Travel Photography How To

Photographers are known for chasing the latest and greatest gear, despite the adage that, “It’s the photographer—not the camera—that creates the image.” I’ll admit to owning a couple “state-of-the art” digital cameras myself. But my photo cabinet also includes a few “obsolete” models dating back to 2009.

If the entries in our latest Time of the Season photography contest are anything to go by, it’s been quite the summer indeed. We received some absolutely stunning photos showcasing the essence of this wonderfully diverse season.

Something odd often happens when accomplished photographers take a vacation: They return from their trip with photos that look more like snapshots than the great images for which they are known. If that sounds like you, watch the video below and take travel photography seriously.

If you've never tried the exposure bracketing function on your camera, you need to bust it out right away because it can be a "lifesaver," according to photographer Pierre T. Lambert. This is particularly true, he says, when you're shooting scenes of high contrast, such as sunsets or in direct sunlight.

We all know that it’s ultimately the photographer—not the gear—that’s responsible for incredible images. But there’s no doubt that appropriate, quality equipment will make the process easier and more enjoyable whenever you head out into the field.

The craft of photography is full of long-held concepts and conventional wisdom that have proven helpful for years. But as technology, techniques, and editing software have evolved, some of these so-called "rules" deserve to be pushed to the wayside.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Your camera, your lenses, your drone—if they’re not by your side and at-the-ready, they’re multi-thousand-dollar paper weights.