SUMMER Travel & Nature Photography Tips & Tricks (VIDEO)

The official first day of summer is almost upon us, and with the new season comes a variety of great photo opportunities as well as some challenges. The tutorial below will quickly get you up to speed, with a variety of tips on gear, exposure, composition, camera settings, and more. Danish pro Mads Peter Iversen says, “summer is absolutely my favorite time of year to shoot.” In this behind-the-scenes episode he explains why summer photography requires a different approach than shooting o

STOP Using the Rule of Thirds (It May Be Hurting Your Photos)

We’ve discussed many times what the “Rule of Thirds” is in photography and why it’s such a good tool for creating visually appeally photo compositions but not everyone is a fan of the concept. In fact, some photographers think the Rule of Thirds might be ruining your images if you adhere to it too strictly. One of those photographers is landscape pro Mark Denney who, in the below video, says you should “stop using the Rule of Thirds because it may be hurting your photos.” “It's

And DEPTH to Travel & Nature Photos by SHAPING the Light in Photoshop (VIDEO)

Light is the key component of all forms of photography. That’s because perfect focus and composition, and a great subject, are all for naught if the light is flat or dull. Getting the light right is particularly critical when shooting landscape scenes that typically include a wide range of tones from deep shadows to bright highlights. In the quick tutorial below you'll see how to add interest and depth to outdoor images, by using Photoshop to “shape the light.” German landscape photog

10 Tips for Better Bird Photos with Pro Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid (VIDEO)

Complete BEGINNER’S Guide to BIRD Photography (VIDEO)

A couple week’s ago we featured a tutorial for experienced bird photographers, with a variety of tips and mistakes to avoid for achieving optimum results. Today’s episode is for those just getting started, with a complete beginner’s guide to joining in on the fun. Based in Nova Scotia, Simon d’Entremont is a professional wildlife photographer and very popular instructor. In the comprehensive video below, he covers everything you need to know about the hobby of bird photography, so you

How to Create Mind-Blowing HDR Panorama Images in Photoshop (VIDEO)

If you’re serious about landscape photography and want to blow a few minds, pull up a chair and watch the 15-minute tutorial below, as one of our favorite outdoor photographers demonstrates how to create absolutely amazing HDR panorama images in either Photoshop or Lightroom. German pro Christian Mohrle insists that knowing how to use HDR or exposure blending is “vital” for committed landscape photographers, explaining that, “it can help you salvage scenes with harsh contrast like wh

3 Major Errors that Cause Blurry Photos (VIDEO)

What if there was a way to never take a blurry photo again? While that might not be entirely possible, pro landscape photographer Mark Denney says he knows three things that many photographers do to cause out-of-focus images. "I just wrapped up a flurry of workshops across the U.S. and one of the most common struggles I heard from the participants was that they often end up with slightly out of focus and blurry photos," Denney says. "And out of focus photos are one of the few things that cann

How to Transform a 12MP Photo into a 50MP Monster in Lightroom (VIDEO)

Are you suffering from “resolution envy,” but can’t afford a super hi-res camera? Or perhaps you’re put off by the immense storage requirements or have an older computer that bogs down when editing huge files. Today’s eye-opening Lightroom tutorial is the perfect solution, with a quick-and-easy demonstration of how to transform images from a 12MP camera into huge 50MP files. And you’ll learn how to enhance the image in the process. Many photographers simply don’t need 40-50M

How to Reduce UGLY Noise in Nature & Wildlife Photos (VIDEO)

Let’s face it: Image noise is your enemy, and these grainy artifacts can destroy an otherwise great shot. Noise occurs when using certain camera settings, especially when shooting in low light with high ISO settings. In the tutorial below, from Pangolin Wildlife Photography, you’ll learn how to eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, noise when shooting nature and wildlife photos. In fact, these tips from experienced shooter and safari host Janine Krayer can be used with great succes

Shoot EPIC Travel & Nature Photos by AVOIDING These Composition Mistakes (VIDEO)

As the saying goes: “Composition makes or breaks a photo.” This is particularly true when shooting complicated outdoor scenes. The tutorial below will help take your images from “meh” to WOW with a few simple framing techniques for maximum impact. Danish pro Mads Per Iversen is one of our favorite landscape photographers, and a really great instructor. Today he shares what he’s learned throughout the years, with several simple methods you can begin using today. In this behind-the s

Spring Macro: Focus Stacking, Lighting & Creative Tricks (VIDEO)

If you still haven’t pulled out your macro lens for a day of close-up photography, it’s time to get going because this is the perfect time of year. The video below will get you inspired, with beautiful images, technical tips, and ideas for creative images. British pro Andrew Lanxon is a close-up photography expert, and in this behind-the scenes tutorial you’ll watch him work some macro magic while exploring a lush location in Scotland’s Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. He demonstrates a

How to Use Adobe Camera Profiles for More Precise Photo Editing (VIDEO)

If you’ve paid attention to the image-editing tutorials we’ve shared from German landscape pro Christian Mohrle, you know that the first thing he does when opening an image in Photoshop or Lightroom, is choose the most appropriate Camera Profile for the task at hand. Mohrle typically mentions this initial step in passing, but today he takes a deeper dive into the power of Adobe’s Camera Profiles, and he demonstrates how they can make a big difference in your results. There’s nothing d

Want Eye-Catching Travel & Nature Photos? Try This Photoshop “Secret” (VIDEO)

The “Most Powerful Element” in Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

A lot more goes into making compelling travel and nature photos than finding a stunning location and nailing focus and exposure. In the video below you’ll see what one expert calls “the most important element” for grabbing a viewer’s attention. British photographer Nigel Danson is one of our most popular landscape instructors, and in this episode he demonstrates how to use diagonal elements in a scene to draw viewers into an image and direct their eyes where you want them to go. Dans

6 MISTAKES to Avoid with Long-Exposure Photos & How to FIX Them (VIDEO)

Shooting at night with slow shutter speeds is a great way to capture eye-popping photos. Light trails from passing cars are really dramatic, and scenes that look boring during the day are transformed into sparkling tableaus as soon as the lights come on. Nighttime photography isn’t particularly difficult as long as your bring a tripod and understand the proper techniques. In this seven-minute tutorial from instructor and self-proclaimed “camera geek” Saurav Sinha you’ll learn how to g

Want Eye-Catching Travel & Nature Photos? Try This Photoshop “Secret” (VIDEO)

We’re going to let you in on a big secret in today’s Photoshop tutorial; namely the “secret to eye-catching foregrounds” when editing travel, nature, and landscape images.  This unique method uses both focal length blending and perspective blending to emphasize interesting foreground objects by making them bigger and brighter, while creating a nice balance with the background of a scene. All you need is a base image with the main subject, and another for the background. We regularly

How to Set Focus & Exposure for EPIC Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

Are you new to landscape photography and disappointed with your results? If so, the tutorial below will set you straight. Even experienced shooters will pick up a few helpful tips for improving their images. What makes landscape photography so challenging, especially for the uninitiated, is that most scenes include a variety of interesting objects as well as a wide range of tones from deep shadows to bright skies. In this straightforward explainer you’ll learn exactly where to focus and how

How to Shoot Sensuous Beach Portraits with Natural Light (VIDEO)

Now that temperatures are rising, it’s time to head to the shore for a day of portrait photography before beaches get crowded later in the season. In the video below you’ll learn several quick tips for making captivating images with a unique look. In this behind-the-scene episode from sunny Hawaii, Canadian pro Irene Rudnyk teams up with beautiful model Alexandra to demonstrate how a carefully chosen wardrobe and a few simple props will set your images apart from typical bikini photos. Yo

How to Shoot AMAZING Macro Photos with Your Phone (VIDEO)

We don’t often post tutorials on mobile photography because most Shutterbug readers prefer to shoot with a “real” camera instead of their phone. But let’s face it: today’s advanced mobile devices are capable of capturing great images, and the quick video below offers some very sound advice. Chris Connelly, founder of the popular DailyTekk Clips YouTube channel, is also an adept photographer. The four-minute video below is intended to help you be prepared when you stumble upon an in

Give BORING Landscape Photos DRAMA with These B&W Editing Tips (VIDEO)

Have you ever wondered why so many of the best landscape photos from yesteryear and today are presented in bw? Personal preference aside, it’s a simple fact that some outdoor scenes are more compelling when rendered in monochrome. Sometimes that’s because flat lighting results in dell, muted colors, while other times a lack of sufficient contrast really kills a shot. And while you can always try to rehabilitate a boring color image, a bw conversion can deliver superior results. In the tut

