Ref Butts and Slam Dunks: What It’s Like Photographing an NBA Game
Distance is not a problem. Photographers at NBA games are so close that referees, coaches, and players can block their shots.
Photographer Nigel Danson Embraces the Beauty of Local Landscapes and You Should Too
Photographer Nigel Danson's newest book, Close to Calm, celebrates the beauty in the local landscapes photographers too often overlook in pursuit of a far-flung location halfway around the globe. Oftentimes, the best photos aren't thousands of miles away in a famous locale, they are right in a photographer's backyard.
How Four Award-Winning Women Change the World Through Photography
On March 8, International Women's Day, Leica announced the four winners of its annual Leica Women Foto Project Award. Each woman's award-winning project demonstrates the power of visual storytelling and exemplifies this year's competition theme, unity through diversity. PetaPixel spoke to each winning photographer to learn more about their work.
The GFX100RF’s Leaf Shutter Lens Will Remain Unique in the GFX System
Fujifilm says it could not have made an optic like the 35mm f/4 in the GFX100RF as an interchangeable lens for its medium format GFX cameras. Beyond that, the company has no plans to make leaf shutter Fujinon GF lenses either.
Every Design Decision on the Fujifilm GFX100RF Was Made to Keep It Compact
Everything about the Fujifilm GFX100RF has been designed in service of the overarching goal of making it as small and lightweight as possible. That doesn't mean Fujifilm didn't try adding a faster lens and in-body image stabilization to early designs, however.
How Photographers Celebrated Flaco the Owl’s Year of Freedom
The Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) Flaco escaped from his longtime enclosure in New York City's Central Park Zoo in February 2023, attracting many admirers and enchanting millions. While his life was ultimately cut short a year after his escape, Flaco left a lasting impact on many, including enthusiastic birders and photographers Jacqueline Emery and David Lei, who celebrate Flaco's journey in the form of their book, Finding Flaco: Our Year With New York City's Beloved Owl.
Photographer Uses Handmade Filters to Create Surreal Portraits In-Camera
Photographer Nick Fancher uses in-camera effects and handmade filters to create wild, vivid comic book-inspired photographs, all without heavy editing or any AI.
Ricoh Says a GR III Successor Will Come ‘Someday’
The GR III was released six years ago and over the course of its many different iterations, photographers have been asking with increasing urgency as the years pass when the next one will come. Ricoh assures photographers that there while will be a GR III successor, it might just not come quickly.
It Might Be A While Before Pentax Makes Another Film Camera
When Ricoh announced the Pentax 17, the response was overwhelmingly positive. With the new film camera floodgates suddenly open, Ricoh suddenly found fans of analog begging it for more.
Sony Embraces E-Mount Competition Because It Believes Alpha is the Best
Since Sony launched its first full-frame Alpha mirrorless cameras, the original Sony a7 and a7R, in 2013, the mirrorless camera space has changed dramatically. Competition has increased from none to a lot, with Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, and others entering the fray in 2018 and 2019. While Sony enjoyed the benefits of being the first across the line, it says it is now embracing today's competitive landscape.
To Understand Sigma’s Success Is to Understand CEO Kazuto Yamaki
In a one-on-one interview, I learned why Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki is so passionate and driven for the success of his family business.
Tamron Will Make More Prime Lenses if That’s What Photographers Want
Tamron has been making lenses since 1950 and experienced many significant shifts in the photography landscape. While the move from film to digital was perhaps the greatest transition of all, the adoption of mirrorless camera technology has also impacted Tamron's business.
Photographer Reuben Wu’s ‘Thin Places’ Combines Creativity, Drones, and the Fujifilm GFX100RF
Photographer Reuben Wu created a new project, Thin Places, using the brand-new Fujifilm GFX100RF. With the new 102-megapixel fixed-lens medium-format camera, Wu captured breathtaking, ethereal photos of landscapes at night, precisely lit by drone-mounted lights and lasers.
A Chat with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer Deanne Fitzmaurice
Winning awards is a powerful way for photographers to quickly gain recognition for their work. I discovered Deanne Fitzmaurice while researching Pulitzer Prize winners, fascinated by how this prestigious honor transformed and accelerated her career.
OM System Says It Prioritizes Computational Features Over Megapixels
The biggest benefit of Micro Four Thirds is size: cameras and lenses can be significantly smaller than APS-C or full-frame options. One perceived downside, however, is lower resolution. OM System says it could look into higher-resolution sensors but wouldn’t select them if it meant sacrificing computational performance.
Fujifilm’s GFX Eterna Cinema Camera to Have 4K Open Gate Recording, Dual Base ISO
Fujifilm's upcoming GFX Eterna cinema camera remains mostly under wraps. First announced last November, very little has been shared about the camera since. However, speaking to PetaPixel at CP+ in February, the company confirmed two more features.
Photographing the Unique Cowboy Poet Tradition of the American West
If photography is a custodian of collective memory, then Jessica Brandi Lifland has a high calling.
