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Articles by Guest Author

A GoPro action camera with a vibrant, translucent rainbow gradient overlay, showing its front display screen with a landscape image and the GoPro logo beneath.

Getting the Most Out of Your GoPro: Here Are a Few Tips and Tricks

Over the past few product generations of the GoPro line, we’ve seen a ton of advancement in the feature set offered by everyone’s favorite action camera. Not only can it go anywhere and do pretty much anything you ask it to, newer models can even record in 10-bit log formats, in resolutions higher than 4K, in an 8:7 aspect ratio for ultimate flexibility in post.

The image is split: on the left, small colorful boats float on dark water; on the right, a red-and-white barn sits in a snowy landscape with mountains and a wooden fence under a partly cloudy sky.

A Landscape Photographer’s Dilemma: Should I Capture Locations or Unique Compositions?

It’s 7:30 PM. Sunset begins in Marblehead and a full moon starts to rise, right over the cast iron skeletal structured lighthouse, built in 1896. I’m standing next to several other photographers at Fort Sewall -- a great vantage point to view the lighthouse from -- and we all have our lenses pointed in exactly the same direction. Same spot. Same composition.

An astronaut in an orange suit holds a trophy labeled "ca 2025 Award of Excellence," with a blue sky and clouds reflected in the helmet's visor.

Blair Bunting’s U-2 Photo Shoot Won CommArts 2025, So He Sent the Award Back to Space

Winning the Communication Arts Photography Annual is never a solo achievement. The truth is, behind every great image stands a community; mentors who took the time to teach, assistants who stepped in when it mattered most, and a crew that believed in the vision. A photographer’s journey is built on the shoulders of many, and this year’s honor means more to me than ever before.

Close-up of a camera lens labeled "82mm" next to a black SD memory card resting on a flat, reflective surface.

A Creator’s Guide to Data Storage and Backup

If you’re someone who makes a living by creating things with your computer, or even an enthusiastic hobbyist, chances are that eventually, you’re going to need more room to store all of your stuff than can be provided by the drive(s) built into your computer. Arguably more importantly, if you’re especially attached to some of the work you’ve done and would like to protect it from loss, you’re going to want some method of backing up your data.

Crowds walk past brightly lit stores with large neon signs and advertisements in Japanese on a busy city street at night in an urban area, likely in Japan.

The Best Camera Stores in Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide

For photographers, Tokyo is more than just the vibrant capital of Japan; it's also an endless series of photo opportunities. But beyond the viewfinder, it’s also home to an impressive array of camera shops, each offering something unique and filled with special character.

Aiarty Rescues Your Noisiest Footage and Photos from the Darkest Scenes

Night skies. Distant wildlife. Handheld footage from earlier DSLR cameras with tiny sensors and high ISO. This is where cameras -- even the most capable ones -- begin to struggle. The result? Noise. Sometimes it's manageable; often, it's not. In fact, these grain, random specks, and compression artifacts have long plagued photographers and videographers.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing sunglasses and a black outfit stands confidently outdoors in an urban setting, holding her sunglasses with one hand.

Color Grading in Portrait Photography: From Finding Inspiration to Final Results

Color grading is a crucial creative adjustment that enhances storytelling and evokes emotions. In portrait photography, it plays a significant role in establishing the mood of the subject. This article explores how to craft color grading in portrait photography, from sourcing inspiration to achieving the final result.

Side-by-side images: on the left, a film photo shows a star field with bright red nebulae; on the right, a digital image features the Andromeda galaxy and surrounding stars on a dark sky background.

I Shot Astrophotography on Film for a Year: Here’s What I Learned

Astrophotography has exploded in popularity over the past decade, thanks to ever-improving sensors, automated tracking mounts, and processing software that practically polishes your stars for you. But in a digital world obsessed with data, sharpness, and pixels, I found myself increasingly disengaged.

The image is split in two: on the left, a dancer in a wide hat and flowing skirt leaps against a pale textured background; on the right, a black-and-white photo of a man and woman riding a motorcycle, the scene slightly blurred.

Dimensions of Reality: Alternative Views at PHotoESPAÑA 2025

In an era when AI and digital manipulation seem to be facing off with the veracity of traditional photography, it’s worth noting that image making has always been an interpretive art. Several historic exhibitions at PHotoESPAÑA 2025 in Madrid remind us that photographic depictions of the real world stem from the eye of the beholder.

A group of people dance energetically under bright, warm yellow-orange lights, creating a blurred, dynamic effect that emphasizes movement and excitement.

I Accidentally Made an AI Music Video

When the Midjourney newsletter hit my inbox late at night, one line stood out: "Video is now live for everyone." That was enough. Sleep had to wait.

A split image: on the left, a bearded man with glasses in black and white; on the right, a soldier holding a rifle standing in a snowy, muddy trench.

Ukrainian Photographer Maxim Dondyuk on Covering the Russo-Ukrainian War

Maxim Dondyuk (b.1983, Ukraine), winner of the W. Eugene Smith Grant, is a research-based photographer and artist who combines fieldwork, historical inquiry, and personal reflections with the medium of photography, video, text, and archival materials.

