Superzoom lenses like the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD are versatile tools that cover a wide range of shooting scenarios, from wildlife to travel photography. While not perfect, they can simplify your gear setup and make photography more accessible in diverse environments. Understanding the capabilities and trade-offs of such a lens helps you decide whether it’s a good fit for your needs. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Yes, my friends, it’s that time again (well, actually, it’s a little bit late this year, but let’s not dwell on that), because here it is — it’s my “18th Annual Gonzo Holiday Photo Gear Guide.” No one is more surprised than I am about that whole “18th Annual” part. When I wrote the first one, Calvin Coolidge was President, Gunsmoke was a prime-time TV show, and the Spice Girls had just released their epic Hotel California album. It was a wild time, folks. Wild time. Anyway, there is, once again, some really cool, fun, and tasty gear in this year’s guide. So, it’s time to unleash this year’s “gonzoness” upon you. Here are our three gift categories: Stocking Stuffers Great Value Gear Cha-ching! (the more expensive stuff) Just...

With modern zoom lenses for mirrorless cameras getting better and better each year, more people lean towards their utility, and this is especially common in all-purpose APS-C lenses like Sigma’s 18-50 f/2.8 and Tamron’s 17-70 f/2.8—but which of the two is better? [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Robert Stevens)

Few films have left as indelible a mark on culture as The Wizard of Oz. Released in 1939, it introduced the world to groundbreaking visuals and unforgettable characters, all while delivering a universal message about courage, friendship, and finding your way home. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Capturing sharp sports shots or detailed portraits of wildlife demands more than pressing the shutter button. Even with advanced autofocus systems, poor technique can ruin your results. To consistently achieve razor-sharp images, you need to follow specific steps that complement your camera's capabilities. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

As press releases go, this one was brief. But short can sometimes be significant, as Nikon announced today a new version of firmware that brings to its mirrorless cameras a staple of the film industry: shutter angle. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Christopher Malcolm)

The Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 LAB FE lens is a standout addition to the full frame mirrorless ecosystem, designed for photographers seeking exceptional optical performance combined with professional features. While it shines as a portrait lens, its versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of subjects, from landscapes to event photography. With a bright f/1.8 aperture and fast autofocus, this lens delivers breathtaking clarity and dreamy bokeh that simply elevates every shot. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Gary McIntyre)

Whether it’s direct light, backlighting, or the often-overlooked blue hour lighting, understanding how to use these natural light effectively is a key skill. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

In today's fast-paced world of AI and digital photography, tools like Aiarty Image Matting are transforming workflows for photographers. Designed for creators and businesses, it uses advanced AI to deliver precise background removal, even for challenging images. As a professional photographer, I find background removal essential in most of my commercial work, and sometimes dealing with a complex subject can be frustrating. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Zhen Siang Yang)

A half-frame film camera could be the perfect Christmas gift. Make the right choice with this handy guide. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Andy Day)

Photoshop’s ability to make precise selections has taken another step forward. If you frequently work with portraits or group shots, this new beta update introduces a significant improvement that simplifies editing specific areas of an image. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but Adobe has made some price changes to their Photography Plan pricing, and I’m here today to help you navigate the new changes (and still keep paying the old price. What? Yup – I’ll show you how).  I put together a quick Q&A to explain the new pricing: Q. Did Adobe increase the price for the photography bundle (the one with Lightroom and Photoshop, which has always been around $9.99 a month)? A. Yes, but the price increase only applies to two groups:  (1) People who pay monthly (but I’ll explain a way around the price increase) (2) New users who are not already on the photography plan (but there’s a way around that, too, as I’ll...

When shooting portraits on location, you are dependent on the ambient light—unless you bring your own lights. I decided to use flash to overpower the ambient light. This approach allowed for more variation during this portrait session. Let me explain how. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Nando Harmsen)

Prime lenses are known for their stunning image quality and shallow depth of field, but they can be prohibitively expensive. If you're using a zoom lens, you might wonder if it’s possible to achieve similar results without the hefty price tag. This video explores how to create prime-lens-like subject separation by mastering four key concepts. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Compact cameras are evolving, blending portability with professional-grade features. The Nikon Z50 II is an impressive upgrade to the original Z50, a camera already known for its solid performance and accessibility. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Seascape photography offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities, with the ocean providing dynamic, challenging, and ever-changing scenes. Over the years, I have learned and practiced how different shutter speeds can dramatically alter the mood and feel of your images. Here’s what I’ve learned and some actionable tips to elevate your seascape photography. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Darren J. Spoonley)

SmallRig has joined forces with YouTuber Gene ‘Potato Jet’ Nagata, resulting in the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex video tripod. This hydraulic tripod can be set up in just a few seconds, making it perfect for situations where speed is of the essence. This is my honest review of this unique tripod. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Nando Harmsen)

Photography is more than capturing what’s in front of you. It's about telling a story that resonates. This video explores how the choices you make while shooting and arranging photos can dramatically alter the narrative they tell. Whether it's the raw emotion of a moment or a sense of calm in chaos, these decisions shape the stories your images communicate. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

Editing photos effectively is all about balancing precision and creativity. Small adjustments can bring out details, enhance colors, and shift the viewer's focus. This helpful video demonstrates how to make impactful edits using basic tools, masking, and color grading, showcasing practical techniques for a polished result. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)

By removing color, you open up new possibilities for storytelling, emotional depth, and composition. It challenges you to think differently and often leads to a more profound connection between the viewer and the subject. [ Read More ]Original link(Originally posted by Alex Cooke)