Affordable 85mm f/1.4: Is This Meike Lens Right for You?

When you're in the market for an affordable 85mm f/1.4 lens, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 might catch your attention. It’s currently the cheapest of its kind, making it a tempting choice if you're budget-conscious. But with lower prices come certain compromises, and this lens has some clear pros and cons to weigh before making a decision.

2024 Natural Landscape Photography Awards: The Winners

Back for its fourth year, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards has announced the 2024 winners. The competition sets itself apart with an emphasis on its golden rule, “the integrity of the subject should be maintained,” setting the standard for landscape photographers with similar approaches to their photography.

Saramonic WiTalk 9 In Use: Production Level Wireless Headsets for Everyone

While the image of a harried producer talking into a wireless headset on a film lot might be a cliche, there’s a good reason why these products exist. Saramonic’s WiTalk 9 series of headsets offer an affordable way to access professional quality wireless communication, ideal for productions, drone operations, or other content creation endeavors where hands-free communication is essential.

Adventure Camera Bag Solution: Two Red Tabs

I work in some pretty inhospitable environments; in places that take multiple planes, trains, and automobiles to get to. I'm typically trying to manipulate my bags and gear at -31F (-35C), or 100F (40C), trying to get my gear out for a shot in a blizzard, or while bouncing along in a soaking wet zodiac. I've been searching for the perfect bag for a long time.

Seven Essential Tips for Finding the Right Tripod

Many people skip the tripod, thinking it's just extra weight, but without one, you limit yourself to daytime shooting and miss out on the best moments. A tripod isn't just a tool for pros; it's an essential piece of gear for anyone looking to expand their creative options.

Creative Tips for Capturing Stunning Forest Scenes

Capturing the beauty of a woodland setting presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. With the dynamic play of light and shadows, it's easy to get overwhelmed by nature’s complexity.

How Not to Take Photos on Film

With film making a resurgence, especially among younger photographers, these are some of the critical mistakes I made while learning to use the medium that I had to learn the hard way. Throughout the video, I go through a few of them and will expand on them as well to hopefully help any photographers newer to film photography avoid making the same errors I did.

Five Film Cameras I Can't Live Without

This list of five film cameras I can't live without spans 35 years of photographic history—from the height of half-frame popularity in 1966 to the dawn of digital in 2001.

ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 Released With AI-Driven Features for Faster Editing

ACD Systems has announced the release of ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025, a software update designed to enhance image editing and management workflows with the integration of AI-powered tools. The latest version brings significant performance boosts, utilizing GPU acceleration to power AI-driven features like the newly introduced ACDSee AI Super-Resolution.

Five Macro Photography Mistakes to Avoid

Getting started with macro photography, especially with insects, can be overwhelming. Mistakes with composition, focus, and lighting are common, but understanding these issues early on can significantly improve your results.

Polished Portrait Retouching in Photoshop

When it comes to retouching photos, backgrounds can be tricky. Whether you're working with a complex set or a worn-out backdrop, maintaining the natural elements while cleaning it up is essential.

Could This Tiny Device Save Your Photography Shoot?

As a landscape photographer, you've likely found yourself in a situation where you're capturing breathtaking scenes, and then suddenly, your camera's battery dies. It's an unfortunate predicament, especially when you're in the middle of a stunning location with perfect conditions. For those of us who rely on our gear to perform without fail, running out of battery power can feel like a nightmare. This experience led me to search for a reliable solution that would keep me powered up, no matter where my photography adventures took me. After some research and trials, I found a product that I believe will significantly enhance my workflow.

Can Your Smartphone Really Replace a Camera?

Smartphone cameras have made remarkable strides, becoming a tool you always have on hand. They’re convenient, portable, and capable of taking impressive shots. However, are they truly enough to replace traditional cameras for at least some serious photography?

The Asus ProArt PZ13: A Powerful Alternative to the Surface Pro

The Asus ProArt PZ13 is a new contender in the Windows tablet market, equipped with a Snapdragon X+ processor designed for efficiency and portability. The combination of a lightweight design, extended battery life, and vibrant display makes it worth considering if you're looking for a mobile device that can keep up with your workload.

How to Choose the Perfect Everyday Camera

Carrying a camera with you everywhere can change how you approach photography. The concept of the "everyday camera" isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creativity, habit, and finding new moments to capture.

12 Ways to Improve Your Photography Without Taking a Single Shot

Improving your photography skills doesn’t always mean snapping away with your camera. There are plenty of ways to practice, refine, and enhance your craft without ever pressing the shutter. These methods not only help you think more critically about your photos but can also make your actual shooting sessions more productive and creative.

Can You Make a Living Solely from Photography?

Making a living from photography is a common dream, but the path to achieving it isn’t always straightforward. While it’s possible to generate your entire income through photography, many professionals diversify their income streams to maintain financial stability. Whether through additional creative ventures or traditional investments, it’s important to understand that your role as a photographer isn’t defined solely by your income source.

Preserving Your Memories: Epson FF-680W Photo Scanner Review

Archiving old family photos can be a daunting task, especially when faced with large stacks of prints. If you’ve been searching for a faster way to digitize and preserve these memories, a high-speed photo scanner could be a game-changer.

A Step-by-Step Landscape Photography Workflow

Are you making the most of your landscape shots? Sometimes, even with the best gear, we don’t always capture the scene as well as we could.

Coming to you from Brian Matiash, this insightful video offers a detailed look at the process of improving a landscape shot from start to finish. Matiash walks through his decisions at the location and how they translate into his editing workflow. He starts by explaining the limitations of his camera setup, including the Sony a7R Mark III and a 12-24mm lens, and how those choices affected his composition. The lens’s ultra-wide angle...

