We are almost 48 hours from the latest Critique the Community photo contest. The theme for this month's contest is "Unique Lighting" and the prizes include several new products from the lighting company Profoto.
The frenetic final months of the year tempt photographers with screaming deals on cameras, lenses, software, supports, accessories, and more. However, the most tempting bargains also invite increased perils around online fraud, box damage, counterfeit risks, and problematic used gear. As eager shoppers hungry for savings paired with prudent consumers, here is how to diligently navigate both established retailers along with secondary marketplaces to avoid financial headaches and make well-informed purchases.
Can photography change the world? Iranian artist and journalist Farnaz Damnabi's new exhibit, "UNVEILED," set to open at 29 ARTS IN PROGRESS, would seem to suggest yes, at least in part. I don't think it's a surprise to anyone that shifts in power structures can be turbulent. Even minor revisions in social identities can lead to conflict. Damnabi's exhibit is a document of the transformations in the identity, visibility, and recognition of women as equal and free participants in Iran, an unveiling of a new Iran, if you will.
Today, I’d like to recount a fun story about how the past is never really the past. It is only a prologue.
Jumping back to an article I just wrote on how to speed up your career by 10 years, We Eat Together suggested “finding your passion and photographing the hell out of it.” That is what exactly New Zealand-based photographer Charles Brooks did in his recent photo series, Architecture in Music.
Want to start the new year with a free tutorial from Fstoppers? All you have to do is help us choose our Photographer of the Year!
In the ever-expanding landscape of social media, where voices echo and opinions clash, trolls have become an unfortunate reality. These internet provocateurs thrive on negative attention, seeking to disrupt, demean, and derail meaningful discussions. However, instead of getting caught in their web of negativity, there are compelling reasons why ignoring social media trolls is not only wise but also empowering. In this article, let's explore why rising above the noise and refusing to engage with trolls can lead to a healthier, more positive online experience.
Trolls Feed on...With the holidays upon us, many photographers (including myself) will want to break out all their gear. In years past I have always planned on what cameras and lens combos to bring, lights, possible modifiers, batteries, and everything in between to photograph Christmas. This year I took on a new approach. An iPhone and a cheap stand set in the corner in time-lapse mode would be the only media I walked away with this year.
Throughout November and December, demand for portrait sessions, product photography, event coverage, and gift-giving surges, presenting photographers with both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Increased business volume, higher-value transactions, and a need for rapid turnaround create conditions ripe for specific types of threats. These threats often come from external malicious actors who exploit holiday chaos.
Starting a freelance career might be one of the most stressful things a human can do to themselves. I am exaggerating, but you get my point. Naturally, your first instinct might be to start chasing every client possible and get as many jobs as possible. Here is why you should stop doing this and focus on something else.
Are you a creative content producer that needs to save time when it comes to editing video content? Look no further than Wondershare Filmii which quickly organizes your video content for a fast upload.
Fstoppers is celebrating July 4th with our biggest sale this year. Buy any tutorial and you'll automatically save 20%. Bundle them together and you'll get up to 50% off everything in our store. This sale will expire next week, so be sure to act fast.
Ready to turn your passion into profit? This Black Friday, take your photography to the next level with The Well-Rounded Photograper, our most comprehensive tutorial that features eight top instructors teaching eight genres, all for only $49. Plus, take a look at some other incredible deals happening between now and Cyber Monday.
We now arrive at the second of the three tricky letters of the alphabet. Unfortunately, U is uselessly underwhelming but ultimately and uniquely utilitarian! The first an iconic photo of political protest and confrontation, a theme that continues to this day in newsrooms across the world. Then discover Umbo.
GuruShots, host of "The World’s Greatest Photo Game,” has released yet another fantastic challenge. Participants were invited to submit their best photos of "Mostly White." The challenge received thousands of entries and millions of votes. Check out the three winners of the challenge as well as hundreds of top rated images below.
