Why You Should Treat Your Zoom Lens Like a Prime

Using a zoom lens might seem straightforward, but there are a few strategies that can significantly improve your experience. This video covers essential tips that will help you get the most out of your zoom lens, turning it from a simple tool into a versatile extension of your creative vision.

Tips on How to Grow Your YouTube Channel

If you ask the youngest generations, you'll see one of the most common career desires isn't to be a doctor or lawyer, but rather, a YouTuber. Many will have a visceral reaction to that — and you might not be wrong to do so — but it's a desirable way of making a living and I can see the allure. So, here are some tips on how to grow your YouTube channel should you have one.
Five Fantastic Cameras for Both Stills and Video

To be fair, it is very hard not to find a camera that is great at both stills and video nowadays. But there are some that just excel one way or another. Let’s have a look at five different cameras, each from a different brand, to keep it nicely balanced.

The Best Battery Powered Strobe You Can Buy

If you're in the market for a new, battery-powered strobe/flash, you've come to the right place. In this video/post we will compare the top 8 battery-powered monolights currently on the market.

Why 'Rear Window' Is a Masterclass in Cinematic Tension

"Rear Window" remains a cinematic masterpiece, not just for its storytelling, but for the way Alfred Hitchcock used the camera to enhance suspense. Even 70 years after its release, this film captivates viewers with its meticulous use of perspective, creating an experience that's as thrilling now as it was when it first premiered.

Tamron Introduces the 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z Mount

Tamron has announced its newest lens, the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ($1,299 USD / $1,749 CAD), the next level in the ultra-telephoto room for the Nikon Z mount. This lens is Tamron’s challenge to the 100-400mm lens currently on the market. This lens will be smaller and lighter with a wider angle of view, allowing for more versatility, coming in at a length of 7.3 inches and a light weight of 41.6 oz. It is equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) Linear motor, which allows for excellent quietness and responsiveness. It is paired with Tamron’s proprietary VC (vibration compensation). This lens will offer all photographers a unique choice and versatility for almost all shooting scenarios.

How to Capture Perfect Light in Landscape Photography

Capturing a stunning landscape is as much about patience as it is about skill. Sometimes, you’re simply at the mercy of the elements, waiting to see if the light will cooperate. But when it does, the results can be magical.

First Look: Sony's Updated 85mm f/1.4 G Master II Lens

The long-awaited update to Sony's 85mm f/1.4 G Master lens is finally here, but are the updated optics, build, and performance worthy of an upgrade? Let's delve into the reasons why, for me, that answer is a resounding yes.

Achieving a Natural Look: Lightroom Color Grading Tips

Balancing color grading with the preservation of natural skin tones is key to producing professional-quality portraits. This guide focuses on simple but effective methods to create a clean, cohesive look across your images, without sacrificing the details that matter most.

In What is Left Unsaid: Photography, Ink Painting, and Empty Spaces

Creativity thrives on diversity. As artists, it's natural to seek inspiration within our own medium of photography. However, the true magic often happens when we venture beyond the boundaries of our craft and explore the vast landscape of other artistic realms. Finding inspiration in areas outside of our primary medium not only enriches our work but also expands our perspectives and nurtures our creativity in unexpected ways. For example, photographers may find themselves captivated by the rhythmic brushstrokes of paintings. In this context, the Japanese ink painting known as Sumi-e is a source of inspiration.

ProGrade Launches More Affordable CFexpress Type A Cards

ProGrade Digital makes a wide range of memory cards, targeting their products at the professional market. While their Iridium line of CFexpress Type A cards have already shown fantastic performance in my hands-on review, the combination of their blazing speed and larger capacities left them with a higher MSRP (although still at a good price per GB, to be clear). With the Gold line, ProGrade is bringing many of the desirable features to a lower pricepoint and capacity.

Using Photography to Discover Your True Self

Photography is often seen as a way to capture moments or document the world around us. But it can also be a powerful tool for self-exploration. Your images aren't just about what you see—they’re about who you are and how you see yourself in the world.

A Photography Career in 36 Steps

Today, I’ll try to break down the multitude of stages that every photographer is likely to go through over the course of their career.

Why There Are No Shortcuts in Photography

The world moves fast, and many of us try to keep up by seeking shortcuts, especially in creative fields like photography. We want quick results, but the truth is, mastering any art form takes time.

Why Simplicity in Photography Matters More Than You Think

Sometimes, the best photography experiences come from leaving behind the latest gadgets and embracing the basics. With a lightweight film camera and the open countryside ahead, you can focus on what truly matters: the journey, the light, and the stories you capture along the way.

Is the Hasselblad X2D Worth It? A Year-Long Review

The Hasselblad X2D 100C isn’t your average camera. It’s designed for those who prioritize image quality above all else, and if that sounds like you, this camera might just be what you’re looking for.

