The histogram is one of the most useful tools available to any photographer, no matter the genre in which they shoot. You can do a lot more with it than simply reading the tonal content of your images, though. This excellent video tutorial will show you three lesser-known aspects of the histogram and how to use them in Lightroom or Camera Raw to get more out of your image edits.

As the artificial intelligence race intensifies among photography software companies, Boris FX is filling a completely different niche with their editing software Optics. With their latest release, Optics users now have access to their powerful Particle Illusion generator, which can create thousands of useful emitters like explosions, smoke, fire, and other particle effects. Today, we take a look at the new Optics 2022 release which is available as a plugin for both Photoshop and Lightroom, as well as a standalone application.

"How much detail can you really get out of 35mm scans?" That is the question that has long been up for debate among film photographers, and I believe we now have an answer.

Medium format lenses are almost always more expensive than comparable full frame or APS-C counterparts, simply because that bigger sensor needs a bigger image circle and thus, more glass. As such, a medium format lens that sits below $1,000 is worth a look. The Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR is one of those rare lenses, and this great video review takes a look at it and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

Growing as a photographer means finding new and more creative ways to shoot. The best way to do this is to challenge how you normally do things and mix it up with small changes, such as shooting at a different time of day.

The new Nikon Z 9 is nearly a perfect camera for my needs. So how could it get even more perfect?

Modern cameras and lenses are so good that they can handle just about anything you can throw at them, and while it is wonderful to have such powerful capabilities at your fingertips, it can also be a bit paralyzing in a way. If you are in a creative rut and unsure of how to get out of it, check out this fantastic video that will show you how adding constraints to your photography can actually jumpstart it.

If you only shoot with one camera, you will never have to deal with the issue of syncing clocks, but if you have ever shot a large event with multiple bodies that were not perfectly in sync, you know the frustration of trying to cull those images. This excellent video tutorial will show you why you need to sync the time between your camera bodies, how to do it, and how to fix a time discrepancy in post if you forget to sync beforehand.

Recently, two photography friends visited the Fstoppers studio on the same day. Of course, this meant I needed to plan a friendly photography competition to see once and for all who is the best photographer in the land! This challenge video comes with lots of twists and turns, but at the core, we ask the question: "can an iPhone beat an expensive $12,000 medium format mirrorless camera?" Today, we find out.

When traveling has been so difficult, videos of distant locations become even more appealing. Watch as a Canon ambassador creates a beautiful short film in northern Norway, battling the elements and the pandemic.

When you are a new photographer, you have a ton to learn and take in all at the same time, and it can be easy to go wrong at different points. If you are new to photography and want to improve, check out this excellent video tutorial that discusses five common mistakes that beginner photographers make and how to fix them or avoid them entirely.

In digital photography, chimping is when you take a photograph, look at the LCD screen, and then adjust your exposure settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) if they are a bit off. In this article, I will tell you why you shouldn’t be doing this.

Photoshop hasn't always been so powerful when it comes to features. This is how difficult it was to edit photos with no layers, styles, and only one undo back then.

Chances are, everyone in your circle knows you are a photographer. How many of those people have an understanding of what you actually do on a day-to-day basis? This brief, but funny video by Niels Kemp highlights some of the misconceptions he encounters from the people closest to him.

Creating a 360 VR panorama (also referred to as 360x180 degree panorama) has been an interesting side-challenge to take on for photographers, but in the past few years, it has been simplified to the point where phones, such as the Google Pixel series, make taking a VR panorama practically a point-and-shoot affair. But shooting one of the night sky remains a worthy challenge.

Inflation is slowly killing your business, and many photographers haven't seen the big picture yet. Inflation is an on-going process but the past couple of years have really taken a bite out of the small business success story.

Based in Zurich, Maya and Daniele used three separate lights to create white light. It’s not an easy thing to do, and this is a great example.

A good wide angle lens can be tremendously useful for a range of photography genres, and Canon shooters have a few options from which to choose, with varying image quality, specs, and, of course, price. The excellent video comparison takes a look at three such lenses, the RF 14-35mm f/4 L IS USM, RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L IS USM, and RF 16mm f/2.8 STM.

For many photographers and filmmakers, a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens is the workhorse of choice for a wide variety of genres and shooting situations. That being said, such lenses can be quite expensive. Samyang's 24-70mm f/2.8 AF Zoom comes in at less than half the price of most such lenses, however, making it an intriguing option for a wide variety of creatives. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

These new camera backpacks from Manfrotto offer more than just a minimalist design.

Photography gear is quite expensive, and filling out your kit can quickly add up in cost. Purchasing used can save you a ton of money, but, of course, you want to make sure the camera or lens you are considering is in good shape and fully functional. This helpful video features an experienced photographer discussing what you should look for and how to evaluate used cameras and lenses before you agree to purchase them.

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 2021, 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.

Seattle, Washington: A local photographer swears final_image_version_8_USE_THIS_ONE_edit_edit_edit_edit_copy.TIFF is the last edit of this image. No really. Promise.

There are some common habits that photographers tend to fall into, some beneficial and some detrimental. If you want to improve your images and continue to grow as a creative, check out this fantastic video tutorial that discusses five common habits photographers need to unlearn.

Leica is a polarizing brand by virtue of their prices and almost nothing else. But, if money was no object, would you shoot with them? Their Noctilux range is on many wishlists, but how good are they really and can they justify the price?

