optics pro

couple poses for photographer

4 Effective Communication Skills Photographers Need to Succeed

When we think about jumping into photography as a career, we often focus on our hard skills, or the technical aspects of shooting. It’s the part we fall in love with while learning to use our gear and discovering new techniques to capture incredible images. Knowing how to take beautiful photos, however, does not automatically ... Read more

Midday Photography Lighting Tips for Better Portraits

If you head out unprepared to capture portraits under the midday sun, you might find yourself wrestling with harsh shadows and limited creative opportunities. While this time of day has a reputation for providing less than ideal lighting, we can actually use it to our advantage. In this guide, we will walk through practical tips ... Read more

Ruko U11MINI 4K RC3 Review: A Sub-250g Drone That Actually Makes Sense for Beginners

The bottom line: The Ruko U11MINI 4K RC3 delivers usable 4K video, a 3-axis gimbal, and 96 minutes of flight time across three batteries, all under 249g and under $500. It’s not a DJI killer, but it’s a legitimately good first drone for photographers testing aerial content without the regulatory headaches or financial commitment of ... Read more
staircase photoshoot lin jirsa 1024x576 1

Staircase Photoshoot Tips for Beautiful Images

Staircases can serve photographers not only as functional structures, but also stunning backdrops for photoshoots. A well-executed staircase photoshoot can produce breathtaking images. However, capturing such images requires an eye for detail, the right equipment, and proper preparation. In this article, we’ll provide tips and tricks on how to execute the perfect staircase photoshoot. From ... Read more
Why Everyone Knows You’re Not a Professional Product Photographer And How To Change

How to Do Product Photography for Small Business: Photography Tips to Follow

You can have an amazing product and still lose a sale because the photo feels off: the color looks wrong, the shadows are distracting, or the image just doesn’t look like something a real store would publish. The frustrating part is that most of those problems aren’t about having a better camera, but about getting ... Read more

SEO Link Building For Photographers | A Complete Guide (Updated)

A little while ago SLR Lounge released the Photography SEO And Web Marketing E-Book. Here are 5 SEO tips which I picked up from this book that I thought were particularly relevant to photographers, and rarely mentioned elsewhere.
wedding maps photography directory

Wedding Maps Rolls Out New Features to Help Photographers Build Authority and Book More Clients

Wedding Maps has been quietly building one of the most photographer-friendly directories in the industry. Unlike pay-to-play platforms that charge thousands for basic visibility, Wedding Maps takes a different approach: help photographers build genuine authority through editorial features, backlinks, and awards that actually move the needle on SEO, AI search, and overall credibility. If you’re ... Read more
Murtaza Siraj better photos harsh sunlight creative portraits Cover Photo

How to Take BETTER Photos in Harsh Sunlight (Get CREATIVE Outside)

Follow photographer Murtaza Siraj through a complete photo shoot & learn to find natural light patterns for creative effect under harsh, midday sun!

5 Photographer Biographies That Are Worth A Read

Take a closer look into the life of some of the most influential and notable photographers in history. Here are five photographer biographies that are worth getting your hands on.

30 Tilt-Shift Lens Photos That Will Make You Need One

Tilt-shift lenses are notoriously difficult to use (well), but when perfected, they can create unparalleled artistic portraits.

DxO One Review | Weaponizing The iPhone Chassis With A Proper Camera

Kishore Sawh

The first offering from DxO is promising and leaves many wanting, but who is it for?

DxO One | Initial Thoughts On The Tiny & Disruptive Powerhouse

Kishore Sawh

Little, sleek, and powerful. The DxO One brings manual controls with an f/1.8 32mm equivalent lens, paired with a 1 inch CMOS and 20 MP to the palm of your hand, and extends its power through your phone. It could forever change your mobile shooting.