Is the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 the Best Budget Portrait Lens?

If you're on the lookout for an affordable portrait lens for your Sony APS-C camera, the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 might just be what you need. This lens combines a solid build with strong performance, making it a compelling choice for those who want great images without overspending.

Don’t Give in to Resistance

Do you sometimes have a feeling of resistance before a photo shoot? It happens to me when a lot of work is involved in getting a photo, and this resistance tries to prevent me from heading out. Over the years, I found that the bigger it is, the larger the reward.

Finding Your Voice in Street Photography

Street photography is a broad term that often doesn’t fully capture what it means to photograph life as it happens. For many, it’s about documenting reality, while for others, it’s more about creating something abstract or artistic. If you’ve ever felt caught between these two approaches, you’re not alone.

Why the Canon R1 and R5 Mark II Aren't for Me

There is quite a lot of excitement about the new Canon cameras. Of course, the much-anticipated Canon flagship is bound to attract attention, as well as the much-improved Canon R5 Mark II, which builds on the legacy of the famous R5. Yet, I am not buying any of these cameras. Here’s why.

How Adobe Is Hurting Creatives

Adobe has been a cornerstone in the creative industry for decades, with professionals relying on its software to bring their visions to life. Yet, the relationship between Adobe and its users is showing signs of strain, particularly for those who have been loyal customers since the early days.

Becoming a Professional Photographer After 40: What You Need to Know

Can you become a professional photographer after the age of 40? It's a question that might have crossed your mind, especially if you've recently found a passion for photography. Whether you're starting from scratch or have dabbled in the craft, the prospect of turning a late-found passion into a career can be both exciting and daunting.

A Photographer's Transition into the World of Video Production

Entering the world of photography can be challenging enough. The world of video can feel even more daunting! For someone who has solely focused on photography 100% from day one, taking on the challenge of video is a whole new world. Here are the things I learned from creating my video for my work as a photographer without video experience.

Review of the SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery

There is a lot of power required for video recordings, often more than a normal camera battery can deliver for an extended period of time. An external battery can be the answer to that problem. I have reviewed the excellent SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount battery.

Common Natural Light Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Natural light is one of the most versatile tools in photography, but it can also be tricky to master. The way you use it can make or break your images, and getting it right takes some practice and attention to detail.

Camera Modes Explained: From Auto to Manual and Everything In Between

Understanding your camera’s modes is crucial to controlling how your photos turn out. It’s what separates a snapshot from a well-crafted image, and knowing when to use each mode can dramatically improve your photography. If you're new to photography, here's what you need to know about camera modes.

How Subtle Lighting Changes Elevate Your Photography

Understanding how to control and manipulate light can transform an ordinary photo into something extraordinary. This is especially important when shooting in challenging conditions or trying to achieve a specific look, where ambient light alone might not suffice.

The Problematic Concept of the 'Muse' in Portrait Photography

Have you ever described a portrait subject as your muse? Beneath the seemingly charming facade of the word lies a complex and often problematic history surrounding the photographic muse. As we examine this age-old concept through a modern lens, it becomes clear that the term "muse" is most often reductive, sexist, and objectifying. This article explores why the concept of a muse might be best left in the past.

How to Perfectly Expose Film

The nuances of film exposure can be tricky, especially when you’re just starting out, but getting a grasp on these basics will dramatically improve your work.

The Black and White Landscape Photography

Black and white landscape photography is an art that goes beyond just removing color from your images. It’s about understanding the deeper elements that make a black and white photo impactful—contrast, luminosity, and structure. These elements come together to create images that are not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant.

How to Create Compelling Narratives in Your Photos

Photography captures moments, but it can do more than that. It can tell stories, convey emotions, and draw viewers into a scene, making them feel as if they’re part of it. This is why understanding how to approach photography not just as a snapshot but as a crafted narrative is crucial. It can elevate your work, turning a simple image into something memorable.

Why Imperfection Still Matters in Photography

Photography has evolved dramatically over the last century. This shift isn't just about technological advancements; it's also about how we perceive what makes a photograph "great."

Real-World Performance of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II

If you’re considering the Canon R5 Mark II, you’re probably asking yourself how it measures up in real-world use, particularly with its new sensor. This review takes a close look.

The Power of Simple Lighting Techniques

Creating dramatic sports imagery requires more than just a camera and a subject; it demands a thoughtful approach to lighting and composition that elevates the final image to match the intensity of the event.

How to Photograph Wrinkles: Tips for Effective Lighting

Photographing skin with texture or wrinkles requires careful consideration of your lighting choices. Whether you want to emphasize the character of someone’s face or gently soften their features, understanding how light interacts with texture is essential.