In life, the older you get, the more of a seasoned perspective you develop. The passage of time alone can imbue a kind of wisdom on us.

Unfortunately, if you don’t know what you’re doing in photography, nothing will change no matter how much time passes. Perspective, as far as a camera is concerned, is an entirely different thing.

Do you really know what an image’s perspective is?

To be fair, it’s not the easiest thing to understand. 

In photography, perspective refers to how three-dimensional objects interact on a two-dimensional plane. Perspective forces us to see things from the eyes of another artist helping us become the photographer in the moment the capture was made. As such, it is one among many ways that a photographer can use to convey meaning and depth in a photograph. 

When photography uses interesting perspectives, it can force the viewer to look at the world in unique and unusual ways. It might even challenge our very notions of what a properly composed photograph should look like. In other words, it is a way to share the way you view the world with the world.  

And, as we discussed in The Photo Tutorial eBook, getting the right perspective is fundamental to creating an image that works visually and conceptually. 

What’s the key to this process?

Experimentation.

When you experiment with how subjects look through your camera, you end up creating more engaging images that compel the viewer to pay attention.

Think of this in opposition to flat images with a straight-ahead perspective. Though this can work, it doesn’t work every single time. 

Take this photograph for example. The framing, the cavernous nature of the building, and the reflections all lead the viewer’s gaze directly to the photographer's subject. 

Using such an environment helped create an engaging composition. 

Yet perspective is about much more than making things look cool. Photographs tell a story and controlling this narrative in terms of how the scene is viewed helps convey a message to your audience. 

Take this image, for example, where all of the undulating curves converge and surround a singular person thus making him the protagonist of the story unfolding within the photograph.

Looking at him with his relaxed pose, in the context of the framing structures around him gives the viewer the feeling of being embraced by these books and perhaps comforted by the knowledge surrounding him.

See what we mean?

Here’s a fun exercise you can try: Take a look at some of your favorite pictures. What visual cues can you see that influence how you feel about and interpret the photograph? 

If you want more insights just like this, be sure to check out Picture Correct’s best-selling Photo Tutorial ebook!

The post A Quick Tip: Gaining Perspective appeared first on Epic Edits.

The burdens of big dreams can often be crushing. Remember when you first started as a photographer? I do. I remember taking every single frustration to heart and every setback was just another piece of evidence that I wasn’t cut out for it. I kept looking at my photographs and thinking that they lacked something but I couldn’t quite put it into words. Call it a spark. Call it a style. Call it magic. Whatever it was, I wasn’t getting it and what I was creating wasn’t even satisfying me, let alone giving me the confidence to show it off to an audience. 

Again, just a beginner, I didn’t realize how much work and skill it took to get photographs bursting with life and color. Maybe I was too archival about it all, simply documenting what my eyes saw instead of giving it new life with my own lens. I have to chuckle because, looking back, some of those early shots were so dull and lifeless that I could have made an erupting volcano look, pedestrian. 

Needless to say, I wanted a change. 

I knew there was a missing element, some essential ingredient to the secret sauce and I needed to figure out what it was. Knowing your problem is often half the battle, and the other half was figuring out how to contextualize that within the language of photography. 

As luck would have it, one of my mentors clued me into what was missing: I didn’t know how to use light and definitely not to my advantage!

I soon learned that this is actually a familiar tale of woe. Mastering light is something that takes time and practice. Yet having some knowledge of how light works will help you along that path.

One thing to always keep in mind is that light’s behavior is impacted by a variety of factors. 

Don't worry – we've got you covered with three little words…The Golden Hour. If you haven’t taken advantage of this before, here’s a great place to start learning about light and how it impacts your images. 

What is the Golden Hour? 

In very informal terms, the golden hour is simply the first hour of light after sunrise and the last hour of light before sunset. Of course, when exactly this occurs and how long the golden hour lasts, will depend on where you live and will vary with the seasons. 

It’s that time of day, where everything looks fantastic The light is warm and soft, it is flattering to every skin tone and harsh shadows are not a concern. 

How do I photograph during the Golden Hour?

