Do We Depend Too Much on Automation?

Automation is a very good thing. From streamlining our workflows to speeding up client interactions and accepting payments, we are living in a time where the right software packages make running our business much easier. However, blindly trusting that pieces of software are doing what they're supposed to do can lead to financial losses or worse. A few days ago, I found this out the hard way.

How Would You Like to Receive Updates from Fstoppers?

A major part of the driving force behind what we share is based in not over-sharing. We have never wanted to overstay our welcome, which is why we don't have an email list. That said, we have been receiving a lot of feedback from readers that they aren't getting any updates from us. Though we continue to let you know of new stories on Facebook, Twitter and Google+, we're wondering: how do you want to receive updates from us?

Would You Give Commands to Your Camera Gear if You Could?

If you could speak to your camera, your tripod, and drone, what would you say? Would you use this feature? The use of our voices to command our gear is going to become even more important in the future.

Learn The Fundamentals Of Digital Photography

Right now on creativeLIVE, photographer John Greengo is going over the fundamentals of Digital Photography. If you shoot primarily with film and are on the fence about switching to digital then this is a class you can't miss. John is going over all of the basics and much more. As with all creativeLIVE workshops, the LIVE event is FREE. This course will run live until February 22 but if you don't have time to tune in, you can purchase the video downloads for only $99.

Fujifilm Announces the X-M5: A Lightweight Mirrorless Camera for Content Creators

Fujifilm has unveiled the X-M5, the newest addition to its X Series lineup of mirrorless digital cameras, aimed at content creators seeking versatility in both photo and video capture. With a compact design, intuitive controls, and features geared toward creators on the go, the X-M5 offers a lightweight option for various shooting scenarios.

Fstoppers Interviews Rob Walwyn on His Upcoming Photo Exhibition 'Karrikins'

Australian photographer Rob Walwyn is hosting the first exhibition of his project ‘Karrikins’ as part of Sydney's Head On Photo Festival. Karrikins documents the aftermath of the bushfires that devastated Australia’s east coast in late 2019 and early 2020. What makes Walwyn’s images even more stunning is his use of Kodak’s discontinued false-color infrared film Aerochrome.

Five Ways Photographers Can Maximize Networking at Trade Shows

A trade show is an organized event for companies in a specific industry to showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and customers, study activities of rivals, and examine recent market trends and opportunities. What this means for photographers is that if you're in the niche of the trade show this is your chance to be face to face and rub shoulders with the big names in your industry. To fully maximize the network and contacts you can make from these events you need a game plan and some guidelines to follow. These are my personal five tips to maximize your networking at a trade show.

We Review the Genaray Bright Beast LED Panel

LED light panels, once used predominantly by videographers, have now become an indispensable tool for photographers. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, finding the perfect lighting setup can make all the difference in capturing high-quality images.

Vimeo Launches a Live Streaming Service

After waiting for so long, Vimeo finally launches a live streaming service which allows events to offer high-quality video to their viewers. Here are the list of updates that are included in Vimeo Live.

Jim Reed is One Crazy Photographer

With a bunch of hurricanes heading our way, I figured it might be fun to show everyone that rainy days do not mean you cannot still pick up your camera. Jim Reed has made a career out of extreme weather photography and has some pretty wild videos to document his craft. Some may call it a craft and others may just call it being out of your mind but either way it puts a smile on my face. Click the full post to watch Jim run straight up into a tornado. <
Research Shows Taking Photos of Events Increases Enjoyment

A team of researchers recently placed study participants in different situations such as a bus tour, a museum, or a simulation of a live event. Some participants were allowed to take photos, while others were not. The team consistently found that those who were allowed to take photos enjoyed the experience more and showed higher levels of engagement with the material.

Photographic Virtues Series: Standards

In this series, I attempt to identify the key professional virtues I have found to be the most important in building my own career, as well as identifying traits of other successful photographers that are most key to their success. Today's Word of The Week? Standards.

Slow Motion Junky? Now You Can LIVE In Slow Mo!

