Category: Photo how to

Today’s how-to video from the Hamed Photography YouTube channel explores one of the most fundamental concepts in photography; namely the f/stop setting you choose. Hamed is a successful pro whose straightforward tutorials are designed to help elevate your skills, master important shooting techniques, and introduce you to the world of visual storytelling.

He describes today’s topic like this: “Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone with manual controls, mastering aperture will give you creative control over your images and videos.

Aperture refers to the opening in a lens through which light enters the camera and falls on the sensor. It one of the variables in the familiar Exposure triangle—alongside shutter speed and ISO— that interact to determine a correct exposure. In basic terms, “the lower the f-number the wider the aperture and the more light it allows in.”

Conversely, a smaller f-number like f/16 or f/22  means a narrower aperture with less light reaching the sensor. You may ask your why it matters whether you control exposure by changing shutter speed, ISO, or aperture, and the answer is simple: The f/stop setting you use has a significant impact on depth of field which is the area in focus in front of and behind a key subject.

Hamed illustrates how wide apertures create a shallow depth of field, “which means only a thin slice of the scene is in sharp focus”—a popular technique for wildlife photos, nature scenes, environmental portraits, and other types of images shot against distracting backgrounds.

Narrow apertures, on the other hand, produce a deeper zone of focus—thereby keeping more of the scene critically sharp. As Hamed says, “this approach is ideal for landscapes, architecture, and product photography where maximum sharpness throughout the frame is important.” He also explains how manipulating the f/stop can determine the overall mood and story of an image and is a key component for unlocking your creative potential.

Once you’re done watching head over to the Hamed Photography YouTube channel where there are many more instructional videos that demystify the photography process.

We recently shared a tutorial explaining another key camera technique that’s essential to master; namely, how to capture precisely focused photographs in difficult situations by understanding how a camera’s AF system works and then putting the Single-Point mode to work.

Abobe has provided photographers with exciting new features for removing distractions as Photoshop continues to evolve, and we’ve covered most of them in the past. But as all of us become enamored with these innovative capabilities we tend to ignored older tools that can still be very helpful.

According to post-processing expert Matt Kloskowski, our old friend Content-Aware Fill falls into this category of overlooked gems, and in the next nine minutes you’ll learn when and how to use it for more efficient enhancements. He admits that he’s a big proponent of Photoshop’s new Remove tool and Generative Fill but he explains why these tools can pose several problems that are easy to solve with Content Aware Fill.

Matt’s sample image is a nice backlit photo of a beautiful backlit snowy egret perched atop a log on the shore, but he doesn’t like how the sun and sky intrude into the top of the frame. Sure, it’s possible to crop out these unwanted elements, if you’re willing to accept a tighter composition, but that’s not part of Matt’s plan because he wants to include more of the surrounding environment.

Matt first tries Generative fill to rehabilitate the top portion of the image. It’s looks OK but “pretty good” doesn’t meet his standards and you’ll you’ll see why he’s displeased with the less-than-ideal results. By zooming in on the image it becomes readily apparent that the texture of the original image doesn’t match the texture in the area that was repaired with Generative Fill. And this disparity is due to a difference in resolution.

Whether or not this is a concern depends upon your intended use for the shot, and if you just plan on sharing a compressed version on social media, nobody will ever notice. But when  high-resolution is required for making big prints or other critical applications, it’s time to take a different approach that will deliver superior image quality.

This is when Content-Aware Fill comes into play, and Matt explains why “it can fix large areas much faster (and with more precision) than we could in any other way.” The remainder of the lesson is devoted to demonstrating the simple step-by-step process required for getting the job done.

Kloskowski’s popular YouTube channel is a great source of instructional how-videos about all things Adobe, so be sure to pay a visit.

And on a related note, don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently with another image-editing specialist who demonstrates five more overlooked Photoshop features that belong in your everyday post-processing workflow and how to employ them for fast-and effective enhancements.

Most photographers are intrigued by the prospect of capturing exotic animals in their natural environment, but many of us lack the time or means to book a safari abroad. The next best thing is a trip to the local zoo where you can make some great shots, work on your skills, and get prepared for shooting in the field.

