How to Solve Common Photography Problems and Improve Your Shots

When you think about improving your photography, you might picture buying new gear or chasing perfect light. But some of the biggest improvements come from small adjustments to technique and mindset. Addressing these common challenges can not only improve your photos but also make the process more enjoyable.

How to Build a Better Relationship With Photography

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s a long-term process that requires consistency and a mindset focused on growth. Whether you’re shooting in the streets, capturing travel memories, or experimenting with landscapes, adopting the right habits can make all the difference.

Be Curious With Your Landscape Photography

Are you curious about your landscape photography? Or are you just looking for scenic views, composing a picture, and moving on? Being curious about your landscape photography can help you better understand the subject you are photographing and the world around it. Be curious.

How to Streamline Wedding Day Chaos With a Custom Timeline

Planning is critical on wedding days, and having a clear timeline isn’t just for planners. Writing your own timeline ensures you know exactly when and where you need to be to capture key moments. It also helps the couple stay informed and makes the entire day run more smoothly, leaving you free to focus on creating memorable photos.

Do Better Cameras Make Better Photographs?

There’s a lot of debate about whether high-end gear leads to better photographs. While modern cameras offer convenience and reliability, it’s worth questioning if they actually improve your artistic output or just make the process easier.

Real Estate vs. Architectural Photography: What Sets Them Apart

Real estate and architectural photography might seem similar, but they serve distinct purposes and cater to different markets. Understanding these differences can help you better tailor your approach and work effectively with clients.

Soft, Warm, and Cinematic: Formatt Hitech Bloom Gold Diffusion Filter Review

Why would you need one? I wondered that a year ago, and now I’m obsessed with mist/diffusion filters. It happened when I started taking filmmaking seriously. I use very sharp modern lenses for my filming and photography and wasn’t happy with the crisp, sterile results I was getting. I wanted a more natural, organic feel. I’ve tested many kinds of mist/diffusion filters, and now I’ve finally found one I really love.

Minimalist Landscape Photography on the Coast

Finding the extraordinary in simple scenes is a skill every photographer should develop. A minimalist approach not only creates striking images but also pushes you to think creatively about composition, light, and negative space.

Luminar Mobile Update Adds Raw Support and More to Version 2.2

Well, here's something I did not expect in a mobile photo editing app, but it's a nice surprise. Skylum, which also makes the popular Luminar Neo editor, has added full raw support, an editing history feature, seamless iCloud synchronization, and an improved user interface to its iOS app that runs on iPhones and the Apple iPad.

Why Slowing Down Can Transform Your Photography

The constant chase for the next photo, location, or achievement can lead to burnout. Balancing your passion with a slower, more reflective approach not only improves your work but also makes the process far more fulfilling.

The Filmmaking Genius Behind Gladiator's Opening Battle

The opening battle of Gladiator remains a memorable moment in modern cinema. Its combination of layered storytelling, technical precision, and visceral energy still holds its own more than two decades after the film’s release.

Finding Purpose and Joy in Photography

Pushing through self-doubt and finding purpose in photography can be a challenge. When you're out capturing moments, it’s easy to wonder what it’s all for. Yet, reminding yourself of why you love photography can reignite your passion and keep you inspired.

Canon Announces RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens for Versatile Content Creation

Canon has introduced the RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, a compact and versatile wide angle zoom lens for Canon mirrorless cameras. This lens caters to both professional and hobbyist creators, combining sharp optics, fast autofocus, and advanced stabilization systems to deliver exceptional performance in photo and video applications.

Two Weeks With the Leica M11-D and I’m Ready to Hand Over $9,000

Since the inception of digital photography, every camera marketed to consumers has had a large LCD screen. Without this screen, it is not possible to set preferences for basic camera operation, nor can you verify that you are capturing images at the correct exposure. Without a rear screen, you can’t confirm that the camera has captured an image when you press the shutter button.

Six Items I Take On Every Corporate Headshot Shoot (Other Than My Camera!)

It’s easy to feel nervous about the logistics of a corporate team shoot—what will the space be like? How do you light each person consistently? The reality is that the lighting in an office can be harsh and unflattering—overhead strip lighting is no one’s friend! And space can be really tight. So, I always bring some extra lighting in case we can’t use window light and some compact equipment. Versatile and portable kit is handy here, so I leave my large lights at home and pack light.

How to Handle Zillow Showcase Requests and Offer Better Options

As Zillow pushes its Showcase platform to brokerages, real estate media professionals face new challenges and opportunities. Understanding how this platform works and its impact on listings is key to staying ahead in a competitive market.

The Practical Advantages of Smartphone Cameras for Professionals

Professional photographers generally rely on traditional DSLR and mirrorless cameras. However, developments in smartphone technology have dramatically changed how people shoot. Smartphones, such as the Vivo X200 Pro, are carving a place in professional workflows by delivering features that often outperform traditional setups.
Review of the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3 for Timelapse Photography

Modern cameras have an interval option built in. Set an interval time and wait until you have enough footage for a timelapse video. However, with the right equipment, it is possible to take it to the next level. I reviewed the LRTimelapse Pro Timer 3, which might be the right tool for the job.

An Easy and Fun Home Macro Project: Oil on Water Photography

Macro photography projects can be some of the most creative ways to experiment with textures and colors at home. One fascinating technique involves using oil and water to create mesmerizing patterns, offering infinite possibilities for unique shots. It’s a simple setup, yet it delivers results that can rival more elaborate methods.

What Beginner Photographers Actually Need in Their Gear Bag

Starting in photography can be overwhelming, especially when you’re faced with endless gear options. It’s easy to feel like you need the best of everything to take great photos, but that’s not true. The key is to focus on the essentials that will support your growth while skipping unnecessary expenses.

