Skip to main content

Photography Guides

Nikon Z6 Hands-on

Nikon Z 6 vs. Nikon D780: The family feud in the mirrorless vs. DSLR debate

Nikon's fraternal twins may look nothing alike, but their shared DNA makes them very similar. Can a DSLR still win you over, or is mirrorless still the obvious choice?
how to install photoshop brushes tutorial featured

How to instal Photoshop brushes (and where to find them for free)

Photoshop's built-in brushes are the tip of the iceberg. Open up creative possibilities by working with new brushes, including free brush packs from Adobe.
iphone xr instagram

5 alternatives to Instagram and Facebook for photographers

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter changed the way we share our photographs. But as photographers become more frustrated with algorithms and ads, it might be time to consider some alternatives.
what is bracketing

What is bracketing? Get your best shots with this overlooked camera tool

Wondering what that BKT or AEB button is on the camera? Bracketing is a method of taking several shots, all with slight adjustments between each one. Learn how to use bracketing to increase your odds of getting the shot right in-camera.
sigma 14 24mm f28 dg dn art review 5

The Best L-Mount Lenses for Sigma, Panasonic, and Leica cameras

The L-Mount is no longer just for luxury brand Leica -- which means more lens options than ever before. So which lenses are the best options for mirrorless cameras from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma? Here are the top-ranked L-Mount lenses from wide to telephoto.
dramatic street photography tips 28

Street photography tips: How to add drama to your images

Street photography may be about documenting everyday life, but that doesn't mean you can't find ways to make the ordinary look a little more extraordinary. Here are three essential tips for creating more dramatic and compelling street photographs.
Nikkor-Z-24-70mm-f2.8-S-review-

The Best Nikon Z lenses for the Z 6, Z 7, and Z 50

The Nikon Z mount may be young, but the series now has nearly a dozen lenses -- so which optics are best? From zooms to primes, from wide-angle to telephoto, we've narrowed down the best Nikon Z mount lenses to pair with the Nikon Z 7, Z 6, or even the Z 50.
olympus pen e pl9 review sample 11

Image stabilization, explained: Inside the camera tech that keeps out the shakes

Camera brands are bragging about stabilization -- but what does it all mean? Image stabilization helps shoot steadier videos and shake-free stills. Decipher specifications like "5-stops of stabilization" and learn the difference between digital vs optical stabilization in this guide.

Where to download free stock photos and public domain images

Everyone wants to download and use images from the web for free. Thankfully, public domain images make it possible without getting into a legal mess. We've rounded up the best places to download public domain images, from the no-strings-attached websites to the options with a handful of requirements.
canon eos 1d x mark iii proves ready to lead video leader featured

The unrestrained 1D X Mark III proves Canon still knows how to lead. Will it?

Canon's powerful new flagship DSLR has the best video mode ever put into a still camera and gives videographers a reason to be excited about the brand again. But there's also reason to be skeptical about how far these features will trickle down into more affordable models.
Sony a9

A9, A7R, S, II, or III? Making sense of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras

Sony's latest generation of full-frame A-series cameras are all more than capable. But each has advantages that may make it better in any given situation.
hasselblad 80mm f19 hands on impressions xcd sample 6

What is depth of field? The secret to perfect backgrounds

Depth of field is a key aspect of image quality in DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and mastering it is essential to getting the look you want in your images. Here's what you need to know to achieve tack sharp photos or beautiful background blur with your DSLR or mirrorless camera.
how to be a vsco girl vscogirl3

How to create the ‘VSCO Girl’ look and other fun edits with filter-based apps

You don't have to be a VSCO Girl to quickly create unique imagery with VSCO or other photo filter editing apps. These can elevate photos of all kinds, which anyone can appreciate. Here's how to get started with VSCO and a couple alternative editing apps you should consider.
Sigma 14-24mm f2.8 review

Zoom, prime, wide, or telephoto? Here’s how to pick your next camera lens

Still shooting with just the kit lens that came with your DSLR or mirrorless? Your camera has tons of untapped potential in the world of interchangeable lens cameras. But buying a new lens introduces a confusing list of new terms -- we break it down in this guide on how to choose a camera lens.
best tech of 2019 camera sony a7r iv

7 cameras that revolutionized photography and changed how we take pictures

how to take pictures of christmas lights jamie davies a8x39eo35be unsplash

How to take pictures of Christmas lights

Christmas lights are a favorite holiday decoration -- but one of the toughest to photograph due to limited light and often cold or wet weather. Learn how to take pictures of Christmas lights, whether you want to use a mirrorless camera, a DSLR, or a smartphone.
what is iso button

What is ISO?

Have you ever wondered what the ISO setting on your camera is all about? It has to do with light sensitivity, and the ability to make adjustments can have a big impact on your photos, whether you're shooting in sunlight or at night with a digital or mirrorless camera. Here's everything you need to know.
Two GoPro Hero8 Black cameras.

GoPro Hero8 Black vs. GoPro Hero7 Black: Worth the upgrade?

