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Staff Writer

Justin Tedford

Cedar Rapids, IA
Justin Tedford Fine Art Photography

Articles from Justin Tedford

Strong Images, Weak Edits: Why Your Archive Deserves Another Look

Have you ever gone back to look at older images you created? Whether they’re from six months ago or six years ago, there are often elements worth revisiting. As our eyes mature and technology advances, we’re able to see opportunities to refine those images in ways we simply couldn’t before. 

When a Firmware Update Is Worth Installing (And When It’s Not)

For some photographers, firmware feels like a dirty word—especially for beginners. Should you install every update that appears, or leave things as they are if your camera works fine? For many, it starts with a more straightforward question: What is firmware, and why does it matter? 

Every Frame You Skip Makes the One You Take Matter More

Sometimes, the most powerful image isn't the one you take, but the one you leave behind. In a society fixated on constant creation, mastering restraint can be more important than clicking the shutter. Modern cameras can shoot 120 frames per second or even more, but the real skill lies in understanding when not to photograph.

You Can Nail the Exposure and Still Miss the Photograph

You can nail the exposure and still miss the photograph. How? Because numbers teach “correct,” but story teaches truth. A flawless histogram isn’t a finished narrative—and perfect light doesn’t guarantee a picture that speaks. 

How to Capture the Magic of the Night With Long Exposures

They say nothing good happens after midnight—clearly, they’ve never tried photographing it. When the world goes quiet and city lights hum against the dark, something magical awakens. The night becomes your studio, the stars your light source, and the silence your companion. While others sleep, photographers step into an open world alive with mystery, color, and adventure. 

What Photography Teaches You—If You Let It

Photography goes beyond just composition and exposure—it’s a lifelong process of patience, failure, curiosity, and self-exploration. After years of practice, you'll see that it's not only about what’s in front of your camera but also about what occurs behind it. Here are 10 lessons every photographer discovers. 

The Concept Comes First: Building a Photograph From an Idea, Not a Scene

Most photographers start with a subject or theme. Conceptual photographers start with a question. What does isolation feel like? Not, “Where can I shoot next?” Entering the world of conceptual photography is a beast of its own. It comes with its own challenges and rewards. My biggest question was, how do I start? 

SmallRig Just Made Your Black Friday Wish List Easy

It’s that time of year again—when the days get shorter, the coffee gets warmer, and the holidays sneak up faster than any of us are ready for. And with the holiday season comes the annual tradition of building out that all-important wish list. If you’re anything like me, a few SmallRig items have probably been sitting in your mental shopping cart for months.

Leica and Me: A Love Affair I Didn’t Know I Was Having

The infamous red dot. I am sure that at any given time in a photographer’s career, amateur or not, there has been a dream of owning a camera known for its excellence, sleek design, and quality that rises above other brands. Once, that dream became a short-lived reality. 

Instant Coffee, Instant Noodles… and Now, Instant Leica?

Film may be back in style, but instant photography has become the life of the party—thanks to Fujifilm and Polaroid. Now Leica, a name tied to photographic excellence for over a century, has stepped into the ring with the SOFORT 2. The question is simple: Can the masters of precision still deliver when the goal is fun, fast, and instant? 

The Comeback of the Pocket Powerhouse

With the most recent announcement of the Sony RX1R III, the scarcity of the Fuji X100VI, and the popularity of the Leica Q, are we seeing a renaissance of the small compact camera? 

I Went to War With a Rifle and a Camera—Only One Came Home With Me

War teaches you how to see. Not in an artistic sense, but in a survival sense. Every detail is information, and every flicker of movement becomes a decision. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that constant scanning and forced situational awareness rewired the way I perceive everything. I went to war with a rifle and a camera; only one still shapes how I see the world today. 

Pelican’s Re-Set Kit Is the Insert System We’ve All Been Waiting For

Pick n’ Pluck, TrekPak, foam hybrids—Pelican has given us plenty of ways to organize our gear, each with its own quirks and trade-offs. But once you commit, you're stuck—cut the foam wrong or rearrange the dividers, and there’s no undo button. What if there were a system that let you change your mind, again and again, without regret?

Instagram Wasn’t the Problem. Our Obsession Was.

Instagram was great until it ruined the art of photography. Somewhere along the way, the app that once celebrated still images traded intention for attention, and in doing so, it didn’t just change photography — it helped ruin the art. 

Meet the Roller Bag That Actually Delivers

Whether you're a travel or commercial photographer, getting your bag around the airport or to your next shoot can get annoying—if only there were a bag that made traveling a little easier. 

The Presets Room: A Game-Changing Marketplace for Photography Presets

Photographers know that working smarter means more time snapping shots and not being stuck behind a screen. But for newbies, finding an editing style can feel like a never-ending puzzle. Luckily, The Presets Room is here to save the day—offering quick, pro-level edits so you can spend less time clicking and more time creating. 

Every Great Photographer Does This: Do You?

You're set to capture something amazing with your camera, but where should you begin? Without a clear process, it's easy to rush, overlook details, or end up with photos that miss the mark. Let’s outline a simple, repeatable approach to help you slow down, capture more, and make each shot count. 

Why the Best Travel Photos Aren’t on Your Itinerary

You’ve booked the trip, packed your gear, and mapped out every perfect shot—but what if the best photos are the ones you never planned for? The magic of a photo trip isn’t just in the locations; it’s in the unexpected moments, the wrong turns, and the stories that unfold when you stop chasing perfection.

Confused by Autofocus? Here’s How to Make It Work for You

A legendary and elusive creature in the world of photography, autofocus can feel almost mythical to some. For beginners—and even some intermediate photographers—its modes, functions, and best uses often remain a mystery. Look no further; let’s break it down and explore how to make the most of autofocus. 

The Secret to Successful Photography Projects: An 11-Step Guide

Have you ever had a brilliant photography idea but didn’t know where to start? Planning a photography project isn’t just about taking great pictures—it’s about crafting a vision, telling a story, and making your work unforgettable. If you’re ready to turn your creative spark into a masterpiece, this guide will show you how to bring it together with these eleven steps.