Is Photography Too Easy Now?

The capabilities of modern cameras have absolutely exploded in recent years, and a new camera can tackle just about anything you can throw at it. There is a downside to that, though. Has the modern digital camera made photography too easy? This interesting video essay discusses the issue and what we can do about it.  

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We want to see the images that still give you chills

Welcome to the October installment of the Critique the Community! This month's critique theme is going to be "Scary," and we want to see your best photographs that scared you in some way.

A Better Way To Use the Rule of Thirds To Your Advantage

There is a love-hate relationship when it comes to the rule of thirds. Some love it, others resent it. It is said to kill creativity, but it can help you get a more attractive image. I believe we often use the rule of thirds the wrong way. 

How to Add Drama and Style to Your Image in Adobe Photoshop

There's little worse in photography than getting home, loading your shots onto your computer, and seeing that they don't have the impact you were hoping for. In this video, Aaron Nace of PHLEARN walks you through a workflow that might help with that. 

How To Add a Texture To an Image Using Photoshop

Photoshop allows you to take an image and put numerous creative spins on it, and it can be a wonderful way to expand your portfolio and find your unique creative voice. One great way to add a bit more visual interest to a photo is to overlay a texture on it, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how to quickly and easily do so using Photoshop.  

A Test of the Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Camera's Capabilities

With the release of the Z 9, Nikon ensured that the race for best full frame mirrorless camera was a three-horse race between them, Canon, and Sony. This great video takes a look at the Z 9 in the field and how well it tackles a tricky subject, birds in flight.  

The Dirty Secrets of Your Camera's Manufacturer

Hey, camera manufacturers! Stop lying to us. 

We photographers are environmentally aware. Camera and equipment producers, however, are failing us. Most are only protecting their bottom lines while causing significant damage to the environment.

3 Different Ways To Incorporate Wind in Your Portraits

Adding a bit of motion to a portrait can completely change it, making it a dynamic image that encourages the viewer to look more closely and imagine what story it is trying to tell. One way to add motion is to introduce a breeze, and this great video tutorial will show you three ways to do that as well as how to work with the results.  

What Do You Love and Hate About Canon Cameras?

Like it or not, Canon is one of the most dominant forces in the camera industry, and their bodies and lenses can be found in the hands of countless professionals and hobbyists. Of course, that does not mean the company is infallible, however. This interesting video discusses the good and bad of Canon cameras and what they can do to be even better in the future.  

7 Tips for Better Cityscape Photos

Cities and architecture have, besides landscapes, always been my favorite subjects to photograph. Moreover, they provide the perfect balance during my travels. If the conditions are not ideal for landscape photography, I can usually find something to photograph in a city. And in this article, I share techniques I apply to come away with great results. 

Are 9:16 Photos Instagram's Future?

Hot on the heels of the head of Instagram's post about the future of the social media service are some takes about what this means for photographers. 

How to Handle a Tricky Night Sky Replacement

In the last few years, we have seen tremendous steps forward in the realm of automated sky replacement, and a task that used to be rather tedious and time-consuming is often a one-click operation. It is not always perfect, though, and trickier situations can sometimes throw off even the best software.

How To Shoot Outdoor Portraits at Noon

Why would you even consider shooting under the hard and harsh light of midday? Here are some reasons that you should consider it and how you can pull it off.  

A Comparison of Four Premium 135mm Lenses

While 85mm lenses are generally the classic choice of focal length for portraiture, 135mm lenses are a popular second choice that offer a different look and a bit more compression than their shorter cousins.

3 Helpful Composition Tips for Mountain Photography

Mountains have always made for a wonderful subject, adding drama and grandeur to any image they grace with their presence. On the other hand, it is not as simple as dropping them in the frame and pressing the shutter. This helpful video tutorial will show you three tips for creating compelling mountain image compositions. 

Retro Review: Shooting With a 20-Year-Old Fujifilm/Nikon Frankenstein Monster

The early 2000s were a golden age for digital cameras. Companies like Olympus, Nikon, Sony, Canon, Ricoh, and others seemed to release an endless stream of unique, quirky, and often excellent cameras. I was lucky to work at a large camera store at the time, and almost every day, I remember unboxing some new gadget that was pushing the boundaries of design and resolution.

Funniest So Far: Picfair's Urban Wildlife Contest

Picfair's new Urban Wildlife Photography Awards has released its funniest submissions to date. If you need a smile or a laugh (and who doesn't these days), take a look. 

Enjoy these fantastic shots. 

Claire Crown was lucky enough to catch the robin joking around with Buddha in her mother-in-law's garden.

A Guide to Shooting Panoramic Photos

A good panoramic image can be a real showstopper that catches the viewer's eye and encourages them to get closer and examine every detail. There are some considerations and techniques you have to know before you create one, however. This excellent video tutorial will show you a few different ways to create panoramic photos as well as what you should be aware of while doing so.  

A Dangerously Subtle Mistake You Can Make With Mirrorless Cameras

The electronic viewfinder is one of the greatest advantages of mirrorless cameras, offering the ability to preview your exposure in real-time, leaving behind the days of miscalculated shots. However, as this informative video details, it can easily mislead you and cause you to mess up important photos.  

Are You Using Your Zoom Lens Wrong? A Quick Look at the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM V2

There is a saying that zoom lenses can make you a lazy photographer. And that might be true if you use them the wrong way.  

I was recently given the opportunity to test out the new Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens, and while I do want to touch on the specifics of this lens a bit, while using it, I was reminded why I prefer prime lenses.  

A Long-term Review of the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens

A 35mm lens with a wide maximum aperture is a classic choice for a wide range of applications. With a wide but still mostly neutral focal length and lots of light-gathering and subject-isolating power, it is equally at home in the studio, at a wedding, or on the street.