Are You Using Color to Its Full Potential in Photography?
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.
Is the New Fujifilm 16-55mm f/2.8 II a Prime Replacement?
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.
How Nikon Balances Price and Performance With Its New 50mm f/1.4 Lens
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?
The Most Common Photo Editing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
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.
How Slowing Down Can Improve Your Photography
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.
How a Tiny Camera Beat the Larger Options on a Major Trip
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.
We Tested the World's Brightest Full Frame Zoom: The Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art
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?
Fast and Reliable Camera Techniques for Street Photography
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.
Can One Lens Do It All? Testing the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1
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.
Unlock Your Creativity With Affordable Used Cameras
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.
Zoom vs. Prime Lenses: Which One Should You Use in Landscape Photography?
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.
Seven Essential Masking Tips for Lightroom and Adobe Camera Raw
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.
Does the Benro Supadupa Monopod Live Up to Its Name?
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.
Why Great Photos Are All About Asking the Right Questions
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.
Mastering Composition: A Balance Between Art and Technique
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.
ProMaster Chroma TL9RGB Tube LED Light Review
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.
Simple Steps for Better Color Grading in Photoshop
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 vs. Full Frame: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
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.
The One Time a Photographer Should Be Mean
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.
Why Sensor Size Matters More Than Megapixels
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.
How to Recreate the Polarization Effect in Lightroom: A Step-by-Step Guide
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 Introduces Air 3S Drone with Dual-Camera System for Powerful Photography
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 Unveils New iPad Mini With A17 Pro Chip and Apple Pencil Pro Support
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.
Transform Challenging Landscapes With These Lightroom Techniques
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 Brings a Unique ReShape Fusion Tool to ViewPoint 5
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.
Compositing Is Broken: Adobe Aims To Fix It
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.
The Hasselblad X2D: A Medium Format Dream for Landscape Photography
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.
A Compact Powerhouse: Introducing the Viltrox 28mm f/4.5 Lens
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.
A Guide to Snapdragon Laptops: Performance vs. Price
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.
Common Flash Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them
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 Announces the FUJINON XF 500mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Super-Telephoto Lens
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 Announces the XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II Lens
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 Announces the X-M5: A Lightweight Mirrorless Camera for Content Creators
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.
Elevate Your Skills: 5 Natural Light Portrait Photography Tips You Need To Know
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.
How to Build Your Wedding Photography Portfolio from Scratch
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.
The Power of Minimalism in Photography: Why Fewer Lenses Might Be Better
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?
Does Format Still Matter That Much in the World of Digital Photography?
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 Expertise and Creativity in Studio Portrait Photography
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.
A Practical Guide to Managing Photos While Traveling
Managing your photos while traveling can be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with large batches of images from a single shoot. Whether you’re on a multi-day excursion or just out for a quick day trip, having a solid backup and organization plan is key.
Cameras Ready? There's Time to Get Some Great Shots of Comet C/2023 A3
If you'd like to try some comet photography, tonight and the next few days are for you. Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) will be in our night skies just after sunset. Happily, you likely have all the gear you need on hand. No fancy tracking mounts, telescopes, or filters are required. A DSLR will do the trick. Yes, stacking and tracking are great, but I'm trying to keep it simple here so you can just go outside and bring back a good photo.
Why You Don’t Need Film Cameras to Achieve a Film Look
Switching things up can breathe new life into your creative process. In landscape photography, using different equipment or emulating different styles can help you see familiar scenes in a new light.
Can Green Energy Keep Up With the AI Boom?
Digital technology is rapidly reshaping the world around you, but it’s also demanding a massive amount of energy. One question that’s growing louder is whether renewable energy can keep up with this digital boom.
From Idea to Execution: The Creative Process Behind a Successful Photo Shoot
When it comes to creating memorable images, the real magic doesn’t happen behind the camera—it happens long before that, in the planning stage.
Don't Let the Wrong ISO Ruin Your Photography
A common misconception in landscape photography is that using the lowest ISO setting always results in the highest quality images. I frequently encounter this question and concern in my YouTube comments. Therefore, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share a video and article discussing the importance of ISO.
Frustrated With Traditional Film Scanning? Consider This Easy, Cost-Effective, and High Quality Alternative.
Does the joy of shooting with film always have to come at the price of expensive scans, or the frustration that can accompany the often time-consuming and laborious process of scanning your own film? Maybe not with this fast, cost-effective, and high-quality alternative to traditional film scans.
Can the iPhone Compete With the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and the GoPro 13 Black?
For the last few weeks, I have been filming with the brand new GoPro Hero 13 Black and the new DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro action cameras. To mix things up a bit, I also tested them against and Apple iPhone. Can your older "professional" model iPhone produce video that competes with these new state of the art action cameras? Let's find out.
New AI Tool in Photoshop Makes Removing Wires and Cables a Breeze
If you’ve ever tried removing wires, cables, or other distractions from your photos, you know how tedious it can be. Photoshop’s new AI-powered tool aims to change that. This feature, currently available in the Photoshop beta, lets you erase unwanted elements in a few clicks without the need for complicated selections.
Simple Edits to Make Flat Photos Pop With Color and Contrast
A photo can sometimes look flat or uninspiring, but with just a few tweaks, it can become vibrant and engaging. This video tutorial explores straightforward editing techniques in Lightroom Classic that can elevate your images without overwhelming them with heavy edits.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Shutter Speed for Every Scene
Choosing the right shutter speed can make or break a photograph. It’s not just about light or exposure; it’s about how you convey your subject’s motion and stillness. This video highlights different scenarios where varying shutter speeds bring out the best qualities in a shot.