Planning the Right Place and Time for Astrophotography

Time flies by. We’re already into February. Have you got your astrophotography planned out for the year? For astrophotographers, knowing what’s up in the sky and planning is the key to getting an interesting shot.

Using Trello to Manage My Photography Workflow

As my wedding business grows, the need to be organized is key. I have recently begun using Trello to organize and track my photography workflow. From the first inquiry email to the final package delivery, I have created a checklist and boards to keep business on track and on time.

Clint Davis Proves Promo Mailers Aren't Dead

Many people in the editorial and commercial industry still send out promotional mailers. But the truth is, if you are just sending out a flyer with a few photos, you are flat out wasting your money. Clint Davis worked a desk job as an Art Director for multiple national magazines, which gave him a front row seat to photographers and illustrators sending in promotional mailers. He branched out, and decided to defy the odds of being thrown in the trash.

Facebook’s New Insights Finally Help You Get More Interaction

Facebook’s insights for business pages is not a new thing, but they’ve redone it and now it’s better than ever! It can actually teach you how to engage your specific audience better. On October 8th, it will be released for everyone, but for now you can check out my results from two tests I recently ran on my page.

Don't Be Afraid to Roll Your Own Colors in Lightroom

Did you know there are some tools in Lightroom that can help replicate a flash color gel modifier? I love the drama and interest you can create in what would otherwise be a throwaway image.

Critique the Community: Submit Your Swimwear Images Now!

In the next few weeks, Fstoppers is going to be working on an awesome new project with the incredible swimwear photographer, Joey Wright. While we're working with Wright, we thought we'd give everyone a chance to have their swimwear images critiqued by one of the best in the business. Between now and January 5, enter your swimwear images by following the submission guidelines below. We will be choosing 20 images to give feedback to.

My 2023 Post-Processing Setup for Capture One

As photographers, we spend a significant amount of our time post-processing images, writing emails, and engaging in other computer-related tasks. While we often scrutinize the gear photographers use for shooting, there is seldom an in-depth exploration of the post-production setup they employ. In this article, I will showcase my post-processing arrangement.

Gear Up for the Olympics: Must-Have Lenses for Sports Photographers

The countdown to the Olympic Games is on, and the world shifts focus to the multi-sport event which takes place in Paris this summer. From athletics to equestrian to diving, we explore the best and most versatile lenses for sports photography and crown the best camera body and lens combination for the job.

This Simple Battery Charging Station Will Save You Hours of Prep Time

One of the most important underlying themes in being a successful photographer is streamlining your workflow. That may be in how to edit photos quickly, how to organize video files, how to quickly produce invoices, or any number of tasks that you have to perform over and over again. One aspect of my business where I found myself wasting a lot of time was in my battery charging. In today's video, I'm going to outline how Fstoppers created our battery charging station and how you too can make your life a lot easier as you prepare for the next day's photoshoot.

The Image Fulgurator by Julius von Bismarck Copied?

Earlier today I posted about a new product on the market, the Flash Blaster. I was quickly notified by our reader Ryan Dunn that this device looks and acts much like Julius von Bismarck's Image Fulgurator. I quickly did some searching to find out if this was true and stumbled across Julius' website and an interview he did back in 2008 with Wired. Where he is quoted saying he applied for a patent on this device... Do you think they simply copied his device?

5 Photography Books From My Shelf

Books. Half of my tiny office is filled with books. I love them. I believe in them. I'm surrounded by them! The experience of flipping through a book for me beats anything an electronic device can offer. Unlike a blog post, books are the result of a huge effort on the part of many people. One must be dedicated to the process of creating one, and this usually makes them worth the time and money. My collection of photography books is extensive and I wanted to share a few with you today.
NY Times Photoshops Fashion Model - Says Readers Understand It's Fantasy

The New York Times is being forced to examine their policy in regards to retouching on their images. Of course, they stand by the fact that manipulation of their news images "strictly forbidden.” But recently, they received backlash when the cover of their [style] magazine T had what many readers felt was a fashion model that looked 'shockingly thin' and 'underage.'