This behind-the-scenes tutorial with one of our favorite British bird photographers takes you on an instructional tour of the famed Chester Zoo that houses almost 60 African species and is often referred to as the UK’s best zoo. Instructor Darrel Oakden refers to himself as an amateur because he doesn’t make a living with a camera, but this portfolio is full of pro-quality images.

In barely 10 minutes Oakden illustrates how zoos offer numerous opportunities to make compelling images of a wide-range of species that you may never see in the wild, and he provides several effective techniques for creating a more natural look while minimizing the fact that your subjects are in captivity.

Thoughtful composition plays a big part in this assignment, and one powerful technique is to get in tight with a telephoto lens to isolate a majestic subject. You can also introduce a feeling of realism by framing wide shots in a way that eliminates fences and other man-made obstacles from the frame.

And just like when shooting in the field, the more time you spend observing a subject and familiarize yourself with it’s habits, the better your results will be. So slow your roll, sit down on a bench, watch the social interaction among subjects, get familiar with how they move about, and formulate a strategy. Only then is it time to pick up the camera and get to work.

One key goal is to make background as unobtrusive as possible, especially if there’s a visible enclosure behind your subject. One way to do this is by combining a long focal length with a wide aperture to throw the background out of focus and draw attention to the hero of the shot.

At the point there’s still much more to learn and Oakden walks you through other important considerations like dealing with the light and conveying the mood or power of a subject. He also offers an important warning about shooting in temperature-controlled indoor exhibits that may cause your lens to fog up when going back outdoors on warm days.

Oakden’s instructional YouTube channel offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in nature and wildlife photography, so be sure to take a look.

And even if travel photography isn’t your thing, don’t miss the comprehensive beginners guide we featured recently that covers everything necessary for shoot compelling photographs—not snapshots—during your summer excursions.

All photographers strive for perfectly sharp photos, and this task can often be difficult depending on the subject at hand and the situation we confronts. Consistently achieving precise focus isn’t about owning a great camera, but rather understanding how autofocus really works and knowing how to use it properly and the best settings to use.

The video below comes to us from the folks at Great Big Photography World, a YouTube channel that caters to shooters of all skill levels by sharing lessons on a wide range of topics from camera basics and composition, to post-processing and more. Our unnamed instructor explains the goal of today’s beginner-friendly episode like this: “I’ll break down everything you need to know about autofocus settings so you can finally capture sharp photos every time.

There’s a specific emphasis on your camera’s Single Point AF mode that our instructor says he personally uses most of the time and recommends to beginners and hobbyists alike. He explains his preference like this: “Unlike multi-point focus where your camera decides where to focus, single-point AF gives you full control over exactly what part of your composition is sharp. And this precision can make or break a photo.”

The video provides a quick walkthrough on when to use single-point AF, configuring the camera appropriately regardless of the brand, and how to practice with both static subjects and those in motion. You’ll also learn how to physically move your focus point within the frame, whether you’re using a rocker switch, control wheel, or a camera’s rear touchscreen LCD.

There are times when multi-point focus may be preferable with certain fast-moving subjects like birds in flight as compared to photographing a person walking past a tree. You’ll also see how to read the small square focus indictors to keep you abreast of what’s going on, “because sometimes you want full control, but other times you just need the camera to help out.”

And that’s why understanding what a camera is trying to do is the first step towards mastering the options. This is the reason our instructor teaches both methods to his students. He admits that single-point AF may feel awkward at first, “but with just a bit of practice it becomes second nature and way more accurate than letting your camera guess.”

Be sure to visit the Great Big Photography World YouTube channel after today’s lesson concludes and explore the many how-to videos available.

If you happen to be a pet owner don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently from another adept pro who demonstrates five simple techniques for capturing pixel-perfect photographs of your beloved furry friends.

Today’s quick tutorial is for those of you who’ve tried photographing on the street and were disappointed that the images you captured looked nothing like the compelling scenes you witnessed through the viewfinder. We’re going to fix that today.

