What is a Color Checker Tool and How Do They Work?

A color checker is an incredibly useful tool photographers can use to calibrate true colors. But what is a color checker? We’re going to answer that question by looking at color checker examples, then we’ll show you how to use a color checker in a few simple steps. By the end, you’ll know how to utilize true color better than ever before.Continue reading What is a Color Checker Tool and How Do They Work?

What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic Look

What does tank-warfare and the aspect ratio of movies have in common? Anamorphic lenses! These technological marvels are legendary in the world of cinematography. Over the past 100 years, Hollywood has constantly experimented with various innovations, seeking not just to push creativity but to increase profit. A brief journey through history will help us appreciate the anamorphic format and its unlikely invention and popularity. And if you're a filmmaker looking to get that "anamorphic lens look," we'll go over all the visual characteristics that will get the job done. Continue reading What is an Anamorphic Lens? How to Get that Cinematic…

What is Depth of Focus vs. Depth of Field? — Camera Essentials

There are few terms in cinematography and photography more misunderstood than depth of focus. The term is often used interchangeably with depth of field, but the two ideas actually have two completely separate meanings. Depth of focus is critical to understand if you want to have a crisp image and a firm grasp on your camera operating skills. So what is depth of focus? And how is it different from depth of field? Continue reading What is Depth of Focus vs. Depth of Field? — Camera Essentials

What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition

How do you ensure your photos are sharp and in focus? Getting comfortable with the circle of confusion is a good first step. What is circle of confusion? This concept is an under-defined, yet super critical idea in photography. And understanding it will help you see how everything works together. The circle of confusion is related to how we understand focus and sharpness, but let’s get a bit more technical.  After all, the more you know, the more intentional you can be with any and every shot.  Continue reading What is the Circle of Confusion — Photography Definition

Underexposed Photography — Editing in Photoshop & Lightroom

Becoming highly-skilled at any craft always starts with learning and honing the fundamentals. So of course, if you want to become a photographer, knowing how light interacts with your camera and how to use that light to produce well-exposed images, are good first steps. In this post, we’ll lay out a few examples to answer specifically, what is underexposed photography, and how you can manipulate the scene to create underexposed images that work for you instead of against you.Continue reading Underexposed Photography — Editing in Photoshop & Lightroom

11 Event Photography Tips and Tricks for All Photographers

If you are starting a career in photography, you will inevitably be paid to shoot some type of event. Events can differ vastly ranging from weddings to corporate events to concerts. However, we’ve created a list of a few fundamental tips that will help you capture better photos no matter what event you are shooting. In this article, we discuss how to prepare for shooting an event, what gear and settings you will use, and how to capture great photos on the day of the event.Continue reading 11 Event Photography Tips and Tricks for All Photographers

Best Cheap 4K Camera — 5 Great Options Under $1,000

To find an easy-to-use professional-level camera isn’t too difficult in today’s market. There might be lots to pick from but at least you have options. But if you’re on the beginner/enthusiast side, even getting closer to professional-level, and on a budget, it’s not always easy. Finding that sweet spot between inexpensive and well, good enough, can be daunting. Below are our picks for the best cheap 4k camera for filmmaking that will give you excellent stills and video. Continue reading Best Cheap 4K Camera — 5 Great Options Under $1,000

Full Frame vs Crop Sensor — Everything You Need to Decide

When you get yourself a new digital camera, you have to choose between whether you want a crop sensor or full frame sensor. While one could easily say that the differences between the two are in their names (literally fuller frame vs cropped frame), there is a bit more to it than that. So as we dig into the full frame vs crop sensor world, we will talk about noteworthy differences, including which sensor could be best for you and the difference between full frame and crop sensor.Continue reading Full Frame vs Crop Sensor — Everything You Need to Decide

What is Large Format Photography — Cameras and Lenses

Most people taking photos do not need a legitimate camera for what they do. For those who do use actual cameras, something akin to a 35mm camera is more than good enough. But what about when you need to take the highest resolution pictures possible? That’s where large format cameras come in. But what is large format, what sort of cameras do you use, and why would you use them? Continue reading What is Large Format Photography — Cameras and Lenses

Aesthetic Photography — Composition, Lighting, and Color

Have you ever been in a photo gallery and immediately drawn to a specific photograph? If so, what was it about this photograph that grabbed your attention? This is the question at the heart of aesthetic photography. What defines an aesthetic photograph? In this article, we’ll take a look at the highly ambiguous and often vague term “aesthetic photography.” We’ll also take a look at the techniques that go into creating aesthetic photos and how you can put them into practice. Continue reading Aesthetic Photography — Composition, Lighting, and Color