Superhero films weren't always billion-dollar blockbusters. In the 1940s, characters like Batman and Superman struggled to make the leap from comic pages to the big screen. Costumes were clunky, effects were laughable, and stories felt too campy to take seriously. That changed in 1978 when Superman: The Movie proved a superhero film could soar.
In 16 short years, mirrorless cameras have gone from being the new kid on the block to the new normal, now accounting for about 90% of all sales of interchangeable-lens digital cameras. The compact Panasonic Lumix G1 was the very first mirrorless camera, and it changed the photography world forever.
Bill Brandt, a notable photographer of the 20th century, left a lasting mark on the world of photography. This German-born photographer's contribution to photography was his ability to elevate the mundane and the ordinary into something extraordinary.
The Kodak Brownie No. 2 is more than a vintage collectible—it’s a piece of photographic history. Released in 1901, this camera not only introduced the world to 120 film but also made photography more accessible.
Access to photography has never been greater, yet now the risk of the family archive dying out has never been more of an issue. This article explains why the digital age has put the family archive in danger, and what we, as photographers, can do about this.
Saul Leiter, an American photographer and painter, is now widely regarded for his pioneering work in color photography. Although he initially pursued a career in painting, Leiter’s introduction to photography came in the early 1940s when he moved from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to New York City.
In 1968, a Brooklyn, NY-born photographer released his photobook titled, The Bikeriders.
If you're a child of the 'aughts, you've probably seen a Flip Video camera at least once in your life. Before cellphone videos were a thing, these bad boys ruled the amateur video circuit with their ease of use and novel design that incorporated a literal flipping USB port on the side. But what happened to these once ubiquitous cameras?
Cyanotype printing is one of the oldest known photographic techniques. Now, printing cyanotypes is easier and more accessible than ever. Let me show you how to make your own cyanotype prints the easy way.
There was a time when GoPro was everywhere and doing everything, from action cameras, to drones, to 360 cameras. Heck, I even learned how to make 360 videos using a cage that held 6 GoPro Heros. It all seemed so promising until it wasn't. What happened?
The history and evolution of television and computer display standards is fascinating. These advancements shape how we interact with media daily, affecting everything from television broadcasts to video games.
Abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko and photographer and contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, though working in different mediums, exhibit strikingly similar artistic sensibilities. Both artists engage deeply with abstraction and the exploration of perception, creating works that transcend their physical forms and can evoke profound emotional and philosophical responses from viewers.
Digital photography in the 1990s was a wild ride, full of innovation and quirks. Here are five iconic digital cameras from the 1990s, each unique in its own way.
The Sigma Corporation, founded in 1960, has a deep history of producing innovative and daring camera lenses, which has earned them a prestigious reputation, particularly in recent years.
In the days when film was king and gasoline cost less than 50 cents a gallon, photographer Rick McCloskey captured a vibrant car culture on the streets of LA in glorious black and white. Equal parts art and historical record, McCloskey’s work is a visual feast for street and film photographers alike.
The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, was a pivotal engagement during the American Civil War and remains the single bloodiest day in American military history, with over 22,000 casualties.
It's amazing how far camera technology has come in a short time. The Sony Cyber-shot R1, one of the top cameras in its day back in 2005, is a great example of that.
Early digital cameras, despite their limitations, were a marvel of their time, offering a glimpse into the future of image capture and paving the way for the advanced technology we enjoy today. This fun video takes a look back at one such camera.
As a photographer, you're constantly seeking inspiration and exploring new ways to express your vision. Sometimes, the most impactful projects come from unexpected sources, challenging conventional ideas about what makes a compelling subject.
In 1993, Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist, etched his name in photography history with one poignant image that encapsulated the harsh realities of the world. The iconic photograph, "Vulture and the Little Girl," stirred emotions, sparked debates, and shed light on the famine-stricken Sudan.
Lee Miller, an artist and pioneering photographer, left a mark on the world of photography and the broader art scene. Her creativity and a keen eye for capturing the essence of moments, have solidified her place as a trailblazer in the field.
Few movies are more iconic than Rear Window, and few cameras and more iconic than the one used by Jimmy Stewart in the film. Don't miss this fascinating video that tracks down the camera.
The Canon EOS D60, released in 2002, represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of consumer cameras, combining affordability with advanced features for its time.
Photography has evolved from a labor-intensive craft to a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, thanks in part to technological advancements. One particularly fascinating aspect of this evolution is the history of flash photography, which introduced significant challenges and costs to capturing images in low-light conditions, with sometimes explosive results.
