Setting Up Your Camera Menu for the First Time

Using a new camera for the first time is exciting. Before you take your first photo, it's wise to get most of the basic menu settings correct. After that, your quest for perfect customization can begin. The steps I describe in this article can help in this process.

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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.

Embracing the Environment in Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography often gravitates towards close-up, frame-filling portraits, capturing intricate details of the subject. However, this approach, while initially appealing, can limit the storytelling potential of a photograph. This helpful video will show you how including context can improve your work. 

How to Get Your Website to the Top of Google to Increase Your Income

Over the past two years, I invested much time learning search engine optimization techniques. Making tweaks to my website and creating a content strategy, this work finally began bearing fruit three months ago. I'll now share the SEO knowledge I gathered in a little article series. In this article, I focus on how to rank on Google Search.

Demystifying Professional Photography: Bridging the Gap Between Amateurs and Pros

Photography, at least as presented on many platforms, often portrays an elusive world of "pro secrets," creating a divide between amateur photographers and seasoned professionals. This perceived barrier is crucial to understand, as it influences how emerging photographers view their journey and growth in the field. The video tackles this issue head-on, discussing the importance of breaking down these barriers and fostering a more inclusive photography community.

A Review of the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens

At just 5.9 oz (167 g), the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is an extremely portable lens, making it an intriguing choice for people like landscape and travel photographers who want a versatile set of focal lengths without a lot of bulk. 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. 

Exploring the Depth of W. Eugene Smith's Journey in Pittsburgh

In the world of photography, few stories are as captivating and instructive as that of W. Eugene Smith and his monumental project in Pittsburgh. This tale is not only about artistic passion but also serves as a profound lesson for photographers on the complexities of capturing a city's soul.

How To Make It Through The Hard Times as an Artist

The life of an artist is often romanticized as living a dream. But what often gets lost in that framing is that the road to happiness more often resembles a roller coaster than a straight line.

Lessons from a 30-Day Photography Challenge

Undertaking a 30-day challenge can be a transformative experience, pushing you to explore new techniques, subjects, and perspectives. These challenges are crucial for growth, as they force you out of their comfort zones and encourage the daily practice that is essential for honing one’s craft.

Which Camera Brand Produces Your Favorite Colors?

Color science is a subtle thing that nonetheless generates a lot of passionate debate among photographers. Can you really tell the difference, though? Which brand do you prefer? This fantastic video takes a look at four popular brands to help you pick.

Beyond Manual Mode: Why You Should Try Other Camera Modes

The misconception that professional photography necessitates always shooting in manual mode is a common hurdle for beginners. This video addresses this myth, explaining why mastering other camera modes is equally important for photographers at any skill level and why those other modes are actually the better choice much of the time. Understanding these modes can significantly ease the learning journey and make you a better photographer.

Navigating the Waves of Creativity: Insights for Every Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, understanding and navigating through various creative cycles is essential. This video delves into a topic every photographer, regardless of their experience level, will encounter at some point. Its relevance extends beyond photography, encompassing all artistic pursuits, offering insights and strategies for dealing with different phases of creativity.

New Year's Resolutions That Photographers Should Make Going Into 2024

As we bid farewell to another year and welcome the possibilities of a new chapter, photographers around the world are gearing up for fresh challenges and adventures. In this article, we'll explore six New Year's resolutions tailored for photographers seeking to elevate their practice in 2023.

10 Essential Questions Every Photographer Should Ask Before Starting the New Year

Is your art good? Is it mediocre? Is it expected? Are you surprising yourself? Have you seen growth in your craft, or are you simply doing the same thing? Are you proud of your body of work in 2023? As artists, sometimes, we get so busy in art-making that we don’t take the time to evaluate our art. I’ve crafted these 10 questions as an evaluation tool for you to pause in the process of art-making and to congratulate yourself, correct yourself, and direct yourself.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (December 2023): Christine Kennedy

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2023, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

Photography's Busy 2023

The year 2023 has been pivotal for the world of photography, marked by significant technological advancements and shifting trends. This year was only about new camera and lens releases, but also about the broader implications developments had on the art and practice of photography.