The power of a background in portrait photography

Ever since Irving Penn first started experimenting with white paper backdrops in the 1940s—and later, an old, repurposed theater curtain from the 1950s—portrait photographers have been pushing the boundaries of what backgrounds can look like. Far beyond the scope of the conventional, artists on 500px have found new ways to use traditional studio items—such as… Continue reading The power of a background in portrait photography

The best camera backpacks for hiking in 2023

Abby Ferguson We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more › Best overall Shimoda Explore V2 25L SEE IT Best small Lowepro PhotoSport BP 15L AW III SEE IT Best for winter trips Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II SEE IT Having a proper camera… Continue reading The best camera backpacks for hiking in 2023

Winter wonderlands: 11 tips to create whimsical landscapes

While it can be tempting to curl up indoors with a cup of tea and a blazing fire, winter is one of the most magical seasons for photographers—regardless of where you live. The Dutch photographer Roeselien Raimond, for instance, has braved -12°C weather to witness wild foxes playing amid a snowstorm. Meanwhile, in Iceland, Patrycja… Continue reading Winter wonderlands: 11 tips to create whimsical landscapes

12 of the top fine art photographers to follow on 500px

The year was 1902. It was early March, and Alfred Stieglitz had just formed the Photo-Secession, an art movement for photographers. It was snowing in New York City, and Stieglitz and his colleagues were getting ready to open their first exhibition. They were a daring bunch, employing tools like darkroom manipulation and special lenses and… Continue reading 12 of the top fine art photographers to follow on 500px

Ephemeral auroras and playful galaxies: these are the Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners

“Back to the spaceship,” runner-up, People & Space category. © Mihail Minkov An aurora dances, illuminating the night sky. The Milky Way stretches across snowy mountain tops. An abstracted view of the sun and moon. These images and more make up the winning cohort for this year’s Astronomy Photographer of the Year awards, which are… Continue reading Ephemeral auroras and playful galaxies: these are the Astronomy Photographer of the Year winners

Using the magic of reflections to elevate your photography

In Namibia, Marsel van Oosten captures the mirror image of a springbok, pausing to drink at a watering hole in the afternoon light. On a snowy morning on Lake Kawaguchiko, Loic Lagarde captures the perfect reflection of Mount Fuji in the still water. And at Germany‘s Rakotzbrücke Devil’s Bridge, Kilian Schonberger photographs a fairytale setting… Continue reading Using the magic of reflections to elevate your photography

Best camera backpacks for hiking in 2022

Abby Ferguson Best overall Shimoda Explore V2 25L Check Price Best small Lowepro PhotoSport BP 15L AW III Check Price Best for winter trips Lowepro Whistler Backpack 450 AW II Check Price Having a proper camera backpack for hiking will make it easier and safer to bring your gear along on adventures. They offer protection… Continue reading Best camera backpacks for hiking in 2022

We can’t stop laughing at these hilarious pet photos

The gallery features an array of mischievous pets in hilarious poses. Mehmet Aslan They say a dog is a human’s best friend, but we’d argue that the phrase is amendable. Animals of all sorts make excellent companions, and they’re being celebrated in this year’s Animal Friend Comedy Pet Photography Awards. The Comedy Pet Photo Awards… Continue reading We can’t stop laughing at these hilarious pet photos

All things avian: Our favorite reader-submitted bird Photos of the Day

“Hiding in the wings”. Marc Sheridan A baby bird with bedhead, a majestic pink flamingo, a flock headed South across a wintry landscape. It‘s been Bird Week at PopPhoto, so it only made sense that the Photos of the Day challenge would showcase all things avian. Our favorite entries had a sprinkling of humor, interesting… Continue reading All things avian: Our favorite reader-submitted bird Photos of the Day