One of them spent decades making decisions with the intention of fitting into community norms, creating stability. The other threw caution to the wind and jumped into a world of creativity with both feet before really understanding what life and responsibility were all about. Both Fin DAC and Mick Rock have ended up in the same place, near the top of their chosen artistic fields — inspirations for anyone following in their footsteps. What's even better, they're collaborating on a new show.
In the world of photography post-production, one name has consistently stood out as a beacon of support, innovation, and commitment to photographers' needs: Aftershoot.
In the digital age, information flows at speeds and scales that are unprecedented in human history. Social media platforms, digital news outlets, and personal devices collectively serve as both mirrors and engines of cultural discourse. Within this vast ecosystem, a new frontier has emerged: synthetic media or AI-generated media. And with its advanced outpacing our ability to corral its impact, we are headed for trouble.
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 2023, 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.
Sharks, crocodiles, snakes—these are my favorite photography subjects. I am constantly asked why.
In an increasingly polarized world, one of photography’s most profound strengths is its ability to cultivate empathy and compassion across cultures. At its best, photography can transport us into unfamiliar environments, activities, and viewpoints. It reveals the humanity in people whose lives and backgrounds differ vastly from our own. Photography has a transcendent way of building understanding and sympathy by showing us new perspectives.
Fstoppers has partnered with 5DayDeal to offer the best video bundle deal of 2024. Included are education, software, and tools from a wide of variety leaders in the industry that will help take your work to the next level. The product list is incredible this year.
Want to start the new year with a free tutorial from Fstoppers? All you have to do is help us choose our Photographer of the Year!
Continuing on our serialization of a photography themed short story, here is Part 3 of "In the Blink of an Eye." If you didn't manage to read Part 1 and Part 2, then catch up to find out what Charlie Sydcup videoed during a trip to the City of London and what his image processing revealed.
It’s no secret that COVID put a bit of a damper on anything in person, especially large group gatherings, like conferences and trade shows. But as time has moved on, has the photo conference world fully recovered?
I know it, picking the right print for your album can be a difficult task. There is only so much research you can do and information you can give to your clients without presenting them with real physical prints to look at.
Concluding our serialization of a photography themed short story, here is the thrilling finale of "In the Blink of an Eye." Be sure to catch up on Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 before finding out what happens to Charlie Sydcup's second attempt at capturing the soul of a dying hospital patient.
Generative artificial intelligence like Chat GPT, Dall-e, Midjourney, etc., what we are all now collectively referring to as "AI," has all but dominated almost every aspect of popular public discourse over the last year. And for good reason: it's kind of a big deal, though I would argue a lot of the conversation around AI is overblown at best and outright unwarranted panic at worst. But that's not to say we shouldn't be paying close attention to the advancements in this new technology. Quite the opposite, we should be paying very close attention, and making every attempt to understand this tech to the extent we possibly can.
What do you get when you pair an industry titan in creative beauty images with a campaign promoting psoriasis awareness? You get images you're anxiously curious to see, and an interview you want to watch. For the lucky New Yorkers, you also get the perfect outing for this weekend. I sat down with Adler to talk about the “Clearly Me” campaign she shot, which will be on display this weekend at Nine Line Galleries, NYC. If you follow my writing, you know we took rabbit trails into all kinds of tangents that will keep you learning, laughing, and hopefully leave you inspired with takeaways that will apply to your own photographic journey.
We are big fans of SLR Lounge and all they do, especially when it comes to tutorials. If you're not familiar with what they've produced, this week in particular is a great time to take a look as they're offering major discounts with their Black Friday Sale.
In today's rapidly evolving creative landscape where images are predominantly consumed and shared online, it is easy for us even as professional photographers to overlook the importance of physical prints and albums. Although the convenience and ubiquity of digital photography have made it simpler to store and share images electronically, there is still a unique charm and lasting impact to physical prints that allow people to truly experience and appreciate timeless images. In this article, we will be discussing the relevance and benefits of album sets and print sets while exploring how these products help us elevate our client relationship as a professional photographer.