GoPro's new Hero8 Black is here, but last year's Hero7 Black remains in the product lineup at reduced cost. Now for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, both models have received decent discounts making them even more attractive. But is the Hero8 worth it, or should you save a few bucks with the Hero7?
Photograph of Milky Way after editing in Adobe Lightroom

Shooting stars: How to photograph the night sky, from star trails to the Milky Way

The night sky can be both one of the trickiest and most rewarding subjects to master, but it doesn't require spending thousands of dollars on professional photo gear. Here are the best practices for getting great results in your star photos with the camera that you have.
canon eos rebel sl3

The best DSLR cameras for beginners

Whether you want to really dig into more advanced features or just want a larger sensor for better image quality without having to leave auto mode, an entry-level DSLR offers a lot of features and performance. Here are the best DSLR cameras for beginners, from cheap to full-frame.
how to make a pinhole camera screenshot 2019 10 09 at 123311 pm

How to make a pinhole camera and develop your own photos at home

You may think of a camera a complicated, highly technical, and expensive piece of machinery -- but at its most basic, it's just a box with a hole in it. Here's how to make your own pinhole camera in the comfort of your home, using low-cost and basic materials.
Fujifilm GFX 100 review

What is a mirrorless camera, and what makes it different from a DSLR?

What exactly is a mirrorless camera, and what makes them so special? In this article, we break down the specifics of mirrorless cameras, including how they differ from the likes of a DSLR camera, and what kind of pros and cons this relative newcomer in the camera market delivers.
photoshop cartoon effect photoshopcartooneffect

How to create a simple Photoshop cartoon effect

With Photoshop and a few minutes, you can cartoon-ize yourself, a friend, your dog, or almost any photo. Learn how to apply a simple Photoshop cartoon effect in less than ten steps in this simple tutorial using layers, a filter, a paintbrush and some color tools.
flash photography tips chris barbalis e 6xriuh1uu unsplash

Don’t hate your camera flash. Master flash photography with these 4 simple tips

If you hate flash photography, you're probably not doing it right. Learn how to love the flash with the four must-know essentials to using a flash. Start with the simplest changes like adding a light modifier, then work your way up to advanced manual adjustments.
apple iphone 11 pro camera guide back

Apple iPhone 11 Pro camera guide: Take better photos with these tips

The iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max have the best cameras Apple has fitted to a smartphone yet, and you can do lots with them. The triple-lens camera can take wide-angle and telephoto shots, for example, but to get the most from the phone you'll need to dig deeper. Here's our iPhone 11 Pro camera guide.
the most expensive cameras and lenses you can buy but probably shouldnt xf iq4 camera system standard kit

The most expensive cameras and lenses you can buy (but probably shouldn’t)

Photography is expensive; even when purchasing entry-level gear. In this article, we focus on some of the most expensive cameras and lenses on the market.
Adobe Lightroom CC surface

How to make your own Lightroom presets that actually work

Tired of buying Lightroom presets that never turn out? Making your own is a simple three-step process. Take the guesswork out of creating presets in this tutorial for both Lightroom Classic CC and Lightroom CC.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs. iPhone XS Max

Here’s how the iPhone 11 Pro cameras stack up to last year’s iPhone XS

Thinking about upgrading from your iPhone XS or iPhone XS Max? The improvements in the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are all about the camera, and this test showcases those changes. From a new ultra-wide-angle lens to Night mode, here's how the iPhone 11 Pro Max stacks up to the iPhone XS Max in this camera shootout.
samsung galaxy note 10 plus camera guide back hand

How to get the best from the Galaxy Note 10 Plus camera

The Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus has a really impressive triple-lens camera, and there are plenty of fun features to make taking excellent photos very easy. You can even use the S Pen stylus to control the camera. If you're new to the phone and really want to get the best from it, take a moment to follow our guide.
nikon 16 80mm f2 8 4e ed vr review dx 1

What is aperture priority? Unlock your camera’s potential with this mode

Aperture Priority Mode may be a semi-auto camera mode, but the A or Av on the camera dial allows photographers almost full control over the shot. Learn how to use aperture priority mode, and why A definitely does not stand for Amateur.
Olympus OM-D E-M1X review Camera Sample Photos

What is shutter priority? How to master blur in “S” or “Tv” mode

You don't need to master full manual mode to eliminate -- or embrace -- camera blur. Shutter priority mode is both the beginner's training wheels and the professional's quick shot mode. Learn how to use -- and troubleshoot -- shutter priority mode to take control of your images.
How to make a watermark

How to make a watermark: A quick and easy way to protect your photos

People copy images from the web every day. If you want to protect your photography, however, consider adding a watermark. We'll show you how to make a watermark to keep your work from being shared without due credit, using a few different methods ranging from simple to sophisticated.
street photography tips tricks 30

10 street photography tips and tricks to help you capture the decisive moment

If you're new to street photography, you're soon going to learn it's much more than taking snapshots in public places. To create quality, compelling photographs you need to have plenty of skills and knowledge. Inside we've got 10 tips to help you get started.
fujifilm x t2 review screen

What is live view? How to make the most of this feature on your DSLR

Live view makes a DSLR perform more like a mirrorless camera, showing you a live feed straight off the sensor where you can preview your exposure, white balance, and more before you take the shot. Here's everything you need to know about how to use it -- and when to avoid it.