Trending Photography News and Reviews

Do This To Get Perfect Prints

Some time ago, I wrote an article about soft proofing in Lightroom and Photoshop. It's an essential step in any professional printing workflow. Today, I show the additional steps required to create perfect prints.

5 Common Beginner Landscape Photography Mistakes

The evolution of a photographer's skill set and perspective over time can drastically change the way they view their craft, especially in the realm of landscape photography. This video documents one such examination and some common mistakes that emerged.

What Is Fine Art Photography ?

As I stood at the edge of the tranquil beach, a sense of both calm and disappointment washed over me. Having checked the weather forecasts closely, I was once again feeling let down as instead of crisp morning light, I instead had low clouds and very little light.

Developing Your Personal Photography Style

Developing a photographic style is a complicated topic. While having a distinct visual style used to be more important for professional photographers, many hobbyist photographers now also strive to find their aesthetic niche. This great video discusses why this desire for a personal style is so prevalent, then dives into tips and perspective on how to actually formulate your own style over time.

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.

We Review the Reflx Lab Light Meter

A long time ago, I picked up my first Leica, a beater of an M4 that had been collecting dust and mold at the bottom of an old leather camera bag in a retired photographer's closet. With it came a number of oddities: close-up adapters, table tripods, and the like. But perhaps most interestingly, it came with an old Leica MC light meter.

Why You Should Try a 135mm Lens for Portrait Photography

When it comes to portrait photography, the classic focal length is 85mm, but of course, that is not the only option you can use for creating worthwhile images. 135mm lenses have long been a popular alternative to the classic 85mm option, and this great video essay discusses why you should consider using one in your work.

We Review the PanoX V2: Capable, but Is It Competitive?

I’ve often said there’s not a bad camera on the market today. At this point, that logic is starting to apply to 360 cameras as well. Though there are no bad cameras — and the PanoX V2 is included in that — there are also cameras that may be more worth your hard-earned money.

A Detailed Review of the Sony a9 III Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a9 III, boasting the world's first full frame global shutter sensor, is a groundbreaking advancement in photography, offering the unprecedented ability to capture 120 raw 24-megapixel full frame photos per second. This feature alone sets a new standard for photographers specializing in fast-paced fields like sports and wildlife, where missing a moment is not an option.

Two Years With the Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Camera

Typically, I am not a fan of fixed prime lens cameras, but the Fujifilm X100 series was the exception that won my heart. With its distinctive, engaging, and highly effective design, the X100 series cameras have garnered considerable respect throughout the photography community. The X100V has been with us for about two years now. Can it still compete with the latest options? This excellent video review takes a look.

A Review of the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/0.9 Lens

Generally, any aperture wider than f/1.4 is considered particularly wide, which makes the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/0.9 for Fujifilm X Series cameras a particularly noteworthy offering. With a maximum aperture over a stop wider than f/1.4, bokeh fanatics and anyone who needs a lot of light-gathering power should be interested. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.

Creative Lighting on a Budget: How to Do More With Less  

​​​​Harnessing the simplicity of a single light and modifier to achieve multiple photographic looks is a game-changer for photographers. This approach not only maximizes the utility of minimal gear but also pushes creative boundaries, allowing photographers to produce diverse and striking images without a vast array of equipment.

Mastering Light: Balancing Ambient and Flash

Understanding how to use ambient light and flash together can greatly improve your versatility. Natural light conditions are unpredictable, and knowing how to work with them can make or break your shoot.

Robert Capa at D-Day: What Was and Could've Been

In the archives of photography, few moments have been as pivotal as Robert Capa's coverage of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. Capa stepped onto the beaches of Normandy and captured the raw intensity of one of the most significant events of World War II, and, it can be argued, one of the most significant events in history. Despite the chaotic atmosphere, Capa's work stands as a testament to the power and importance of photojournalism. We've all seen the photos. They are some of the most iconic images captured during war. However, due to a darkroom mishap, many of those moments he captured are gone forever.

The Difference Between Different Camera Shutters

It used to be so simple. The camera shutter opened and closed again. The time in between was the exposure time. With digital cameras and mirrorless systems, things became a bit more complicated. Let’s have a look at the different types of camera shutters.

