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Photography Guides

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What is live view? How to make the most of this feature on your DSLR

Live view makes a DSLR perform more like a mirrorless camera, showing you a live feed straight off the sensor where you can preview your exposure, white balance, and more before you take the shot. Here's everything you need to know about how to use it -- and when to avoid it.
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How to post a GIF on Instagram

Instagram doesn't have a direct means for sharing GIFs on your profile. With Giphy and Stories, it's finally possible to post GIFs to Instagram. Here's how
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How to take bokeh photos

To some photographers, bokeh is a sought-after aspect of a photograph; to others, it's a buzzword that just won't die. But there's no denying that, when used correctly, bokeh can help your images and videos pop. Here's how to take bokeh photos, whether you have a smartphone or a DSLR.
What is HDR photography?

What is HDR photography and how can I shoot it with my camera?

What is HDR? High dynamic range photography can help you capture more color and detail in your photos by expanding the limits of your camera's sensor. Here's everything you need to know about creating HDR images from your DSLR, mirrorless camera, or smartphone.
GoPro Tips

The best GoPro tips and tricks

There's more to your GoPro camera than just mounting it to your skateboard or bicycle on your commute. Whether it's finding the best accessories to make the most of your gear, or simply understanding the settings more thoroughly, learn to shoot video like a pro with these simple GoPro tips and tricks.
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What is a DSLR camera and how is it different from mirrorless?

So, you've heard the term and discovered all of the gadgets that go along with one, but what exactly is a DSLR camera and what sets it apart from mirrorless and point-and-shoot cameras? We answer that and so much and more in our thorough guide on digital single-lens reflex cameras.
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What is a prime lens? Here’s why you need one in your camera bag

Cheap is relative when it comes to prime lenses -- because for $200 (or less) you can pick up a lens that will offer better background blur and sharper images than that kit lens you're using. So what is a prime lens, and what are the pros and cons to using one? Find the best prime lens for your camera.
Sigma 105mm F1.4 Art lens Review

What is aperture? Learn to control blur like a pro photographer

Ever wonder how photographers capture portraits with dreamy, soft backgrounds in one photo, and then sharply detailed landscapes in another? The "secret" is aperture, one of the three elements of the exposure triangle. Here's what you need to know about aperture's effect on exposure and depth of field.
camcorder

Do camcorders still make sense in 2019? Our camcorder buying guide

Camcorders were once the one-size-fits-all video solution for the masses, but they are much rarer today. As our phones continue to get better at video, the desire to buy a camcorder is decreasing, but there are reasons you may still need one, from increased zoom range and battery life to better audio.

Quit saying ‘say cheese’: 7 portrait photography tips for beginners

The phrase "say cheese" is more cringe-worthy than smile-worthy. Learn how to get genuine smiles, along with six other portrait photography tips in this guide. From finding good light to creating a flattering pose, these tips are easy enough for even newbies to try.

The best tech gifts under $50

Looking for a cool gift for the tech-savvy person in your life? With the price of tech always in flux, everyone is on the lookout for quality on the cheap. Just because you're trying to keep costs down, however, doesn't mean you have to settle for something janky. Here's the best tech under $50.
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Pixel 3: How to take great photos with the best camera phone around

The camera capabilities of the Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are astounding, but you have to know how to dig into the features you want. This Pixel 3 camera guide will take you through the options in the camera app and explain how everything works so you can start capturing amazing photos today.
Nikon Z7 Review

7 camera care tips to keep your DSLR or mirrorless camera working for the next decade

Digital cameras, be it a DSLR or mirrorless camera, are pricey investments. Treat them with proper care, however, and your camera and lenses could last for a long time. To ensure you wring the most life out of your gear for the longest time possible, follow these helpful tips and tricks.
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10 cheap camera accessories we can’t live without

Photography can be an expensive hobby. Fortunately, there are also some valuable accessories that can support your craft without breaking the bank. Here are a few of our favorite cheap photography accessories which, despite costing well under $100, have all been indispensable at one time or another.
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8 oddball accessories to bring your iPhone or Android photos to the next level

With the rise of smartphone cameras — and increase in image quality — comes an explosion of accessories aimed at enhancing your photography skills. Here, we take a look at a few of the more unusual ones, from add-on grips to entire camera units designed specifically to work with iOS devices.
Canon EOS M5 review

