Creating a successful landscape photo takes a combination of planning, patience, technique, vision, and sometimes, just a bit of luck. Professional landscape photographers have some common habits and productivity hacks they use both to be more efficient and to ensure that they come home with the best possible images.
In tandem with shutter speed and ISO, aperture is one of three fundamental exposure parameters that grant you the technical and creative control over your images that you bought a specialized camera for in the first place.
Creating successful portraits is a complex task that requires a lot of specialized knowledge and techniques, but just like any other genre of photography, having a complete mastery of lighting is near the top of the list of requirements.
One of the most consistent opportunities we have as photographers to earn money with our cameras is photographing real estate and hospitality properties, such as Airbnb rentals, and contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t take a huge investment to offer quality images for this purpose.
While there are a lot of differences between video and photography, one fundamental truth remains: your lighting makes or breaks your creations. And just like photography, there are some common lighting mistakes that new filmmakers tend to make. This excellent video tutorial will show you 10 such mistakes and what you can do to fix them or avoid them in the first place.
Running a successful photography business that brings in sufficient income takes a lot more than simply being good with a camera and knowing how to light a shot. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced professional discussing how he runs his business and offering some helpful insight.
Cinematic footage is a great way to showcase a product and add a level of professionalism to your video work. However, it can be daunting to know where to start, and the options can get expensive. If you want simple and effective ways to up your video b-Roll game without breaking the bank, look no further than this accessible tutorial.
The definition of a “cinema camera” seems to be ever evolving. So what are some of the things that set them apart from mirrorless?
Beauty dishes and octaboxes are two of the most common lighting modifiers out there, with almost every portrait studio in existence owning at least one of the two, if not both. They are not identical, though, and each renders your subject in a unique way, which is why it is important to understand the differences so you can pick the proper one for your style and clients' needs.
In the midst of cancel culture, it's easy to make a misstep as a photographer. Sometimes, a seemingly harmless act could tarnish your reputation. I created this video because following these actions helped me, and I hope that it also serves you.
Shooting with long telephotos lenses is an entirely different experience that requires some specialized techniques and considerations. If you are new to working with those extra-long focal lengths and looking for some helpful advice to ensure you get the best possible shots, check out this fantastic video tutorial that discusses six important lessons.
There's a part inside us all that wishes we were getting paid or paid more for our photography work. However, it's often the case that there are some perfectly logical reasons why we're not. Here are some great examples of why you're not getting paid clients.
Most people think of Lightroom as the place for organizing their photos and performing light edits and Photoshop as the destination for more intensive work. However, in the last few years, the former has made some major strides that make it a serious editing tool.
When it comes to landscape photography, we are at the mercy of the elements, and that can be a really frustrating thing, particularly when you have hiked for hours with a bag of gear on your back. So, what can you do when the weather is not great? The truth is that you can create worthwhile photos in any conditions as long as you approach things the right way.
Shots of waterfalls can be some of the most soothing and mesmerizing images in photography. If you want to learn some very simple steps anyone can implement to really improve your waterfall photography, take a look inside.
One of the most crucial things any photographer working with artificial light needs to learn is the inverse square law, which has deep consequences on how light behaves and the look of your images. If you are new to working with artificial light and want to learn the inverse square law, check out this excellent video tutorial that will show you what you need to know.
Changing your approach and perspective to your landscape photography can produce some stunning results. Looking at the more intimate details and patterns, the textures, and how everything interacts within your scene can really open up a new world for your photography.
Perhaps no piece of photographic equipment is more crucial to your work and image quality than the lens you put on your camera, and as such, when it comes time to purchase one, it is something you should consider carefully.
There are a lot of popular locations out there, and while they can look enticing, you sometimes get there and realize you are just creating the same images that thousands of photographers before you made. So, is there any point in investing the time, effort, and money to photograph such places?
The professional photography space is crowded, and if you are trying to carve out your spot in it, it can feel like a very competitive pursuit. And while it is true that establishing and maintaining your business can be a very competitive thing, it can actually be detrimental to think of it that way. This excellent video details why that is and what a better approach might be.
Lightroom's masking features have become quite advanced and powerful in recent iterations, and if you have not checked them out yet, you are really missing out on some impressive features that can make your workflow easier and more efficient and even improve your image quality.
We are often taught that when it comes to portraits, soft light is the most flattering, while hard light, which introduces stark shadows and emphasizes skin texture, is to be avoided. While it is true that softer light is considered more flattering, that does not mean you should never use hard light; in fact, it can be fantastic for the right look and scenario.
Getting your first dedicated camera is highly exciting, as it opens up an entirely new world of creative possibilities. It also means you have a lot to learn and to practice. So, where should you get started? This fantastic video tutorial will give you three things you should learn when you first get a camera.
Who doesn't love free stuff!? Video editing is a complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive task, so anything you can do to make the process easier and more streamlined is a major plus. This fantastic video will show you five plugins that do just that, and the best part is that they are all free!
Without a doubt, being a photographer, whether amateur or professional, can sometimes be an exhausting venture. Between clients, social media, trying to constantly innovate creatively, and much more, it is easy to get run down. Are you tired of the chase to make good photos?
