In August, we’ll once again be spending most of our time in the mountains, which offer a welcome escape from the scorching heat. We’ll also be staying solely within Europe and North America, which, thanks to their long sunny days, are ideal in August for extended trips with a camera in hand. This time, however, we’ll skip the Mediterranean.

Blown highlights (overexposed areas) are a common problem, especially for beginner photographers. The good news: they’re easy to avoid — if you follow a few rules while shooting and know a few quick corrections in Zoner Studio. Below you’ll learn how to rescue areas that are too bright or too dark in your pictures.

When you watch a good movie, you probably notice more than just the story. If you’re a photographer, chances are you’re drawn to the film’s color style too. You might wonder how the filmmakers achieved that look and whether you can do something similar with your photos. Color editing can enhance the mood of a photo and draw the viewer into its story, just like in a movie. With the right adjustments, you can give your photos the same atmosphere as your favorite movies!  

Post-production is an essential part of photography, but it can easily turn into an endless process that drains your time and energy. Fortunately, there are ways to make editing faster and more efficient, without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist who enjoys editing your own photos, these tips will help you spend less time at the computer and achieve more consistent results.  

The best places for photography aren’t thousands of miles away. You don’t need to travel to the ends of the earth to take powerful photos. What matters most is often just a few steps from your front door. Powerful images don’t come from exotic countries. They come from the streets you know by heart. The places that feel like home. You just have to learn to see them with fresh eyes.  

Creative still lifes are the perfect outlet for photographers who want to stay creative, even when they can’t or don’t want to go outside. If it’s pouring rain and the light is terrible, you can still be creative. All you need are a few props, a bit of light, and most importantly: an idea. Often, coming up with that idea is harder than mastering technique or choosing the right equipment.   

Portraits are one of the most common genres. What photographer hasn’t taken pictures of friends, family, or themselves while traveling or at a party? But to take your photos to the next level, it’s important to understand how to find and work with the perfect lighting. In this article, I focus on working with light outdoors, look at specific real-world situations, and share my tips for getting the best possible light from the scene.  

Thinking about buying a second-hand camera? Used camera equipment can be a great option if you know what to look for. In this article, you’ll find tips on how to spot a quality used camera, what to check, how to test a used lens, what to avoid, and where to buy gear. Save money and avoid unnecessary risk.

July is one of the main vacation months for Europeans. But as heatwaves sweep across much of the continent, many travelers find it hard to choose a destination. Soaring temperatures often dictate how much we’re willing to explore with a camera. Instead of taking pictures, we end up cooling off in the shade of a palm tree with an ice-cold beer. Where can you go if beach photos aren’t your thing? The answer is simple. Pack light and head for the mountains. July is one of the best times to visit them. The higher and farther north you go, the better.

Blowouts, also called blown highlights, are overexposed areas in a photo where detail is completely lost. They can easily ruin an otherwise great shot. Learn how to avoid blowouts both while shooting and during editing.