A firm understanding of Dynamic Range is super important for achieving optimum results, yet this key element  is often ignored. In fact, this crucial concept is one key to capturing well-balanced, high-quality images that make you proud. Today’s quick explainer comes to us from the Great Big Photography YouTube channel, a popular network of experienced creatives who share a wide range of courses catering to both amateurs and professional shooters. This three-minute episode explains Dynamic Range in simple terms and demonstrates why is particularly important if you’re struggling with overexposed highlights or crushed shadows that are virtually devoid of detail. Our unnamed instructor begins with this definition: “Dynamic Range is…

Do you understand the benefits of shooting in Manual mode, but you’re still struggling to achieve the right combination of settings when photography birds?  If so, this tutorial from the Flying Parrot Photography YouTube channel will quickly simplify the process. Today’s instructor Sonia is a “nature-obsessed” Australian pro whose how-to videos are designed to help you find art in nature, take bird photography to the next level, and approach all conditions with confidence. She summarizes today’s nine-minute episode like this: “I’ll walk you through how I choose the best manual settings for bird photography so you can stop guessing and start capturing well-exposed shots.” The tips in this nine-minute video…

Want to capture stunning ultra-wide photos with your iPhone? Most folks don’t understand how to how to use the Panorama mode correctly, but this quick tutorial from the iPhone Photography School explains everything necessary to get the job done with ease. Today’s instructor Emil Pakarklis is founder of the channel and promises that by following his straightforward tips “your shots will look bigger, better, and more immersive than ever.” And like with Emil’s other tutorials you’ll learn why you don’t need an expensive mirrorless camera or DSLR to capture jaw-dropping images. Emil is on location atop a cliff in a beautiful national park looking down on a giant u-shaped riverbend—a…

Fujifilm, the undisputed leader in instant printing cameras, just introduced the Mini 41, an updated replacement for the popular Mini 40. If you’re on the early lookout for a Mother’s Day or graduation gift, the fashionable Mini 41 deserves a close look. Fujifilm Instax Mini 41 Key Features • Modern, youthful styling • Automatic exposure • Auto flash • Close-up mode with parallax correction Price & Availability The Mini 41 should be available by the end of this month. Pricing has not been officially announced, but an unpublished listing discovered on Best Buy’s website implies it will be $99. Similar listings (all unpublished) were found on other major retail sites.…

Wanna go really wide with an affordable full-frame optic? Check out this Cookie from Laowa. Cookie? No, I think I’ll call it “Jewel.” Laowa has created a full-frame 15mm (110° coverage) manual focus lens that opens a myriad of creative doors for Nikon Z, Canon RF, Sony E, L-Mount and Leica M users. Overview & First Impressions The Laowa 15mm f/5 Cookie FF is a very compact, lightweight (5.5 ounces), manual focus ultra-wideangle lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. She delivers a 110° angle of view (diagonal measure) and focuses as close as 4.7 inches (12cm)—from the sensor! The build quality is exceptionally good, a distinction we’ve come to expect from…