The world of photography is constantly evolving, with new camera technologies emerging and pushing out old ones seemingly daily. For photographers, especially those with a penchant for vintage gear, exploring cameras that blend classic design with modern functionality can be a fascinating journey. This exploration lands on a unique camera from 2001 in this fun video.
In the waning days of World War II, the German army unleashed a massive, surprise attack on the Allied forces in the Western Theater with the hope of extending the lifeline of their military forces. This attack created a bulging salient in the Allied lines along the Ardennes Forest in Belgium.
How much would you love to study with Ansel Adams? This photographer did.
Recently, as I've begun exploring the realm of film photography, my dad pulled out his father's old camera and passed it down to me. I never knew my grandfather, so this feels like a moment to connect where I was never able to.
This is the story of one of the most iconic tornado photographs of the 20th century, taken during a massive outbreak on Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965.
In the world of photography, few stories are as captivating and instructive as that of W. Eugene Smith and his monumental project in Pittsburgh. This tale is not only about artistic passion but also serves as a profound lesson for photographers on the complexities of capturing a city's soul.
In the early 1980s, famed fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon embarked on a project to create a collection of portraits that aimed to depict the people of the American West in a raw and unembellished manner.
The last five years have been a real whirlwind for the photo industry. What have been some of the biggest changes? This great video takes a look.
There is arguably no force of nature stronger or more terrifying than an F5 tornado. Years ago, one photographer inadvertently came face to face with one, and he had his camera ready. Here is his incredible story.
In the world of combat photography, there have been countless individuals who have risked their lives to document the harsh realities unfolding in front of them.
It has been 60 years since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, and the event remains etched in America's national memory.
It is a photo almost everyone knows, but do you know the story of where the iconic Windows XP wallpaper, "Bliss," came from? This fantastic video takes a deep dive into the story behind what is arguably the world's most-seen image.
Since its origins in the 19th century, photography has proven to be a powerful medium for documenting human life and bringing awareness to social issues. When a photograph captures an injustice or iconic moment, it can resonate around the world and galvanize people to take action.
In our hyper-connected online world, trying to suppress information can often backfire in spectacular fashion. This unintended consequence even has a name: the Streisand Effect. And it has produced some truly hilarious and downright bizarre outcomes when individuals, companies, and even governments try to censor content on the internet.
The year was 2000: the Y2K bug had turned out to be a flop, a man purchased $200 million in Ansel Adams negatives for $45 at a garage sale, and Canon released their first DSLR, the D30, a camera that would go on to have a significant impact on the photography industry. What was the D30 like? This neat video review takes a look at the camera.
Crime docs, true crime, crime fiction, they all hold something of a collective fascination. Watching Donald Trump's recent Fulton County mugshot become one of the most circulated photographs of all time raises the question: why are so many of us fascinated by mugshots? As photographers, is there something in these rigidly photographed images that captures our attention?
Camera technology was in a very different place in 1998, and it was quite an exciting time, as it seemed like every month brought another major leap forward in digital technology. The PowerShot Pro70 was one of the company's first bridge cameras, coming two years before the release of the D30, their first in-house DSLR. How did this extremely early digital camera perform?
A while ago, I shared a fun post by Taylor Jackson, where he points out that we’re all Sony shooters, whether we know it or not.
Do you love camera gear? Have you recently come into a large sum of money you don't know how to spend? How about the opportunity to own one of the world's most expensive cameras ever sold at auction?
It is hard to believe nowadays, but a few decades ago, Kodak was so dominant in the photography industry that the company's name was synonymous with the image itself — the "Kodak moment." So, why is the company a shell of its former self today?
Photographed in 1845, first printed in 1851, and then sitting in storage for 178 years, Richard Beard's daguerreotypes of the Franklin Expedition have been sold at public auction (Sothebys) for £444,500 ($545,677 USD,) more than double the top of the expected range.
War photography is a genre that transcends mere visual documentation. It is a testament to the human spirit, a mirror to society, and a call for change. The photographs created are ones that must be shown to the public. We tend to hear sound bites from politicians talking about going to war and the devastation it will bring.
It's not often that Sam Emerson sits down for an interview, but inevitably when he does the questions are about his most famous client, Michael Jackson.
Fancy exchanging your camera for one that shoots on floppy disks instead? You may actually be surprised by the images made on this retro camera.
The work of Daido Moriyama is some of the most unique of the last several decades, and it is a fantastic source from which to draw creative inspiration. The excellent video essay takes a look at Moriyama’s work and how his creative philosophy shaped his images.