Skylum Launches Aperty, a Portrait Editor With AI Offering Fast Results

Skylum, who made quite a splash in the image editing space with Luminar and then Luminar Neo, is setting out to conquer portrait photography editing with Aperty. The company says it's aimed at professionals and serious near-professionals, and it will be available on November 7.

Quick Tips for Balancing Photography With Everyday Life

Finding time for photography can feel impossible when you're juggling work, family, and everything else. You might feel like you're always running out of time for your passion. The good news is, it's not about having more time, it's about using the time you already have better.

Tamron Unveils the Next-Gen 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Nikon Z and Sony E Mount

Tamron announced its highly anticipated and newest lens for Nikon Z and Sony E mount, the 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD, on October 24, 2024, at $699/$949 CAD. Tamron is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 90mm macro and building on its performance legacy with cutting-edge technology, inviting you to explore the possibilities in this latest lens.

Can an Online Course Take Your Drone Photography to New Heights?

In the 6 years that I have owned a DJI Spark drone, I have yet to create a photo or video clip that I have deemed worthy of sharing. I am a portrait photographer who loves the simplicity of capturing images with a Leica M. Using a drone to capture scenes has always appeared needlessly complicated. Sometimes, I can’t help but wonder, however, if there is an online course I might study to take my drone photography to new heights.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.

How to Create Painterly Photos in Lightroom

If you want your photos to have that painterly, moody feel, editing is key. It’s possible to achieve stunning results with just a few thoughtful adjustments, even when nature doesn’t provide ideal conditions.

The Complete Pre-Wedding Gear Checklist for Seamless Shooting

Bringing the right gear to a wedding is crucial. It’s not just about your camera or lenses; it’s about having everything you need to get through the day smoothly. Forgetting even one item could create unnecessary stress when you’re on the job. If you’ve ever scrambled to make sure you packed everything, you’re not alone.

Simplify Your Edits With Photoshop’s New Remove Distractions Tool

Removing distractions like power lines and unwanted people from your images can make a huge difference in the final result. One of the latest features in Photoshop’s beta version is a tool that lets you remove wires, cables, and even people with just a few clicks.

We Review the SmallRig RC 60B COB LED Video Light

The use of chip-on-board (COB) LEDs has made it possible to produce small but strong light sources. Almost every light company offers one or more such lights. SmallRig has the RC 60B COB LED video light. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to carry with you. I took a closer look at this light.

Canon vs. Sigma: Which 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Lens Is Right for You?

Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or vlogs, having the right lens can make all the difference. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary and Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM are two strong contenders for those looking to enhance their Canon APS-C mirrorless setup.

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 PRO: A Great Budget Lens for Fujifilm Users

The Yongnuo YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO is a lens designed for Fujifilm X mount users who want sharp, premium images without breaking the bank. For less than $300, it combines a solid build with features that set it apart from other lenses in its price range.

Leica Opens Call for Entries for 2025 Leica Women Foto Project

Leica has officially opened submissions for the sixth edition of the Leica Women Foto Project, an annual photography contest aimed at elevating the voices and work of women photographers. The 2025 theme, "Unity Through Diversity," encourages participants to explore and showcase the power of human connection. The project aligns with Leica's mission to push the boundaries of visual storytelling while supporting diversity and amplifying underrepresented voices.

SanDisk's New Serious SD Cards for Extreme Outdoor Photographers

My favorite part about writing for Fstoppers is the chance to try out new and interesting camera gear. Recently, I got the opportunity to try the latest SD cards from SanDisk, the Outdoors series cards. Available in both SD and Micro SD, these are some of the latest tech for strong, durable memory cards. Let’s see how they performed in the field.

Mastering Composition: Tools Beyond the Rule of Thirds

Composition is the backbone of any great image, and while instincts can take you far, truly understanding composition will make your work more intentional and consistent. You already know when something feels right in a photo, but what if you could control that feeling more effectively? This is where knowing how composition works becomes crucial.

How Visual Tension Shapes Your Compositions

Visual tension is an often overlooked aspect of composition, but it's one you should be paying attention to. It’s about the spatial relationship between objects within a frame and how those objects relate to the edges of the frame. Ignoring this concept can lead to images that feel off-balance, while mastering it can elevate the quality of your work without extensive cropping or post-editing.