Here are some helpful tips for shooting the golden hour:

• Use a tripod as the light is low
• Shoot RAW
• Use lower ISO and slower shutter speeds as the sun goes down
• Use an aperture between f/7 and f/16 for landscapes

Of course, this is a rough guide – experiment with your settings to get the image you want. Next time you’re out, consider how the light is behaving and how it will impact your image. From shadows to highlights and contrasts, every element counts when it comes to creating the photograph you want.

To take your golden hour shots to the next level you'll need to understand light. Understanding Light is an amazing training guide to light by Kent DuFault. It will teach you how to understand light, use it and capture images that will really pop. Start your journey here

The post A Quick Tip: Using the Golden Hour appeared first on Epic Edits.

Do you know what makes a great photograph? 

A great camera. 

Just kidding, but we bet you’re paying attention now. 

All joking aside, your camera is actually quite integral to the process of making a great photograph. 

But every element is important including the lens and, since there isn’t a one-size-fits-all lens perfect for every situation, they have their own quirks, nuances, and drawbacks. 

So the question is: Are you using the lens that is right for you? 

Hear us out: This choice can actually have a big impact on not only how your camera sees the world, but also how it captures it. Thus your choice of lens in many ways is an artistic one. That’s why you should spend some time thinking about it.

Yet, to do that, you need to know how to think about lenses. We’re going to give you a quick rundown as well as some insights into what situations each one is best equipped to handle.

All of this information is right there in The Photo eBook. 

You’ll learn in the opening chapters of The Photo eBook that there are basically five categories that cover pretty much every lens out there:

ULTRA WIDE ANGLE 

These lenses fall between 12-18mm and can be quite expensive. The one advantage of this lens is that they mimic human eyesight better than any other with peripheral vision. Ideal for capturing landscapes and giving viewers the feeling of immersion, they are also more realistic than fisheye lenses that tend to distort and give an unrealistic view. 

STANDARD WIDE ANGLE

These lenses fall between 20-35mm and tend to not be as glamorous as their ultra-wide brethren though still capable of producing immaculate landscapes and environmental captures. An awesome choice for beginners to photography, standard wide-angle lenses are cheaper, durable, and lightweight. 

MID RANGE 

Between 24-70mm, these lenses are awesomely versatile and are capable of attaining low apertures and a little something, something outside of the scope of your standard kit lens. They don’t have a very strong wide-angle or zoom, however. 

MEDIUM TELEPHOTO

A lens between 70-300mm, these are great for small subjects such as flowers but not great for landscapes though they are quite useful at photographing subjects in the distance that would otherwise get lost in a wider angle lens. 

SUPER TELEPHOTO

Any lens beyond 400mm, these behemoths are fragile as you can imagine and quite expensive. Reading between the lines, we don’t recommend these for beginners. They’re also quite restrictive when it comes to close subjects and require a far-off enough vantage point to work properly. 

There you have it: The five basic types of lens that are available for your camera. 

Now, back to you.

Look at your arsenal of lenses. 

Do they seem somewhat different to you? 

Before we let you go, we want you to take the time to get to know your equipment and how it can help prepare you to take the photos you want. 

Not only will this prepare you to pursue and achieve your personal photography goals, but also it will help you get that much closer to true mastery of the field.

If you want more insights just like this, be sure to check out Picture Correct’s best-selling Photo Tutorial ebook!

The post A Quick Tip: Choosing the Right Lens appeared first on Epic Edits.

But did you know there’s also a fourth factor that can make or break an image?

If you guessed color, then you’re way ahead of the game because most photographers have no idea about what will work best for them.

Let’s start with some basics regarding color. We’ll try to make this as black and white as possible (pun intended). 

If you’re pivoting between color versus black and white, then you need to ask yourself a few questions first.

Questions like:

• What kind of impact does color have on the image in question? 

For example, photographs with bright colors might want to think about why they should sacrifice that and how doing so improves the overall composition. This makes sense if the images are conflicting colors that contrast with one another in an aesthetically displeasing way – a problem easily remedied by a switch to black and white. 

• Does your photography have prominent highlights and shadows? 

If you have a weak range of tonality in your image, then black and white will do it no favors whatsoever. 

Color, however, might be able to take a boring image and punch it up a bit. 

• Another thing to consider is texture. Are there any interesting textures in your image? 

Any picture with a strong form or texture in it will look really good in black and white because this is emphasized. Eliminating color is one of the best ways to emphasize structural elements like this in a photograph. 

