A few years ago, a friend of mine, a symphony maestro, was walking with me through my studio/gallery and remarked that I should compose a book, the title of which would be “The Known, the Unknown, and the Transcendent.” Tom was a true intellectual, a visionary who never allowed a conversation to descend into petty differences and discussions about equipment, etc. It was always about the art, beauty, and ideas.

Less can often be more when it comes to creating stunning portraits in Lightroom. If you’re relatively new to it or you’re somebody who prefers a minimalist but effective approach to portrait editing over going crazy in post with loads of effects, then this tutorial is definitely going to help you.

For many photographers, owning a Leica is a dream, and perhaps the most desired model right now is the M11. However, this camera comes with some notable issues, as this video finds out.

Canon’s RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes a different approach, offering the flexibility of a zoom while maintaining the optical quality expected from a prime. The question is whether the trade-offs—extra size, weight, and price—are worth it.

With the announcement of a new streamlined version of the Blackmagic URSA 12K LF camera for less than half the price of the kit version, Blackmagic Design has once again proven itself to be a company in touch with its customers' needs.

Smartphones have come a long way as imaging tools, yet some still argue they aren’t “real” cameras. Traditionalists insist that only dedicated cameras count. But the reality is, smartphones are fully capable imaging devices, and dismissing them is more about personal bias than technical limitations.

Shooting film can completely change how you approach photography. It forces you to slow down, think more deliberately, and accept imperfections as part of the process. Many who started in digital find that switching to film rekindles their love for capturing images. But does film actually make an image better? Or is it just a different way to shoot?

Three-chip cameras have been a staple in broadcast television for decades. Unlike the single-chip cameras most people use, three-chip cameras capture color more accurately and produce flawless skin tones without additional processing. This is crucial for live broadcasts like the news or major sporting events, where there's no time for post-production corrections.

The right editing of a landscape photo can bring out details, improve contrast, and create a color balance that enhances a scene’s natural beauty. Here's how to do that in Lightroom.

When Dwarflab announced the development of the Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, I could not contain my excitement. I thoroughly enjoy astrophotography. For me, that has been limited to subjects like the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis. Deep Space photography and solar imagery have always been a dream of mine, but the learning curve and costs can be extraordinary. The Dwarf 3’s promises are big, but does it deliver? In this article, I put this smart telescope to the test.

I love space! Seriously! Whenever we have clear skies, I really appreciate spending my time looking up at the...

Is there a way to replicate the feel of film but with the cost and convenience of digital?

Sharpness and image quality are always top of mind for photographers. How do we get the best quality image from the lenses we purchase? Whether the lens is a budget lens or a premium lens, there are always ways we can work to the lens's strengths. Learn how to maximize the capability of your lenses.

Digital photography dominates, offering speed, convenience, and unlimited creative control. But shooting film forces you to slow down, think differently, and embrace an entirely different experience. The appeal isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a unique process that changes how you approach photography.

Filter manufacturer Haida asked me to review the new NanoPro Soft-Star 2-in-1 filter. It combines a starburst filter and a soft focus filter, promising a more glittering and glamorous appearance whenever point-like light sources are in the frame.

Have you ever taken a photo of a breathtaking scene, only to find that the image doesn’t match what you remember? The colors seem dull, the depth is missing, and the overall impact just isn’t there. This is a common problem, and it comes down to the fundamental differences between how our eyes and brains process a scene versus what a camera can capture.

In his latest video, landscape photographer Mads Peter Iversen shares seven photography mistakes beginners make.

Running a photography business costs more than just a camera and a few lenses. The hidden expenses pile up fast, and if you’re not prepared, they can drain your budget before you realize what’s happening.

Planning makes or breaks a photo shoot. The difference between an average shot and a great one often comes down to preparation, not gear. If you show up without a plan, you’re gambling with time, money, and results.

There are some things we photographers don’t realize we need until we own one. Although a field monitor is essential equipment for a serious videographer, it can be a boon for photographers too. Here’s what I discovered when I put the Neewer F700 7” monitor through its paces.

In what seems like a time-honored tradition every time Adobe announces a price increase, photographers are looking at alternatives to the company's subscription-based Creative Cloud photo editing tools.

We've reached a point in photography where basically every camera can take great images, so does skill simply not matter anymore?

Composition makes or breaks an image. A busy scene can overwhelm the viewer, while a well-structured one guides the eye and creates impact. Understanding how people naturally interpret visual elements helps you control how your photos are perceived.

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way.

It is often through the eyes of an outsider that we are most able to see ourselves clearly. The collection of iconic images that Swiss photographer Robert Frank captured on his 10,000-mile road trip across America amounts to nothing less than a historical document and a landmark in American culture.

