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.
Nikon Announces The New NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 Lens for The Z System
Nikon adds another welcome addition to its Z lineup of lenses today with the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4.
Apple Redefines iPhone Photography Experience with New Camera Control on iPhone 16 Models
Apple's latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro lineup introduces a new feature called Camera Control, which enhances the user experience for photo and video capture by making the interaction with the camera system faster and more intuitive.
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.
Pushing a Single Light to the Limit
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.
Experimenting With Vintage Film Cameras for Unique Results
Why do we take photos? It's a question that gets to the heart of why you pick up your camera. There's a deeper, more personal reason than just snapping a nice picture.
Safe, Fast, and Quirky: Ugreen’s New Uno Robot GaN Chargers for Portable Devices
These new products from Ugreen are the new face of safe and efficient charging (pun intended). Let’s see whether this new line of chargers has more to offer than just a unique design.
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.
Keep Sound Recording Simple and Affordable With the Neewer KM18 Wireless Lavalier Mic Kit
I put the Neewer KM18 mini wireless lavalier button microphone kit through its paces to see whether it stood up to rigorous testing. It turned out that simplicity has both restrictions and benefits. Here's what I discovered.
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?
Is the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD the Lens for You?
The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 offers an impressive zoom range, making it a solid option if you’re looking for a single lens that can cover a lot of ground. Its compact and lightweight design makes it an easy choice for everyday use. But like any all-in-one lens, it comes with trade-offs that are important to understand before making a decision.
How Diverse Photography Experiences Can Sharpen Your Skills
Photography often requires mastering various genres, and understanding their unique challenges can make you a more versatile and capable professional. From weddings to commercial work, each type of photography has something valuable to teach, and embracing this diversity can sharpen your skills and broaden your creative perspective.
Mylio Adds SecureCloud to Its Offerings for Photographers
We've covered Mylio products before; recently, they relaunched their Mylio photo manager. Think of Mylio as having some of the features of the Lightroom catalog, with some higher-end features as seen in Peakto. Now the company has just announced Mylio SecureCloud (powered by Backblaze), a cloud storage service the company says is born from a simple idea: our digital memories and important files deserve the highest level of privacy and control.
The EMEET SmartCam S800, Better Than Your Average Streaming Webcam
Since the pandemic, I have had an ever-growing demand for online courses and workshops via various streaming services such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Although I can use my relatively small mirrorless cameras for streaming, they are still too big to mount on my screens. So, a good-quality streaming webcam is the answer.
Key Financial Steps Before Going Full-Time as a Photographer
Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to becoming a full-time photographer is a goal many dream of, but it’s not as simple as quitting your job and grabbing a camera. Making that leap can be challenging, especially if you’re unprepared. The financial realities of freelancing can be harsh, and without a solid plan, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by debt and stress.
A Simple Lightroom Trick to Enhance Reflections in Landscape Photos
Water reflections can transform a basic landscape photo into something captivating, but they don't always look their best straight out of the camera. With a little fine-tuning in Lightroom, you can make those reflections more vibrant and balanced. It's a quick and easy technique that can instantly elevate the look of your landscape photography.
My Review of the New Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II
After more than six years, Sony has released a new version of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM. The lens is improved in every aspect and promises to deliver outstanding quality and results. I have been using this lens for weeks prior to its official announcement, resulting in this review.
Shooting With the Hasselblad X2D: Is It Worth the Price?
Medium format photography is often out of reach for many, but the Hasselblad X2D is a tempting option for those ready to make the leap. Its sleek design and advanced features bring a new level of performance to high-end photography setups.
A Journey Back to Film
Shooting film can be an emotional experience, especially when you’re trying to find your creative groove in a new place. When you’ve moved across the country, it’s easy to lose that spark, but it’s just as easy to find it again with the right approach and tools.
First Impressions of the GoPro Hero 13 With One Major Criticism
How to Get Clients for Your Real Estate Photography Business
Building a real estate photography business takes more than just snapping great photos. It’s about finding and keeping the right clients, and that requires a strategic approach. Rushing to connect with as many real estate agents as possible, or blasting out spammy emails, isn’t going to help you grow sustainably.
Sigma Announces New 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art Lens for Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras
Sigma has officially introduced its latest lens, the 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN | Art, designed for full frame mirrorless cameras. This new lens is set to join Sigma’s renowned Art series, offering a constant f/2.8 aperture across its versatile zoom range.
Sigma Announces 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount
Sigma has announced the pricing and availability of the Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens for the Canon RF Mount system. Originally launched in October 2023 for L mount, Sony E mount, and Fujifilm X Mount, the lens will now be available for Canon RF Mount users in late September 2024.
GoPro Hero 13 Black Announced with Interchangeable HB-Series Lenses
GoPro has announced its latest flagship action camera, the Hero 13 Black. This new camera comes with the same sensor as the previous model, with a few tweaks. However, GoPro has also announced a series of lenses for the new camera.
Navigating the Photography Landscape: Five Key Lessons to Enhance Your Journey
We have all had a moment where we said, “I wish I had known that sooner.” Over the years, I have heard this from many mentoring students. Sometimes, it was even, “I wish I knew that before I took that big trip.” If you're starting your photographic journey or have been on it for a while, here are five things that will help make it a little less stressful and more fun.
Peak Design’s Outdoor Backpacks Are Finally Here: An In-Depth Review
One question we’ve always had about Peak Design is why they didn’t have any bags designed for hiking and outdoor adventures. That all changes today.