Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Review: The Best Kit Lens Ever?

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations.

This New Netflix Series Is a Visual Feast and an Inspiration for Photographers

With the convergence of film and television production technology and the willingness of streaming services to fund their own major projects, cinematic epics are now being made for the small screen as well. Blurring the line between movies and TV, this new Netflix series is visually stunning.
5 Easy One-Light Patterns Anyone Can Master Fast!

Sometimes, improving your studio portraits isn’t about adding more lights—it’s about making better use of the ones you already have. This highly useful tutorial covers five essential lighting patterns in portraiture and compares the setups. In this in-depth yet quick guide, Pye Jirsa delivers clear and practical demonstrations designed to produce bold, impactful results without overcomplicating your workflow.

Sony vs Leica vs Hasselblad: Which One Is Best?

There aren’t many photographers who own all three cameras, so this isn’t a side-by-side comparison you’ll see too often. Forget the megapixels for a moment and find out which of these three heavyweight cameras gives the most pleasing results.

US Copyright Office: Some AI-Generated Images Can Be Protected – With Conditions

The United States Copyright Office has released a much-anticipated report clarifying how US copyright law applies to artwork created with the help of artificial intelligence. The takeaway: if an AI-generated image includes enough original creative input from a human, it can be eligible for copyright – at least partially​.

Why Photography Is Struggling and What That Means for You

Photography has changed, and if you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’ve probably felt it. Camera sales are down, social media dominates how images are consumed, and video is taking a bigger role in commercial work. If you’re wondering whether there’s still a place for you in photography, you’re not alone.

How a Pot of Coffee Started an Imaging Revolution

Before baby monitors and viral livestreams, a glitchy black-and-white camera pointed at an empty coffee pot ignited an internet revolution. This is the surprising tale of how a thirst for caffeine birthed the world’s very first webcam.

Common Mistakes in Landscape Photography

Landscape photography isn’t just about capturing a scene. It’s about guiding the viewer’s eye, balancing composition, and controlling light. Small adjustments can make a big difference, and knowing what to look for will take your images to the next level.

The Three Best Ways to Build a Photography Business

Making money with your camera isn’t just about taking great photos. It’s about getting clients, making connections, and understanding how to put yourself in the right place at the right time. If you want to turn photography into a full-time income instead of a side hustle, you need to know what works.

Three Things to Know Before Buying Your First Camera

Getting into photography can feel overwhelming with all the gear options and advice out there. The truth is, expensive equipment won’t automatically make you better. Understanding what matters most will set you up for success without unnecessary spending.

Police Seize Photos from Texas Museum in Unprecedented Move

Imagine visiting a photo exhibit and finding out the police removed some of the artworks. That’s exactly what happened in Fort Worth, Texas. Four photographs by famed photographer Sally Mann were seized by police from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth amid allegations that they might constitute child pornography​.

The Known, The Unknown, and the Transcendent

A few years ago, a friend of mine, a symphony maestro, was walking with me through my studio/gallery and remarked that I should compose a book, the title of which would be “The Known, the Unknown, and the Transcendent.” Tom was a true intellectual, a visionary who never allowed a conversation to descend into petty differences and discussions about equipment, etc. It was always about the art, beauty, and ideas.

Less Is More: A Tutorial for Essential Portrait Editing in Lightroom

Less can often be more when it comes to creating stunning portraits in Lightroom. If you’re relatively new to it or you’re somebody who prefers a minimalist but effective approach to portrait editing over going crazy in post with loads of effects, then this tutorial is definitely going to help you.

There Are Two Big Problems With the Leica M11

For many photographers, owning a Leica is a dream, and perhaps the most desired model right now is the M11. However, this camera comes with some notable issues, as this video finds out.

Canon’s 100-300mm f/2.8: Is This Zoom a Prime Killer?

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it.

Critique the Community Winter

Congratulations to the Winners!
Congrats to all the winners of our Winter themed contest. Watch the video above to see all 10 winning images and contact us if you want to claim your free tutorial. You can also hit the selected tab next to the entries to sort by those picked for the video.


If you want to submit to the next contest, the them is "your most difficult" images to capture or produce.  This Critique the Community will run for the entire month of February 2025.
Why Camera Snobs Hate Smartphones (and Why They’re Wrong)

Smartphones have come a long way as imaging tools, yet some still argue they aren’t “real” cameras. Traditionalists insist that only dedicated cameras count. But the reality is, smartphones are fully capable imaging devices, and dismissing them is more about personal bias than technical limitations.

