Unlearning the Lies You’ve Been Told About Photography
It's time to debunk some of the misconceptions that might be holding you back from exploring your full creative potential.
It's time to debunk some of the misconceptions that might be holding you back from exploring your full creative potential.
What makes an image captivating? When you’re scrolling through your feed, what makes you pause?
Improving your photography often requires a closer look at the fundamentals. When your images aren’t turning out as you hoped, it’s usually because one or more key elements are out of balance.
Light is the cornerstone of photography. Without it, there are no images, and in landscape photography, the light's quality, direction, and intensity can make or break a shot. As a landscape photographer, understanding how light works is key to capturing the beauty and drama of nature. Over time, I’ve realized that mastering light is among the most crucial skills a landscape photographer can hone. Looking back, there are insights about light I wish I’d known earlier—knowledge that would have significantly boosted the quality of my early work.
As a photographer, it's very easy to get mired in G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) until suddenly, you're taking a full frame camera and a full complement of f/2.8 lenses out on even the simplest of day trips. It's probably time to start thinking about purchasing an "everyday carry."
If you're looking for a camera that balances speed, quality, and affordability, the Nikon Z6 Mark III might be what you need. Here's a look at what you can expect from the camera.
When you're stuck in one place, it's easy to fall into a routine, revisiting the same spots and capturing similar scenes. This can lead to complacency, and before you know it, the familiar becomes dull. Yet, there's always more to discover, even in places you think you know inside out.
For our next photography contest, we want to see the best photo you've ever taken with your smartphone.
In tricky lighting conditions, knowing how to balance different light sources is crucial. When you get it right, your photos look natural and well-composed, without any harsh shadows or blown-out highlights.
The way you process your photos can make or break them. It’s not just about the tools you use, but about the attention to detail and the feel you want to convey.
Isn’t it time we returned to how we used to share photos? There’s little point in creating photographic art if people are not going to see it, and although it reaches a wide audience, there are good reasons to take a step back from social media and consider other options instead.
There are many photography competitions out there to enter, regardless of your preferred genre. But will they help you improve your photography skills, or are they just for bragging rights? This video looks at photography competitions and what can help progress your photography.
A recent YouTube video was filmed entirely on 35mm film. Currently, this might be the only YouTube video that has ever been shot predominantly on film, and the look it produces is definitely interesting.
A YouTube channel called Stand-up Maths recently uploaded a video that was shot on 35mm film. The video itself goes into great detail explaining the different film formats.
For many people who shot film, 35mm was probably the go-to format, especially if you were filming. This is mostly due to the fact that it was far more accessible and significantly...
You may need some inspiration or be ready for an adventure. Your first thought is to pack up your camera gear and head out on an adventure. Then, you start to research and decide it's too costly. I used to think that I would never be able to travel and explore. I was wrong after finding a little ingenuity. Here are six ways to travel without going bankrupt.
Shooting with an 8x10 camera is a bit like entering an exclusive club—one that comes with high costs, steep learning curves, and some serious frustrations. But the rewards? They can be worth every bit of the hassle if you're up for the challenge.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to create the perfect image in Photoshop, the new “Generate Image” feature might be what you need. Whether you're working on a blog, a newsletter, or just exploring new ideas, this feature could save you time and effort.
Exposure bracketing is a technique that can significantly improve your landscape photography by helping you deal with difficult lighting situations. If you've ever struggled with blown-out skies or muddy, noisy shadows, bracketing might be the solution you're looking for.
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 2024, 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.
Editing your landscape photos can be a tricky process, especially when you're just starting out. It's easy to get caught up in the desire to make every image look perfect, but this can lead to common mistakes that actually detract from the quality of your work.
Taking interesting photographs in unremarkable places can be a challenge, but it's also an essential skill for anyone serious about photography. It's easy to find inspiration in bustling cities or picturesque landscapes, but what about when you're in a quiet village or a nondescript suburban area? The ability to see potential in these seemingly dull environments is what can set you apart as a photographer.
Sometimes, there are images you want to create without knowing how you can create them. The imagination runs wild, while the technical abilities tell you no. One such image was created at Briese Studios with the new Briese Neos, a product of no limits and wild imagination.
There's a lot of advice floating around that can seem helpful but might actually be hurting your photography career. Some of the most common suggestions, especially the ones circulating on YouTube, can mislead you and even stall your progress.
Knowing what you can do in post-processing before you even take the shot is a powerful skill. It transforms how you approach photography, allowing you to capture scenes with the confidence that you can shape them later to fit your vision. In this example, you start with a rather dull image, lacking contrast and vibrant colors, and transform it into something stunning.
Black and white photography isn’t just about removing color from an image. It’s about creating something new, something that perhaps existed only in your mind before. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of black and white photography or how it can unlock your creative potential, don't miss this video.
Creativity is a topic that stirs up many questions, especially for those passionate about their craft. Whether you’re holding a camera or playing an instrument, the quest to unlock creativity is a journey that’s both challenging and deeply personal.
Removing Adobe apps from your computer is a big decision, especially when you've been using them for years as a photographer or content creator. These tools are deeply ingrained in the creative process for many, but they also come with a significant financial burden. If you're looking to cut costs or avoid subscription fees, alternatives can be crucial for maintaining your workflow without breaking the bank.
A BBC radio and TV series here in the UK is "Room 101." People argue to send things they dislike into the infamous room from Orwell’s book Nineteen Eighty-Four, where they will never be seen again. What would you send there from the world of photography?
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.
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.
Setting goals might seem basic, but it's one of the most crucial steps in improving your photography.
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.
"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.
When I get a new gear, there is always excitement in discovering what it will do and how it will perform. After six months of using it, that novelty has worn off, and with a more objective eye, would I still choose this camera over the last?
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.
Laowa has made some amazing lenses, ranging from ultra-wide angle to macro lenses. These are all manual focus without any way of communication with the camera. The 10mm f/2.8 Zero-D has changed that, being the first Laowa autofocus lens. It’s also the first 10mm lens with an f/2.8 aperture.
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.
The ability to communicate a feeling through an image is what sets a great photo apart from an ordinary one. Here's how to do that.
It's been more than six years since the release of the original Sony 85mm G Master lens. Does the update live up to the hype?
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.
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.
Photography can be a journey filled with self-doubt, but it’s likely that you’re better at it than you give yourself credit for.
I normally only record BTS footage from one or two setups during a session, so I thought I’d try to show a look at a full session.
Before you instinctively dial in a wide aperture for that dreamy bokeh, consider what you might be losing in terms of your photograph’s ability to tell a story. How about taking your fingers off that aperture ring for a moment and listening to one of the world’s greatest visual storytellers?
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.
With a history spanning over 130 years, the Hungry Ghost Festival in Bukit Mertajam stands as one of Malaysia's most significant and enduring cultural events.
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.
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.
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.
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.