Trending Photography News and Reviews

Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 vs. Viltrox Pro AF 75mm f/1.2: Which Is Right for You?

Comparing lenses can be a challenging task, especially when both options are excellent. This great video review makes a detailed comparison of the Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 and the Viltrox Pro AF 75mm f/1.2. Both lenses are impressive, but they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

Essential Photography Lessons to Learn Early

Understanding how composition and light truly impact your photography is often more critical than any gear you own. Many beginners assume expensive cameras automatically improve their images, but that's rarely the case.

The Art of Stills Photography on Movie Sets

Stills photography on movie sets is a specialized and vital aspect of the filmmaking process. While the primary focus during film production is on capturing moving images, stills photographers play a crucial role in documenting the creation of a film and providing essential marketing material. Their role involves capturing high-quality images of the actors, key scenes, and behind-the-scenes moments during the filming process. These photographs are used for various purposes, including promotional materials such as posters, press kits, and social media content. They help build anticipation for the film and provide a visual narrative that complements the moving images.

Big Views, Small Package: Why the Laowa 15mm f/5 Shines

Wide angle photography opens up a fascinating world of perspective, and the Laowa 15mm f/5 is a remarkable and compact lens that invites you to explore your surroundings in an expansive way.

A Four-Step Approach to Photo Editing for Beginners

Editing photos can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out. With so many tools available, deciding where to begin often leads to trial and error. If you’ve ever struggled with this, a clear workflow can make all the difference.

A Beginner's Guide to Fast Lenses

Fast lenses are essential tools in photography. They allow you to capture more light, which can make a big difference in various shooting conditions. If you're new to the craft, check out this helpful video that will show you what you need to know.

Why the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Could Be Your New Favorite Lens

Having a versatile lens that adapts to multiple shooting scenarios can make your work simpler and more enjoyable. Whether you're capturing street scenes, portraits, or lifestyle shots, a lens that balances functionality with image quality is invaluable.

An iPhone Accessory To Improve Your Photography Experience: PolarPro LiteChaser Pro 16 Slim

Since Apple's iPhone 16 was launched with the ability to shoot 4K 120 fps video with Dolby Vision, improved stabilization, and a new 48 MP ultra wide camera, iPhones have become more popular among content creators. At the very least, an iPhone is a great vlogging camera. So, of course, with all the great tech comes a hefty price tag. Well, that beautiful titanium phone needs protection.

A Review of the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR Lens

With Fuji's X Series sensors now reaching 40 megapixels, having a kit lens that can handle the increased demand for sharpness and detail is crucial. The XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR makes that promise, but can it deliver?

The 7artisans 60mm f/2.8 Macro Lens: An Extremely Affordable Lens With Trade-offs

The 7artisans Photoelectric 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a budget-friendly option that aims to provide macro enthusiasts with impressive close-up shots. This lens, unlike some of its predecessors, offers a full frame image circle, making it more versatile for those who want to experiment with extreme magnification. While the low price and features are tempting, the lens has some significant shortcomings you’ll want to consider.

Can Your Smartphone Really Replace a Camera?

Smartphone cameras have made remarkable strides, becoming a tool you always have on hand. They’re convenient, portable, and capable of taking impressive shots. However, are they truly enough to replace traditional cameras for at least some serious photography?

WANDRD's Bags and Accessories for Photographers and Travelers

If you're like me, you have a lot of camera bags: some you use all the time and some, well, let's just say they are collecting dust. As my needs evolve and I travel more, I want versatile bags that can adjust and keep up. I find myself reaching for my WANDRD camera bags. So, let's deep dive into some of their popular bags and accessories for photographers and travelers. You might just find your next go-to bag.

Editing vs. Reality: How Far is Too Far in Landscape Photography?

One of the most debated topics in landscape photography is the role of editing. While some photographers firmly believe that an image should reflect the reality of the scene, others see post-processing as a critical creative tool that allows them to express their unique vision. The central question becomes: where do we draw the line between enhancement and deception?

The Ultimate RF Lens Setup for Wedding Photography

Wedding photography demands lenses that balance versatility and artistic flair. Picking the right ones not only simplifies your workflow but also ensures you’re prepared for every moment of the day.

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8: A Must-Have Lens for Canon APS-C Users

The Canon RF mount has been limited in its lens options, particularly for APS-C users. If you've found yourself frustrated with the lack of fast, versatile lenses for Canon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, you're not alone. However, there's good news. Canon is finally allowing third-party manufacturers to develop for the RF mount, and Sigma's 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary lens is a standout in this new lineup.

Real Estate Photography Trends to Watch in 2025

Real estate photography is evolving, and staying ahead of trends can give you an edge. From storytelling techniques to advancements in editing, adapting to these trends could redefine how you approach your work.

Important Things to Look For When You Choose a Camera Bag

There is a bamboozling range of different camera bags on the market, and deciding which to buy is a veritable minefield. Here are some explanations of the various bags, their purposes, and what to look for when choosing yours.

Why Your Travel Photos Feel Bland (and How to Fix Them)

Travel photography is at a crossroads, struggling between authenticity and uniformity. Smartphones, AI-generated images, and overtourism are transforming what it means to photograph places and cultures.

Mastering the Tone Curve: Lightroom Editing Tips

The tone curve in Lightroom is a powerful tool for adjusting the exposure and tonal balance of your photos. Mastering this feature can help you achieve more refined edits, creating a polished, professional look.