Does Shooting Film Actually Make Photos Better?

Shooting film can completely change how you approach photography. It forces you to slow down, think more deliberately, and accept imperfections as part of the process. Many who started in digital find that switching to film rekindles their love for capturing images. But does film actually make an image better? Or is it just a different way to shoot?

The Real Reason News and Sports Use These Special Cameras

Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections.

How to Edit Landscape Photos for Maximum Impact

The right editing of a landscape photo can bring out details, improve contrast, and create a color balance that enhances a scene’s natural beauty. Here's how to do that in Lightroom.

Discover the Cosmos: We Review the Incredibly Fun Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope

When Dwarflab announced the development of the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, I could not contain my excitement. I thoroughly enjoy astrophotography. For me, that has been limited to subjects like the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis. Deep Space photography and solar imagery have always been a dream of mine, but the learning curve and costs can be extraordinary. The Dwarf 3’s promises are big, but does it deliver? In this article, I put this smart telescope to the test.

I love space! Seriously! Whenever we have clear skies, I really appreciate spending my time looking up at the...

Maximize the Sharpness of Your Lenses

Sharpness and image quality are always top of mind for photographers. How do we get the best quality image from the lenses we purchase? Whether the lens is a budget lens or a premium lens, there are always ways we can work to the lens's strengths. Learn how to maximize the capability of your lenses.

Why Film Photography Still Matters—and Why You Might Want to Try It

Digital photography dominates, offering speed, convenience, and unlimited creative control. But shooting film forces you to slow down, think differently, and embrace an entirely different experience. The appeal isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a unique process that changes how you approach photography.

In-Depth Review of Haida NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 Filter

Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.

The Science Behind Disappointing Photos and How to Fix Them

Have you ever taken a photo of a breathtaking scene, only to find that the image doesn’t match what you remember? The colors seem dull, the depth is missing, and the overall impact just isn’t there. This is a common problem, and it comes down to the fundamental differences between how our eyes and brains process a scene versus what a camera can capture.

The Hidden Costs of Running a Photography Business

Running a photography business costs more than just a camera and a few lenses. The hidden expenses pile up fast, and if you’re not prepared, they can drain your budget before you realize what’s happening.

What Separates Pros From Amateurs

Planning makes or breaks a photo shoot. The difference between an average shot and a great one often comes down to preparation, not gear. If you show up without a plan, you’re gambling with time, money, and results.

This was Difficult!
Critique the Community

This was Difficult!

Your Most Complicated Photoshoot

Welcome to the February 2025 Critique the Community Contest!  For this contest and critique we wanted to switch up the theme a bit by asking you to submit the most difficult and challenging images you've ever taken.

This contest has ended.
The Psychology Behind Stronger Images

Composition makes or breaks an image. A busy scene can overwhelm the viewer, while a well-structured one guides the eye and creates impact. Understanding how people naturally interpret visual elements helps you control how your photos are perceived.

Big Views, Small Package: Why the Laowa 15mm f/5 Shines

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way.

The 10,000-Mile Road Trip That Changed Photography

It is often through the eyes of an outsider that we are most able to see ourselves clearly. The collection of iconic images that Swiss photographer Robert Frank captured on his 10,000-mile road trip across America amounts to nothing less than a historical document and a landmark in American culture.

Is This the Best Camera Mode?

From fully automated shooting modes to full manual and a variety of semi-automatic modes in between, which is best for your photography? Is using manual mode the only way to go? Or are there better modes to help you focus on your creativity instead of the technical aspects of the camera?

How to Shoot Film for Landscape Photography

Film photography offers a unique approach to capturing landscapes. Unlike digital, it forces you to slow down, consider each shot, and make deliberate choices. This makes it an excellent way to refine your skills and understand exposure, composition, and light in a deeper way.

How to Use Layer Masks in Photoshop Like a Pro

Layer masks are one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop. They let you hide or reveal parts of an image without making permanent changes. Whether you’re blending backgrounds, refining edges, or adjusting selective areas, understanding how to use layer masks effectively will save you time and give you more control.

Mastering the Intersect Command in Lightroom for Better Selections

The ability to make precise selections in photo editing can transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary. While masking tools have evolved significantly, understanding how to combine them strategically is key to achieving professional-grade results.

The Best Ways to Remove Distractions in Photoshop

Removing objects in Photoshop has come a long way. What once required careful cloning and manual blending is now faster and cleaner, thanks to AI-driven tools that handle even complex removals with minimal effort.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (January 2025): Alex Hill

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2025, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.