I was challenged to photograph an entire portrait shoot using a broken lens. Can a consumer-grade camera and a half-broken, old lens from eBay create anything interesting?
Do you remember the excitement and anticipation of dropping off film rolls at the photo development lab, waiting days or even weeks to get your printed photos back? For those of us who grew up in the pre-digital era, film photography was a much more nostalgic experience than the instant images we can take and view today.
At just $1299, the Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 looks like a remarkable deal if it can offer the performance and image quality to match those impressively versatile specifications. So, how does it hold up in practice? This fantastic video review takes a look at what you can expect.
Today, Canon has announced a highly affordable mirrorless camera and lens, the EOS R100 and the RF 28mm f/2.8 STM.
Yongnuo was once known for making extremely affordable speedlights, and while they still do that, they have also moved into making lenses in recent years. One such example is the YN 50mm f/1.8 DA DSM PRO for Fujifilm X Series cameras, which offers very impressive performance at a reasonable price, making it a great option for portrait and wedding photographers. This excellent video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from the lens in practice.
Photoshop's new AI-powered Generative Fill feature has generated a ton of buzz around the industry for its ability to perform powerful edits with just a single click. And while it has many discussing what extremes it can be pushed to, it also has some very practical, time-saving applications. This great video tutorial will show you five such applications for real estate photography.
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.
How much of a difference does AI-based subject detection make to your photography? The technology should increase our hit rate, but how much of a difference does it make?
Diving into the archives reveals a compelling truth: older digital cameras, often dismissed in the race for megapixels and modern features, hold a lot of value for today's photographers. Here's why you shouldn't overlook them.
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.
There's nothing worse for a photographer's productivity than a cluttered desktop. This is why adding a cheap mini monitor to your existing setup may be a good idea.
Learning to shoot with off-camera flash brings a whole new level of control and creativity to photography. But along with the endless possibilities comes ample room for slip-ups. This fantastic video tutorial outlines the five most common mistakes people make when first stepping into off-camera lighting, along with fixes to set you up for success.
The nice thing about topics like camera settings and lighting is that they are easily quantifiable, which makes learning them easier in some cases. Posing can be a bit trickier and is often one of the last things portrait photographers really master. If you are growing as a portrait photographer and want some useful advice to add to your bag of tools, check out this helpful video tutorial that features an experienced creative sharing three common posing mistakes and how to fix them.
Photoshop's Generative Fill feature is one of the program's most powerful capabilities to come along in quite some time, offering the ability to create entirely new editing paradigms and make established procedures far more efficient. Just like any other tool, though, there are some best practices it pays to be aware of. This helpful video tutorial features an experienced Photoshop pro sharing some useful advice that will show you how to get more out of the program's Generative Fill feature.
There are a lot of photographic accessories on the market, and some are more pleasing than others. Peak Design is a brand that never ceases to impress, and their latest collaboration with Sitka became a huge hit and sold out immediately. Here's why.
Being asked to work for free can be a frustrating experience for photographers who have invested years of hard work and dedication to master their craft. In a time where equipment and running costs are so high, it has never been so important to politely decline requests to work for free.
Astrophotography can be one of the most stunning and magical genres of photography, as you watch wonders of the universe that are invisible to the naked eye appear on your camera screen. It is also one of the most technically challenging photography genres, but your practice and patience will be rewarded. If you are ready to get started, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you the basics of wide field astrophotography.
Why are photographers obsessed with shallow depth of field? And why I think it can ruin your photography as it almost did with mine. Read on about how it started to affect my photography and what I did about it.
In the world of landscape photography, the conventional reliance is on wide angle lenses for capturing the grandeur of the nature. But the telephoto lens should not be overlooked, and this fantastic video tutorial shows you why you should add one to your bag the next time you head out.
The transformative power of embracing the unexpected is an exploration worth undertaking, particularly in environments as unpredictable as Antarctica. One photographer's recent journey to this icy continent serves as a compelling testament to the value of adaptability in the creative process, illustrating how a willingness to let go of meticulous planning can uncover breathtakingly spontaneous moments.
Understanding the different versions of Adobe Lightroom is crucial for beginners to make an informed choice that suits their workflow. Adobe offers two primary versions: Lightroom Classic and a newer, cloud-based Lightroom. Each has distinct features and functionalities, impacting how you can manage, edit, and output your work.
Maternity photography is a special genre that captures the beauty and significance of motherhood. The right lighting can transform a simple photo into an evocative image that encapsulates the beauty and strength of expectant mothers. This fantastic video tutorial will show you three such lighting setups.
Is swapping a camera system a valid and worthwhile move? I did it for very good reasons, and it's something you might consider if you analyze what you use and why you bought it.
As photographers, we often go through many modifiers to find the right one, and this may just be my new go-to. With its low cost, portable form factor, and ease of setup, the Aputure Lantern could be right for you too.
Photography has become an everyday part of our lives, moving from the realm of professionals to the hands of amateurs and enthusiasts. With the continual evolution of smartphone technology, mobile photography has significantly transformed, delivering professional-level results that rival traditional DSLRs. This year, 2023, showcases some extraordinary smartphone cameras, pushing the boundaries of what mobile devices can achieve in photography.
Modern cameras have lots of functions. It can be challenging to make the best possible settings. Often, it takes time to get the optimal settings for your personal photography. However, there are some simple things that are worth checking out.