Fujifilm Doesn’t Want an X-Pro Series Successor to be ‘Boring’
Speaking to PetaPixel last week at the CP+ show in Japan, Fujifilm says it is aware of the demands for an X-Pro series successor but wants to make sure that what it produces isn't just a small, "boring" upgrade.
Canon and Ricoh Are Not Rushing to Make New Vintage-Inspired Cameras
Photographers have repeatedly asked camera manufacturers to lean into their heritage and produce modern cameras with vintage design and charm. While some companies, like OM System and Nikon, have done so, both Canon and Ricoh Pentax don't seem interested in following suit if design is the only reason.
Fujifilm Increased X100VI Production, Is ‘Closer’ To Shipping Outstanding Orders
Last February, Fujifilm announced the X100VI and it quickly became one of the most popular cameras on the planet. Despite planning for increased demand and stockpiling cameras ahead of launch, wait times for the camera quickly exceeded months. The company says it has since increased production and is now closer to shipping outstanding orders.
Photographer Creates New Analog Format and Groundbreaking Modular Photo Processor
Photographer Ethan Moses of Cameradactyl is well known not only for his photo skills but also for his remarkable engineering efforts. He has built a 20 by 24-inch instant camera, 3D-printable 35mm panoramic camera, and 3D-printed 4x5 field camera, to name just a few. Moses' latest creation is arguably his most ambitious: the Cameradactyl Master System. It comprises a new analog photography format, a camera that uses it, and a modular photographic processing system.
Canon Has No Plans to Make a High-Resolution Version of Its Flagship R1
Canon's EOS R1 is a very specialized camera designed for sports, wildlife, and photojournalism. But because its form factor is so appealing, many professional photographers have expressed interest in seeing a high-resolution version of the R1 released. Canon says that won't happen.
The Sony a1 II’s Popularity Among Pros Shows How Much the ‘Little Things’ Matter
When Sony announced the a1 II last November, much was made of its mostly incremental upgrades. However, while the imaging pipeline is almost entirely unchanged, for working pros, that doesn't matter -- Sony cannot make the a1 II fast enough to keep pace with demand.
Zeiss’ Otus ML Lenses Promise Photographers Something Entirely Different
Zeiss made its long-awaited return to the traditional photography space by reintroducing its beloved Otus series for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and Otus ML 85mm f/1.4 lenses channel a classic, manual-focus photographic workflow that most first-party lenses eschew in favor of clinical sharpness, digital lens corrections, and perhaps most notably, blazing-fast autofocus. For Zeiss, this is the Otus ML's strength, not its weakness.
Canon is Cautiously Ramping Up Production of Compact Cameras Again
The sudden surge in demand for compact cameras may have caught some camera manufacturers off guard after years of systematic decline. Canon wants to respond to this sudden resurgence but will do so cautiously.
What WhiteWall’s New Shopify Integration Means to Photographers
PetaPixel reported on WhiteWall's new Shopify integration when it was announced late last month, but it is such a big deal, it is worth taking a closer look. PetaPixel chatted with WhiteWall CEO Thomas Alscheid and pro photographer Per Appelgren about the integration and what it means for photographers.
Photographer Vijay Anil Captures a Car’s Soul and Magic Through His Lens
Award-winning photographer Vijay Anil is an expert automotive photographer, crafting compelling narratives through cars, people, and their relationships with each other.
Award-Winning Photographer Works to Save Wildlife Through Her Photos
Conservationist and photographer Shauna Hart creates work showcasing Rocky Mountain and Yellowstone wildlife in winter. With a busy schedule, she shared her photography, inspiration, and insights with PetaPixel.
This Photographer Captured All 2,549 Basketball Courts In Hong Kong
Photographer Austin Bell photographed every outdoor basketball court in Hong Kong in an eye-catching new series titled "SHOOTING HOOPS."
What It’s Like Being an NFL Team Photographer During the Super Bowl
Steve Sanders, the Director of Photography for the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, was on hand in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. While the Chiefs ultimately came up short of a historic three-peat, falling to the Philadelphia Eagles, Sanders captured many amazing photos of the big game that put a bow on an excellent season for the Chiefs.
How Photographer James Roh Uses Drones and Planes to Tell Powerful Stories
Photographer James Roh prefers to get as close as possible to his subjects. But when The Washington Post assigned Roh to photograph Utah’s vast public lands, he needed plenty of distance, relying on a drone and a small plane to capture broad landscapes.
A Photographer’s Unique Path to Becoming a Boot Maker to the Stars
Photographer Marty Snortum was so enamored by the artistry of colorful boots that he started a company in El Paso, Texas that makes custom boots for an international clientele.
The vivo X200 Pro Shines in Stunning Travel Film ‘The Colours of China’
"The Colours of China" by travel filmmaker Denis Barbas showcases the vivo X200 Pro’s capabilities as a professional tool for filmmakers and travel photographers.