The more you get into working with artificial lighting, the more you will realize you constantly little gadgets and accessories besides the lights and modifiers themselves. This great video tutorial will show you six things you should have in your bag that will keep your shoots running smoothly and help you tackle any problems that might arise.
Composition in shooting cityscapes relies heavily on your choice of lens. With the right lens that matches your envisioned image, your urban landscape photos can have so much visual impact.
We can sometimes be a bit narrow-minded about what it means to be a professional photographer, but there are actually many great ways to make money with your camera. If you would like to get started, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you 33 different ways you can get paid for your photography.
There is a ton of advice on what gear to buy and what gear not to buy as a photographer. It is written from a billion different standpoints, each one with a slightly different take. I didn’t feel any of those articles resonated with me, so here is one that I hope will resonate with you regardless of the genre or niche you’re going for.
Iceland is the land of fire and ice, but what happens when there's neither? Travel plans can change at the last minute due to many factors, the weather being a big one, lost luggage another. So, how do you adapt and make even a short trip memorable? Do you push your creative boundaries and try something new, or do you just step back and enjoy experiencing each new adventure?
Perhaps no aspect of landscape photography is trickier than composition. Not only do you get no control over the placement of the elements in the frame, unlike more quantifiable parameters like shutter speed or aperture, composition is tougher to codify and takes longer to understand on a deep and nuanced level. So, how do you find a good composition at a new location?
One of the trickiest parts of landscape photography is that unlike most other genres, you get no control over the arrangement of the elements in the scene, which can make composition a particularly tricky aspect. A common problem is an overly busy frame. What can you do to create simpler, more compelling photos?
You’ve been commissioned to photograph new images for a restaurant, but there’s a lot of spinning plates and moving parts. In this article, I share my essential steps for preparing for and running a photoshoot at a restaurant.
As with every type of photoshoot, communication is key to creating results the client will be happy with.
When you are creating a lighting setup for a portrait, you probably approach it from the standpoint of adding lights and modifiers until you get the result you want. However, while adding light is, of course, important, it is also crucial to know where to take it away. This is where the idea of negative fill comes in. However, negative fill can sometimes be misunderstood.
Building a website that helps potential clients choose you over others is not always an intuitive process. Here are six ways that you can upgrade your website.
In the digital age, many of us go years without ever printing our photos, which is a real shame, because no matter how sharp the screen, there really is no substitute for the tactile impression of holding a physical representation of your work in your hands.
When I travel, I stay in each location I visit for several days to increase my chances of encountering great light. But even a week is sometimes not enough to get a single colorful sunrise or sunset. Either the sky remains free of clouds or it's completely overcast, preventing any interesting light from breaking through. Night photography is one way of dealing with a clear sky.
Having really expensive gear can make you a versatile photographer with an advantage over your peers. In my opinion, knowing how to use gear creatively is a much more critical skill.
One of the challenges for photographers who post online is learning to cultivate what we decide to post. When I was just getting started as a headshot photographer, I only had an occasional client, and the fact that I created a headshot at all was a huge accomplishment. Because of this, I would immediately post images from the session on my Instagram feed and website.
One of the toughest parts of being a photographer is learning how to be objective about your own work. It is not fun to be brutally honest about photos you have invested a lot of time and effort in, but if you want to grow as a creative and put your best foot forward professionally, it is something you have to master.
We often try to avoid reflections in our photos. That’s why we use polarization filters. But reflections can also make your photos more interesting. In this article, I have some advice on how to find and use amazing reflections for your photo.
We live in a three-dimensional environment, so understanding how the nautical terms of roll, pitch, and yaw work can eliminate glaring errors and elevate our photos. While effects are obvious, others are unexpected. Here's an exercise to hone your skills.
There is sometimes the misconception that natural light only offers one look, but it can be a lot more versatile than you might think. If you know how to read the light, you can create a wide variety of looks suitable for many different applications.
No matter what you shoot, perhaps nothing is more important than mastering the three fundamental camera settings: shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
Many of us know Lenny Kravitz for his music but did you know he was a successful photographer too? I think you may be pleasantly surprised at the quality of his work.
Part of the challenge of environmental portrait photography is giving your subject the context around them to make the image compelling, but still bringing the viewer's eye to them first and foremost. There are many ways to emphasize your subject, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how to do it using two of the most powerful methods: composition and post-processing.
We work a lot on learning how to create good images, but most of that work focuses on a single photo at a time. But the mark of a successful photographer is a readily identifiable style that unifies all their work as one. So, why do so many photographers struggle to develop a style? This excellent video dives into the topic and offers some helpful advice along the way.
When it comes to working with artificial lighting, there is sometimes the misconception that professional images require multiple sources, all of which are big, heavy, and expensive. That is not always the case, though.
Every genre comes with its own unique challenges, and landscape photography is no different. Beyond all the skills one must have, there are certain personal qualities that set you up for success, and this awesome video tutorial discusses what they are and how they can help you realize your potential.
Every photographer worries strives for the best possible photos, and high-ISO noise is one of the most common reasons for a reduction in image quality. It might be something we worry about just a little too much, though. This excellent video essay makes a case for why we should be willing to embrace high ISOs a bit more.