An Easy Exercise to Improve Your Photography in 2024

Do you feel stagnant in your work? As someone who has transitioned to shooting professionally, I have found that growth within my own work has continually become more difficult. Doing this exercise helps me every time; it doesn't matter your skill level, and it applies to all genres of photography.

The Journey of Artistic Photography

The essence of what makes a photograph compelling often eludes easy explanation, captivating the viewer in ways that are felt more than they are understood. This enigmatic quality of photography is what draws both creators and viewers into a deeper exploration of visual storytelling, marking its importance in the realm of art and expression.

The Realities of Pro Photography: Navigating Gear Choices in High-Stakes Shoots

In the realm of professional photography, the choice of equipment is a topic that often stirs debate. While it's a common adage that the gear doesn't make the photographer, the reality of commercial photography paints a different picture, especially when considering the high stakes and expectations involved in professional shoots.

Embracing Limitations and the Path to Expressive Photography

The perennial debate among photographers about the significance of gear in their craft often overlooks a crucial aspect: the creative vision and technique of the person behind the camera. This discussion is particularly relevant as photography technology continues to evolve and grow, offering tools that range from high-end professional equipment to more accessible consumer-grade cameras.

Ring Revises Policy: Halts Law Enforcement Access to Doorbell Camera Footage

Amazon's subsidiary, Ring, has announced a significant policy change: it will no longer permit law enforcement agencies to access user-recorded footage from its doorbell cameras. This decision marks a departure from Ring's previous stance and was announced via a blog post on Wednesday.

Prominent YouTuber Robbed of $16,000 Worth of Camera Gear

It is one of a photographer's worst nightmares: traveling around in a different country carrying thousands of dollars' worth of camera gear, only to see it disappear before your very eyes. Manny Ortiz was traveling through Italy when, unfortunately, he was robbed of some very expensive gear. Check out his story here.

Review of the Incredible Canon RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM

Do you remember the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM that was released in 2015? It was a one-of-a-kind lens and a large and heavy one. Canon released an RF version, and it is not only smaller and lighter, it offers an even wider field of view. This is the review of that lens; the RF 10-20mm f/4L IS STM.

Want Amazing Wide Angle Images? Try This

Wide angle photography is synonymous with landscape photography, but it isn't the most intuitive focal range to shoot. There can be so much to capture in a single frame that building a stunning portfolio image feels daunting. These workflow tips will help develop your technique and take your images to the next level.

Capturing the Celestial: A Guide to February's Night Sky

Exploring the night sky provides photographers with a unique opportunity to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of celestial events and objects. For those passionate about astrophotography, understanding the dynamics of the night sky, including planetary alignments and deep sky objects, is crucial to planning their shoots and enhancing their portfolio. Here's what you can expect this month.

You Are a Second-Rate Photographer: What Can You Do About It?

There are many reasons why a photograph can go wrong. But to be a photographic flop takes a special skill that most failures don’t even know they have. If you don’t want to be a second-rate photographer, here is how to avoid it.

The Art of Infrared Landscape Photography

In landscape photography, the choice of equipment and approach can significantly influence the outcome of a photographer’s work. This is especially true when exploring specialized techniques like infrared photography, which offers a unique perspective on familiar landscapes.

A Review of the Affordable Yongnuo 35mm f/2Z DF DSM Lens

The Yongnuo 35mm f/2Z DF DSM, just like the company's well-known speedlights, is quite affordable, making it an intriguing option for a large range of users. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Developing a Vision: The Art of Long-Term Photography Projects

Selecting and developing a photography project can be a daunting task, requiring patience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. This process is crucial for photographers, as it shapes their artistic vision and guides the evolution of their work.

A New York POV With Surprising Results

When it comes to landscape photography, there are a few names that will be recognizable to many almost instantly. One of those is Michael Shainblum. His calm, considered, and purposeful approach makes his shots stand out in my opinion. However, what happens when you take him out of the familiar landscape and put him in the middle of one of the busiest locations in the world?

