Photo How To

Sometimes we edit outdoor photos to make them more closely resemble what we saw through the viewfinder. Other times, especially when shooting on drab days, the goal is to add some punch so the images look as they would under better conditions.

All photographers are looking for an edge when it comes to shooting in mixed light outdoors, where there’s often a wide range of tones from bright highlights to deep shadows. While arriving at a balanced exposure can be challenging in these situations, there’s a way to use varying light levels to advantage.

Sunset scenes are a favorite of most photographers, and they are wildly popular among “civilians” who appreciate beautiful imagery. Photos captured at this time typically have warm vibrant tones, provide a feeling of serenity, and may even affect a viewer’s mood.

Adobe recently added two new AI Masks to Lightroom 12.3 (and Camera Raw). Unfortunately, one performs just fine, but the other “works terribly” according to the trustworthy Photoshop Café YouTube channel. There is, however, a quick fix, as you’ll see in the tutorial below.

Mathieu Stern is a weird-lens fanatic whose videos usually involve bargain vintage optics that can be modified for use with modern digital cameras. Occasionally, though, he offers something a bit different, like the video below illustrating how a UV-modified DSLR can reveal some surprising “invisible” secrets hidden beneath your skin.

As photographers, we all make mistakes. But are you brave enough to share them with the world?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo used high-speed cameras to study the intricate manner in which ladybugs fold and unfold their wings as you can see in the amazing video below from the National Geographic YouTube channel.