While the prices of lenses from many first-party manufacturers seem to stretch higher and higher, we have also seen an influx of affordable options from third-party makers. Some of these options have been astonishingly low in price while still turning in acceptable to even surprisingly good performance. One such lens is the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm X Series cameras, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

The post How to Make Custom Bokeh Shapes: A Step-By-Step Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Megan Kennedy. Looking to capture creative photos filled with beautiful bokeh? Well, I’ve got good news for you: The process is easy, it’s fun, and it doesn’t require any sophisticated materials. As long as you have a bit of paper and some scissors (in addition to your camera and lens, of course!), you can get outstanding results with very little effort. Below, I explain everything you need to know to make DIY custom bokeh shapes. I also share plenty of examples, so you’re (hopefully) feeling inspired when you head out with your camera. Let’s dive right in. What is custom...

Each week, we are assaulted with an endless barrage of new photography-related products promising to make us better photographers. For a beginning shooter, this must be overwhelming. If someone asked you for a short list of essential items necessary for the specific genre of photography that you partake in, what would those items be? [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by John Ricard)

I always wanted to sell my photography as fine art but always felt like it would take too much time to do it myself or that the quality of online platforms would be too low. That was until I found a solution that meant very little work for me with no compromises on quality, pricing, or customer support. If this sounds too good to be true, then keep reading for an in-depth look at the new Darkroom.com storefront that is now offering you more tools and features to sell your prints online during the holidays, the easy way. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Lucy Lumen)

With every new Photoshop update, the selection tools get more and more sophisticated. However, with the most recent update, there's a new hack that makes selections as accurate as I've ever seen them. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Iain Stanley)

We take a lot for granted in the digital era, particularly the automation of a lot of functions. In the early days of film, everything was fully manual, and even one parameter set incorrectly could ruin an entire roll. Later in the 20th century, a standard called DX (Digital indeX) was introduced, and it automated a lot of settings, reducing errors and making photography more accessible to amateurs and casual users. How did it work? This neat video takes you behind the scenes of the surprisingly sophisticated system. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Photo By Christopher Baker Today’s Photo of the Day is “Wingspan” by Christopher Baker. Location: Madison, Alabama. “A Canada goose showing off its impressive wingspan as it does its early-morning stretches,” describes Baker. Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them. The post Photo Of The Day By Christopher Baker appeared first on Outdoor Photographer. Original linkOriginal author: Staff

One of the most common and annoying issues portrait photographers will have to deal with is flyaway hairs, which can be particularly distracting when they run across your subject's face. Nonetheless, you can get rid of them quickly and convincingly using Photoshop, and this great video tutorial will show you how to do just that. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

One of the beautiful things about landscape photography is that there are so many ways to approach how you create images. If you are working on your own approach, check out this great video tutorial that features an experienced landscape photographer discussing an effective approach for the genre. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Before we get to our tip, today we kick off our Black Friday / Cyber Monday deal on a KelbyOne Pro Membership, and it’s our best deal of the year. More people join KelbyOne this week (and next Monday) than any other time, and we’d love to have you join up with us for an incredible year of learning. Here’s a link to get your deal (and it makes a fantastic Holiday gift for the photographer on your gift list). Four Clicks To Better Skin This makes great use of Lightroom’s People masking, and while our subject really doesn’t need skin softening, one of the best things about applying this skin softening technique is that it smoothes the gradation of skin tones on your subject’s...

In an ideal world, every photographer would be granted perfect light for their subject, the environment, time of day and mood. Knowing that’s not possible, each must work the light they’re bestowed. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always net the best possible images. Rather than sulk and wallow in self-pity, successful photographers deal with the hand they’re dealt to make something work. Successful photographers have a Plan B and even a Plan C. They modify how they photograph, what they photograph and when they photograph. In this week’s tip, I cite five examples of what I did to maximize the conditions under which I photographed each image. As this is a two-part tip, you’ll see different examples next week. Hopefully, you glean some...

The post The 25 Best Travel Photography Quotes appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jeremy Flint. Looking for travel photography quotes that’ll instruct, motivate, and inspire? In this article, I share my top 25 favorite quotes for travel photographers of all stripes, including beginners, hobbyists, and even professionals. I’ve tried to include a mix of sources, so while some of the quoted photographers are classic travel shooters, others are much more contemporary. I encourage you to read each quote carefully. Think about what it means. Then pick your favorites, write them down (or memorize them!), and try to apply them to your own photography on a regular basis. So without further ado, let’s take a look at...

Venus Optics has established themselves as a maker of unique lenses that often push the boundaries of design, and the new Argus 18mm f/0.95 MFT APO continues that trends by offering Micro Four Thirds photographers a versatile focal length paired with an extremely wide maximum aperture. This great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Haida has released two filters specially made for the Fujifilm X100 series. There is also a dedicated lens hood available. Do you own a Fujifilm X100 camera? Perhaps these filters are interesting for you. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Nando Harmsen)

Lightroom and Photoshop have made some major steps forward in masking capabilities, and complicated masks that used to take a lot of intricate and time-intensive work can now be made in mere seconds with just a click. This great video tutorial will show you where to find Photoshop's new AI masking features and how to use them for quick and precise edits. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Criticism of photography is commonplace. Sometimes, it is invited and genuine, other times, not. How you decide to give or receive it can affect your self-esteem as a photographer. Moreover, it says much about your own creative abilities. Here's how to appreciate criticism and avoid being a criticaster. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Ivor Rackham)

Photo By Jeff Harshaw Today’s Photo of the Day is “Sunrise Over the Owens River and the Range of Light” by Jeff Harshaw. Location: California. Nikon D750, Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR with Lee ND Filter. Exposure: 1 sec., f/13, ISO 100. Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including Assignments, Galleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them. The post Photo Of The Day By Jeff Harshaw appeared first on Outdoor Photographer. Original linkOriginal author: Staff

It used to be that if you wanted to edit portraits, you would head to Photoshop. However, in recent years, Lightroom has gained more advanced capabilities, and now, with its powerful new masking features, it stands as a viable alternative for at least basic to moderate portrait edits. This helpful video tutorial will show you how to take advantage of those new features to edit your portrait shots in Lightroom. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Depending on your perspective, street photography is either one of the easiest or most difficult types of photography one might pursue. The barrier to entry is low, with a small camera and fixed lens being all you need to get started shooting. Just step outside your door and capture what is happening on the street in your town ,and you are a street photographer. The problem is, although it is simple to get started in street photography, it is not easy to create compelling imagery. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by John Ricard)

The post 6 Tips for Beautiful Portraits on Location appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Darlene Hildebrandt. Struggling to capture great on-location portraits? You’re not alone. Unlike studio portrait photography, photoshoots on location can be unpredictable and stressful. Even if you’re using a flash, you generally need to factor in the (often changing) ambient light; you also must pay attention to the weather, the background, potential distractions, and so much more. Fortunately, it is possible to smooth out those photoshoots and capture beautiful images – you just need a little bit of know-how. Below, I share a handful of powerful techniques to net you some amazing portraits on location, so let’s dive right in, starting with my...