Guides | PetaPixel https://petapixel.com/topic/guides/ Photography and Camera News, Reviews, and Inspiration Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:08:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 191656271 The Camera Gear Beginners Shouldn’t Cheap Out On https://petapixel.com/2024/03/07/the-camera-gear-beginners-shouldnt-cheap-out-on/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:08:29 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=731179 Hands hold a camera in front of a selection of other photography gear on a desk.

Camera equipment is expensive, making it hard for beginners to build kits and get started. Because of this, it can be tempting to opt for budget-friendly options for some pieces of equipment. Unfortunately, that's not always wise.

[Read More]

]]>
731179
The Best Web Hosting for Photographers in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-web-hosting-for-photographers/ Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:02:26 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=731403

One of the single most worthwhile investments you can make as a photographer is paying for a bespoke website. Whether you’re a commercial assignment photographer looking to showcase your best work, a batch shooter wanting to create a home for your purchase galleries, or anything in between, an online presence outside of social media is a crucial component of any creative’s toolkit.

[Read More]

]]>
731403
A Complete Guide to Creating and Using Texture Layers in Photography https://petapixel.com/guide-to-creating-and-using-texture-layers-in-photography/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 19:06:03 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=729033

Texture layers are photos that are normally blended with other images as part of a composite rather than being used on their own. They can be color, monochrome, detailed, or blurred. The idea is simply to add an extra level of interest to a picture. In this guide, we will look at various ways of collecting and using texture layers for your photography projects.

[Read More]

]]>
729033
Monitor Calibration and Profiling: How Much Is Enough? https://petapixel.com/monitor-calibration-and-profiling/ Tue, 13 Feb 2024 19:40:44 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=727341

Many serious photographers say you must calibrate and profile your monitor, and maybe they’re right. But most camera users in this world enjoy their pictures without getting bogged down by such technicalities.

[Read More]

]]>
727341
The Camera Equipment Beginners Don’t Need https://petapixel.com/2024/02/08/the-camera-equipment-beginners-dont-need/ Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:46:01 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=726533 A mix of photography equipment laid out on a black table.

There's no denying that photography is a gear-focused endeavor. We are constantly pitched fancy new equipment with the idea that more gear will make us better photographers. For some photographers and their needs, that's absolutely true. But for those just starting, some equipment simply isn't necessary.

[Read More]

]]>
726533
How to Print Photos at Home https://petapixel.com/how-to-print-photos-at-home/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:21:28 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=722218

Printing your photos at home can get complicated and confusing rather quickly. Between choosing a printer and paper and problem-solving why the colors don't look like what you see on your display, it can be overwhelming, especially if you are just getting started.

[Read More]

]]>
722218
Nat Geo Photographer Offers Three Tips to Improve Your Images https://petapixel.com/2024/01/08/nat-geo-photographer-offers-three-tips-to-improve-your-images/ Mon, 08 Jan 2024 21:39:25 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=720965 The Blue Lagoon goes from day to night as the image spans left to right.

Professional photographer Stephen Wilkes has a multi-decade career that melds artistic and commercial photography and has taken him around the world. He's worked with National Geographic, Apple, and Netflix, among others.

[Read More]

]]>
720965
What is Color Space and Why Does it Matter? https://petapixel.com/2024/01/03/what-is-color-space-and-why-does-it-matter/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 17:51:31 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=720630 Two versions of the same image of a girl in a wheat field with drastically different colors.

For most photographers, color is a crucial component of their images. As a result, it only makes sense to want the colors that you envision to come through in the same way when others view your photographs. That can be easier said than done, however.

[Read More]

]]>
720630
What is HDR Photography? https://petapixel.com/2023/12/12/what-is-hdr-photography/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 20:36:20 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=718485 A fog rolls over fall foliage in a mountainous river valley.

HDR photography may seem complex, but it is a surprisingly simple tool that can open new photographic doors. Most people have encountered HDR photography without thinking about it since smartphones automatically produce HDR images.

[Read More]

]]>
718485
Symmetry in Photography: A Basic Guide for Better Compositions https://petapixel.com/what-is-symmetry-in-photography/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 19:23:44 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=716439

Wherever you are right now, take a moment to look around. What patterns and shapes do you see? What objects, scenes, buildings, or other designs just look like they “make sense?”