Tips and Tricks for Discreetly Vlogging in Public

Vlogging is often fraught with peril. Whether that's overcoming your own shyness, or overcoming people on the street uncomfortable with someone overcoming their shyness in a vlog, there are techniques and gear to help minimize issues.

Lightroom to Photoshop on iPad: A Simple Roundtrip Workflow

With Lightroom and Photoshop available on the iPad, you can easily switch between the two apps for a seamless mobile workflow. If you haven’t explored how to roundtrip your edits between Lightroom and Photoshop on your tablet, this video offers a clear guide.

Finding Unique Perspectives at The Most Photographed Bridge In The World

As a long-time resident of the Bay Area, I’ve had the privilege of photographing the Golden Gate Bridge for over ten years. Whether it’s capturing the low fog rolling in or watching the golden light of sunrise and sunset cast its warm glow over the bridge, this landmark never ceases to amaze me. The Marin Headlands offer some of the best vantage points, especially when the fog is low, and the atmosphere feels almost otherworldly. It’s a scene that continues to inspire me, even after all this time.

Do You Know All 9 of These Adobe Lightroom Tricks?

Whether you have been using Adobe Lightroom for years or are brand new to it, there are always little efficiency tricks or subtle features you can use to make your editing more efficient. As a long-time Lightroom user, I even found a few of these tricks new to me!

Common Film Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Film photography has its unique charm, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most common hurdles for those who explore this medium is navigating through mistakes, often with no easy fix like in digital photography.

Master Your Craft: Must-Listen Podcasts for Aspiring Photographers

Over the last few years, I have searched for podcasts to listen to while editing photos or hitting the road. Podcasts are an excellent way to pass the time and learn new information. There are many to sift through in the world of podcasting and photography. Here are several of my favorite podcasts to help pass the time and learn something new!

Everything You Need to Know About Light Gels

Gels are one of the most versatile tools in your lighting kit, offering endless creative possibilities when used right. Whether you’re adding color to a scene or adjusting the quality of light, gels give you control over your final image.

Viltrox Shows Off Its Massive $100,000 Medium Format 10x Zoom Lens

Viltrox has outdone itself by producing a 10x zoom lens designed for medium format sensors. With a large 60 mm image circle, this lens can comfortably cover camera sensors such as those found in the GFX 100S II and the Hasselblad X2D. What's even more impressive is that it has a constant aperture of T5.6.

Review of the Haida Greystone Filter System

There is a new filter system on the market, made by Haida. This is the Greystone filter system, which consists of a UV filter, CPL filter, and a set of neutral density filters. I have used these filters for a while to see how they perform.

The Unique Character of Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 Lens

The Nikon 35mm f/1.4 lens has been creating a lot of buzz, especially among those looking for something different from the usual clinical sharpness modern lenses tend to offer. If you’ve been on the lookout for a lens with character, this one might be worth a look.

The Myth of Perfect Camera Settings

Getting the right camera settings can be a challenge, especially if you think there’s always a perfect setting for every situation. But if you’re stuck chasing that ideal combination, it might hold you back from truly understanding how your camera works and how to adapt in the moment.

Elevate Your Portraits With These Essential Tips

Portrait photography can be tricky, especially when it comes to capturing authentic expressions and emotions. It’s not just about your camera settings; it’s also about how you interact with your subject, the environment, and the mood you create. In fact, being able to put your subject at ease and make thoughtful choices in framing and lighting are what separate good portraits from great ones.

Fujifilm GFX100S II: Medium Format Power in a Smaller Package

Medium format cameras are known for their stunning image quality and large sensors, but they often come with a hefty price and bulky bodies. The new Fujifilm GFX 100S II is trying to change that, offering an impressive balance between high-end features and a more compact, affordable design.

Why The Matrix Still Feels Ahead of Its Time

The Matrix changed how we think about science fiction and visual effects when it arrived in 1999. Its bold ideas, groundbreaking effects, and philosophical depth continue to leave a lasting impression. The film's mastery in blending storytelling with technical innovation is one reason it still holds up over two decades later.

A Webcam for a Modern World: The EMEET Smartcam Nova 4K

There’s an ever-growing need for decent webcams. As more people work from home, families move farther afield, and global networks grow, the ability to transmit decent sound and vision is essential to projecting good-quality images and sound.

