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.
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?
Wide-angle lenses usually fall into one of two categories: large, heavy, expensive monsters or budget-friendly options that often come with compromises not worth the cost. But has Viltrox hit a home run?
Rugged yet refined, spacious yet sleek—the FocusPoint 30L RollTop is the camera backpack that keeps up with your photography, whether that’s on the road or at your favorite local coffee shop.
Ready to level up your photography in 2026? The year’s most significant creative jumpstart is happening at PPA’s Imaging USA, and you don’t want to miss it.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
A growing number of photographers and creatives, once loyal to Adobe, are walking away. Is this the slow decline of Adobe's monopoly on the creative world?
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?
We talk a lot about sharpness and resolution, but when’s the last time your image made someone feel something?
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.
Do you need Iceland or an exotic location to take great photographs?
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 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.
You’ve heard it all: “Shoot manual,” “Golden hour is king,” “Always follow the rule of thirds.” But what if those trusted tips aren’t always right?
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.
You can’t argue that the world of film is making a comeback in a big way. This begs the question: Is shooting film an artistic and bold choice or just a trendy throwback?
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.
In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible.
The Think Tank Walker Pro 24L is a bag designed for versatility, durability, and comfort. Its sleek profile is ideal for the photographer on the go. Does the bag hold up to its predecessor?
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.
A camera that went viral on social media and attracted the attention of influencers and casual users became an overnight success for Fuji. But is the Fuji X100VI still a camera for serious photographers? Or, the bigger question, has it just become the camera to look like a photographer?
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.
We all have that box—tucked away in a closet or buried in the basement—full of camera accessories we once thought were game-changers but turned out to be dead weight. In this article, we’ll cut through the clutter and highlight the five accessories every photographer uses (and a few you can leave in that box where they belong).
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.
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.
Social media has transformed photography—launching careers, shaping trends, and fueling creativity. The question must be asked: Are photographers shaping their vision, or is the algorithm shaping it for them?
We always want more time, but where do we find it? Many of us could start by analyzing and adjusting our editing workflows. By doing so, we will see the time we are looking for. Here are five tips I’ve used to gain more time and allow me to shoot more.
Photography is a marathon, not a sprint, and each person's journey is unique. Although your path may evolve, photographers' stages can be similar.