Instructor Hans-Joachim Brucherseifer is very sympathetic and he explains the difficulties like this: “Street photography is a true test of skill and intuition. Often you only get one shot (no second chances), you can’t stage anything, and lighting is always unpredictable. In less than four minutes he provides several of his secrets for overcoming these uncertainties.

Hans is a German pro who says he’s a photographer by day and a magician at night who shoots everything from epic landscapes to imitate portraits. He’s also a popular instructor, and his straightforward imaging tutorials are packed with photo tips, unique techniques, and a whole lot of passion.

Today’s street photography primer covers everything from choosing the right lens, making the most of natural light, and achieving precise focus. Being prepared for the unexpected is also part of the game, as is easing your qualms about approaching strangers to politely request an impromptu portrait.

Hans begins with the latter and says he strives to tells a story with his images by capturing real-life situations, and why this often means photographing people within their personal space. As he says, “this requires technical skill and a deep sense of empathy and respect.” He follows up by revealing two ways to photograph pedestrians you don’t know.

In basic terms, you can either act as a fly on the wall, capturing the scene unnoticed, or “be the hornet on the eye directly.” Hans says his often shoots unaware subjects from behind, before approaching them, presenting the photos on the LCD, and suggesting an environmental portrait or two. Most times couples or individuals will readily agree, especially if you offer to send them copies.

Hans then moves on to gear and the focal lengths he recommends for different scenes and situations. You can view a complete list of the equipment he prefers in the description beneath the video. Once you’re properly armed it’s time to scrutinize the light and understand how to create natural looking exposures with perfectly balanced tones.

The lesson concludes with a discussion of how to use your experience to anticipate the unexpected and a few random final thoughts for improving your photos of the urban landscape. Be sure to check out Hans’ instructional YouTube channel where there’s much more to learn.

And don’t miss the tutorial we featured recently with another accomplished shooter who demonstrates how he employs creative cropping to significantly heighten the impact of every photograph that he shoots indoors or out.

There’s a common goal among all Photoshop users, whether they’re just getting started or a post-processing expert; namely, making the most of all the appropriate tools so your enhancements look great and are accomplished quickly with a minimum of complexity.

One way to facilitate this task is to understand less-familiar or secondary features that are often overlooked, and this tutorial from The Photoshop Training Channel demonstrates a handful of techniques that can make a big difference in results, accelerate the process, and deserve a prominent place in your everyday Photoshop workflow.

Instructor Jesus Ramirez is an expert at all things Adobe who has worked with some of the biggest publications and software makers during his successful 20-year professional career. Shutterbug readers appreciate his “concise fluff-free” tutorials that span the gamut from image-manipulation, compositing and retouching, to special effects and much more.

He begins with a trick for turning any PSD file into a Photoshop template by simply adding the letter “T” to the end of the file extension. Then when you open the PSDT file Photoshop automatically creates a new, untitled document “which means this is a completely fresh file and you can’t accidently override the original.”

Ramirez insists that another of Photoshop’s best hidden features is that you can use the Eyedropper tool to accurately sample colors from any outside application like a page on your Internet browser. It’s as easy as this: Simply minimize the application frame, click inside the canvas, and drag out. You’ll notice that as you drag over the browser Photoshop instantly selects those colors.

In other words, “I’ll hover over the blue and that becomes Photoshop’s foreground color. I can now expand the application frame and use the Brush tool to paint in blue.” Ramirez demonstrates several other helpful tricks for dealing with fonts, saving and applying character styles, accessing hidden brushes, and downloading additional brushes.

You’ll also learn how to expand your creative arsenal by gaining access to Photoshop’s legacy shapes and styles. Be sure to take a look at Ramirez’ instructional YouTube channel where there are many more post-processing tips and techniques to be found.

We also encourage you to watch a tutorial we featured with another image-editing expert who demonstrates how to streamline your workspace with a frequently ignored masking trick that’s available in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Adobe Camera Raw (ACR).

Even if travel photography isn’t your thing there’s sure to be trip on the horizon, whether it’s for business, a weekend excursion to the beach, or a long-awaited summer vacation abroad. Today’s comprehensive tutorial covers everything you need to know for documenting your journey, whether you’re a beginner with simple gear or an aspiring pro.

