Shorter days have one definite advantage for photographers: an abundance of time for exterior photoshoots in the dark. Dark alleyways, brick walls lit by streetlamps, reflections of light on a river’s surface, or the elongated shadow of a black cat crossing your path. This type of atmosphere and abundance of time make for the perfect conditions for low key photography in the moody, cinematic style of Film Noir. Take a look at how it’s done...if you dare. 

A 50mm lens is one of the most basic pieces of portrait photography equipment. In this article, we’ll take a look at the special, ultra-fast Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 lens. We’ll also compare it to its older competitors. We’ve tested the lens in the field, so don’t expect dry theory. We are bringing you firsthand experience and a bunch of photos so you can come to your own conclusions. Let’s have at it! 

When taking pictures of people wearing glasses, you’ll often run into problems with glare, making it difficult to see your subject’s eyes. Of course, it’s best to prevent glare during the actual shooting. However, it’s not always possible and you’ll have to either accept it or remove it in post-processing. If you choose the latter option, this tutorial is for you. We’ll be using the Editor Module and layers in Zoner Photo Studio X.

Some opportunities for photography last only a few weeks, but if you take full advantage of them, you can get amazing photos to last you the entire year. This time, we’re holding a light to the white scenery of a frigid winter. Nature has its long winter sleep and often our own energy is lacking, but winter photography has a magic all its own. We’ll give you some ideas on how to best discover it. 

Joy and positive energy are now more important than ever in today’s climate. After being cooped up for such a long time at home, we all need a change of scenery and a bit of inspiration. How about bringing your kids to somewhere out of this world for a short time – their world? When taking pictures of kids, you can use your imagination and photography to tell fascinating stories.

Do you need some last-minute gift ideas? You certainly aren’t the only one. If you are shopping for a photography enthusiast, you’re reading the right article. We’ve peeked in Santa’s sack and gathered a few great ideas from our photographers and editors that certainly won’t disappoint. If you’ve just added several pairs of Christmas socks to your shopping cart, you can cancel your order. 

Taking panoramic photos is a popular way to get the widest angle into one picture at a high resolution. This may work to your advantage when shooting landscapes, architecture, interiors, or perhaps even portraits. In this video, we’d like to shed some light on how to shoot these types of panoramas. We’ve tested three methods of shooting panoramas–hand-held, with a tripod, and using a panoramic tripod head. Take a look at the differences between these three methods and see which one we liked the most. 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more dangerous and precarious genre of photography than war photography. The photographer often goes so far as to risk their own life for their work. You may ask yourself why these photographers go to such lengths and what good may come of it.  A rather poignant response is given by one of the most compelling war photographers of all time, James Nachtwey: “I have been a witness, and these pictures are my testimony. The events I have recorded should not be forgotten and must not be repeated.” This response is simultaneously a strong appeal for humanism that can be found in the work of many photographers who work in combat zones. 

Analog technologies are becoming digital. Rolls of film have been replaced by an electronic sensor, and moving mirrors are also slowly becoming obsolete. Yet, there is still one last remaining bit of the past to be replaced: the shutter. The technology here has not yet reached the necessary heights to go completely digital, so there are cameras that allow you to choose between a mechanical and an electronic shutter for each image. Each has its own pros and cons.