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Staff Writer

Justin Tedford

Cedar Rapids, IA
Justin Tedford Fine Art Photography
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Articles from Justin Tedford

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.

Studio-Grade Lighting, Pocket-Sized Power: The Hobolite Micro Bi-Color Light Review

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. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?

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. Before you overstuff your itinerary and your camera bag, here’s what you should do (and avoid) to make your next photo trip unforgettable.

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.

Why ChatGPT Is My Secret Weapon for Lightroom Edits

I have always been a person who works smarter, not harder. Now that AI is everywhere, I’ve started to see where I can benefit from its use. This made me think: Can I leverage ChatGPT and ask it to help me create adjustment settings for Lightroom based on an idea?

Mastering the Art of Publishing Your Photo Book

Photobooks are still strong in a digital world where nothing seems tangible, especially photographs. Whether you publish through a traditional publisher or self-publish, a photobook is a great way to take your photography to the next level and print your work.

Is the WANDRD PRVKE Worth It? A Deep Dive Into Its Design and Usability

There are plenty of camera bag options on the market today. Brands have introduced several styles and options in endless colors and features for every type of photographer. WANDRD is no different, but it offers some unique styles compared to its competitors. The PRVKE 31L is one of those bags. But how does it compare to other bags on the market?

Conquer the Cold: Shoot Stunning Photos in Winter Weather

For many, the snow is starting to fly, and the temperature is dropping. That isn’t a reason to put your camera into hibernation for the winter and dust off the dust in the spring. Winter can be a great time to create a few new photographs while keeping yourself and your gear protected. Here are five tips for keeping your camera gear safe and yourself warm!

Explore Creativity in Triplicate, A Lens for Every Vision

Are you looking for a lens that’s as fun and versatile as your imagination? Meet the Lensbaby Trio 28—a creative powerhouse that lets you explore the world in triplicate. Three lenses, endless possibilities, and all the inspiration you need in one compact package!

Reblum: The Secret to Natural, High-Quality Portrait Retouching

Retouching is the one thing that takes time and is generally the most extensive part of any photo shoot for any portrait photographer. If we had more time, we could focus on doing what we love: creating more photographs, but retouching can take that time away. What if I told you that there is software that produces natural results, is easy to use, and saves time? Well, there is—it's Reblum.

Does the Tamron 50-400mm Deliver for Nikon Z Photographers?

Two years after its initial announcement for the Sony E-mount in September 2022, Tamron recently released the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for the Nikon Z mount. With a range from 50mm to 400mm, this is a substantial range for one lens. But can it hold up?

The Art of Intention: Transforming Pictures into Photographs

Is there a difference between a photograph and a picture? In my mind, yes! A picture is a snapshot documenting a person, place, thing, or moment without intention. A photograph is created with intention, process, and technique.

Mastering Sharp Focus in Landscape Photography: Hyperfocal Distance, Double Distance Method, and Focus Stacking Explained

Have you ever struggled to get your image from the foreground to the background in focus? As photographers, especially in the genre of landscapes, the ultimate goal is to achieve sharp focus from the foreground to infinity. Have you struggled with this in the past? You can use hyperfocal distance, double the distance method, and focus stacking techniques to achieve sharp focus from foreground to infinity. While a few of these methods can be challenging, with a little knowledge, they are more accessible than one might think.

Fall Photography Essentials: Techniques for Capturing the Season's Splendor

Cool mornings and beautiful afternoons mean one thing: fall is knocking on our doorstep. Fall is my favorite season for photography as the possibilities are endless, from colorful trees creating reflections in the water to cool, foggy mornings. Capturing the beauty of fall doesn’t have to be hard with a few simple tips and reminders.

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?

Tamron Unveils the Next-Gen 90mm f/2.8 Macro Lens for Nikon Z and Sony E Mount

Tamron announced its highly anticipated and newest lens for Nikon Z and Sony E mount, the 90mm f/2.8 Di III Macro VXD, on October 24, 2024, at $699/$949 CAD. Tamron is celebrating the 45th anniversary of the 90mm macro and building on its performance legacy with cutting-edge technology, inviting you to explore the possibilities in this latest lens.

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!