5 Pro Tips to SAVE MONEY on Photography Gear

All photos © Vanessa Joy ( Editor’s Note: Exploring Light is a monthly Shutterbug column featuring tips, tricks, and photo advice from professional photographers in Canon Explorers of Light education program. This month's column is by Vanessa Joy, with five great tips for saving money on photo gear. Being a photo nerd isn’t cheap. Photographers have expensive taste that is never satisfied. So how can you make the most out of your photography budget while still creating great images? B

Shoot Stunning Photos of Starlit Skies with 3 Simple Tips (VIDEO)

Nighttime photography is really fun, and offers an opportunity to capture eye-popping photos. You don’t really need any special gear, as long as you know a few tricks. We’ve posted tutorials in the past, explaining the technical aspects of shooting after dark, but this tutorial from BH Photo Video addresses a common and specific challenge; namely, dealing with light pollution that can spoil your images—even if you do everything else right. Jess Santos is an Arizona-based landscape photo

Shoot Stunning Cityscape Photos While Traveling or at Home (VIDEO)

This is the time of year when many photographers are planning vacations, so it’s time to bone up on your skills. The quick tutorial below focuses on one of the key aspects of travel photography, with seven tips you can also use at home. Capturing compelling cityscapes of your destination is very important for documenting a trip. And even if you don’t plan on leaving town anytime soon, you can use these simple techniques wherever you live to shoot striking images. In this behind-the-sc

How to Give Photos Beautiful Vintage Colors in Photoshop (VIDEO)

The usual goal when editing our images is to emphasize the capabilities of today’s modern cameras by adjusting colors, contrast and other key variables to achieve a clean, vibrant, natural look. The Photoshop tutorial below switches things up by explaining how to give images a nostalgic appearance with beautiful vintage colors. German landscape photographer Christian Mohrle of Phlog Photography says he’s worked on this demonstration image in the past, and was never thrilled with the resul

Save BIG BUCKS on Your Travel & Nature Photo Kit (VIDEO)

Outdoor photographers are known for carrying tons of gear, so they’re prepared for just about anything they encounter. We’ve addressed this burden in the past for landscape shooters who often hike great distances into the field, and for travel photographers who want to carry a minimum of equipment. The related video below isn’t about lightening the load on your back, but rather minimizing the impact on your wallet. We generally recommend purchasing the best gear you can afford, but by p

The Passing of Master Photographer Jerry Uelsmann: 2007 Interview

An educator since the early 1960s, Jerry Uelsmann began assembling his photographs from multiple negatives decades before digital tools like Photoshop were available. Using as many as seven enlargers to expose a single print, his darkroom skills allowed him to create evocative images that combined the realism of photography and the fluidity of our dreams. Shutterbug: When did you begin assembling your images from multiple negatives? Jerry Uelsmann: It was the late 1950s. I did a little b

The BEST Way to Sharpen Travel & Nature Photos: 4-Minute Lightroom Trick (VIDEO)

One of the most common ways to ruin a great scene is the failure to attain proper focus. Sometimes that’s due to incorrect camera settings, while in other instances you may have simply focused on the wrong portion of the frame. Fortunately it’s possible to rehabilitate soft images during the editing process, and we’ve shared a number of tutorials for doing that in the past. But the video below describes one of the fastest and most effective techniques we’ve seen yet. French photo

CHEAP Gadgets Every Travel & Nature Photographer Should Own (VIDEO)

The camera equipment we recommend typically involves primary gear like cameras, lenses, or expensive accessories. Today’s list is much different, as deals with “cheap stuff” that one pro says every outdoor shooter should own. This shopping list, from British travel and nature photographer James Popsys, includes a variety of inexpensive gadgets to keep you and your camera clean and productive when shooting in the field. And the great news is you can purchase everything he recommends for

The Passing of Master Photographer Jerry Uelsmann: 2007 Interview

Today, April, 6, 2022, the photography world lost a true genius with the passing of American surrealist Jerry Uelsmann. In rememberance, we're sharing the following interview we first posted in 2007. An educator since the early 1960s, Jerry Uelsmann began assembling his photographs from multiple negatives decades before digital tools like Photoshop were available. Using as many as seven enlargers to expose a single print, his darkroom skills allowed him to create evocative images that com

5 ESSENTIAL Tips For Shooting EPIC Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

We regularly bring you tutorials from top photographers with different specialties, because there’s no better way to improve one’s skills than learning from an accomplished pro. The video below takes things even further, with great shooting advice from three experts in landscape photography. In this very helpful behind-the-scenes episode on location in the beautiful Italian Dolomites, Australian photographer Pat Kay is joined by two like-minded landscape experts to reveal what they consid

Photoshop Basics: Remove Boring Skies FAST—Even with Complex Objects in Front (VIDEO)

If you’re ever tried to manually mask out a sky in Photoshop, you know that achieving a precise selection can be difficult—especially when your shot includes complex objects in the foreground. There are many methods for tackling this challenge, and today you’ll learn one of the easiest and most effective. Why would you want to mask out the in the first place? That’s simple: you photographed what would otherwise be a beautiful scene, except the sky is really boring. That may because it

Want UNIQUE Bird Photos? Use Longer Exposures & These Editing Tips (VIDEO)

We all strive to make photographs that stand out from the crowd, and sometimes that means camera settings and shooting techniques that stray from conventional wisdom. Another way to give images a unique look is to employ unconventional editing techniques to create an eye-catching effect. In the video below you’ll learn how to do both when making photos of our feathered friends. We typically turn to instructor Matt Kloskowski for straightforward Photoshop and Lightroom tutorials, but in toda

Make Better Travel & Nature Photos with 3 “SECRET” Lightroom Masking Tricks (VIDEO)

One of the challenges with all forms of outdoor photography is that scenes often have a wide-range of tones—often beyond the density range of your camera. The best way to deal with situations like these is editing selective portions of the image. This technique requires the use of masks, and some methods are more complicated than others. In today’s quick tutorial you’ll learn three “secrets” for getting the job done with speed and precision. French photographer Serge Ramelli is

Download This FREE Background Removal Tool for Easy Photo Composites (VIDEO)

There are many reasons you may want to cut out the background of a photo and create a composite image. Sometimes the goal is to replace a boring sky with something more compelling. Other times you may just want to place a portrait photo on a more interesting background. This task isn’t too difficult to handle in Photoshop or Lightroom, but there’s a free streamlined tool from InPixio you should check out. If you don’t own Lightroom or Photoshop, this option is a no brainer. But even if

Changing Focus & DOF is Easy with This “MAGICAL” Photoshop Technique (VIDEO)

How many times have you reviewed images on the computer and wished you had shot the scene with a different point of focus and depth of field? If your answer to this question is “too many to count,” the eye-opening tutorial below is just what you need. Thanks to recent Photoshop updates, tasks that were once time-consuming, complicated, and required advanced skills, are now within the abilities of everyone. In today’s remarkably easy tutorial you’ll learn how to “magically” improve

Turn Boring Travel & Nature Photos into AMAZING in Photoshop (VIDEO)

One of the common pitfalls with travel photography is returning home, reviewing images on the computer, and discovering they don’t look as great as they did through the viewfinder. The same thing is true when shooting landscapes, even close to home, because it’s impossible to return and find exactly the same light. We’ve all confronted this predicament with dismay, but in today’s tutorial from one of our favorite travel and nature photographers, you’ll learn how to transform photos

How to Create DRAMATIC Light in Travel & Nature Photos Using Lightroom (VIDEO)

Every so often we photograph a beautiful outdoor scene even though the light isn’t quite right. That’s because it’s not particularly difficult to add depth and drama to an otherwise great shot with a bit of help from Lightroom. The nine-minute tutorial below from the Phlog Photography YouTube channel explains a simple and effective method for making flat images look far more compelling, while retaining a natural look. And you’ll be able to employ this technique for everything from out

An Easy Way to Add Motion Blur to Landscape Photos in Photoshop (VIDEO)

Long exposure motion-blur effects can really enhance landscape images, creating soft, flowing water and fluffy cotton-like clouds. Some photographers use expensive neutral density filter to achieve the necessary slow shutter speeds, but there’s a simple way to mimic this effect during the editing process. In today’s episode from German landscape photographer Christian Mohrle you’ll see how easy it is to add dreamy motion blur to clouds with a few simple steps in Photoshop. As a bonus, M

Try These 5 Fun HACKS for Eye-Popping Photos (VIDEO)

We always turn to photographer Jordi Koalitic when we need a fresh jolt of creativity, because he never seems to run out of ideas for capturing unique images close to home. In today’s quick episode he demonstrate five fresh hacks that you’ll definitely want to try. What makes Koalitic’s tips and tricks so much fun is that they rely on basic gear, and a few simple props you likely already own. Best yet, with a willing model and an assistant or two, his ideas are really easy to accomplish

Shoot Great Spring Travel & Nature Photos with These 13 TIPS (VIDEO)

The seasons are changing, with spring less than a week away. Today one of our favorite outdoor shooters explains how to make the most of what is many photographers’ favorite time of year. Whether you photograph birds, budding flowers, or insects beginning to emerge, the quick tutorial below will help you make the best images possible. Toma Bonciu is a Romanian landscape and travel photographer, and in this episode he provides 13 tips for taking advantage of everything spring has to offer.