Focal length choice is a fundamental aspect of photographic composition, profoundly impacting the narrative and aesthetic quality of images. This intricate topic holds immense importance for photographers of all levels, as it dictates the visual perspective and storytelling approach in their work. This great video provides a deep dive into the subject, offering helpful insights sure to help you improve.
Choosing the right focal length for portraits is more than a technical decision; it's a creative choice that significantly impacts the aesthetic and emotional tone of an image. This choice dictates not just how subjects are framed within their environment but also influences perspective, distortion, and the relationship between subject and background, making it a critical consideration for photographers aiming to craft impactful visual narratives.
Every once in a while, a lens comes along that rewrites the boundaries of lens design and offers photographers unique creative and technical opportunities that were not possible before. Right now, that is the new Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, which offers the widest maximum aperture ever seen in a 14mm lens and the widest focal length ever seen in an f/1.4 lens. How does it hold up in practice? This fantastic video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect.
The decision to upgrade camera gear, especially within high-end brands like Leica, is significant. The shift from the Leica M10 to the M11, for instance, represents not just a financial investment but also a commitment to a specific photographic approach and style. Here's why one photographer thought the upgrade was worth it.
Transitioning from a novice to a seasoned photographer involves more than just mastering technical skills. It also requires shedding misconceptions that can hinder your growth and creativity. These misconceptions often stem from outdated advice, gear obsession, and a misunderstanding of what truly makes a great photograph.
Canon's RF mount has generally produced some quite impressive lenses, but the company has also been quite aggressive in stopping third-party manufacturers from creating lenses for the mount, much to the frustration of many photographers. In a recent interview, the company has confirmed that their strategy has effectively not changed.
Understanding and utilizing camera settings to their fullest potential is crucial to ensuring you get the shots you want. Among these, auto ISO plays a pivotal role, especially in challenging and quickly changing lighting conditions. This helpful video tutorial will show you what you need to know.
When Canon and Nikon got serious about their mirrorless platforms, they took opposite approaches to lenses, with Canon opting for extreme, boundary-pushing designs and Nikon opting for more pragmatic workhorses. However, Nikon has begun to complement those earlier offerings with more eye-catching lenses, the latest of which is the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena. How does this impressive-on-paper lens hold up in real-world usage? This excellent video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you will be able to expect.
I have been a longtime user of the iMac, indoctrinated into the Bondi Blue clan since late high school. I've owned a 27" 2009 model, and a 27" 2013 one. But there's no longer a clear, linear upgrade path for longtime users of the big iMac.
Ecommerce images represent a product on the web to provide potential customers with an accurate representation of the products. Therefore an efficient workflow that enables you to get an image of a product that is fully in focus is extremely crucial. Check out this article to find out how easy focus stacking might be the answer for you if you find yourself struggling with focusing issues.
Having a completely portable office with multiple screens will revolutionize how you shoot on location. The good news is that this particular set-up is easy and it doesn't have to break the bank.
Although rare, we all have the thought of quitting photography at one point or another. Despite being young, I have been told to quit several times already, all before even starting. In this article, I want to highlight some valuable reasons why and when you should consider quitting photography.
Almost every accessory brand is taking the horizontal-to-vertical rotation mounts very seriously. Let’s see what Ulanzi’s range of options have to offer.
Buying equipment is as exciting as ever, if you ask me. While my tastes are probably slightly different than yours, in the sense that I buy '90s flash gear and DSLRs, I have been doing this for around five years and have come up with a few tips on how to save money when buying gear.
In this video, landscape photographer William Patino takes us behind the scenes of capturing an epic landscape photo in New Zealand. He shares his complete process, including the photo editing in Lightroom.
It is one of a photographer's worst nightmares: traveling around in a different country carrying thousands of dollars' worth of camera gear, only to see it disappear before your very eyes. Manny Ortiz was traveling through Italy when, unfortunately, he was robbed of some very expensive gear. Check out his story here.
Wildlife photography has always been a passion for me. It's not something that pays the bills, but it's something that I love, and it is great for my own mental health. Recently, I was informed of a family of Little Owls in England, and the young Owlets had just begun fledging from the nest. I took the near three-hour drive down to the location and watched these beautiful creatures.
Generally, you can expect relative stability in the amount of couples needing wedding photography services, at least across short to medium periods of time. However, the COVID pandemic was an unprecedented hit to the industry that resulted in less couples getting engaged in subsequent years, meaning that a few years later, we are seeing a drop in those couples getting married, placing strain on wedding photographers. What can wedding shooters do to weather the lull? This helpful video tutorial offers a range of great ideas and advice.
In the last few years, Canon has released some rather innovative lenses that push the boundaries of optical design and allow photographer capabilities not previously possible. It seems that philosophy is not just being applied to lenses, however, as another clever device is likely on the way in the coming months.
If you’re like me and live somewhere with out-of-control housing costs, finding somewhere with enough space to shoot in can be difficult, to say the least. Having built out a home studio in a major city, here’s why I did it, but also how.
The TTArtisan 90mm f/1.25 is an extreme lens in both design and price, offering medium format users super-narrow depth of field at a rock-bottom price compared to other GFX and X mount lenses. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage.
Creating a successful image is almost always a two-step process: shooting and editing. As you grow comfortable with your camera, you should also work on developing your post-processing skills. This excellent video tutorial features an experienced photographer sharing some of the fundamentals of editing photos and offering some helpful advice sure to put you on the right track.
