Fstoppers Originals

Exclusive articles and expert opinions written by Fstoppers’ talented team of creative professionals. Here we cover everything from the latest photographic techniques to advice on running a successful photography business, to first hand accounts of working in the photography industry.

Using AI Without Losing Your Soul

A few weeks ago, I was walking through Whole Foods when I saw a piece of broccoli that, oddly enough, reminded me of a Joshua Tree. Seriously. That random grocery store moment ended up sparking an entire photo shoot on the spot, and, more importantly, a deeper reflection on how I can use tools like AI in my photography without letting them take over. 

10 Incredible 35mm Film Cameras Worth Buying in 2025

Film photography is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance, and choosing the right 35mm camera can make your analog journey all the more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned photographer returning to your roots or a digital native ready to embrace the magic of film, these 10 exceptional cameras represent the perfect blend of reliability, features, and value for modern shooters. 

Why the SANDISK® Creator Series Might Be Your Ultimate Photography Workflow Solution

Reliable image storage is arguably one of the most important parts of any shoot – because if your work isn’t safely stored, it might as well have never happened. Built with creatives in mind, the SANDISK® Creator Series is a high-performance storage solution for creators.

 Storage is Crucial at Each Stage of Production 

10 Camera Lenses So Ridiculously Extreme They Shouldn't Exist

When most photographers talk about extreme lenses, they're thinking about a fast 85mm f/1.4 or maybe an extra-wide 11mm rectilinear lens. But there's a whole other universe of optical madness where lenses weigh hundreds of pounds, cost more than houses, and push the boundaries of physics so hard they make normal photography look quaint. 

A $269 Tripod That Can Do This?

Tripods get super expensive very quickly, and if you are a full-time pro, you will most definitely be familiar with the price tags. If video is something you are trying out, or just doing for fun, you may also need a tripod—a tripod that is lightweight and has enough features.  

People Don’t Understand Photography Anymore: Here’s How To Solve That

When I was young and took my first driving lesson, the instructor explained to me what was happening with the gearbox and engine when I changed gear, and how what I did controlled the vehicle’s speed. I learned in a manual (stick shift) car. We all did back then in the UK.  

15 Essential Non-Camera Items Every Portrait Photographer Needs

When portrait photographers discuss their toolkit, conversations inevitably center on camera bodies, prime lenses, and lighting equipment. Yet the accessories that truly separate professional portrait sessions from amateur snapshots often have nothing to do with those things.

Fluid vs. Rigid Camera Setups: Finding the Right Balance

Lately, I’ve been evaluating my past projects and reconsidering my camera setup, questioning whether it truly serves my creative needs. The deeper I dig, the more I realize that camera setups tend to fall into two distinct categories: rigid and fluid.

15 Pieces of Essential Non-Camera Gear for Landscape Photographers

When landscape photographers discuss their most important equipment, the conversation typically revolves around lenses, filters, and camera bodies. However, the gear that often determines whether you'll capture that perfect shot has nothing to do with megapixels or aperture settings.

3 Photography Exercises Worth Trying in Your Neighborhood

No grand mountain vistas or stunning Renaissance architecture near you? No problem. It doesn’t mean you can’t go out with your camera and capture some great images. There are three exercises—or projects—I like to do in my local towns or when I travel. They're a lot of fun. And a huge bonus is they do help make you a better photographer too, because they help you to see. Really see. 

The Physical Demands of Professional Photography Nobody Talks About

Professional photography has a dirty secret that nobody wants to acknowledge: if you're not careful, it can destroy your body. While we obsess over megapixels, dynamic range, and the latest autofocus algorithms, we've collectively ignored the elephant in the room—the brutal physical reality of what it means to make a living behind the lens. 

The Simple Psychological Technique That Improves Your Portraits

Creating an emotional connection with your subjects leads to stronger images and more business. Psychologists have a technique that helps you quickly establish that connection. 

There is an axiom that photographers don’t need technical training—they need charm school.

10 Amazingly Affordable Nikon-Compatible Lenses Worth Buying

Photography gear costs have skyrocketed. New Z-mount lenses regularly exceed $2,000, putting professional optics out of reach for many photographers. But there's good news: the used F-mount market overflows with incredible glass that performs brilliantly at accessible prices. 

Here’s What the Sony RX1R III Should Have Included

In among all of the brouhaha surrounding the launch of the new Sony RX1R III—the insanely expensive accessories, the recycled parts, and, of course, the $5,100 pricetag—there’s not been much talk about what features fans wanted to see that are markedly absent. 

Buying a Full Frame Camera in 2025? Start With These Affordable Picks

Full frame cameras are known for two things: their incredible performance and their high price tag. I have pretty much always owned a full frame camera, but never paid full price for such a camera. In this article, I will share some options for those of us who want to go full frame but don’t want to pay full price. 

What's the Difference Between Blending and Composites?

Is there a difference between blending and compositing in post-processing? Some photographers make no distinction between the two. But for many, there's a notable difference. It can represent the difference between deception and handling noise or dynamic range. 

10 Extreme Lenses You Can Actually Buy

There are lots of crazy lenses out there that were produced in such limited numbers or are so expensive that they're basically off-limits to most photographers. Here are 10 equally extreme lenses you can actually purchase and use!  

10 Amazingly Affordable Canon-Compatible Lenses Worth Buying

Today's photographers face a challenging reality: modern lens prices have skyrocketed, with single RF lenses often exceeding $2,500. Yet there exists a treasure trove of professional-grade optics hiding in plain sight: classic lenses that continue producing exceptional imagery at a fraction of contemporary prices.