When to Use Levels vs. Curves in Photoshop
Adjusting brightness, contrast, and color in an image can change everything about a photo’s mood and focus. Two key tools in Photoshop that allow you to manipulate these aspects precisely are the Levels and Curves adjustments. Each tool has its strengths and hidden features that provide control over light and color in ways that are unique to each method.
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The Camera Hack You Never Knew You Needed!
Landscape photography, often romanticized as a calm pursuit, is, in reality, a demanding test of patience. Unlike studio photography, where they control the lighting, backdrop, and subject, we landscape photographers must yield to nature’s rhythm. Whether it’s the color at golden hour, a dramatic storm, or a perfectly composed scene, capturing the ideal moment requires unwavering patience.
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How to Achieve a Film Look Without Shooting Film
Digital film simulations have become a popular way to capture the look of classic film stocks without the hassle of processing and scanning. They’re practical for anyone who wants a specific aesthetic without spending time on extensive post-processing, and they give you the freedom to focus on composition and light.
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Why the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro Is Perfect for Compact Close-Ups
The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro is a compact, versatile macro lens that excels in close-up photography. If you’re looking for an option that balances impressive magnification with portability at a competitive price, this lens offers a practical solution, making it a solid choice for capturing detail-rich images of insects, plants, and other small subjects.
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The Most Customizable Tabletop Tripod: We Review the Tilta BT03 Portable Tripod
Tabletop tripods are always nice to have whenever the need arises. While most mini tripods have the same features and functions, this one might offer more uses than most.
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Nikon Zf vs Fujifilm X-T5: The Retro Camera Showdown
The Nikon Zf has been gaining a lot of popularity with retro-loving photographers of all stripes. But how does it stack up against the king of retro camera design's top model, the Fujifilm X-T5?
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How Visiting a Big City Can Improve Your Photography Skills
Sometimes, living in the shadow of a big city (New York, in my case) makes you forget how rich a photographic playground an urban environment can be.
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How White Balance Shifts Affect Our Perception
To fully understand how white balance affects our perception, we must first explore how color shapes our emotional response in photography. Since the dawn of time, we humans have become accustomed to associating certain colors with specific contexts. The ability of humans to read visual cues for signs of danger is likely an instinct as a survival mechanism. For example, brightly colored insects scream danger without having to look into the species.
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How to Turn Your iPad into a Computer Display
Turning your iPad into a second display for your Mac can make your workflow more flexible, whether you're looking for a compact desk setup or a mobile option. The process can vary based on your needs and available accessories, so here’s a guide on two methods that allow you to connect your iPad to your Mac.
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Tips for Creative Photography in Ordinary Locations
Taking photos in a small town can feel limiting if you’re used to seeing iconic cityscapes on social media. But with a few techniques, you can get dynamic, visually striking images right in your local area.
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Building a Composition Without Using Common Composition Rules
One of the most difficult things to accomplish is achieving a great composition. There are many rules and guidelines—enough to make your head spin. Perhaps there’s a better way to create an attractive composition, and that’s by ignoring the rules at first and concentrating on what you want to show.
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Straightforward Outdoor Portrait Lighting With One Light
Outdoor photography often presents lighting challenges that can either enhance or distract from your subject. Managing these conditions effectively requires both careful planning and a few practical tools.
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Is the Viltrox AF 135mm f/1.8 Paving the Way for the Future of Lenses?
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DIY Theatrical Portraits: Using a Spotlight
I've been seeing spotlights used in shoots everywhere, so I wanted to jump on the trend and put my own twist on a spotlight shoot. Here’s how my creative partner, David, and I created a theatrical portrait session using a spotlight.
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Color Contrast in Lightroom for Stunning Fall Photos
Color contrast can completely transform a landscape photo, adding depth and drama that draw in the viewer. This tutorial explores how to use Lightroom to balance color tones for maximum effect in autumn shots, from the initial HDR merge to targeted adjustments that bring out the richness of each part of the image.
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How TTL Flash Can Simplify Your Photography
Choosing the right flash setting can make or break a shot, especially in challenging lighting. TTL, or “through the lens” flash metering, is a powerful option for streamlining exposure in dynamic environments. This method lets your camera analyze light as it passes through the lens, using that data to adjust the flash automatically. For those who shoot in changing light conditions, like during events or outdoor sessions, TTL offers the advantage of quick adjustments without needing to dive into settings constantly.
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The Trials and Tribulations of Experimenting With Infrared Photography
A few months ago, I explored a new photography challenge and invested in an infrared filter for landscape photography. I could've bought an already converted used camera, but after looking at what was available on the used market and specialist conversion services, investing in a filter seemed to be at a more appealing price point and the best of both worlds. After several trials and tribulations, I became hooked on this newly discovered world of infrared photography.
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Rediscovering Childhood Magic: Traveler by Bryan Minear, Captured on the GFX100S II and FUJINON 500mm f/5.6
It is a story brought to life by a father and photographer with Fuji’s GFX100S II and the GF 500mm f/5.6. He started a series about a traveler through existence with a project that explores childlike wonder.
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How to Create Order in Chaotic Woodland Shots
Woodland photography can be uniquely challenging because natural forests are chaotic by nature. Trees may tilt in various directions, branches and leaves create visual clutter, and composing a balanced shot is tricky. For those aiming to create cleaner, more harmonious forest scenes, certain editing techniques can make a real difference.
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Will Modern Lenses Have an Increased Dependence on Lens Corrections?
I see a growing number of new lenses hitting the market that rely on lens correction. These lenses have some benefits, but are lens manufacturers taking shortcuts with these lens designs? Will we be seeing more and more lenses with this reliance on lens correction in the near future?
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