When you buy a camera, the decision to keep the kit lens or upgrade immediately is on your mind. Kit lenses, bundled with camera bodies, are often lightweight and versatile but have a reputation for being limited.
I love prime lenses—they’re always my preference—but I had to travel across Spain recently to make a documentary film and was traveling light. I had to pick my lenses carefully, so I chose the 24-70mm as my main lens. I quickly discovered it was the perfect travel lens.
Photography can feel saturated these days, with everyone snapping away on their smartphones or cameras. If you want your photos to stand out, mastering a few straightforward techniques can make a huge difference. These tips are easy to apply and will help you capture more captivating images.
Long exposures and intentional camera movement (ICM) open up a side of photography that’s impossible to capture with the naked eye. They create ghostly, dynamic images that capture the essence of movement, emotion, and atmosphere, transforming everyday scenes into ethereal, dreamlike compositions.
So many of us photographers seem to have an insatiable appetite for camera gear. For some, it’s G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), while others are honing their photographic experiences into a seemingly futile and almost never-ending quest to trade up to the perfect camera. For a rare few, they have found their gear and are sticking to it.
Capturing compelling images in busy, chaotic spaces requires a mix of patience and creativity. With the right techniques, you can turn even the most overwhelming environments into opportunities for striking compositions.
Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color in an image can change everything about a photo’s mood and focus. Two key tools in Photoshop that allow you to manipulate these aspects precisely are the Levels and Curves adjustments. Each tool has its strengths and hidden features that provide control over light and color in ways that are unique to each method.
Landscape photography, often romanticized as a calm pursuit, is, in reality, a demanding test of patience. Unlike studio photography, where they control the lighting, backdrop, and subject, we landscape photographers must yield to nature’s rhythm. Whether it’s the color at golden hour, a dramatic storm, or a perfectly composed scene, capturing the ideal moment requires unwavering patience.
Digital film simulations have become a popular way to capture the look of classic film stocks without the hassle of processing and scanning. They’re practical for anyone who wants a specific aesthetic without spending time on extensive post-processing, and they give you the freedom to focus on composition and light.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is a compact, versatile macro lens that excels in close-up photography. If you’re looking for an option that balances impressive magnification with portability at a competitive price, this lens offers a practical solution, making it a solid choice for capturing detail-rich images of insects, plants, and other small subjects.
Tabletop tripods are always nice to have whenever the need arises. While most mini tripods have the same features and functions, this one might offer more uses than most.
The Nikon Zf has been gaining a lot of popularity with retro-loving photographers of all stripes. But how does it stack up against the king of retro camera design's top model, the Fujifilm X-T5?
Sometimes, living in the shadow of a big city (New York, in my case) makes you forget how rich a photographic playground an urban environment can be.
To fully understand how white balance affects our perception, we must first explore how color shapes our emotional response in photography. Since the dawn of time, we humans have become accustomed to associating certain colors with specific contexts. The ability of humans to read visual cues for signs of danger is likely an instinct as a survival mechanism. For example, brightly colored insects scream danger without having to look into the species.
Turning your iPad into a second display for your Mac can make your workflow more flexible, whether you're looking for a compact desk setup or a mobile option. The process can vary based on your needs and available accessories, so here’s a guide on two methods that allow you to connect your iPad to your Mac.
Taking photos in a small town can feel limiting if you’re used to seeing iconic cityscapes on social media. But with a few techniques, you can get dynamic, visually striking images right in your local area.
One of the most difficult things to accomplish is achieving a great composition. There are many rules and guidelines—enough to make your head spin. Perhaps there’s a better way to create an attractive composition, and that’s by ignoring the rules at first and concentrating on what you want to show.
Outdoor photography often presents lighting challenges that can either enhance or distract from your subject. Managing these conditions effectively requires both careful planning and a few practical tools.
I've been seeing spotlights used in shoots everywhere, so I wanted to jump on the trend and put my own twist on a spotlight shoot. Here’s how my creative partner, David, and I created a theatrical portrait session using a spotlight.
Color contrast can completely transform a landscape photo, adding depth and drama that draw in the viewer. This tutorial explores how to use Lightroom to balance color tones for maximum effect in autumn shots, from the initial HDR merge to targeted adjustments that bring out the richness of each part of the image.
Choosing the right flash setting can make or break a shot, especially in challenging lighting. TTL, or “through the lens” flash metering, is a powerful option for streamlining exposure in dynamic environments. This method lets your camera analyze light as it passes through the lens, using that data to adjust the flash automatically. For those who shoot in changing light conditions, like during events or outdoor sessions, TTL offers the advantage of quick adjustments without needing to dive into settings constantly.
A few months ago, I explored a new photography challenge and invested in an infrared filter for landscape photography. I could've bought an already converted used camera, but after looking at what was available on the used market and specialist conversion services, investing in a filter seemed to be at a more appealing price point and the best of both worlds. After several trials and tribulations, I became hooked on this newly discovered world of infrared photography.
It is a story brought to life by a father and photographer with Fuji’s GFX100S II and the GF 500mm f/5.6. He started a series about a traveler through existence with a project that explores childlike wonder.
Woodland photography can be uniquely challenging because natural forests are chaotic by nature. Trees may tilt in various directions, branches and leaves create visual clutter, and composing a balanced shot is tricky. For those aiming to create cleaner, more harmonious forest scenes, certain editing techniques can make a real difference.
