Trending Photography News and Reviews

2023 Black Friday Deals for Photographers

It's time for great photography savings with some of the biggest deals of the year. If you happen to be looking for new gear, a faster or easier way to edit your photos, or a more efficient shooting workflow, here are offers that will help.

5 Tips for Creating Realistic Drop Shadows in Photoshop

Have you ever cut out an object in Photoshop, put it on a new background, added a “drop shadow” effect, and sat in front of your monitor thinking, “This just looks so Photoshopped”? I’m here to help! Here are five easy steps to creating realistic drop shadows in Photoshop.

Why Perfect Photos Are Boring

We often find ourselves chasing perfection, striving for flawless compositions and technically impeccable images. But what if there's more to capturing a moment than achieving technical mastery? What if embracing imperfection is the key to creating truly compelling photographs?

High Quality, Low Cost: 8 Cameras for Livestreaming in 2023

As we all know, livestreaming can be a very expensive adventure. If you want to go beyond streaming from mobile phones, which are great, by the way, you will need to spend money on some higher-end equipment. This is why we put together a list of the top eight cameras for livestreaming that will deliver high quality at low cost.

A Review of the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens

At just 5.9 oz (167 g), the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 is an extremely portable lens, making it an intriguing choice for people like landscape and travel photographers who want a versatile set of focal lengths without a lot of bulk. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

5 Ways to Precisely Undo in Photoshop

As a photographer, you understand the delicate balance between enhancing an image and overdoing it. Too much editing can quickly make a photo appear unnatural and detract from its original beauty. Fortunately, Photoshop offers several tools and techniques to help you maintain control and achieve subtle, realistic edits.

How to Control Reflections in Your Photos

Reflections can be some of the trickiest things to deal with as a photographer, particularly when you are working with rounded objects that can reflect light from almost any angle. Nonetheless, learning how to read and control reflections is one of the best exercises to improve your lighting technique, no matter what you shoot. This fantastic video tutorial features an experienced studio photographer showing you how to manage reflections in your images.

A Review of the Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a6700 mirrorless camera is a compact powerhouse blending cutting-edge technology and exceptional image quality. Can it give the kind of real-world performance and image quality professionals demand? This excellent video review takes a look.

A Review of the Affordable Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

The Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens takes the place of a fantastic option from the old EF-S lineup, and it offers APS-C shooters an affordable and portable wide angle zoom lens that is perfert for a wide range of needs. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality one can expect from it in practice.

The Full Frame Cult Is Getting Tiring

I wish we’d all just move on. The format that used to be a compromise between image quality and price in the film days is nowadays being taken as the sole possibility for a serious photographer, and if you are not part of the gang, you apparently deserve to be ridiculed.

Is This the Perfect Camera for Street Photography?

Micro four thirds is enjoying a bit of resurgence right now, with its lighter and smaller size, lower cost, and array of excellent lenses making it a fantastic choice for a wide number of genres and applications. Is it the ideal system for street photography? This great video makes a case for why that might be so.

2024 WPPI Las Vegas Exclusive: Meet the Portrait Masters Winners

In the heart of Las Vegas at the 2024 Wedding and Portrait Photographers International, I had the opportunity to dive into the minds of talented winners from the Portrait Masters' January competition, unveiling their creative processes and inspiration.

Your Guide to All of Canon's APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Canon has filled out their APS-C mirrorless line quite nicely with an array of models that offer everything from highly affordable options to professional-level models capable of tackling just about anything you can throw at them. So, which model is right for your budget and needs? This helpful video gives an overview of every option to help you choose.

Photography's Power as an Agent of Social Change

Since its origins in the 19th century, photography has proven to be a powerful medium for documenting human life and bringing awareness to social issues. When a photograph captures an injustice or iconic moment, it can resonate around the world and galvanize people to take action. Photography's unique ability to convey visual information makes it an unparalleled tool for social change.

Understanding Fine Art Photography With Leigh Schneider

As photographers, we often find ourselves at exciting places such as concerts, parties, and sporting events. Many photographers spend hours of their day working with other people. It is common to see photographers interacting with people and asking the people they are photographing to move a bit to the left or to position their hands differently. On the surface, it might seem that photographers are extroverts who love being out and about.

Can a $148 Full Frame Autofocus Lens Produce Good Images?