3 Ways to Add Contrast to Travel & Nature Photos in Lightroom for Images that POP!

It’s amazing how a basic tweak in Photoshop or Lightroom can make a huge difference in an image. Sometime all that’s required is a boost in saturation, while other times a bit more sharpness or contrast is what takes. Today’s quick tutorial concentrates on the latter adjustment, with three simple methods for enhancing contrast in Lightroom. German photographer and image-editing expert Christian Mohrle demonstrates how it’s done in barely seven minutes. While Mohrle uses a landscape ph

COMPLETE Beginners Guide to MACRO Photography (VIDEO)

In case you haven’t checked the calendar recently you can kiss winter goodbye, because spring officially begins Sunday. And that means it’s time to dust off a macro lens and bone up on your skills. Macro photography can be pursued year-round, even in winter when subjects like intricate snowflakes can make beautiful photos. But spring is when serious photographers really get busy, with budding plants, interesting insects, and colorful flowers just about everywhere you look. If you need

GREAT Travel & Nature Photos with a $400 Camera? Prepare for a Surprise! (VIDEO)

Photographers are known for chasing the latest and greatest gear, despite the adage that, “It’s the photographer—not the camera—that creates the image.” I’ll admit to owning a couple “state-of-the art” digital cameras myself. But my photo cabinet also includes a few “obsolete” models dating back to 2009. My “vintage” digital cameras are limited to 12-megapixels resolution, and were chosen with care. All were known for punching above their weight when introduced, and th

How to Remove Distracting Objects in Outdoor Photos with Photoshop (VIDEO)

It’s not uncommon to have a distracting object or two in otherwise beautiful outdoor images. Sometimes that’s because you weren’t paying attention, while in other cases there was simply no way to compose the scene without the offending objects in the frame. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to eliminate those distractions during the editing process with a little help from Photoshop. In the tutorial below you’ll learn three ways to get the job done. In this straightforward episode,

DON’T Make these 6 Photo Editing MISTAKES & Do Things Right (VIDEO)

Last week we featured a popular tutorial, explaining how to avoid common shooting errors that can be real image killers. Today were turning to the processing side of our craft, identifying six common image-editing mistakes that are easily fixed. Alex Armitage is an adept photographer and instructor who says, “I see these mistakes from photographers all the time.” He even admits to making a few of them himself. What you’ll find in the video below isn’t a fancy trick, but rather severa

The BEST Camera Settings for Travel & Nature Photography (VIDEO)

Lisbon-based travel and nature photographer Andy Mumford is known for awesome imagery, and his popular international workshops in all corners of the globe. Today he shares the advice he gives students regarding the best camera settings to use for compelling outdoor photos. In this behind-the-scenes episode on a chilly day in Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, Mumford explains how to increase your odds of success, wherever your travels take you, by configuring a camera properly for various situat

5 Image-Killing Mistakes to Avoid & How to Fix Them (VIDEO)

Unforced errors are part of the photographic process, and the goal is to not make the same mistake twice. The quick video below will help prevent you from doing that by identifying a handful of common faux pas and explaining how to avoid or fix them. This seven-minute explainer comes to you from our friends at Mango Street, a popular YouTube channel devoted to “tutorials that don’t waste your time.” In preparing this episode the Mango Street crew reviewed numerous photos made by beginne

Want Better Pictures? Imagine Them Before You Take Them

(Editor’s Note: You can read ”On the Road” columnist Deborah Sandidge’s other columns here). It was shortly after I’d completed a remote Zoom presentation to a group of camera-club members that I decided to share some of the images and main points of my talk in this column. I show photographs, explain the process of making them, and answer questions, and at a time when in-person workshops, camera club meetings, and field trips were impossible, doing Zoom sessions was a welcome chanc

Want PERFECTLY Exposed Travel & Nature Photos Every Time? Do This! (VIDEO)

One of the most basic components of great photographs is an accurate exposure with a broad range of tones, yielding details in both shadows and highlights. This goal can often be a challenge when shooting outside under complicated mixed light. If you struggle with outdoor images that are too bright or too dark, the tutorial below is just what you need. Danish pro Mads Peter Iversen explains how he consistently achieves perfectly exposed landscape photographs and how you can do the same. I

The Big Mistake ALL Beginners Make with Their Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

As we've said time and time again, it's ok to make mistakes as a beginner photographer. The important part is learning from your photography mistakes even if they're big ones. In the below video, pro photographer Mark Denney explains the main mistake he sees all beginners make with their landscape photos and then tell you how to fix it. "There's a reason why outdoor and landscape photographers are always talking about leading lines and establishing strong foreground elements in their landscap

Use “Hyperfocal Distance” to Control Depth of Field (VIDEO)

Understanding depth of field is a crucial factor in achieving the best possible images, particularly when shooting complicated outdoor scenes that include objects from foreground to background and everything in between. The concept of depth of field is pretty simple, and refers to the area between the furthest and closest potions of a scene that appear acceptably sharp. This zone of focus is affected by a number of factors, including the aperture you choose, the focal length of your lens, and

Beginners Guide to MANUAL Mode for Travel & Nature Photography (VIDEO)

You’ve probably heard the silly adage that “If the mode dial on your camera isn’t set to ‘M’ you’re not a real photographer.” While most pros would disagree, there are clearly advantages to choosing camera settings yourself. Another misconception is that Manual mode is for experts, and too complicated for anyone else. As you’ll see in the explainer below, nothing could be further from the truth. Danish photographer Mads Peter Iversen, provides a very helpful checklist in his c

7 Things You Should Do to Improve Your Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

You know the expression: "wisdom comes from experience"? That certainly applies to photography particularly when shooting landscapes, as landscape pro Mark Denney explains in the below tutorial. "In this week’s episode, we discuss game changing landscape photography advice I should've applied sooner," Denney says. "You know the saying 'I wish I knew what I know now back then'? Well, that's the topic of this week's video as I wish someone would have told me the advice covered in this video w

5 Pro Tips for EPIC Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

When one of our favorite photographers says, “these five tips changed my life” we pay attention, and you should too. We can’t promise that the video below will be a life-changing event, but it will definitely help you shoot far better photos. Serge Ramelli is an acclaimed French photographer, and a great instructor, with a portfolio of awesome travel, nature and cityscape images captured across the globe. The topic of today’s episode is composition, and Ramelli explains the framing t

5 LONG-LENS Tips for Travel, Nature & Wildlife Photography (VIDEO)

Long telephoto lenses can be exciting to use, offering the unique ability to get in tight on distant subjects. But big glass doesn’t necessarily guarantee great photographs, unless you have the proper skills. The quick video below from BH Photo Video provides great advice for choosing the best long lens for your specific needs, and you’ll learn five “must-know tips” for achieving optimum results. Instructor David Swindler of Photo Actions Tours discusses helpful techniques for using l

This Simple Camera Trick Will Improve Your Landscape Photos Instantly (VIDEO)

There's an easy way to improve your landscape photos quickly and all it involves is thinking negatively. No, not negatively like having a bad attitude about your photography but thinking about "negative space" in your image. Landscape pro Mark Denney shows you how in the below video where he demonstrates his simple creative camera skill and explains how to utilize it in your photography. "In this week’s episode, we discuss how you can improve your landscape photography with negative space,"

Give Daytime Photos the Soft Rosy Feeling of Dusk with This Photoshop Trick (VIDEO)

One of the basic tenets of landscape photography is to “be at the right place at the right time,” which is why many of us prefer to shoot at blue hour—just before sunrise or after sunset. But what if you stumble upon a beautiful scene earlier in the day when the light isn’t quite right? With this quick-and-easy technique you’ll learn how to transform an uninspiring midday shot into something far more compelling, with the soft blue and pink hues of dusk. In barely 10 minutes, German

5 Wide-Angle Lens Mistakes That SPOIL Outdoor Photos (VIDEO)

The first thing most photographers do when out in the field shooting landscapes is to mount a wide-angle lens on their camera. But a lot more goes into making great photographs than choosing the right focal length. The tutorial below is all about using wide-angles lenses properly, and avoiding five common mistakes that one of our favorite landscape photographers says, “I see all the time.” British pro Nigel Danson admits he’s made these errors himself on occasion, and he demonstrates ho

