Photography has become increasingly popular over the years. As technology advances, more and more people are picking up cameras in an attempt to capture beautiful moments and express their creativity.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, there is always something new to learn. In this article, we will explore two main topics: photography tutorials and educational resources, as well as selling photos online.
Photography tutorials and educational resources
Quick Capture Cheat Sheets
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wanted to capture a specific moment, but you struggled to adjust the settings on your camera quickly? Quick Capture Cheat Sheets can be a lifesaver in such situations.
These cheat sheets provide you with all the necessary information at a glance, allowing you to make quick adjustments and capture the perfect shot. With the help of Quick Capture Cheat Sheets, you can learn about different photography techniques such as exposure, aperture, and shutter speed.
These cheat sheets provide a concise explanation of each technique along with recommended camera settings for various shooting scenarios. Whether you’re photographing landscapes, portraits, or action shots, these cheat sheets will guide you on how to achieve optimal results.
Best posts and tutorials from ExpertPhotography
When it comes to photography tutorials and educational resources, ExpertPhotography is a renowned platform that offers a wealth of knowledge. ExpertPhotography features articles, tutorials, and posts covering a wide range of topics, from specific photography techniques to marketing tricks to improve your photography knowledge.
One of the best things about ExpertPhotography is their step-by-step tutorials. These tutorials guide you through the entire process of capturing a specific type of photograph, providing detailed instructions along with example images.
By following these tutorials, you can improve your photography skills and expand your creative repertoire. Additionally, ExpertPhotography offers articles on marketing and business aspects of photography.
Whether you’re looking to turn your passion into a profession or simply improve your photography business, ExpertPhotography provides valuable insights and tips to help you succeed.
Selling photos online
15 websites to sell photos without scams
If you’re an aspiring photographer looking to monetize your talent, selling photos online can be a lucrative option. However, it’s crucial to choose reputable websites to avoid scams and ensure that your work is properly credited and compensated for.
There are numerous stock photo agencies available online, but not all of them are trustworthy. To save you time and effort, we have compiled a list of 15 reputable websites where you can sell your photos without worrying about scams.
These websites provide opportunities for photographers to showcase their work and sell their photos directly to clients.
Finding the best photography websites
In addition to selling your photos online, there are photography websites that offer platforms for photographers to showcase their work. These websites serve as online portfolios, allowing you to create a visually appealing display of your photographs.
Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, having an online portfolio is essential. It not only allows you to showcase your best work but also acts as a platform for potential clients or employers to discover and hire you for photography projects.
Additionally, some photography websites also feature online magazines, providing a space for photographers to share their stories and experiences, further expanding their reach. In conclusion, photography tutorials and educational resources can significantly enhance your photography skills and knowledge.
From Quick Capture Cheat Sheets to ExpertPhotography, there are ample resources available to help you improve your photography techniques and expand your business. Additionally, selling photos online can provide a platform for photographers to monetize their talent, and finding the right websites is crucial to avoid scams and maximize exposure.
So don’t hesitate to dive into the world of photography tutorials and start selling your photos online. Happy shooting!
Smartphone photography and editing
Best retouching apps for photographers
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become our go-to devices for capturing moments on the go. With the evolution of smartphone cameras, we now have the ability to take stunning photos right at our fingertips.
However, taking a great photo is only half the battle. Editing plays a crucial role in bringing out the best in your smartphone photographs.
Fortunately, there are numerous retouching apps available that allow you to enhance your photos with just a few taps. One of the most popular retouching apps among photographers is Lightroom Mobile.
Developed by Adobe, Lightroom Mobile provides professional-grade photo editing tools in the palm of your hand. From adjusting exposure and color tones to applying filters and removing blemishes, Lightroom Mobile offers a wide range of features to make your photos truly shine.
Another app that is highly recommended for retouching smartphone photos is Snapseed. Developed by Google, Snapseed is a free and user-friendly app that offers a variety of editing tools.
It allows you to fine-tune your photos with precision, adjust brightness and contrast, apply selective edits, and even create stunning black and white images. For those looking for a more artistic approach to editing their smartphone photos, Prisma is an app worth exploring.
Prisma uses artificial intelligence and neural networks to transform your photos into stunning artworks. With a wide range of artistic filters inspired by famous artists and art styles, Prisma lets you add a creative touch to your smartphone photos with ease.
Using Content Aware Fill in Photoshop
While editing on a smartphone can be convenient, there are times when you need the power and versatility of desktop editing software like Photoshop. Among Photoshop’s extensive list of features, one that stands out for photographers is Content Aware Fill.
