It can be discouraging for many photographers to see their well-healed counterparts shooting with a camera-lens combo that runs far beyond five figures. But one pro says you really shouldn't feel bad that you can't afford expensive gear, because it's possible to capture great images with bargain cameras and lenses if you know a few tricks.
Smart photographers do a lot of research and scrutinize a variety of specs before investing in a new camera. And that's a good thing because we all want to make an informed purchasing decision so the camera we buy best suits our specific needs.
At some point along their journey most photographers think about leaving the comfort of shooting in Auto and experimenting with Manual mode—even if they decide to revert to Aperture or Shutter Priority after giving Manual a try. The beginners guide below explains all the basics for switching your camera's mode dial to "M."
One way to make wildlife and other outdoor subjects stand out is to shoot them against a clean background without distractions. While these are difficult to find in nature, there are ways to soften a cluttered background in post-processing. Today, however, you'll learn four simple techniques for getting the job done in the camera.
If you never venture out with a camera after dark, you're missing out on a bunch of great photo opportunities. Landscapes can take on an awe-inspiring look, and urban scenes that appear boring during the day transform into magical tableaus full of sparking lights, interesting reflections, and vivid colors.
Getting proper exposures when shooting in the field can be a real challenge, especially when shooting under uneven and ever-changing light. The result can be blown-out highlights, crushed shadows, or a combination of both.
Today were going to talk about properly configuring a camera for your specific needs. And if you're one of those "set-it-and-forget-it" photographers we suggest you pay close attention.
Show your best images to the world and earn bragging rights when your photograph is selected to join the Shutterbug Photo of the Day gallery. It doesn't matter whether you shoot with a smartphone or a Hasselblad—if you have the talent, let it be recognized.
What if you were told you there is a much better way to focus, and pros use it all the time for faster, more precise subject acquisition? If we just grabbed your attention, read on to see how it's done.
It's so exciting to get a new camera that many photographers can't resist pulling it out of the box, setting the manual aside, leaving the default settings as they are, and heading out for a day of shooting. If that sounds familiar pay close attention to the video below, in which an accomplished explains what to do first so the new camera performs as intended.
If you were taught to always shoot at the lowest ISO setting possible, join the club. But as you'll see in the enlightening tutorial below, this is one of those "rules of photography" that's meant to be ignored.
Many photographers set their camera for Auto White Balance and never modify the setting regardless of the subject at hand. If that sounds like you it may explain why the colors in your photos don't accurately convey the colors in a scene.
DSLRs are becoming a rarity these days, for reasons you'll see in the video below. If you're already using a mirrorless camera, or plan to get one in the near future, this tutorial is a must see.
You know that Mode dial atop your camera that's always staring you in the face? The first thing you should understand is that the various options available don’t fall into the set-it-and-forget category of configuring a camera.