Photography Tutorials

Many beginning photographers think of strobes as devices to be used when there is a lack of light in the scene. However, they can also be used to emphasize or compliment the existing light. In fact, a balance of natural light and strobes often produces some of the best images.

With gorgeous mountain ranges, volcanoes, raging seas and a crystal clear sky with regular auroral activity, Iceland is a dream location for any landscape photographer. Nicholas Buer took the opportunity to exhibit the immense beauty of the pristine “Land of Edda.” Several hours worth of time-lapse images form this stunning video, tracking the flow of days and nights in Iceland:

While some artists study for years to master their craft, Christopher Wahl hasn’t taken a single class. Yet he’s also never had a job title other than portrait photographer. Wahl, who lives in Toronto, has created energetic, soulful portraits for over 20 years. His portfolio includes breathtaking photographs of celebrities and political figures that have been featured in elite publications such as Vanity Fair and TIME:

Over my nearly twenty years of teaching university photography classes, I’ve come to discover that one area that students often have the hardest time mastering is depth of field. Whereas beginning students usually manage to work well with their cameras in manual mode, which forces them to make their own selections of apertures and shutter speeds, they often seem to overlook using a limited area of focus to create more striking images.

In photography, we often try to capture a scene with a unique perspective to either show the world how we see it or just to show them a perspective that they’ve never considered before. This difference in point of view can make a huge impact on an image. Take, for example, the image below. The building looks like it was built at an angle, but after a moment of contemplation, it’s obvious that the photo is simply taken parallel with the slanted street:

Some of the most beautiful pictures of Earth were photographed by Chris Hadfield in the International Space Station. He focuses on the interesting patterns, shapes and textures from his point of view above Earth. In the following video, Chris explains the techniques he uses to take extraordinary photos of our planet from space:

Photographs made using advanced light painting techniques often look as if they’d require a crew of a dozen assistants to achieve. But some artists have developed creative methods for making these elaborate images single-handedly. Photographer Russell Brown creates complex light paintings on his own using a Westcott Ice Light, colored gels, textural patterns, and exposure stacking.

You’re going to practice creating light trails by photographing passing vehicles. You will need a tripod for this technique (or some other way to stabilize your camera) as you will be opening up your shutter for a few seconds or more at a time, and you need your camera to stay perfectly still.

One of the keys to a good photograph is its ability to tell a story. To be able to do so effectively, a photographer has to take many different variables into consideration. During the hour long seminar conducted by Marcus Donner, the professional photographer shares a few of his insights, tips, and techniques he has established throughout his 20 years of creating compelling images. Watch and learn below:

Commercial photographer Michael Grecco shares with us a behind-the-scenes look at a series of photoshoots done for a 6-page ad on Men’s Health Magazine. The assignment is spread over 2 days, with images shot in several locations including the Brooklyn Bridge, a New York City rooftop, a sassy art museum, and a gritty boxing ring: