Trending Photography News and Reviews

Is This the Worst Camera Ever Made? Fstoppers Reviews the Kenko Tokina DSC Toy Camera Pieni II

If you follow my TikTok or my YouTube shorts, you’ll know I have a thing for toy cameras. Over the years, I’ve picked up quite a few cool and quirky film cameras that I love to shoot with. When I saw earlier this year that Kenko had released a tiny toy digital camera, I had to try it. Before using it, I wondered if it could create unique images. After seeing the results, I'm left wondering: is this the worst camera ever made?

A Superior Way You Can Compare Camera Lenses

When manufacturers give specifications of lenses, there is a lot of detail that is meaningless to many consumers of their products. When we writers review them, we tend to give the same information. Here’s a method I think would be much more helpful to most photographers.

Monopods: When and Why to Use Them

Monopods are a versatile and often overlooked tool. They offer a unique blend of stability and mobility that can be crucial for certain types of photography.

AI Masking That Beats Lightroom

With the latest Capture One, you get an incredible level of control over your images. I’ve already been a fan of the layers and masks in Capture One for a while, but with the new update, the software can create those for you. This, and so much more, is why you should try out the new Capture One.

The Sony a7R V: Top Image Quality in a World of Speed Demons 

Choosing a new camera can be a daunting task, especially with the rapid advancements in technology and the wide range of options available. For photographers who prioritize image quality and advanced features, the Sony a7R V has remained a popular choice since its release. But is it still worth considering in 2024, with newer models on the horizon?

My Perfect Carry-Around Camera in 2023

Throughout my pursuit in the photography journey for more than a decade, my focus has always been on the hunt for the most suitable full frame camera to use for work and personal use. Regardless of the brand, the “perfect” camera has to at least fulfill these three criteria: wide range of lens adaptability and availability, high megapixel count, and within my acceptable budget.

Finding Fulfillment in Your Career's Later Stages

Finding fulfillment in the later stages of your career can be challenging. It's common to feel like you've ticked all the boxes—career progression, status, financial stability—yet still feel unfulfilled. This video explores how to transition to something more exciting and engaging in your third or fourth career chapter.

Why I Bought Ancient Flash Kit in 2024

One of the biggest tendencies I see among photographers is the pursuit of the latest and greatest kit. I, however, did the very opposite and invested in some truly ancient equipment. Not because I intended to write an article about it, but because there is a valid reason behind my choice. Let's delve into it.

Sigma Announces the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art Lens

Sigma promises the potential for truly extraordinary imagery with the new 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art lens, the latest addition that pairs unmatched brightness with precision craftsmanship. Here's a look at the remarkable new lens.

Is Micro Four Thirds Useful for Landscape Photography?

When it comes to landscape photography, there are generally three sensor sizes: APS-C, full frame, and medium format, but even smaller than APS-C is micro four thirds. In a genre that often requires significant physical exertion, such portable cameras can be quite attractive, but can those especially small sensors keep up with the demands of professionals and enthusiasts? This great video takes a look.

PanoVolo Is a Winner for Creating Panoramas From Drone Photography

Every so often, I find a new piece of software I was unaware of but that gets me excited when I discover and use it. Recently, I stumbled upon PanoVolo, a new Windows/Mac app for creating panoramas with a minimum of fuss that still provides very high-quality output.

Elevating Your Photography With Artificial Lighting

The debate between natural light and artificial lighting in photography is ongoing, but the mastering both can significantly elevate a photographer's work and make them far more versatile. Understanding the intricacies of bringing lights on location, despite the hassle, reveals the dedication required to achieve specific artistic visions and the tangible difference it makes in the outcomes.

Hey DJI, Fix These Issues Please

When it comes to cameras released in 2023, most would find it hard to argue that the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 was not only the most anticipated but also delivered on almost all of its hype upon release. However, several fixes need to happen to make this the best camera for video content creators.

Lessons Learned and Unveiling the Art of Creating Authentic Portraits with Iowa Farm Families

Embarking on the journey of crafting a portrait as a non-portrait photographer can be daunting, often accompanied by feelings of anxiety and low confidence. However, creating a photograph need not be an overwhelming task. With a few simple pointers, you can step into the realm of portrait photography with a newfound sense of capability and confidence.

Strategies To Help Revive Your Declining Wedding Photography Business

It’s no secret that photographers from various genres are experiencing a decline in bookings. The ease of using a smartphone and the quality that anyone can get from those devices have reduced the need to hire a professional for small and even mid-level shoots. Wedding photography is a genre where people are accustomed to hiring professional photographers, and the smartphone has had a lesser impact here.

Navigating the Early Years of a Photography Career

Building a successful career in photography requires more than just technical skills and artistic vision. It demands resilience, adaptability, and a keen understanding of both the creative and business aspects of the industry. For young photographers, especially those in their 20s and 30s, navigating this path can be particularly challenging.

How Not to Take Photos on Film

With film making a resurgence, especially among younger photographers, these are some of the critical mistakes I made while learning to use the medium that I had to learn the hard way. Throughout the video, I go through a few of them and will expand on them as well to hopefully help any photographers newer to film photography avoid making the same errors I did.

How to Make Your Black and White Photos Stand Out

Black and white photography isn’t just about removing color from an image. It’s about creating something new, something that perhaps existed only in your mind before. If you’ve ever wondered about the benefits of black and white photography or how it can unlock your creative potential, don't miss this video.