[News] Comparing Nikon's D4 to Canon's 1DX Video(a side by side)

See one of the first side by side video comparisons of Nikon's D4 and Canon's 1DX posted by Fenchel Janisch. This video was shot in daylight using the same settings on both cameras and Sigma 50mm F/1.4 + Sigma 85mm F/1.4 lenses. (Settings: ISO 100, F/4 + F/5.6, shutter speed 1/50s). Which looks better to you?
Using a Single Speedlight and Modifier to Achieve Five Different Looks

When just starting out, It's easy to think that we need more gear, different gear, or just one more modifier that will let us achieve our goals. I challenged myself to try and shoot five different looks in my humble home studio with a single modifier and light to show just a few ideas of what you can do with them.

Fine Art Landscape Photography (Part 3): The Introvert Mind Featuring Simon Baxter

We’ve had our first snowfall of the year here in the Netherlands. It’s one of those instances when most people stay indoors, while just about every landscape photographer is aching to feel the snow on their face. One of them is acclaimed British Landscape Photographer Simon Baxter, who I've asked to help me analyze the introvert mind.

These Light Paintings Called Refractographs Look Like CG Images Of The Universe

When I saw this series of photos from Rob Turney, I dismissed them as photographs because they looked computer generated. It turned out that I was completely wrong when I read the description of how they were made. They were beyond brilliant. What's even better is the 'how to' video Rob pointed me toward.

Is Instagram Introducing the Infamous 'Boosted Post'?

It's no secret that most businesses despise Facebook's current model, which has destroyed organic reach in favor of the "boosted" post. Instagram, on the other hand, has never employed such a process. That may be about to change, though.

Follow These Six Shooting Tips to Make Editing a Breeze

A great way to hone your videography skills is to get frustrated while editing video. As you may know, there are plenty of ways to get frustrated while editing. For example, let’s say you want to include a particular clip in your sequence. When you try to use the shot you realize that the videographer didn’t hold the shot for long enough, and now the clip is too short to use. Or maybe you want to use a shot that was completely ruined because a bug landed on the lens. These frustrations make you think about the shooting process. Below are a few of my favorite editor-friendly tips to consider while shooting.

BTS Video of Mad Mike Drifting The Highest Roadway in New Zealand

Red Bull just put out this BTS video of Mike Whiddett drifting the Crown Range in Queenstown, New Zealand. The Crown Range is the highest paved roadway in NZ and has some amazing views. A ton of Go Pros, slow motion cameras, and some unreal helicopter video were used to make this final production. Check the rest of the post to see the final video and link to Mike's interview.

Is It the Shoes? Top Wedding Photographers Let Us Peer into Their Soles

Much can be said about preparing yourself for photographing a wedding, not the least of which is picking out your kicks. That’s right, finding adequate and stylish footwear to last an 8 to 15-hour workday should be a paramount decision for the successful wedding shooter. For some it's simply about price, fit, or orthopedics. But if we are honest with ourselves (and our egos), some of us also want to make a shoe decision as memorable as Jeff Spicolli’s checkerboard Vans slip-ons. Myself, I’m a Rockport man. The comfort for a wide-footed Michigan swamp-stomper such as myself is unparalleled in a formal shoe. I’m far from an authority on below-the-ankle style, however. Just ask my wife! Let’s see what some of the best guys and gals in the business are putting on their feet, shall we?

Tackling the Frustrating Problems of the Photographer's Eye

Although it sounds like a nasty disease, like athlete's foot or tennis elbow, the photographer's eye isn't that. We take our eyes for granted, and they are an essential part of photography, both metaphorically and literally.

[News] Hasselblad Cameras See Major Price Reduction

After the merger of Broncolor and Hasselblad in the United States, it was only a matter of time before we saw more news on the global front from the camera giant. Hasselblad has released the announcement of a major price reduction, over 20% off in some cases in Europe.

My Lens Hood Saved My $4500 Camera Setup

An argument for using either a UV filter or lens hood is for protecting the lens and especially the front element. Last winter, I experienced just how important a lens hood is.

Are You Shooting Too Often?

Although we’re often reminded of the importance of constantly shooting and developing our skills as photographers, is there a point where too often shooting actually becomes detrimental? Through observation and personal experience I’ve come to the conclusion that there is indeed a case to be made for shooting less if you’re hoping to properly develop your photography business.

Tips on Choosing Your Camera Store From a Photographer Who Works At One

I think it’s probably a fair assumption to make, that at some point during your photographic journey, you’re going to purchase a piece of photographic equipment. With today's World Wide Web, that can be as easy as a few clicks and a wistful look at your decreasing bank account, but I’m here to make the case for your local, “brick and mortar,” camera store. Well maybe not all of them.