We’re always surprised when experts in other popular genres return from a trip with images that could be best described as snapshots, even though their usual work is so impressive. The video below from Canadian photographer/video producer Lizzie Peirce provides 10 straightforward tips for leveling up your travel photography game.

In this behind-the-scenes episode you’ll join Pierce in Toronto while she dives into a wide variety of topics from the best times of day to shoot, essential gear, and the importance doing some research to familiarize yourself with the culture and identify key areas of interest before hitting hit the road.

There’s also a thoughtful discussion of key shooting techniques, and these include careful composition, lighting and reflections, and tips for choosing unique vantage points and camera angles that deliver an uncommon look when shooting familiar destinations. And like with all forms of photography, a respect for the environment and local people should be included on your list.

Peirce recommends arising early and being on site at dawn or staying out the until the sun drops below the horizon for two primary reasons. One is the beautiful soft light of Golden hour, and the other is that monuments and other popular sites tend to be less cluttered with tourists at these times than they are in the middle of the day.

Another way to document a trip in a unique way is to immerse yourself in the culture by venturing off the well-beaten path, speaking with a few “homies” about local history and even requesting permission for an environmental portrait that helps you tell a visual story.

It also helps to patronize restaurants and shops that don’t appear in your travel guide— otherwise they be jam-packed with tourists like you. The remainder of this 14-minute lesson is devoted to a discussion of photo equipment and a demonstration of several interesting shooting techniques that will deliver uncommon images that no one will confuse with quick-and-dirty snapshots.

Once the video concludes take a look at Peirce’s instructional YouTube channel and browse through the many how-videos that are available.

We also recommend watching a tutorial we featured recently with one of our favorite instructors who explains how to take advantage of color theory basics with real-world examples and practical techniques that will boost the impact of every outdoor photograph you shoot.

Nighttime photography can be a lot of fun because it provides numerous opportunities to capture compelling images in the field or on the street. Familiar scenes that may appear boring during the day are transformed into magical tableaus once the sun drops below the horizon.

But here’s the rub: the same neon signs, streetlamps, and brightly-lit windows that everyone finds so captivating can also make it extremely difficult to determine a balanced exposure. And most of the time this means images that look far darker than what you saw through the viewfinder.

But all is not lost because the following video from French-born Serge Ramelli describes “how to retouch an underexposed photo like a pro.” He’s is a noteworthy cityscape photographer now living in the U.S. whose sought-after images are displayed in over 120 galleries across the globe.  

Ramelli summarizes today’s eye-opening episode like this: “I’ll provide step-by-step instructions for transforming a severely underexposed photo into a stunning gallery-worthy image.” Along the way you’ll learn his preferred methods for correcting exposure, perfecting white balance, and mastering dodge and burn.

Ramelli also demonstrates his strategy for applying sharpening and noise reduction to images that are overly dark. He covers all these topics and more in barely nine minutes. The example he uses is a well-composed street slot with a curving cobblestone road that effectively guides you through the glittering village.

The problem is an exposure mistake that makes all the enticing details difficult or impossible to see—thereby spoiling the unprocessed shot. If you want a one-click solution, simply grab Ramelli’s free Lightroom AI presets using a link beneath the video. The point of this lesson, however, is teaching you how to rehabilitate an image yourself so that you understand the necessary adjustments and enhancements that are involved.

Ramelli begins by adjusting the black points in the photo before boosting the whites to “reveal the photo.” Then he uses simple slides to modify white balance, color intensity, and other key variables in a manner that photographers of all skill levels can handle with ease. A few simple masks for local enhancements also factor into the equation.

A quick glance at Ramelli’s before/after examples confirms the spectacular results you can expect by following his straightforward advice. Be sure to take a close look at his popular YouTube channel and explore the many how-to videos you find.

And don’t miss a tutorial we featured with another post-processing expert who demonstrates a simple-but-obscure masking trick that many photographers overlook that takes barely five minutes to learn. You can use it in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Adobe Camera Raw.

Is image cropping just a technical fix, or a creative tool that can completely transform your photography? According to pro Ejaz Khan, the latter is the correct answer, and he demonstrates why and how in the 10 minute tutorial below.

