Learn how to maintain sharpness when light painting. Flash is not the only way—lighting, color, and movement can be utilized in creative ways. Learn to light your models so they look natural. Also, learn how to create depth while working with multiple light sources. Finally, where does color theory come into play? In this installment, we’ll take a look at advanced techniques that will take your light painting portraits to the next level.  

Colors are all around us and we often perceive them peripherally, yet they play a crucial role in photography. This exercise will make you focus on different colors and how to capture them aesthetically.

We all find ourselves daydreaming in our own fantasy world from time to time. And every photographer has likely wondered how to bring those worlds to life. What are the possibilities? What’s involved in a photo or video shoot? What should you watch out for, and how should you handle post-production? Here’s some inspiration for photographers who may not have experience with this genre but want to give it a try.   

I took a closer look at the new Nikon Z50 II. It’s an upgrade from my favorite travel camera, the APS-C Nikon Z50. The new model features the EXPEED 7 processor. This is the same processor found in the Z6 III and Z8 which delivers fast and accurate focusing. With support for 4K 60p video, compact size, flip-out display, and advanced tools, it’s the perfect choice for content creators, vloggers, and photography enthusiasts who want high performance without compromise.  

For most people, camera lens filters are a round piece of glass that screw onto the front of the lens. But what if your lens is too long or wide, or you need to move the filter while shooting? There are several different options for these cases—ranging from relatively standard filters to highly specialized ones designed for specific lenses.

The color of your photography background can work wonders. It doesn’t just set the mood of the photo, but can also influence the appearance of your model’s complexion. Which backgrounds complement natural skin tones and which ones should you avoid? To find out, we tested 10 differently-colored backgrounds, ranging from neutral gray to bright yellow. The results reveal that even subtle changes to your photos‘ background can significantly impact the overall feel of your photo.

Food photography is an art and one of the most challenging genres of photography. It requires a blend of aesthetics, technical skill, and meticulous attention to detail. It also involves food styling—the careful arrangement of food to enhance its visual appeal. The ultimate goal is to create eye-catching images, whether for a restaurant menu or the pages of a cookbook.

He fascinates thousands with his passion for space and nature. An advocate for astronomy, stargazer, and photographer of the night sky, Petr Horálek is also a talented writer. In our interview, he reveals how he captures cosmic events and what motivates his work and photography. We also asked about his preparation for night sky photography, the equipment he relies on, and why it’s important to know what’s happening in the night sky.

2024 is over and we’re looking back at your favorite articles in Learn Photography. The ones that spoke to you most, that you enjoyed to the fullest, and those that helped you improve your photography skills. Whether it was useful tips for taking pictures with your phone, tips for photography gear, or new tools in Zoner Photo Studio X, these are the topics that kept our readers most engaged during 2024.