Helpful Advice for Approaching Your Photography Clients

At some point in any photographer’s career, I am pretty sure you will at some point come across clients who will just send in inquiry with zero context asking how much you charge for a photoshoot. There is no way we could have possibly been able to provide an accurate project cost estimate without having any information on a project scope to establish the parameters. These types of clients are those that keep me awake at night, not because I am incapable of delivering but because these clients will have unrealistic expectations of what we can deliver.

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A Review of the Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Laptop

Once you have used an OLED screen, it is hard to imagine using anything else. With their gorgeous, inky blacks, infinite contrast, and vivid colors, OLED laptops make for quite an enjoyable experience. One such option is the new Asus Zenbook 14 OLED, and this excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect from it.

A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Right Film Stock

The realm of film photography, rich in variety and nuances, can be an overwhelming journey for beginners. Understanding the array of film stocks available is not only crucial for achieving desired photographic results but also forms the backbone of a photographer's artistic expression. This helpful video will show you everything you need to get started.

Happy Holidays to Me: 9 Photography Gifts You Deserve

As the holiday season approaches, the search for the perfect gifts intensifies. For the photography enthusiasts in your life, there's no shortage of thoughtful and inspiring presents to make their Christmas merry and bright. In this guide, let's explore nine photography-related gifts that promise to delight shutterbugs, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether it's innovative gadgets, educational resources, or creative accessories, these gifts are sure to bring joy to the world of photography. Best of all these gifts make the perfect gift from you to you. After all, who knows what you want and need the most?

A Review of the 7artisans Photoelectric 9mm f/5.6 Lens

There are wide lenses, and then, there is the 7artisans Photoelectric 9mm f/5.6, which offers the widest focal length available in a full frame rectilinear lens, which is sure to capture the attention of anyone who is a fan of extreme options. What kind of image quality and performance can it deliver, though? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect in usage.

Four Photo Business Traps

In the ever-evolving world of photography, finding lucrative and sustainable income streams remains a paramount concern for professionals in the field. This excellent video features an experienced pro discussing four business traps photographers fall into and how to avoid them yourself.

SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CF Express: Investment Worthy? We Review.

I don’t hold back words for gear that has fancy specs but is not built to be a workhorse for high-volume photographers shooting under various conditions. With all the impressive technology attached to the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CF Express card, I set out to see if it was not only as fast and high-powered as it touts but also if it was built with the durability that I expect when I’m investing in gear.

A Review of the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera has been called a miniature version of the highly respected Z9, bringing with it a huge range of advanced features and capabilities in a more portable and affordable body. What can you expect from the Z8? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance image quality it offers.

Embracing the Traditional Artistry of Photography

In an era dominated by digital advancements, photographers, both veterans and novices, face a critical dilemma: the reliance on technology versus the essence of traditional photography skills. It challenges the core principles and techniques that define the art of photography.

The American West and Richard Avedon

In the early 1980s, famed fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon embarked on a project to create a collection of portraits that aimed to depict the people of the American West in a raw and unembellished manner. With this project, "The American West," his intention was to move away from the glamorous world of fashion photography and instead focus on the everyday individuals who inhabited the American West.

Unlocking the Potential of Selling Photography Prints

In an age where digital art and photography are increasingly consumed appreciated, many photographers, professionals, and hobbyists alike, contemplate venturing into the world of selling their prints online. This video sheds light on this journey, offering valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to transform their photographic talents into income.

A Deep Dive Into Understanding the Lifespan of Your Images

As I went through the process of archiving and backing up my collection of images, I couldn't help but think: do digital images last forever? Or do they only last as long as the lifespan of a photographer? With these questions in mind, let's explore my thoughts on digital photography and its future.

What Makes a Good Photo?

Photography, an art form and a technical craft, is continually evolving, and understanding what separates a good photo from an average one is crucial for any photographer. The difference lies not just in technical aspects, but also in the emotion and story conveyed through the image, a topic discussed in depth in this helpful video tutorial.

Buy the New Gear or Take the Trip?

You're a landscape photographer facing a choice: invest in new camera gear or embark on a photography trip with some extra funds in hand. Which option is the better choice for enhancing your photography?

Two Years With the Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Camera

Typically, I am not a fan of fixed prime lens cameras, but the Fujifilm X100 series was the exception that won my heart. With its distinctive, engaging, and highly effective design, the X100 series cameras have garnered considerable respect throughout the photography community. The X100V has been with us for about two years now. Can it still compete with the latest options? This excellent video review takes a look.

What One Professional Photographer Would Do if They Could Start Over

If you could start photography over again, there are probably a lot of things you would do differently. I know I would definitely make a few changes. This great video features an experienced professional discussing what she would do differently.

A Long-Term Review of the Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

The Hasselblad X2D 100C is a very portable camera that packs a real punch inside, offering photographers a lot of power in a package that can easily go anywhere. How does it perform in practice, though? This great video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect.

How to Grow as a Photographer

Growing as a photographer is not an easy or obvious thing to do. This particularly insightful video is here to help, though, offering practical advice for photographers seeking to elevate their craft, regardless of whether they are beginners or long-time enthusiasts.

5 Important Skills for Budding Professional Photographers

Working to become a professional photographer takes a lot of careful study and practice, with the ability to juggle multiple skills at the same time. If that is your current pursuit, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer sharing five skills budding professionals need to learn.