• What kind of mood do you want to convey? 

Think about it. Color evokes feelings and passions such as bright red or deep purple. A lack of color is equally compelling. Drawing a viewer in to focus on differences between lights and darks can help add a touch of drama to your photo. 

There aren’t any rights or wrongs when it comes to photography as it is all a matter of taste at the end of the day. But there is a difference between a thoughtful photographer and the way his images are viewed. 

Consider color as one of the many ways that you as a photographer can direct or even somewhat control the reception your photograph receives upon viewing. 

For further research, look at the way the masters use color and make notes about what you see in the picture.

And, if you’d like a little bit more insight into color (among other things), then we’ve got something else you should check out. 

The Photo Tutorial eBook from our friends over at Picture Correct is loaded to the gills with tips, tricks, and insights into the art of photography. 

So, if you’re ready to further your knowledge of the craft, download the Photo Tutorial eBook TODAY!

The post A Quick Tip: Color Can Make (or Break) Your Images appeared first on Epic Edits.

So let's get into it…

Learn how to take your street photography from average to stunning with these presets – Here you’ll find timesaving Lightroom presets that will have you spending less time in front of the computer screen and more time out shooting. The Street Preset bundle is a great way to ensure that your post-processing enhances your street photography so that the emotion, story-telling, and everyday life you’ve captured really pops.

These small, yet powerful cameras make street photography easy – The aim of street photography is to capture everyday moments candidly. To capture the exciting, fast-paced nature of the city or people in their natural environment, you need a camera that won't get in the way. Here is a round-up of cameras that are small, but pack the punch you'll need to capture the streets.

What I Wish I Knew If I Started Street Photography All Over Again – Here is a great overview that every beginner to street photography should read. It covers where to start, ideas on composition and aesthetics, and philosophical thoughts on capturing images of the everyday.

A Handy Guide to Shooting Film for the New Film Photographer – Here is a very quick overview of techniques for the new film photographer. This piece discusses the whys of shoot film, getting it right in camera, and formats that you'll come across as you venture into film photography.

Three Ways We Can Keep Analog Photography Alive – If you love film photography, here is a piece on what will keep this analog technology keeping on in parallel with the digital world. Focusing on the three areas of innovation, sharing, and collaboration, this piece is a how-to on keeping film photography alive.

Best Monitors for Photo Editing in 2021 (Top 10 Picks) – If you use Lightroom, Photoshop, or any other photo editing software regularly, then this guide to high-quality monitors is for you. Split into three categories, you'll find the monitor you need whether you are on a budget, are a happy enthusiast, or if you are a professional looking to upgrade.

The post Film, Street Photography, Monitors, and More… appeared first on Epic Edits.

Learn how to capture stunning black and white images with this course – If you are looking to take striking black and white photographs like the ones below, then take a look at the Better Black and White Guide. This course will teach you everything you need to know about identifying what will make a great black and white photograph, and controlling tone and contrast to get the images you want. 

Black and White Photography: A Beginner’s Guide to Getting Started – So you want to make a start in black and white photography? Here is a fantastic beginner's guide. This guide covers everything from how to shoot in black and white, composition, understanding contrast, and more. This will get you started.

Black and White Photography Tips: The 5 Cornerstones of All Great Monochrome Photos – This piece covers more of the basics of black and white photography to make sure you have the fundamentals. If you've always wanted to create wonderful black and white photography, but you're not sure how to go about it, then this article will get you started.

Complete guide to black and white photography – if you've ever wanted an overview of black and white take a look at this complete guide to black and white photography. Covering everything from equipment to what makes a great black and white and of course post-processing, this is a great guide that covers the lot.

How To Master The Art Of Black And White Post Production – Getting into the specifics of post-production, this article outlines the best processes for Lightroom and Photoshop. Of course, the best black and white images are conceived of in camera, but once you have your shot, what do we need to do in post-production to get stunning monochrome images? Take a look here.

10 Tips for Better Black & White iPhone Photography – Ok so maybe you want to get into black and white photography, but really you'd just love to try it out on your phone first. Here is a great set of tips for getting fantastic black and white images on your iPhone. Of course, some of the tips are transferable to any camera that you are using, including composition and contrast. These tips are worth your while.

