The Difference Between Good and Great Photos

The distinction between a good photo and a great photo is nuanced but significant, touching on the heart of what makes photography an art form. This fantastic video takes a look at the distinction and how it can help us improve.

The Creative Power of Constraint

Exploring familiar territories with a fresh perspective can often feel like a daunting challenge for photographers. Yet, it's this very pursuit of novelty within the well-trodden that can breathe new life into one's work, pushing the boundaries of creativity and observation.

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Show us the work YOU wanted to do

Welcome to the September installment of the Critique the Community! This month's critique theme is going to be "Passion Project," and we want to see your best photographs that come from a personal project.

Unlocking the Light: Transforming Good Photos Into Great Ones

Photography, at its core, is about capturing light, yet this fundamental aspect is often overlooked in the quest for the perfect subject. This fantastic video dives into this topic, emphasizing the importance of understanding and utilizing light to transform good photographs into outstanding ones. 

The Premium Compact King Is Back! Fujifilm X100VI Preview

The successor to the worldwide popular, and rightfully so, Fujifilm X100V has finally been revealed! The new X100VI brings forth some very welcome features while staying true to what made the X100 lineup great. We’ve used it for a while and loved it! How was it? What’s new? What stayed the same? Is it worth upgrading? Will you even be able to get one?

How to Record Better Audio: We Review the Saramonic MV7000

Times when the main creative outlet for photographers was taking and editing photos are long gone. For many, recording videos plays an equally important role now. But, the creation of videos is not only about the visuals. Audio is equally important. And for it, you need a good microphone, like the Saramonic MV7000.

It's Time To Confess: Photography Nearly Broke Me

January had been a difficult month for me. I was shooting a lot less, and as a result, I had a ton of time to think about my career and my direction. I ended up in a fairly bad place with my mental health. Like almost every other artist, I ended up hating much of what I do. Here's why it sucks being a photographer, and what you can do about it.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Camera Gear Clean

I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my gear. Anyone who has bought any of my used gear has usually told me it looks like new, save for maybe by the tripod mount, which I usually attach a plate to while I'm camped out by lighthouses.

How Shallow DOF Just Might Ruin Your Photography

Why are photographers obsessed with shallow depth of field? And why I think it can ruin your photography as it almost did with mine. Read on about how it started to affect my photography and what I did about it. 

 

Exploring Scenes in Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers often speak about the advantages of scouting locations, but a certain creative energy can be lost with too much pre-planning. In this video, we follow along as a landscape photographer explores an area which has some benefits and downsides.

Using Honeycomb Grids for Precision Lighting

Honeycomb grids are a fantastic tool for taking your lighting to the next level. They offer precision and control that can transform an image's mood and focus.

How to Grow as a Photographer

Becoming a skilled photographer is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your photography to the next level, there are several key steps you can take to develop your skills and expand your creative horizons. Let’s explore some of the most effective strategies for growing as a photographer, which have helped my own personal journey.

Understanding the Impact of New Photography Gear

Exploring the nuanced feelings of acquiring a new camera, especially after years of loyalty to a previous model, reveals a complex mix of expectations for photographers. The anticipation of significant improvements in quality and functionality often clashes with the reality of marginal gains, leading to a reflective consideration of what truly enhances one's craft.

Mastering Tonal Adjustments in Lightroom

Turning a flat raw file into a visually appealing image with rich contrasts and vibrant colors is a critical skill for every new photographer to learn. The helpful video tutorial will show you how to get started with tonal adjustments in Lightroom.

Pushing Your Limits as an Introverted Photographer

Does the thought of photographing people for the first time frighten you? It did for me a few years ago. As an introverted photographer who also suffers from depression and anxiety, I was petrified to make the step into portrait photography, but I was able to push through it and now I love it!

I Wish I Knew Earlier About These 5 Mistakes Every Photographer Makes

I do my very best to help out photographers who are starting out. There are some negative tendencies in just about any photographer's career; I had them myself. The only difference between me and you is that you will now find out what's wrong, while I had to figure it out by trial and error.

Navigating the Chaos: How Big Cities Can Improve Your Photography Skills

Mastering the art of photography in urban environments can be a game-changer for photographers looking to expand their skill set and portfolio diversity. This fantastic video highlights the unique advantages of shooting in big cities, emphasizing how varying light conditions and urban chaos can significantly enhance a photographer's ability to capture compelling images.

The Secret Way I Save Money When Buying Gear

Buying equipment is as exciting as ever, if you ask me. While my tastes are probably slightly different than yours, in the sense that I buy '90s flash gear and DSLRs, I have been doing this for around five years and have come up with a few tips on how to save money when buying gear.

A Review of the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 Laptop

The HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop offers a lot of power, screen real estate, and flexibility in a portable package, making it an attractive option for creatives on the go. This great video review takes a look at the laptop and the sort of performance you can expect from it in use. 

Overcoming Nature's Challenges in Landscape Photography  

Landscape photography is a pursuit that challenges photographers to harness the unpredictable beauty of nature, pushing them to adapt to ever-changing conditions. This genre demands not only an eye for composition but also the resilience to face natural elements, from navigating rugged terrains to capturing the dynamic interplay of light and shadow in remote locations.

Stock Photography Is a Scam

There is a lot of bad advice online on how to make money as a photographer. Truth be told, I followed much of it and made a big fat zero. This is not because such advice is wrong, but rather because it is out of touch with what the market is in 2024. In this article, I will shed light on one of the worst ways to make money with your work.

The Art of Using Speedlights for Dynamic Portraits

Mastering off-camera flash techniques with a speedlight is a fantastic way to get started with off-camera portrait lighting. Utilizing a speedlight away from the camera allows for more controlled, professional-looking results, transforming simple shots into meticulously crafted images.