Many photographers struggle with motivation more than technique or equipment. Getting out to capture images consistently presents a genuine barrier that can significantly impact your creative growth and portfolio development.

Bracketing is one of those photography terms you’ve probably heard but might not fully understand. It involves taking multiple photos of the same scene at different exposures, usually one correctly exposed, one brighter, and one darker. Here's why and how to do it.

Knowing where to put your money matters when it comes to camera gear. Most people mistakenly assume a great camera body guarantees great results, but the truth is far different.

We’ve all been there: you find a bit of extra cash and think, “This is going toward a photography trip to a bucket-list location!” And so, the planning begins. Iceland, Lofoten, Patagonia, the Rockies—if your list is as long as mine, the destinations are endless. But what if I told you there’s another way?

Have you ever had one of those bits of kit that you never thought you'd need, but once you got one, you couldn’t imagine going without it? That’s exactly what happened with this heated fleece jacket—a game-changer for anyone who spends long hours outdoors capturing stunning landscapes or waiting patiently for wildlife shots.

Death Valley is a vast expanse of landscape with varying terrains throughout the park. As a visitor, it is easy to find yourself rushing from place to place to take it all in and capture it in images. Is that the best way to photograph it? Or is being slow, patient, and deliberate a better approach?

Creating photos with a dreamy feel doesn't have to mean chasing perfect conditions or investing in expensive gear. Instead, knowing how to use your camera and the environment can transform your images from flat and uninspired to genuinely captivating.

Photography can be challenging at times. It may frustrate you and lead you to think that buying new gear would solve your problems. But before you press that add-to-cart button, perhaps it's best to go back to the basics.

The 50mm lens is usually the first prime lens many buy. It's popular for a reason—it gives a natural view that's perfect for everyday shooting without the extremes of wide angle or telephoto. Here's a look at an extremely affordable option.

Black-and-white portraits can emphasize textures, shadows, and depth. Mastering this style will set your work apart, offering striking visuals that command attention.

Your ordinary life isn't boring—it's exactly what you should be photographing. Your daily routine, your familiar surroundings, all of it deserves attention because no one else experiences the world exactly as you do.

Mastering color can elevate your images from average to exceptional. Color adds complexity, emotion, and visual depth to your work, making it critical to grasp if you're serious about improving your photography.

Today, Nikon added another member to its line of mirrorless cameras, the updated Nikon Z5 II.

For those Nikon users who prefer to use Adobe Premiere for your workflow, a major new compatibility announcement should make your life quite a bit easier.

Fine art photography has always intrigued me. The minimalism, the dreamlike compositions, and the sense of artistic control over an image are all elements that I deeply admire. Inspired by the likes of Gary Gough and other fine art photographers, I finally took my first steps into this style of photography—though not without some apprehension.

Understanding how place influences photography isn't just about technique; it's about personal identity and interaction.

Strong contrast grabs attention, emphasizing the drama of your shots and adding depth. Here's how to get it just right in Lightroom.

Apple's latest M4 MacBook Air is here and I put it head to head against Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 7th Edition. Both laptops are exactly $1,000 and have almost identical specs, but one of them is better in almost every way.

The Canon EOS R50 V is the company's first camera in a new series geared specifically toward video creators. It builds upon the popular still-focused R50, but with key design changes and enhancements tailored directly for video use, making it a practical choice if you're stepping into more serious filmmaking without a steep budget.

Patagonia has long been a dream destination for photographers—dramatic peaks, vast landscapes, and the raw beauty of nature. I had high hopes of capturing my own version of this rugged terrain, expecting to find inspiration in the remote landscapes and the challenge of shooting in unpredictable weather. After finally making the journey, I left feeling uninspired, frustrated, and disappointed. And honestly? I have no desire to go back. Here’s why.

Subtle adjustments can elevate an image from good to outstanding. Here's how to do that in Lightroom.

Many photographers struggle to find success despite putting in serious effort. Understanding exactly what's holding you back can clarify your path forward.

Bild Expo, presented by B&H, has officially announced it will return to the Javits Center in New York City from June 17-18, 2025. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural event in September 2023, the 2025 expo is expected to draw even larger crowds, remaining free to all attendees.

Every photo you’ve ever taken is just a record of one thing: light. It’s the invisible brush that paints every image, and if you don’t understand it, you’re not really photographing.

