Photography Features
How To: Use Photoshop for free
Say you're interested in using Photoshop for your photography, but you don't want to spend the money on Photoshop Elements or CS3. What to do? Well, Adobe has a solution for you! It's called Photoshop Express, and it's free. Check out our interview with Tom Hogarty of Adobe, as well as a preview of what you can do today with Photoshop Express.
How To: Use a wide or telephoto lens for portrait photography
Mark Wallace shows us how to use a wide lens for portrait photography. A longer lens minimizes distortion in your picture and it maximizes what type of view you can see, so you can see more of the thing you are taking a picture of and less of the background. These lenses help keep the picture clean and uncluttered. You can see the difference between a wide and short angle lens by taking pictures with them and looking at the differences between them. There is also a zoom available, which makes...
How To: Learn about tabletop product photography
Product photography is where we get pictures of new cars, watches, toys and food items. Learn about product photography on tabletops from a professional artist in this free photography video.
How To: Replace focusing screens on Canon EOS cameras
In this Fine Art video tutorial you will learn how to replace focusing screens on Canon EOS cameras. The EOS 40D, like the EOS 5D and EOS 1 series of digital cameras has a user replaceable focusing screen. With the EOS 40D, you have the option of Ef D and the Ef S focusing screens. To replace the focusing screen, use the tool provided with kit supplied with the screen. The tool has a hook at one end and a spring loaded grip at the other end. Use the hook to lift the latch of the focusing scre...
How To: Do light graffiti with an ISO-100 camera setting
In this tutorial, we learn how to do light graffiti with an ISO-100 camera setting. First, you will need lights in an array of different colors. After you have all of these lights, you will need to take a picture. Then, grab the lights and write in the air with them. After this, you can turn the camera on and then use the light source from the camera to create light graffiti on your pictures! You can do a ton of different things, there is no limit! This is fun and creative, so get out there a...
How To: Light a '57 Chevy in the photo studio
Watch this instructional photography video with Jim Talkington and learn how to light a '57 Chevy in a photo studio. This is a beautiful car, but it prevents some challenges in photographing the shiny paint and chrome surface. In this tutorial, experiment how to set up the lighting. This video is great for car aficionados. Practice these tips and improve your photography skills.
How To: Pose people for pictures
You will find a lot of information on the web about how to get an exposure reading and using a softbox, but you have to learn the most flattering angles of the face and body (poses) before you can really apply correct lighting techniques.
How To: Take dramatic digital photographs of stars and meteor showers
Being a light source themselves, as well as far away, and sometimes even moving, and only visible at night on top of all that... well, it's understandable why some digital photographers are intimidated at the thought of taking pictures of stars or meteor showers. However, this tutorial shows you some useful techniques to capture the night sky in brilliant detail.
How To: Test out different photography tripods
There are many types of photography tripods for using in different shooting situations. Watch this instructional photography video to test out different tripods from mini to mighty. Make sure to label your tripod with your name and address, because at a large photo shoots, tripods often get lost, stolen, or confused with other tripods. Most of these tripods work well with digital SLR cameras and 35mm film cameras.
How To: Use lighting in a three part set up for photography
Mark Wallace explains how to use basic lighting principles and lighting equipment to set up a three light set up.
How To: Build a useful inexpensive Tripod for your camera
Watch this instructional photography video that shows how to build a useful, inexpensive tripod for the amateur photographer on a budget. This tripod will be more useful than most commercial tripods with only a plastic bag full of beans. The result is a stable, useful extension with minimal photographic inhibitions that works on any surface. A great how to video for the amatuer photographer.
How To: Photograph water in motion or splashing for cheap
In this tutorial, learn how to photograph a real, moving water splash without using Photoshop. This video will show you exactly what to set your camera on, what supplies and lighting you will need and how to arrange your shot.
News: The United Steaks of America
I usually enjoy my steak grilled, but using a cut of Grade A beef as a photography still-life works, too. Clever steak-art by photographer Dominic Episcopo.
How To: Make a Camera Tripod Replacement with Camera Phone Mount
Materials 1 2-liter bottle or large water bottle
News: DIY Peekfreak Cameras Made with Household Rubbish
Peekfreak is a collaborative project between industrial designer Wai Lam and photographer Yann Huey, both hailing from Malaysia. The aim of the project is create experimental cameras made from household junk (such as plastic food containers, discarded bicycle parts, and floppy disks).
How To: Light paint with a camera, flashlights, and tripod
Light painting or light writing is one of the coolest of the coolest multimedia arts. It consists of setting a camera for a very long exposure in a dark area, then moving light sources around in front of the camera. When the aperture finally closes, you will have a photo where the light is preserved everywhere it was. Basically, you've drawn on a photo with light. How cool is that? This video will show you how to do it quickly and easily, allowing you and your friends to enjoy this exciting n...
How To: Film at Night with Your DSLR
Have you ever tried to film at night with your DLSR in place with no good lightning at all or at places were the lights are flickering? Here its the Solution in 4 simple steps.
How To: Build a diffusion panel as photorgraphy equipment
A diffusion panel helps to create soft lighting in a photography studio. Learn how to save money by building a diffusion panel in this free studio photography video from a professional photographer.
How To: This DIY Camera-Mounted Flash Bounce Wall Does Wonders for Your Photos (And Your Wallet)
Everyone has taken a photo that didn't turn out quite right because of bad lighting or a flash that produced too much or too little light. A flash can make your subject look washed out, or even downright creepy with bright white skin and red eyes. But with a bounce wall, you can redirect the light to make it less harsh and reduce the shadows. It also means less demonic-looking cats. Bounce walls can be expensive, but David Hobby of Strobist made this DIY version that uses a wire hanger, some ...