How Pro Photographers Find Stunning Landscape Images

Have you ever wondered what goes through the mind of a professional photographer when searching for unique compositions? In this article, I break down my entire thought process of how I find, compose, and build an image from start to finish.

Essential Techniques of Dodging and Burning

Dodging and burning, the art of selectively lightening or darkening parts of an image, is a foundational technique in photography. Understanding this method is essential for photographers aiming to control the visual narrative and emphasis within their work.

A Comprehensive Guide to Panoramic Photography

Creating perfect panoramic stitches is an essential skill for photographers aiming to enhance their landscape skills. This technique, when mastered, offers not only incredible resolution and detail but also a unique perspective that elevates the art of photography.

Why Are So Many Influencers Quitting YouTube?

If you’ve been on YouTube at all in the past couple of weeks, the algorithm has more than likely served you up multiple videos of powerful influencers announcing that they are “quitting” the platform. While each person has their own reasons, I think there are a few common threads that we can all learn from.

This Photographer's Dream Camera Is a DSLR From 2001

The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new camera technologies emerging and pushing out old ones seemingly daily. For photographers, especially those with a penchant for vintage gear, exploring cameras that blend classic design with modern functionality can be a fascinating journey. This exploration lands on a unique camera from 2001 in this fun video.

Navigating the Challenges of Winter Landscape Photography

Mastering landscape photography can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor, especially when working in complex and dynamic environments such as snow-covered landscapes. While snowy conditions offer a unique aesthetic, they can also present difficulties in capturing the desired details and maintaining visual balance in the frame.

Mastering Winter Landscapes: Avoid These 10 Photography Mistakes

Navigating the challenges of winter landscape photography requires a keen understanding of the environment and the right techniques to capture its beauty. This helpful video dives into the common pitfalls that photographers face in these conditions and how to improve your work.

What Is Art? When Is a Photo Just a Snapshot?

The debate over William Eggleston's photography, particularly his iconic tricycle image, encapsulates a significant discourse in photography. This image has sparked controversy and admiration, making it a focal point for understanding the nuances of what constitutes art in photography.

Sculpting With Light: A Deep Dive into Parabolic Lighting Modifiers

Photography and videography heavily rely on the quality of lighting, and the choice of modifiers can significantly influence the outcome of a shoot. Parabolic lighting modifiers, known for their distinctive impact on texture and sculpting of human features, are especially important in fashion and beauty photography.

Long Exposures on an iPhone: No Tripod Needed

I always have my iPhone with me (it's an iPhone 15 Pro Max), and I've been able to capture some excellent images when I'm without my usual gear. But there are times when I'd like to do some long exposures, and without a tripod, you're up the creek with just an iPhone.
Choosing the Right Fujifilm Camera for You

Selecting the right camera can be a daunting task for photographers, especially when working within a specific budget. This helpful video addresses this challenge for Fujifilm users, providing valuable insights into the best camera choices across various price points.

The Art of Cropping to Enhance Your Photos

Effective cropping and composition are essential skills for every photographer, impacting the final outcome of their images significantly. Understanding how to use these tools can transform a decent photo into an exceptional one, focusing the viewer's attention on the most important elements of the scene.

Have We Reached Peak Megapixels?

The ever-increasing megapixel count in digital cameras is a trend that continues to shape the landscape of photography. While higher megapixels offer the potential for greater detail and flexibility in post-processing, they also introduce new challenges and considerations for photographers.

The Weather Is So Unpredictable! Or Is It?

As a landscape photographer, I have often packed up my bag, jumped in the car, and headed off into the preferable sunset. My bag is packed with high hopes and expectations for an amazing shoot and for the shots I am going to get. The ever-present challenge is whether the weather is going to play ball. Of course, I have checked all of the apps and made my decision based on what they were telling me. However, I often find that while it might be right to some extent, it is rarely right for exactly what I am looking for. High clouds, fog, mist, or even clear skies are needed for those banger shots.

We Review the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II Mirrorless Camera

Back in 2017, I received the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 for review. My experiences with this mirrorless MFT camera were positive. Now, six years later, Panasonic sent me the second version: the Lumix DC-G9 II. I used it under extreme weather conditions at the Opal Coast in France.

