Mastering photography involves much more than just technical skill; it requires an understanding of the psychological aspects that influence both the photographer and the audience. The mental game, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in transforming good photographers into exceptional ones.

We've all needed help on the path to becoming photographers. Did some great advice help get you there? Advice may help you out of a bind or may help you to understand something you can't quite get the hang of. Of course, advice may also lead you down the wrong road. So, once you receive advice, you have to determine the value of the guidance. Is it good or bad advice? I asked a few photography colleagues to share the best advice they've received on turning pro. I'd love to hear about good advice you've been given, or good advice you'd like to share on turning pro.

Photographers constantly seek ways to refine and enhance the intricate details within their images, striving for that perfect balance where every element, no matter how subtle, is vividly presented. Luminosity masking is a fantastic technique for achieving this goal, especially when dealing with complex scenes like a lightning-filled sky, where the delicate interplay of light and shadow requires a nuanced approach.

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.

I’ve been seeing Prism Lens FX filters everywhere and have been curious about what they're actually like to shoot with. There are so many interesting filters available that it’s hard to know which ones are worth the investment. So, here’s a comparison of the Lucid Dream FX Filter and the Moody FX Filter.

Efficient photo management is pivotal for maintaining an orderly digital workspace, as it helps you streamline your editing process and enhance productivity. Mastering organizational tools in Lightroom is crucial for this.

Photography as a profession is often met with skepticism and discouragement, overshadowed by warnings of financial instability and market saturation. Such pervasive negativity can deter aspiring photographers from pursuing their passion, despite the evolving opportunities within the industry.

Stop motion animation is a great technique for creating attention-grabbing content to promote a brand or your own photography, or even just for fun. In this article, I am going to show you how to shoot and assemble a series of still images to create an eye-catching stop motion animation.

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.

In certain scenarios, such as photographing action outdoors, it’s all too easy to find yourself needing to work at shutter speeds that exceed the flash sync speed of your camera. This is where high speed sync comes into its own, expanding your creative possibilities beyond the limitations of conventional flash.

Sometimes, the benefit of photography goes well beyond the pretty pictures.

The question of how much editing is too much is one that every photographer asks. Understanding the boundaries and ethics of photo editing is crucial for both the integrity of the work and the trust of one's audience.

The Leica SL3 offers some of the company's most impressive design and features. This thorough examination highlights the significance of this camera for anyone keen on capturing images with remarkable precision and detail.

Throughout my photography journey, I've encountered various mistakes that have served as valuable learning experiences, ultimately shaping my understanding and approach to the craft. In this article, I'll share some of these mistakes, how you can avoid them, and how they've contributed to my growth as a photographer.

When I was a young photo student studying in college, my professor gave us a scavenger hunt for photography of sorts. One of the categories was "shoot from the hip." I thought it was strange, but in hindsight, it was prescient advice.

Observing the skies and understanding the interaction between light and cloud formations are crucial elements in capturing breathtaking landscape images. This helpful video will show you how to improve your sunset images.

Astrophotography opens a window to the cosmos, allowing photographers to capture the stunning beauty of the night sky. This niche combines the meticulousness of photography with the awe-inspiring vistas of astronomy, offering a unique blend of science and art that can mesmerize and inspire.

One of the things I was most excited about when I saw the launch of the Fujifilm X100VI was the new color film simulation Reala Ace. I was keen to find out how this new film sim compares to other favorites on X Series cameras.

Portraiture can be a deceptively difficult genre. If you are looking to improve your images, check out this fantastic video tutorial.

Time blending can create dynamic, visually compelling images. This process involves merging photos taken at different times to showcase the contrast between natural and artificial light, offering a unique perspective on a scene.

Landscape photography often entails a complex blend of planning, physical effort, and an intimate understanding of the natural environment. This dedication to the craft, from pre-dawn hikes to meticulous weather monitoring, epitomizes the photographer’s quest for the perfect shot—a pursuit that is as rewarding as it is demanding.

As landscape photographers, we hear it all the time: "Always use ISO 100 for your photos. That is the only way to get the crispest and cleanest image." Is this true, though? Should we be afraid of using a higher ISO? Or are there times you should use a higher ISO? We find out in this video.

The art of photography thrives not just on the celebration of successes but equally on the acknowledgment and analysis of failures. Understanding what doesn't work in one's photography can be as crucial as recognizing what does, providing valuable insights for personal growth and style development.

If you want to elevate it to a higher level, then there is an essential approach to your photography that you should embrace. Known for thousands of years, but nonetheless elusive, here's an approach to photography you can adopt, used by masters in all fields.

The Nikon Z8 is one of the most desirable cameras on the market right now, containing almost all the features of the top-end Z9 in a smaller and more affordable package.