Side-by-side portraits of two women: one with long, blonde, wavy hair and glamorous makeup, and the other with a short, straight blonde bob, natural makeup, and wearing a sparkly top.

Why is Pamela Anderson Not Allowed to Age?

We have all seen the online drama and hate that has been thrown at the recent photographs of Pamela Anderson, age 57. This Canadian-American actress, model, and media personality has been the center of attention for nearly four decades.

A man in a blue jacket stands on a hill overlooking a coastal landscape with trees, water, and buildings below, holding a camera and wearing a black shoulder bag.

ProMaster’s Summer Packing Guide

Warmer weather is here and with that comes more opportunities to get outside and capture all that the world has to offer. Before setting out on your next shoot, make sure you have the right gear on hand so you’re ready when the perfect moment arises.

A man and a young girl sit next to each other, both playfully holding cameras up to their faces as if taking photos of each other against a plain gray background.

Father’s Day Photo Gift Guide 2025

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the special dads in our lives who have a passion for photography than by treating them to some truly unique and thoughtful gifts?

Close-up of an OM SYSTEM OM-1 camera with a zoom lens on the left, and a detailed image of a brown duck resting in green grass on the right.

Advances in Digital Zoom Technology Breathe New Life into Shorter Lenses

Although not heavily promoted by manufacturers, the digital zoom feature included in many recent camera models has significantly improved since it was first introduced in the mid-2010s. Early versions were crude, simply enlarging a portion of the sensor’s data without additional processing. As a result, images were widely criticized for poor detail and heavy artifacts—and that reputation still lingers.

On the left, a vintage film camera with its lens cover open. On the right, a black-and-white photo of a musician playing an electric guitar on stage under bright lights.

Concert Photography with a 1950s Folding Rangefinder

Most concert venues do not allow interchangeable lens cameras into shows without special permission. But this simple means of distinguishing unauthorized professional photography and unstoppable casual snapshooting can invite creative photographers to blur the boundaries between these types of photography with unlikely cameras.

A vintage camera on a tripod faces a misty mountain landscape with rolling hills, rocky terrain, and reflective lakes under a dramatic cloudy sky.

A Bridge Across Time: For Sebastião Salgado

In September 2024, I was passing through the Jubilee Market in Covent Garden when I found a ZEISS IKON NETTAR at a vintage camera stall. Nearly 90 years old, it sat between light meters and cracked lenses—quiet and unassuming.

Three newspaper sports covers show a basketball player in a yellow jersey looking shocked or distressed, with bold headlines like "COLLAPSE!", "CHOKE 2.0", and "CHOKE'S ON KNICKS" about the Knicks losing a big game.

Viral NBA Choke Photo Shows How History Repeats Itself

The widely published choke-gesture photo from the NBA playoffs showcases the enduring power of a single image to capture and ignite sports passion. In this case, the photographer had line of sight for a second to make the photo.

A polar bear stands on icy sea ice, bending down to drink or look into a small opening in the ice, surrounded by snow and patches of open water.

Aquatic Stalk in Precious Spring: How Polar Bears Hunt In a Changing World

Aquatic stalking is a hunting technique used by polar bears to catch seals. Unlike the traditional method of waiting by breathing holes in the ice, aquatic stalking involves the bear swimming stealthily through open water or diving under ice to approach seals resting on the ice’s edge. Polar bears use their white fur as camouflage in snowy or icy environments, allowing them to blend in and get closer without being detected. When close enough, the bear launches a sudden, explosive attack, often breaking through the ice or lunging from the water to catch the seal. This method requires patience, strength, and precise timing, as seals are highly alert and quick to escape into the water.

Silhouette of a hiker on a mountain at sunrise with text: "Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer Giveaway." Light clouds and an orange-blue gradient sky in the background.

Enter to Win the PetaPixel’s Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer Giveaway

We’re excited to announce the "Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer Giveaway”! Once again, we’ve partnered with some outstanding brands to offer an incredible prize package. One lucky winner will receive a LUMIX S5II full-frame mirrorless camera with a 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, ProMaster’s Epoch 328/4W Tripod Kit, plus a collection of other unique photography products.

Three scenes show groups of photographers taking pictures of people in traditional Vietnamese outfits: two women in fog, a person arranging colorful mats, and a woman in white by a yellow wall and blue window.

How to Start Your Very Own Photo Tour in Vietnam (No Skills Required!)

So… you’ve got a decent following on social media, and you’re looking to cash in? Want to travel for free, get all your expenses covered, and “grow” your portfolio without doing much? Do you want to run your own photography tour, which will make you shine like a famous and successful travel photographer?

Screenshot of Capture One photo editing software, showing a close-up portrait of a red-haired person in the center, with adjustment panels and editing tools visible on both sides.

Hear From Capture One on AI Retouching, Smarter Workflows, and That New Look

Capture One’s newest release aims to put efficiency front and center for professionals who can’t compromise on quality or creative control. A new AI-powered retouching tool kit marks a big leap forward in workflows. Combined with smarter folder handling and better performance, this release introduces features designed to help photographers work more efficiently, stay organized, and streamline mid- and post-shoot workflows.