Mastering the Art of Masking in Lightroom

Masking in Lightroom is a crucial skill for photographers aiming to refine their post-processing techniques. The program's powerful tools enable photographers to make selective adjustments that can transform the quality and look of their photos, from subtle enhancements to dramatic changes.

His Last Photograph on the Last Day: Hugh F. McHugh

In the waning days of World War II, the German army unleashed a massive, surprise attack on the Allied forces in the Western Theater with the hope of extending the lifeline of their military forces. This attack created a bulging salient in the Allied lines along the Ardennes Forest in Belgium. This battle, forever known as The Battle of the Bulge, lasted from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, and is considered by historians as one of the largest land battles the United States ever engaged in. In the chaos of all this, US Army Signal Corps photographer, Hugh Francis McHugh, would be there to document the battle. Sadly, it was here on the snow-filled fields, on the last day of the battle, where McHugh would capture his last photograph.

A Review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series is here, and it has brought along some impressive updates and new features. How good is the flagship, the S24 Ultra? This excellent video review takes a look.

Do This To Get Perfect Prints

Some time ago, I wrote an article about soft proofing in Lightroom and Photoshop. It's an essential step in any professional printing workflow. Today, I show the additional steps required to create perfect prints.

The Ultimate 35mm Lens Showdown for Fujifilm Users: From Budget to Premium Picks

The 35mm lens is a staple in many photographers' kits, offering a versatile focal length ideal for a range of shooting scenarios. Its popularity stems from its ability to capture scenes with a natural perspective, making it essential for street, portrait, and everyday photography. This helpful video overview takes a deep look at the best options out there.

Using Your Telephoto Lens for Beautiful Minimalist Photography

When photographing beautiful landscapes, the temptation is always to shoot your composition nice and wide to fit in as much of the scene as possible. In this video from Mads Peter Iversen, he takes us on a winter wonderland trip looking for simple but effective minimalist compositions using a telephoto lens.

Navigating the Complexity of Modern Cameras

The complexity and abundance of features in modern cameras can be overwhelming, often detracting from the essence of capturing great images. This insightful video tackles the issue and the way these cameras influence our work.

Winter Intimacies: A Photographer's Guide to Small-Scale Landscapes

Exploring the nuances of intimate landscapes in winter photography, this awesome video tutorial looks into the art of capturing smaller, detailed scenes in a wintery woodland setting. This topic is particularly interesting, as it challenges the conventional focus on grand vistas, encouraging a more thoughtful and detailed approach to capturing the essence of a season or location.

24 Photoshop Tricks You Might Not Know

Photoshop is a tremendously complex and multi-layered program, and that means that there are features even seasoned pros might not know about. This helpful video tutorial will show you 24 of the most useful features and tricks you might not have seen before.

Things a Photographer Would Do Differently Starting Landscape Photography

After many years of experience, one will often look back with learned wisdom on things they would have done differently from the beginning to get where they are today faster. In this video, we hear from an experienced landscape photographer about things they wish they had known.

A Review of the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro Lens

At $249, the AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro offers users a glimpse into a hidden world without a significant hit to their bank accounts. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Pushing Camera Gear Beyond Its Limits: Shooting at -30° C (-22° F)

There are parameters within which a camera is supposed to work, and one extreme I had not tried with mine was the severe cold. So, I headed to Northern Finland, where I would experience temperatures I had never felt before. Here is what happened to my camera.

Adapting to Change: One Photographer's Journey

Exploring the interplay between creativity, personal expression, and the multifaceted career of a professional photographer, this fantastic video dives deep into the artistic journey of Crystal Schneider. Schneider's experience as a full-time photographer since 2009, along with her transition from a bustling city life in Amsterdam to the tranquility of the French countryside, presents a compelling narrative about adapting to change and finding creativity amidst challenges.

Mastering C-Stands: A Photographer's Essential Guide

Understanding the nuances of C-stands is crucial for photographers seeking to work in a studio. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to ensure a safer, more efficient workflow.