Unifying skin tones in portraits is a pivotal skill that directly impacts the final quality of an image. This helpful video tutorial addresses the common challenge of mismatched or uneven skin tones, which can detract from the cohesiveness and aesthetic appeal of an image.

Capturing the total solar eclipse is a momentous opportunity for any individual behind the lens, though it presents unique challenges and rewards. This helpful video from a professional meteorologist will show you what to expect.

Transforming the tedious task of color grading from a Photoshop layer-heavy process to a streamlined Lightroom slider manipulation is a real game-changer. This simplification not only speeds up the workflow but also offers precision and creativity, making it a significant advancement for you if you're looking to elevate the quality of your images with less hassle.

Fujifilm is currently managing incredible demand for its X100 series of cameras. Despite the latest X100VI only being released a couple of months ago, the backlog has already grown to immense proportions. In our latest video, we speak to Fujifilm to see why this is the case.

Recently, Godox launched the V1Pro, an upgrade to the popular V1 flash. But with the V1 already at the top of the pack, was there much to improve? In this review, I’ll be comparing the Godox V1 and V1Pro to determine which you should consider adding to your flash photography kit.

In 1993, Kevin Carter, a South African photojournalist, etched his name in photography history with one poignant image that encapsulated the harsh realities of the world. The iconic photograph, "Vulture and the Little Girl," stirred emotions, sparked debates, and shed light on the famine-stricken Sudan. However, it also plunged Carter into the depths of controversy, with this photograph revealing the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding shocking photography.

Creating a compelling composite image of an eclipse is an intricate process that combines technical skill with creative vision. Such composites offer a unique storytelling avenue for photographers to showcase the celestial event's phases in a single, cohesive piece.

In today’s article, I’ll share a few thoughts on what has and has not proven to be worth the investment for me as a photographer.

Understanding the nuanced interplay between contrast, texture, and clarity is pivotal for properly enhancing image details and directing viewer attention. Each tool manipulates image contrast in distinct ways. This helpful video tutorial will walk you through the differences.

Navigating the vast array of tools in the digital art and photo editing landscape can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to deciding on the necessity of a graphic tablet. Do you really need one? This insightful video will help you decide.

How much does the tool in your hand matter? Is your camera just something that captures images, or does it need to inspire you too?

The zoom range of 24-105mm is perhaps one of the most versatile options available. Typically, lenses within this range maintain a constant f/4 aperture throughout. While this is adequate, having an aperture one stop larger would be ideal. Now we have the Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8L IS USM.

The X100 series from Fujifilm has long been featured some of the most popular cameras in the industry, known for their quirky but capable design and features and unique user experience. The X100VI is here, and it brings with it a huge range of improvements and new features. This excellent video review takes a look at the new model and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Exploring the vibrancy and dynamics of color in photography opens up a new dimension for visual storytelling. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to create eye-catching portraits that pop off the screen.

In today's fast-paced world of photography, managing the post-processing workload efficiently is almost a non-negotiable skill, especially when we are all guilty of shooting too much, only to suffer when dealing with large quantities of images. In this article, we will discuss several unconventional tips that I have learned throughout my career, including back-to-back assignments and trips, to address the challenges of editing fatigue and compromised post-processing.

Understanding the cost of entry into the photography industry is crucial for anyone considering this career path. Contrary to popular belief, starting a photography business may not be as prohibitive in terms of initial investment as often portrayed, if you play your cards right.

Exploring innovative marketing strategies is essential for any creative professional seeking to stand out in a crowded market. For those behind the lens, finding fresh ways to showcase their work and personality to potential clients has never been more critical.

If you carry your gear to photograph or film in a wide variety of locations, having a tripod that can adjust to your needs can make a lot of difference. This new tripod from iFootage offers combinations of features that fit just right for creators on the go.

The transformative power of analog photography and handcrafted image processing is a captivating journey back to the roots of photographic artistry, offering a tangible connection to the creative process that is often lost in the digital age.

Mastering lighting techniques is a cornerstone of creating compelling compositions, allowing for the manipulation of mood, texture, and depth in an image. The helpful video tutorial will show you how to use shadows to create more pleasing images.

Switching gears in the world of photography can often feel like a leap of faith. The high cost of doing so doesn’t help either. Therefore, the decision to switch from one camera system to another is not taken lightly.

Lightroom has some impressively powerful denoising tools, and they can help you rescue images that might not work otherwise. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to use them for landscape images.

Understanding the influence of shapes is a crucial aspect often overlooked by many practitioners in the field. Shapes are not just basic elements of design; they're powerful tools that can evoke emotions and tell stories, making their study essential for photographers aiming to enhance their visual storytelling.