The neat thing about landscape photography is that you can create a wide variety of different photographs of the same frame simply by varying your camera settings. If you are new to the genre and want to know how to set yourself up to create the best possible images, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you everything you need to know to prepare your camera to take a shot.

Being a photographer takes the ability to handle a lot of pressure: the need to constantly bring your best abilities to a shoot, to always be able to innovate creatively, to juggle a wide range of skills needed to run a business, and a lot more. At the end of the day, though, are you remembering to enjoy your photography? This great video is a friendly reminder to take time to enjoy yourself.

YouTube can be a lucrative platform if you can break through the huge crowd of very talented creators all jockeying for position on the platform. Of course, that is a huge caveat, but if you are interested in what kind of income a creator can make at the top of the pile, this informative video that features a high-level YouTuber pulling back the curtain will show you just what you need to know.

We are constantly pressured into buying the latest cameras. As the bottom has fallen out of the camera market, maybe it’s time that camera manufacturers had a rethink about what they offer us. Nevertheless, there are good reasons for and against both upgrading and changing your system.

Wedding photography can be one of the more daunting genres. For many people, their wedding day is one of the most important days of their lives. As photographers, it's crucial to capture these moments carefully and as best we can. This is especially important when it comes to the bride.

It is always a good idea to try to get your compositions right in camera, both to keep your eye sharp and to retain as much resolution and as flexible a file as possible, but there is no shame in cropping in post, whether to get a different aspect ratio, get closer than you were able to in person, or simply because you have changed your mind about the composition. This helpful video tutorial will show you how cropping can improve your landscape images and different ways to employ it for the best results.

Do you struggle with finding compositions in woodland? Over the years, I have developed a strategy that helped me to succeed. Sometimes, I even see one composition beside the other without even looking.

Photography, just like any other creative pursuit, is prone to encouraging certain habits. Some of those can be quite beneficial, and some of those will likely hold you back. This excellent video discusses 12 habits that every photographer should have: what they are, why they are beneficial, and how to implement them in your process.

Samyang, long known for producing highly affordable but sharp manual focus lenses, has expanded into autofocus offerings in recent years while still keeping their lineup at prices well below first-party options. The new AF 135mm f/1.8 FE offers a popular portrait focal length with a pleasingly wide maximum aperture, and this excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

If you are a beginning photographer who has only worked with amateur models, it may be your dream to work with a professional model one day. Is there a noticeable difference between working with a professional model and an amateur model?

There are certain rights of passage in photography that we all should try at some juncture of our time with a camera. They act as both important learning tools but plainly, they're good fun to do. In this video, Pye Jirsa walks you through how he created a great-looking portrait using a smoke bomb.

Portrait focal length lenses with wide maximum apertures will always be popular, but they can also be quite expensive, easily running about $2,000 at the top end of the spectrum. The TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25 offers that classic combination at a much more affordable price, making it an attractive option for a wide range of photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

I am as big a fan of Canon's lenses as anyone; I resisted the temptation to switch brands for years simply because they offer certain lenses that I can't imagine not having. When it comes to the new RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM and RF 1200mm f/8 L IS USM lenses, however, you should really think twice before you buy them.

It’s been a long time coming but Skylum Software has finally released Luminar Neo, their brand new version of the software that incorporates a ton of new features, is faster, and is simpler, but also offers more depth.

Most of us have made hasty purchases at one point or another, but have you ever bought something you genuinely regretted? In this video, Mattias Burling discusses five cameras he regrets buying and why.

Cinematographer Lewis Potts brings us through his methods in creating an indoor scene, as well as the rest of the commercial he shot. However, there’s something in particular worth sharing.

The Nikon Z 9 is built for speed. Here are the first customizations I’ve chosen to make mine even faster.

Travel photography is a staple genre of the craft and one that most photographers try at some point. However, with such a broad scope and the many other genres that it encompasses, it can be hard to keep your kit bag light. So, what's the best prime lens?

The current state of the world can easily be described as challenging. How can art and photography fit into this broader context of current affairs?

While it’s always fun to window-shop $14,000 lenses, the best value for the dollar can be had from some simple $30 or less accessories. Over the last year, I’ve found 4 pieces of gear that have earned a permanent place in my bag — here are my favorite cheap and functional accessories that can all fulfill a variety of roles.

I've spent a lot of money on backgrounds, and while for photographing humans, it's certainly the way to go, for product photography, sometimes, the solution is sitting right in front of your face. I mean that in the most literal of senses, as in your computer monitor.

Camera technology is evolving at a breakneck pace, and manufacturers are getting a lot right these days. But of course, no company is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. This great video features a photographer discussing seven things he wishes all camera companies would improve on.

There is something to be said for getting composition right in camera, of course, but that does not mean you should never use the tools available to you in post-production, particularly the ability to crop photos to be just right. If you want to improve your portraits, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you three cropping tips that will quickly improve the quality of your photos.

One thing we sometimes forget in the process of trying to improve our photos is the impact a simple prop can have, especially when you are trying to break through a creative block. If you want an affordable but effective way to invigorate your creative process and add more visual interest to your images, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you 16 simple prop ideas, all for under $50.

Let me give you clear warning: this is not for the faint of heart. Every year, 100s of people are killed or injured in their quest for the perfect selfie. Here is a graphic reminder of how it can all go so wrong.