While most photographers chase the Milky Way's dazzling core, there's a quieter, overlooked region that holds its own celestial magic. In this video, Jeroen ventures to the darkest skies of the Netherlands to reveal why this hidden galactic treasure deserves your attention.

Sony's new FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS lens takes telephoto zoom to another level, reaching 800mm—a first for Sony zoom lenses. If wildlife or sports photography is your focus, it's worth a look.

Choosing your first camera matters—it shapes your learning curve and affects the quality of your early work. In 2025, the Canon EOS R10 remains a solid entry point, balancing ease-of-use with versatility in genres like sports, wildlife, family portraits, and weddings.

The Sony a7R V was launched more than two years ago. And in terms of technology, that’s a very long time ago. But I don't think this camera should be overlooked.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping photo editing, and Lightroom's latest update brings that power directly to your workflow. Understanding how to leverage these new tools is crucial if you want precise edits without spending hours at the computer.

One of the most critical elements shaping your images is the quality of light. Understanding this directly impacts how your photography feels, setting apart casual snaps from intentional artistry.

Improving in photography is less about mastering complicated camera settings and more about understanding a few practical strategies. Being intentional about timing, composition, and simplicity can dramatically enhance your results without making editing tedious.

Forget AI-generated images like the one above. A leaked video on the dark web has revealed a fully automated, intelligent drone that does away with photographers.

Using a NAS for editing has a lot of benefits but might not be as simple as it sounds. Here are the things you need to know and consider.

Photoshop's latest update completely revamps the Hue and Saturation adjustment layer, and it's about time. The new feature simplifies color editing significantly, offering intuitive swatches that target specific colors in your image.

Taking fewer, more intentional photographs is a powerful strategy that many photographers overlook. It's not about capturing fewer moments, but instead about being mindful with each press of the shutter.

If the idea of relying on Instagram, TikTok, or other social media platforms to attract photography clients stresses you out, there is some good news. You can actually build a successful photography business without needing to spend endless hours posting and engaging online.

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 2025, 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.

Effective portrait lighting isn't about sticking to strict rules or imitating standard setups. Knowing when and why to adjust your lighting approach directly influences your results, making your portraits feel genuine and expressive.

You're probably convinced your gear is holding your photography back, but what if the real issue is simpler—and far more essential? The problem might be that you're missing three fundamental skills, ones rarely discussed but vital to capturing great images.

Organizing and renaming your photos effectively saves you significant time and frustration. Lightroom isn't just about photo editing—it can transform the way you manage your images, helping you locate and name your files quickly, even if you never touch the editing features.

There’s an unspoken rule in the creative industry: follow up, but don’t expect a reply. What used to be a rare frustration has now become the norm—emails left unanswered, proposals ignored, relationships that once felt solid suddenly vanishing into the ether. The rise of ghosting, a term originally coined for dating culture, has now taken hold in the business world, and creatives are feeling the brunt of it.<--break->

Understanding shutter speed is essential if you want to control movement in your photography. It directly affects how sharp or blurred moving subjects appear in your images.

Street photography is intimidating if you're naturally introverted, but it's entirely manageable once you know how to adapt your style. Interacting with strangers and being highly visible aren't required if you learn to navigate it thoughtfully.

The Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary lens offers an impressive 19x zoom range, designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras. With a 35mm equivalent of 24-450mm, this lens delivers remarkable versatility, making it appealing for those who need a wide range without constantly changing gear.

Long exposure photography is one of the most effective ways to convey movement in a still image. Whether it’s the soft blur of flowing water, the streaking motion of clouds, or the hypnotic trails of city lights, long exposure transforms scenes into something beyond what the human eye can perceive.

Anyone who has dedicated themselves to photography long enough has felt the harsh undercurrents that run beneath the romantic facade: the self-doubt, the exhaustion, the unrelenting demands of an audience always hungry for more. We’re told to love what we do, but the unspoken caveat is that genuine commitment to photography—as with any passion—demands sacrifice, endurance, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Taking your camera for a casual walk without any specific plans can shift how you see everyday surroundings. Many photographers underestimate the value of unstructured, spontaneous sessions, but it’s these low-pressure outings that often yield surprising insights and fresh perspectives.