Tripods as a concept are simple: they provide a stable foundation to rest your camera on as you work. Despite that simplicity, though, shopping for one can be complicated as there are many options out there. Finding a quality option whenever trying to purchase on a tight budget can also be tricky. Thankfully, you don’t…
High Dynamic Range photography (HDR photography) is a popular technique used to capture a wide range of lights and darks. Essentially, it alters a photograph’s dynamic range. The dynamic range is the complete spectrum of light and dark in a photo. Different types of cameras have different ranges. When the camera can’t accurately capture the…
Photographers everywhere have a difficult relationship with light. Light is necessary to make images, but if there’s too much light, shots with all but the most limited exposure times will appear to be washed out. Neutral density filters bridge the gap between ambient lighting and short exposure times by reducing the overall amount of light…
There aren’t many reliable card manufacturers that make cards and other storage for high-end digital cameras. Of this small field, Lexar and Sandisk are near the top in terms of overall card performance and reliability. Here’s what you should know about the Lexar vs. Sandisk card debate before you go shopping for a new data…
You may be wondering if you need a monopod or a tripod for your photography gear, as using a slower shutter speed works best when the camera is supported and fixed in place. We’ll discuss the monopod vs tripod distinction, provide a few tips, and suggest what works best for situations like hunting and landscape…
Circular polarizing filters are popular among landscape photographers. These glass filters reduce glare and reflection and help you capture deep colors, stunning skies, and transparent bodies of water. Here is what you need to know about how a circular polarizer filter works and how to get the best results when working with light polarization. What…
Are you leaving on a jet plane soon? Flying with your camera can seem intimidating. But it’s really not. Be prepared with these five simple tips. I don’t do much air travel anymore. And until recently, I’d never traveled with my “big camera.” But I was flying from Denver to Indianapolis for a seminar on…
What are the best and hottest gifts for photographers this year? We’ve got a list! Do you have a photographer in your life? Do you know what’s on her holiday wish list? You better believe she has one! If you need ideas, we have you covered! From stocking stuffers to new gear, we have a…
Nail exposure and white balance with the inexpensive, practically primitive, gray card Do you struggle setting white balance during sessions? How about nailing exposure with or without a flash? If I told you that I could solve both your problems for less than $25, would you believe me? It’s true. With the help of the…
We give you the lowdown on buying used photography equipment! Just about every photographer I know has a wish list that’s at least a dozen items deep. But let’s face it…lenses, camera bodies and other camera accessories are expensive. To save money and expand their kit more quickly, some photographers turn to buying used photography…
Battery grips. Filters. Memory cards. Sort out what’s necessary and what’s nice to have when it comes to camera accessories To be a professional photographer, you only really need a camera, lens and a memory card or some film. That’s it. The rest of the equipment out there simply makes life easier, enhances your images…
Hand strap, cross-body strap or harness? Here’s what you need to know before choosing a camera strap! I never really gave much thought to my camera strap. I left the default yellow and black strap on my Nikon for years. But after really getting bit by the photography bug, I decided a padded strap was…
Create a photo storage plan and eliminate your worst nightmare of lost images! Losing an image is hard. Disappointing clients is worse. But telling a client you’ve lost ALL their images is a freaking nightmare. It’s a worst-case scenario that scares photographers to death and keeps us up nights. Would your business survive a photo…
Use monitor calibration for better client images and prints This is how my first journey down the rabbit hole of monitor calibration began. “Were you going for a really warm portrait stylistically? Because your images lately have been really yellow.” This was a Facebook message I got from a pro photographer friend about six years…
Go to the head of the class with school photography jobs School photography isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s chaotic and hectic and requires a great deal of planning and organization. But if you enjoy working with kids and have the organizational skills, it can be a fun and lucrative part of your photography…
What photography equipment does it take to become an amateur or professional photographer? We’ll help you learn! Maybe you’ve been taking pictures for a few years and are thinking of turning professional. Or maybe you’ve never held a camera but want to become a professional photographer and own your own business. Your first questions are…