Educational

PetaPixel's editorials are in-depth stories, thought-pieces, and opinions on the photography industry led by the minds of our editorial team.
A black-and-white photo showing two blurry figures walking or cycling on a curved path, overlaid with a semi-transparent white swirl graphic. Sparse trees and poles line the empty, sunlit area.

Time Machines Exist — They Are Called Photographs

The concept of a time machine was first described by H.G. Wells in his book The Time Machine in the year 1895. That was 57 years after Louis Daguerre invented his photographic technique, the daguerreotype.

A collage of three images: a gloved hand examining a photo with a ruler, a close-up of a vintage camera viewfinder and lens, and a black Leica 110 camera showing its lens and viewfinder.

The Most Special Cameras, Lenses, and Photos in Leica’s Archives

Leica counted down the days to Christmas in style, delivering daily videos that showcase "the most special things" in the company's archives. As is tradition, the photographic advent calendar of sorts concluded yesterday, Christmas Eve, and we thought a nice little Christmas present to our passionate readers was a recap of Leica's Christmas countdown.

Large, jagged rocks partially submerged in misty, flowing water, creating a surreal and ethereal scene in black and white.

Do Your Images Mean Anything? Should They?

As photographers, we often concentrate on technical perfection and the compositional layout. However, arguably more important than either of those is adding meaning to your photos. It can be challenging, but adding meaning can genuinely elevate your photos to the next tier.

A grumpy-looking black and white cat in front of a chalkboard covered with scientific equations. Large text above the cat reads, "WHY SO CUTE?" and a square with "NS" is in the bottom left corner.

Photographer Uses Science to Explain Why Humans Think Cats Are Cute

Animal photographer Tim Flach has taken hundreds of photos of cats and, through his time with them, finds himself asking questions about why they are so important to humans. He has partnered with scientists to find out exactly why they elicit the emotions they do, and how he, as a photographer, can better highlight those aspects of their form.

A diagram shows the internal optical path of a camera’s viewfinder system, with colored lines illustrating light passing through various lenses, prisms, and mirrors inside the camera body.

This Explainer on How a Rangefinder Camera Works Is The Best We’ve Seen

Photographer and technology expert David Imel recently published a video discussing why Leica got rid of the most iconic part of its M series cameras in the new M EV1: the rangefinder. But to do that, he first had to explain what a rangefinder is and how it works, and in doing so created the best modern breakdown of the technology that is very easy to understand.

A rooftop photoshoot scene with a crowd watching as a photographer captures two models, one standing and one tossing fabric, against a cityscape. Large lights and camera equipment are set up around them.

Adorama and Sony Team Up for Free Photo Events

Sony and Adorama are inviting photographers to their highly anticipated Rooftop Photography Events at Sixth Floor Loft in New York City. Over two consecutive days, October 26 and 27, attendees will experience hands-on sessions with Sony cameras, expert guidance from industry professionals, and the chance to capture striking rooftop imagery.

An illustrated hand holds a smartphone showing 3:33 on the screen. Text on the left reads, "Have we reached the limits of phone camera quality?" The TED-Ed logo is in the top right corner.

The Limits of Tech and Why Smartphones Don’t Operate Under the Same Rules as ‘Real’ Cameras

While smartphone cameras and standalone cameras (which are sometimes referred to as "real" cameras) are often marketed using the same terms, the way they each function is very different. In a video published to TED-Ed, electrical engineer Rachel Yang simplifies and explains why smartphones don't operate by the same rules that standalone cameras do.

A seagull flies over calm water with two anchored boats in the background, set against a blurred shoreline.

Understanding Aperture Will Instantly Improve Your Photography

In my previous article, we embarked on an adventure that started with a basic understanding of metering and exposure. Hopefully, you appreciate how the camera measures light and how its aperture, ISO, and shutter speed can be balanced to expose the image correctly. Each of those changes the way the image looks, and here’s what the aperture does.

A small dark wooden house sits beside a cluster of leafless trees in a snowy, open landscape under an overcast sky. The scene is serene and monochromatic, evoking a quiet winter day.

Your First Exciting Steps Into Understanding Metering and Exposure

Photography requires greater technical understanding than any other art form. I’ve been teaching people at all levels of photography for well over a decade. At the start of each workshop, I always begin by explaining metering and basic exposure settings. A major foundation of good photography, these settings are often the least understood, but they are among the easiest things to get right.

A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet walks outdoors on a sandy path, while a young boy helps carry her train. A wooden fence and grass are visible in the background. The scene is in black and white.

Overcoming The Barriers To Making Money From Your Photography

It’s getting ever more challenging to earn a living from photography. It is especially difficult to start a photography business now. So, here are some of the barriers you may meet and how to overcome them.

I consider myself lucky as I earn my living from photography. It’s not a profession that is going to make me rich, although it keeps the wolves from the door. Moreover, I love what I do.

A black camera silhouette with a large red question mark over the lens, set against a gray gradient background.

How You Can Make the Right First Camera Choice

It is tempting to be drawn in by marketing hype and buy the camera with the most enticing advertisement. Or you might go along with what a friend has. Alternatively, you could consider the choice in Walmart and pick up the cheapest model. All of these could be bad decisions.

A close-up photo of multiple red circular badges on a black surface, with the frontmost badge displaying the white cursive "Leica" logo. The background badges are out of focus.

One Hundred Years of Leica: How a Tiny German Camera Changed Photography Forever

This year, the world celebrates the 100th anniversary of a camera that revolutionized photography: the Leica I. Often called the Leica Standard, this compact 35mm rangefinder was introduced at the 1925 Leipzig Spring Fair and marked the beginning of modern handheld photography. It didn’t just represent a technological leap -- it sparked a cultural and artistic movement.

A collage of nature and wildlife photos with the text "Tamron Photo Master Classes" and "Tamron University" in large letters across the center.

Tamron University Offers Free Online Photo Classes Taught by Pros

Tamron Americas launched Tamron University, an online series of free classes led by professional photographers and filmmakers. These new multi-part courses are designed to help beginners and enthusiasts improve their skills and learn valuable business skills that can help them become successful pros.

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.

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.