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.
How Secure Are the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L and Camera Cubes?
After years of not owning a camera bag, I now have the Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L. I used it for traveling because of its security; unusually, I was transporting a lot of expensive gear. Here's what I concluded about it.
Shutter Speed Explained Better Than You've Ever Seen Before
Why are movies shot at 24 frames per second? How does rolling shutter work? What is electronic first curtain shutter? All of these things and more are answered by our YouTube superhero.
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
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.
Sometimes, All You Need To Rekindle Artistic Inspiration Is a Little Space
It's easy to get inspired when all your momentum is going in the same direction. But what do you do when you're feeling stalled?
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.
This Photographer Studied With Ansel Adams
How much would you love to study with Ansel Adams? This photographer did.
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.
Photographer Fights To Get His Stolen Camera Gear off eBay
There's nothing worse for a photographer than having their gear stolen. The question is, what can you do if you find your precious items being resold on eBay?
The (Un)Glamorous Life of the Hollywood Still Photographer
The perceived glamorous life of a Hollywood unit still photographer is not all about meeting A-list celebrities and taking iconic cover shots of award-winning films. It's actually a challenging endeavor that requires grit, perseverance, and a plethora of social and technical skills.
Finding Photographic Inspiration in Unconventional Places
Finding inspiration in photography can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a creative block. This is a common issue for both amateur and professional photographers, as maintaining a consistent flow of creativity is crucial for producing compelling images.
Acrylic Prints From ZNO: A Must Try
One of the best ways to display your work is by creating acrylic prints of them. Be it your own desire or a client wanting to go extra on their last photoshoot, acrylic-mounted prints are one of the best ways to create physical copies of your images. In this article, we will see how you can use client galleries to prompt your clients to purchase acrylic prints and display them on your wall.
Exposed: Local Photographer a Complete Fraud, His 'Deep' Instagram Captions Just Trending Hashtags
Houston, Texas: In a dramatic revelation, local photographer Jason Artique's deep and insightful Instagram captions have been unmasked as nothing but a collection of trending hashtags. This shocking discovery has overturned his reputation as a profound artist and shaken the Instagram community.
Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (January 2024): Jamie Felton
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 2023, 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.
Innovative Lighting for Sports Photography
Sports portraits present unique lighting challenges that require creative solutions. This helpful video tutorial will show you some excellent techniques and advice for improving your sports portraits.
Revolutionizing Vintage Lenses With the Darkest Material on Earth
Mathieu Stern is one of the most well-known explorers of vintage and strange lenses, and his experiments yield some of the neatest images and devices out there.
A Look at the Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G and FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lenses
News and Analysis: The OM-1 Mark II and Two New Lenses Are Announced
OM Digital Solutions has announced an upgrade to their popular OM-1. The Mark II version has the same sensor and processor, but the development has concentrated on a much larger memory and buffer, improved dials, and a range of new features that will appeal especially to wildlife and landscape photographers.
The Art and Science of Photographing a Total Solar Eclipse
Capturing a total solar eclipse is not only a technical challenge, but also an awe-inspiring experience that merges art with astronomy. With such an event coming up for many of us, now is a great time to check out this fantastic guide to capturing one.