Breaking Free From the Photo Business Rollercoaster

Why are you a photographer? You probably didn’t get into this thing assuming it was a get rich quick scheme or for status and power. More likely than not, you love taking photos, being around people, and the excitement of running your own business.

The Top Images from GuruShots "Tell A Story" Challenge

Our friends over at GuruShots, hosts of "The World’s Greatest Photo Game,” recently offered a challenge where particpants submitted their best images "Tell A Story." There were thousands of entries and millions of votes throughout the contest but the top winners have been selected. See who won as well as the 60 top rated images below.

You Must Know This Lightroom Tool

Over the past years, Adobe has introduced many great tools to Lightroom. Some of them came through major updates, while others went nearly unnoticed. In his video, Greg Benz shares one of the lesser-known additions to Lightroom.

Shooting Fine Art Architecture and Post-Production

We have all seen the stunning, high-contract, black and white architecture shots all over social media. Well, here is how to shoot and retouch your images in a similar way.
The Nikon Zf: Merging Retro Charm With Modern Features

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. This great video takes a look at five reasons one photographer loves the camera.

How to Use a Drone for Photography

A drone is a remarkable piece of equipment, enabling you to capture film and photographs from perspectives that were once believed impossible. Using a drone for photography differs significantly from filming with a drone. Let’s share some ideas.

Mastering Your New Camera: A Beginner's Guide

Embarking on the journey of photography can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially for those who have just acquired their first dedicated camera. Understanding your camera is crucial, as it's the first step towards capturing those stunning images that every photographer aspires to create. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to get started.

Embracing Imperfection: A Journey in Photographic Growth

Every shutter click is not just about capturing a perfect image but also about the learning journey behind each frame. This notion becomes particularly poignant when professional photographers openly share their "garbage photographs" — a humbling reminder that not every shot is a masterpiece. For photographers, especially those in the early stages of their careers, understanding and accepting this reality is crucial for growth and development.

Portraits of a Place: An Exclusive Interview With Simon Murphy, Photographer Behind the Must-See 'Govanhill' Exhibition

We catch up with photographer Simon Murphy who currently has a major exhibition of his work, having cast his lens on the Govanhill area of Glasgow over the last 20 years. Learn key insights into his methods, how he connected with members of this diverse community, and what advice he would pass on to photographers seeking to embark on long-form documentary projects.

Will We See the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Soon?

Believe it or not, it has been three and a half years since the Canon EOS R5 was first announced, and as such, many photographers are starting to look for its successor, the Mark II. And as luck would have it, we might see it announced fairly soon.

Monochrome Magic: Unveiling the Depths of Black and White Photography

In the ever-evolving world of photography, black and white imagery holds a timeless appeal. For photographers, understanding when and why to choose black and white over color is not just a technical decision but an artistic one, deeply connected to the soul of their work.

9 Photography Gifts on a Shoestring Budget

While it's easy to assume that meaningful photography gifts come with a hefty price tag, this article is here to debunk that notion. In this guide, let’s explore nine photography gifts that are not only thoughtful and creative but also friendly on the wallet. From DIY projects to budget-friendly accessories, these ideas prove that meaningful gestures don't have to break the bank. Time to discover how to gift on a shoestring budget.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro Lens

The Fujifilm XF 30mm f/2.8 R LM WR Macro lens offers a lot of versatility in a small package, suitable for a huge range of applications. Throw in its portable size and affordable price, and it is an intriguing option for a lot 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.

A Review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max for Creatives

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple's flagship in their popular line of smartphones, and it brings with a huge range of advanced tools and features sure to please both photographers and filmmakers who want a versatile tool for creating on the go. This great video review takes a look at the phone and the sort of performance you can expect from it in usage.

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.