Inspiration

Taiwan: A Photographer’s Paradise?

The truth is that when you hear about Taiwan, you probably think of semiconductors, bubble tea, political struggles, and that "Made in Taiwan" sticker on one of your household electronics. Let's forget about all of that and allow me to redefine Taiwan for you and possibly make you add it to your bucket list of destinations.

No Photography is Wasteful If It’s Part of the Growing Process

Failing to succeed doesn't mean failing to progress. I think for many of us the last few pandemic years have spotlighted this sentiment, especially as when it comes to photography “success” is already such a broad and nebulous concept.

Metamorphosis

How Photography Helped Me Overcome Grief

Cancer took my mother away. I was in a downward spiral until a chance encounter with nature set me on my path to recovery. I began photography as a means of prolonging the serenity I felt when surrounded by nature.

The Decisive Moment: What Henri Cartier-Bresson Actually Meant

The photographic master Henri Cartier-Bresson made some key observations about photography, translated as “the decisive moment” which is often (incorrectly) characterized as: "capturing an event that is ephemeral and spontaneous, where the image represents the essence of the event itself."

Seeing Versus Shooting as a Photographer

The photographer Dorothea Lange once famously said “A camera is a device that teaches you to see without a camera.” I always loved this quotation. Once you get good at shooting, you start to see the world like a photographer — you notice things, you notice light, you look slower, you take pictures in your mind. The camera saves them, but even without one, you see differently.

Get the Cliché Out of the Way When Doing Photography

I drove 5,200 miles around the country after my junior year in college. And I brought 20 rolls of film — 720 images in all — which was a lot in 1984. I felt like a pro, traveling with a “brick” of Tri-X. When you shoot film you try hard not to waste frames; it’s a natural force function that filters out some of the more idiotic shots you might take.

Tires, David Zimmerman

‘Pure’ Landscape Photography Versus Including the Human Element

One of the reasons we pursue landscape photography is to connect with nature. Many photographers cite calmness, a sense of peace, and inspiration when they are surrounded by stunning scenery. I am one of them. Unfortunately, it is increasingly common that the encounter is modified by some human-made element.

Death Valley National Park Landscape Photography

How to Leverage a Clear, Cloudless Sky in Your Landscape Photos

If the weather forecast shows clear skies and bright sunlight, it doesn't mean photographers should abandon their plans for a landscape shoot. Photographer Michael Shainblum has shared tips on how he leverages these weather conditions to come home with a successful set of photos.

10 Reasons to Shoot Black and White Photos (and None are Nostalgic)

One of the more divisive positions that I find in photographers is their rationale for, or dislike of, black and white photography. “I love color,” I hear often. “I’m all about the colors.” Absolutely, color is cool. But I think the arguments in support of black and white are strong (some better than others!).

Synecdoche: The Essence of Photography

I was struggling through Caesar in 10th grade Latin class when I first heard the term “synecdoche” (although the term is from the Greek) — it’s a figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole. Today, familiar synecdoche include “threads” to mean clothing, as in “dig these new threads I’m wearing.” Or “boots on the ground” when talking about soldiers. Or “she got a cool set of wheels” to mean a new car.

Father and daughter self-portrait project

Father and Daughter Shoot Daily Self-Portraits for Two Years

Photographer Joe Tobiason has been capturing daily self-portraits with his daughter for two straight years, amassing hundreds of photos that tell a deeply personal story of his family life and show the evolving relationship between a father and his young daughter.

The Fundamental Building Blocks of Interesting Photos

My particular interest in photography aims for hitting certain notes in the image, regardless of content. So whether I’m shooting landscapes or my garden, friends at a party, or my kids on vacation, I’d say the approach is consistent.

10 Best Photography Books You Should Read in 2026

The Internet is a treasure trove of information, but photography books are still a fantastic way to both learn about photography as well as be inspired by the work of leading photographers.

Remembering Ansel Adams Through the Life of One Student

Ansel Adams was born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California. An exceptional photographer and environmentalist, he is best known for his iconic black and white images of the American West.

Inspiring Photos by Sony World Photography Awards 2022 Pro Finalists

The World Photography Organization has revealed the finalists and shortlisted photographers in the Professional competition for the Sony World Photography Awards 2022. This year, the Professional competition received over 156,000 images -- the highest number of entries in the history of the awards.

136 Inspirational Photography Quotes in 2026

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But I wonder, what else do “they” say? In order to find out, I’ve culled together the best photography quotes on the subjects of photographs, cameras, inspiration, and more, as said by some of history's most famous and talented photographers.

Photographer Captures Six Meteor Showers in One Photo

In December of 2020, scientist and photographer Nathan Myhrvold captured over 100 meteors from the Geminids along with five other showers with a custom-designed, four-camera panoramic system. Afterward, they were animated together to show how they fill the night sky.