How AP Photographers Captured the Iconic Moments of Super Bowl LIX
The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, winning Super Bowl LIX and lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy. The Associated Press (AP) was on hand in full force with its Sony cameras and lenses to document everything, and PetaPixel chatted with the AP to learn more about how it photographs the biggest sporting event of the year.
Astronomical Photographer Captures His ‘Best Photo’ Yet of Tadpole Nebula After Decades of Attempts
Exceptionally talented Finnish astronomical nature photographer and visual artist J-P Metsävainio is very passionate about the cosmos. His latest image of IC 410, better known as the Tadpole Nebula, is a perfect example of his passion and how his craft has evolved over the decades.
Nearly 250 Sony Cameras Will Capture Super Bowl LIX’s Biggest Plays
Super Bowl LIX on February 9 in New Orleans is among the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Sony is pulling out all the stops to ensure that every exciting play is captured in incredible detail, whether for the broadcast on FOX or through the still images photographers capture from the sidelines.
Yankees Chief Photographer Has One of the Best Jobs in Sports
Good photography requires excellent artistic and technical skills. Consistently great photography, on the other hand, relies upon determination, passion, the ability to work under pressure, and, in many cases, strong relationships. Official New York Yankees chief photographer Ariele Goldman Hecht has all these traits in spades, and it shows through not only her photos but how she captures them.
Photographer Captures Horses Being Saved From LA Wildfires
In a sobering what-are-the-odds assignment, Reuters sent freelance photographer Carlin Stiehl to document a safe haven for horses and other animals as Los Angeles battled deadly wildfires. The photographer knew the property: he had learned horseback riding there as a boy.
Nikon’s ‘Sporting the Unexpected’ Series Puts Athletes In Striking and Strange Situations
The Nikon Z6 III is a very powerful new camera and a popular one, too, as PetaPixel readers can attest. To showcase the device's prowess, Nikon Europe enlisted the help of four talented professional sports photographers.
Veteran Photographer in LA Says Wildfire is ‘Worst’ He’s Ever Seen
“I’m in the midst of it right now,” said veteran fire photographer David Swanson Wednesday morning from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California.
How a Photographer Got Top Reuters Photo of Murder Suspect Luigi Mangione in Just 7 Seconds
Photographers waited hours -- in cold rainy weather -- for murder suspect Luigi Mangione to appear at the Blair County Courthouse in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania.
‘Never Say Never:’ Fujifilm Exec Won’t Close Door on Launching Film Camera
Amateur Photographer's editor, Nigel Atherton, recently chatted with Fujifilm with Theo Georgiades, general manager of Fujifilm Imaging Solutions UK, discussing a wide range of topics, including Fujifilm's product strategy, performance, and the resurgence of film photography.
Humpback Whale Swims Up To Photographer for Incredible Close-Up Picture
A photographer had a powerful experience with a whale who swam up close allowing her to capture a close-up photo of the humpback's eye.
How a Photographer Captured a Record-Breaking Lake-Effect Snowstorm
When a lake-effect snowstorm hit Erie, Pennsylvania after Thanksgiving, Pittsburgh-based freelancer Jeff Swensen drove 130 miles to make widely published photos for Getty Images.
How ESA’s Proba-3 Mission Will Create Solar Eclipses in Orbit
After a slight hiccup and one-day delay, the European Space Agency's incredible Proba-3 mission successfully launched into space. The Proba-3 mission will do something never seen before: it will precisely and repeatedly create solar eclipses in orbit using two satellites. Lining up these satellites is a remarkable technological feat and relies heavily on breakthrough imaging technology.
Nat Geo ‘Pictures of the Year’ Celebrates Photography’s Enduring Impact
National Geographic's annual "Pictures of the Year" issue celebrates the incredible adventures that Nat Geo photographers embark on each year and the remarkable, vital photographs they bring back.
Nikon Indicates Its APS-C Lens Strategy Is Focused on Entry-Level
Some of Nikon’s most popular and performant DSLRs used the smaller DX format -- Nikon’s term for an APS-C sensor. But as it shifted its strategy to mirrorless, all of its high-end cameras use the FX, or full-frame format.
Great Food Photography Uses Intense Light to Show Food’s Unique Charm
Everyone has an intimate relationship with food. The job of food photographers, says an award-winning pro, is to create images that connect food’s personality to people who consume it.
Lasers, Meteors, and Aurora Come Together in Ethereal Photo Series
Photographer Reuben Wu, known for pioneering light painting in beautiful landscape photography, including through the use of drones, has begun work on a brand-new project. While the project is in progress, Wu captured some beautiful shots in August that are too cool not to share a little early.
The Artistry of Self: The Life and Work of Photographer Jimmy Nelson
English photographer Jimmy Nelson, best known for his portraits of tribal and indigenous peoples, was recently announced as the winner of the $100,000 Special Appreciation Award at HIPA, the world's most lucrative photography competition backed by the crown prince of Dubai. PetaPixel sat down with Nelson to talk about the prize, his life, and his inspiring career.