It sounds too good to be true, but the TTArtisans AF 32mm f/2.8 lens offers full frame coverage, autofocus, and the promise of good image quality for $148. Can it actually deliver good performance and image quality at such a low price? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect.

Don't Buy the Hype: The Dome Attachment Mystery Solved!

There is a war going on in the lighting community: To dome or not to dome? Does the recessed front make a difference? Are the flat-front lights not usable anymore? Well, having had the privilege of owning a number of lighting variants, I did rigorous testing to settle the debate once and for all.

A Review of the Affordable and Portable Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Lens

Viltrox has rapidly established itself as a reputable lens manufacturer, known for delivering quality results at very attractive prices. Priced at $158, the AF 20mm f/2.8 continues this trend. This lens, with its compact size and a practical focal length, raises the question: can it achieve professional-quality outcomes despite its budget-friendly price? This insightful video review explores the performance and image quality you can expect from it in real-world use.

How Good Is This Affordable 900mm Lens?

Generally, as you move into supertelephoto focal lengths, lens prices start to increase simply because of the sheer amount of glass it takes to produce such extreme images. That's why, at $699, the Tokina SZ 900mm f/11 Pro Reflex MF CF is an intriguing option. Can it offer good performance and image quality despite that modest price? This excellent video review takes a look.

A Review of the Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x Lens

Venus Optics, recognized for creating distinct and unusual lenses with remarkable capabilities at budget-friendly prices, has long been respected for the unique offerings. The Laowa 90mm f/2.8 APO 2x is one such lens, standing out by providing double the magnification of standard macro lenses without a hefty price tag and being compatible with all major full frame mirrorless camera mounts. In this insightful video review, the lens is thoroughly examined, highlighting the performance and image quality it offers in real-world use.

How to Deal With Harsh Sunlight in Portrait Photography

The beauty of working with flash is that you can walk into any lighting situation and shape it to your creative vision and needs, and that frees you from relying on the sun to cooperate and to dictate your shoot's timing and location. Perhaps no scenario is more challenging than harsh midday light. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use off-camera flash to work with that harsh light to create compelling portraits.

A Review of the Leica Q3 Camera

The Leica Q3 is here, and it brings with it some of the company's most powerful features paired with the company's highly respected optics, all in a compact and quite portable body. How does it hold up in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from the camera.

Sony 400mm Lens Saves Sports Photographer From 104 MPH Foul Ball

Jim Rassol wasn't expecting to have his $12,000 Sony 400.. G Master lens smashed when he headed in to photograph an MLB game on June 24, 2023. Check out the story of how his lens saved him from injury and the community rallied together to help him fix his lens.
Prism Lens FX Filter Face-off: Lucid Dream FX Versus Moody FX Filters

I’ve been seeing Prism Lens FX filters everywhere and have been curious about what they're actually like to shoot with. There are so many interesting filters available that it’s hard to know which ones are worth the investment. So, here’s a comparison of the Lucid Dream FX Filter and the Moody FX Filter.

A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

Nikon is broadening their range of mirrorless lenses, moving beyond the standard varieties and venturing into more purpose-specific, professional-grade lenses. A prime example of this expansion is the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. Notably portable and competitively priced, this lens is worth a close look. This great video review does just that, showing the performance and image quality you can expect from the lens in use.

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.

Stuck In a Creative Rut? Stop Taking Photos and Do These 5 Things Instead

Creative ruts happen to every photographer but some are deeper than others. In some cases, switching up your gear, trying a new genre, or changing your approach can lift you out of a slump. You can’t always shoot your way out of a creative rut, though – sometimes, the best thing you can do is put your camera down and try a different approach.

Photographer Finally Admits: 'Honestly, I'm Just Taking Pictures'

Portland, Oregon: In an unexpectedly candid turn for the new year, local photographer Jack Bennett has resolved to ditch the artistic jargon and admit he's simply "taking pictures." This straightforward declaration is causing quite the stir in a community known for its often grandiloquent descriptions of their craft.

How Shallow DOF Just Might Ruin Your Photography

Why are photographers obsessed with shallow depth of field? And why I think it can ruin your photography as it almost did with mine. Read on about how it started to affect my photography and what I did about it.

Is This the Best Hybrid Camera Available Today?

Modern cameras are remarkably capable machines, and you can now find a good option for just about every budget range. With an increasing emphasis on the ability to do both photo and video work, hybrid cameras have become increasingly important. The Sony a7 IV is one of the most well regarded options out there, and this great video review takes a look at if it really offers the best combination of image quality, performance, and cost in a crowded and competitive space.

