YouTube can be a fascinating but challenging platform for anyone looking to merge their passion for photography with content creation, as t he platform offers opportunities to showcase work, share knowledge, and even generate income. However, navigating finances, sponsorships, and audience expectations isn't as straightforward as it seems.
Stock footage can be an intriguing way to earn passive income if you’re a filmmaker or videographer. By uploading clips to the right platforms, you can create a steady revenue stream with minimal ongoing effort. Is it worth the initial effort, though?
Knowing when to hand over raw files and when to keep them can be a critical factor in how you’re perceived professionally. It’s not always as simple as saying “no.” In some situations, sharing your raw files can be a necessity, while in others, it could be a mistake.
In our never-ending search for the perfect camera, we often bandy around a common term to describe the ultimate in performance: flagship. But what really is a “flagship” camera?
Figuring out how to price your services can feel overwhelming when you’re starting out. Whether you’re handling photography, videography, or broader social media content, knowing what to charge is a skill that can simplify your process and boost your confidence.
Setting ambitious goals in photography requires more than just dreaming - it demands consistent, deliberate action to transform those aspirations into reality. Whether you're looking to start a wedding photography business or launch a creative project, understanding how to effectively bridge the gap between vision and execution can make all the difference in your success.
Pricing your real estate photography can feel like a balancing act, but getting it right is essential for running a sustainable business. Misconceptions around pricing are common, and they can lead to undercharging and burnout. The reality is, if you’re not charging enough, you’re likely leaving money on the table while overextending yourself in the process.
Freelance work can be exciting, but it’s not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is recognizing red flags early enough to make informed decisions about potential jobs. Whether it’s unclear communication, rushed timelines, or vague contracts, these warning signs often hint at larger issues down the road.
For content creators working in the field (or even just on location, yet away from an outlet), a power station can be an invaluable accessory. In this review, I’ll be taking a look at the Bluetti Elite 200 V2, a battery pack with over 2,000 Wh of capacity, and showing just how useful it can be to power all the camera, video, and computer gear you might want.
Adobe is adjusting the pricing of its popular photography plans, a change that impacts many users who rely on Lightroom, Photoshop, and other tools for their work. This is the first price hike since 2013, so understanding what’s changing and what it means for you is important to avoid surprises or unnecessary adjustments to your workflow.
Throughout November and December, demand for portrait sessions, product photography, event coverage, and gift-giving surges, presenting photographers with both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Increased business volume, higher-value transactions, and a need for rapid turnaround create conditions ripe for specific types of threats. These threats often come from external malicious actors who exploit holiday chaos.
A social media presence might be essential, but with social media platforms in a state of flux, which is the best one for a photographer to call home? The fast-growing Bluesky platform could be a breath of fresh air for photographers tired of their work being hidden behind a pay-to-play paywall.
Starting a photography career can feel like staring at a mountain you’re not sure how to climb. It’s especially tough if you’re navigating this journey alone, without mentors or clear guidance. But getting the basics right—mindset, focus, and a professional attitude—can pave the way to success.
Creating a portfolio that speaks to the clients you want is one of the most critical steps in growing your photography career. It’s not just about showcasing your best work—it’s about showing the kind of work you want to do and aligning your style with potential clients’ needs.
I went to meet the founders of Lomography, Sally Bibawy and Matthias Fiegl, on an unseasonably warm Halloween morning in Brooklyn. For three decades, this unicorn of a company has maintained an unwavering commitment to analog long before analog’s recent renaissance, and I was eager to uncover what has fueled their commitment, what currently drives them, and how it might shape Lomography’s future.
Blackmagic Design has made two price drops, one permanent and one temporary, that might be of interest to those of you who use DaVinci Resolve Studio to bring your video projects to reality.
Understanding how to price your food photography projects is key to running a sustainable business. It’s not just about the time spent shooting; a lot more goes into each job than you might initially think.
Running a fashion and beauty photography business is about more than capturing stunning images. It involves managing finances, building relationships, and staying organized to ensure smooth operations. Without a solid approach, the chaos of balancing creative work with business demands can quickly become overwhelming.
Being a professional photographer is about more than just the exposure triangle.
You’ve poured your blood, sweat, and tears into your art. Now, it’s time to make sure it is preserved.