Pushing Camera Gear Beyond Its Limits: Shooting at -30° C (-22° F)

There are parameters within which a camera is supposed to work, and one extreme I had not tried with mine was the severe cold. So, I headed to Northern Finland, where I would experience temperatures I had never felt before. Here is what happened to my camera.

Capturing Grief: A Photographer's Journey Through Loss

The journey of a photographer often transcends the realm of mere image capturing, delving into the profound depths of personal experiences and emotions. It is these moments, marked by introspection and the essence of human connections, that imbue photographs with a palpable sense of narrative and intimacy. This intrinsic link between personal narrative and photographic expression serves as a cornerstone for understanding the transformative power of photography.

Essential Lessons for Mastering Studio Portrait Photography

Mastering studio portrait photography requires adapting to controlled environments and understanding how to manipulate lighting and equipment effectively. The transition from outdoor to indoor photography can be challenging, but it offers unique opportunities to refine your skills and produce high-quality images consistently.

How to Grow as a Photographer

Becoming a skilled photographer is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your photography to the next level, there are several key steps you can take to develop your skills and expand your creative horizons. Let’s explore some of the most effective strategies for growing as a photographer, which have helped my own personal journey.

Landscape Photography Tips for Mastering Clear Sky Days

Landscape photographers often seek out specific weather conditions, such as dramatic storms or vibrant sunsets, to create impactful images. However, clear sky days, often considered less ideal due to the lack of dramatic light and clouds, can also offer unique opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes. By understanding how to work with the available light and compose effectively, you can create fantastic images.

Don’t Use This Button in Adobe Lightroom

Photographers are always looking for ways to improve their editing process. Often, a particular piece of advice is given to use a specific option in Lightroom to help nudge your photo in the right direction. This video talks about why you should never use that option.

The Secret to Getting Paid Work as a Photographer or Videographer

I have the best part of a decade of professional photography under my belt, with some very hard years and some good years during that time. I have learned a lot about the craft, the industry, and most of all, about running a small business. The majority of the lessons that had the most significant impact on my career were not around techniques, post-production, or even equipment; they were about running a business.

Winter Photography: The Art and Challenge of Cold Weather Photography With Kevin Bruseby and Zoner Photo Studio X

Winter photography is a realm where Kevin Bruseby excels, capturing the stark and serene beauty of winter. His journey reflects a blend of discovery and unique challenges associated with capturing the essence of the coldest season. Drawing from the tranquil Scandinavian winters, Bruseby describes his journey as one filled with discovery and challenges.

How to Edit Photos Using Lightroom Mobile on Your iPad

The ability to edit photos on the go is a valuable asset for any photographer, especially those who capture the fleeting moments of street life. Lightroom Mobile offers a powerful and convenient platform for editing street photography, allowing you to refine your images wherever inspiration strikes.

Exploring New Features in Photoshop

Recent updates to Adobe Photoshop, both in the beta version and the current release, offer exciting new tools and enhancements that empower users to push their creative boundaries even further.

Using Adobe Photoshop's Generative Fill on Video

Adobe Photoshop's generative fill allows AI to recreate or remove parts of an image, blowing many minds in the process. Now, what if you could use this new tool on your videos? Well, it's possible, and here's how.
A Beginner's Guide to Prime and Zoom Lenses

Few things are more fundamental to photography than the difference between zoom and prime lenses. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and knowing which one is right for various applications will help you choose the right one for your creative tendencies and ensure you get the shot. This helpful video tutorial will teach you the differences and show you which is right for your work.

5 Secrets of Waterfall Photography

Prepare to dive headfirst into the world of waterfall photography! In this article, we'll uncover the five secrets that will make your waterfall shots as majestic as possible. So, grab your camera, put on your raincoat, and let's embark on this adventure.

Why You Should Copy Other Photographers

We are constantly taught the value of originality as creatives and why it is important to explore, expand, and refine our creative voices. And so, it can sound a little strange to recommend you copy other photographers, but the exercise can actually be tremendous beneficial. This fantastic video tutorial discusses some of the reasons why you should try it.

