NIK Collection 4 Has New Tools and a Revamped Interface
NIK Collection 4 is hitting the virtual streets today with some updated tools and some welcome changes to its GUI.
How I Converted My Living Room Into Scenes From History: A Year-Long Personal Project
In this article, go behind the scenes on a year-long photo project, a "Century of Portraits," and see what it took to make this ambitious series a reality.
Practices for Creative Thinking to Improve Your Photography
Do you find that you’re a better creative while under the influence of drugs or alcohol? This article explores why substance abuse is so common among artist and explores less harmful alternatives.
Capture In-Action Portraits Using a Wide Angle Lens
Photographing a couple from up close can drastically change the way your image feels. Getting up close with a wide angle lens creates a sense of action and aliveness that draws the viewer in.
Is This Replacement for JPEG Going to Cause Controversy?
The JPEG file format is one of the most ubiquitous formats on the web, but the actual technology that powers the compression is old. A new method, based on machine learning, might change what photography really looks like.
Three Simple Ways to Use One Beauty Dish
In this simple lighting tutorial, I discuss three different ways to fashion and portrait images with a single beauty dish.
[Pics] Combining Portrait and Landscape for Surreal Results
Using images discovered on Tumblr, New York based artist Matt Wisniewski, created digital collages combining both portrait and landscape. To see these compelling shots view the full post.
Ever Wanted to Start a Photography Youtube Channel?
If you have ever wanted to start a YouTube channel, here is my experience of setting up a new channel and giving it a real go for 30 days.
Thinking of Going Pro? The Good Signs, the Bad Signs, and the Red Herrings
Transitioning from hobbyist to professional is daunting, but what are good and bad signs for someone looking to make the leap? And what "signs" aren't really signs at all?
Why You Should Be Following the ASC on Instagram
Are you on Instagram? Yes? Do you want to learn more about good lighting and technology used to create beautiful images? Of course you do. Go follow the ASC.
Tutorial on Creating a Realistic Underwater Scene from Stock Images
Based on what we've published in the past, I think it's safe to say you guys really appreciate detailed tutorials showing how to make impressive composite scenes. My buddy at TutsPlus just showed me this amazing composition and I just had to share it. The artist combined 23 stock images to make one fantastic underwater scene.
Fulfilling a Dream the Von Wong Way
When you're successful you get tons of requests, but sometimes there's that one that captures your interest and intrigues you. That's what happened recently to Benjamin Von Wong. A woman by the name of Nicole emailed Benjamin's agent asking what she thought was an impossible favor, to be featured in one of Ben's magical and dream-like sessions, on very short notice.
How You Can Use Rhythm, Texture, and Pattern in Photographic Composition
We see patterns everywhere. Related to rhythm and texture, they are powerful tools in photography for a host of reasons.
Fstoppers Interviews Fine Art Photographer Gabriel Isak
Gabriel Isak’s evocative fine art photography is simple and clean in its style, yet it draws the viewer inward, precipitating a contemplative mood with bold surrealist imagery and cool color tones. Fstoppers had the opportunity to interview the artist recently. Delve deeper into his work here.
3 Fixes for My Weirdest Lightroom Issues
Lightroom is a great piece of software, when it works. In my case, it's an essential piece of my workflow for photography. Unfortunately, it's got some major quirks. Some can be particularly frustrating to solve — here's 3 weird tricks that helped when I ran into an issue.
Trying Out a New Print Partner: Nations Photo Lab
I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you have never heard of Nations Photo Lab. They certainly aren’t as big as some of the other print house powerhouses in the industry, but in a way I’m glad they aren’t that huge. I can appreciate them, and while working with them I got the feeling I was appreciated. What really matters, though, is price and quality of the product. Nations didn’t let me down.
Fetch! The Right Mindset For Finding Clients
There are many factors to success in the creative industry. Of course a big chunk of it has to do with the quality of the work, but we know quality isn’t the only factor to being successful as a photographer, otherwise, there would be a lot more of us. Yet most photographers put all their efforts into developing their technical or artistic abilities and leave the entire business chunk untouched.
Lume Cube - World's First 1,500 Lumen External Flash for iPhone/GoPro
Shooting for the majority of my career with nothing more than an iPhone and various mobile devices, it's a struggle to find that same look and feel of high-end flash photography without going to my DSLR and speedlights. Enter a new addition to the world of mobile photography with Lume Cube. A powerful compact flash alternative that reaches 1,500 lumen and can fire up to five at once with one touch of a mobile app.
