Videos

One of the hardest things about photographing birds is that they usually know you’re there. Whether it’s by seeing, smelling, or hearing you, our fine feathered friends are always acutely aware of your presence, especially when you have a giant telephoto lens pointed at them.

Capturing a subject in silhouette is one of the most dramatic ways to shoot compelling images, especially if you're working in b&w. Today's tutorial from the New Ways of Seeing YouTube channel demonstrates everything you need to know for achieving this powerful effect.

Most photographers are intrigued by the prospect of capturing exotic animals in their natural environment, but many of us lack the time or means to book a safari abroad. The next best thing is a trip to the local zoo where you can make some great shots, work on your skills, and get prepared for shooting in the field.

Every so often one of our favorite instructors surprises us with a concept that really makes sense for capturing landscape scenes with maximum impact. And that’s exactly what you’ll find in the quick tutorial below, as Romanian pro Toma Bonciu demonstrates what he means by “layering” a scene from foreground to background.

We're always on the lookout for straightforward tutorials that will inspire Shutterbug readers to try something new and expand their skills. If you've never experimented with high-contrast b&w photography, this video from instructor Peter Forsgard is guaranteed to add a new arrow in your quiver.

If you're under the impression that a high-end camera is required for fast and precise focus, well, think again, because we're going to dispel that common excuse in the next 10 minutes. The good news is that you can achieve super sharp photos with whatever camera you own by using the pro techniques demonstrated below.