Content Aware Fill is a powerful tool that allows you to remove unwanted objects from your photos seamlessly. Whether it’s removing a distracting element in the background or getting rid of an unwanted photobomber, Content Aware Fill makes the process quick and easy.
Simply select the object you want to remove, click on the Content Aware Fill button, and let Photoshop work its magic. The software analyzes the surrounding areas and fills in the gap intelligently, resulting in a clean and natural-looking image.
To get the best results with Content Aware Fill, it’s important to make an accurate selection of the object you want to remove. Using the lasso tool or the quick selection tool, ensure that you create a precise and detailed outline around the object.
This will help Photoshop understand the area to be replaced and deliver accurate results.
Cameras and equipment for specific photography genres
Best cameras for food photography
Food photography has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, thanks to the rise of social media and the increased interest in culinary experiences. If you’re looking to dive into the world of food photography, investing in the right camera can make a significant difference in the quality of your images.
When it comes to choosing a camera for food photography, there are several factors to consider. One important aspect is image quality.
Look for a camera that has a high-resolution sensor and good low-light performance to capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of food. Additionally, a camera with a variety of lenses and manual controls can give you the flexibility to experiment with different angles and depths of field.
Popular camera brands for food photography include Canon and Nikon. Canon’s EOS 5D Mark IV is a top choice among many professional food photographers.
With its high-resolution sensor, excellent image quality, and a wide range of lenses to choose from, the EOS 5D Mark IV offers versatility and exceptional performance for capturing mouthwatering food shots. For those on a budget, the Nikon D7500 is a great option.
It features a 20.9-megapixel sensor, a tilting touchscreen, and advanced autofocus capabilities, making it a reliable choice for capturing stunning food photographs.
Best cameras for macro photography
Macro photography allows us to explore the mesmerizing details of tiny subjects that are often overlooked by the naked eye. From capturing the delicacy of flowers to the intricacies of insects, macro photography opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
To excel in this genre, it’s essential to invest in the right camera and equipment. When it comes to choosing a camera for macro photography, one of the most important factors to consider is the ability to capture fine details.
Look for a camera that has a high-resolution sensor and excellent image stabilization to ensure sharp and clear macro shots. Additionally, a camera with a dedicated macro lens or the ability to use extension tubes can provide the required magnification for capturing tiny subjects up close.
One camera that is highly recommended for macro photography is the Canon EOS 90D. With its 32.5-megapixel sensor and advanced autofocus system, the EOS 90D allows you to capture exceptionally detailed macro images.
Combined with a macro lens, such as the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM, you can achieve stunning close-up shots with outstanding sharpness and clarity. For amateur photographers or those on a tighter budget, the Nikon D5600 offers an excellent option.
With its 24.2-megapixel sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, and touchscreen interface, the D5600 provides a user-friendly and affordable option for capturing impressive macro photographs. In conclusion, exploring smartphone photography and editing opens up a world of possibilities for capturing and enhancing stunning images.
Whether you choose to use retouching apps on your smartphone or leverage the power of desktop editing software like Photoshop, these tools can help you take your photography to the next level. Additionally, investing in the right camera and equipment for specific photography genres such as food photography and macro photography is crucial to achieving outstanding results.
So, grab your smartphone or camera and embark on your photographic journey. Happy shooting!
Creative photography tips and inspiration
Self-portrait photography tips
Self-portrait photography offers a unique opportunity for photographers to explore their creativity and express themselves in front of the camera. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, capturing compelling self-portraits requires some planning and consideration.
Here are a few tips to help you create stunning self-portraits and generate original ideas:
1. Plan your concept: Before you start shooting, take some time to brainstorm and plan your self-portrait concept.
Think about the mood, theme, and story you want to convey through your photograph. Consider using props, different locations, or even experimenting with lighting to create an interesting visual narrative.
2. Utilize natural light: Natural light can be a powerful tool for self-portrait photography.
Find a location with soft, diffused light, such as near a window or in a shaded outdoor area. Experiment with different angles and directions of light to create depth and enhance the mood of your self-portrait.
3. Experiment with composition: Explore different composition techniques to add visual interest to your self-portraits.
Try using the rule of thirds, leading lines, or unconventional angles to create a dynamic and captivating composition. Don’t be afraid to break the rules and experiment with different perspectives to add a unique touch to your self-portraits.
4. Express emotion: Self-portraits provide an opportunity for self-expression.
Experiment with different facial expressions and body language to convey a specific emotion or mood. Think about what message you want to communicate through your self-portrait and channel that emotion into your pose and expression.