Step-by-Step Guide to Improving Photo Contrast in Lightroom

Mastering contrast in your photos can make a significant difference in their impact. Lightroom's masking tools will help you target midtones is a powerful way to enhance overall contrast and make your images stand out.

A Webcam for a Modern World: The EMEET Smartcam Nova 4K

There’s an ever-growing need for decent webcams. As more people work from home, families move farther afield, and global networks grow, the ability to transmit decent sound and vision is essential to projecting good-quality images and sound.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.

Aputure Launches STORM 1200x: A New Standard in Film Lighting

Aputure has introduced the STORM 1200x, a high-output, versatile point-source light designed for film and photography professionals. The STORM 1200x is the first product in Aputure's new STORM family, featuring a groundbreaking BLAIR light engine that significantly enhances white light quality across a wide color temperature range. This fixture promises exceptional performance for a variety of professionals, including cinematographers, videographers, lighting technicians, and photographers.

Why We Should Get Excited About Landscape Photography 

When it comes to landscape photography, few other genres offer both the rewards and disappointments it can bring. However, we should avoid the easy route of annoyance and instead get excited about our landscape photography, and here's why! I understand the struggle – the elusive perfect composition, the uncooperative weather. It's easy to become frustrated, annoyed, and perhaps even consider giving up. But before you dismiss the excitement, I have something to share that might just change your perspective!

Why One Photographer Prefers Micro Four Thirds

Understanding why a photographer remains loyal to a particular system, like the Micro Four Thirds, can offer valuable insights into the nuances of photographic equipment, and in an age dominated by APS-C, full frame, and even medium format, the perspective of a micro four thirds user can be particularly good to hear.

This is How Sigma Makes The World's Smallest Full Frame Camera

The Sigma fp and fp L cameras, recognized as the world's smallest and lightest full frame interchangeable lens cameras, are products of Sigma's meticulous design and manufacturing process. A recent video reveals the detailed behind-the-scenes of how Sigma designs, machines, and assembles these cameras.

How Photographers Can Grow Their Instagram Following Without Reels

As a photographer, like it or not, your social media can be the lifeblood of your business, and even if it isn't, it could act as the social proof you need. So, here are some of the latest tips to grow your Instagram following without having to film Reels.
Why There Are No Shortcuts in Photography

The world moves fast, and many of us try to keep up by seeking shortcuts, especially in creative fields like photography. We want quick results, but the truth is, mastering any art form takes time.

My Long-Term Review of the Fujifilm X-T5

I picked up a Fujifilm X-T5 last December shortly after it was released. Originally, I purchased it as a backup camera to be used primarily for concert and street photography. After a short time, however, I fell in love with the camera and began to use it as my go-to choice for most of my portrait work. But does it hold up for heavy professional work?

Why Low-Angle Shots Dominate Film Cinematography

Low- and high-angle shots play a critical role in shaping how characters and scenes are perceived in films. Understanding the nuances of these angles can improve your own work behind the camera.

Shooting With the Hasselblad X2D: Is It Worth the Price?

Medium format photography is often out of reach for many, but the Hasselblad X2D is a tempting option for those ready to make the leap. Its sleek design and advanced features bring a new level of performance to high-end photography setups.

Helpful Advice for Approaching Your Photography Clients

At some point in any photographer’s career, I am pretty sure you will at some point come across clients who will just send in inquiry with zero context asking how much you charge for a photoshoot. There is no way we could have possibly been able to provide an accurate project cost estimate without having any information on a project scope to establish the parameters. These types of clients are those that keep me awake at night, not because I am incapable of delivering but because these clients will have unrealistic expectations of what we can deliver.

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How to Use Lightroom's Powerful New Point Color Tool

In the past few years, Lightroom has undergone some major revisions and has emerged with some powerful new tools that make it a far more capable image-editing application than in past years. One of its newest features is Point Color, which gives you far more control for editing the colors in an image, and this excellent video tutorial will show you everything you need to know about how the tool works and how to use it on your own photos.

Fine-Tuning Your Images with Texture, Clarity, and Contrast in Lightroom

Understanding the nuanced interplay between contrast, texture, and clarity is pivotal for properly enhancing image details and directing viewer attention. Each tool manipulates image contrast in distinct ways. This helpful video tutorial will walk you through the differences.

Photographer Revolutionizes Technique by Holding Lens Wrong Way, Sparks Outrage and Confusion

Los Angeles, CA: In a bold move defying decades of established practice, local photographer Max Carter has turned the photography world upside down—literally—by opting to hold his camera lens over the top, instead of the traditional support from underneath. This unconventional technique has sparked a mixture of outrage, confusion, and reluctant admiration within the photography community.

Canon Announces RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens and SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer

Canon has unveiled two new products aimed at enhancing the creative capabilities of photographers and everyday users alike: the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and the SELPHY QX20 compact photo printer. Both are designed to offer versatility and ease of use for a range of photography and printing needs.

Using Photography to Discover Your True Self

Photography is often seen as a way to capture moments or document the world around us. But it can also be a powerful tool for self-exploration. Your images aren't just about what you see—they’re about who you are and how you see yourself in the world.

Easy Tips to Keep Your Camera Gear Clean

I'm a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my gear. Anyone who has bought any of my used gear has usually told me it looks like new, save for maybe by the tripod mount, which I usually attach a plate to while I'm camped out by lighthouses.

Three Simple Natural Light Portrait Setups

Natural light portraits can be stunning with the right setups, and they're simpler than you might think. This excellent video tutorial shows three easy setups that will elevate your portrait images.