In the digital age of photography, the imaging process has almost become effortless. Professional photographers can struggle to stand out in the crowded market. Although creating outstanding images is crucial to succeed in this craft of photography, photographers should take into consideration the business side of this profession, especially in increasing revenues. One of the potential ways to increase revenue is through the sale of albums and print sets.
A new Illinois law forces adults who profit from their kids' content to set aside a percentage of their earnings. Does this go far enough to protect kidfluencers?
Since HDR has been used (wrongly) so much in the past, it's a good time to make people aware of the changes happening in the industry. Zoner Photo Studio X Pro's latest update includes its new True HDR process. This comprehensive software has much to offer, not least an end to overblown HDR photos.
The holidays are the time for family, good food, and bokeh—lots and lots of bokeh. That's why in this article, we're going to discuss how to take buttery, clean bokeh photos and how to edit them with ZPS X and its latest update.
Photography has long been regarded as an art form that captures moments, emotions, and memories, preserving them for generations to come. The constantly evolving photography landscape is mostly driven by the advancement of the tools and technologies used to create and deliver photographs. While the art of photography has progressively changed and improved, the way images are developed has not changed much and often lagged behind based on the traditional lab approach.
I set up in my usual spot for fireworks photos this year, but with a bit of a lighter kit than normal, a small mirrorless camera, and a kit lens. With the advent of Photoshop's Generative Fill tool, perhaps I didn't need to even that.
Mother’s Day is an important day for any mother, but it is even more exciting for the soon-to-be mother.
The Holidays are here and we are celebrating with our best sale of the year! Right now, all Fstoppers photography and video tutorials on sale. Every Fstoppers photography or video course is automatically 30% off but when you add additional products to your cart, you can get up to 60% off each tutorial.
Busy week of production, so, this week, I’d like to just offer a short story about how, sometimes, a successful shoot is about more than just the final product.
We have entered a time as photographers where we are seeing monumental changes in the industry. There are more tools than ever before to streamline our workflows, push the bounds of creativity, and increase our visibility as creatives.
Brian McCarty, a self-proclaimed toy geek and an incredible photographer, tells the stories many people don’t want to hear in a way familiar to the world. He depicts children’s accounts of conflict and loss through toys as an advocation against the horrors of war.
We've started the new Youtube Channel "Fstoppers Live" and our first video is being filmed live today at 1pm eastern time. Please join us and don't forget to subscribe to our new channel.
Life is comprised of a magical interweaving of yin and yang, that infinite dance of opposites that complement one another. Twos, couplets, opposites, pairs — call them what you will, but we see this play out in photography again and again, so discover five of the best.
The NAB Show is back and is set for April 13-17 in Las Vegas. This year, learn about the creator economy, innovation in media, engage in workshops, and network with industry leaders.
In the post-apocalyptic post-COVID world, video conferencing and streaming have become bigger than ever. The smart features of the OBSBOT Tail Air camera make it far more than just a simple camera with video capability. It has features that you will find in high-end remote cameras. It's small, high quality, and made for everything from large concerts to live interviews.
There are some who believe creativity is a gift given to only a handful of people. Those of us who regularly engage in the practice of making art understand that we all have the ability to create something that has never existed before. It is common for us to struggle in our search for inspiration, and self-doubt can be a powerful enemy. A new organization may be of assistance to those who chose to engage in this struggle.
Each month this year, Fstoppers is running a genre specific Critique the Community contest with some amazing prizes. The theme for March is "Weddings," and we are giving away $3,000 in prizes to 3 lucky winners. Oh, and one of the most successful wedding photographers I know, Pye Jirsa, will be guest judging the images. Here are the details!
Not everyday do you get a chance to take a photo that can make a difference in someone's life, or in my case help bring down governments. At age 21 I took a self portrait of myself screaming and posted it online and over the past few years that image has been stolen and used around the world thousands of times. We already shared the full story here on Fstoppers, but we never showed how wide-spread the photo went and how much it was used around the world. This video will show you just some of the different (unauthorized) uses.
