A signature look can win the client. The harder part is keeping it consistent as the work grows. We talked with photographer and creative director Crystal Monique, founder of Crystal Monique Media, about how she does just that across photography, campaigns, and video. After more than two decades in the visual arts, Crystal has built her work around cinematic portraiture, brand storytelling, and creative direction. But as the projects get bigger, the work behind the camera gets bigger too. More images. More deliverables. More post-production. At that point, having the right tools matters. For Crystal, Evoto has become a go-to part of the process.

Since Nikon moved to the Z series, the company has introduced some fantastic models. From the Nikon Z9, one of its best professional offerings, to the Z5 II, an entry-level mirrorless camera, the company has something special for every genre of photographer. However, with modern cameras, the question often looms: how long can they really last? If you are wondering the same about your mirrorless Nikons, here is a deep dive into where they stand today.

Today, Yashica has announced the new Yashica Crew -- a camera that mimics the looks of the classic Canon Powershot lineup and even brings with it the feels that a billion dollar company like Canon wouldn't give us. Besides the looks, it boasts a lot more. The new Yashica Crew comes in black and silver while boasting things like a 6x optical zoom lens, up to 32MP images, the tiny sensor that everyone wants, and vibes. And with this, it finally seems like Yashica is finally doing the things that photographers wanted them to do all along.

Much like autofocus, image stabilization has become one of those advancements in photography that people can't live without nowadays. It genuinely provides an advantage in getting sharper pictures in many scenarios. To judge just how effective it can be at very low shutter speeds, we ran some tests taking images with and without image stabilization turned on to see what impact it makes.

Canon has multiple patents in the works right now. From new macro lenses, to a fingerprint scanning camera, there is a lot being unveiled as we write this. A new addition to this is the latest patent, which shows a lens that comes with a teleconveter slot. Who is this for? Let's find out.

Landscape photographers require a camera that is not just sturdy, but can capture fine details with ease. Today, most cameras are designed to document changes in light better than what they did a decade ago. However, there are only a handful of devices that shine brighter than most. Let's have a look at some of the most sought-after cameras for landscape photography.

Photographer Alexander Vershinin is what I like to call a true artisan. And I get that from how he speaks so eloquently about landscape photography. "Landscape photography is about waiting for the world to do something specific — fog where it shouldn't be, lightning at the right distance — not manufacturing an effect afterward," he states. It's a refreshing take that's starkly different from the excessive HDR processing and all that photographers like Trey Ratcliff insisted we all do. And with that in mind, he's making images that I want to endlessly stare into.

The 5 Boro Foto Fest now has a firm date, time, and location: Sunday, October 25th, from 11am to 6pm, at Culture Lab LIC in Long Island City, Queens. Admission is free, with registration available on site, and it's shaping up to be exactly the kind of in-person, human-made photography event we set o

In June of 2026, I read something on Reddit about how photographers these days are all about showing off videos of them working instead of showing off the images that they make. And that's because they're trying to appeal more to algorithms on social media. But these photographers, well, they're not photographers. They're social media people pretending to be photographers. And by that I mean, "Professional photographers."

Journalists and even influencers for years have scoffed at Leica. They often prefer to pay less money for a product that won't have a better warranty. But as I've gotten closer and closer to 40 years old, I've slipped deeper into a mindset that I don't want to constantly replace the things around me. And for that, Leica has always been really incredible. I mean, how many companies still fix cameras that are over 10 years old? And in 2016, I reviewed the camera that I think began the era of peak Leica digital: the Leica MD.

In this blog post, we talk about how we can learn from our mistakes as photographers. Read more at The Phoblographer.

Here's a perk that's easy to miss: every Phoblographer membership comes with a free Mystery Box of presets included, for either Lightroom or Capture One. Normally, a Mystery Box runs $17 on its own. As a member, it's just handed to you as part of what you're already paying for.

It's called Middle Gray: have you ever heard of it? It's a method that we used to use well over a decade ago but that I never see talked about. Instead, everyone does a variation of something that I was one of the first photographers in digital to really talk about at length: white balance for film settings. Alternatively, white balancing for middle gray is often easier to do instead of the whole white card thing. So for those of you not aware, let me talk about it and then you'll go and try it for yourself.

Back around December 2023, I was in a super dark period of life. And that was the last time that I was truly and holistically feeling like I was making images for myself. I, as a journalist, often have to make images with gear that I don't really want to or care to use. That's because it all feels so much the same these days -- everyone who cosplays as a journalist on YouTube will tell you the same thing too. While I was in that period, I was sharing those images on Instagram and VSCO because I was still on social media. But I didn't share all of them; and I like to think of the images that we don't show other people as some of the images that may even be our very best -- but we don't realize it.