5. Use remote shutter or self-timer: To capture self-portraits without the need for someone else to press the shutter button, use a remote shutter or set a self-timer on your camera.
This gives you more freedom and control over your photos, allowing you to experiment with different poses and expressions without feeling rushed. Remember, self-portrait photography is about capturing your unique perspective and personality.
Don’t be afraid to take risks and try something different. Allow your creativity to shine through your self-portraits and use them as a means of self-expression.
Fine art portrait photography inspiration
Fine art portrait photography is a genre that allows photographers to create artistic and visually captivating images. With the right inspiration and techniques, you can create stunning fine art portrait photographs that convey a sense of beauty and emotion.
Here are a few sources of inspiration and talented photographers to explore:
1. Art galleries and museums: Visit art galleries and museums to immerse yourself in the world of fine art.
Pay attention to the lighting, composition, and emotions portrayed in the paintings and sculptures. Take note of how artists use colors, textures, and details to create a sense of atmosphere and narrative in their artwork.
Drawing inspiration from different art forms can enhance your own fine art portrait photography. 2.
Online portfolios and social media: Explore the portfolios and social media accounts of talented fine art portrait photographers. Follow their work to gain inspiration and learn from their techniques.
Observe how they use lighting, posing, and props to create visually captivating images. Engage with their work by leaving comments, asking questions, and joining photography communities to connect and learn from fellow photographers.
3. Nature and landscapes: Incorporate elements from nature and landscapes into your fine art portrait photography.
Consider shooting in outdoor locations with scenic backgrounds, such as forests, fields, or coastal areas. Experiment with how the natural elements interact with your subject, whether it’s incorporating flowers, water, or natural light.
By blending the human form with the beauty of nature, you can create captivating and ethereal fine art portraits. 4.
Experiment with different techniques: Fine art portrait photography allows for experimentation and pushing the boundaries of traditional portraiture. Explore various techniques such as double exposure, intentional camera movement, or using prism filters to create unique and artistic effects.
Allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge the conventions of portraiture to create truly remarkable fine art portraits. Remember, in fine art portrait photography, your imagination and creativity are your canvas.
Allow yourself to explore and experiment with different ideas and techniques. Embrace the opportunity to create visually striking images that evoke emotions and tell a story through the power of your artistry.
Technical aspects of photography
Understanding focal length
Understanding focal length is essential for photographers seeking to create specific visual effects and achieve their desired compositions. Focal length refers to the distance between the lens and the image sensor inside the camera.
It affects the field of view, perspective, and magnification of the final image. Here’s a closer look at how focal length impacts your photography:
1.
Field of view: Focal length determines the field of view, or how much of the scene your lens can capture. A shorter focal length, such as a wide-angle lens, allows for a broader field of view.
This is beneficial for landscape and architectural photography, where you often want to capture a wide expanse of the scene. On the other hand, a longer focal length, like a telephoto lens, narrows the field of view, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects or achieving a more compressed perspective in portrait photography.
2. Perspective distortion: Focal length also affects perspective distortion, particularly in portrait photography.
A shorter focal length can create an exaggerated perspective, making features in the foreground appear larger while pushing objects in the background further away. This effect is commonly referred to as wide-angle distortion.
On the contrary, longer focal lengths compress the perspective, resulting in a flatter-looking image where objects in the background appear closer to the subject. 3.
Magnification: Focal length affects the magnification of your subject. Longer focal lengths, such as macro lenses, allow you to capture subjects in great detail at close distances.
This is particularly useful for macro photography, where you want to showcase intricate details of small subjects like flowers or insects. Understanding the creative possibilities that different focal lengths offer can significantly enhance your photography.
Experiment with various focal lengths and lenses to find the appropriate field of view, perspective, and magnification for the desired visual effect and composition of your photograph.
Mastering aperture settings
Aperture is a crucial aspect of photography that affects the depth of field and the amount of light entering your camera. It plays a significant role in achieving the desired artistic effect and controlling the sharpness and focus of your images.
Here’s a closer look at how aperture settings impact your photography:
1. Depth of field: Aperture controls the depth of field, which refers to the area in your photograph that appears sharp and in focus.
A wide aperture, represented by a smaller f-number (e.g., f/1.8), creates a shallow depth of field. This isolates the subject from the background, resulting in a blurred background and a prominent subject.
Wide apertures are commonly used in portrait photography to create a dreamy, soft background. On the other hand, a narrow
Photography storage and editing apps
Best storage apps for photographers
As photographers, it’s crucial to have a reliable and secure storage solution for our precious photographs. With the rise of smartphone photography, the need for efficient storage apps has become increasingly important.