Khan grew up immersed in filmmaking and developed a love for storytelling that fueled his passion for photography. The goal of his popular how-to videos is to “help you capture stunning photos effortlessly by simplifying complex techniques into actionable steps.” The task of creative cropping isn’t exactly complex, but it’s one sure way to leave viewers craving more.

Today’s episode is all about this using this practical skill to enhance images with an artistic flair. Khan explains the concept like this: “I’ll show you how image cropping is more than just trimming edges, and how it enables you to unlock the full emotion, power, and presence within the frame.” He promises that by following his advice you’ll be able to quickly turn a decent image into one that’s “unforgettable.”

Put another way, with the techniques you’ll learn in the next 10 minutes, “your cropped images don’t just look better, they feel better too.” Bottom line: If you’ve ever looked at one of your images and thought something was missing, there’s a good chance that a lack of thoughtful cropping is the key element you overlooked.

Khan’s straightforward tips are illustrated by a selection of photos that can be greatly improved with different types of crops, and they’re appropriate for a broad range of genres from landscapes, portraits, and action shots, to nature and wildlife imagery. With a bit of practice, these compelling  styles will quickly become second nature whether you’re “cropping in the camera” or during post processing.

Khan demonstrates how even small changes to the frame can elicit a big emotional response from viewers, and why it’s helpful to leave space in your crop for flexibility of mood. In other situations the goal is creating photos with a sense of power, and one way to do that is getting in tight which will accentuate a key subject and eliminate distracting elements in the background or surrounding areas. Other times, the goal may be enhancing depth, clarity, and texture.

The overall takeaway is this: “Don’t just frame what you see, use image cropping to shape what your audience feels.” Once you’re done watching, heady over to Khan’s instructional YouTube channel where there are many more tips and tricks for improving your skills.

And don’t miss our recent tutorial with one of our favorite instructors who demonstrates why an understanding of color theory and practical ways to use it is also essential for creating photographs with maximum impact.

If you’re a proud pet owner let’s forget about your photographic specialty for the next 10 minutes, because we all love capturing memorable images of our furry friends. Today’s tutorial from the B&H Photo Video YouTube channel demonstrates five must-know tips for getting the job done to perfection

In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day instructor Gabriel Richards took his crew to a new state-of-the-art animal care facility in New York to take portraits of some of their senior and long-term residents to help them get adopted. He demonstrates a variety of helpful methods for getting a pet’s attention, finding flattering poses, what kind of lighting to use, and more.

Richards reveals his foolproof techniques in the context of photographing dogs, but everything you’ll learn will work wonders for cat owners too. There are some special “accessories” you’ll want to have handy for tackling this assignment; namely, your pets favorite treats and a few toys.

Most pets are very motivated by food, and Richards explains why small meat-based treats are the best way to go for capturing a subject’s attention and sustaining their interest when facing the camera. And a cuddly toy will help keep a dog or cat comfortable and calm in this unfamiliar and potentially stressful situation.

An unobtrusive background is also essential whether you’re shooting outdoors or with a makeshift “studio” at home. In either case its “important to keep things simple because, after all, your pet is the star of the show.” Richards chose a simple bright-colored seamless backdrop for his on-location shoot.

You can take the same approach when shooting at home, but even a blank white wall will do just fine. Richards demonstrates how to things clean and simple when shooting outdoors, and one way to do that is by choosing a wide aperture to throw background clutter out of focus.

Richards moves on to several tips for encouraging your pet to strike variety of interesting poses. He provides flattering examples for candid shots, formal portraits with the subject gazing directly into the lens, and photos of action like your pet chasing a ball.

At this point you’re only halfway through the video and as the lesson proceeds you’ll discover valuable gear recommendations, tips for getting the light exactly right, and details on other key considerations. There are several links in the description beneath the video for watching more how-to videos on pet and dog photography.

There’s much more to learn on a wide variety of photo skills on the B&H Photo Video YouTube channel.

And speaking of animal photography techniques, be sure to check out our recent tutorial from a British wildlife expert who demonstrates how to capture perfectly focused bird photos when tree branches obscure your subject.