How to Create Stunning Wave Photos

The beauty of waves is that no two are the same, and you can create dramatic and dynamic photos with just a little know-how. This fantastic video tutorial will show you everything you need to know.

The Best Laptops of 2023

2023 has been a great year for laptops, with fantastic models for both Mac and Windows users. Here were the best models of the year.

The Art of Real-Time: How Visual Effects Revolutionize Sports Broadcasting

If you have watched sports long enough, you know that the quality and novelty of the broadcasts has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years, with an explosion of live visual effects. This fun video pulls back the curtain and takes a look at just what goes into all of that.

5 Crucial Photography Lessons

There are many well-known lessons in photography. However, this enlightening video delves into unconventional wisdom, sharing insightful lessons that challenge standard photography norms.

A Review of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x Lens

Venus Optics, recognized for creating distinct and unusual lenses with remarkable capabilities at budget-friendly prices, has long been respected for the unique offerings. The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x is one such lens, standing out by providing double the magnification of standard macro lenses without a hefty price tag and being compatible with all major full frame mirrorless camera mounts. In this insightful video review, the lens is thoroughly examined, highlighting the performance and image quality it offers in real-world use.

How to Change a Facial Expression in Photoshop

Changing someone's facial expression is not something you will do very often, but it can be a real lifesaver for those occasional group shots where someone didn't smile or the like. This great video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to efficienty and convincingly edit facial expressions using Photoshop.

A Review of the Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a6700 mirrorless camera is a compact powerhouse blending cutting-edge technology and exceptional image quality. Can it give the kind of real-world performance and image quality professionals demand? This excellent video review takes a look.

Things to Consider When Photographing Snow Landscapes

A snow-covered landscape can be truly breathtaking, exuding a pristine beauty and offering a unique canvas for photography. In this article, I will delve into the considerations one must keep in mind when capturing the allure of such a wondrous white world.

This Affordable 85mm Lens Is a Hidden Gem

The market is saturated with a wide array of 85mm lenses, ranging in price from a couple hundred to well over $2,000. While one might assume a direct relationship between cost and quality, there are exceptions offering outstanding image quality at a fraction of the price. The Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8S DF DSM is one such lens, and this detailed video review showcases the performance and image quality it offers in use.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR Lens

The Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR, with its exceptionally wide angle of view, is versatile for numerous uses, making it an intriguing option, particularly alongside an affordable price. In this excellent video review, the lens is explored in depth, showcasing the kind of performance and image quality it delivers in real-world scenarios.

Staying Warm for Landscape Photography in the Winter

Cold weather landscape photography is one of my favorite times to be out photographing. Familiar landscapes become unfamiliar once again. But you must be prepared and comfortable while out in the elements. Here is my approach to staying warm in the winter.

Will AI Be Your Child's Next History Teacher?

AI is taking the world by storm, threatening to fundamentally rewrite many paradigms. What if children could actually talk to historical figures through AI, learning through conversations with famous figures? This fun video takes a look at one of the first attempts at that.

Photographer Revolutionizes Technique by Holding Lens Wrong Way, Sparks Outrage and Confusion

Los Angeles, CA: In a bold move defying decades of established practice, local photographer Max Carter has turned the photography world upside down—literally—by opting to hold his camera lens over the top, instead of the traditional support from underneath. This unconventional technique has sparked a mixture of outrage, confusion, and reluctant admiration within the photography community.

Mastering the Art of Nighttime Video Lighting

Just like photos, lighting for video is an essential skill that not only helps you get the right exposure, but sets the mood for the frame. This excellent video tutorial will show you four different nighttime lighting setups sure to add a lot intrigue to your shots.

A Review of the Affordable and Portable Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Lens

Viltrox has rapidly established itself as a reputable lens manufacturer, known for delivering quality results at very attractive prices. Priced at $158, the AF 20mm f/2.8 continues this trend. This lens, with its compact size and a practical focal length, raises the question: can it achieve professional-quality outcomes despite its budget-friendly price? This insightful video review explores the performance and image quality you can expect from it in real-world use.

How To Use Foreshortening for Creative Portraits

In my journey as a portrait photographer, I've found foreshortening to be a creative look that you can use to produce some dynamic images. But what is foreshortening, and how can it add some dynamism to your portraits? Let's dive in.

Don't Get Sued by The Grinch This Holiday Season

During the festive holiday season, capturing holiday-themed family photographs is a cherished tradition for many. However, photographers, especially those conducting holiday photo sessions, should be wary of certain legal pitfalls. One such issue arises with the use of popular characters like The Grinch in professional photoshoots.

Don't Overlook the 15" MacBook Air

The 15-inch MacBook Air rewrote the paradigm between the Air and Pro models, offering a larger screen in the svelte form factor that first made the model popular. This might leave you wondering if you need the Air or Pro for your needs. This great video discusses why you shouldn't overlook the larger Air model.

A Review of the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens

Tamron has emerged as a beloved brand in the photography industry, known for producing lenses that combine excellent performance and image quality with appealing prices. Among these is the 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD lens, which offers a very pragmatic design, making it an ideal choice for those interested in landscape and architectural photography. This detailed video review explores the real-world performance and image quality that this lens delivers.

Upmarket Gifts That Photographers Really Want to Receive

Every winter, plenty of articles appear suggesting cheap gifts for photographers. However, the best presents are those where the giver has carefully considered the wants or needs of the recipient. Furthermore, let’s be honest, they are also where the giver has spent a bit more money.