Screen-free cameras are now at the center of the industry. While mirrorless cameras are dominating the industry, screen-free cameras are quietly making space for users who are tired of screens. Nocs Provisions, an optics company, launched its first screen-free camera, the Portal AFN7 Adventure Camera, today. It offers a rugged build, and is designed for photographers who want a travel companion.

Whenever you photograph a scene or a person, there are two ways your camera can process the details. In one, you get a compressed, color-corrected image; in the other, the image is unprocessed, unfiltered, and looks bland. The first, which is only a few megabytes, is called a JPEG, while the second, which most professionals choose, is a RAW file. The RAW file is where photographers have yet to make a decision on how the photo will look. Those who shoot JPEG only rely on the camera to make those decisions for them. But the RAW file is where most of the magic happens. Here's a quick guide to the two.

Image-makers always have to learn about photography composition rules before they begin their journey. For many, it is much like how painters are pushed to perfect their vision by laying down grids to figure out the placement of elements in a harmonious way. If you are new to the medium, learning something basic, such as the rule of thirds, is a great start. And once you figure it out, you can always break it to create something impressive.

Two more cameras have made their way into the reference library behind our Retro Digital Presets: the Nikon D700 and the Leica M9. Both of them shoot completely differently from the Canon 5D Mark II we usually talk about, and that's exactly why we wanted them in there. The D700's low-light rendering

Sony has created some fantastic cameras, so much so that they have become the default choice of many working photographers today. From autofocus to sensor, the company's models are at the pinnacle of technological advancement. However, when it comes to durability and long-term shelf life, fewer and fewer photographers are aware of where Sony cameras stand. Today, we take a look at the warranty, maintenance and other areas that can give photographers today the answers they need.

Shoulder bags for cameras have been quite popular for some genres of photographers. Tenba, a company that has been creating some fantastic bags, is now announcing a new version of its DNA should bag line. The line-up is rebuilt by three designers, and it comes in four different sizes, available in two colorways. Here is a quick look at how Tenba is changing their bags for a better tomorrow.

Evoto announced Evoto 8.0 at its annual launch event on Sept. 22, introducing new capabilities across Evoto Desktop, the Evoto App and Evoto Video. The release also marks the launch of Asset Hub, a marketplace where photographers can discover and sell presets, AI Looks, backdrops and skies.

When it comes to digital photography, there are a few things that one has to keep in mind. They not only have to learn about the device, but also the kind of tools it can offer. For most photographers, for example, their LCD is the best option to judge the exposure of the scene they are shooting. However, the problem is that the brightness of a screen can be quite unreliable in the longer run. In that regard, relying on a histogram is a great solution to fix this issue. Here's how one can utilize this for their next assignment.

Beautifully engineered mechanical design, with a supremely accurate rangefinder and looks that still turn heads, the Nikon S2 is a camera that can bring you oodles of joy even today. Without any electronics in it whatsoever, it still manages to churn out one great image after another. More than anything, the Nikon S2 proves that good photography fundamentals don't age. Give a photographer a reliable camera, a good lens and a roll of film and you can still create images that go wow.

Most young photographers often run into the same puzzle: how to get sharp images, without making it look too sharp. When you shoot wide open, there is some softness, and when you push past a certain number, it results in fracture. There is a sweet spot of the lens, where it delivers its sharpest possible image. Understanding this spot, and figuring out how to do this with your gear, then here are a few things you have to keep in mind.

Scrolling through images on a screen is fast, convenient, and -- for a lot of photographers -- quietly exhausting. There's a slower way to fall back in love with the craft, and it starts with an actual, physical print.

We are living in a world where everyone not only has a camera in their pocket, but what was once a sci-fi supercomputer capable of completely altering reality. For Gen Z, the first generation of digital-only natives, it may seem like a quirky trend buying 40+-year-old cameras, but the truth is something far more refreshing: It’s a calculated retreat from the frictionless, hyper-optimized, and clinically sterile nature of our digital world. I reached out to Gen Z photographers from Reddit’s r/AnalogCommunity to get their thoughts on the matter.

Street photography showcases the most mundane things in a visually striking way. A large part of this comes down to the photographer's ability to observe moments that often go unnoticed by an untrained eye. One example is Sittichai Maikupandin's surreal visuals of Bangkok, which make us see our reality in a different way. "Amidst the chaos of the city, I try to capture something that may seem ordinary, yet somehow evokes a feeling that cannot be easily explained," he once wrote about his work. Today, he speaks with The Phoblographer about the gear that makes it all possible.