[Read More]

]]>
716439
Who is the Most Photographed Person in the World in 2024? https://petapixel.com/most-photographed-person/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 17:20:51 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=715358

As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time to look back on the biggest events, moments in pop culture, and news over the last year. Of course, one way the year will be remembered for decades to come is through photographs. Here, we’ll look at the 10 most photographed of 2023.

[Read More]

]]>
715358
How to Get an FAA Part 107 License to Fly a Drone Commercially https://petapixel.com/how-to-get-an-faa-part-107-license-to-fly-a-drone-commercially/ Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:26:31 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=715537

Drones are awesome. Much more than just being fun novelties you might see buzzing around your neighbor’s backyard piloted by a young child, they are amazing creative tools that allow for camera shots that you simply cannot get in any other way, and are used in everything from music videos to live sports to the biggest blockbuster films.

[Read More]

]]>
715537
Best Computers for Photo Editing in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-computers-for-photo-editing/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 18:03:22 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=662148

Ensuring you have chosen the right tools for the job can be a daunting task and selecting the right computer to handle your photo editing is no exception to this rule. You'll want to be sure the machine is as high performing as possible but also consider the price, ease of use, serviceability, and even connectivity to be sure you've selected the right computer for your photography workflow.

[Read More]

]]>
662148
Why the Global Shutter in the Sony a9 III is Such a Big Deal https://petapixel.com/2023/11/08/why-the-global-shutter-in-the-sony-a9-iii-is-such-a-big-deal/ Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:20:55 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=713407 a9 III Sensor

It is difficult to overstate just how big of a deal the Sony a9 III is, at least on paper. As is always the case with press events, and especially ones where hands-on time is limited, pre-production firmware is installed, and shooting opportunities are cultivated, you should consume pre-release content with (many) grains of salt. Hypertension be damned.

[Read More]

]]>
713407
Best Editing Consoles for Photographers in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-editing-consoles-for-photographers/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 19:02:30 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=709791

One of the best things I’ve purchased as a photographer (and videographer) was an editing console. I own probably eight at this point, all with their own purposes and advantages.

[Read More]

]]>
709791
Best Retro Cameras in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-retro-cameras/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 20:04:51 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=708356

Merriam-Webster defines “retro” as “fashionably nostalgic or old-fashioned.” With the rise in popularity of shooting on film over the past few years and the extraordinary success of instant cameras among the general populace, I think it is fair to say that retro cameras are likewise lusted after by many.

[Read More]

]]>
708356
Cameras That Changed Photography Forever https://petapixel.com/2023/09/30/cameras-that-changed-photography-forever/ Sat, 30 Sep 2023 15:00:13 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=706635

I write about a lot of things here at PetaPixel -- reviews, guides, technical articles, opinion pieces -- but one of my favorite topics to write about is the history of photography. As an avid user and collector of vintage cameras and lenses, I have passionately absorbed as much knowledge about their history as possible over many years. Like studying world history, there is much value in understanding where we came from and what got to us where we are now.

[Read More]

]]>
706635
Best Fall Foliage Maps for Tracking Leaf Color Forecasts in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-fall-foliage-maps/ Wed, 27 Sep 2023 16:30:34 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=705425 Guide to Fall Foliage Tracking and Maps

Autumn has officially begun in the northern hemisphere, meaning foliage season is just around the corner. Much of New England, a popular region in the United States for fall photography, experiences peak foliage in early-to-mid October, but what about other places? Where can photographers find the best information to plan their leaf-peeping adventures?

[Read More]

]]>
705425
iOS 17 is Here: These Are the Biggest New Features You’ll Want to Try https://petapixel.com/2023/09/18/ios-17-is-here-these-are-the-biggest-new-features-youll-want-to-try/ Mon, 18 Sep 2023 18:02:31 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=704381 iOS 17 Available Now

Ahead of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro series smartphones launching this Friday, Apple has released the latest version of iOS. Rolling out to iPhone users starting today, iOS 17 brings with it a bevy of exciting new features. Here are some of the best new features and functions available in iOS 17.

[Read More]

]]>
704381
The Best Keyboards in 2024 https://petapixel.com/best-keyboards/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 18:08:13 +0000 https://petapixel.com/?p=701207 Best Keyboards

Having a solid keyboard is crucial for any desk setup, whether that’s in an office or at the dining room table. But not all keyboards are built equally, and not every model is best suited for each task. These are the best keyboard options across use cases.

[Read More]

]]>
701207