Photo How To

It’s likely that many of you are unfamiliar with the UK-based Societies of Photographers or their international Photographer of the Year (POTY) Awards. But one look at the gorgeous images of the Societies’ 2016 winners show why you can learn a bit about photography and gain inspiration from obscure photo contests.

People often ask me, “What sort of lens should I buy as my second lens?” and my answer is always the same: “What sort of pictures would you like to take?”  I’m getting that question a lot right now because a zillion people got new cameras over the holidays. There are so many options I’ve decided to deliver the answer in two installments. But first, let’s take a close look at that kit lens that came with your camera.

Got Questions About Photography? Professional Photographer and Photoshop Expert Scott Kelby Has Got Answers.

Remember Albert? Not Einstein—I mean the Albert that’s also known as “Snowtober.” If you lived on the East Coast in October 2011 you remember Albert as the freak Halloween snowstorm that left more than three million homes and businesses without power. Talk about Trick or Treat. One thing that we all should have learned from that painful experience is what all Boy Scouts know: Be Prepared. 

Want to elevate the quality of your photography with the gear you already own? It may sound too good to be true, but all you have to do is watch the following video tutorial from Canadian pro Peter McKinnon and that’s exactly what will happen.

Time-lapse videos are all the rage these days but they typically require specialized gear and technical expertise that is beyond the means and knowledge of many of us. In the six-minute tutorial below, you’ll learn how to create time-lapses yourself, using gear you likely already own.

While everyone here probably has a good understanding of how to arrive at a proper exposure by manipulating aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings, a quick refresher is always helpful. The short video below provides just that and includes a few other important bits of technical advice on how to capture high quality photos.