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Enter your Best "Dark" or "Low-Key" images

Welcome to the April Critique the Community!  For this contest/critique, we are doing another abstract theme that should allow more photographers to enter. For this month we want to see your most "dark" or "low key" photographs.

Five Film Cameras I Can't Live Without

This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 Released With AI-Driven Features for Faster Editing

ACD Systems has announced the release of ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025, a software update designed to enhance image editing and management workflows with the integration of AI-powered tools. The latest version brings significant performance boosts, utilizing GPU acceleration to power AI-driven features like the newly introduced ACDSee AI Super-Resolution.

Five Macro Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Getting started with macro photography, especially with insects, can be overwhelming. Mistakes with composition, focus, and lighting are common, but understanding these issues early on can significantly improve your results.

Polished Portrait Retouching in Photoshop

When it comes to retouching photos, backgrounds can be tricky. Whether you're working with a complex set or a worn-out backdrop, maintaining the natural elements while cleaning it up is essential.

Could This Tiny Device Save Your Photography Shoot?

As a landscape photographer, you've likely found yourself in a situation where you're capturing breathtaking scenes, and then suddenly, your camera's battery dies. It's an unfortunate predicament, especially when you're in the middle of a stunning location with perfect conditions. For those of us who rely on our gear to perform without fail, running out of battery power can feel like a nightmare. This experience led me to search for a reliable solution that would keep me powered up, no matter where my photography adventures took me. After some research and trials, I found a product that I believe will significantly enhance my workflow.

Can Your Smartphone Really Replace a Camera?

Smartphone cameras have made remarkable strides, becoming a tool you always have on hand. They’re convenient, portable, and capable of taking impressive shots. However, are they truly enough to replace traditional cameras for at least some serious photography?

The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload.

How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.

12 Ways to Improve Your Photography Without Taking a Single Shot

Improving your photography skills doesn’t always mean snapping away with your camera. There are plenty of ways to practice, refine, and enhance your craft without ever pressing the shutter. These methods not only help you think more critically about your photos but can also make your actual shooting sessions more productive and creative.

Can You Make a Living Solely from Photography?

Making a living from photography is a common dream, but the path to achieving it isn’t always straightforward. While it’s possible to generate your entire income through photography, many professionals diversify their income streams to maintain financial stability. Whether through additional creative ventures or traditional investments, it’s important to understand that your role as a photographer isn’t defined solely by your income source.

Preserving Your Memories: Epson FF-680W Photo Scanner Review

Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.

The Beauty of Large Format Photography

Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.

Neewer PS099E: The Possibly Perfect Power Supply

As power bank batteries become ever more important for photographers, V-mount versions are essential for those shooting video. Among their arsenal of accessories, Neewer has one that hits the mark: the PS099E.

Overcoming Unpredictable Conditions in Landscape Photography

The unpredictability of weather is something you’re bound to face if you spend time doing landscape photography. Sometimes it works in your favor; other times, it’s a frustrating barrier to getting the shot you envisioned.

A NY Times Assignment Shot in One Day

Photojournalist Justin Mott recently took on a one-day assignment for The New York Times, documenting the journey of Freya, a transgender woman who moved to Vietnam with her partner due to safety concerns tied to the U.S. political climate. Mott's task was to capture moments of their life in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), including intimate portraits of the couple and shots that brought out the essence of their new environment. It's a delicate story that needed to be told visually with care, making it both personal and professional.

Creative Color Grading Techniques for Cinematic Portraits

When retouching your images, having a variety of techniques can make all the difference. Not every approach works for every photo, so learning multiple methods can help you adapt based on the image you’re working with. In this video, you’ll see a couple of ways to color grade your images, giving them mood, atmosphere, and even a cinematic touch.

Do You Really Need Expensive f/2.8 Lenses Anymore?

Professional lenses with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 lenses, have been a staple in photography for years. But with the advancements in software today, some might wonder: are these high-priced lenses still worth it, or can you rely on software to get the same results with cheaper gear? The question is valid, and photographers on a budget are increasingly exploring whether they can save money without sacrificing quality.