Stronger Photos

Centralized composition might be an older technique, but it still offers one of the most powerful ways to create immediate impact in your images. If you’ve struggled with feeling like your subject gets lost in the frame or your composition seems unbalanced, this approach could be what you’re missing.

A Simple Workflow for Better Landscape Photo Edits

Many photographers find editing frustrating, especially if they’re more focused on capturing the shot than on enhancing it later. However, mastering a solid editing workflow can drastically elevate the quality of your work, giving your photos the polish they need to stand out.

Hasselblad Announces the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E Lens

Hasselblad has introduced its first ultra-wide angle zoom lens for the XCD series, the XCD 20-35mm f/3.2-4.5 E. This new lens expands the XCD system, offering photographers the flexibility to capture a variety of subjects, including landscapes, cityscapes, and architecture, with a broad field of view. It features a focal length range of 20-35mm, equivalent to 16-27mm in full frame, making it one of the widest zoom options available in the medium format market. The lens promises high optical performance, quick focusing, and versatility in a wide range of lighting conditions.

Photography Can Save Your Life

I cannot believe that it has been over a year since I first wrote about how photography saved my own life, and I firmly believe it can save yours too. Trigger warning: this article contains references to suicide, which some may find upsetting.

Tamron 28-300mm Review: Is This the Ultimate Travel Lens?

When looking for an all-in-one zoom lens, you want something versatile yet compact, capable of handling everything from wide angle shots to impressive telephoto captures. Lenses like the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD are designed for exactly that, offering flexibility without the need to constantly switch gear. However, as with any super zoom, there are compromises in terms of light gathering ability and image quality. Here's what you can expect.

Unboxing a 43-Pound Mystery Box of Vintage Lenses

Imagine getting 43 pounds of vintage lenses shipped all the way from Japan—without knowing exactly what’s inside. It’s a bit like treasure hunting, except this time the treasure comes wrapped in bubble wrap and mystery.

Aputure Launches STORM 1200x: A New Standard in Film Lighting

Aputure has introduced the STORM 1200x, a high-output, versatile point-source light designed for film and photography professionals. The STORM 1200x is the first product in Aputure's new STORM family, featuring a groundbreaking BLAIR light engine that significantly enhances white light quality across a wide color temperature range. This fixture promises exceptional performance for a variety of professionals, including cinematographers, videographers, lighting technicians, and photographers.

We Review the Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Pro Lens for Fujifilm X-Mount

The Viltrox 27mm f/1.2 Pro lens is the second offering in the company's line of lenses designed to appeal to professional photographers. In this review, we will find out if this lens has what it takes to get the job done for serious amateurs and professionals alike.

Canon Unveils the EOS C80: A 6K Full Frame Cinema Camera for Filmmakers

Canon has announced the new EOS C80, a 6K full frame cinema camera designed for filmmakers who need advanced features in a compact package. This new camera offers impressive capabilities including a back-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor, triple-base ISO, and advanced autofocus technology, making it a powerful option for both professional and enthusiast videographers.

Apple to Roll Out Apple Intelligence Across iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple has announced that its new personal intelligence system, Apple Intelligence, will begin rolling out next month with iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. This new system integrates generative models with personal context to deliver personalized, private, and useful intelligence across Apple devices.

Apple Announces iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Enhanced Camera, Apple Intelligence, and Improved Durability

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, showcasing several new features powered by the A18 chip and Apple Intelligence. Both models offer improved camera capabilities, extended battery life, and a more durable design. With upgrades to the camera system, Apple is focusing on enhancing both everyday photography and professional-level capabilities, while also integrating Apple Intelligence to streamline user tasks and improve privacy.

Sigma vs. Tamron vs. Canon: Which Zoom Lens Wins?

High-end zoom lenses can make a real difference in the quality of your images. If you’re considering lenses with both versatility and speed, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8, and Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 are all worth looking at.

Apple Announces iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: New Features, Improved Camera, and Enhanced Performance

Apple has officially unveiled the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, the latest additions to its Pro lineup. Powered by the A18 Pro chip and introducing a host of new features, these devices aim to enhance user experience with larger display sizes, improved camera capabilities, and longer battery life. Both models are equipped with Apple Intelligence, a personal system that uses generative models for tasks while ensuring privacy through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute.

How Light and Contrast Shape Color in Your Landscape Photos

Color processing can be a tricky subject, especially when you want to make sure your landscape photos look natural but still stand out. Whether it’s light, contrast, or the subject itself, each plays a big role in how colors are rendered in your final image.

A Photographer’s Role in Saving Bumblebees

The Bumblebee Atlas Project focuses on the role of bumblebees in the broader ecosystem, helping to conserve species that are essential to pollination. Bumblebees and other pollinators help maintain the biodiversity that produces the vibrant, flourishing landscapes we all love to photograph.

Is the Tamron 50-400mm the Ultimate All-in-One Zoom?

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is an intriguing lens, especially if you want a versatile zoom that doesn’t break the bank. For portrait sessions, landscapes, and a bit of everything in between, it’s worth a look.

Why the 85mm Lens is More Versatile Than You Think

You might have heard 85mm labeled as a “portrait lens” and dismissed it as too specialized or difficult to use. But if you’re willing to invest some time in it, the 85mm lens offers more versatility than it gets credit for. It’s not as flexible as wider lenses, but the results it delivers, especially with portraits, are distinctive.

Why Social Media Could Be Holding You Back in Photography

Instagram might have sparked your interest in photography, but it could be leading you in the wrong direction. While it’s easy to be drawn in by the idea of getting more followers and likes, this focus on social media can hurt your progress as a photographer.

Wide and Bright: Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 Review for Canon APS-C

The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a wide angle zoom lens designed for APS-C cameras, and it’s now available for Canon RF mounts. This lens offers a bright maximum aperture and caters to those needing an ultra-wide field of view without sacrificing low-light capabilities. Here's what you can expect from it.

How Tripods Can Elevate Your Filmmaking

A tripod might seem basic, but its simplicity is its strength. In an age where drones, gimbals, and cranes dominate, it’s easy to forget the power of keeping your camera still. The composition becomes the star, allowing you to focus on framing and detail. Sometimes, the camera doesn’t need to move to make an impact.

What the Flip Happened to Flip Video Cameras?

If you're a child of the 'aughts, you've probably seen a Flip Video camera at least once in your life. Before cellphone videos were a thing, these bad boys ruled the amateur video circuit with their ease of use and novel design that incorporated a literal flipping USB port on the side. But what happened to these once ubiquitous cameras?

Is the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 the Best All-in-One Lens for the Price?

If you need a lens that can cover a lot of ground without switching gear, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art might be what you’re looking for. With a constant f/2.8 aperture and a flexible focal range, it aims to be a one-lens solution for many types of shooting environments.

Canon RF 50mm Showdown: Premium vs. Budget

The Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L lens is a powerhouse, offering exceptional image quality and features at a hefty price of around $2,000. On the other hand, the RF 50mm f/1.8, affectionately known as the "nifty fifty," costs just $200. With such a huge price difference, you might wonder: how much better is the premium lens compared to the budget-friendly option?