The Beauty of Large Format Photography

Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.

Neewer PS099E: The Possibly Perfect Power Supply

As power bank batteries become ever more important for photographers, V-mount versions are essential for those shooting video. Among their arsenal of accessories, Neewer has one that hits the mark: the PS099E.

Overcoming Unpredictable Conditions in Landscape Photography

The unpredictability of weather is something you’re bound to face if you spend time doing landscape photography. Sometimes it works in your favor; other times, it’s a frustrating barrier to getting the shot you envisioned.

A NY Times Assignment Shot in One Day

Photojournalist Justin Mott recently took on a one-day assignment for The New York Times, documenting the journey of Freya, a transgender woman who moved to Vietnam with her partner due to safety concerns tied to the U.S. political climate. Mott's task was to capture moments of their life in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), including intimate portraits of the couple and shots that brought out the essence of their new environment. It's a delicate story that needed to be told visually with care, making it both personal and professional.

Creative Color Grading Techniques for Cinematic Portraits

When retouching your images, having a variety of techniques can make all the difference. Not every approach works for every photo, so learning multiple methods can help you adapt based on the image you’re working with. In this video, you’ll see a couple of ways to color grade your images, giving them mood, atmosphere, and even a cinematic touch.

Do You Really Need Expensive f/2.8 Lenses Anymore?

Professional lenses with a wide aperture, like f/2.8 lenses, have been a staple in photography for years. But with the advancements in software today, some might wonder: are these high-priced lenses still worth it, or can you rely on software to get the same results with cheaper gear? The question is valid, and photographers on a budget are increasingly exploring whether they can save money without sacrificing quality.

The Best Way to Respond to Clients Asking for Raw Photos

As a wedding photographer, you’ve likely had clients ask for raw files, thinking they’re getting more value by having access to every shot taken. But there are several reasons why raw files aren’t something you want to hand over, and your clients may not understand why. When this conversation comes up, it’s essential to explain the realities of raw files clearly and calmly, so they know what they’re really asking for.

Blackmagic Design Announces URSA Cine 17K 65 Large Format Digital Film Camera Pricing

At IBC 2024 in Amsterdam, Blackmagic Design announced the pricing and availability of the Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65, a new large format digital film camera. With a 65mm RGBW sensor and the ability to capture footage in resolutions up to 17K, the camera is aimed at high-end productions, promising exceptional image quality and workflow integration.

Leica Introduces M11-D: A Blend of Analog Experience with Digital Precision

Leica has announced the release of the M11-D, a digital camera designed to offer an analog-like experience while incorporating modern digital technology. With its minimalist approach, the M11-D eliminates distractions like the rear display and Leica’s signature red logo, focusing on the pure essence of photography. The camera's ISO dial is prominently featured on the back, adding to its streamlined design.

Canon Announces RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens and SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer

Canon has unveiled two new products aimed at enhancing the creative capabilities of photographers and everyday users alike: the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and the SELPHY QX20 compact photo printer. Both are designed to offer versatility and ease of use for a range of photography and printing needs.

Sharp Yet Soft: Ricoh GRIIIX HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) Review

Since its initial release in 2019, the GRIIIx has been a popular addition to Ricoh's revered GR series. Sporting a fixed lens with an equivalent focal length of 40mm, it’s the ideal companion for photographers keen to get a little closer to the action than the GRIII’s 28mm lens.

A Review of the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD Lens

The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD is designed to be your go-to lens for almost any situation. For those looking for a single lens to cover a wide variety of shooting scenarios, it promises a lot of flexibility.

Mastering Simplicity: Tips for Better Landscape Photography

Simplicity in landscape photography is not as easy as it sounds. The natural world is filled with complexity, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the visual elements. However, simplifying a scene can help create more powerful, evocative images, making it easier for viewers to connect with your work.

How to Capture Perfect Family Photos in Challenging Lighting Conditions

Family portraits can be a challenge, especially when you're working with larger groups, such as grandparents with grandchildren. Capturing these moments in a way that feels natural yet beautifully lit can be tricky, but it’s important for creating memories that last a lifetime. Lighting becomes a key factor when you want to ensure everyone is evenly illuminated and the setting feels organic, not overly staged.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography

When you’re working on improving your landscape photography, you’re trying to capture more than just a scene—you’re telling a story. From the foreground to the background, everything in the frame plays a role.

Landscapes Are the Cannabis of Photography

Landscapes are often the gateway drug into other genres. Be careful; it can be addictive and lead you to harder photography. Here’s how to get high from what might seem a benign habit.

Real-World Portraits With the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 Lens

The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 lens is an intriguing option for anyone considering adding a fast prime to their gear collection. It offers a mix of familiar features with some quirks that make it unique, all at a very reasonable price.

How Photographers Can Grow Their Instagram Following Without Reels

As a photographer, like it or not, your social media can be the lifeblood of your business, and even if it isn't, it could act as the social proof you need. So, here are some of the latest tips to grow your Instagram following without having to film Reels.
One Thing You Must Consider Before Choosing a Career as a Commercial Photographer

Crafting a career for yourself as a commercial photographer can come with a lot of upsides. But there is still one big caveat you will need to take into consideration before choosing your path.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work as a commercial artist for nearly two decades. The term “commercial artist” can mean different things, so I’ll take a short moment to define what I’m referring to before moving on. In the strictest technical terms, any artist who is producing art in exchange for financial compensation could be termed a commercial artist, as they are running a...