How to Gain More Engagement on Instagram Using Stories

Instagram Stories are here to stay. That is no surprise to anyone. In a recent year-long study, Mediakix, an influencer marketing agency, found what everyone pretty much already knew: Instagram has effectively killed Snapchat Stories with the advent of Instagram Stories. Amongst influencers (and let's be honest, social media Influencers run the social media game), usage of Snapchat Stories has fallen 33 percent in the last year while influencers are twice as likely to post stories via Instagram.

DxO PureRAW 3 Offers Better Noise Reduction, Color Enhancement, and Lens Corrections

I didn't think DxO PureRAW 2 for Mac and Windows could be improved, but it has been, in a variety of both subtle and not-so-subtle ways that improve workflow. The latest, version 3, is out today, and the company says PureRAW 3 features DxO’s latest artificial intelligence technology, DeepPRIME XD, delivering industry-leading noise reduction and RAW image enhancement; greater control over which corrections are applied through DxO’s renowned Optics Modules; and user interface modifications that offer improved integration with every photographer’s workflow.

Does Your Photography Have a Point?

What's the point of your photography? And how do you engage viewers with your images more? I reached a stage where I struggled to clearly answer these questions but then I implemented a few very helpful techniques evident in these images that really helped me define my photography.

3DLUT Creator Is Even More Affordable With the Special Grading Edition

As I wrote in my previous article, 3DLUT Creator is a magnificent piece of software for color grading, and it has become an essential part of my coloring processes both for video and still work. There are now more buying options for those who don't need all the extra features that some might. Meet the Grading Edition.

Body and Soul: The Client Centered Photographer

Boudoir photography at its core is more about the experience the client feels than the reward of the album or other products. When the client steps foot in the door, they have already committed to a life changing event that he or she will be relying on the professional to create for them. One photographer is choosing to create an experience for her clients on a deeper psychological level that is proving to create not only a higher trust but also a connection for loyal returning clients.

Add a Vintage Look to Your Photos Using Lightroom

Whether you're wistful for the good old days, or want to recreate an analogue feel in your digital photos, this Lightroom technique will help you adorn your photos with that vintage feel.

10 Quick Helpful Tips on How to Communicate With Your Subject

Every portrait session with a new subject could bring new challenges. Some people are more comfortable in front of a camera than others, while some just take a little time to open up. I've put together a list of tips that may help you along the way during your portrait sessions.

Shutterstock Announces Creative Trends of 2017

As a photographer or videographer, keeping up with creative trends in the industry is an important part of continuing to build business. Shutterstock just released their creative trends report for the upcoming year, and it's chock-full of useful information.

The Renegade Pilots of Instagram: Simply Beautiful or Just Dangerous?

Sitting front row for some of the best aerial views in the world, airline pilots (both private and commercial) have taken their selfies and photos to Instagram with some astonishing smartphone imagery from all over the world. It is undeniable that these images are unique by their own right, as pilots have access to views over the average passenger. However, the question stands, are these insta-snaps harmless or are they a despicable jeopardy of safety for passengers and crew?

Is Twitter Poised to Become the Go-to App for Photographers?

Twitter has been at the top of the news cycle since Elon Musk completed his purchase of the company for $44 billion. And although the mere mention of his name stirs a variety of emotions, political opinions, and other reactions, for the sake of this piece, I want to focus not on the political ramifications of his acquisition of Twitter, but rather on how it will impact us as photographers. I am greatly interested, in fact, in some of his proposed changes to the platform and how they may affect photographers and content creators, especially if the change is positive.

Engage Your Clients With A Clever Pricing Strategy

Most of us approach our pricing with some apprehension and anxiety. It is a topic of much discussion and debate among creative professionals, but with a little ingenuity, you can break away from boring pricing and use it in a way that will excite your client and build a brand identity!

