Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Create Award Winning Dog Photography There are extraordinary instances in photography when your finger presses the shutter and something inside you knows you’ve just captured a special image. “Spot On” was one of those magical moments; like the crack of a bat hitting the sweet spot, when you don’t even have to see where the ball lands. In this instance, […] Written by Ann ONeill Deal July 17, 2025May 5, 2025
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Take Your Photography Lighting to the Next Level Like many of my lighting setups, this one was born and refined through teaching. Over the past five years, I’ve run countless workshops, constantly evolving my techniques—tweaking a light position here, changing a modifier there. This portrait of Jada was captured during a workshop in Dallas and represents the culmination of that ongoing experimentation. The […] Written by John Gress July 10, 2025May 5, 2025
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
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
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
Inspiration Photography Photography Education How to Learn More About People Through Photography We never really know what’s going on inside someone’s head or heart. When I created the portrait “They Have No Idea,” I thought I knew about my subject’s life, but I later learned there is always so much more going on. It started innocently. My subject and I were friendly acquaintances who first met through networking. […] Written by Olivia Ogren Hrejsa May 29, 2025May 29, 2025
Photography Photography Education Techniques How to Make Your Outdoor Photography Lighting Pop Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of outdoor photography, as it sets the mood, highlights details, and defines the overall quality of your photos. Below are tips and techniques to elevate your outdoor photography lighting: 1. Leverage Natural Light 2. Use Reflectors 3. Master Backlighting 4. Modify Harsh Light 5. Incorporate Artificial Light […] Written by Mark Weber May 22, 2025February 18, 2025