Critique the Community: Submit Your Telephoto Landscape or Cityscape Photos Now
Our next episode of Critique the Community will offer a slightly different take on landscape photography as we will be focusing only on shots taken over 50mm. Submit your best telephoto landscape or cityscape shot below and receive a chance to win a free Fstoppers original tutorial.
The Edelkrone Wing: Compact Smooth Dynamic Video Motion
Those of you who work with video will have heard the name Edelkrone passed around in regards to video and photography equipment, particularly in the compact market that's small in size, easily transportable, and reliable. Recently though they announced the release of their newest piece of gear they call, The Edelkrone Wing, marketed to achieve "perfect camera slides with no rails."
Chasing Obama: A Day In The Life Of A Reuters Photographer On The Campaign Trail
With the United States' presidential election decided with Barack Obama as the winner, I thought the timing would be perfect to share this video created by Reuters' White House photographer Jason Reed. Jason follows the president on his campaign trail, and offers some interesting behind the scenes views of a job that most of us dream of having. While not an earth-shattering video, it gives us a better idea of how many hats a modern photojournalist must wear, and how incredibly hectic it gets when photographing the world's largest election. I know I'd probably sprout a few grey hairs after...
UPDATED: I Took Photographs of Two Dudes Kissing, and It Was Beautiful
Anthony Duron and Mark Rainwater were one of the first same-sex couples married in Indiana on June 27th, 2014 after a federal judge overturned the state's ban on gay marriage. Unfortunately, a federal appeals court put a hold on the ruling and they have been waiting in a sort of limbo ever since. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently deciding whether to hear the issue of gay marriage from several states, so many couples like Anthony and Mark have been waiting anxiously for vindication over the last three months. I was honored with the opportunity to take portraits of these two gentlemen and I learned a lot about love and life along the way.
5 Lessons for a Beginning Professional Photographer
Doing photography professionally will change the way you shoot and operate. If you are planning to go professional or have recently done so, these might be of help.
Extreme Cold Photography to The Max: Interview With Shmulik Goldberg
You've finally made it - You booked your flight, double checked your gear and... You're in the Arctic. It's your first night, and the northern lights begin to form up in the sky. The adrenaline starts to flow as you're gearing up and rushing outside to find the perfect location for your perfect shot. It's only when you're settled in your spot that you begin to realize - It's not exactly a walk in the park to operate the camera with your warm and cozy gloves, and just as you get the hang of it - Your camera warns about low battery level. As you probably have guessed by now - photographing in the Arctic weather during the winter can be somewhat challenging and different, especially if you're coming from temperate climates.
[Video] Powerful Slow-Mo Video Shot On $500 DSLR
Behind the Scenes with Photographer Craig Kolesky Shooting Skiing and Biking in the African Desert
It can be a real creative challenge to try and concept, as well as execute, something that has never been done before, especially in photography. Adventure photographer Craig Kolesky accepted that challenge and ended up in the desert of Namibia, with two unlikely athletes for such a location. I asked Craig a few questions about this project that he shot for Red Bull Photography.
Project360 Uses GoPro Array To Capture The Experience Of Climbing The Eiger
In this making of video, outdoor brand Mammut is shown working with Dani Arnold and Stephan Siegrist, two alpinists, to plan a climb up the north face of the Eiger. What makes this ascent unique though, is the inclusion of a 360-degree GoPro setup which is used to capture panoramic shots from the mountainside. The result of their efforts is a unique look into the views, terrain, and conditions that the climbers faced. Mammut recently unveiled an interactive web portal to give anyone who wants to ascend the Eiger, the chance to do so from the comfort of their office chair.
Canon Just Came Up With a Weird Idea for Lighter Lenses
Canon is looking into resin (plastic) lens elements as a way to make professional camera lenses lighter, according to a newly uncovered patent. The patent outlines designs for zoom lenses that use plastic optical elements to cut down on weight, potentially revolutionizing the build of heavy telephoto lenses.
Trying Something New: Shooting Without Autofocus
I recently got myself the Fujifilm X-T20 for traveling. The next trip was to Vietnam with my family and I knew it was going to be a showcase of people, culture, and life that I am unfamiliar with, and therefore something I wanted to document. The reason I chose the X-T20 was that it’s small, light, packs a punch with colors, and its ease of use, very reminiscent of the film cameras back in the days. What I didn’t get was a Fuji X-mount lens to go with it, but I got a Fotasy adapter to fit my old Nikkor 50mm f/1.4, my Vivitar 28mm f/2.5, and Tamron 80mm-210mm f/3.8-4 to the X-T20.