Here are some of the best storage apps for photographers to consider:
1. Google Photos: Google Photos offers free unlimited storage for high-quality photos and videos.
It automatically backs up your media and organizes them into a searchable library, making it easy to find and access your photos anytime, anywhere. The app also provides editing features, allowing you to enhance your photos right within the app.
2. Dropbox: Dropbox is a popular cloud storage service that offers seamless integration across multiple devices.
With a free account, you get a limited amount of storage, but premium plans are available for additional space. Dropbox allows you to upload and access your photos from anywhere, and you can easily share them with others or collaborate on projects.
3. Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Creative Cloud not only provides storage solutions but also offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools for photographers.
With a paid subscription, you’ll have access to Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and other creative apps, allowing you to edit and store your photos in one place. 4.
Amazon Photos: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you have access to Amazon Photos, which offers unlimited storage for photos and up to 5GB of storage for videos. This is a convenient option for photographers who already have a Prime membership and want an easy way to back up and access their photos.
Consider the features, storage limits, and compatibility with your devices when choosing a storage app. It’s also important to regularly back up your photos to multiple storage solutions to ensure their safety.
Best photo collage apps
With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, photo collages have become a popular way to showcase multiple images in a single frame. Whether you want to create a cohesive visual story or share a collection of your best shots, here are some of the best photo collage apps to get creative with:
1.
Layout from Instagram: Layout is a dedicated app from Instagram that offers an easy and intuitive way to create photo collages. It provides a variety of pre-designed layouts, enabling you to arrange multiple photos in a grid or create custom layouts.
You can also adjust the size and position of each photo within the collage. 2.
Pic Collage: Pic Collage is a versatile app that offers a range of templates, stickers, backgrounds, and fonts to help you create visually appealing collages. You can import photos from your camera roll or choose from the vast library of images available within the app.
With its user-friendly interface and extensive customization options, Pic Collage is a popular choice for creating personalized photo collages. 3.
Canva: Canva is a powerhouse app that goes beyond just photo collages. It offers a wide range of templates and design tools, allowing you to create professional-looking collages with ease.
With Canva, you can add text, stickers, icons, and even apply filters and effects to your photos. The app also provides advanced editing features, giving you full control over the design and composition of your collage.
4. Layouts from Desygner: Layouts from Desygner is a user-friendly app that offers a variety of customizable templates for photo collages.
You can choose from different grid layouts and easily drag and drop your photos into place. The app also provides editing options such as filters, text, and stickers to enhance your collages.
These photo collage apps offer various features and customization options to suit your creative vision. Experiment with different layouts and styles to create captivating and visually appealing collages that will stand out on your social media feed.
Specialized photography techniques
Moon photography tips
Capturing the beauty of the moon can be an awe-inspiring experience and a rewarding challenge for photographers. Here are some tips to help you achieve stunning moon photographs:
1.
Basic equipment: To capture detailed shots of the moon, you’ll need a camera with manual controls, such as a DSLR or mirrorless camera. A telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 200mm is recommended to get close-up shots of the moon.
A sturdy tripod is essential for keeping your camera steady during long exposures. 2.
Time your shots: The best time to photograph the moon is during a clear night when it’s high in the sky. Consult a moon phase calendar to determine the optimal time for capturing the moon at its brightest and most detailed.
3. Manual settings: Switch your camera to manual mode and adjust the settings accordingly.
Start with a low ISO setting (around 100-400) to minimize noise in your images. Use a small aperture (around f/8 to f/11) for sharper details.
Experiment with different shutter speeds, but keep in mind that faster shutter speeds may be necessary to avoid overexposing the moon. 4.
Use a remote shutter release: To minimize camera shake, use a remote shutter release or the camera’s built-in timer for triggering the shutter. This will help you achieve sharp and blur-free photos.
5. Bracketing and exposure compensation: Moon photography can be challenging due to the high contrast between the bright moon and the dark sky.
Experiment with exposure compensation and bracketing to capture both the moon and its surrounding details. This involves taking multiple shots at different exposure levels and blending them together during post-processing.
Color correcting on the right screen
Color correction is an essential step in the editing process, ensuring accurate and consistent colors in your final photographs. However, it’s crucial to have a properly calibrated monitor to achieve the desired results.
Here are some tips to help you color correct on the right screen:
1. Calibrate your monitor: Use a hardware calibration tool to calibrate your monitor regularly.
This tool measures and adjusts various aspects of your monitor, such as brightness, contrast, color temperature, and gamma, to ensure accurate color reproduction. 2.