The post Black and White Photography Wrap appeared first on Epic Edits.

We need to have a talk.

It’s about framing in photography.

What do we mean by that? Framing, as the name implies, means to enclose or outline a space and draw attention to it. Just like a framed photograph, framing within a photograph draws attention to particular elements of an image.

Effective use of framing, then, becomes one of the many techniques a photographer can deploy to help craft the image he wants.

What can be used as a frame in compositional terms? Really anything that encloses a space in a photograph and highlights it. It could be a physical structure, lighting, weather, or any combination of things.

Keep these points in your mind.

1. Frames add depth
2. A frame can force the viewer's eyes into the photograph
3. Your frame should compliment the main subject; but not overwhelm it
4. Look for frames that help tell your story
5. A frame can be natural, man-made, or created in post
6. The frame can be a part of the subject
7. The frame can be the subject

Consider this: Rather than using framing, a photographer attempts nothing more than a bird’s eye view of everything.

While that might be interesting, it wouldn’t be as compelling in terms of drawing the viewer into their photograph. Doing this makes the viewer participate in the art in front of them. We’re not just presenting facts or scenes or data – photographs tell stories and they do this through things like framing. 

Next time you are in nature or an urban space, notice the natural framing that occurs all around you and imagine how you could use it in your photographs. 

Once you train your mind to notice framing occurring naturally, you’ll be able to incorporate it effortlessly into your photographs. 

Want to have a Photographic Mentor at Your Side (while you’re out shooting)?

Then you’ll want to get your hands on Snap Cards!

Snap Cards is a learning system of Not 1 – Not 10 – Not even 20 – But 44 Fantastic and Pertinent “SNAP! Card” Lessons that will Kick Your Photographic Training into High Gear- Why? Because you will have them with you when you need them the most- when you’re actually out capturing stunning images.

Don’t hesitate: Get your Snap Cards here. 

The post A Quick Tip: Framing Your Images appeared first on Epic Edits.

So let's just get into it

Learn photography through actioning these downloadable and printable assignments – If you are learning photography through practical application and self-directed learning, you’ll know that it can be difficult to make logical progress. If you are after some more structured and guided learning then take a look at these Action Cards. Each of the 60 cards in the set discusses a photographic topic, provides you with suggested considerations, and gives you specific photographic assignments to complete.

A Full, Detailed Tutorial on How to Photograph Birds and Wildlife – Bird and wildlife photography can be one of the most rewarding niches in photography and can give the person behind the camera an adventure of a lifetime. Here is a fantastic and detailed tutorial covering everything you need to get started with this wonderful genre.

Getting sharply focused landscape photos from front to back – Getting tack sharp landscapes is everyone's dream. If you are someone who struggles with getting all aspects of your landscape photos in focus – from the foreground to the background, then these tips will be of help to you.

Practice wildlife photography by heading to the zoo – We would all love to go on safari to take amazing photographs of animals in their natural habitat. But if like many of us, that isn't an option for you right now, then taking a trip to your local zoo is a great photography experience.

Strategic And Effective Depth Of Field – Simply, depth of field is lining up of an in-focus foreground object along with out-of-focus subjects in the background. Here is a guide to help you understand depth of field in detail, so you can apply it in your photography to create better images

Plan B: Avoid these frustrating photography mistakes – Flat battery. Loss of files. Not enough space on your memory card!. Make sure to have a great plan B to avoid these common and frustrating photography mistakes!

The post A mix of interesting how-tos from around the internet appeared first on Epic Edits.

One interesting thing about language and talking about a hobby, sport, craft, or job is that you often hear words like fundamentals, basics, and best practices being bandied about. 

From the tenor of these words alone, you wouldn’t be remiss in thinking there must be something important about the beginning of a process and how one approaches that. 

To extend things further, you will note how important it is to have the proper “foundation” in any craft, and, like in structural engineering, it is upon that rock you will build the rest of your skills. 

In fact, how serious a student is about the beginning often determines their level of success later on in their career. 

Solid fundamentals and a good foundation of knowledge are not only essential to other endeavors, they are a core feature of the art of photography itself.  