I see a growing number of new lenses hitting the market that rely on lens correction. These lenses have some benefits, but are lens manufacturers taking shortcuts with these lens designs? Will we be seeing more and more lenses with this reliance on lens correction in the near future?
Choosing a laptop that strikes a balance between performance, portability, and screen quality can make or break your workflow. This video offers a clear breakdown of what you need to know about laptops specifically for creators, touching on practical details about performance and specific configurations that work best for different creative tasks.
Many photographers believe that upgrading their gear is essential for capturing great shots, but this notion may be more limiting than helpful. The obsession with the latest cameras and lenses often overshadows what actually makes an image successful.
A camera brand/system’s most affordable camera can often be underestimated, but it serves a bigger purpose to an entry-level user that can highly impact their growth in the craft. This second iteration of Sony’s ZV-E10 definitely brings more to the table than most realize.
There’s no shortage of advice on what you should and shouldn’t do in photography, but not all advice will serve you well. Misguided myths can actually hold you back from capturing the photos you envision.
Capturing the raw beauty of landscapes often means venturing off the beaten path and braving the elements. Understanding how to work in diverse and challenging environments, while also learning to find compositions within these unpredictable settings, is invaluable.
It seems hardly any time has passed since I reviewed the Spyder X2 Ultra. The SpyderPro has now superseded that, an update extending its predecessor's functionality and ease of use.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED aims to strike a balance between portability, power, and value, making it an option worth considering for creative work on the go. This laptop packs an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and a stunning OLED display, making it a versatile machine for tasks like photo editing, video work, and even some gaming.
A well-placed light effect can turn an ordinary landscape photo into something vibrant and dynamic. By controlling light and shadows in Lightroom, you’ll achieve a realistic glow that brings out key elements, creating a sense of atmosphere that feels as true to life as being there.
This week, Fujifilm announced the development of a new camera designed with filmmakers in mind, the Fujifilm GFX Eterna. The camera builds on Fuji’s GFX line of medium format still cameras but will be focused on video capture and is aimed at independent filmmakers and documentarians.
Two years after its initial announcement for the Sony E-mount in September 2022, Tamron recently released the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for the Nikon Z mount. With a range from 50mm to 400mm, this is a substantial range for one lens. But can it hold up?
Often, photographers get caught up in capturing reality, aiming to recreate what they see as accurately as possible. However, a more impactful approach might be to embrace creative expression, using your camera as a tool to convey mood and atmosphere rather than just the physical details. This shift in perspective opens up a wealth of artistic possibilities, helping you produce work that resonates on an emotional level.
A recent catastrophe led me to acquire a Peak Design Travel Tripod. In reviewing this for you I thought I would describe the process for choosing the best model to suit you.
Creating a strong image is more than just pointing a camera—it’s a detailed process of planning, capturing, and finally, editing. The editing stage in particular is where you bring out the colors, light, and mood you intended, creating a finished piece that truly reflects the moment and story you envisioned.
Using natural light effectively can make or break a shot, especially in outdoor portraiture where the light source and your subject’s position work together to create the image’s mood. Understanding how to position yourself and control lighting lets you create depth and definition without overwhelming your subject with artificial light.
We know that the right memory card can make all the difference. Whether capturing fast-paced action or shooting in extreme conditions, having a reliable and high-performance card is essential. Enter the T-Create EXPERT UHS-II SDXC Card.
The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is an updated, versatile option for Fujifilm users, designed to replace older kit lenses while handling the demands of higher-resolution sensors. This lens is lightweight, well-suited for everyday use, and provides good performance across a wide range of photography needs. It’s aimed at those who want reliable image quality without the bulk.
Ensuring your images look the way you intend on any screen is a challenge you may not often think about, but it’s critical for presenting your work accurately. While you may put considerable effort into editing, adjusting colors, and fine-tuning contrast, the truth is, if your screen isn’t calibrated, your images may look entirely different to someone else.
When it comes to lenses, photographers who hear "ultra-wide" and "fast apertures" are usually bracing for an equally impressive price tag. The Viltrox 16mm f/1.8, however, seeks to deliver excellent optical quality and unique lens features at a reasonable price—in this review, I’ll see if Viltrox can execute a truly great ultra-wide prime.
Eyes are often the focal point of a portrait, and enhancing them can take your images to a new level. With a few creative Photoshop techniques, you can add captivating detail and depth to the eyes, making them stand out without looking overdone.
The Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR lens is a premium portrait option with impressive specs designed for medium-format shooters looking to elevate their work. Known for its smooth bokeh and sharpness, it pairs well with Fujifilm’s GFX cameras, making it a popular choice among professionals who need quality and detail for large prints or high-end commercial work.
As the season of goodwill, giving, and receiving rapidly approaches, what do you buy an established photographer if you want to spend more? Here are some big presents for those photographers nearest to us, or ideas your loved ones might consider for you.
A telephoto lens might not be the first lens that comes to mind for photographing products, but this recent version of Sony’s 70-200mm offers it as an additional use case. Let’s see what it can actually do.
Photography is filled with “rules” designed to help you capture better images. From the rule of thirds to leading lines, these guidelines shape how many of us approach a scene. However, there’s one core principle that can drive every photograph you take.