The Big Mistake ALL Beginners Make with Their Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

As we've said time and time again, it's ok to make mistakes as a beginner photographer. The important part is learning from your photography mistakes even if they're big ones. In the below video, pro photographer Mark Denney explains the main mistake he sees all beginners make with their landscape photos and then tells you how to fix it. "There's a reason why outdoor and landscape photographers are always talking about leading lines and establishing strong foreground elements in their landsca

Get MAXIMUM Image IQ from Long Lenses for Nature & Wildlife Photography (VIDEO)

All photographers want to coax every ounce of image quality and sharpness from whatever gear they own, and that’s particularly true when it comes to valuable glass. Australian pro Duade Paton specializes in wildlife and nature photography, so he frequently has a long lens on his camera. In this eye-opening tutorial you’ll learn how to test your lenses, choose the appropriate camera settings, and use proper shooting techniques for optimum results in the field. Paton also has some grea

How to Fix Overcast Skies in Photos with Lightroom (VIDEO)

Even if your landscape photo has a lot of things going for it, an overcast or flat sky can make the image look dull. Fortunately, there are a few tricks you can do in Lightroom to make a boring sky in a landscape photo go from drab to fab in no time. In the below video tutorial, Christian Mohrle from The Phlog Photography shares his simple, step-by-step process on how to fix overcast photos in Lightroom. You can follow along with Mohrle's Lightroom tutorial by getting his free Raw file here

How to Use AE Bracketing to Nail Exposure Every Time in Just 3 Minutes (VIDEO)

Outdoor photographers often encounter lighting situations with such a wide range of tones that it’s difficult or impossible to capture a properly exposed image in just one shot. Under such conditions, if you expose for the highlights, shadows are crushed. Conversely, if you expose for the shadows, highlights are blown out. Bracketing is a powerful technique in which you shoot multiple images of the same scene, with subtle variations in camera settings for each shot. When most photographers

5 Beginner Night Photography Tips for Epic Travel, Nature & Cityscape Photos (VIDEO)

Have you every wanted to give night photography a try, but didn’t know where to start? If so, the five-minute beginner’s guide below is just what you need. Night photographer extraordinaire Gabriel Biderman is not only one of the foremost experts in the field, he’s also an acclaimed author, instructor, and co-founder of National Parks at Night. In this quick episode from BH Photo Video he synthesizes nighttime photography to its basic components, so you can start shooting tonight.

6 Nature Photography Tips From 6 Iconic Masters (VIDEO)

We regularly share tutorials from Romanian outdoor pro Toma Bonciu, and this eye-opening episode is a bit different than his typical fare. That’s because the six tips he provides come from six of the world’s great classic landscape photographers. One reason Bonciu’s work is constantly evolving is that he continually studies the work of great photographers and painters. This not only provides him with an ongoing source of inspiration, but it gives him fresh ideas than he can apply to his

Lightroom Basics: Fix Overexposed Photos in 3 Easy Steps (VIDEO)

Last week we featured a straightforward Lightroom tutorial explaining how to recover shadow detail in underexposed photos. Today we’ll help you solve the opposite challenge; namely, dealing with images that are far too bright. In this easy-to-follow episode from Adorama TV, photo instructor Pye Jirsa demonstrates three simple steps for rehabilitating an outdoor portrait with blown-out highlights. Best yet, the method you learn is equally helpful for all kinds of images with unbalanced tones

How to Recover Shadow Detail in Dark Photos Using Lightroom (VIDEO)

It’s not uncommon to end up with underexposed photos if you don’t carefully compensate for bright light sources in the background of a scene. But mistakes are meant to fixed, not trashed, as you’ll see in the Lightroom tutorial below. This episode from Phlog Photography begins with a severely underexposed image, devoid of detail in the dark foreground, that would otherwise be a very dramatic seaside photo. As you’ll see, instructor Christian Mohrle is able to completely rehabilitate t

5 CRAZY Photo Ideas for Eye-Popping Images (VIDEO)

If you’re looking for some fun photo ideas to try over the weekend, you’ve come to the right place. In the two-minute visual tutorial below you’ll receive a heavy dose of inspiration, with five unique photo ideas that deliver eye-popping results. Photographer Jordi Koalitic is a visual trickster with a huge following on YouTube, where he regularly posts fun-and-easy tutorials that employ what he calls “insane” methods for achieving unusual images. For today’s behind-the scene

7 Ways to Take BETTER Photos Faster (VIDEO)

Yes, landscape photography can be a slow, contemplative process that can take hours and hours before you capture a true "keeper" photo. But part of that is because photographers spend a lot of their on-location photo shoots wasting time, according to landscape pro Mark Denney in the below video. "In this week’s episode, we discuss why you should stop wasting time doing this with your photography," Denney says. "This is probably a carryover from my many years spent in the corporate world, bu

How to Use Intentional Camera Movement for Unique Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

Under most circumstances we strive for sharp images by using a tripod and employing proper exposure settings to minimize camera shake. But as you’ll see in the video below, it’s possible to make beautiful images by intentionally moving the camera while using slow shutter speeds, As Scottish landscape pro Kim Grant says, “Intentional camera movement (ICM) is a great way to get creative with your photography.” In this nine-minute episode she explains how easy it is to use this technique

Beginner Architecture Photo Tips: Cityscapes, Buildings & More (VIDEO)

The great thing about architectural photography is that it offers spectacular opportunities wherever you live. Most folks reside near a big city, and even if you don’t you’ll find interesting buildings nearby. Even if you’re not inspired by what you see in your hometown, we’ll let you in on a secret: Scenes that appear cluttered or boring during the day take on a magical appearance after dark once the sparkling lights turn on. And if you think this type of photography requires special

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If you’ve never bothered to change the default settings on your camera, it’s time to pay attention and make a few modifications so it performs best for you. As you’ll see in the quick explainer below, there are several key camera settings you should seriously consider changing, whether or not your camera is brand new. Self-proclaimed “camera geek” Saurav Sinha is a Mumbai-based photographer with a large following on YouTube. In this eight-minute episode he put’s it bluntly, saying

Telephoto Lens Tips for Landscape, Sports & Wildlife Photography (VIDEO)

If you’re new to telephoto lens photography the video below is a must see. But even if you already shoot with long lenses, you’ll pick up some valuable tips for taking your photography to the next level. Matt Zefi is a NY-based photographer/filmmaker known for straightforward tutorials. In this quick episode from BH Photo Video, Zefi shares his advice on making the most of big glass, whether you shoot landscapes wildlife, or sports photography. In barely four minutes Zefi provides a

4-Minute Guide to LONG EXPOSURE Photography (VIDEO)

One sure way to capture impressive landscape images is to mount your camera on a tripod and experiment with long exposures. This enables you to convey a sense of movement, with cotton-like clouds and soft, flowing water. Unfortunately, many outdoor photographers shy away from this technique because they mistakenly believe that it requires specialized gear and advanced skills. As you’ll see in the video below, nothing could be further from the truth. German pro Christian Mohrle is one

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Whether you shoot landscapes, wildlife, sports, or just about any other type of photos, if you miss focus you’ve pretty much botched the job. That’s because unsharp results are one of the most common ways to spoil an otherwise great scene. Fortunately, one of our favorite photographers comes to the rescue today by explaining how to achieve precise focus in any situation with whatever camera you use. Joel Grimes got his start shooting landscapes, but he’s been a professional commercial p

5 Steps for EPIC Travel & Nature Photos of Bleak Winter Scenes (VIDEO)

Winter landscape photography can be a serious challenge, with dreadful, uninviting weather and bleak, barren scenes devoid of color. But rather than stow you gear until conditions improve, take a look at the tutorial below and pick up a few tips for making truly epic images this time of year. Landscape pro Mads Peter Iversen lives in Denmark, so he knows a lot about the vagaries of winter photography, and frankly this is his least favorite time to ply his trade. “Nature is basically dead i

Want Sharper Photos? 5 Tips for Precise Autofocus (VIDEO)

So you come across a beautiful scene, use the camera’s histogram to nail exposure, and find a great composition. Well, you just made a great shot—unless you pull it up on the computer and discover that the image is soft. There are a bunch of reasons for out-of-focus images. Perhaps you shot hand-held and the shutter speed you chose was simply too slow to prevent camera shake. Maybe your AF settings were wrong for the situation, or the camera selected the wrong focus point and missed the k