As we approach a decade of the Sony a7 III's existence, it’s time to dive back into it and see if it’s still worth buying Sony’s oldest supported model. With an aging 24-megapixel sensor and "outdated" autofocusing system, the a7III may no longer be built for work, but it shines for everything else. It wasn’t until last year that Sony officially discontinued the Sony a7 II, arguably the model that changed photographers’ perception of the brand and what it meant to be a camera design for pros. When Sony launched the a7 III (also called the Sony a7III) in 2018, it kicked off the AF debates that we still must put up with on Reddit to this day. Here's how it stacks up in 2026.

TTArtisan has some good budget-friendly lenses in its whole portfolio. As part of their growing lineup, the company has introduced85mm f1.8 Neo, a full-frame autofocus prime lens for Sony E, Nikon Z, and L-mount cameras. The lens is competing with multiple first-party 85mm lenses, giving young portrait photographers a chance to choose between performance and price. Scroll down for more.

Fujifilm has launched some wonderful cameras over the years. The company was the first to introduce a compact medium format model, which proved that the industry can keep innovating. And now, there are reports of the first technical sketches of the upcoming Fujifilm X-T6 having surfaced online. The reports have since met with scrutiny, with photographers dissecting every visible detail. These sketches are not photographs, but they reveal enough about the camera's design, which has sparked some considerable debate in the photo circles.

check and correct Photographers have always used their experiences as a means to create great art. No matter how personal the experience is, it can always go on to become a universal truth. Something similar happened with Singaporean photographer Jayden Tan, whose series, BONER, went on to showcase the challenges and beauty of boyhood. Today, Tan speaks to us about his ideas and process, and also how he manages to distinguish his personal work from his professional portfolio.

Have you ever seen an image that leaves you questioning reality? For instance, many pictures depict our surroundings in a way that makes the familiar feel unreal. Some may reflect on history, while others challenge how we see the world and deepen our appreciation of it. Alexander James Hamilton's work belongs to the latter group, where the real and the imagined collide to produce visuals that are breathtaking but also thought-provoking. "Everything visible in my work had to exist physically before the camera," Hamilton said in our interview. "The photograph is the physical record of what occurred."

Macro photographers will certainly be rejoined. Venus Optic has truly pushed the third-party lens market with the launch of the Laowa ACRIS 35mm f2.8 1X AF Macro APO, the world's first full-frame autofocus 35mm lens that can produce a 1:1 magnification ratio. The latter has been instrumental for macro photographers to get up close to the insects, flower buds, or even still life for their shoots. Here's a look at what else the lens offers.

Today, the 5 Boro Foto Fest is announcing our list of photographers and vendors who will be selling prints, zines, books, etc. to art lovers and collectors on October 25th, 2026 at Culture Lab LIC in NYC. The organizers checked that none of the work was made involving the use of generative AI and are incredibly elated with the list that we've curated. The festival is sponsored in part by Sigma, MPB, Signs 365, and Printique by Adorama.

Lomography is known for creating some fantastic cameras and lenses for portrait photography. The Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35mm f1.8 is one such offering that helps to grow the company's portfolio of optics that offer great bokeh. As part of their signature, dreamy bokeh, the new Métamorphose is designed to push well beyond that effect. And given its design, it is ideal for both stills and videos.

If you're the type of photographer who cares a lot about post-production, then 14-Bit RAW is something that you probably always use. 14-bit RAW images hold a lot more information in them than 12-bit RAW images. But does it really matter? A lot of information on the web is all about giving you lab-style testing. I'm not going to do that. Instead I'm going to apply logic and experience for photographers based on practical knowledge in the field. What you'll realize is that this 12-Bit vs. 14-Bit RAW debate is so similar to using one brand of soft toothbrush to another brand of soft toothbrush.

Not very long ago, increasing ISO beyond even 2500 on your DSLR felt like giving up something precious, like a part of your reputation, in return for getting a shot. Yup, I've felt this way many times when having to embrace horrible grain at the cost of capturing a moment felt like I would be slandered later on for having so much digital noise in it. Colors fell apart and the texture, or lack of it, seemed like something out of an amateur's oil painting on canvas. But modern cameras have changed that equation considerably - or have they? We take a look at some unedited high ISO shots taken in low but not mediocre light conditions at night, with a camera that can stake claim to being a low light king for high ISO quality.

The Polaroid Mod is a camera that I think is really fun in addition to being pretty advanced. I'm not sure how sustainable it is though. For sure, it brought everyone I took photos of quite a bit of visible joy. But in today's world, it's impossible for photographers to spell the word camera without ME. Make no mistake, this is a cool camera and one of the most advanced instant film cameras out there. However, I don't think I'd ever use it again.

Sony has had a wonderful year so far. The company launched some great cameras, including the high-resolution king, the a7R VI, recently. While the company has not spoken about what the next launch will be about, a few reports are pointing out that it will be the successor to the S series line, the Sony a7s IV. What does this mean for low-light Sony cameras? Let's find out.