Scams targeting freelance photographers are becoming more elaborate, sometimes making even the savviest professionals vulnerable. This story, shared firsthand by someone who narrowly avoided being caught in this scheme, exposes just how easily these scams can ensnare even experienced photographers.
It’s that time again when my brain starts to ponder the endless question: What would be my idea of a perfect camera?
Breaking into photography can be daunting, especially if you don’t have a financial safety net. The reality is that gear, travel, and training can add up quickly, making it tough for those without the resources to get started. But is it still possible to build a career if you're not coming from a well-off background?
Struggling to grow as a professional can feel frustrating, especially when you’re trying to make photography your career. It’s not just about improving your technical skills. You need to know how to build your brand, connect with clients, and monetize your work.
Burnout is a real challenge for many who work in creative fields. When the passion that once drove you starts to fade, it can feel isolating and confusing. It’s not just about losing interest; it’s the frustration, guilt, and mental exhaustion that make things worse. Understanding how to navigate these feelings is essential to reconnect with your craft.
Whether you are still trying to find your footing or decades deep into a creative career, sooner or later a basic question comes for us all: Should you continue down the same path, or is it time to take a turn?
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.
Why is it so hard to move from a stable 9-to-5 job to a full-time photography career? Many people, especially those passionate about turning their creative skills into a living, struggle with this. If you've ever considered making the leap, you're likely familiar with the challenges. It’s a big move that takes more than just skill behind the camera—it requires time, energy, and a bit of financial risk.
There are a lot of things you get told when starting out in photography. Some of it sounds like essential advice, but when you dig deeper into the industry, you find out that not all of it holds up.
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.
Balancing risk and creativity is something every photographer has to navigate. Sometimes, a project can feel like it’s on the verge of success or failure, and that uncertainty is both exciting and daunting.
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.
Even as you keep your eyes on a singular prize, it can sometimes pay to spread out your offerings to form a firm base.
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...
Nikon adds another welcome addition to its Z lineup of lenses today with the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4.
Transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to becoming a full-time photographer is a goal many dream of, but it’s not as simple as quitting your job and grabbing a camera. Making that leap can be challenging, especially if you’re unprepared. The financial realities of freelancing can be harsh, and without a solid plan, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed by debt and stress.
There's a lot of advice floating around that can seem helpful but might actually be hurting your photography career. Some of the most common suggestions, especially the ones circulating on YouTube, can mislead you and even stall your progress.
Today, I’ll try to break down the multitude of stages that every photographer is likely to go through over the course of their career.
Can you become a professional photographer after the age of 40? It's a question that might have crossed your mind, especially if you've recently found a passion for photography. Whether you're starting from scratch or have dabbled in the craft, the prospect of turning a late-found passion into a career can be both exciting and daunting.
With the plethora of new camera features that manufacturers have rolled out in recent years, it begs the question, “How much more do we actually need?"
It’s no secret that photographers from various genres are experiencing a decline in bookings. The ease of using a smartphone and the quality that anyone can get from those devices have reduced the need to hire a professional for small and even mid-level shoots. Wedding photography is a genre where people are accustomed to hiring professional photographers, and the smartphone has had a lesser impact here.
As a professional photographer, you must face all sorts of obstacles. But the highest hurdles tend to be those you put in your own way.
The financial landscape for photographers has always been unpredictable. You might have a great year followed by months of little to no work. This ebb and flow can make it difficult to maintain a consistent income.
Being an artist means keeping an open mind to all possibilities. But sometimes, limiting your scope can lead to a world of opportunities.
In the never-ending struggle to get your work seen by the right people that can help advance your career, contests and competitions are one of the most accessible. But, after all is said and done, are they worth it?
Photography can be daunting, especially if you're new to the field. Making a living from your camera is a dream for many, but it requires avoiding common mistakes that can hold you back.
Today, let’s talk about life as an artist. Not the Instagram rose-tinted glasses version of reality, but the real thing.
A buyer wants to be inspired by your work and envision it on their walls. There are many variables as to why someone is purchasing a piece of art, but these three suggestions may help you make a sale.
You've probably heard that short behind-the-scenes videos can be a great marketing tool. They show potential clients what it’s like to work with you and highlight your production levels. Let's dive into how to create these videos effectively.
