So much of the discourse surrounding the latest cameras is usually about Eye AF: how fast it is, how consistent, is camera X’s better than camera Y’s. There’s a reason for that, and it’s not just because it’s the latest buzzword.

The tilt-shift lens is probably one of the most special lenses available. It allows the photographer to turn, shift, and tilt the lens in many different ways. In this article, I explain when and how to use the shift function.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Light Modifiers (For Stunning Portraits) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Gina Milicia.

Light modifiers are a powerful way to shape or control light.

And with the right approach, you can use modifiers to achieve beautifully lit, gorgeous portraits.

In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about modifiers. I’ll take you through all the most popular modifiers – and I’ll explain precisely what they do and why you might want to use them.

By the time you’re done, you’ll be a light modification expert!

The post Weekly Photo Challenge – Eyes appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

They say eyes are the window to your soul, I say “I almost always want my eyes to be in sharp focus!” but each to their own! This week we really want to see your interpretation of ‘Eyes’ – #dPSEyes

Now, I guess the first thing we think of when we think of eyes are the things we see with, right? But there are many more options when it comes to photography! It doesn’t just have to be your eye, up close, lookin’ all crazy! Let’s make a list…

Missed a Challenge? Don’t sweat it, find all of our previous challenges here!

So many options when it comes to eyes, but the main goal of these challenges is to be creative in your photos, to make you think about different ways to photograph your subject – if you want to set your camera up on a tripod (or the bench) and photograph your eye, you need to think about lighting and angles to best capture all the crazy details in your eye (Yes, I’ve done this, with a macro and lots of light – it’s crazy!)

The post The Nikon Z9 Is Officially in Development. Here’s What We Know So Far. appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Earlier this month, Nikon officially announced its flagship Z-series camera, the Nikon Z9.

Designed for professionals, the Z9 will likely follow in the footsteps of the Canon EOS R5 and the Sony a1, both of which offer an unprecedented combination of high resolution, fast shooting speeds, class-leading video, and top-notch autofocus.

So while the Nikon Z9 will undoubtedly appeal as a mirrorless successor to the action-centric Nikon D6, the camera will also be suitable for event photographers, wildlife photographers, and hybrid shooters, as well as jack-of-all-trades professionals who require an all-in-one solution.

Nikon’s official announcement revealed little about the Z9 aside from its name, its release year (2021), and a few hints about shooting capabilities. The Z9 boasts 8K video and “utilizes a newly developed FX-format stacked CMOS sensor and new image-processing engine.” Nikon claims that the Z9 will serve up “the best still and video performance in Nikon history, meeting the advanced needs of professionals in a wide range of genres.”

The post Abstract Street Photography: The Essential Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Anthony Epes.

Want to know how to capture beautiful abstract street photography?

You’ve come to the right place.

While I am not a traditional street or abstract photographer, I love shooting in cities – and I love how street and abstract photography allow for so much fun and exploration.

So in this article, I’m going to share some tips, tricks, and ideas to enhance your abstract street photos.

The post The Best Online Photo Storage Platforms in 2021 Compared appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Ringsmuth.

Of all the options for managing our digital images, which one offers the best online photo storage?

With dozens of services to explore, it can be difficult to find the right storage for your needs. Some prioritize features, while others compete based on price. Some services are basic but easy to use, and others are highly customizable but intimidating to set up.

The trick is to find the service that works right for you!

And that’s what this article is all about:

The post Composition in Photography: A Complete (and Modern) Guide appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Ana Mireles.

If you’re looking to learn about composition in photography, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I’ll cover what composition is, and I’ll explain how to use it to make your images eye-catching and unique.

So whether you’re a beginner photographer learning the basics or a more experienced shooter who wants to improve, read on to find out some of the most effective composition tools, concepts, and guidelines available!

What is composition in photography?

Composition in photography refers to the position of elements inside the frame and how they interact with each other.