A bearded man in a denim jacket sits in sunlight against a blue wall, next to a small table with a potted plant. Bold white text reads, "5 Advanced Lightroom Tools.

5 Advanced Lightroom Techniques To Change How You See and Edit Photos

If you’ve ever watched one of my tutorials, you know I’m obsessed with finding ways to edit faster in Lightroom. I want to avoid having to jump to Photoshop just for minor tweaks or small retouching tasks, so I keep looking for ways to apply the same techniques inside Lightroom.

Left: A person stands atop a slanted rocky cliff with a triangular gap, overlooking the sea. Right: A bright rainbow arcs over a rugged landscape with hills and a lake under a dramatic sky.

How I Turned My 11,000km Odyssey Around the UK Coast Into a Photo Book

Long-distance walking has been a part of my life since I was ten, when my mum decided we should walk 480 kilometers from John o’Groats to Glasgow over the summer holidays. Despite never having done it before, walking every day immediately felt natural, and I was thrilled by the adventure of being immersed in nature and enduring.

A wet monkey sits in water, holding and intently looking at a smartphone with both hands. Steam rises in the background, creating a misty atmosphere.

I Brought My Bestselling Wildlife Photography Book to Life with AI

AI is transforming photography faster than any technology in history. What once took days of travel, planning, and waiting for the perfect light can now be generated in seconds — by anyone, from anywhere, with just a few keystrokes.

A collage of vibrant scenes from Southeast Asia, including rice fields, a man cycling with large fruit, monks on temple stairs, fishermen, women in conical hats working in water, and dramatic mountain and sunset landscapes.

The Library of Fake ‘Travel Photos’ in Asia

The following article is a resource to help the world’s photography competition judges work out if the “travel” images they are judging are real or not! Yep, this is the first library of fake travel photos focusing on people photography in Asia. You’re welcome!

A woman and a young child sit on grass in a park, looking at a camera together. The woman smiles while the child touches the camera, surrounded by green trees and a peaceful, natural setting.

Mother’s Day Photo Gift Ideas 2025

Celebrate the special bond between mother and child with the perfect Mother's Day gift for the female photographer in your life. This photography gift guide is curated to help you find unique and thoughtful presents that will delight any mom who loves to capture life's special moments through the lens of her camera.

A black camera lens with yellow and white markings is shown on the left, next to a plus sign, and a black Lumix S5IIX mirrorless camera body without a lens is on the right.

Using M Lenses on a Panasonic Camera: Sacrifice, Sacrilege, or Sweet Spot?

I recently did a deep dive in my quest to determine the pros, cons, and in-betweens of using M-mount lenses on my Panasonic Lumix S5 IIx body. I also compared the lenses on other cameras. Some results were as expected, others were not and there were a few surprises.

A scientist photographs insects in a lush forest; inset images show a red and black beetle on a leaf (top right) and a brown, speckled beetle on a leaf (bottom right).

17 Days in Indonesia: A Photography Adventure in Bug-Filled Forests and Caves

In the remote corners of the Earth, where dense forests blanket the land and trees intertwine, I spent 17 days on an exploratory adventure filled with challenges and surprises on the Indonesian islands of Seram and Kalimantan. This journey was more than just an adventure; it was a true test of patience, endurance, and love for the diversity of nature.

A helicopter hovers low above a snowy landscape, stirring up a cloud of snow. A polar bear is visible on the ground amidst the blowing snow.

The Disturbing Double Standard for Polar Bear ‘Protection’ in Svalbard

There have been increasingly absurd regulations being imposed on visitors to Svalbard in recent years, particularly surrounding the protection of polar bears. One of the most contentious of these mandates is the requirement to maintain a minimum distance of 500 meters from a polar bear (about five American football fields), no matter the circumstance.

A person stands on a hill at sunset, facing the horizon. The image has text that says, "Unlock Hidden Lightroom Features" and "with modded lightroom presets." The sky is a gradient of warm colors.

You’re Probably Not Using Lightroom Presets to Their Full Potential

As a photographer, if there is one thing I despise when editing my photos, it is jumping between multiple editing apps with one single photo and ending up with duplicate files where my settings are burned in and can’t be tweaked down the line.

Various black tripod ball heads with adjustment knobs and level indicators are arranged on a textured red surface. They vary in size and design, showcasing different features and mechanisms.

Unlocking the Power of Tripod Ball Heads with Balanced Mode

Since I started using ball heads in balanced mode, I’ve been a very happy camper. In this article, I'll be sharing a review of multiple ball heads as well as a tutorial about using ball heads in the balanced mode.

An elderly person, wearing a headscarf, rests with a hand on their forehead. A digital overlay shows an image search for "Dog" and displays various dog photos as top results.

Dear Apple Photos: My Grandmother Was Not a Dog

Kind, caring, and generous. These adjectives describe two important parts of my life; my late grandmother Anna, and my wife's late dog Buckeye. These are where the similarities end, but not according to Apple's Photos app.