One Critical Piece of Gear You Probably Don’t Have in Your Wedding Kit

If you’ve been a wedding photographer for any amount of time, you know that you are going to spend a lot of time in loud wedding receptions, and this is my public service announcement to please protect your freaking ears. All wedding photographers and filmmakers need ear protection as part of their kit for the long hours we spend in front of bands and DJ speakers at volume levels unsafe for our hearing, and so, I rounded up a few options for you to consider below.

cameras-photography-iphone-film-digital-getting-started

If this is your first time buying a digital camera and you are just starting out your foray into digital photography, it is understandable for you to be a little baffled when choosing what to buy for your first digital camera. I remember starting my photography career with a Canon S2 point and shoot and two generic lamps from IKEA, shooting product photography for a startup company.

Is This the Rumored Sigma 24-70 f/2 Lens?

Most of the time, we leave rumors to the rumors sites. However, in this circumstance we thought it would be worth showing you a "leaked" image of the recently rumored Sigma 24-70mm f/2. If true, this lens would be something truly special. But is it real, or just some guys making a fuzzy-yet-believable fake?

Gaining Inspiration Through Using A Color Wheel

Do you use color theory as inspiration for your photography? If you are ever feeling stuck or are in a rut, I have found the color wheel is a great source of inspiration! There are many different ways to look through a color wheel, but my favorite is using Adobe Kuler. Let me show you how I used it for inspiration.

Three Tips for Getting Models to Work With You

One of the best ways to step up your photographic game as a portrait photographer is to improve the quality of your subjects. There are a variety of ways to do this ranging from improving your ability to coach strong expression, working with better makeup artists, or improving the quality of styling. The easiest method, however, is by working with experienced models who are practiced in interacting with the camera and already know the fundamentals of posing and expression. Finding a strong model to work with means the shoot becomes more of a collaboration that provides you the opportunity to elevate the quality of your work.

Great Deal On Sandisk 8 and 16 GB Memory Cards

A few weeks ago we sent out message on our twitter account about a ridiculously good deal on a pro Canon Printer and a lot of our readers missed out by the time they read it here on the site. So here is your early warning: BHvideo has a great deal on 8 and 16 gig SD/Compact Flash memory cards. The best deal in my opinion is the 16 GB Extreme Compact Flash Card and the 16 GB Extreme SD Card but if you are in need of something a bit different, click the full post to see the other deals going on. Oh and no rebate required! Just add 2 cards to your cart and the updated price will show up.
4 Things Every Family Photographer Should Know

Being a family photographer is hard. Ask anyone who does it or who has tried it. But it's also one of the most rewarding fields of photography - in my opinion at least. Family photos are a treasure in most families. They showcase who your loved ones were at the time they were taken, they show off your kids' personalities, and most importantly, they bring to life memories of loved ones that have passed. These tips I've explained within will help elevate your family photography to a new level.

How to Open Eyes Through Retouching

Most people have one eye that is slightly more closed than the other, and it does show in photos more than when you are just looking at the person. Today, I want to share a quick tip about how I open eyes and even them out.

Apple Announces Insanely Powerful New Mac Studio Desktop

Today's Apple event brought a ton of exciting new devices for photographers and filmmakers, but perhaps the most notable was the new M1 Ultra chip, the most powerful the company has ever made. Apple wasted no time putting it in a brand new computer, the Mac Studio, so let's take a look at this powerful new desktop, tailor-made for photographers and filmmakers.

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark in Your Landscape Photo

Many landscape photographers love the use of high dynamic range techniques in their landscape photos. The lightest parts are reduced in brightness, and dark parts are lifted to become near midtones. Perhaps this is not the best choice to edit a landscape photo.

My 2019 Camera Gear Wishlist

The holiday season is a time when we put down our tools and use the downtime for important issues, like making wishes for the following year. Not me, though, my wish list hasn't changed since 2009. I keep getting what I don’t need while my seemingly obvious wishes are ignored.

Why I Plan On Investing In The GoPro IPO

GoPro is getting ready to release their official IPO (Initial Public Offering) and join the stock market within the next 2 weeks. I received an email from GoPro yesterday asking if I wanted to participate and reserve the power to buy some of their IPO's and I instantly signed up and transferred funds.