Time blending is one of the most powerful post-processing techniques for making sense out of complicated landscape scenes with a wide range brightness values throughout the frame. Today’s instructor Austin James Jackson explains the concept like this: “Capturing stunning wide-angle scenes can be easy when you’re willing to do a time blend,” and this is what you’ll learn how to do in the next 15 minutes. Jackson is a notable Utah-based landscape pro who posts weekly how-to videos covering practical in-the-field techniques, gear reviews, and image-editing tutorials. Today’s 15-minute episode falls into the latter category, and Jackson’s interesting method really delivers the goods—no matter the level of your post-processing skills.…

Nailing exposure can be be difficult once the the sun drops below the horizon, and one of the biggest challenges is controlling highlights for proper tonal balance throughout a low-light scene. This quick tutorial from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel describes the necessary in-camera adjustments in barely nine minutes. The task of controlling highlights can be particularly important when shooting on the street where streetlamps, neon signs, reflections, and brightly lit windows can easily confuse the light meter in your camera. As a result, some intervention on your part is with regard to configuring the camera appropriately is an absolute must. Today’s instructor is a British pro who goes…

Boudoir imagery is a unique subset of portraiture that’s growing in popularity as more and more photographers learn how easy it is to pursue with the equipment they already own in the comfort of their home. There’s no need for a decked-out studio or complex-and-expensive lighting gear if you understand how to take advantage of natural illumination streaming through a window. This quick tutorial from Patrick’s Boudoir Photography Secrets is perfect for r first attempt because it’s super simple. And the comfortable couch pose is easy to teach to a “model” without experience like a spouse, friend, or significant other. Patrick is a Vienna-based portrait artist specializing in b&w natural-light…

Here’s a unique tutorial from bird photographer Shelley Pearson who treats us to an uncommon mix of information, gorgeous imagery, and inspiration for nature and wildlife shooters. In the next five minutes you’ll learn how to unlock the beauty of backlighting effects. Pearson is a long-time Australian pro who travels the globe while documenting her vision of the natural world. Today’s lesson is the second installment of a two part primer, and the initial episode can be found here if you missed it. It’s a worthwhile series, especially for those of you who want to get things right in the camera. The video begins with a display of Pearson’s stunning…

Photoshop’s Gradient tools serve a wide variety of purposes for bringing outdoor photos to life by gradually blending colors or opacity. There are various options available for better colors, smoothing transitions and applying creative effects. The rub is that it takes a bit of time to get the adjustments just right. Today’s quick video from the Joy of Editing YouTube channel short circuits the process by providing 12 timesaving Photoshop Gradients that are ready to go. Instructor Dave Kelly, creator of today’s collection, is an image-editing expert whose straightforward tutorials are designed to unlock the full potential of every image you process, and these Gradients go a long way toward…

We frequently stress the importance of experimenting with new tools and techniques, because that’s the only way to expand your skills and broaden your portfolio. This quick tutorial with pro Austin James Jackson, is designed to do exactly that by demonstrating four interesting Photoshop effects that anyone can apply to their outdoor images in minutes. Jackson is an up-and-coming star based in Southern Utah who’s always searching for a new and innovative approach to our craft. He posts weekly shooting and editing tutorials that will quickly elevate your game—whether you’re a young pup like him or an old dog like many of us. Setting aside the primary goal of this…

All of us who shoot in color have experienced the disappointment of capturing a unique scene that fails to meet expectations. The video below from the PHLOG Photography YouTube channel explains why some images can be significantly more compelling in b&w, with a basic workflow for making a dramatic transformation. Instructor Christian Mohrle is one the most inspirational landscape photographers in Germany. He’s also a post-processing expert who’s very generous about sharing editing tips that contribute to his success. Be sure to download today’s sample Raw file with a link beneath the video so you can follow along and make the changes yourself as they’re explained. Mohrle’s original image was…

Difficult lighting conditions often result in photographs that bear little resemblance to the magic we witnessed through the viewfinder, and such disappointment often occurs when we fail to faithfully reproduce the spectacular tones of the setting sun. Fortunately, there’s an easy technique for keeping failed images out of the trash, and that’s what you’re about to learn how to do in the next four minutes. Instructor Serge Ramelli is an award-winning French cityscape photographer now working in the U.S. He’s also an author, educator and, post-processing expert as you’ll quickly learn in this in sunset-rehabilitation episode. Prepare to jot down a few notes as his foolproof tips fly by in a…

Regular Shutterbug readers are well-acquainted with extraordinary German Landscape pro Christian Mohrle, not just because of his inspirational images but also for the post-processing tutorials shared on the popular PHLOG photography You Tube channel that’s loaded with helpful how-to tips. This must-see episode describes what Mohrle says is the “insane” potential of Lightroom’s Object Selection masks. Today’s demonstration image is a well-composed shot of a gorgeous mountain scene. However, the dull-gray photo is totally devoid of impact and this is where Mohrle’s “impossible” masks transform it into a keeper with minimal effort. Mohrle insists that in the next 14 minutes “you’ll learn how create complex masks using Lightroom’s Object Selection…

Peak Design’s new Roller Pro Carry-On is a prayer answered for photographers, video content creators, carriers of miscellaneous valuable things and travelers everywhere. Forget everything you know about rolling suitcases—this is an all-new species of luggage that is certain to upend this segment of the camera carry-conveyance market for a long time to come. Peak Design is best known for creating the camera industry’s favorite straps, bags and photo backpacks. I’m openly fond of their products and use them daily for personal and professional applications. With the launch of the new Peak Design Roller Pro Carry-On via Kickstarter, they’ve reimagined nearly every component of the popular rolling bag carry solution…