Adobe Announces Major Updates Ahead of Sundance 2025

Adobe has introduced significant updates to its flagship video and motion design tools—Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Frame.io—just in time for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. These enhancements aim to streamline workflows for filmmakers, editors, and motion designers, reducing tedious processes and enabling faster creativity.

Is This The Compact Film Camera I Had Hoped For?

Shortly after I last mused about what I thought would be the perfect new compact film camera for 2025, I discovered that there was a camera in the works that seemed to tick every box I hoped for: the Analogue AF1. But with little more than a gorgeous website promising the moon at a modest price, I held off, preferring to wait for more details before getting too sentimental about what could be the long-awaited savior of compact film photography.

Panasonic Announces Four New 4K 60p 10-Bit Professional Camcorders

Panasonic has unveiled four new 4K professional camcorders designed for high-quality video production, broadcasting, and live streaming The AG-CX20, HC-X2100, HC-X1600, and HC-X1200 models combine 4K 60p 10-bit recording with advanced features in a compact and lightweight design, making them suitable for a wide range of users, from solo filmmakers to professional production teams

Transform Flat Portraits With Simple Dodging and Burning in Lightroom

Dodging and burning isn’t just about lightening or darkening areas in your photos. It’s a technique that can add depth and shape, transforming a flat portrait into one with dimension and life. This process allows you to guide the viewer’s attention and refine the story your image tells.

The Key to Better Portrait Photography Poses

Portrait posing can feel tricky. A poorly executed pose risks creating images that look stiff or awkward, while successful posing brings energy and variety, making your work stand out. This process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

We Review the Zhiyun Cinepeer Crane 4E

Zhiyun has a wide range of gimbals to choose from, and the new offering is the Cinepeer Crane 4E. In this article, I put the gimbal through its paces and give my opinion as a first-time user.

7 Tips to Transform Your Images With Better Editing

Editing is a vital part of photography, allowing you to bring your images to life and match the vision you had while shooting. Knowing how to enhance, adjust, and experiment with your photos can turn good shots into great ones and even rescue certain images.

Key Tips for Film Photography Beginners

Film photography offers a creative process distinct from digital, but it requires a shift in mindset. If you're thinking about trying film or transitioning from digital, understanding the basics can save you from frustration and help you decide if it’s worth the investment.

5 Practical Tips to Boost Your Wedding Photography Business

The wedding industry is shifting, and it’s impacting how businesses book clients. Economic pressures like inflation have led couples to cut costs, making it essential for you to adapt your strategies. If your bookings are slowing down, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Face Tracking Comes in New iSteady M7 Gimbal

The dream of having a gimbal that can auto-track your subject while leaving you free to focus on your own movement is finally a reality! I tested the new iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal by Hohem, and it's pretty remarkable. If this is the future of gimbals, we are in for a treat!

The Key to Tack-Sharp Photography

Fact: Depth of field will remain constant across all formats and focal lengths as long as the aperture and the image size remain the same. There are several factors that determine how sharp, or not sharp, an image may be. One of those is depth of field, and another is the movement of the subject matter that occurs while the shutter is open. Here, I will discuss depth of field.

The Reality of Landscape Photography

Landscape photography often requires stepping outside your comfort zone, both physically and creatively. The most striking images can demand long hikes, unpredictable weather, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. These challenges don’t just test your endurance—they add layers of meaning to the photographs you capture.

When to Prioritize Shutter Speed or Aperture in the Field

Shutter speed and aperture are two key components of the exposure triangle. Even if you are familiar with their role in proper exposure, you might struggle with when you should prioritize one over the other for the scene you are photographing. What elements should you be considering?

Ditch the Algorithm: Why Substack Is Perfect for Photographers

In an era dominated by social media algorithms and fleeting engagement, photographers often struggle to reach audiences in any meaningful way. With established social media platforms at saturation point, it’s become harder to reach the people who follow you, let alone new audiences.

Tips to Overcome Creative Plateaus and Grow Your Craft

Finding your style and pushing creative boundaries can be both challenging and rewarding. Exploring lesser-photographed locations, adapting your workflow to new platforms, and embracing periods of plateau are essential steps to growing your craft.

Why Pretty Photos Might Be Holding You Back

Is a beautiful photo enough? It might grab attention at first glance, but does it hold meaning beyond the surface? Many start with the goal of capturing visually stunning images, but over time, it becomes clear that beauty alone isn’t always fulfilling. Photography can achieve so much more by telling stories, evoking emotions, and inviting deeper reflection.

How to Add Natural Blur to Photos in Lightroom Classic

Shallow depth of field is often associated with professional portraiture, providing separation between your subject and the background. But what if your lens or shooting conditions didn’t allow for that effect? Lightroom’s Lens Blur tool offers an option to achieve that blurred background look during editing.

How to Find New Inspiration for Your Photography

Photography can be a rewarding and creative pursuit, but even the most passionate enthusiasts face moments of doubt or disinterest. Addressing this common challenge, one photographer shares personal insights on how to navigate these periods and rediscover excitement in your creative process. His strategies range from shifting perspectives to embracing new tools and projects.

The Unspoken Treasure: Why You Should Consistently Document Your Personal and Family Life

Professional photographers devote themselves to capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, visualizing concepts for commercial campaigns, and solidifying narratives that clients want to preserve or convey. However, in the hustle of meeting deadlines and the relentless pursuit of aesthetic innovation, many photographers neglect the realm closest to them: their own personal lives, families, and close friends. The tragedy lies in the missed moments—fleeting childhood phases, subtle changes in loved ones, quiet personal milestones—that deserve the same careful attention and expert composition as any commercial assignment.

Lessons to Level Up Your Photography Faster

Photography can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out, especially when progress seems slow and uncertain. But with the right approach, you can develop your skills more efficiently and discover your unique style along the way.