Street Photography Tips for Introverts

Street photography is intimidating if you're naturally introverted, but it's entirely manageable once you know how to adapt your style. Interacting with strangers and being highly visible aren't required if you learn to navigate it thoughtfully.

What Nature Taught Me About Photography—and Life

If there is one thing I have learned over the many years of photographing nature, it’s that she waits for no one. One of the biggest lessons in nature photography is being out in nature at the right place and the right time.

Less Is More: A Guide to Cleaner Composition

Photography often starts with a full scene that overwhelms the eye with every detail. You face the challenge of choosing which elements to let stand and which to remove in order to craft a compelling image.

How to Rescue Your Worst Photos in Lightroom

Bad photos happen to everyone. Exposure errors, white balance issues, and distracting backgrounds are common challenges, but knowing how to quickly rescue these mistakes can save valuable shots and improve your editing skills.

Does Shooting Film Actually Make Photos Better?

Shooting film can completely change how you approach photography. It forces you to slow down, think more deliberately, and accept imperfections as part of the process. Many who started in digital find that switching to film rekindles their love for capturing images. But does film actually make an image better? Or is it just a different way to shoot?

The Creative Power of Aperture Settings

Aperture settings are one of the most versatile tools in photography, offering both technical and creative possibilities. Understanding how aperture impacts exposure and depth of field is crucial to unlocking its full potential.

Real-World Landscape Tips That Actually Work

Some of the most common tips you see online about landscape and outdoor photography seem straightforward, but they can hold you back more than help you. Sorting out what works and what doesn't in real-world shooting is what keeps you from wasting time and missing good shots.

How to Master Manual Mode Without Overthinking It

You’re probably making manual mode harder than it needs to be. Many people struggle with exposure settings, unsure of how to balance aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. The key isn’t memorizing numbers—it’s understanding how these choices interact in real-time.

This NAS Has an Insane Amount of Storage

Every couple of years, our network access storage (NAS) gets nearly full of old photoshoots and video projects. Today, I am installing our biggest system yet, and it can hold a whopping 160 TB of data. Oh, and it's also 10 GbE, which allows us to edit video projects directly off the network.

The Secret to Consistent Lighting in Headshots

Getting consistent results in headshots can be a challenge, especially when you're shooting in different locations with varying lighting conditions. If you've ever had to match headshots taken in different offices or on different days, you know how tricky it can be. The right approach ensures your clients get the consistency they expect without unnecessary stress.

Cameras You Didn't Choose and the Images You Missed

The cameras you choose—and those you decide to skip—shape the kind of photographer you become. Every camera you pick up nudges you in a certain direction, subtly guiding the images you create and the style you adopt.

Sigma Announces 300-600mm f/4 DG OS | Sports Lens for Sony E and L-Mount

Sigma has announced the 300-600mm f/4 DG OS | Sports, a large-aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed for professional sports, wildlife, and action photography. The lens is built exclusively for full frame mirrorless cameras and will be available for Sony E-mount and L-Mount in April 2025 at a retail price of $5,999.

Restoring Natural Skin Tones in Lightroom

Skin tones can be tricky, especially when using on-camera flash at events like weddings. The bright light often washes out the natural color, leaving skin looking pale or flat. However, there’s a quick and effective method in Lightroom to bring back those natural tones.

Sigma’s New RF-Mount Lenses: An In-Depth Look at the 30mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lenses

Sigma has continued to enhance its reputation for crafting high-quality, affordable optics, and its new RF-mount lenses—the 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary and 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary—are no exception. Designed with APS-C sensors in mind, these lenses aim to provide a balance of portability, performance, and cost-efficiency, making them highly appealing to enthusiasts and professionals alike. Here’s a closer look at what makes these lenses stand out, their practical performance, and their specific pros and cons.

Why Your Wildlife Photos Look Soft (It’s Not Your Lens)

Heat haze ruins sharp images, and you might not even realize it’s happening. You can have the best lens, perfect settings, and great timing, but if you’re shooting through too much turbulent air, your images will come out soft. Wildlife photography is especially vulnerable to this problem, and if you’re shooting at long distances, the effect is even worse.

The Problematic Concept of the 'Muse' in Portrait Photography

Have you ever described a portrait subject as your muse? Beneath the seemingly charming facade of the word lies a complex and often problematic history surrounding the photographic muse. As we examine this age-old concept through a modern lens, it becomes clear that the term "muse" is most often reductive, sexist, and objectifying. This article explores why the concept of a muse might be best left in the past.

Take Full Control of Your Landscape Photo Edits

Landscape masking isn’t just another feature buried in your editing software—it’s a direct way to control where the viewer’s eye travels, what they notice first, and how your image feels. If you’re working with scenes that have complex skies, fields, or multiple subjects, learning to harness masking and adaptive presets matters because it lets you guide your edit instead of settling for what the camera captured.

Documenting Solitude: A Residency Amid Wyoming’s Wilderness

Several years ago, I got a call one morning from the head ranger at Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming. He was inquiring if I would be interested in participating in Bighorn National Forest’s initial Artist in Residence program. That was during the COVID shutdown, and my state was really locked down—we couldn't even go camping in a state park! So, yes, absolutely yes.