From fully automated shooting modes to full manual and a variety of semi-automatic modes in between, which is best for your photography? Is using manual mode the only way to go? Or are there better modes to help you focus on your creativity instead of the technical aspects of the camera?

Film photography offers a unique approach to capturing landscapes. Unlike digital, it forces you to slow down, consider each shot, and make deliberate choices. This makes it an excellent way to refine your skills and understand exposure, composition, and light in a deeper way.

Layer masks are one of the most powerful tools in Photoshop. They let you hide or reveal parts of an image without making permanent changes. Whether you’re blending backgrounds, refining edges, or adjusting selective areas, understanding how to use layer masks effectively will save you time and give you more control.

Just starting your photography or filmmaking journey and unsure how to spend your limited funds on limitless gear options? Today, I’ll offer eight simple steps to hopefully help you get the best bang for your buck.

The ability to make precise selections in photo editing can transform an ordinary image into something extraordinary. While masking tools have evolved significantly, understanding how to combine them strategically is key to achieving professional-grade results.

Removing objects in Photoshop has come a long way. What once required careful cloning and manual blending is now faster and cleaner, thanks to AI-driven tools that handle even complex removals with minimal effort.

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.

I’ve always been curious about what the "Q" in the Leica Q stands for. After some use, I’ve come to a conclusion: it stands for "Questionable."

When done well, A LONG EXPOSURE transforms ordinary scenes into something surreal. Smooth water, softened clouds, and simplified compositions give images a fine art feel. But dialing in the right exposure, balancing filters, and choosing the right settings require patience and experimentation.

As Super Bowl LIX approaches, Sony is set to play a major role in capturing the spectacle with an extensive array of cameras and technology.

Iconic locations pull you in. They’re breathtaking, instantly recognizable, and packed with possibilities. But they also come with a challenge—how do you make something that feels like your own when millions of others have stood in the same spot with the same intent?

Making money with photography isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem. The reality is, whether you’re just starting or already running a business, turning creativity into income takes strategy. Finding ways to optimize how you earn—without relying on luck—can help you stay sustainable.

Winter photography presents unique challenges. The cold can drain batteries, make gear difficult to handle, and test your endurance. But the reward is stunning landscapes, crisp light, and serene conditions that transform familiar locations.

The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens, introduced in 2012, has established itself as a classic in the realm of photography. Despite the advent of newer lenses with advanced features, this lens continues to captivate me with its unique character, exceptional image quality, and timeless design. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Fujifilm shooters who value artistic expression over technical perfection, myself included.

Dusk is a short but powerful window of time for photos. Right after sunset, the sky turns deep blue, and city lights start to glow. It’s an ideal moment to capture dramatic scenes, but getting the editing right is key.

Losing inspiration happens to everyone, and it can make photography feel like a chore rather than a passion. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of feeling uninspired, especially when shooting familiar locations. Instead of forcing creativity, sometimes the best approach is to embrace the break and ease back into it when the right moment comes.

Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw give you plenty of powerful tools to enhance your images, but some adjustments can do more harm than good if used incorrectly. Over-processing is easy to spot—crushed shadows, unnatural contrast, and an artificial look that takes away from the image instead of improving it. Three sliders in particular tend to cause the most damage when misused.

If you are reading articles on Fstoppers, it’s a sure sign that you want to improve your photography. You have the potential to become fabulous, and there are proven steps you can take to help you on that journey.

Winter scenes often look stunning in person but can appear flat and unremarkable in post-processing. Snow creates a high-key, low-contrast effect that lacks depth and dimension. Adding atmosphere and subtle contrast can make the image more engaging without overprocessing it.

You might feel like everything has already been photographed, leaving little room for originality. That feeling can be frustrating, making it seem impossible to create something fresh when so many great images already exist. The key isn't to chase originality but to change how you think about creativity and inspiration.

Studio photography gives you complete control over every element of an image, from the background to the lighting to the focal point. That control means you’re responsible for every decision, and small choices can make a big difference in the final result. Understanding how to shape light, adjust focus, and create a balanced composition can elevate your images beyond simple snapshots.

Photographers often obsess over gear, debating the best cameras, lenses, and accessories. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless choices, but overcomplicating things can get in the way of actually taking pictures. The right gear isn’t about what’s newest or most expensive—it’s about what works for you in the simplest way possible.

When starting with photography, you'll find many tips and techniques to understand, from the basics of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to composition and lighting. However, today, we will focus on five techniques worth checking out when you embark on your first landscape photography trip.

Mixed lighting and uneven exposures are challenges you’re bound to face, especially in event photography where lighting conditions are unpredictable. Here's how to fix them in Lightroom.