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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Investing in a high-end macro lens may not make sense if you only occasionally use it. Enter the Pergear 100mm f/2.8 Ultra Macro lens, which offers 2X magnification, full frame coverage, and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $260. But does this lens deliver the performance you need?

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!

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.

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.

Photoshop offers endless possibilities, but mastering it takes time. Knowing the right shortcuts and tricks can make your workflow faster and more efficient.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tilt-shift lenses are specialized tools for photography and even video, and you can imagine the functionality expanding further when it is also a macro lens. But what exactly can you do with such a lens that literally bends for you?

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.

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.

When you’re starting out in wedding photography, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the details. The stakes feel high, and the learning curve can be steep. Lessons often come with time, but you don’t have to figure it all out the hard way.

Street photography forces you to think and react differently compared to travel or landscape photography. While the latter might involve waiting for a perfect scene to unfold, street photography demands quick reflexes and an ability to anticipate moments before they happen.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) images can capture a range of light and detail that’s difficult to achieve with a single shot. Using Lightroom, you can merge bracketed photos into an HDR image with minimal effort, even if the photos are handheld or noisy.

Editing a sunset photo involves more than just increasing the brightness or contrast. It's about enhancing the mood and bringing out the rich, vibrant tones that make sunsets magical. Using Lightroom, you can transform a good photo into something extraordinary with a few precise adjustments.

White balance plays a critical role in shaping how your photos look and feel. Getting it right can mean the difference between a shot that feels natural and one that seems off. But white balance isn’t just about technical accuracy; it’s also a powerful tool for creative expression.

Since the debut of its SL-System in 2015, Leica Camera AG has continually pushed the boundaries of professional innovation and has again done so with the new addition to the Leica SL range, the new 24 MP SL3-S. Designed for professionals who demand both precision and creativity, the SL3-S combines Leica’s cutting-edge technology with their signature craftsmanship.

I have always been a person who works smarter, not harder. Now that AI is everywhere, I’ve started to see where I can benefit from its use. This made me think: Can I leverage ChatGPT and ask it to help me create adjustment settings for Lightroom based on an idea?

Photographer Martha Cooper has made a lasting impact on both the world of photography and the art world as a whole. Renowned for her documentation of urban street art and graffiti culture, Cooper's career reflects her deep passion for storytelling and her remarkable ability to capture everyday moments. Her work transcends photography, serving as historical records of cultural movements.

Born in Baltimore in 1943, Cooper began her career as a photojournalist, working for various news outlets. However, it was her groundbreaking book, Subway Art, co-authored with...

Adding contrast can transform an image, but it often changes more than just light and shadow. It also affects color saturation, sometimes in ways that don’t look natural. Understanding how to manage this is key to creating polished images without overdoing it.

No camera is perfect, but for me, the Sony a9 III is pretty close. Unfortunately, there is one problem that's holding this camera back.

Photography is more than just capturing images. It’s also about learning from experiences, adapting to challenges, and appreciating the moments in front of you. This approach intertwines photography with life lessons, offering insights that go beyond the technical aspects of the craft.

Editing isn’t just about fixing mistakes; it’s an opportunity to add depth and character to your photos. With a few simple tools in Lightroom and Photoshop, you can create dramatic effects that bring your vision to life.

Choosing between Canon’s EF and RF lenses can be confusing, especially if you’re transitioning to a mirrorless system. If you’re already using EF lenses with an adapter, you might wonder if upgrading to RF lenses is worth it.

Photobooks are still strong in a digital world where nothing seems tangible, especially photographs. Whether you publish through a traditional publisher or self-publish, a photobook is a great way to take your photography to the next level and print your work.

Landscape photographers put their gear through some very challenging environments, from rain to snow to freezing cold temperatures and more. Unique landscape conditions tend to happen in inclement weather, making challenging weather the time to be out. But just how tough is your camera?

When it comes to photography, intuition might not be the first tool you think of, but it’s one of the most important. Acting on gut feeling can open up creative possibilities and lead to more meaningful images. Learning to trust this instinct can help you refine your style and create with confidence.

The impact of a photography workshop doesn’t end with the last official event. If you continue to engage with the lessons and inspiration you gained during your time there, you can allow them to shape your photographic journey in meaningful and lasting ways.

Wedding photography is a mix of creative expression and practical execution. Every decision you make, from camera settings to how you manage time, impacts your ability to tell a couple’s story. Striking the right balance between art and efficiency isn’t just a skill—it’s what makes or breaks your role on the big day.

Hitting a creative block isn’t just frustrating; it’s inevitable. Whether you take pictures for a living or enjoy it as a hobby, these moments can leave you feeling stuck and uninspired. The good news is, there’s a simple way to reset your creativity and get back to shooting with purpose.

A few days ago, DJI sent me their soon-to-be-released DJI Flip Drone. Although they probably explained everything about it in the emails they sent, I’ll admit—I didn’t read a word. Instead, I ripped open the box, grabbed the drone, and decided to figure it out on my own.

In a world where AI is becoming more prevalent, advancements in editing software, and a time when cameras have become more accessible than ever, it poses a question: has photography become too easy?

Superzoom lenses promise versatility and convenience. But is one lens enough to handle everything? The trade-offs between flexibility and image quality make this an interesting question, especially when you’re not shooting in professional environments.

Some enthusiasts claim film offers qualities that digital simply can’t match, while others believe digital reigns supreme. The truth is, neither is better; they’re different, and understanding those differences can help you make the most of either medium.

Photography is an art form that often demands more than creativity; it requires courage, perseverance, and sometimes a willingness to take life-altering risks. Over the years, some photographers, including even myself, have ventured into jaw-dropping locations to capture images that defy both logic and limits. These stories are a testament to the lengths artists will go to for the perfect shot.

As you might be familiar with Insta360’s Flow Pro, the first smartphone gimbal that features Apple DockKit, they have now released a brand-new model, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro, which features a sleek design and even more advanced features. With the rapid growth of AI integration technology, the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro has taken the leap to become the next-gen AI-powered smartphone stabilizer, featuring the all-new Deep Track 4.0 that offers advanced tracking capability.

Street photography is all about capturing compelling scenes that hold the viewer’s attention. One powerful technique to elevate your images is layering. By incorporating depth through foreground, middle ground, and background elements, you can create dynamic photos that feel rich and dimensional.

The focus often stays on cameras, lenses, and gear directly tied to capturing images. But there are plenty of non-photography essentials that can make your work smoother and more efficient. These tools might not be designed with photography in mind, but they can become indispensable in your kit.