From white skies to blurry subjects, how to fix common photo mistakes

You snapped the photo at the perfect moment, but the image is blurry. Or maybe the sky is white instead of blue. Understanding the most common photography mistakes can help capture better memories and more likeable Instagrams. Here's how to fix these seven common photography mistakes.
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How to photograph a solar eclipse (without damaging your eyes or camera)

The next solar eclipse on Earth isn't until July 2, 2019 (and April 8th, 2024 if you're located in the United States). But to ensure you're prepared well ahead of time we’ve rounded up a few tips on how to best capture the astronomical anomaly without damaging your camera or eyes.
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How to take travel photos with just your smartphone

If there's one time when the size of your camera matters, it's during travel. But is a smartphone camera enough to capture travel adventures, from start to finish? Here are the smartphone travel photography tips we've learned after a cay in the Caribbean with just a smartphone.
what does this do an explanation of dslr buttons

What does this button do? A quick guide to understanding your camera’s controls

Making sense of each and every button on a DSLR is tough. Thankfully, we've created a comprehensive guide to help you better acquaint yourself with your new device. Whether you need to change the aperture or set up back-button focusing, we've covered it all.
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How to take the perfect selfie

Every profile needs a picture, but good selfies are surprisingly rare. Here are three simple tips to take a stunning self-portrait.
Huawei P10 Photo Masterclass

6 pro tips for taking amazing portrait photos with the Huawei P10

To show what the P10's Leica camera and its Portrait mode can do, a pro photographer taught us how to use it. We learned plenty. Here are the best tips for perfect portraits and selfies.
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What is portrait mode? How tech helps smartphones capture a better you

What is portrait mode? Different devices have different approaches to portrait mode, but the end goal is to capture a portrait with a nicely blurred background. We'll tell you how portrait mode technology functions, which phones are best at it, and if buying that flagship portrait mode phone is worth it.
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iOS 11 camera guide

Apple's latest software update for the iPhone and iPad is here, and we take a look at how to use the new iOS 11 camera effects.
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How to take the best pet photos

Want to take professional-looking portraits of your pets? Follow these simple steps for professional-quality images.
Apple iPhone X Review

How to take perfect Portrait Mode selfies with an iPhone X

This year's iPhone X update features its best camera yet with a Portrait Mode selfie feature using the same technology that powers Face ID.
Digital camera dial: Auto mode

How to take better pictures with your camera’s automatic mode

Don’t understand ISO, aperture and exposure length? No problem. Here’s how to take great photographs using your camera’s automatic mode.
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What is white balance, and how do you change it?

To help you step up your photography game, we've broken down the details on white balance: What it is, what it means for your digital camera, and how to set white balance for perfect digital photos.
samsung galaxy s8 camera tips

Samsung Galaxy S8 camera tips that will make you a better photographer

The Galaxy S8 has a great camera, but it takes a little getting used to. Here are our favorite Samsung Galaxy S8 camera tips to get you started. From filters, effects and overlays to different shooting modes (and selfies) here's how to master the S8 for great photography.
Huawei P10 Our first take

Huawei P10 camera guide

The Huawei P10 and P10 Plus are two of our favorite camera phones. Here's our guide to getting the best from these amazing cameras.
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Huawei P20 Pro camera guide

The Huawei P20 Pro has one of the best and most-capable cameras we've seen on a smartphone, and there are plenty of features to learn and experiment with. We've taken the five most exciting and put together a series of tips on how to use them, and create photos and video you'll want to share.
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Galaxy S9 Plus camera guide: Master the Galaxy with these tips and tricks

If you bought a Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, the camera was likely one of the main reasons you did so. Here's our helpful guide on how to make the most of it.
LG G6 review

LG G6 camera guide: How to take killer photos

The LG G6 comes equipped with a phenomenal wide-angle camera, along with a new Square Camera mode. Here's how to make the most of both.
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High-speed sync: What it is and how to master it

High-speed sync allows photographers to use a flash at high shutter speeds, perfect for outdoor portraits or any time you need flash and a fast shutter. Here’s everything you need to know.
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How to tell if a picture is Photoshopped

Images are just as much a part of fake news as articles -- but how do you tell is a photo is Photoshopped? There are a few telltale signs to look for, but even with excellent Photoshop work, there are a few ways to use tech to find out if that photo really happened or if it only exists in pixels.