Using the Rule of Odds in Landscape Compositions

If there are multiple objects that make up the subject in your photo, it can be wise to consider the rule of odds. An odd number of objects makes the image more interesting compared to an even number. As always, there are exceptions to this rule.

Mastering Your First Photo Shoot

Planning your first photo shoot can be a daunting yet thrilling experience, especially in the realms of beauty and fashion photography. Kayleigh June, a seasoned beauty and fashion photographer, delves into this topic, offering invaluable insights and practical steps to make your first photo shoot a success. Her expertise is crucial for budding photographers looking to make a mark in the industry.

Finding Your Photographic Style in 2024

While some New Year's resolutions focus on hitting the gym or changing up a bad habit, for photographers, it's often about learning something new in the world of photography. If you're listening to art photographer and educator Scott French, one of those things to learn might be how to find your own style.

Five Secrets of Studio Photography I Wish I Knew Earlier

Working in a photo studio can be very scary at first, as you need to set up a lot of different equipment. Indeed, when you have flashes, modifiers, camera settings, and then some on top, you can get lost very easily. I was lost during my first shoot for these reasons. That experience would’ve been so much easier had I known these tips, though.

6 Common Mistakes Landscape Photographers Make When Editing Skies

Editing the sky in a landscape image is a critical skill for creating a compelling final product. However, many photographers, especially beginners, struggle with over-processing the sky, making it appear unnatural and detracting from the overall image. This helpful video tutorial will show you six common mistakes and how to improve your sky edits.

Composition Techniques for Better Visual Balance in Your Photos

Mastering the art of visual balance is a cornerstone in photography. For photographers, achieving a harmonious composition is as crucial as mastering lighting or exposure and is often the difference between good and exceptional work.

A Beginner's Photo-Editing Workflow in Lightroom

Understanding the raw editing process is fundamental for any new photographer, both to produce polished images and to establish a consistent and repeatable workflow. This helpful video tutorial will show you a four-step process for editing your photos in Lightroom.

Rediscovering My Grandfather’s Camera

Recently, as I've begun exploring the realm of film photography, my dad pulled out his father's old camera and passed it down to me. I never knew my grandfather, so this feels like a moment to connect where I was never able to.

Who Makes the Best Smartphone Camera?

The smartphone camera market is a fiercely competitive arena, where manufacturers constantly vie to produce the best camera. This fantastic video takes a look at some of the best to help you choose the right option for you.

When Should You Perform Noise Reduction on Your Images?

Noise reduction is a critical component in the post-processing workflow for photographers, especially those frequently dealing with high-ISO images or challenging lighting conditions. Understanding where and when to apply noise reduction can significantly impact the quality of the final image. This helpful video will show you the optimal time to do to ensure you get the best possible shots.

Why I (Up)Downgraded My Camera Setup For 2024

I don’t usually like change. This is because I am disinterested in learning new tech every year, but also because I prioritize using the tools I already know how to use. After all, if it works fine, why change it? Well, for 2024, I am changing things up a little bit. Here is what’s staying and what’s changing.

Why You Should Try Macro Photography

Macro photography, a realm often overlooked, offers photographers a unique way to transform ordinary subjects into extraordinary images. This niche pushes the boundaries of creativity, turning mundane objects into captivating subjects, and is worth a try by anyone who enjoys the photographic process.

The Power of Dodging and Burning in Landscape Photography

Dodging and burning, a technique widely used by portrait photographers, is also highly effective in landscape work. This technique, traditionally associated with Photoshop, can significantly alter the visual impact of an image. However, many photographers may not realize that this method can also be done in Lightroom, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how to do just that.

The Camera Accessory That Saved My Workflow? Peak Design Tech Pouch Review

If you're like me, you have a whole bunch of small photography bits—cables, connectors, SD cards, batteries, and more—in your camera bag. If you were to use a different bag, you'd have to take all of them out and transfer them over. That's how I lived for the first couple of years of my career, and it was awful.

How Good Is the Sensor in the Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera?

The Sony a9 III and its global sensor have created a metric ton of buzz, but the possible limitations in dynamic range and ISO performance have some thinking twice before placing their order. This helpful video takes a look at the sensor and the sort of performance you can expect from it.

