Photography Photography Education How an Award Winning Image was Inspired by a Costume Advertisement 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. One of the things I did early on was join Professional Photographers of America. I am so grateful […] Written by Melissa Kelly October 16, 2025October 16, 2025
Photography Photography Education Techniques Painting with Motion: Behind My Boston Marathon Image “Runny Colors” Boston Marathon – April 2023, Mile 6, Framingham, MAImaging Excellence | PPA Monthly Merit Image ReviewPlatinum Medal | PPA International Photographic Competition 2024 On a cold, rainy April day in 2023, I stood at Mile 6 of the Boston Marathon in my hometown of Framingham, MA—raincoat on, gear soaked, eyes locked on the reflective puddles […] Written by Paula Swift October 7, 2025July 9, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Challenge Yourself to Do Something Photographically Different Even the most seasoned photographers can fall into routines—shooting the same subjects, using familiar gear, or editing with a tried-and-true formula. Comfort can be rewarding, but it can also become a creative plateau. Challenging yourself to do something photographically different isn’t just a way to keep things fresh—it’s a vital practice for growth and discovery. […] Written by Mark Weber October 2, 2025June 26, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How a New Perspective Can Change a Portrait Introduction by Mark Weber, M.Photog., Cr., M. Artist., CPP – Marathon Press One of the best resources we have as photographers for education and inspiration is the PPA Imaging Excellence and PPA Showcase books. As a longtime professional photographer, I’ve turned to these books often for fresh ideas, creative motivation, and as a reminder of […] Written by Alvaro Balderas September 23, 2025July 2, 2025
Photography Photography Education How to Prepare for Wildlife Photography I will open this article with a warning and admission of my own ignorance. When dealing with wildlife you must understand that your experience will be different with every encounter and in every different location. The most important thing with wildlife photography is common sense. Common sense IS a sense – an intuition on animal […] Written by Paul McDermott September 18, 2025September 18, 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 September 11, 2025September 10, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Create an Incredible Architectural Portrait “Dwelling in Dusk” was created for clients who designed and built the luxurious estate-style home in the image. The husband built this to be their primary residence with a large amount of the custom features selected and designed by his wife. Its blend of modern and classic elements were absolutely stunning inside and out. They […] Written by Katharine Gann September 4, 2025June 23, 2025
Inspiration Photography How to Prioritize Photography for Yourself Photography has been my passion for over 55 years. During that time, due to being a somewhat “subjective” art form, I’ve encountered the normal bumps and bruises associated with such an endeavor. On occasion I have run across individuals that claim photography is not even an authentic art form. But, by and large photography is a respected, cherished […] Written by Marvin Groves September 2, 2025June 23, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Do Water Drop Photography with MIOPS If you’ve ever marveled at a photo of a crown-shaped splash frozen midair or a collision of two drops forming an elegant umbrella, you’ve seen the magic of water drop photography. This niche genre blends art, science, and technology—and thanks to tools like the MIOPS Splash system, it’s now easier than ever to create stunning […] Written by Mark Weber August 21, 2025August 21, 2025
Inspiration Photography Techniques A Photo Journalism Experience In 2013, I was working full-time as a photojournalist when a massive warehouse fire broke out in Chicago. It burned through the night, and by the time I arrived the next morning, temperatures had dropped to below zero. The fire department had been battling the blaze for hours, and everything—cars, trucks, barrels, and even the […] Written by John Gress August 14, 2025May 5, 2025