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Lightroom’s powerful new masking tools created a huge buzz as soon as Adobe released the latest version of their software. Today we’re going to show you how easy it is to achieve remarkable results with these sophisticated capabilities. In the eye-opening tutorial below from Phlog Photography, you’ll learn how to harness the power of these revolutionary tools in just 11 minutes. Once you get the hang of it, your landscape imagery will look better than you ever imagined. Instructor

YOU Can Shoot Stunning Photos of Starlit Skies! Here’s How (VIDEO)

Have you ever marveled at spectacular images of the nighttime sky, but thought, “There’s no way I can do that”? If so, you’ll want to pay close attention to this tutorial, because with the proper approach astrophotography is not as difficult as it seems. This enlightening video from acclaimed landscape photographer Kim Grant is a great example how even professional photographers can learn a thing or two from colleagues with a different specialty. Grant has limited experience photogra

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Should you emphasize the foreground in landscape photos, strive to balance nearby objects with those in the distance, or eliminate the foreground altogether? That obviously depends upon the scene. The tutorial below explains how to make this important decision for the best possible results. Danish landscape photographer Mads Peter Iversen always scrutinizes the foreground carefully before framing an image, and his reason is simple: “A foreground can make or break your landscape photography

Landscape Photography Beginners ALWAYS Make This Same Mistake (VIDEO)

If you're just starting out with landscape photography, you've likely made this exposure mistake with your photos. Even professional photographer Mark Denney has made this critical error because, like all photographers, he was a beginner once too. "This mistake is something I'm all too familiar with as well as this is something I did for the first few years of my photography journey," Denney admits. "And this exposure issue isn't just something that beginners fall into, but it also impacts al

5 Quick Tips for Captivating Bird Photos (VIDEO)

The great thing about bird photography is that you can often make amazing images in your backyard if you don’t have a nature preserve nearby. In the video below you’ll learn five easy tips for shooting captivating photographs of birds, whether you’re at home or shooting in the field. Nikon Ambassador Kristi Odom is an acclaimed bird photographer and filmmaker based in Longmont, Colorado. Part of what makes her work so special is that she’s very respectful of wildlife and knows how to

This Simple Lightroom Trick Will Make Your Landscapes Pop (VIDEO)

Sometimes one or two things you do in post-processing can turn a photo dud into a gorgeous stud. Pro photographer Mark Denney learned that recently when looking back at his best images from the past year and realizing that they all featured the same tweak in Lightroom. Denney calls it a "simple painterly technique" that he used again and again with great success while processing his landscape photos in Lightroom. In the below video, he shows you how you can use this Lightroom trick to y

The BEST Mirrorless & DSLR Cameras for ANY Budget & Purpose in 2022 (VIDEO)

Unless you have unlimited funds and room for a closet full of gear, choosing a new camera is a really important decision that requires very careful research. As you’ll see in the video below, a bit of help from an experienced pro can greatly facilitate the process and help you make an informed choice. There’s plenty to consider when purchasing a new camera, including whether you want to stick with a DSLR or go mirrorless if you haven’t already made the switch. You’ll also have to dec

Nature Photography’s 3 Sworn Enemies & How to Defeat Them (VIDEO)

Landscape photographers are very familiar with their friends, and three of the best are interesting light, weather, and a bit of luck. But what about enemies that can kill your photos? In the tutorial below Austrian pro Christian Irmler identifies these dangerous foes, and explains how to avoid them so you can become a better outdoor photographer. Irmler is known for compelling landscape imagery throughout Europe and beyond, so he’s confronted just about every situation imaginable. Irml

3 ESSENTIAL Elements of a GREAT Nature Photo: You Need at Least One (VIDEO)

A lot goes into making successful landscape photos, and we regularly share tutorials on everything from composition and exposure techniques to choosing the proper gear. Today’s episode is simple and specific—identifying what one pro says are three essential element of every great shot. Danish pro Mads Peter Iversen is one of our favorite nature photographers and instructors, and in the video below he says, “The most basic need for any photo is for the viewer to know what they’re supp

4 Tricks to Give Digital Photos a Film Look in Lightroom (VIDEO)

We all strive to make images that stand out the crowd, and one way for digital photographers to do that is to create photos that look like they were shot on film. In the video below you’ll see how to do that in less than six minutes. You might ask, “If that’s the goal, why not just use a film camera to shoot the images in the first place?” Well, some photographers don’t own a 35mm camera, and even if they do, the cost of film and processing can get expensive in a hurry. So pull

7 Quick Tips to Significantly IMPROVE Your Photography in 2022

If your New Year's resolution was to get better at photography in 2022, this tutorial is for you. In the below video, landscape photographer Nigel Danson shares his seven quick tips to help you significantly improve your photography this year. "In this video I'm going to give you seven tips to kickstart 2022," Danson says. "These are the things that I do at the start of every year and some tips I think will make a really big difference to your photography." #1 Start a Project "It's such a g

5 Top Ideas for Shooting Epic Winter Macro Photos (VIDEO)

Most photographers consider spring and summer the optimum seasons for macro photography, when interesting bugs and colorful flowers seem to be everywhere you look. While you can shoot small subjects any time of the year indoors, winter offers an array of unique opportunities for close-up photography outdoors. This is a great time to turn to regular contributor, British pro Micael Widell, as he’s an experienced outdoor photographer specializing in macro photography. A quick glance at his fin

The BEST Photography Gloves for Cold-Weather Shooting (VIDEO)

Winter is upon us with some pretty nasty weather, and that means protecting your gear from the elements. It’s also important to keep yourself comfortable when shooting in the field, and part of that involves warm gloves designed for photography. Mads Peter Iversen is based in Denmark, and he’s traveled the world, so he knows quite a bit about cold weather. He’s also a stickler for functional winter apparel and has experimented with a variety of gloves. In this informal “buyer’s gui

How to Shoot the 3 Pillars of Landscape Photography (VIDEO)

Landscape photography encompasses a broad range of subjects and styles, involving everything from woodland and seashore shots to expansive vistas and more. Each of these scenes requires a unique approach and often different gear. After spending years photographing the epic landscapes of Europe—often with vastly different geography—Austrian pro Christian Irmler has identified what he calls, “The Holy Three” of nature scenery. These primary categories include expansive vistas, densely p

Winter: The BEST Time for High-Key Nature & Travel Photos: Here’s How (VIDEO)

Winter is a great time to capture beautiful outdoor images, but snow-covered landscapes can be difficult to get right in the camera. Fortunately there’s a way to make images that look as good as they did in the viewfinder, with a little help from Photoshop. A fresh blanket of snow can make winter scenes quite enthralling but it also presents a big challenge. That’s because the meter in you camera is calibrated for18% gray, and without the proper amount of exposure compensation the pristin

Are Your Travel & Nature Photos Disappointing? Try This! (VIDEO)

We all strive to improve our photography and continually evolve our skills. But if you’re consistently disappointed in your results, it’s time to try something new. The video below from one of our favorite travel and landscape pros offers some great advice for doing just that. British landscape photographer Nigel Danson carefully analyzes his images after every shoot, and occasionally discovers mistakes that can be easily rectified to improve his work in the future. In the interesting tu

Shoot Amazing Photos at Night Without Flash or Special Gear (VIDEO)

Outdoor scenes that appear boring during the day are often transformed into a sparkling tableau after dark, full of interesting lights, colors, and reflections. Unfortunately, some photographers avoid this great opportunity because of a mistaken notion that complex skills and special gear are required. As you’ll see in this quick tutorial from Finnish photographer Peter Forsgard, nothing could be further from the truth. He provides seven simple tips and tricks for making amazing images at n

These Are the BEST Exposure Settings for Nature & Travel Photography (VIDEO)

We regularly turn to British pro Nigel Danson for expert tips on capturing compelling landscape and travel photos. Today’s tutorial is a bit different, as he foregoes a discussion of gear and shooting techniques, and reveals what he says are the best exposure settings to use. Danson’s tips are based upon years of experience in the field and are illustrated by images that help explain the ISO, shutter speed, and apertures settings he prefers for all sorts of outdoor images. While you’re

A Better Way to Fix Underexposed Outdoor Photos in Lightroom (VIDEO)

It’s not unusual to end up with underexposed photos when shooting outdoors under difficult light with a wide range of tones. Some photographers try to rehabilitate dark images with HDR editing, but that’s often tricky and may yield unsatisfactory results. In the video below you’ll learn an alternate approach, working with a single image, that’s easily transforms underexposed images into perfectly balanced shots in a predictable way. This technique takes advantage of the great dynamic

INSTANTLY Improve Wildlife Photos with These 10 Pro Shooting Techniques (VIDEO)

Whether you’re shooting at a local nature reserve, on safari in Africa, or photographing birds in your backyard, there are several things you can do to dramatically improve your results. The episode below isn’t about the latest gear, but rather it reveals a variety of time-tested techniques that you can easily employ when shooting in the field. Landscape pro Steve Perry of Backcountry Gallery demonstrates 10 favorite tips that are often more important than expensive wiz-bag equipment.