Set the right viewing conditions: When color correcting, make sure you are working in a controlled environment with consistent lighting conditions. Avoid bright sunlight or strong artificial light sources that can cause color shifts and affect your perception of colors.
3. Use color calibration software: In addition to hardware calibration tools, there is specialized color calibration software available that can help fine-tune your monitor’s color accuracy.
These software programs allow you to create monitor profiles and ensure consistent color representation across different displays. 4.
Check your work on different devices: To ensure your photos look accurate across various devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and other screens, periodically check your work on different displays. This will help you identify any potential color inconsistencies and make adjustments accordingly.
Remember, accurate color representation is essential for conveying the intended mood and atmosphere in your photographs. By calibrating your monitor and following color correction best practices, you can ensure that your images look as intended across different screens and devices.
With specialized photography techniques like moon photography and color correcting, it’s important to thoroughly understand the equipment and workflows involved. By following these tips and practicing these techniques, you can achieve exceptional results and enhance your photographic skills.
So, get out there and capture the beauty of the moon or fine-tune the colors in your images with confidence and creativity. Happy shooting!
Photo editing tools and effects
Apps to make blurry photos sharper
We’ve all had those moments when we capture a great photo, only to realize later that it’s slightly blurry or lacks the desired sharpness. Fortunately, there are various photo editing apps available that can help enhance the sharpness of your images.
Here are some apps to consider to make blurry photos sharper:
1. Adobe Photoshop Express: Adobe Photoshop Express is a powerful photo editing app that offers a range of tools, including sharpening filters.
You can use the “Clarity” or “Sharpen” tool to selectively enhance the sharpness of specific areas in your photo. Be mindful not to overdo it though, as excessive sharpening can introduce noise and artifacts.
2. Snapseed: Snapseed is a popular and user-friendly photo editing app that provides a variety of tools to enhance your images.
To make blurry photos sharper, you can use the “Details” tool, which includes options for structure and sharpening. Experiment with these tools to find the right balance and achieve the desired level of sharpness.
3. PicsArt: PicsArt offers a range of editing tools and effects to enhance your photos.
In addition to basic editing options, you can use the “Sharpen” tool to improve the overall sharpness of your images. It also allows you to adjust the strength of the sharpening effect to suit your preferences.
Remember, while these apps can help improve the sharpness of your photos to some extent, they cannot create details that were not present in the original capture. It’s always best to strive for sharp, well-focused photos during the shooting process.
However, if you do end up with blurry images, these apps can be a helpful solution to salvage and enhance your photos.
Using painting apps for creative effects
If you’re looking to add a unique and artistic touch to your photos, painting apps can offer a range of creative effects and filters. They allow you to transform your images into stunning paintings, sketches, or other artistic styles.
Here are a few painting apps to explore for creative photo effects:
1. Prisma: Prisma is a popular painting app known for its extensive collection of artistic filters and effects.
Using various AI and neural network algorithms, Prisma can transform your photos into stunning artworks resembling the styles of famous painters and art movements. Experiment with different filters to see which ones best suit your photos and creative vision.
2. Waterlogue: Waterlogue specializes in transforming your photos into beautiful watercolor paintings.
With its unique algorithm, the app analyzes your images and creates realistic watercolor representations, complete with intricate brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and soft washes. The results can be truly breathtaking, giving your photos a painterly and artistic feel.
3. Brushstroke: Brushstroke offers a range of styles and filters to turn your photos into stunning paintings.
Whether you prefer oils, acrylics, or other painting styles, Brushstroke provides customization options to fine-tune the effects. You can adjust brush size, texture, and color palettes to create a personalized artistic rendition of your photos.
Using painting apps can breathe new life into your images and allow you to explore different artistic styles. It’s a fun and creative way to add a unique touch to your photography and express your artistic vision.
Specialty photography and documentation
Still life photography tips
Still life photography is a fascinating genre that allows photographers to create captivating compositions using inanimate objects. It offers endless possibilities for creative expression and storytelling.
Here are some tips to elevate your still life photography:
1. Choose a compelling subject: Select objects that have interesting shapes, textures, or colors.
Experiment with different arrangements and compositions to create visually balanced and engaging images. Consider using items with personal significance or objects that tell a story.
2. Play with lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in still life photography.
Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as side lighting, backlighting, or diffused natural light, to create different moods and emphasize the texture and shape of your subjects. Be mindful of shadows and highlights, adjusting them to suit your desired composition.
3. Experiment with backgrounds and props: Backgrounds and props play an essential role in setting the