The post 5 Camera Filters That Can Enhance Your Photography appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Simon Bond.

If you want to know the best camera filters for photographers, you’ve come to the right place.

Because in this article, I’m going to share with you the five filters that’ll instantly improve your photos.

I’m also going to explain who should consider each type of filter, and what the filters can do for your photography.

So if you’re ready to discover the magic of camera filters, then let’s get started!

The post Water Splash Photography Made Easy appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Stefan Mogyorosi.

Are you looking to capture stunning water splash photography?

You’ve come to the right place.

I’m an experienced water splash photographer. And in this article, I’m going to reveal my tips and tricks for gorgeous, one-of-a-kind water splash shots.

So if you’re ready to get some jaw-dropping photos…

It's going to be virtual, but for all of us based in different places in the world, this is great news. They're showcasing everything new, so you can be an early adopter and work more efficiently and learn something new. Keanu Reeves, Annie Leibovitz, and award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay will be participating too, so it's going to be interesting and entertaining.

I never understood the appeal of Macs until I dipped my toe in the water with my first Macbook Air in 2011. I'm still using that laptop today where in the same time period many PC laptops have come and gone, but sadly, that may not be the case for Apple desktops and laptops that you buy today.

The post 5 Ways to Diversify Your Photography Business appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Karthika Gupta.

Photography is an incredible art form that really gets your creative juices flowing. There are so many elements to making a great image, and the beauty of it is that so much of photography is really subjective.

Sure, there are some technical requirements that you might need to pay attention to. But these days, even those are somewhat relaxed in the name of art.

That said, there are a lot of things that you need to consider and pay attention to if you want to make photography your full-time career, or even make a living out of creating images. It is hard to start out and get consistent work in a sea of photographers. The fact that there is really a low barrier to entry in terms of starter gear results in a lot of competition. Plus, much of photography education online is free (or almost free), so there is nothing you cannot learn about photography on your own, right?

Being able to call yourself a full-time photographer and being able to make a living out of photography is not that easy. Markets are constantly changing; customer tastes are evolving and prices for good photography are also shifting. Unfortunately, you will always find someone who is willing to do a job for less money. That is a reality, not only for photography, but for almost any business out there.

Wedding photographers haven’t had it easy over the last six months, but small, short-notice weddings mean that photographers often need to be able to travel light and move fast. What gear would you take as a bare minimum to shoot a wedding?

Gene Nagata a.k.a. Potato Jet was pretty excited when the Canon EOS R5 was announced but the dramas surrounding recording limits caused by overheating have become a significant factor. Nagata, along with fellow YouTuber Armando Ferreira, has spent some time testing it alongside the new a7S III from Sony and put the two cameras through their paces before coming to a decision as to which one he wants to add to his arsenal.

When you work on building a lighting setup for a portrait, you likely think about it from the perspective of adding different lights and modifiers. But as important as adding light is, knowing where and how to take it away is just as crucial to shaping your subject. This great video will show you how to use v-flats to create negative fill and improve the look of your portraits.

The JPEG file format is one of the most ubiquitous formats on the web, but the actual technology that powers the compression is old. A new method, based on machine learning, might change what photography really looks like.

As photographers, we frequently find ourselves shoulder to shoulder with another photographer focusing on the same subject, but what if that subject is the other photographer’s model? Is it ok to stand close enough to take the same or similar shot, or is that cheating, or worse, theft? Just how much photographic imitation is ok? A member of a local photography Facebook group I belong to recently posed this question. A heated discussion inevitably ensued.

Does taking a snapshot and taking a photograph means the same thing, or is there a vast degree of skill differentiating between the two? In this piece, I explore the answer.

Sony's G Master lenses are the best the company has to offer, but Sigma's Art series often offers comparable performance at more affordable prices. If you are looking for a top-notch portrait lens and wondering which is right for you, check out this helpful video comparison between the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM and Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art lenses.