Meet the Decelerator Helmet, it is quite a ridiculous experiment in time and space dreamed up by German artist, Lorenz Potthast. The DH is made up of a camera that leads to a notebook computer which is connected to 2 monitors, all of which is mounted to a bicycle helmet that is encapsulated inside an XL silver globe. The wearer controls the speed of what they see via a wireless hand control. The helmet allows the wearer to view their surroundings at 0.1x-3.00x. Enjoy?

Iranian Photographer Seeks Asylum in the USA

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to the US last week but it appears that his entire delegation didn't return to Iran. Ahmadinejad's photographer is reported to have filed the paperwork to seek asylum and remain in the United States. According to U.S law, once you've filed for asylum, you can legally remain within the country until a decision is made.

Apple Vision Pro Review: Incredible, But Still Not Good Enough

The Apple Vision Pro is, without a doubt, one of the most jaw-dropping pieces of technology I've ever tested. But, after the thrill wore off, I was left with an uncomfortable device that was just a little worse than my phone, laptop, and television.

If You’re Nervous About an Upcoming Photoshoot, You Should Be

Whether you are new to photography or a seasoned professional, sometimes pre-shoot nerves can feel overwhelming. This article explores why even pro photographers still experience pre-shoot nerves and how to use that feeling in the pit of your stomach to your advantage.

[Community] Peter Hurley's Facebook Group Offers Even More Instruction For The Headshot Photographer

Peter Hurley is pretty well known among the Fstoppers crowd but after the release of his highly anticipated DVD, The Art Behind The Headshot, Peter has become an inspiration to hundreds of photographers around the world. If you've purchased his 4 hour training session on how to take the perfect headshot then you know just how powerful his teaching techniques can be for your career. But what you might not know is Peter has created an interactive community on Facebook for those of you who want even more instruction! If you've already purchased The Art Behind The Headshot, you need to join The Artists Behind The Headshot Facebook Group. Not only can you post your own photos and have Peter critique them directly but you can also talk business with other photographers who have purchased Peter's digital tutorial or attended his Headshot Intensive. I just got off a private conference call with Peter and his guest speaker Delane Rouse (who photographed over 800 lawyers in 2011!) It was really amazing to have over 25 photographers logged on and sharing business tips on exactly how they are making money in their local communities. These extra help sessions are only available to those who are members of the private Facebook group so join now! The information shared tonight was worth it's weight in gold, and it's inspiring to hear how people are turning their photo hobbies into full blown careers!
Kim Krejca Explains The Importance Of Food Styling

Kim Krejca is a professional food and prop stylist. Combining her background in art direction and culinary arts, Kim now works with photographers to create the perfect images you see on menus and in maganzines. Most of what you see in terms of food photography is cleverly engineered and often times flat out fake. Kim and food photographer Rick Gayle take you behind the camera to discover some of the tools they use during their stylings. If you enjoy this video, be sure to head over to Adorama's learning center to watch more videos. <
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

Plans are good. Most of us live by plans, and we like things to go as planned. But sometimes just showing up and going with the flow can yield immense rewards for photographers. There is nothing wrong with wanting to know what to expect so you can plan appropriately, but sometimes we just need to let go. Here are a couple of examples of some amazing moments I would have missed if I had stuck to plans and took shelter in my comfort zone.

[Contest] Win a Year of SmugMug Pro + Site Customization

Less than a week remains to enter our SmugMug giveaway! We are teaming up with SmugMug to give away a full year of SmugMug Pro and their site customization service. That's a $450 value that is worth every cent. So, have you entered yet?

Top 10 WeeklyFstops: Action

Happy Thanksgiving week to all of our United States based readers. This week's list is full of excitement due to the ever popular "action" theme. The submissions covered a wide range of movement and activities that we may all need to partake in after today's feast. Hope you like the list and we'd love to have you join in.

Fstoppers Photographer of the Month (October 2024): Atul Saluja

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2024, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community.

Less Sitting Could Mean Healthier Photographers

You may want to stand as you read this. You see, there’s something about the digital photography workflow that keeps us glued to our chairs and fixated on our computer screens. We lean forward to check details and slouch in our chairs as the hands on the clock make their way around their enclosure. This practice could be described as addicting and we long to create a final image to share with the masses, however our bodies suffer the consequences of said practice without us really ever taking note of its aches and pains — our body’s subtle reminders that we’re humans and that we're meant to do much more than sit at a desk all day.