Photo How To

Let's face it: There are so many types of lens filters available in different configurations that the task of purchasing these accessories can be extremely confusing. And the choices you make often depend upon the specific types of photographs you shoot and even the manner in which your edit your work.

Most of my columns for this website concern the ideas and purposes behind the photographs I take. I always include information about the technology used to achieve the photos, which could be as basic as the f/stop chosen to direct your attention, or the use of a ND filter to make a long exposure possible. That approach is not incidental or coincidental; the stories are planned along those lines because my ideas come first, and technology’s purpose is to support those ideas.

Lately we've been featuring tutorials that highlight the versatility of older post-processing tools that have fallen by the wayside as Adobe continues to add new headline-grabbing features to Photoshop, Lightroom, and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). We're doing this again today in the following video that describes why you should take another look at the efficient High Pass filter sharpening tool.

Some photographers are confused by the concept of setting white balance in the camera, and we frequently post tutorials on this important topic. Today's video with Jimmy West simplifies the notion by explaining that "white balance matters more you think and why these three settings are the only ones you'll ever need."

An educator since the early 1960s, Jerry Uelsmann began assembling his photographs from multiple negatives decades before digital tools like Photoshop were available. Using as many as seven enlargers to expose a single print, his darkroom skills allowed him to create evocative images that combined the realism of photography and the fluidity of our dreams.

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So let's say you come upon a spectacular landscape scene, have great gear in your bag, and nail focus and exposure. You still may end up with disappointing results if your composition skills aren't up to spec. That's why we encourage you to pay close attention to this tutorial from an acclaimed landscape photography specialist.