Want to Shoot Better Travel, Nature, Portraits & Sports Photos? 1 “ESSENTIAL” Tip Does it All

Most of the tutorials we post deal with a singular shooting or editing technique for making a specific type of image. The unique video below is different, as it reveals one essential method for improving virtually every photo you shoot. Today’s instructor is NY-based photographer David Bergman, whose highly acclaimed images span everything from portraiture, sports events, concerts, and celebrity photos. And in just nine minutes he reveals a key technique that’s partly responsible for his

Luminosity Masks Provide “Insane Control” for Better Looking Photos (VIDEO)

If there’s one underutilized technique for achieving superior results when editing images in Photoshop, it’s the use of Luminosity Masks to balance out the tones and create truly captivating photographs. Best yet, this powerful method is very easy to master. In the video below from Photoshop Café, you’ll see how easy it is to split an image into two or more tonal regions and use Luminosity Masks to make a huge difference in the shot. In barely 11 minutes instructor Colin Smith walks yo

Are 3rd-Party Camera Batteries Worth the Huge Savings? Here’s the Deal (VIDEO)

The first thing most photographers do after buying a new camera is to invest in a second battery, and the immediate quandary is whether to buy an expensive OEM product or purchase a bargain-priced battery that supposedly offers equal or better performance. Another consideration is that some new cameras today don’t ship with a charger, and merely include a cable for in-camera charging. The problem with that is your camera is inoperative while the battery is charging, while if you own a secon

How to Take HORRIBLE Landscape Photos at BORING Locations (Satire)

Here's a humorous, satirical, and surprisingly helpful tutorial that offers you bad photography advice…on purpose. In the video below, pro photographer Mark Denney flips his regular tips and tricks on their head to share the worst things you can do if you're shooting landscapes. Or, in other words, Denney wants you to do the opposite of what he suggests in the video. If that makes sense. "In this week’s episode, we discuss how to take horrible landscape photos in boring locations," Denney

Want Better Photos? Use These Tips, Slow Down & “Control” the Light

A lifeguard station, South Beach, Miami, 9:30pm. It was pitch dark, but a three-minute exposure at ISO 64 and f/5.6 gathered in ambient light from across the street and stretched the clouds across the sky to create an image I couldn’t see—or imagine, really—as I stood at my tripod. © Deborah Sandidge (Editor’s Note: You can read ”On the Road” columnist Deborah Sandidge’s other columns here).   It’s often a case of hurry up and wait. I’ll hurry to a location—often it’s

Give Travel & Nature Photos Spectacular Golden-Hour Light with These Easy Editing Tips (VIDEO)

Making great images is often about being in the right place at the right time. But that’s not always possible depending upon where you live, where you’re going, and the degree to which Mother Nature cooperates. Most outdoor photographers know that Golden Hour can be the best time to capture beautiful travel and landscape images, but what if you arrive at your destination at the “wrong” time of day or when the light is boring? In the tutorial below you’ll see how to give uninspiring

5 Beginner Landscape Photography MISTAKES & How to FIX Them (VIDEO)

Landscape photographer Mark Denney's video from a few years ago on landscape photography mistakes that beginners make proved to be one of his most popular of all time. Now he's back with a follow-up tutorial that addresses something he didn't tackle in the previous video: what do you do when you make a photo mistake on location? "The most popular video I've ever created, with almost one million views, is all about beginner landscape photography mistakes to avoid, but one thing that this video

How to Fix Flat, Boring Landscape Photos by Adding Artificial Light in Photoshop (VIDEO)

When reviewing images on the computer, many of us immediately relegate images with boring flat light to the trash. But if you resist the temptation and employ a simple editing technique, you can rehabilitate dull images and turn them into something special. In the episode below from Phlog Photography you’ll learn how to work some quick magic by adding artificial light rays in Photoshop, create the impression of warm morning illumination, and really pump up the image. Instructor Christia

The 2 MOST IMPORTANT Focal Lengths for Landscape Photography (VIDEO)

What are the most important focal lengths for landscape photography? Pro landscape photographer Mark Denney has picked two of them and says, "they're not what you think." In the below video, Denney argues that if you stick to these two key focal lengths when shooting landscapes, you'll "stop taking photos and start telling stories." "As photographers, I think we're all trying to find the perfect combination of lenses that strikes the best balance of necessity and quality," he says. "Let's fac

This Pro Says Zoom Lenses Have an Edge Over Primes for Nature & Wildlife Photography

Conventional wisdom has always been that zoom lenses can’t compete with fixed focal length glass for most forms of photography. So when a respected pro asks, “Are zoom lenses just better than primes,” we stop and pay attention. What prompts this discussion are the ever-increasing advancements in optical technology—especially the greatly improved performance of high-quality zoom lenses. Wildlife photographer Jan Wegener admits that “In the past I always recommended expensive and heav

This Will CHANGE Your Landscape Photography Forever (VIDEO)

Regardless of the type of images they shoot most, all photographers would occasionally like to capture beautiful images of the great outdoors. What holds some shooters back is the common misconception that landscape photography requires visiting exotic locations with big, epic vistas. In the video below from one of our favorite nature photographers, you’ll learn how to capture amazing landscape images close to home. All it takes is a change of mindset, a different approach to composition an

How to Set the Optimum Exposure for Photos of Flowing Water (VIDEO)

Have you ever wondered how experienced landscape photographers make those mesmerizing images of soft, flowing water? It’s actually very easy to do if you understand the technique, and you’ll learn everything you need to know in the quick video below. Romanian landscape pro Toma Bonciu explains that, “When you’re photographing waterfalls or streams, the exposure time is very important,” and in this nine-minute episode he explains the proper settings, along with a few other tips.

How to Shoot Epic Winter Nature & Travel Photos: 7 Simple Tips (VIDEO)

The first day of winter is still three weeks away, but it’s time to stop thinking about autumn colors and prepare to capture the splendor of the coming frosty season. In the video below, you’ll pick up seven simple tips for making the most of the rapidly approaching winter wonderland. Romanian pro Toma Bonciu is one of our favorite landscape instructors, and he knows what it takes to capture the essence of winter. He’s also spent plenty of time in the mountains where the landscape is o

Give Travel & Nature Photos Vibrant Tones with These Quick Lightroom Tips (VIDEO)

There’s still time to get outside and capture the colorful splendor of autumn, before winter drastically changes the landscape. If the images you capture don’t appear as vibrant as what you saw through the viewfinder, this tutorial is for you. In the video below, German landscape pro Christian Mohrle reveals his favorite editing tricks for pumping up photos that look a bit flat. His goal for the demonstration image is to add drama to the sky, make the foreground reflections more visible,

Holiday Saving Up to 30% on Peak Design Bags & Camera Gear!

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Your camera, your lenses, your drone—if they’re not by your side and at-the-ready, they’re multi-thousand-dollar paper weights. Peak Design has spent the last decade engineering brilliant, award-winning, sustainably-built accessories to help you better transport, protect, and access your creative gear so that you can do more with your camera. And right now, they’re all on sale for an unprecedented discount: up to 30% off. The deal runs from

Don’t Take Another Landscape Photo Before Watching This Video

We often turn to Danish pro Mads Peter Iversen for expert advice on exactly what to do when shooting landscape images. While Iversen is a cheerful, positive guy, he takes the opposite approach in the tutorial below by explaining what NOT to do when making nature photos. There are countless mistakes to avoid when photographing the great outdoors, and Iversen has admittedly made his fair share. In this provocative episode during a stroll on a beautiful autumn day, Iversen not only demonstrates

How to FIX a Common PROBLEM in Lightroom (VIDEO)

Here's a nice little Lightroom tutorial from landscape photography pro Mark Denney that he says will help fix a common problem when post-processing your images. It's all about knowing when to say when while editing your photos as he explains in the video below. "In this week’s episode, we discuss something that solved my greatest photography problem when it comes to post processing my landscape photos," Denney says. "Photography is filled with many ups and downs as you progress down the pat

Shoot Great Travel & Nature Photos Under Harsh Sun (VIDEO)

There’s a popular misconception among novice photographers that bright, sunny days are the best time to capture outdoor scenes, but more experienced shooters know better. We all have to deal with prevailing conditions in the field, and today’s tutorial will help you maker better images under harsh sunny light. We typically turn to British photographer Darrell Oakden for expert tips on making images of birds, but today’s episode is targeted at landscape photographers who confront less-th

How to Use Polarizing Filters Properly for Better Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