The Art of Capturing Emotions in Photos

Photography is an art form deeply intertwined with emotions and feelings, transcending mere technical proficiency or stunning locations. This concept is crucial, as capturing the essence of a moment or subject often relies more on emotional depth than on technical aspects alone.

Four Basic Types of Light Every Photographer Gets Wrong

Not long ago, I had the pleasure of participating in a creative photo weekend and showing a very green photographer some basics of lighting. While she was a darling and seemed to grasp every concept I explained, there were still quite a few misunderstandings that I had to clear up. In this article, I will explain the basic properties of light every photographer must know.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR Lens

Fujifilm enthusiasts seeking extensive zoom capabilities will find the XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R LM OIS WR lens an appealing choice, delivering a reach up to an equivalent of 914mm. This makes it particularly attractive for photographers specializing in sports and wildlife. Such genres have high standards, though, placing a lot demands on the lens. This excellent video review explores the lens' real-world performance and image quality, providing valuable insights for potential users.

How to Use Post-Processing to Add Depth to Your Images

Clicking the shutter is often only the first step in creating an image. Mastering post-processing skills is crucial for new photographers. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use post-processing to add depth to your landscape images.

5 Pro Tips for Better Black and White Photography

One of the most appealing genres for photographers is black and white. Although we are long past the age of black and white being the only "real" medium of photography, there is still artistic appeal behind such images. In this article, I will share some of my favorite tips for better black and white images.

The Untold Realities of Professional Photography

Professional photography is a career path laden with unexpected challenges and thrills. The allure of this profession is undeniable, attracting many with the promise of creative expression and the glamour of high-profile assignments. Yet, there lies a stark reality beneath this glittering surface, one that every budding photographer must grapple with.

Mastering the Art of Winter Landscape Photography

Winter landscape photography presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, making it a fantastic pursuit for anyone who enjoys the genre. This helpful video tutorial discusses some common mistakes and how you can avoid them in your work.

3 Ideas for When Skies Won’t Cooperate for a Photo

I'm envious of the fortunate people who live near Maine's beautiful landscapes. This proximity provides numerous opportunities to capture the perfect shot of some of my favorite lighthouses. But what happens when you make the trek and the skies simply don't want to cooperate?

Hard Photography Truths to Help You Start 2024 Right

As we step into 2024, photographers and content creators are faced with a familiar New Year's resolution: declaring this year as "their year." But as any experienced photographer will tell you, progress in the creative field is more complex than just a declaration. It involves confronting harsh truths, adapting to changes, and continuous learning.

A Beginner's Guide to Tone Adjustment in Lightroom

Mastering post-processing tools like Lightroom is as crucial as capturing the perfect shot, and it often starts with the tone sliders. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know get started.

5 Unusual One-Light Softbox Setups You Will Love

I consider myself a very lucky photographer. After all, I have a studio to myself, plenty of various funky lights, and plenty of lighting knowledge to rely on when I want to create something. This was not the case a few years back. At some point, all I had was a light and an umbrella. If you are in this boat, this is the perfect article for you. There is a lot you can do with just a light and a modifier.

The Focal Length Choices of Famous Film Directors

For photographers, filmmakers, and cinematographers who understand the basics, going deeper into the nuances of focal length can be tremendously informative. This exploration is at the heart of this great video that takes a look at the sophisticated choices of renowned directors and their implications in visual storytelling.

A Common Financial Pitfall for New Professional Photographers

In the competitive and often unpredictable world of professional photography, managing finances can be as crucial as mastering the lens. The journey from a budding photographer to a seasoned pro is fraught with challenges, not least among them is financial management. This important video from a seasoned professional discusses a crucial mistake less seasoned photographers often make.

Why Beginners Should Know The Overrated Impact of High-End Gear in Achieving Photographic Mastery

In the world of photography, the allure of high-end gear is undeniable. From the latest cameras to lenses with almost impossible specs, the market is flooded with equipment promising to elevate the art of photography to new heights. This narrative often leads to a common misconception: that the key to achieving photographic mastery lies predominantly in owning the most sophisticated and expensive gear. However, this perspective overlooks the essence of what truly makes a great photographer.

This Might Be My New Favorite Light Modifier

As photographers, we often go through many modifiers to find the right one, and this may just be my new go-to. With its low cost, portable form factor, and ease of setup, the Aputure Lantern could be right for you too.