Chasing Image Quality? You Might Be Looking in the Wrong Place

It’s easy to feel like you need the latest camera or lens to improve your photography. With constant advertising, you’re led to believe that without the newest features, your images will be lacking. But that’s not entirely true.

Everyday Photography: Finding New Inspiration in Familiar Places

Photographing beautiful landscapes and stunning vistas can feel effortless when you’re in a new or exotic location. But how do you keep your eye sharp in your everyday environment? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking there’s nothing new to see, especially in familiar places.

Polarr Next: Fast and Easy AI Photo Editing You Should Try

Polarr has just announced its new Polarr Next Public Beta 2.0. It is a considerable update, introducing integrated AI culling as well as enhanced AI editing experiences. I took a closer look at the new update to see how it can solve some of the frustrations photographers face in their current workflows.

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3: A Versatile Zoom Powerhouse

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens offers impressive versatility. With its zoom range starting at 50mm and stretching all the way to 400mm, it covers an 8x zoom ratio, allowing you to capture tight shots and wide scenes without needing to switch lenses.

Mastering Flash: Key Methods for Tackling Common Lighting Problems

Using flash can completely change the way you approach your shoots, especially when natural light just isn’t cutting it. Whether you’re in a dim venue, dealing with color casts, or just trying to add a bit of pop to your images, flash can solve a lot of problems. But it’s not always straightforward. Knowing when and how to use flash is a key skill that can take your work to the next level.

Experience Canon's Beautiful Tribute to Yellowstone National Park

For nearly 30 years, Canon U.S. has partnered with Yellowstone Forever, and I recently received a beautiful photography book based on Yellowstone National Park and Canon's short film "Seismic." In this article, I interview two of the amazing creators behind this project.

The Advice Film Director Stanley Kubrick Left to All Photographers

You may not have been aware that film director Stanley Kubrick was also a professional photographer, having shot assignments for magazines before he ever made any of his award-winning movies. So what did his photographer’s eye bring to his movies, and what can we learn from his creative process?

Why the 85mm Lens Is for More Than Just Portraits

The 85mm focal length is a go-to choice for many types of photography, offering versatility beyond just portrait work. Its ability to isolate subjects and create depth makes it valuable across genres like landscapes, street photography, and even product shots.

My Favorite Travel Bag that Doesn’t Exist Anymore

In the world of seemingly endless options for camera bags, this has remained a favorite of mine and has been a workhorse for the past six years. It may not be the most popular bag out there—in fact, it has since been discontinued—but here’s why I wish it weren’t.

Essential Tips to Look Professional on Set

Looking professional in your work is crucial, especially when clients are making snap judgments based on your equipment and setup. Whether it’s fair or not, the way you present yourself and your gear affects how seriously you’ll be taken.

Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition for Adventurous Photographers

Hasselblad has announced a limited edition version of its X2D 100C, designed specifically for photographers who explore and capture the beauty of Earth's natural landscapes. The X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition will be available in a limited run of 1,000 units worldwide. The camera combines the same high-performance features of the X2D 100C with a unique Tundra Brown exterior, inspired by Nordic landscapes.

iOS 18 Now Available: Major Redesigns, Smarter Features, Better Photo Management, and Enhanced Control

Apple has announced the release of iOS 18, a major update for iPhone users, available now. This new version brings a variety of features focused on personalization, privacy, and intelligence-driven user experiences. Among the highlights are redesigned interfaces, advanced photo and messaging capabilities, new privacy tools, and the introduction of Apple Intelligence, which will roll out next month.

The ‘AI Info’ Controversy: Is This Label Undermining Classical Photography? Industry Experts Weigh In.

“Ridiculous”, “oversimplistic”, and “immensely frustrating”: photographers worldwide are weighing in on the broad social media label "AI Info". While some industry leaders see the value of the designation, the blanket “AI Info” label is also criticized as being oversimplistic. This rollout is causing some photographers to feel punished for using basic tools in Photoshop to avoid the label. I talked with some of the biggest names in commercial photography and retouching to get a pulse from industry experts.

How to Capture Stunning Autumn Landscapes

Autumn is a spectacular time for landscape photography. The colors are vivid, the atmosphere is dynamic, and the changing light brings countless opportunities for creative expression.