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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.

Should You Use Manual Mode or Aperture Priority?

Manual and aperture priority are two of the most common modes photographers use, but when you are new to the craft, it might be difficult to know when to use which. This excellent video tutorial discusses manual and aperture priority modes, including how they work and when each is appropriate. 

The Power of Tone Curves in Lightroom

Tone curves can be a rather intimidating tool for many photographers, and as such, many users avoid using them, opting instead for the editing sliders in Lightroom. However, curves are a tremendously powerful, precise, and versatile tool for performing a ton of editing tasks, and it is well worth learning them. This helpful video tutorial will show you everything you need to know to take full advantage of curves in Lightroom. 

The New M3 MacBook Pro: One Photographer's View After 3 Days

The 2023 MacBook Pro is the latest evolution of Apple's iconic pro laptop lineup. The 2023 redesign brings some major changes, including the new M3 family of Apple silicon chips, a refined design now available in Space Black, and an upgraded display, camera, and connectivity. In this review, we take a deep dive into the latest model and its powerful features.

My Perfect Carry-Around Camera in 2023

Throughout my pursuit in the photography journey for more than a decade, my focus has always been on the hunt for the most suitable full frame camera to use for work and personal use. Regardless of the brand, the “perfect” camera has to at least fulfill these three criteria: wide range of lens adaptability and availability, high megapixel count, and within my acceptable budget.

My Long-Term Review of the Fujifilm X-T5

I picked up a Fujifilm X-T5 last December shortly after it was released. Originally, I purchased it as a backup camera to be used primarily for concert and street photography. After a short time, however, I fell in love with the camera and began to use it as my go-to choice for most of my portrait work. But does it hold up for heavy professional work?

How to Improve Your Branding for a Successful Photography Career

Branding is more than just a logo, it is the vision and delivery of your business, which, in photography, is very important. Whether you are a wedding, newborn, portrait, or product photographer, having the right branding is a key element to getting great clients through the door and optimizing your services. In this video by boudoir photographer Michael Sasser, he takes us through some great tips and tricks. 

Great Camera Lens Filters for Landscape Photography

I've been using filters for my photography for more than ten years, and for the last five, I have used filters made by Kase. Just recently, I switched my filter system to what I think is the perfect filter kit for landscape and architecture photography. In this article, you'll find a detailed review of it.

How to Deal With Harsh Sunlight in Portrait Photography

The beauty of working with flash is that you can walk into any lighting situation and shape it to your creative vision and needs, and that frees you from relying on the sun to cooperate and to dictate your shoot's timing and location. Perhaps no scenario is more challenging than harsh midday light. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use off-camera flash to work with that harsh light to create compelling portraits. 

A Review of the Affordable and Portable Canon RF 28mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Canon's RF 28mm f/2.8 STM lens is impressively portable and will not break the bank, making it a nice option for anyone who wants a lightweight option they can take anywhere without worrying about a stray bump here or there. This excellent video review takes a look at if such a small and affordable lens can provide the sort of performance and image quality moderns users demand. 

We Review the Zhiyun Molus X100 COB Light

A while back, I found myself in need of continuous lighting for my video work. Initially, I chose for a budget-friendly LED panel. However, I was less than satisfied with the results, which led me to purchase the Zhiyun Molus X100 COB light. In this review, I'd like to share my experiences.

Is the Retro-Inspired Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera Worth the Hype?

Retro-inspired tech can be a lot of fun to look at, but when it comes to something as expensive as a professional-level camera, if it is not functional as well, that aesthetic probably is not worth the price. So, can the Nikon Zf mirrorless camera, back up that attractive design with the features and capabilities modern photographers demand? This excellent video review takes a deep look at the camera to help answer that question. 

Photographer Spends Incredible Night Under Northern Lights

Of all the magical experiences I have ever photographed, spending nights under the Northern Lights are still my favorite memories. I have had some incredible moments under some incredible displays, and I also love to watch other photographers experience the beauty of the Northern Lights too. In this video by Andrew Allan, he travels to Arctic Norway and has an unforgettable night. 

The DJI Pocket 3: Why I'm Selling Most of My Vlogging Gear Now

As someone who has been making landscape photography videos since 2017, I have had my fair share of cameras to allow me to get the job done. I am also someone who doesn't jump onto the latest and greatest tech the moment it comes out. Instead, I normally wait until I can pick a unit up secondhand, long after it has proven its worth and capabilities. This, however, has now changed due to the latest release from DJI, the Osmo Pocket 3.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens

When Canon and Nikon got serious about their mirrorless platforms, they took opposite approaches to lenses, with Canon opting for extreme, boundary-pushing designs and Nikon opting for more pragmatic workhorses. However, Nikon has begun to complement those earlier offerings with more eye-catching lenses, the latest of which is the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. How does this impressive-on-paper lens hold up in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you will be able to expect. 

A Review of the Fujifilm GFX100 II Mirrorless Medium Format Camera

The latest camera in Fujifilm's lauded line of medium format mirrorless cameras, the GFX100 II, builds on previous cameras in the GF series by adding a wide range of new features and improvements, Yet, it still maintains that impressively competitive price that tempts many users to consider switching away from full frame to medium format. How does it hold up in practice? This great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect. 

How to Take Sharper Photos

Of all the qualities a photo can have, almost every photographer strives to create sharp images. A lot of objective and subjective quantities can affect the appearance of sharpness in a shot, and the sooner you can take control of all of them, the better your photos will be. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced photographer sharing a wide range of helpful advice for creating sharp images that pop off the screen. 

Exclusive Access to the World's Darkest Skies for Astrophotography

Astrophotography is something that can be quite elusive for many, mainly due to where they live and the constant presence of light and light pollution, which can dramatically reduce the chances of detailed images of the distant stars and galaxies. If you are like me, living in Ireland, you will know of the constant battle that we have with clouds trying to ruin the day.

A Review of the New Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens

Tamron has become a favorite company of many photographers, known for creating both very practical and affordable lenses as well as some of the more innovative options that push into new territory. The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 belongs in the former camp, offering a common workhorse at a great price. 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.