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Trending Photography News and Reviews

I Interviewed AI About AI, and It Wants You to Know It Comes in Peace

Generative artificial intelligence like Chat GPT, Dall-e, Midjourney, etc., what we are all now collectively referring to as "AI," has all but dominated almost every aspect of popular public discourse over the last year. And for good reason: it's kind of a big deal, though I would argue a lot of the conversation around AI is overblown at best and outright unwarranted panic at worst. But that's not to say we shouldn't be paying close attention to the advancements in this new technology. Quite the opposite, we should be paying very close attention, and making every attempt to understand this tech to the extent we possibly can.

How to Fix Boring Landscape Photos

Landscape photography can be a technically challenging genre, and so, it can be particularly frustrating when you do everything right but still come home with a boring photo. If you find yourself in the position of having an abundance of technique but often ending up with images that just are not that compelling, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you a range of useful advices to make your shots more attention-grabbing.

We Review the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 Lens: Wide, Sharp, and Beautiful

Recently, I had the opportunity to try out the Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 lens along with two other lenses and a GFX 100S, and I have to admit it has left a lasting impression on me. As landscape photographers, we value wide angle lenses for capturing wider vistas with stunning detail, and this lens didn't disappoint.

Which Is Better for Photography: The Canon EOS R6 Mark II or Sony a7 IV?

While there are extreme cameras out there that offer things like ultra-high levels of resolution or super-fast burst rates, for the majority of photographers, they are a bit of overkill. Cameras with more moderate specifications and features will satisfy the needs of most of today's photographers, and two of the best options out there are the Canon EOS R6 Mark II and the Sony a7 IV. This great video comparison takes a look at both to help you decide which is right for you.

Boudoir Photography on Location in Bali

If you are looking for amazing tips of posing models and how to use natural light, this video has it all. In this video, Michael Sasser travels to Bali, Indonesia and shares behind-the-scenes footage along with lots of tips and tricks that will help you in boudoir and portrait photography.

We Review the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens

As part of Sigma’s Contemporary lens line, the 56mm f/1.4 DC DN is designed to offer exceptional image quality and performance all in a small, convenient package. With a 35mm equivalent of 84mm, this lens is great for portraiture, street photography, pet photography, travel work, and any low-light shooting situations.

Make Your Own Film Presets With This Simple Tutorial

The nostalgia of film and the decades gone is fascinating so no wonder film presets and looks are popular to buy for your editing software. They’re pretty easy to make yourself if you put a little bit of time into understanding what elements in editing make the film look different from digital. Follow my tutorial to make your own vintage film presets for Capture One, Lightroom or PhotoShop.

Focus Stacking on Steroids

With the advancements in camera technology and software, focus stacking has never been easier. You can now even stack complex woodland photos without significant difficulty. In this article, I share how to approach such scenes.

Wishlist: Canon’s Next Cinema Camera

Canon’s cinema line of cameras ushered forward the post-DSLR years for video users, and now, they could be set to do the same with mirrorless designs.

Nobody Cares About Your Photography, and That's OK

OK, now that I have your attention, let's get something out of the way: I'm not trashing your photography. I'm sure it's all fantastic, and I sincerely hope you keep creating those amazing images.

Just How Good Is the Canon EOS R7 Mirrorless Camera?

Canon's 7D line of APS-C DSLRs were very popular during their time, offering many features and capabilities from high-level professional cameras in much more affordable bodies. The EOS R7 has continued that in the mirrorless age, and in the meantime, it has also brought with it a wide range of new features and upgrades that make it appealing for a lot of creatives. This great video review takes a look at the EOS R7 in a challenging scenario and just how far you can push those capabilities.

This 20-Year-Old Camera Will Surprise You

Cameras are constantly improving. Keeping up with the latest model and its arguably better performance can instill a need for a perpetual upgrade and a bad case of G.A.S. Well, I'm here to turn back the clocks and look at a 20-year-old compact digital camera that is a lot more capable than we might give it credit for. Read on to remember, reflect, and be surprised by this forgotten gem.

Is the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens the Affordable Alternative to More Expensive Options?

Many of my Canon's RF mount mirrorless lenses have been spectacular performers, but on the other hand, many of them have been quite expensive — sometimes eye-wateringly so. At $299, that makes the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM a refreshing prospect? Can its performance and image quality surpass its budget price, though? This excellent video review takes a look at what you can expect.

What Cameras and Lenses Will We See in 2023?

2022 has been quite the year for the industry, with a variety of impressive cameras and lenses making their way to the market. 2023 looks like it will be another exciting year, with a lot to come from all the big players in the industry. This great video essay discusses what we can expect from the likes of Canon, Nikon, Sony, and more.

Apple’s ProRAW Does Some Seriously Weird Things to Photos

After many years of non-pro iPhones, Apple’s new 48-megapixel iPhone 14 Pro was enough to convince me to pull the trigger. I was ready to fall into the embrace of Apple’s AI-assisted ProRAW format. While it has its uses, in its current state it’s still kind of a mixed bag.

Mastering Mobile Photography: Top Smartphone Cameras of 2023

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.

Embracing the Challenge of Nude Photo Shoots

Nude photo shoots can be intimidating for both the model and the photographer. Here's how I embraced the challenge, overcame intimidation, and found my creative flow.

5 Photographers That You Don’t Want to Be

There’s no single sure way to being successful as a photographer. However, there are a handful of examples around that definitely teach you what not to do if you want to attain success.

A Review of the Impressive Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens

Nikon's new NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S lens has been turning heads for offering an extreme design and the promise of impressive image quality and beautiful bokeh. Can it deliver on that promise? This excellent video review takes a look at everything you can expect.

