Photography Photography Education How to Flex and Make an Award Winning Photograph I run a full time portrait studio focusing on families, children, high school seniors since 2011. And although I absolutely love my clients, I also crave to grow as a professional photographer and participate in print competitions. Before I shoot something that makes me feel creative and feeds my soul, I plan out the session. I research costuming, what lighting I want to use, backgrounds. I make notes in a journal and eventually storyboard for me and the person I […] Written by Melissa Kelly July 1, 2025July 1, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How Doing Different Types of Photography Can Make You Better The first time I photographed jewelry, I saw myself in it—literally. Reflections, tiny details, and high expectations taught me that even with years of experience, there’s always more to learn. I came into product photography with a solid foundation from my portrait work. I knew how to use my camera, shape light, and compose an […] Written by Carly Sullens M. Artist, CPP June 26, 2025June 26, 2025
Inspiration Photography Techniques The Power of Connection: A Portrait in Black and White Mary Fisk-Taylor, M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.M.Wed.Photog.Cr., CPP, F-ASP, E-ASP There’s something inherently timeless about black and white portraiture. The absence of color doesn’t strip a portrait of its emotion—it amplifies it. It demands we focus on the nuance of expression, the relationships between subjects, and the artistry of light and shadow. That’s exactly what drew me to create […] Written by Mary Fisk-Taylor June 26, 2025April 8, 2025
Photography Photography Education How to Create Incredible Street Photography Right Now Street photography involves capturing candid moments in public spaces, often showcasing human interactions, urban landscapes, and spontaneous events. It’s about telling stories and finding beauty in the ordinary. 1. Know Your Gear 2. Blend In 3. Master Composition 4. Observe and Anticipate 5. Get Comfortable with People 6. Work with Light and Shadows Technical Tips Post-Processing Tips Street Photography Ethics Practice […] Written by Mark Weber June 24, 2025February 13, 2025
Business Photography Education Making Your Website a Great Experience I wrote recently about cleaning up your galleries. Well, how about your complete website? Many years ago, I was in a program sponsored by Marathon with Tim and Beverly Walden. I consider them two of the finest portrait photographers in our industry. They talked about something that’s stuck with me all these years: Your clients aren’t […] Written by Skip Cohen June 19, 2025May 16, 2025
Photography Photography Education Techniques How to Unlock the Four Keys to Award Winning Macro Photography Macro photography is very different from other types of nature photography. We use a different lens and camera settings, but the biggest mistake we can make in macro photography is treating it differently than we would landscape or portrait photography. In landscape and portrait photography we plan, compose, and pose during a shoot, but often […] Written by Tonya Wilhelm June 17, 2025March 18, 2025
Inspiration Photography Education Uncategorized How Print Competition Makes Your Work Explode With Growth Photography competitions offer a wealth of opportunities, from exposure and recognition to Chances for personal growth and exciting prizes. However, they also come with their own set of challenges, including stress, subjective judging, and potential creative constraints. For photographers looking to build their portfolios and challenge themselves, competitions can be a rewarding experience-especially when compared […] Written by Ellen Goddard Jacques June 12, 2025June 12, 2025
Photo Editing Photography Education Photoshop How to Become Great at Lightroom and Photoshop Photography doesn’t end with the click of a shutter. While capturing an image is a vital first step, the real magic often happens in post-processing. Programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop allow photographers to refine, enhance, and transform their images into visual masterpieces. For beginners, understanding the importance of post-processing and learning how to use […] Written by Mark Weber June 10, 2025February 13, 2025
Business Marketing Photography Education Don’t Miss Father’s Day! If you missed promoting your services and products for Mother’s Day and graduation, crank up the volume and aggressively go after Father’s Day. This is the last “race” in the seasonality trifecta. Think about it—most dads are missing an updated family portrait. Even more apparent is the target buyer—it’s MOM! Women make 98% of the […] Written by Skip Cohen June 5, 2025May 16, 2025
Photography Photography Education Techniques How to Photograph a Creative Still Life I like dramatic images. Drama and something unique or unexpected always draws my attention. So, when I saw an image of food coloring dispersing in water and the strange shapes it makes, I had to try it. I had this idea in my mind’s eye of three glasses filled with water, each with a different […] Written by Teresa Hunt June 3, 2025March 17, 2025
