Trending Photography News and Reviews

Is This The Compact Film Camera I Had Hoped For?

Shortly after I last mused about what I thought would be the perfect new compact film camera for 2025, I discovered that there was a camera in the works that seemed to tick every box I hoped for: the Analogue AF1. But with little more than a gorgeous website promising the moon at a modest price, I held off, preferring to wait for more details before getting too sentimental about what could be the long-awaited savior of compact film photography.

Zeiss Returns With the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4: Is it Worth the Premium?

Zeiss is back in action with their latest lens release, the Zeiss Otus ML 50mm f/1.4, designed specifically for full frame mirrorless cameras. For those considering a high-end lens, this release marks a significant shift from Zeiss’s older, larger Otus lenses.

Is This the Best Budget 35mm Lens for Sony?

In this review, we’re diving into the Viltrox 35mm f/1.2, a lens that surprised me in the best ways. I’ve had this thing in my hands for more than a month and have used it on multiple sessions now, and—spoiler alert—this is one of the best and most affordable 35mm lenses for Sony.

Astrophotography Advice for Beginners

You've probably wondered whether investing in a specialized lens for astrophotography will significantly boost your results. According to this veteran, however, there's something else far more important that beginners should focus on first.

Field Review: Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash

I’m a victim of Instagram ads. They are responsible for an unsettling number of impulse purchases I’ve made, and the most recent is the Godox Lux Master Retro Camera Flash.

Small Adjustments That Lead to Stronger Photos

Ever feel like your photos are just shy of great, missing something small yet crucial? Many photographers experience this subtle frustration, and recognizing what's off is the first step toward exceptional results.

Master Your Craft: Must-Listen Podcasts for Aspiring Photographers

Over the last few years, I have searched for podcasts to listen to while editing photos or hitting the road. Podcasts are an excellent way to pass the time and learn new information. There are many to sift through in the world of podcasting and photography. Here are several of my favorite podcasts to help pass the time and learn something new!

Why Every Photographer Should Consider Licensing Their Work

Photography is often seen as an active profession—booking clients, traveling to locations, and spending hours editing images. But what if your past work could continue making money long after the shoot? That’s where licensing comes in.

Full Frame vs. Micro Four Thirds: A Practical Landscape Comparison

Choosing the right camera for landscape photography often comes down to balancing image quality, portability, and usability. Full frame and Micro Four Thirds systems both have their strengths, but how do they hold up in real-world shooting conditions? This comparison puts two Panasonic cameras—a 47-megapixel S1R and a 20-megapixel GX9—through their paces to see how they fare.

Creative Ways to Use a 35mm Lens for Better Photos

Using the right focal length is essential, and the 35mm lens has always been especially popular for its balanced framing and natural look. Understanding how to effectively compose your shots with this lens can significantly improve your photos by capturing scenes authentically and creatively.

The Secret to Photography Mastery

True photography goes beyond basic settings and theory—it’s about mastering your tools so you can focus entirely on the subject, the light, and the story you want to tell.

Hands On With the Peak Design X Carryology Collaboration

Peak Design, known for their straps, bags, and carry accessories, has partnered with Carryology, releasing special editions of their popular products. I was sent a few of these, so consider this a hands-on first look at them.

Why the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Is Ideal for Lightweight Kits

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR lens is an updated, versatile option for Fujifilm users, designed to replace older kit lenses while handling the demands of higher-resolution sensors. This lens is lightweight, well-suited for everyday use, and provides good performance across a wide range of photography needs. It’s aimed at those who want reliable image quality without the bulk.

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.

A Look at the New Canon RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM Lens

Canon's latest addition to its lens lineup, the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM lens, is designed specifically with both video and photo creators in mind. With a notably wide focal length and impressive low-light capabilities, it's worth a look.

TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 Lens Review: A $125 Prime Worth Considering

Wide angle prime lenses are favorites for their versatility, whether for street photography, environmental portraits, or everyday snapshots. The TTArtisan AF 23mm f/1.8 lens offers a budget-friendly entry into this category, raising questions about how it holds up in terms of build quality, autofocus, and image performance.

Less Is More: A Tutorial for Essential Portrait Editing in Lightroom

Less can often be more when it comes to creating stunning portraits in Lightroom. If you’re relatively new to it or you’re somebody who prefers a minimalist but effective approach to portrait editing over going crazy in post with loads of effects, then this tutorial is definitely going to help you.

Google Adds Watermarks to AI Photos

Google has introduced a digital watermarking system called SynthID to discreetly label images that are generated or heavily edited by artificial intelligence. The technology embeds an imperceptible identifier into the pixels of AI-created or AI-modified photos, which humans cannot see but software can detect​.

How to Make More Money with Photography in 2025

Making money with photography isn’t as simple as social media makes it seem. The reality is, whether you’re just starting or already running a business, turning creativity into income takes strategy. Finding ways to optimize how you earn—without relying on luck—can help you stay sustainable.

Canon’s RF 15-35mm vs RF 16-28mm STM: Worth the Big Price Difference?

If you're debating between Canon’s RF 15-35mm f/2.8L and the newer RF 16-28mm f/2.8 IS STM, understanding the actual performance differences can save you money and hassle. Lens choice isn't just about price—it's about matching your shooting needs to practical differences in performance and handling.

It's the Light Stupid (Part Two)

So, paying attention to light direction is vital. And by the way, I have used studio photographs in several instances here because they more adequately illustrate the concept I am discussing. The point of that, of course, is that concepts and principles cross genres of photographic work. They are basic principles.

Are These Memory Cards Really Worth It? We Review the OWC’s Atlas Memory Card Line

OWC’s Atlas line of memory products, which includes SDXC, CFexpress Type A and B models, and high-performance readers, isn’t cheap. However, they promise leading performance and integration with their Innergize card management system. But can users really make use of all that performance? In this review, I’ll take a look at the ecosystem and test out all the features.

Advanced Masking Techniques for Striking Landscapes

Lightroom’s color range mask is a powerful tool for making selective edits that bring your photos to life. Understanding how to precisely target colors can significantly improve your editing skills, giving your images depth and nuance.

How Slowing Down Can Improve Your Photography

In photography, patience is often the difference between capturing a rushed shot and creating something truly meaningful. This is especially true for landscape photography, where the conditions—light, weather, and atmosphere—change by the minute. Waiting for just the right moment might seem difficult, but it can actually make the process more enjoyable and less stressful.

Practical Tips to Improve Your Landscape Photography

When you’re working on improving your landscape photography, you’re trying to capture more than just a scene—you’re telling a story. From the foreground to the background, everything in the frame plays a role.

12 Signs You're a Better Photographer Than You Think

Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can plague even skilled photographers, making it difficult to recognize genuine progress in your craft. Understanding the key indicators of photographic growth helps you acknowledge your achievements and maintain momentum in your creative journey.

Creative Ways to Capture the Warm Tones of Autumn

Autumn brings a palette of colors that transforms the landscape, making it an ideal time for capturing stunning, warm-toned photos. However, unpredictable weather and fleeting light can complicate your plans, so it’s essential to understand how to make the most of these conditions.

Mastering Harsh Light in Landscape Photography

Harsh light can ruin a landscape photo. It’s something you’ve probably faced when trying to capture the perfect scene, only to find that the sun has risen too high, casting harsh shadows and blowing out highlights. Knowing how to deal with this situation is crucial if you want to keep your photos looking their best, even when the lighting isn’t ideal.

Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro Review: Can a Budget Lens Carry a Pro Moniker?

When it comes to affordable prime lenses, Meike has been steadily refining its offerings. The new Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro is the latest in their lineup, and it aims to challenge not only budget-friendly competitors like the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 but even premium, older options like the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8. With an attractive price tag, competent autofocus capabilities, and image quality not often found in lenses at this price point, does it live up to the "Pro" designation?

Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 Review: The Best Kit Lens Ever?

The Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is the company’s latest standard zoom lens, replacing the aging XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. With updates in optical performance, autofocus, and weather resistance, it’s positioned as the new kit lens for select Fujifilm cameras. The removal of optical image stabilization and a shorter telephoto reach, however, raise some important considerations.

The Benefits of Using a Wide Angle Lens for Macro Shots

Macro photography often brings to mind extreme close-ups and tight compositions, but what happens when you pair it with a wide angle lens? This setup offers a new perspective, giving your images context by incorporating the surroundings. Understanding how and when to use a wide angle macro can help you capture more dynamic and story-driven shots.

Depth of Interest: What Makes a Landscape Photograph Stick

Give your eyes a destination and a route to get there. Our job as artists is to find a place we want to direct the viewer’s eye to, find a way to direct them there, and then to show them what it is we want them to see. Everything else is just visual clutter.

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.: A High-Quality Lens with Some Drawbacks

The Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH lens has been highly anticipated by users who want quality optics without the bulk of larger telephoto options. For sports and wildlife shooting, it’s essential to have a lens that not only delivers sharp images but also handles well during fast-paced action. But does this lens really meet those needs?

Does Gear Matter? One Pro’s Perspective

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.

Exploring Large Format Photography With the Intrepid 8x10

Shooting with an 8x10 camera is a bit like entering an exclusive club—one that comes with high costs, steep learning curves, and some serious frustrations. But the rewards? They can be worth every bit of the hassle if you're up for the challenge.

The Godox V100 Flash: Upgraded Features Worth Your Attention

The Godox V100 is here, and it's making waves with a noticeable leap in build quality and usability. For anyone regularly relying on flash photography, finding the right gear that balances power, consistency, and reliability is crucial, and the V100 could be just what you need.

Adobe Announces Firefly Generative AI Video Model

A videographer must master both the process of shooting and the process of editing to create a compelling final video. During the shooting phase, you capture the scenes necessary to assemble the final project in the editing phase. Once you begin editing, your only option is to work with the footage you captured during shooting. If you neglected to film a particular shot, there is no way to create it later. Today marks a paradigm shift with Adobe's announcement of a Firefly Video Model in public beta, making it possible to create video footage from scratch.

Easily Create Custom Lightroom Presets With ChatGPT

Artificial intelligence has rapidly expanded what you can do in photography, and now it's stepping into Lightroom presets. Creating custom presets that match the editing style of images you admire can be tricky, but using AI could make this process simpler and faster.

Correcting Every Error in my Speedlight Review Video

A couple of weeks ago, I released a detailed video reviewing the top five speed lights currently on the market. I had the opportunity to communicate directly with Neewer, Godox, Westcott, and Profoto about my review, and I've learned a lot. I'd like to correct a few errors I made.

Shifting From Photographer To Videographer: Where Do You Start?

You’ve been a photographer for many years, and you’re curious about making videos. After all, your camera likely has some amazing video capabilities. But moving to video is daunting; there’s so much more involved than still photography. Here are a few thoughts to help you get started.