How To: Use speed lights with studio softboxes
In this helpful video, Yanik Chauvin will show you exactly how to use speed boxes with studio softboxes. You will learn how to hook up an SB-800 camera flash inside a studio soft box to get great light and photos. The best part is, you most likely already have these supplies in your photo studio so it's cheap! Have fun and good luck with your photo taking!
How To: Creatively document events with photography
In this video sequence, learn how to choose a context when shooting and editing your photos, allowing themes to emerge in your narrative work. By simply documenting the events around you, you will find ways to creatively show what happens through photography. Documenting events will not only make your photography work more interesting, you will also become a better story teller. Practice grouping photographs to tell a story.
How To: Unload film from your Holga camera
Watch this video to learn how to unload film from your Holga camera. These instructions and visuals are clear and easy to understand!
How To: Flow a glass photography plate with Collodion
Quinn Jacobson demonstrates how to flow a 4x5 glass plate to make a wet plate collodion negative. Learn how to prepare equipment for taking Collodion pictures by watching this video photography tutorial.
How To: Convert photos to digital
Buying a digital camera doesn't mean your old prints, slides, or negatives are obsolete. You can easily convert them with a scanner to bring them into the 21st century. Watch this video to learn how to convert photos to digital.
How To: Use active D-lighting on a digital SLR camera
Having a Nikon digital SLR means you take good pictures, no matter what. With 20/20 clarity and the ability to take awe-inspiring macro shots, a ditital SLR is a powerful tool but also extremely complicated to use.
How To: Manually Control Aperture with Macro Extension Rings
Macro extension rings are an affordable solution to buying expensive macro lenses, but there is no way to control the aperture when using macro extension tubes without contacts. However, by utilizing a piece of paper, you can easily control the aperture.
How To: Take effective photo portaits
Here are some photography tricks used to create visually effective portraits and techniques used to get more natural looking portraits. Turn off the flash, survey the scene, adjust your camera to pick up the darkest skin tone, and most importantly, be patient with your subject. This instructional photography video demonstrates how to take free spirited and naturalistic children's photo portraits with a point and shoot camera.
How To: Make your own pinhole lens for a digital SLR camera
This is a lens you can make yourself easily. You will need a drill, a needle, a body cap, tape, aluminum foil, a ruler or measuring tape and a pencil or piece of chalk to mark where the hole should go.
CES 2015: The CUBE Action Camera, Polaroid's Answer to the GoPro
Polaroid's answer to the masculine-fueled GoPro comes in the form of a tiny family-friendly square, fittingly named the Polaroid CUBE. Starting at a very modest $99.99 , the water-resistant action camera comes in all different colors, shoots HD video at 1080p, allows users to take 6MP pictures, and supports a microSD card of up to 32GB. Attached to the bottom of the cube is a magnet that allows you to stick the camera in many places, including the side of a car (though the Polaroid representa...
How To: Add subtle colors to black & white images in Lightroom
In this video tutorial Yanik Chauvin of Yanik's Photo School shares a discovery he made while using the software Lightroom. This quite simple technique of adding hints of color to black and white photos can make them striking. By adding a color screen on top of your photo, using either the adjustment brush or a gradient filter, you can create a lovely conversation piece for your home that will confound your visitors. "Is this photo black and white or sepia or ... what?" He also shows a trick ...
How To: Do a "Punk Rock" Photo Shoot
This is a photography how-to video, where American photographer Eric Levin takes us on the set of a photo shoot with punk band Ice Nine Kills. This is a really good step-by-step "how-to" guide to the perfect photo of a music band.
How To: Buy a camera flash
When buying a camera flash, make sure it is compatible with the camera and can act as a fill flash for daylight photographs. Purchase a camera flash with the tips in this free instructional video on photography tips from a professional photographer. Now you will know what to do when you are hunting for a camera flash.
How To: Use the .thm files when filming movies with a Canon camera
What's this mysterious .thm file? Why are they cluttering up your SD card? Can they be safely deleted? This video has the answers! A .thm file is created specifically by Canon cameras when you're filming a movie, and this video shows you how to use your .thm files.
How To: Use lighting equipment for photography
Mark Wallace explains the use of lighting equipment (grip, light modifiers, and light sources). Part 1 of 3 - How to Use lighting equipment for photography.
How To: Take better time-lapse photos
Want to create a time-lapse video montage from photos shot on a DSLR? This tutorial presents a general overview of the equipment, settings and post procedures (e.g., cropping & color correction) necessary to create beautiful, finished-looking time-lapse clips. Get started shooting your own time-lapse segments with this free video guide.
How To: Print professional quality photos on your printer
Thanks to modern technology, we don't have to visit our nearest Target or Rite Aid to get our pictures professionally retouched and printed. With many printers offering photo-quality ink and paper companies that offer photo-quality paper, you can use your home printer to create professional-grade photos.
How To: Set up a home made ring light in your photography studio
This tutorial is for photographers who may not have the interest or resources to invest heavily in lights. You can make a homemade ring light right at home, and this tutorial shows you how you can make your own with a soft box.
How To: Take good self-portraits with a digital camera
Self portraits once required a big mirror and hours of introspection. Now, with digital cameras, you can take a great one in only a few minutes! Watch this video for tips on taking a really appealing self portrait with only some simple equipment.
How To: Set lighting ratios in digital photography
In this video, photographer Mark Wallace shows you how to set up metering and organize your light ratios when taking digital photographs. Mark will give you very detailed instructions on how to set up your lighting, set and subject to ensure you get the clearest photos.
How To: Take photographs at night with a professional camera
This instructional photography video helps you to better understand how to take great photographs at night. Night photography is a tricky art that you can master with this video. This tutorial is great for photography enthusiasts looking to improve their skills.