Recent Education Articles

The Challenges of Producing Your Own Photography Book

Creating a photo book involves far more than just selecting images; the practicalities of production, publishing, and shipping present significant hurdles. Understanding these challenges can help you realistically plan your own book project.

Discovering New Perspectives With an Ultra-Wide Angle Lens

Choosing an ultra-wide lens can profoundly affect how you approach photography, forcing you to reconsider perspective and composition. Such lenses aren't for every situation, but when used correctly, they can offer dramatic, unique results.

Advanced Techniques to Level-Up Your Landscape Shots

If your landscape shots feel flat or incomplete, even though you're using solid photography basics, it's probably time for some fresh insights. The reality is, great landscapes are less about basic rules and more about nuanced details that shape your composition and enhance the drama in your images.

Tips for Great Street Photography

Street photography has grown hugely in popularity over the past couple of years. For me, it’s become one of my favorite photography genres because it’s easy to do, a lot of fun, and so accessible. Most of us live in or near a large town or city, so a spontaneous outing is feasible without planning. I like that. And you don’t need a lot of fancy, expensive gear.

Essential Macro Techniques for Professional Results

Macro photography sharpens your attention to detail and lighting, crucial skills whether you're exploring creative images at home or pursuing commercial work. Understanding how to effectively highlight small products, control lighting, and employ techniques like focus stacking can elevate your photography significantly, no matter what you shoot.

Vintage Lenses for Modern Cameras: A Practical Guide for Photographers

In recent years, some of the world's cheapest lenses have made appearances in the world's most expensive movies. Several scenes in "Batman" (2022) and "Dune: Part Two" (2024) were filmed using re-housed vintage Soviet optics first produced in the 1950s. Surprisingly, these lenses—actually defective copies of optically superior German Zeiss designs mass-produced in Soviet factories—are cheap and plentiful and can be obtained for under $100 apiece. So why are major movies being shot on cheap lenses?

Flash‑Ambient Balance Made Simple

Balancing on‑location flash with existing light sits at the heart of compelling portrait work. Photographers who understand how a slight shift in ambient exposure reshapes mood and subject separation gain tools that make creative intent feel effortless rather than frustrating.

Simple Tips to Immediately Improve Your Photos

Taking great photos doesn't need to be overly complicated. The key to better images lies in mastering just two foundational aspects—understanding light and thoughtful composition.

Why Your Photography Should Avoid the Obvious

William Eggleston famously described himself as being "at war with the obvious," a compelling concept for any photographer to consider. Exploring what exactly counts as obvious—and why steering clear of it might make your work stand out—can help you create photographs people remember.

How to Master Portraits Using Only Two Lenses

Your camera gear doesn't define how good you are at taking portraits, but the lenses you pick do matter—a lot. Choosing the right lenses affects your flexibility and helps shape your distinct style as a portrait photographer.

Why Photographers Should Prioritize Shooting Locally: Building a Sustainable Business on Familiar Ground

In today’s age of instant digital connectivity, photographers can showcase their work to prospective clients across the globe with just a few mouse clicks. While the allure of far-flung destinations and exotic travel remains strong, there is a growing trend toward turning the camera’s lens closer to home. Photographers are discovering the value of prioritizing “home turf”—that is, focusing on and mastering local markets. This approach is not just a quaint alternative; it can be the pillar of a robust and sustainable photography career.

Find Clarity and Direction in Your Photography

Feeling stuck, unsure of what to shoot, is a common issue when you pick up your camera. It’s frustrating and can sap the joy out of photography if you let it linger too long.

Using (and Breaking) Composition Rules Intentionally

Composition isn't just a set of arbitrary rules photographers invented to make life complicated. These guidelines connect deeply with how your mind naturally sees the world, shaping how effectively your photos communicate.

Effective Ways to Refocus Your Photography and Reach Your Goals

Improving your photography isn't just about technical skills—it's about clearing away distractions and reconnecting with your passion. Understanding what genuinely inspires your creativity is vital for growth and authenticity in your work.

The Landscape Photographer's Worst Enemy and Best Friend

In photography, as in life, the things we curse as impediments can sometimes turn out to be blessings in disguise. With careful observation, good timing, and a little luck, embracing this often challenging aspect of landscape photography can really raise the impact and emotional depth of your images.

Why Your Best Landscape Photos Might Be Minutes Away

Landscape photography close to home offers far more than convenience—it transforms your familiarity with your surroundings and deepens your skills as a photographer. You might overlook hidden beauty nearby simply because it's routine, but a subtle shift in perspective can turn familiar terrain into something extraordinary.

Unlocking Better Outdoor Portraits With a Beauty Dish

Using a beauty dish in portrait photography is often misunderstood or avoided because of misconceptions around harsh lighting and challenging shadows. Yet, mastering this lighting tool can elevate your outdoor portraits significantly, creating a natural, defined look that large, soft modifiers can't replicate.

Advanced Photoshop Layer Techniques for Cityscapes

Mastering complex lighting conditions is a crucial skill when capturing city scenes at night. Getting clear, balanced exposures in areas with intense contrast can significantly elevate your final images.

Dreamy Photos Without the Obvious Tricks

Dreamy photos don’t happen by accident. They require understanding subtle techniques that create images filled with atmosphere and emotion.