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.

Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photo Compositions

Composition can be a challenging aspect to master in landscape photography. Even the most breathtaking view doesn’t automatically result in a great photo. The challenge lies in translating that view into a compelling image.

What Really Matters in Photography

The pursuit of better image quality often dominates discussions about photography but that might not be the answer you’re looking for.

Field Review: Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash

I’m a victim of Instagram ads. They are responsible for an unsettling number of impulse purchases I’ve made, and the most recent is the Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens

With Fuji's X Series sensors now reaching 40 megapixels, having a kit lens that can handle the increased demand for sharpness and detail is crucial. The XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR makes that promise, but can it deliver?

How to Quickly Sort and Select Your Best Photos

Sorting through a mountain of unprocessed photos can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself with hundreds, even thousands, of images sitting on your hard drive, each one waiting for your attention. The challenge of finding the best shots in that mess is real.

My Partner Finds Out How Much My Camera Gear Costs

Photography is expensive, and there’s no way around your significant other eventually finding out. Instead of waiting around for that moment, I decided to just get it over with and record it in real-time.
Essential Equipment for Your Office

As I write this article, I am sitting on the Hinomi X1 ergonomic chair, and I've never been more comfortable working in my office. I got this chair three weeks ago and have spent many hours testing it. In this review, I'll share my experience.

The Complete Landscape Photography Workflow

Capturing a great landscape photograph involves more than just pressing the shutter. To truly elevate your work, you need to understand the entire process—from planning your shoot to perfecting the final image.

Is Medium Format Worth It?

High-end gear can be tempting, especially when it promises unmatched image quality. But is it always worth it?

Why Unpopular Choices Can Lead to Unique Photography

Choosing your own path in photography isn't always easy, especially when popular opinion often points in a different direction. This video is a thoughtful reflection on how your personal tastes can influence your photographic journey, even if those tastes aren't mainstream.

Adobe Announces Integration of Lightroom and Frame.io

Adobe has announced an integration of camera hardware and software that will be a game changer for news and event photographers. Beginning today as a beta implementation, photographers using a camera with C2C (camera-to-cloud) technology built in will be able to upload images from their camera into Frame.io, where images can be instantly edited using Adobe Lightroom. This workflow will allow a photographer to shoot an all-day event without stopping to download images onto a computer. Culling, editing, and delivery can be handled by an off-site editor anywhere.

Why Every Photographer Needs a Portfolio

Creating a photography portfolio might seem like a task reserved for professionals, but it can be important even if you’re just an amateur. It’s not just about showcasing your work. It’s about growth, self-evaluation, and keeping your passion alive.

Has the Backpack Ecosystem Arrived? Nanuk’s N-PVD 30L Backpack Reviewed

After 10+ years, I’ve realized no single camera bag is perfect, but some get close. The Nanuk N-PVD 30L combines a high-quality bag with a useful storage system. In this review, I’ll go through what I loved and explain how it fits into Nanuk’s broader “N-CUBIK ecosystem.”

How to Balance Planning and Spontaneity in Landscape Photography

You’ve probably experienced those moments when the weather changes unexpectedly or you find yourself on the wrong trail. These challenges are all part of the landscape photography journey, but how you handle them can make or break your shot. Preparation, persistence, and a little flexibility can lead to stunning results.

How to Master Photoshop’s Generative Fill for Complex Edits

When using Photoshop’s Generative Fill, you might assume it’s the perfect solution for removing unwanted objects. However, reality often tells a different story. Removing complex elements like fences can quickly turn into a frustrating task, especially when Generative Fill keeps replacing one fence with another. Here's how to get around those issues.

A Month in Monochrome: Exploring the Leica M10 Monochrom

If you’ve been contemplating a shift in your photography, especially if black-and-white imagery has intrigued you, you’re not alone. Sometimes, a new tool or a different approach is what it takes to reignite your creative spark.

The Differences Between Photo and Cine Lenses

The evolution of camera technology has blurred the lines between photo and video gear, leaving you to navigate a mix of options. One key area where this confusion is most apparent is in the choice between photo lenses and cine lenses.

Review: Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI – A Game-Changer for Smartphone Filmmakers

As a passionate landscape photographer, I often emphasize that a phone will never fully replace a professional camera. However, in an age where social media dominates and more photos and videos are being captured on personal phones than ever before, it's important to acknowledge the innovations enabling phone users to capture incredible footage and photos. The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is one such innovation worth noting.

Are You Tapping Into the Full Power of Adobe Lightroom’s Masking Tools?

Adobe Lightroom has continued to improve as various tools inside the software have matured. One area in Lightroom that has made tremendous advances is masking, but are you maximizing the masking options in your photo editing to take advantage of these impressive features?

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8: A Must-Have Lens for Canon APS-C Users

The Canon RF mount has been limited in its lens options, particularly for APS-C users. If you've found yourself frustrated with the lack of fast, versatile lenses for Canon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, you're not alone. However, there's good news. Canon is finally allowing third-party manufacturers to develop for the RF mount, and Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is a standout in this new lineup.

Restoring Natural Skin Tones in Lightroom

Skin tones can be tricky, especially when using on-camera flash at events like weddings. The bright light often washes out the natural color, leaving skin looking pale or flat. However, there’s a quick and effective method in Lightroom to bring back those natural tones.

The Leica Q3: Is It Worth the Hype?

With its distinctive design and premium price, the Leica Q3 is an intriguing camera. Does it deliver enough to justify its steep cost?

How to Use Backlighting for Dynamic Portraits

Backlighting is a powerful technique that can transform your portraits by adding depth, dimension, and a distinct visual impact. By positioning a light source behind your subject, you can create striking highlights that outline the contours of your subject’s hair and body, making them stand out against the background.

Tips from a Pro: We Interview Live Music Photographer Kevin Kerr

Live music photography is an area that intrigues many, yet few really find a breakthrough. We recently spoke with Kevin Kerr, who swapped his Silicon Valley profession for a career in live music photography. Find out what is in his gear bag and what goes into a great live music photograph.

How to Choose Between Canon's R1 and R5 Mark II

Canon recently released two high-end cameras, the R1 and the R5 Mark II, both packed with features that make them standouts. Choosing between them depends on what you plan to shoot and how you shoot it.

Why Black and White Films Are Easier on the Eyes

Color is essential in filmmaking, yet black and white has an enduring appeal that transcends time. Black and white films offer a unique visual experience, allowing viewers to focus on composition, contrast, and texture. This often leads to a more intense emotional connection with the story.

Strategies To Help Revive Your Declining Wedding Photography Business

It’s no secret that photographers from various genres are experiencing a decline in bookings. The ease of using a smartphone and the quality that anyone can get from those devices have reduced the need to hire a professional for small and even mid-level shoots. Wedding photography is a genre where people are accustomed to hiring professional photographers, and the smartphone has had a lesser impact here.

The Versatile Nikon 28-400mm: Is It Worth the Investment?

In challenging environments like the mountains, versatility in your gear is key. A lens that can handle a wide range of focal lengths gives you the flexibility to capture diverse scenes, all without the hassle of constant lens changes.

PortraitPro 24: Redefining Digital Retouching

Retouching has long been a time-consuming process that not many of us photographers enjoy. Yet, it is inevitable to have to retouch your photos. Fortunately, PortraitPro 24 is introducing more advanced features and capabilities that have further cemented the software’s reputation as a must-have tool for portrait photographers. Read on to find out why.