Trending Photography News and Reviews

Review of the New Amaran App for Remote Light Control

On August 20, 2024, Amaran released a brand-new app for wireless light control on mobile devices and desktops. It offers an interface for controlling an ecosystem of multiple lights at once and promises simpler, more intuitive, yet powerful control of lights that support wireless connections.

We Review the HP Sprocket 3x4: In a Class of Its Own

The title of this article makes it seem like I'm heaping some sort of superlative description upon what is, more or less, a typical Zink-based printer that doesn't require ink or cartridges. And when it comes to this, the $129 HP Sprocket 3x4 Instant Photo Printer, I am. Well, more or less.

Sigma's Latest Masterpiece: We Review the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens

Sigma’s newest Art series lens, the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II, takes the winning formula of its predecessor and dials it up a notch, boasting significant advancements in sharpness, autofocus speed, and overall handling. The lens isn’t content with simply meeting the high expectations set by the original; it surpasses them, delivering exceptional image quality that will impress even the most critical photographers.

Team Group’s T-Create 256 GB UHS-II SDXC Card Tested

We know that the right memory card can make all the difference. Whether capturing fast-paced action or shooting in extreme conditions, having a reliable and high-performance card is essential. Enter the T-Create EXPERT UHS-II SDXC Card.

The Case for 12 Megapixels: Do You Need More?

The megapixel race in digital cameras has been ongoing for years, with manufacturers constantly pushing for higher resolutions. However, this trend raises an important question: do you really need all those megapixels, or could a 12-megapixel camera suffice for most photography needs?

Can This Affordable 85mm f/1.4 Lens Challenge More Expensive Options?

The 85mm f/1.4 lens is perhaps the most classic and highly sought-after model, offering an excellent portrait focal length in tandem with a wide maximum aperture for especially soft backgrounds. However, such lenses are often rather expensive, easily topping $2,000. So, at less than $500, the Meike 85mm f/1.4 AF is an especially intriguing option. This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

How to Balance Flash and Ambient Light Like a Pro

Understanding how to balance ambient light and flash can transform your photos. With so many types of flashes and varying methods of control, it's essential to grasp the basics and build from there.

In What is Left Unsaid: Photography, Ink Painting, and Empty Spaces

Creativity thrives on diversity. As artists, it's natural to seek inspiration within our own medium of photography. However, the true magic often happens when we venture beyond the boundaries of our craft and explore the vast landscape of other artistic realms. Finding inspiration in areas outside of our primary medium not only enriches our work but also expands our perspectives and nurtures our creativity in unexpected ways. For example, photographers may find themselves captivated by the rhythmic brushstrokes of paintings. In this context, the Japanese ink painting known as Sumi-e is a source of inspiration.

Dreamy Pastel Color Grading in Lightroom

Pastel color grading is a subtle yet powerful way to make your photos stand out, and you can achieve it easily with some simple tweaks in Lightroom. If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with color grading but felt overwhelmed, this method offers an approachable way to elevate your work.

The True Focal Length for Realistic Photography

Understanding focal length can change how you see the world through your camera. For many, the concept might sound a bit technical, but it's more about creating images that feel natural, like they could have been seen with your own eyes.

This Camera was a Lot of Fun!

The recent resurrection of film and instant film cameras never really interested me until a few months ago. I love shooting digital, mostly because I can just keep going until my heart is content, but that was until I discovered this gem of an instant film camera.

My Review of the Super-Fast Exascend 1 TB CFExpress 4.0 Type A Card

As cameras continue to get more powerful year by year, there comes a time when you can be limited by the type of card you use, but no more as the dawn of the CFExpress 4.0 card is here. I was sent the brand-new Exascend 1 TB Essential Pro CFExpress 4.0 Type A card, and I could not wait to take this out on a shoot.

Is the TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 Worth the Hype?

Using unique lenses can add artistic flair to your shots, and the TTArtisan 75mm f/1.5 Swirly Bokeh lens is one of those options, offering a distinctive, swirling bokeh effect. This lens, designed for full frame mirrorless cameras, doesn’t prioritize sharpness but instead provides an out-of-focus background with a swirling, almost dreamlike quality that can add depth and style to certain images.

Why Megapixels Matter Less Than You Think

There is often a big price difference between a 20-megapixel camera and a 50-megapixel camera. Understanding the value of megapixels is essential to avoid wasting money.

I Set Up My Content Credentials. You Should Too.

For centuries, art was created in a physical form and limited to one original copy. If an artist wanted attribution, they could sign or carve their name into the artwork. No matter where the art traveled, the attribution traveled with it. Today, much of our work is shared digitally, where watermarks or crediting do not appear alongside the art. Widespread adoption of the new Content Credentials standard may give digital artists the recognition they deserve.

5 Tips for Better Landscape Photos

Understanding the nuances of landscape photography can elevate your work from good to breathtaking. Composition plays a vital role in capturing stunning images.

My Review of the New Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM II

After more than six years, Sony has released a new version of the FE 85mm f/1.4 GM. The lens is improved in every aspect and promises to deliver outstanding quality and results. I have been using this lens for weeks prior to its official announcement, resulting in this review.

What the Flip Happened to Flip Video Cameras?

If you're a child of the 'aughts, you've probably seen a Flip Video camera at least once in your life. Before cellphone videos were a thing, these bad boys ruled the amateur video circuit with their ease of use and novel design that incorporated a literal flipping USB port on the side. But what happened to these once ubiquitous cameras?