When we start out, an idiosyncratic approach is not uncommon; we’re still trying to find ourselves as photographers, after all. Best practices and technical details give us a way of communicating with each other whether we are just beginning or veterans of the practice.  

That’s why it is often advisable for newbies to take their time when it comes to photography composition. The idea here is that the more consideration you put in upfront, the more second nature it will become later. 

At this point in the game, you’re just trying to get your feet wet and learn the practices that will help you build your proficiency as a photographer. 

Do you want to know one tip that will help you out immensely? Here you go: Those pictures you don’t like can tell you a lot about your photography style and aspirations. See, you thought we were going to say that you should copy what you love and that is true, too. Yet we learn much more from our mistakes. Look at a picture you don’t like and outline why. Be concrete and look for real areas of improvement if you were to do it again.

Moving ahead a little further…

When it comes to photographs you like and admire, develop the technical language to describe why you like and admire them. Think about it from the standpoint of the photographer that took the shot and try to imagine the mindset – as well as everything else – that created the image you love.

This task is actually much harder than you might think because many photographers just starting out don’t have the language to describe photographs in a technical way and are often intimidated by jargon. Even so, try to describe what it is you like even if you don’t know the term for it. 

And don’t settle for flippant explanations like “who doesn’t think an exploding volcano is impressive?” Be serious, be real, look for substantive aspects of the photo and drill down into technical details. 

Try to think about the image in different formats such as horizontal or vertical. 

Imagine if the subject was off-center or not. How would this one change impact the rest of the photograph? 

One awesome exercise? Mental Photoshop. 

Edit the photo in your mind until you can reverse something brilliant into something terrible. How did it get there? What took something considered a masterpiece and reduced it down to the mundane?  

Through this process you will learn how it isn’t what is being captured that gives life and dynamism to a photograph, it is the technical aspects of photography that highlight such a scene in dramatic fashion.

Eager to know a little bit more? Want to develop a common language for discussing photography? We have a solution for you.

The amazing Understanding Composition guide. 

If you want to learn more about utilizing the elements of composition for more dynamic photography, then you’ll want to check out our Understanding Composition Guide TODAY!

The post A Quick Tip: Great Photos Come From Great Composition appeared first on Epic Edits.

So let's get into it…

Learn how to master the Art of Portrait Photography with this intuitive guide – If you want to take beautiful portraits then take a look at The Art of Portrait Photography. This course is the guaranteed fastest way to start producing your own inspiring, memorable portraits that convey real meaning and emotion. Producing outstanding portraits is hard, but the challenges are what make it so rewarding. So, grab a copy of this course and learn how to take unforgettable portraits.

Using Architecture to Amplify your Portraiture Photography – Whether it’s spontaneous or well-planned, you can creatively adapt buildings, landscape, and other surrounding elements to amplify your portraits. Experiment with different angles, show the scale of a building or play around with geometry and perspective. You can then use these portraits in versatile ways, like creating a quirky image for Instagram or capturing a fine art portrait print.

27 Powerful Portrait Photography Composition Examples Incorporating Trees and Leaves – As you probably know, coming up with interesting ideas for a shoot can be quite difficult. For that reason, we sometimes like to put together image collections that are designed to spark some creative ideas in your mind or for you to riff off. Of course, it’s best if you can add your own original twist to make your photoshoot successful.

The Best Places to Buy Used Cameras and Lenses in 2021 – Perhaps you are looking for a second camera or even a dream camera that you can't afford new. You might like to take a look at buying second-hand. Here's where to find the best second-hand cameras and lenses.

The 8 best WordPress themes for photographers – A well-curated and sophisticated online portfolio is one of the most effective ways for photographers to attract new audiences. And with WordPress remaining one of the most popular and easy-to-use website building platforms and content management systems (CMS) on the market, both amateur and professional snappers can use it successfully to showcase their best pictures. Here is a list of the best themes to use.

The Best ND Filters You Can Buy in 2021 (9 Picks) – Choosing the best ND filter isn’t just about buying whatever option is the most expensive. While some pricier filters certainly use higher-quality components than their cheaper counterparts, there are a variety of factors to consider when looking at neutral density filters. Here are the top 9 picks to steer you in the right direction.

The post Powerful portraits, where to find filters, second-hand cameras, and more… appeared first on Epic Edits.