There are many benefits that come with teaching up-and-coming photographers, as I’ve come to learn. But some of them surprised me—namely that I would learn a lot more about photography, as well as myself, in the process. Consider this a short list of those benefits, along with some insights along the way.
Every year, I compare the new iPhone to my professional camera, the Canon R5. Last year's iPhone 15 Pro had lackluster results, but I can confidently say this year's iPhone 16 Pro has much more to talk about, including a "secret" update that completely blew me away.
Photographing landscapes is about more than just pretty scenery. It’s about catching the right moment, when light, composition, and subject come together. The unpredictable beauty of Ireland’s diverse terrain offers a perfect canvas to experiment and refine your skills.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of landscape photography is finding the perfect location. The right location can elevate your photo from ordinary to extraordinary. However, choosing where to shoot can be a time-consuming process, filled with challenges such as overcrowded tourist spots, difficult terrain, or simply not knowing where to go. In this article, I want to explore the difficulties we face when finding the perfect location and provide strategies that have helped me overcome them.
The new Fujifilm X-M5 has just been launched, bringing a blend of compact design and powerful features. Whether you're taking stills or shooting video, there’s plenty to explore here.
The OBSBOT Meet 2 is an AI-powered 4K webcam that offers a ton of features in a small and stylish package.
You crest the brow of a hill to behold a magnificent landscape, but as you’re framing it in your camera’s viewfinder, you realize that this stunning scene is intersected by ugly power lines. Is editing them out later in Photoshop an option you would consider, or one that feels somehow dishonest?
I set out with a noble goal for this year's "I tried the cheapest camera on Amazon" article. I purchased a $5.99 camera with the intention of producing wonderfully lit photos and proving that it's not about the gear, it's about the photographer. It turns out, there is indeed a limit.
Composition is a key aspect of any photo, shaping how a viewer experiences the scene. Here are five tricks to improve your photos.
As photographers, we intuitively understand that color profoundly impacts our images, and there’s much more to it than meets the eye. Here are ways you can elevate your images by employing the power of color.
The Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II is here, and it brings some valuable updates. If you need a reliable zoom for both stills and video, this lens offers a lot to think about.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 is generating buzz for good reason. This lens offers a bright f/1.4 aperture at a price point rarely seen for full frame lenses. How does it perform, though?
Editing is where your creative vision comes to life. It’s the step that polishes your work, giving each photo a unique signature. But getting carried away with edits can sometimes harm the final image.
In photography, patience is often the difference between capturing a rushed shot and creating something truly meaningful. This is especially true for landscape photography, where the conditions—light, weather, and atmosphere—change by the minute. Waiting for just the right moment might seem difficult, but it can actually make the process more enjoyable and less stressful.
Traveling with the right camera is essential, especially when shooting across multiple locations. Whether you’re trying to keep things light or aiming for the highest image quality, your gear needs to fit the conditions you’re working in.
Firsts are always an exciting thing. Now, world’s first? That's another category in and of itself. At Fstoppers, we had the pleasure of testing Sigma's brand new 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens for Sony E mount. A behemoth of specs in a tiny package. So, of course, we had to take it somewhere epic—and what better place than the lush, dark, and moody ancient forests of central Pennsylvania?
Street photography demands quick reflexes. Often, you’ll need to capture fleeting moments with no time to adjust your camera. Having your camera preset and ready ensures you won’t miss shots when the unexpected happens.
Finding a versatile lens that covers everything from wide to telephoto can simplify your setup and make shooting more convenient. The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD offers that kind of flexibility.
Old digital cameras are making a comeback, and it’s not just about nostalgia. With many newer cameras focusing on cutting-edge features, older models offer something different.
Choosing between zoom and prime lenses can significantly impact how you shoot landscapes. Each type offers unique advantages, but which one fits your needs better depends on what you prioritize—whether it’s convenience, sharpness, or control over your composition.
Masking is one of the most powerful tools in photo editing, especially when you're looking to bring out specific areas or elements in your images. If you’re not already using masking in Lightroom or Adobe Camera Raw, you’re missing out on some of the most precise control you can have over your edits.
Benro makes some superb tripods, so I had high hopes for the quality of their monopod. Putting it through its paces, there was something about it that surprised me.
Photography isn’t just about capturing beautiful images. It’s about solving a series of small problems every time you press the shutter. Whether it’s choosing the right orientation, framing your subject, or balancing exposure, each decision you make affects the outcome.
Understanding composition means balancing technical decisions with artistic expression, which gives your images both precision and soul. It’s not just about what you put into the frame but how you arrange those elements to create movement, balance, and engagement.
There are rare occasions when I need a lightweight lighting setup for on-location portraits. I have several kits pre-packed for this sort of thing—Nikon flashes with radio triggers, Flashpoint portable strobes, and once in a while, LED panels.
Color toning is an essential tool in photo editing that lets you add a unique mood or style to your images. If you’ve been using Lightroom, you might be surprised to find that the same color grading tools are also available in Photoshop. Mastering these tools will help you bring your images to life in new ways, adding depth, warmth, or coolness where needed.
