Photography can feel saturated these days, with everyone snapping away on their smartphones or cameras. If you want your photos to stand out, mastering a few straightforward techniques can make a huge difference. These tips are easy to apply and will help you capture more captivating images.
Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color in an image can change everything about a photo’s mood and focus. Two key tools in Photoshop that allow you to manipulate these aspects precisely are the Levels and Curves adjustments. Each tool has its strengths and hidden features that provide control over light and color in ways that are unique to each method.
What is the best camera for landscape photography? Is there a best landscape photography camera? Typically, one would want a high-megapixel camera with great dynamic range, something easy to use in the field, and something that can handle harsh environments. Is this the best landscape photography camera?
Someone on social media stated “A pro would never use a Z50!” If you’re not familiar with Nikon, this is their crop sensor entry-level camera, costing $860. I’ve heard similar statements dozens of times—matter-of-fact assertions about what pros do, usually made by photographers who aren’t actually professionals.
Photography can be tricky, especially when your images don't turn out as expected. Common problems like poor exposure, blurry details, or excessive noise can be frustrating. The good news is that many of these issues can be fixed with a straightforward approach.
Digital film simulations have become a popular way to capture the look of classic film stocks without the hassle of processing and scanning. They’re practical for anyone who wants a specific aesthetic without spending time on extensive post-processing, and they give you the freedom to focus on composition and light.
Landscape photography, often romanticized as a calm pursuit, is, in reality, a demanding test of patience. Unlike studio photography, where they control the lighting, backdrop, and subject, we landscape photographers must yield to nature’s rhythm. Whether it’s the color at golden hour, a dramatic storm, or a perfectly composed scene, capturing the ideal moment requires unwavering patience.
Focus stacking can take your macro photography to a new level by allowing you to capture every detail of a subject in perfect clarity, even when that subject has considerable depth. It’s especially helpful for macro shots, where your focus plane is often razor-thin. But capturing a sharp, focus-stacked image doesn’t end with taking hundreds of shots in the field; processing them correctly is equally crucial.
Picture controls, picture styles, and picture profiles are a few of the names they go by, depending on your camera brand. But what are they, and how can they help you create images and make editing easier?
I love prime lenses—they’re always my preference—but I had to travel across Spain recently to make a documentary film and was traveling light. I had to pick my lenses carefully, so I chose the 24-70mm as my main lens. I quickly discovered it was the perfect travel lens.
When you buy a camera, the decision to keep the kit lens or upgrade immediately is on your mind. Kit lenses, bundled with camera bodies, are often lightweight and versatile but have a reputation for being limited.
So many of us photographers seem to have an insatiable appetite for camera gear. For some, it’s G.A.S. (gear acquisition syndrome), while others are honing their photographic experiences into a seemingly futile and almost never-ending quest to trade up to the perfect camera. For a rare few, they have found their gear and are sticking to it.
The Nikon Zf has been gaining a lot of popularity with retro-loving photographers of all stripes. But how does it stack up against the king of retro camera design's top model, the Fujifilm X-T5?
Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping a portrait, and sometimes, it’s worth bending the rules to capture a unique shot. When you’re working in a stunning location, balancing ideal lighting techniques with the composition can push you to make creative decisions that break away from the norm.
Capturing compelling images in busy, chaotic spaces requires a mix of patience and creativity. With the right techniques, you can turn even the most overwhelming environments into opportunities for striking compositions.
Sony's new a1 II mirrorless camera represents the pinnacle of hybrid shooting technology, combining exceptional resolution with blazing-fast performance. The a1 II builds upon its predecessor's foundation while introducing refined features that cater to professionals who demand versatility and reliability in every shooting scenario.
The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED aims to strike a balance between portability, power, and value, making it an option worth considering for creative work on the go. This laptop packs an Intel Core i9-13900H processor and a stunning OLED display, making it a versatile machine for tasks like photo editing, video work, and even some gaming.
For years, Canon held the distinction of offering the only f/2 standard zoom lens. Now, Sony has unveiled their answer with the FE 28-70mm f/2 GM, and it's poised to redefine expectations.
Photographing in snow presents unique challenges. The light is harsh, reflections are intense, and the cold can affect your equipment. But with the right techniques, you can transform a snowy scene into a beautifully lit portrait. This video focuses on using light direction, ambient light, and composition to elevate your snowy portraits, offering practical tips for handling these tricky conditions.
When Fujifilm released the X-T5 on November 25, 2022, I was one of the first in the queue as I wanted to experience a high-megapixel APS-C sensor. This was simply not GAS, as I had only months earlier purchased an X-T4, which was comfortably doing everything I needed. However, 40 megapixels for landscapes in such a compact and stylish design, I simply needed to see what it could do and more to the point, could do what I needed for my photography. Fast-forward 429 days later, has it been able to do everything?
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?
Choosing a laptop that strikes a balance between performance, portability, and screen quality can make or break your workflow. This video offers a clear breakdown of what you need to know about laptops specifically for creators, touching on practical details about performance and specific configurations that work best for different creative tasks.
When it comes to lenses, photographers who hear "ultra-wide" and "fast apertures" are usually bracing for an equally impressive price tag. The Viltrox 16mm f/1.8, however, seeks to deliver excellent optical quality and unique lens features at a reasonable price—in this review, I’ll see if Viltrox can execute a truly great ultra-wide prime.
Choosing the right 135mm f/1.8 lens for your Sony E-mount camera can be tricky, especially with options ranging from the high-end Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM to the budget-friendly Samyang AF 135mm f/1.8 FE. Each lens offers unique strengths, from image quality, to price, and more.