Ask any experienced landscape photographer to name their favorite accessories, and the polarizing filter will be near the top of the list. Used properly, this simple tool adds impact to outdoor photos, but a heavy-handed approach will spoil an otherwise great shot. Polarizing filters improve images in a variety of ways. They minimize glare on water and other non-metallic surfaces, reduce distracting reflections, darken pale skies, and increase saturation. In the video below, you’ll learn ho

The BEST Camera Setting You're Probably NOT Using (VIDEO)

There are settings on our cameras we use on a daily basis and some we rarely employ. There are probably even quite a few camera settings we don't even know about. That's a shame because some of these camera settings can come in quite handy during a shoot. Landscape photographer Mark Denney wants to recommend one feature he calls "the best camera setting you're not using." "This is something that I just started to apply to my on-location workflow within the past year and it's really helped me

Turn Good Sunrise Photos Into GREAT Ones with a Little Help from Lightroom (VIDEO)

While we don’t have any data to back up our intuition, we’d guess that sunrise scenes are among the post popular images captured by outdoor photographers. And while many of your shots may look pretty good straight out of the camera, there are a few simple editing tricks for making them look great. In the straightforward tutorial below from Phlog Photography, you’ll learn a simple color-grading method for giving sunrise images a warm, dreamy look. Instructor Christian Mohrle accomplishes

How to Add Falling Snow to Winter Photographs in Photoshop (VIDEO)

Temperatures are dropping and the first day of winter is barely around the corner, with all the great photo opportunities the chilly new season will present. One way to best capture the essence of winter is to include falling snow in your images. In the Photoshop tutorial below you’ll learn how to add flurries or a blizzard to wintry shots when Mother Nature isn’t cooperating. Instructor Marty Geller of Blue Lightning TV demonstrates how to create this effect in barely five minutes. G

How to Maximize Image Quality with Any Camera & Lens You Own (VIDEO)

Have you ever returned from a shoot, thinking you captured a bunch of great shots, only to be disappointed when you review the images on a computer? Well, join the club, because this happens to the best of us on occasion. It’s easy to rationalize mediocre work by saying to yourself, “I need a better a camera and some high-end glass.” But while expensive new equipment can make a difference, if your problems arise from sloppy technique or incorrect camera settings, upgrading your gear isn

Photoshop Basics: Fix Wide-Angle Lens Distortion in Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

The wide-angle lens is a popular choice for capturing expansive landscape vistas, travel photos, and architectural shots. But depending upon the scene, your vantage point, and whether or not you’re able to avoid tilting the camera up or down, unsightly perspective distortion may occur. In the easy-to-follow tutorial below, British photographer Glyn Dewis demonstrates a quick fix for correcting lens distortion problems. As you’ll see, he wants to retain some distortion in the foreground fo

Is This the Best New Editing Feature in Lightroom? (VIDEO)

Landscape photographer Mark Denney is someone who is really enjoying Adobe's recent update to Lightroom. In fact, he likes one feature so much, he just made a video calling it the best new set of editing tools in Lightroom for developing landscape photos. "I don't usually get this excited about software updates, but the new Lightroom update has got me pretty ramped up," Denney says. "I actually haven't been this excited since the initial introduction of range masks a few years ago. And I must

Create Stunning Milky Way Photos Using Photoshop’s Easy Sky Replacement Tool (VIDEO)

The magical Milky Way looming over a nighttime sky offers a great opportunity for capturing beautiful images, yet many photographers shy away from this challenge. That’s often because they’re not in a spot with a compelling foreground, or they don’t know how to create the proper balance between what they see on the ground and in the sky. In this quick tutorial from Jan Wegener of Phlog Photography you’ll learn how create a simple, realistic composite image with a little help from Phot

Enter Shutterbug’s Fall Photo Contest & Win Great Gear, Prizes & Cash

It’s time to get your best fall photos together, shoot a few more, and enter Shutterbug’s Time of the Season Fall Photo Contest for a chance to win a bunch of great gear, prizes, and cash. All genres are welcome, so show us your favorite fall landscape shots, macro images, vacation photos, portraits, and anything else that captures the essence of this crisp, colorful season. You have until November 12 to submit your entries, and winners will be announced November 19. The Grand Prize Winn

5 Ways to Minimize Depth of Field for Photos with a Soft Blurry Background (VIDEO)

Whether you’re shooting portraits or other outdoor scenes with a prominent foregoing object, you can draw attention to the main subject by minimizing depth-of-field. This technique can also add an artistic flair to your images. In the quick tutorial below, you’ll learn how to achieve a soft background and enhance bokeh with whatever lens you use. According to instructor Pye Jirsa of SLR Lounge, “Shallow depth of field is a great way to pull focus straight to your subject by blurring the

This Avoidable Nature Photography Mistake Makes You Look Like a Beginner (VIDEO)

There are worse things than being a beginning photographer. After all, you can make big improvements in your skills in a relatively short time. But if you consider yourself a more advanced shooter, and you still make beginner mistakes, that’s a cause for concern. With the foregoing in mind, we encourage both novices and more experienced photographers to watch the tutorial below. This episode is all about landscape composition and you’ll see how a simple shift in camera position, perspecti

The Truth About Teleconverters for Wildlife & Nature Photos: Yay or Nay?

For those on a budget it’s tempting to purchase an inexpensive 2X teleconverter to double the focal length of a lens you already own, instead of spending big bucks on a powerful super-telephoto zoom. But does this really make sense in terms of image quality, or are you better off just cropping your photos? If you own a hi-res camera, cropping an image shot with a telephoto lens can often get you as tight as necessary. But with lower resolution cameras, cropping isn’t always an option—de

Make Natural-Looking Zoo Photos with This Easy Automated Photoshop Trick (VIDEO)

Not everyone has an opportunity to go on safari to photograph rare and wild animals, but most of us have a zoo nearby which is often the next best thing. The problem is that most images shot at the zoo look like were shot at the zoo. While it’s not cool to pass off images of captive animals as though they were taken in the wild, there’s an easy method for improving zoo photographs by deemphasizing artificial elements. As you’ll see in the video below, one way to do that is by blurring u

5 Tips for Photographing Landscapes and Wildlife in Our National Parks

All photos © Adam Jones (Editor’s Note: Exploring Light is a monthly Shutterbug column featuring tips, tricks, and photo advice from professional photographers in the Canon Explorers of Light and Canon Legends education program. This month's column is by Adam Jones with tips on photographing wildlife and landscapes in our National Parks . As we all know, the pandemic has really restricted international travel. As a result, visitation to our National Parks has hit record levels. Grand Te

5 Key Camera Settings for Attention-Grabbing Bird Photos (VIDEO)

For those new to wildlife photography, birds provide a great opportunity for capturing impressive images. If you’re lucky enough to have a wildlife refuge nearby, that’s a great place to start. But you can also make some great photographs in your own backyard. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced photographer, you can increase your percentage of “keepers” by configuring your camera properly. In the video below you’ll see how one experienced shooter does just that.

Dramatic Long Exposure Night Photos Are Easier Than You Think (VIDEO)

Have you ever marveled at long exposure nighttime photos and said to yourself, “I wish I could do that?” Actually you can, because these striking images of colorful light trails from cars and other eye-popping effects are quite easy to achieve. In the behind-the-scenes tutorial below, you’ll watch photographer Peter Lambert use slow shutter speeds to shoot a variety striking street scenes at night, and he explains exactly how it’s done. Be sure to check the description beneath the vid

5 Easy Editing Hacks to Improve Your Landscape Photos (VIDEO)

Editing "hacks" in Photoshop or Lightroom are fast and helpful tips or tricks that will make your photos go from "blah" to "AH!" in no time. Landscape pro Mark Denney is someone who has accrued many of these software hacks over the years and he shares five handy tricks in the below video. "Some of these hacks I use on each and every photo I edit and others I only use in very specific scenarios," Denney says. "But all five of these techniques solve very specific problems that I encounter withi

How to Shoot RAZOR SHARP Photos with ANY Camera

All photographers strive to make images with maximum sharpness and detail, but depending upon conditions that goal isn’t always easy to accomplish. Sometimes you can improve soft photos during the editing process, but the preferred approach is to use proper shooting techniques so you get what you want in the camera. In today’s tutorial from nature photographer Jan Wegener, you’ll learn how he consistently captures stunning images with optimum detail and sharpness. As he explains, “Hig

No Vibrance Tool in Lightroom? Here’s the SECRET Adjustment (VIDEO)