5 Common Printing Mistakes Photographers Make

As much as we view photos on screens nowadays, there really is no replacement for seeing and holding a physical representation of your work. However, printing your photos is a rather delicate process, and mistakes that cause ruined prints can be rather costly. To ensure you get things right the first time, check out this helpful video tutorial that features an experienced landscape photographer discussing five common photo-printing mistakes and what you can do to fix them.

How to Fix Boring Landscape Photos

Landscape photography can be a technically challenging genre, and so, it can be particularly frustrating when you do everything right but still come home with a boring photo. If you find yourself in the position of having an abundance of technique but often ending up with images that just are not that compelling, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you a range of useful advices to make your shots more attention-grabbing.

The Best iPhone 15 Pro Max Filmmaking Accessories

The Apple iPhone 15 has been released and its camera is turning a lot of heads, not least because of some new software functionality. In fact, when it comes to videography, it is a serious piece of kit. So, here are some great filmmaking accessories.
The Best Photographer Work Station? We Review the FlexiSpot Standing Desk

Standing desks have become somewhat ubiquitous over the last few years and hold a number of benefits for photographers and content creators. Having used them in the past with mixed results, I was pleasantly surprised by the standing desk from FlexiSpot in terms of quality, form, and function.

Luminar Neo Adds Generative AI to Its Photo Editing Software

It was inevitable considering the evolution of photo editing, so Skylum is adding key AI features to its very popular Luminar Neo editing software. The new features include GenErase, GenExpand, and GenSwap. The new tools will be released one by one throughout October, November, and December, starting with GenErase on October 26, 2023.

The Focal Length Choices of Famous Film Directors

For photographers, filmmakers, and cinematographers who understand the basics, going deeper into the nuances of focal length can be tremendously informative. This exploration is at the heart of this great video that takes a look at the sophisticated choices of renowned directors and their implications in visual storytelling.

Making the Best of Bad Conditions in Landscape Photography

Perhaps one of the most frustrating parts of landscape photography is that you do not have any control over the conditions, and if nature does not feel like cooperating that day, you can end up with a real struggle on your hands. That does not mean you should just give up and pack it in, though. This great video follows an experienced landscape photographer as he deals with such a day and perseveres in order to still come home with worthwhile images.

A Photographer's Review of the New Fujifilm X100VI

The Fujifilm X100 series has been a cornerstone for photographers who want a compact solution without compromising on image quality. The introduction of its latest model, the X100VI, marks a significant development, incorporating a high-resolution sensor and built-in stabilization, promising enhanced capabilities in a familiar, vintage package.

What Makes a Good Photo?

Photography, an art form and a technical craft, is continually evolving, and understanding what separates a good photo from an average one is crucial for any photographer. The difference lies not just in technical aspects, but also in the emotion and story conveyed through the image, a topic discussed in depth in this helpful video tutorial.

Photography, CGI, and AI: Can You Tell the Difference? An Interview With Steve Hansen

Which image in the banner is a photograph, and which is computer generated? Can you even tell anymore? With the addition of computer generated imagery (CGI) and artificial intelligence, the process of creating images has provided commercial photographers more tools than ever. I sat down with award-winning food photographer Steve Hansen to discuss this topic and to delve into the question: "Is it enough to just be a photographer these days?"

Streamline Your Photo Editing Workflow in Lightroom Classic With These Tips

Editing photographs, particularly in bulk, can often be a time-consuming endeavor that tests even the most patient photographers. Recognizing the importance of efficiency is crucial. Lightroom Classic offers features designed to streamline the editing process, a boon for professionals and hobbyists alike who seek to maintain a seamless workflow that doesn't waste their time, and this helpful video tutorial will show you how to take advantage of them.

How Good Is the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens?

The latest lens getting all the attention is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, which promises superlative image quality and creamy bokeh. Nonetheless, the portrait lens landscape is perhaps the most competitive of all, and it takes a major achievement to stand at the top. Can the 135mm f/1.8 deliver? This excellent video takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from the lens in practice.

Dispelling Common Misconceptions for New Photographers

Transitioning from a novice to a seasoned photographer involves more than just mastering technical skills. It also requires shedding misconceptions that can hinder your growth and creativity. These misconceptions often stem from outdated advice, gear obsession, and a misunderstanding of what truly makes a great photograph.