The Importance of Examining Past Mistakes

No matter what you shoot as a photographer, continual self-improvement is key. One effective way to achieve this is by reviewing old work, a practice that offers critical insights into your growth and areas needing refinement.

Choosing the Right Lens for Street Photography: A Guide

Street photography is a beloved but challenging genre for many photographers. Selecting the right lens is crucial, as it can significantly impact the style and quality of the images captured as well as how you go about taking them.

More News About the Canon EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II Mirrorless Cameras Emerges

There's interesting news about Canon's upcoming camera releases for 2024, particularly for those interested in what will be the company's two most important cameras in years, the EOS R1 and EOS R5 Mark II. According to their latest report, Canon is set to prioritize the launch of the Canon EOS R1, positioning it ahead of the EOS R5 Mark II in their release schedule.

A Review of the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

The latest Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S lens offers an extensive range ideal for photographers specializing in wildlife, bird, and sports photography, combined with an impressively compact design that is a significant advantage over traditional, bulky supertelephoto prime lenses. But what about its real-world capabilities? This outstanding video review examines its performance and the image quality it delivers when put to use.

Why You Must Give Your Clients Proof Prints

I know it, picking the right print for your album can be a difficult task. There is only so much research you can do and information you can give to your clients without presenting them with real physical prints to look at.

The Hohem Mic-01 Challenging the Big Names in Audio Recording

Some fabulous new tech on the market that is making our lives as photographers and videographers evermore easy. The Hohem MIC-01 Wireless Lavalier Microphone is released today. I found it a great addition to my arsenal of tools that exceeded my expectations.

Awesome Lightroom Technique to Add Atmosphere

In this article, I show you an awesome Lightroom editing technique you can use to add atmosphere to your photos. If you take this method to the extreme, you can even turn a normal day into a foggy scene. It works well for woodland photos.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens

At under $300, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 offers APS-C users a lot of versatility in a portable and very affordable package. What kind of performance and image quality can you expect from it in usage? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect from the lens in usage.

From Imitation to Innovation: The Photographer's Journey

The transition from imitating to innovating is a critical step in a photographer's journey towards capturing stronger, more meaningful photographs. This progression is not just about mastering the technical aspects of photography, but also about developing a unique creative voice.

5 Easy Speedlight Photography Setups to Take Your Images to the Next Level

Just like most photographers, my off-camera flash journey began with the purchase of a speedlight and some inexpensive triggers. Many photographers will tell you that as soon as you get a speedlight, you need to acquire proper off-camera flash units. However, there are still many things you can do with a speedlight, and in this article, I will show you some of them.

The Advantages of Using Auto ISO on Your Camera

Understanding and utilizing camera settings to their fullest potential is crucial to ensuring you get the shots you want. Among these, auto ISO plays a pivotal role, especially in challenging and quickly changing lighting conditions. This helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.

Mastering Photography: Beyond Gear and Comparisons

The endless quest for the "perfect" gear often overshadows the art of photography itself. This thought-provoking video delves into this dilemma, providing seasoned and amateur photographers alike with a fresh perspective on equipment choice and the pitfalls of comparison.

This Simple Flash Mistake Is Ruining Your Images, Here Is How To Fix It

In the past ten or so years, one of the most common features flash photographers started using is HSS. However, HSS can ruin your images when it comes to freezing ability, consistency, and light output. In this article, I will show just how HSS can be a detriment to your images and what you should do instead.

A Review of the Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera for Wedding Photography

The Nikon Zf mirrorless camera is one of the latest to hop on the retro train, blending modern technology with a touch of nostalgia. Its features and design resonate with photographers who prefer the tactile experience of older cameras over using digital menus. This great video review takes a look at how that functional design holds up for demanding wedding work.

A Review of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens

Sony has introduced the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, featuring a host of upgrades and fresh features that are likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of photographers and videographers. What's its real-world performance like? This detailed video review explores the performance and image quality that one can anticipate from the lens in usage.

Four Simple Tips to Improve Your Art of Photography

In an era where image quality no longer serves as the sole differentiator among photographers due to advancing technology, having the latest and greatest gear no longer gives photographers a drastic upper hand.