Two years after its initial announcement for the Sony E-mount in September 2022, Tamron recently released the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for the Nikon Z mount. With a range from 50mm to 400mm, this is a substantial range for one lens. But can it hold up?
A camera brand/system’s most affordable camera can often be underestimated, but it serves a bigger purpose to an entry-level user that can highly impact their growth in the craft. This second iteration of Sony’s ZV-E10 definitely brings more to the table than most realize.
Sony Electronics has officially unveiled the a1 II, a follow-up to its 2021 flagship a1. Combining high resolution, speed, and advanced AI-powered features, the a1 II aims to serve professionals in fields like photojournalism, wildlife, sports, and commercial photography.
Woodland photography can be uniquely challenging because natural forests are chaotic by nature. Trees may tilt in various directions, branches and leaves create visual clutter, and composing a balanced shot is tricky. For those aiming to create cleaner, more harmonious forest scenes, certain editing techniques can make a real difference.
Sigma has officially announced the pricing and availability of four APS-C format DC DN prime lenses for Canon's RF mount system. The lenses, part of Sigma’s Contemporary line, include the 16mm f/1.4, 23mm f/1.4, 30mm f/1.4, and 56mm f/1.4, and are designed for photographers and videographers seeking compact, high-performance lenses. These additions expand Sigma’s APS-C lens offerings to six for the RF mount.
Fujifilm has unveiled the development of its first medium format filmmaking camera, the GFX ETERNA, which is scheduled for release in 2025. Featuring a medium format 102 MP sensor and advanced processing technology, the GFX ETERNA is designed to deliver high-quality, true-to-life visuals for filmmakers working in feature films, television, documentaries, and web streaming content.
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is a compact, versatile macro lens that excels in close-up photography. If you’re looking for an option that balances impressive magnification with portability at a competitive price, this lens offers a practical solution, making it a solid choice for capturing detail-rich images of insects, plants, and other small subjects.
Choosing the right flash setting can make or break a shot, especially in challenging lighting. TTL, or “through the lens” flash metering, is a powerful option for streamlining exposure in dynamic environments. This method lets your camera analyze light as it passes through the lens, using that data to adjust the flash automatically. For those who shoot in changing light conditions, like during events or outdoor sessions, TTL offers the advantage of quick adjustments without needing to dive into settings constantly.
Taking photos in a small town can feel limiting if you’re used to seeing iconic cityscapes on social media. But with a few techniques, you can get dynamic, visually striking images right in your local area.
The latest M4 MacBook Pro marks another substantial upgrade in Apple’s pro laptop lineup, bringing a blend of powerful performance and practical new features. I've used it over the past week, and here are my thoughts.
Bokeh, a term derived from the Japanese word "boke," meaning "blur," is central to the aesthetic quality of photography and videography. This phenomenon creates a soft, pleasing effect that can significantly enhance the visual storytelling of a photo or video.
When editing landscape photographs, there are many ways to get from point A to point B. In this tutorial, we'll cover using Adobe Camera Raw to get the most out of your raw files.
Long exposures and intentional camera movement (ICM) open up a side of photography that’s impossible to capture with the naked eye. They create ghostly, dynamic images that capture the essence of movement, emotion, and atmosphere, transforming everyday scenes into ethereal, dreamlike compositions.
The king of kit lenses is dead. Long live the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS!
Creating a strong image is more than just pointing a camera—it’s a detailed process of planning, capturing, and finally, editing. The editing stage in particular is where you bring out the colors, light, and mood you intended, creating a finished piece that truly reflects the moment and story you envisioned.
A recent catastrophe led me to acquire a Peak Design Travel Tripod. In reviewing this for you I thought I would describe the process for choosing the best model to suit you.
I see a growing number of new lenses hitting the market that rely on lens correction. These lenses have some benefits, but are lens manufacturers taking shortcuts with these lens designs? Will we be seeing more and more lenses with this reliance on lens correction in the near future?
Whenever someone asks me what camera they should buy, I am shown a ton of triple-digit-D versions. Unfortunately, entry-level cameras are nowhere near as good as full-frame equivalents. Full frame doesn’t have to be expensive. Here’s a cheap full frame camera you can buy in 2024.
Sometimes, living in the shadow of a big city (New York, in my case) makes you forget how rich a photographic playground an urban environment can be.
A few months ago, I explored a new photography challenge and invested in an infrared filter for landscape photography. I could've bought an already converted used camera, but after looking at what was available on the used market and specialist conversion services, investing in a filter seemed to be at a more appealing price point and the best of both worlds. After several trials and tribulations, I became hooked on this newly discovered world of infrared photography.
Sony has introduced the 28-70mm f/2 G Master, the first zoom lens in its E-Mount lineup with a constant f/2 aperture. This lens combines a versatile focal range, fast aperture, and compact design, aimed at professionals across photography and video disciplines.
Serif’s Affinity Photo has come a long way over the years. Is it a good enough option for most photographers who want to delve into photo editing? Let’s find out.
For the last week, I have been testing what I believe are the best speedlights on the market, and each one is sold in a variant for Sony, Nikon, and Canon.
In 1993, Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist, etched his name in photography history with one poignant image that encapsulated the harsh realities of the world. The iconic photograph, "Vulture and the Little Girl," stirred emotions, sparked debates, and shed light on the famine-stricken Sudan. However, it also plunged Carter into the depths of controversy, with this photograph revealing the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding shocking photography.
There is quite a lot of excitement about the new Canon cameras. Of course, the much-anticipated Canon flagship is bound to attract attention, as well as the much-improved Canon R5 Mark II, which builds on the legacy of the famous R5. Yet, I am not buying any of these cameras. Here’s why.