Unveiling Hidden Gems: Photography in Your Backyard

Photography, often associated with grand landscapes and exotic locations, holds a special charm when practiced close to home. This localized approach to photography not only offers convenience but also allows photographers to explore and capture the unique beauty of their immediate surroundings.

Unveiling the Essence of Professional Photography: Beyond the Basics

What is it that makes a successful professional photographer? How does one rise above the din of images we are bombarded with every day? This excellent video features a seasoned professional photographer discussing the issue and offering some helpful insights.

Thoughts on Awakening Creativity

Being stuck in a creative rut can be one of the most frustrating things a photographer can experience, and paradoxically, trying to force your way through it can often only make it worse. This fantastic video essay features a photographer sharing his experience with a creative lull, what worked, what did not, and the most important lessons he took away from the experience.

picdrop – Photo Gallery Software You Should Try

One of the most common things clients can ask for from photographers is providing photo galleries. This allows you to not only deliver a better customer experience but also to boost sales. Let’s see how picdrop can help you create the best galleries for your clients.

Photographer Jacques Henri-Lartigue and Wes Anderson

Photography has always been a medium to preserve moments and memories, but for some artists, it serves as a source of inspiration and a window into the past. One such artist is the renowned filmmaker Wes Anderson, known for his distinct and visually captivating cinematic style, which draws upon the work of French photographer Jacques Henri-Lartigue to infuse his films. While the two artists work in different visual mediums, Henri-Lartigue's photographic compositions and Anderson's cinematic worlds share distinct visuals capturing a sense of joy and playfulness.

Navigating Lens Sharpness: A Beginner's Guide

Understanding the intricacies of lens sharpness is crucial for photographers, as it significantly impacts the quality and aesthetic of their images. If you are new to photography, this helpful video tutorial will get you started on the right track.

A Photographer's Review of the New Fujifilm X100VI

The Fujifilm X100 series has been a cornerstone for photographers who want a compact solution without compromising on image quality. The introduction of its latest model, the X100VI, marks a significant development, incorporating a high-resolution sensor and built-in stabilization, promising enhanced capabilities in a familiar, vintage package.

The Life of a Creative Photographer

The life of a photographer, professional or hobbyist, has a lot of ups and downs. The creative process is a complicated thing that draws on experience, technique, intuition, and more, and understanding its ebbs and flows can be beneficial not only in maximizing your output but weathering the lulls. This fantastic video interview features a pair of experienced landscape photographers discussing a wide range of meaningful wisdom and advice sure to make you a better creative.

Important Advice for Landscape Photographers

Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, photography is a complicated craft that takes a wide range of skills in order to find success. While we spend a lot of time studying things like exposure settings and editing techniques, there are some other topics that do not get the attention they deserve. This fantastic video essay features an experienced landscape photographer offering a nice range of important advice that will help you improve your images.

The Importance of Simplification in Photography

Busy scenes are common in many genres of photography, and while that business can often be a nice feature, knowing how to cut through it in order to prioritize your subject is an important skill. This excellent video tutorial discusses a range of ways to simplify images to make them more direct and impactful.

The Importance of Finding Balance in Landscape Photos

Finding a good composition can be tricky at times, especially when photographing landscapes. After all, nature can be a bit chaotic. I believe the key to capturing interesting images is finding a good balance in your composition. Of course, this principle applies to other photography genres as well.

Portrait Photography Insights from a Pro

Taking stunning portraits goes beyond technical skills; it's about understanding human connection and capturing the essence of your subject. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, refining your portrait skills is crucial for creating impactful images.

How to Become a Better Photographer

We all want to be better photographers, of course. However, how do you actually go about it? If you find yourself wondering how to set about improving your work, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer sharing loads of wisdom both on how to be better and how to enjoy the craft more.

Helpful Advice for Photography Beginners

Photography can be a bit daunting when you are new to the craft, with a wide range of technical and creative concepts and techniques sitting before you. If you are unsure of where to start, check out this great video tutorial that details some of the most important fundamentals and how they affect the creation of an image.