Modern cameras are so good that auto ISO control is something that isn't even worth fussing over as long as you set the right parameters. This is especially the case with cameras that don't have the highest megapixel counts and have been around since the year 2020. If anything today, specifically choosing your ISO is an intentional act that makes you shoot in a very specific way. One leans more towards a care-free setting in the same way that street photographers shoot images in aperture priority. The manual mode, on the other hand, is all about actual intentionality.

When you're traveling, the last thing you want is to spend hours in front of a laptop editing photos instead of being out exploring. That's exactly the problem our Lightroom presets and Capture One styles solve. Apply one, adjust a couple of sliders if needed, and you're done. What you're left with

The lead image of this article is one that will always stick out to me. It's an image of my good friend, Alex. And I remember when I was showing it off to a bartender identifying as Gen Z, she told me it looked like AI. However, I was showing her the literal back of the camera screen -- and this is from the Leica SL3. It didn't make any sense to me especially because the image was still straight out of the camera and not even loaded onto my phone or a computer yet. And because I don't use Adobe Lightroom or Adobe products aside from Behance, it took me a while to understand why the image looked like AI. Only after I studied up on the issue for. few years and even noticed how my friends using Lightroom were editing did I understand what was happening.

Today's awesome vintage find on ebay is something for collectors with a taste for rarity and curiosity for military history. You definitely don't see a 1000mm 40-inch f/8 Cyclotar lens spring up from the depths of ebay everyday! What exactly is this curious-looking item? Well, there's not much info out there other than what ebay seller brcamera has provided. This rare Cyclotar lens was made by Alan Gordon Enterprises for the US government in the 1950s. It was used at the Nevada Test Site for documenting testing activities (we're definitely itching to know what kind) from the 1950s to the 1970s. It was especially constructed around a 40-inch Bausch + Lomb f/8 Telestigmat lens and was equipped on a Crown Graphic 4x5. What exactly is this curious-looking item? Well, there's not much info out there other than what ebay seller brcamera has provided. This rare Cyclotar lens was made by Alan Gordon Enterprises for the US government in the 1950s. It was used at the Nevada Test Site for documenting testing activities (we're definitely itching to know what kind) from the 1950s to the 1970s. It was especially constructed around a 40-inch Bausch + Lomb f/8 Telestigmat lens and was equipped on a Crown Graphic 4x5.

When you shoot with a modern camera, chances are that you're using some of the more very automated autofocus modes. By that, I'm talking about AI detection and scene detection -- depending on what brand we're discussing and the vernacular that they're using. In the past year or so though, I've been very curious to know and understand how good modern cameras are without it. So are they useless without AI?

Pentax has discontinued five of its lenses for the company's K-mount cameras. The announcement comes shortly after the company announced the discontinuation of the last K-1 II camera. The report comes after reports of camera dealers announcing the discontinuation of these lenses. What could this mean in the longer run? Well, let's find out.

Here at the Phoblographer, we cover street photography a lot. But we also cover various other genres too. And in the work that I've done as a journalist, I've always been fascinated by photographers like Joshua Lawrence. When we interviewed him, he was a fashion photography by day and a street photographer on the side. And street photography he always found so much more interesting.

Recently, I've been going through my archives after shooting for 20 years. And in those archives, I'm finding lots of gems of images that I've made. Here at the Phoblographer, we often talk about the Olympus Pen F -- but what I haven't spoken about enough is the real goat: the Olympus EM5. This was the first Olympus camera to have weather resistance, good autofocus, and to embrace a nice retro-style SLR style camera body.

Humans have always been fascinated by space. From stargazing to enjoying an eclipse, people have found varied ways to understand and photograph the celestial events around them. With astrophotography, many are able to document nebulae, the Andromeda Galaxy, or even the Milky Way. While astrophotography is a breathtaking genre, it does require certain setups to capture such phenomena. Andrea Girones has been documenting stars, galaxies, and space for several years now. Having photographed both astronomical objects and landscapes, Girones shares her unique setup for each sub-genre, and how young photographers can begin their journey.

The 5 Boro Foto Fest is coming, and it's worth marking your calendar for if you care about photography as an art form rather than just content in a feed. We built this festival to put art lovers directly in front of real photographers selling real, printed work, no algorithms and no generative AI in

Keychain cameras are now in high demand among many Gen Z photographers. Pocketable, easy to use, and delivering vintage image quality, these models continue to impress people with their adorable design and features. Yashica, which introduced its FUNtastic lineup not too long ago, has now added four new models with features that help young photographers take selfies and shoot at night. Have a look at what the new models boast.