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.

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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.

Charting a Path to Creative Independence: A Photographer's Journey from London to Bali

The quest for a sustainable work-life balance and creative evolution is a journey many photographers (and others) aspire to. This pursuit is not just about capturing stunning visuals; it's about achieving a lifestyle that harmonizes passion and livelihood. This interesting video shares the inspiring story of a photographer who relocated from London to Bali, seeking not only to diversify their portfolio but also to establish economic independence as a remote creative professional.

Canon Turns Its Attention to More Affordable Full Frame Lenses

Canon has released a huge range of impressive and expensive lenses, but not every creative can afford or wants such lenses. That's why it's great news to see the company exploring more affordable full frame lenses, as detailed in some new designs. 

2024: The Year of the Lens Revolution

The photography landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, particularly in the field of lens technology. As we approach 2024, two key trends have become increasingly evident: the emergence of revolutionary lens designs and the rise of high-quality, affordable lenses. This pivotal shift is reshaping the choices available to both professional photographers and enthusiasts, setting the stage for what could be a landmark year in photographic equipment.

Mastering the Art of Photographic Selection: Seeing Beyond the Obvious

In a world saturated with photographic subjects, it's a challenge focusing on the most important. Learning to see the potential in everything around us and distilling it into compelling images is one of the most important journeys for any budding photographer. The advice from a seasoned photographer that "painting is the art of addition, while photography is the art of subtraction" underscores the concept, and this great video tutorial will show you how to go about implementing it. 

Exploring the Nuances of Focal Length

Focal length choice is a fundamental aspect of photographic composition, profoundly impacting the narrative and aesthetic quality of images. This intricate topic holds immense importance for photographers of all levels, as it dictates the visual perspective and storytelling approach in their work. This great video provides a deep dive into the subject, offering helpful insights sure to help you improve.

Is Natural Light the 'Best Light'?

I've recently heard this statement confidently asserted, mostly by non-photographers, when talking about lighting. I briefly mentioned that it's a little more complicated than that without delving into a whole lesson on light and how it works, but it did leave me pondering the statement longer.

Future-Proofing Your Photography: Navigating the 2024 Commercial Landscape

In the dynamic world of commercial photography, staying current and adaptable is crucial for success, especially in 2024. The industry has undergone significant changes since 2020, evolving rapidly and becoming almost unrecognizable. This video delves into the essential strategies that commercial photographers must adopt to stay relevant and avoid being left behind in this fast-paced environment.

Can Micro Four Thirds Handle the Needs of a Landscape Photographer?

For landscape photographers, the choice of camera is one that can have a significant impact on their workflow and the images they can create. The recent surge in the popularity of Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems, once thought to be too small a sensor for the genre, now presents an intriguing option for landscape photography enthusiasts.

Am I Switching From Profoto? An Honest Review of the System

Having been a Profoto user for most of my career, I have experienced pretty much everything they have to offer. I have bought a substantial amount of Profoto equipment myself and use it as my daily driver. Being a huge investment, I wondered if it was worth it. Well, here are my results.

A Review of the Affordable Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 AF Lens

Viltrox is rapidly gaining popularity in the photography industry as a maker of lenses that deliver exceptional value. Known for producing highly affordable lenses with satisfactory to even impressive performance and image quality, their prices are surprisingly low. The AF 75mm f/1.2, providing APS-C enthusiasts with an ultra-wide aperture and a practical focal length. This informative video review explores the capabilities of the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Unveiling the Art of Minimalist Photography: A Conversation with Allen Koppe

Embracing minimalism can offer a fresh perspective on composition and storytelling. For photographers, understanding the power of minimalism is not just about capturing less; it's about conveying more with simplicity and directness. This approach to photography is challenging, but it can be a game-changer in an artist's journey, offering a lens to view the world differently and to distill its essence into a single, impactful frame.

Using Gestalt Theory for Composition in Landscape Photography

There are a couple of composition rules for photography that often work great for landscape images. These rules are used for placing a subject in the best possible location in the frame. It can be difficult to find a clear subject, though. I believe Gestalt Theory can help in this regard.

The Best Apple Laptops for Demanding Video Editing

Choosing the right Apple laptop for 4K video editing can be a daunting task, especially with the multitude of options available. If you are wondering which model is right for your needs and budget, check out this helpful video guide that will show you three different options. 

Random People Guess iPhone 15 Pro or $5,000 Camera Using Large Prints

Every year, I compare the newest iPhone to my daily professional camera and always receive feedback that after compression and scaling, you lose too much detail to be able to tell the difference. So, this year, I've taken the next step by having the images professionally printed on metal and asking random strangers if they can guess which photo was taken with a phone. 

What Was The Best Camera of 2023?

The last few years have seen remarkably fast progress in camera technology, and 2023 was no different. What was your favorite camera of the year? 

Why You Should Try Editing Old Photos Again

Photography is an ever-evolving art form, with technological advancements continuously reshaping how we capture and edit images in tandem with our own growth in skills and taste. Revisiting old photographs with today’s advanced editing tools offers a unique opportunity to breathe new life into past works. This practice is not only a testament to the growth of a photographer's skills but also a fascinating exploration of how modern tools can enhance images that were once considered finished and revitalize your portfolio without ever having to pull your camera out of the bag. 

Why One Photographer Loves the Leica M11

The decision to upgrade camera gear, especially within high-end brands like Leica, is significant. The shift from the Leica M10 to the M11, for instance, represents not just a financial investment but also a commitment to a specific photographic approach and style. Here's why one photographer thought the upgrade was worth it. 

Is This Lens the Sleeper Hit of 2023?

Viltrox has rapidly established itself as a reputable creator of lenses, combining commendable performance with affordability. At a mere $158, their AF 20mm f/2.8 continues this pattern of providing quality at a cost that undercuts many competitors. With its compact size and a focal length that fits a variety of scenarios, the question arises: does this economically priced lens have the capability to produce professional-grade imagery? This insightful video review delves into its real-world performance and the kind of image quality this lens can achieve.

Why We Should Get Excited About Landscape Photography 

When it comes to landscape photography, few other genres offer both the rewards and disappointments it can bring. However, we should avoid the easy route of annoyance and instead get excited about our landscape photography, and here's why! I understand the struggle – the elusive perfect composition, the uncooperative weather. It's easy to become frustrated, annoyed, and perhaps even consider giving up. But before you dismiss the excitement, I have something to share that might just change your perspective!

Why One Photographer Prefers Micro Four Thirds

Understanding why a photographer remains loyal to a particular system, like the Micro Four Thirds, can offer valuable insights into the nuances of photographic equipment, and in an age dominated by APS-C, full frame, and even medium format, the perspective of a micro four thirds user can be particularly good to hear.