Medium format cameras offer something that’s hard to match with other systems: incredible detail. If you’ve ever wondered how different medium format is compared to full frame, you’re not alone. Many people are curious whether the larger sensor is worth the extra cost or if they really need it for their style of photography.
Are you kind? That sounds like an odd question to ask in a photographic article, but it impacts your work profoundly. However, there is one circumstance where you should be mean to other photographers.
Megapixels alone don’t determine the quality of your camera’s images. For most people, the number of megapixels in a camera is often viewed as the ultimate measure of quality. But this thinking misses the bigger picture—there’s more to it than just the number of pixels.
Polarizing filters can make your skies richer and your images more dynamic, but what if you could achieve that same look without any additional gear? With a few strategic tweaks in Lightroom, you can create that deep blue sky and high-contrast look, making your landscapes more vibrant and engaging.
DJI has released the Air 3S, a new dual-camera drone designed to meet the needs of travel photographers and content creators. The Air 3S features a 1-inch CMOS primary camera and a 70mm medium tele camera, offering greater flexibility for capturing landscapes, architecture, and portraits.
Apple has announced the latest iteration of its iPad mini, featuring the new A17 Pro chip and integration with Apple Intelligence. The updated model promises enhanced performance, more powerful AI-driven features, and improved connectivity. Available for pre-order starting today, it will begin shipping on October 23.
Complex lighting in outdoor scenes often hides important details in both the brightest and darkest areas. Knowing how to bring out those hidden elements through careful editing can elevate your photos to the next level.
DxO has continued to innovate with tools for serious photo editors, and today they are releasing a significant update to ViewPoint 5, their tool that fixes geometry, perspective, and shapes. Anyone who does architectural or city photography is going to want this tool if they don't have it already.
Before the recent advent of AI-based retouching, I struggled to make rather basic adjustments to my portraits. Using AI plugins, however, I can quickly whiten teeth and eyes, smooth over wrinkles in the fabric, and remove blemishes from a face. Portrait retouching has benefited greatly from AI-based intelligence. One area that has been neglected in this technological revolution, however, is compositing. To put it succinctly, compositing is broken. Fortunately, Adobe is aiming to fix it.
If you're into landscape and portrait photography, finding the right camera for your needs can make all the difference. While fast-action shooting and convenience matter in many situations, there’s also something to be said for slowing down, being intentional, and capturing the perfect shot. The Hasselblad X2D might just be the camera to help you do that.
Viltrox, as you know, has established itself as a go-to brand for photographers looking for quality glass at a more affordable price. The Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 takes that ethos a step further, offering a compact, lightweight option that seems tailored for street photographers and travelers. With its discreet design and modest f/4.5 aperture, this lens feels like it’s made for those who prioritize portability without sacrificing sharpness.
Snapdragon-powered laptops are known for their exceptional battery life and efficient performance, but not all models are created equal. Choosing the right one depends on how each processor performs and which features matter most for your daily use.
Flash photography can be tricky when you're just starting out, and it’s easy to make a few common mistakes without even realizing it. If you're new to using a flash, there are a few things you need to get right from the beginning to improve your results.
Fujifilm has unveiled the FUJINON XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, a super-telephoto prime designed for wildlife, sports, and bird photography. This new lens offers the longest focal length in the current X Series lineup, with several features to support demanding outdoor photography.
Fujifilm has introduced the FUJINON XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II, an updated version of the popular XF 16-55mm lens first launched in 2015. The second-generation lens offers improved optical performance, faster autofocus, and a more compact, lighter design, making it an attractive option for photographers who require versatility and durability.
Fujifilm has unveiled the X-M5, the newest addition to its X Series lineup of mirrorless digital cameras, aimed at content creators seeking versatility in both photo and video capture. With a compact design, intuitive controls, and features geared toward creators on the go, the X-M5 offers a lightweight option for various shooting scenarios.
Natural light can elevate your portrait photography with its soft, flattering qualities. Whether you're shooting indoors or outdoors, mastering natural light is key to creating beautiful, professional-quality portraits.
If you're looking to get into wedding photography, you might be wondering how to start without an established portfolio. This is a common challenge when you’re trying to break into the industry, especially if you haven't shot a wedding before. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to build a strong portfolio that can help you attract clients and grow your business.
Photography is often about finding ways to see the world differently. For some, that means embracing a variety of focal lengths and techniques. But what if the goal is to capture scenes that look as natural as possible?
With the current advancement of imaging technology in digital photography, the significance of format has evolved dramatically to a point where it no longer matters as much compared to the early film days. However, due to physical hardware limitations, it is still essential for us as photographers to recognize that the decision on selecting the imaging format should always align with our creative intent to help achieve the desired result.
Blending technical precision with creative freedom is crucial when working in a studio. Lighting, backdrop choices, and how you adapt to the moment all play a role in creating impactful images.