Shooting Weddings With the Fujifilm X-T5

I don't hide that I'm a Fujifilm fanboy. My last article described how it's the perfect system for me. I purchased two Fujifilm XT-5 camera bodies the day they were released and used them at weddings just a few days later.

How To Create AI Art of Specific People or Yourself

Imagine being able to effortlessly insert your own face into iconic images or movies or create completely unique images with a particular person using AI. Thanks to the remarkable open-source software Insight Face, this is now achievable with just a few simple steps.

Turn Your iPhone Into a Powerful On-Camera Monitor With This Tool

On-camera monitors are an essential tool for anyone doing video work, but a proper display is often quite expensive. Modern iPhones and iPads have spectacular screens, however, and in those displays are a ton of potential for filmmakers. The Accsoon SeeMo acts as a go-between for your camera and iPhone or iPad, allowing you to feed it an HDMI signal from your camera and use it as an on-camera monitor. How does it perform in practice? This great video review takes a look.

Is This the Ultimate Wedding Photography Lens?

In the past few years, Tamron has reinvented themselves as a company that offers both lenses that make smart compromises to be highly affordable and lenses that push the boundaries of design. The 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD falls into the latter category, and it looks like an impressive option, particularly for wedding photographers, and this great video takes you behind the scenes with the lens and shows you just what it can pull off.

We Review the Lomo Apparat: Lo-fi, Wide Angle

The popularity of toy cameras has waxed and waned over the decades. The novelty factor for plastic cameras like the Diana and the Holga is often in friction with the dependability and overall image quality, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In an age of corner-to-corner perfection, the stray light leak or vignette can provide shooters with a way to stand out from the crowd.

Cyanotype Printing: Is It Photography, and How Do You Do It?

Explore the Art of the Cyanotype. In this article, we examine the step-by-step process of cyanotype printing and its place within the realm of photography. You can decide for yourself if you agree whether this is a photographic medium or not.

How Does the Canon EOS R6 Mark II Compare to the EOS R7?

Many photographers do not want to spend top dollar for high-level bodies, but still need and appreciate advanced features like fast burst rates and powerful autofocus. For Canon shooters, two options that fit that bill are the EOS R6 Mark II and EOS R7. Which is right for you, though? This interesting video discusses the two in the context of a demanding genre, bird photography.

The Beauty of Micro Four Thirds

Micro four thirds, once a bit of an outlier in the APS-C, full frame, and medium format race, is enjoying a bit of a moment in the spotlight right now, with innovative cameras and portable, affordable gear making it the format of choice for many photographers and filmmakers. Why does micro four thirds have some of the most fiercely loyal enthusiasts? This interesting video takes a look.

The Canon 5D Mark II: The Relic Still Flying the Flag in a Mirrorless World

DSLR fashion has plummeted in recent years. The perks of mirrorless tech continue to exceed expectations, pushing boundaries and leaving their clunky, slower siblings in their shiny, space-age wake. But does any of that really matter in the commercial photographic world? Well, no, not really. In 2023, £250 will still have your images contending with ones from bodies 10 times the price.

A Review of the New Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

The new Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens offers an extremely versatile focal length at a very reasonable price, making it an attractive option for wide range of applications, particularly sports and wildlife photography. Is it right for you? This excellent video review takes a look at the sort of performance and image quality you will be able to expect from it in practice.

Why You Only Need Two Lights to Start as a Portrait Photographer

Getting started with flash can be both exciting and intimidating; it is an entirely new set of techniques, but it also enables a wide variety of creative opportunities that simply would not be possible otherwise. If you are ready to tackle artificial lighting, it is important to get off on the right foot. This great video tutorial features an experienced beauty and portrait photographer discussing why it is best to start your lighting journey with no more than two lights.

A Big Mistake Photographers Make When Learning Flash

Learning flash can be a tough endeavor; it takes a combination of a lot of technique, attention to detail, and creative vision. If you are working on mastering flash, check out this fantastic video tutorial that features an experienced photographer sharing perhaps the biggest mistakes photographers make when working with flash.

We Review the Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Full Frame Camera

The new Canon EOS R8 mirrorless camera can be considered the replacement of the older EOS R and EOS RP cameras. It promises to be a great camera at a reasonable price point. Canon Netherlands sends me this camera for a review. Let's find out how it performs.

Affordable Lighting for your Home Studio: We Review the SmallRig RC120B

Constant lighting has dropped dramatically in price, with companies like SmallRig making excellent products — along with accessories — that are refreshingly accessible. How good is the SmallRig RC120B, a bicolor packing a decent amount of power and coming in at just $259?

Fstoppers Reviews the Haida CPL VND Pro II, a Variable ND Filter With Polarization

A variable neutral density filter can be very handy. You only need one filter that covers multiple strengths. Haida released the CPL VND Pro II, a variable neutral density filter that works also as a polarizing filter. Haida asked me to review this new variable ND filter with polarization abilities.

Shooting to Intentionally Alter Using Adobe Photoshop Beta

If you're not sick of seeing the term "AI", you may have been off-grid for a while. Nevertheless, this inevitable but interesting application of Adobe Photoshop Beta's AI is worth a look. "Fix it in post" could have a far broader scope now.
Using Firefly, Midjourney, and Generative Fill to Create Professional AI Composites

There has been a plethora of news about AI completely changing photography as we know it, but is it actually usable in the real world? Not only will you see exactly what it can do in a professional setting, you'll also get studio lighting setups, art direction, and an entire tutorial on doing this yourself.