Canon vs. Sigma: Which 10-18mm Ultra-Wide Lens Is Right for You?

Whether you're shooting landscapes, architecture, or vlogs, having the right lens can make all the difference. The Sigma 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary and Canon RF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM are two strong contenders for those looking to enhance their Canon APS-C mirrorless setup.

A Deep Dive Into Beauty Dishes

Understanding how to use beauty dishes is key for portrait photographers seeking close-up shots. This fantastic video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of using them for optimal results.

Insta360 Ace Pro 2: A New Contender To The Action Cam Throne?

When it comes to action cameras, this time of year seems to be when all the main players release their latest and greatest iterations to the market, each promising to be better than before and better than the rest. Enter the ring, Insta360 and the Ace Pro 2, which promises to shake things up quite considerably.

Mastering Extreme Macro Photography Techniques

Extreme macro photography lets you explore a hidden world of minute details. This guide will help you capture these fascinating images with clarity and precision.

How To Print Your Photography at Home: The Basics

If it’s not on paper, it’s not a real photograph. You must’ve heard this sentence at least once in your photographic journey. For many, it rings true. The best way to appreciate our captures is to hold them on a physical paper. But how to best print at home? Which printer to get? How to use it?

Review of the SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery

There is a lot of power required for video recordings, often more than a normal camera battery can deliver for an extended period of time. An external battery can be the answer to that problem. I have reviewed the excellent SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount battery.

Is This Transforming Tetris Camera Bag the Solution You Never Knew You Needed?

In all your years of photography, have your camera bags been mostly the same, with slight variations? Most likely black and rectangular. Inside, they likely had padded dividers and smaller zipper compartments. The good ones had a slot for a laptop. Some may have had slight variations: if you had a Pelican case, it was a hard shell. If you had other brands, it was made of sturdy fabric. With slight differences, have they been mostly the same, though, haven't they? A rectangle with dividers. Mine have. Until now. Until what I’m renaming, “The Tetris Transforming Camera Bag”, also known as the Peak Design Travel Backpack.

Not Just Another Kit Lens: We Review the Fujinon XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens

When it comes to versatility and performance, the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 R LM OIS Lens is an excellent choice. Available as part of a kit or sold individually, this lens performs exceedingly well. Although there are other lenses with a similar focal range for the X-mount system, and great ones at that, this lens should not be dismissed as merely a kit lens, as it produces some great results.

Is the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 the Best All-in-One Lens for the Price?

If you need a lens that can cover a lot of ground without switching gear, the Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art might be what you’re looking for. With a constant f/2.8 aperture and a flexible focal range, it aims to be a one-lens solution for many types of shooting environments.

5 Tips for Capturing Stunning Forest Scenes

Photographing forests isn’t always straightforward. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the dense trees, tangled branches, and layers of textures that can make it difficult to find a clear shot. The forest can seem chaotic, but with a few simple techniques, you can transform a seemingly complex scene into a captivating photograph.

The Ultimate Photo Editing Workflow

In this article, I share the photo editing workflow I use for all my photos, and if you want to achieve high-quality results, this is for you.

How to Use Selective Color Adjustments in Photoshop

Understanding how colors interact within an image can make a profound difference in how it’s perceived. Color adjustments can separate elements, guide the viewer’s focus, and even bring a certain “depth” to your photos.

Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs. R5: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

When a company releases an upgrade to a popular camera model, the question isn’t just about the new features—it’s about whether it’s worth upgrading. The Canon EOS R5 was already a standout in the mirrorless camera market, but now the EOS R5 Mark II is here, promising to raise the bar even higher.

The Great AI Debate: Will Artificial Intelligence Revolutionize or Ruin Photography?

You are a small-town American doctor, and to your surprise, aliens have replaced your community. Plant spores have fallen from outer space, creating seed pods capable of making identical human copies. Pod people take on traits and memories along with unique personalities. Slowly, an invasion has started. Wait a minute, hold up, reverse that! Sounds scary, right?

What OM System's Live View, Live Composite, and Live ND Do and How to Use Them

Most cameras have at least one exclusive attribute, and the OM System Cameras have more than most. Its ever-expanding “Live” collection contains some of its unique computational photography features. Let’s dive into five of its tools to find out what they do and how you can use them.

ON1 Photo Raw 2024 Is a Doozy and Gets Another Interim Update

On1 Photo Raw is a comprehensive image processing tool designed for photographers. It includes asset management, image development, and editing, plus a host of AI-driven tools, including noise reduction and deblurring. The latest update improves the performance of these tools.

First Hands-On Look At New DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone

DJI, maker of the world's best consumer and professional camera drones, recently announced the brand new Avata 2 FPV drone. They were able to send me one to test out, and in this video, I ask the question: "is the Avada 2 worth upgrading from the original Avata drone?"

How to Recreate the Polarization Effect in Lightroom: A Step-by-Step Guide

Polarizing filters can make your skies richer and your images more dynamic, but what if you could achieve that same look without any additional gear? With a few strategic tweaks in Lightroom, you can create that deep blue sky and high-contrast look, making your landscapes more vibrant and engaging.

First Impressions: Sony ZV-E10 II and 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II Lens

I recently had the good fortune of spending some time with Sony's latest ZV-E10 II camera and the updated version of their iconic APS-C zoom lens, the E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II. Let's take a look at what makes Sony's latest ZV camera and compact vlogging lens so compelling for content creators.