Photoshop users know that Vibrance and Saturation are similar but not quite the same, and these tools can be employed separately or together for different purposes. Lightroom, on the other hand doesn’t have a Vibrance tool, and if that sounds crazy just take a look; all you’ll find is a Saturation slider. In the quick tutorial below, however, photo-editing instructor Matt Kloskowski comes to the rescue with a hidden method for adding Vibrance in Lightroom. He uses a colorful abstract imag

Want Amazing Bird Photos? These Pros Reveal 7 “Essential” Techniques (VIDEO)

The great thing about bird photography it that it’s a passion you can pursue year-round. But let’s face it: Capturing superb images of our feather friends can be difficult unless you know a few tricks. There are several challenges with this form of photography, including attaining precise focus with fidgety subjects, getting accurate exposures in ever-changing light as birds move between sun and shade, and a multitude of considerations when shooting birds in flight. Today’s video will h

Want to Make Tasty Landscape Photographs? Here’s the Recipe (VIDEO)

So what goes into making an epic landscape photograph? That’s a difficult, if not impossible, question to answer because the notion of artistic beauty is a very subjective matter. What we do know, however, is that you have to check a few boxes off your list before any image can be considered fantastic. All compelling landscape images are carefully composed, properly exposed, and display a thoughtful approach to focus and depth of field. And you have to start with a beautiful scene. But ther

10 Pro Tips Every Wildlife Photographer Should Know

There are many forms of wildlife photography, from capturing images of big cats in the Serengeti to shooting colorful birds at a local park or animal sanctuary. While the choice of gear often depends upon the particular assignment, many important techniques are the same. In the video below from one of our favorite nature photographers, you’ll pick up 10 valuable tips in just 11 minutes that every wildlife photographer should know. Steve Perry is an acclaimed pro with tons of experience shoo

Do You NEED a Hi-Res Camera? How Many Megapixels Are Enough? (VIDEO)

The current trend in cameras is clearly moving in the direction of full-frame mirrorless models with super-high resolution, and the megapixel race shows no signs of abating. But is this based upon sound photographic principles, or does creative marketing and the “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” factor into the equation? Before you answer this question, there are a few variables worth considering. Do you mostly shoot landscape, portrait, or wildlife photographs? Or is travel or action-sports yo

The ONE LENS Every Landscape Photographer Should Own (VIDEO)

Some landscape photographers always shoot with a wide-angle lens, while others occasionally turn to a telephoto. Some insist on using prime lenses, while others prefer the versatility of zooms. After watching the quick video below, you may change your mind about the best lens to use when shooting outdoors. That’s because one of our favorite landscape pros reveals what he says is the one lens every nature photographer should own. We often turn to Romanian photographer Toma Bonciu for tut

Here Are the Amazing Winners of Shutterbug’s Summer “Time of the Season” Photo Contest

“Grand Canyon.” Shot with the Nikon Z7, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8, f/9.0, 1/10, ISO 64, @28mm, with Lightning Trigger-IV. © Gabriel Lee If the entries in our latest Time of the Season photography contest are anything to go by, it’s been quite the summer indeed. We received some absolutely stunning photos showcasing the essence of this wonderfully diverse season. Grand Prize Winner Thunderstorms might not be top of mind when we think of summer (cue mental images of ice cream, watermelon

3 Quick Tips for STUNNING Fall Color Photos (VIDEO)

Summer is over and the fall is here. The leaves are starting to turn their orange, red and golden hues but are you ready as a photographer? The below video from Blake Rudis of f64 Academy should help get you ready. In the tutorial, Rudis shares three quick tips for better fall color. "Fall color photography is fun, awesome in fact," Rudis says. "There is nothing better than getting out there with your camera and showcasing the glory of all that yellow, orange, and red goodness in the tapestr

Histogram or Light Meter: Which Tool is BEST for Nailing Exposure? (VIDEO)

One of the most important skills in the early development of all photographers is knowing how to interpret the light falling on a scene, and then choosing the camera settings that will result in a perfectly exposure photo. With a bit of knowledge and practice, this quickly becomes second nature—enabling you concentrate on other key variables that make up a great image. Today’s quick tutorial isn’t about the Exposure Triangle or other tricks explaining the interaction between aperture, s

Want PERFECT Exposures Every Time? Do This! (VIDEO)

Do you struggle with exposing photographs properly? Are your images either too bright or too dark? Well you’re not alone. But if you watch the following tutorial, those struggles will be a thing of the past. Capturing images with brightness levels that look as good on the computer as they did through the viewfinder is the bane of beginning photographers, and even more experienced shooters encounter this problem on occasion, particularly when shooting outdoors. Knowing how to set your ca

This 1 Setting Can MAKE or BREAK a Landscape Photo (VIDEO)

A lot goes into making great landscape photographs, including dealing with ever-changing light, determining the proper point of focus for optimum depth of field, and simplifying complicated scenes with effective composition. Today were going to keep things simple by concentrating on a single camera setting that one acclaimed pro insists “can make or break a landscape photo.” In this behind-the-scenes tutorial from British nature photographer Nigel Danson, you’ll see how arriving at a co

10 Tips for Fabulous Fall Photos When Shooting Travel & Nature Scenes (VIDEO)

Many outdoor photographers consider autumn the most exciting time of year to shoot. That’s because skies tend to be dramatic, the light is often interesting, and colorful fall foliage is everywhere you look. The quick tutorial below from Scottish pro Kim Grant offers 10 simple tips to help you make the most of this picturesque season. The good news is that you don’t need any special gear—just these helpful ideas. Tip #1 involves using the affordable polarizing filter—a mainstay of

Use This 3-Step Photo Editing Trick for Sharpening Photos Without UGLY, Crispy Results (VIDEO)

When improving soft images during the editing process there’s a big difference between sharp, crisp, and crispy. Do things properly and you’ll achieve realistic sharp results. But make a common mistake and you’ll turn an otherwise nice shot into a crispy, ugly mess. In the following tutorial from French landscape photographer Serge Ramelli, you’ll see a foolproof three-step trick for properly fixing soft images, and learn what Ramelli calls, “The biggest mistake I see when sharpenin

5 “Must Know” Tricks for Lightroom’s Gradient Tool When Editing Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

We’re a big fan of Serge Ramelli’s landscape, travel, and cityscape photography, and his tutorials are always popular with our readers. So when he says the Lightroom tutorial below reveals five “must know” editing tricks, it’s time to pay attention. Ramelli notes that many photographers don’t use Lightroom’s Gradient Tool at all, while others fail to take advantage of everything it can do. In fact, he insists that this “is one of the most powerful tools in Lightroom and if you

Do You NEED a Hi-Res Camera? How Many Megapixels are Enough? (VIDEO)

The current trend in cameras is clearly moving in the direction of full-frame mirrorless models with super-high resolution, and the megapixel race shows no signs of abating. But is this based upon sound photographic principles, or does creative marketing and the “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” factor into the equation? Before you answer this question, there are a few variables worth considering. Do you mostly shoot landscape, portrait, or wildlife photographs? Or is travel or action-sports yo

5 “Must Know” Tricks for Lightroom’s Gradient Tool When Editing Travel & Nature Photos (VIDEO)

We’re a big fan of Serge Ramelli’s landscape, travel, and cityscape photography, and his tutorials are always popular with our readers. So when he says the Lightroom tutorial below reveals five “must know” editing tricks, it’s time to pay attention. Ramelli notes that many photographers don’t use Lightroom’s Gradient Tool at all, while others fail to take advantage of everything it can do. In fact, he insists that this “is one of the most powerful tools in Lightroom and if you

10 Tips for Fabulous Fall Photos When Shooting Travel & Nature Scenes (VIDEO)

Many outdoor photographers consider autumn the most exciting time of year to shoot. That’s because skies tend to be dramatic, the light is often interesting, and colorful fall foliage is everywhere you look. The quick tutorial below from Scottish pro Kim Grant offers 10 simple tips to help you make the most of this picturesque season. The good news is that you don’t need any special gear—just these helpful ideas. Tip #1 involves using the affordable polarizing filter—a mainstay of

Choosing A Digital Camera For The Beginner

Do you want to take your photography skills and passion into the future? If so, here are some tips on how to choose a digital camera for beginners. There are many options out there but picking one is key if you're just starting out in this field!   Choosing the right camera is a difficult decision for any beginner. Cameras can range from basic point-and-shoot cameras to professional DSLRs, and within each of those categories there are so many options that it's hard to know where you shoul

Best Photo Printers

There are many different brands when it comes to digital cameras and printers. As a result, you have the difficult decision of picking which one is best for your needs based on features such as color quality or speed of printing photos. There's no right answer because everyone has their own preference in what they want out of their printer so consider researching before making a purchase!   Photographs are still the best way to store memories. That’s why pictures are snapped up at o