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Underwater photography offers some of the most captivating and unique perspectives of our world. However, there are certain limitations to photographing underwater and these are primarily due to the differences in the available light, how light behaves, and consequently, how that affects colour in the resulting images. That is why knowing how to edit underwater photos is almost as crucial as knowing how to take them. Learning how to edit underwater photos means understanding how to neutralise and/or compensate for the effect of water on light. Light travels much slower and in a different manner through water than through air, which makes it a bit trickier to capture details in vibrant colour. By using underwater photo filter apps to colour-correct photos, we can extract more vibrant colours and stunning details from underwater photographs. The great news is this is all possible using your smartphone, too. Colour To explain underwater photo colour correction, we’ll focus on the two most affected colours in this scenario: red and blue. Water applies a blue or blue-green tinge to the images depending on the condition of the water. This results in a shift in colour, as well as altering how vibrant other colours will appear. Since light travels in a very different manner through water than it does through air, this has a profound effect on certain colour frequencies. Red is the colour most affected, as it is a high-frequency colour that travels in shorter wavelengths. This is why even in very clear water, objects that are red, even in relatively shallow depths, can appear pale or even totally grey or black. One feasible approach that many underwater photographers take is attaching a red filter to their lens while shooting. This way it boosts the red colors that are otherwise lost in the water. All other colours are also affected but less so than the colour red.  Nonetheless, this still poses a challenge when it comes to producing vibrant colours in underwater photos. There are various approaches to editing underwater photos to bring out the colours muted by the water. The simplest approach is simply adjusting the white balance through colour temperature and tint. Starting with a generally bluish image caused by the water, you can increase the warmth of the image, which will bring out warm tones in the shot. However, this can also lead to the blue tones appearing more green. When this happens, you can neutralise the effect by adjusting the tint. Shift it more towards magenta to cancel out an excess of green. In some instances, recalibration of the white balance can be enough to colour-correct underwater photos. If the colour of your image shifts too much and comes out too blue or too green, it might be best to switch your photos to black and white and increase the contrast, instead. Colour filters, presets, and underwater photo filter apps can also help you to edit the colours in your underwater photos effectively. Vivid or vibrant filters or colour profiles can help to accentuate the warmer tones that are usually drowned out by the water. Some cameras, and even smartphone cameras, have an underwater white balance setting which can be very helpful when getting started with underwater photo correction. Brightness and Contrast Exposure is often thought to be concerned only with how bright or dark an image is, but it also impacts the level of detail in your photo and variations in colour. A poorly exposed photo will result in a lower level of detail lacking in subtle colour variation That is why it is very important to first get the exposure right while shooting, and second - as much as you can, shoot in RAW format. Doing both will allow you to have a much more flexible image when you’re editing and colour-correcting underwater photos. When editing underwater photos, you can, of course, fine-tune your exposure by adjusting using an exposure tool or exposure slider to adjust the overall brightness of the image To better balance the image and bring out necessary details and colours, you can use highlight and whitening tools to selectively reduce clipping and bring out more detail in the image. You can use shadow and black slider tools to recover details and even add colour to the darker parts of the images. Using these tools intuitively will not just improve the brightness and the details of the photographs but also manage the eye-catching contrast of the image as well. Composition Editing can only alter composition to a certain extent since it’s highly dependent on how the image is framed and the angle at which the image is captured at the time of shooting. However, it is possible and there are two ways that this can be done. Cropping Cropping allows you to remove certain portions of the frame that might not be contributing to the visual design of the image. Cropping a photo also allows you to reposition certain objects in the frame to a spot where they will be more beneficial for the visual flow. At the same time, cropping can allow you to realign an image to improve the overall orientation and balance of the shot. You can also use cropping to reduce negative space and improve the visual balance of the photograph to give your viewers a more satisfying experience when looking at the photo. Removing Unwanted Objects or Visual Elements Whether it’s a speck of dust or a large distracting object in the scene, it’s possible to remove these in the editing process. Certain mobile applications, such as Adobe Lightroom mobile, are equipped with tools that can allow you to remove unwanted spots or patches to virtually clean up the image for a more coherent visual design. There are many different compositional techniques that might benefit from either cropping or the removal of certain visual elements, such as the rule of thirds, golden ratio, and golden triangles. Authenticity and Maintaining a Natural Look Technology and the abundance of options in editing underwater photos offer way more retouching than what most images need. While it is good to be able to play around with the creative possibilities of these editing tools and underwater photo filter apps, it is important to remember that subtlety is key. The goal of underwater photo correction is to make up for the challenges imposed by taking photos underwater and recover the colours and details that may have been muted by the water. However, with so many editing options available, there is a tendency to go beyond simply recovering the colours and details and instead make adjustments that are too drastic and unnatural. Shooting in RAW format is a crucial step toward keeping the natural look. RAW files pack exponentially more information, so they also offer more flexibility in the editing process. This means adjustments to bring out details and recover colours can be more subtle and result in natural-looking outputs. Apps for Underwater Photo Editing There are many apps capable of editing underwater photos and intricate underwater photo correction. These apps can be used with your computer to maximise the level of control and precision but most can also be used, conveniently, on your smartphone. The on-board editing apps on iPhones and Android phones are also capable of editing underwater photos. These apps can adjust exposure, individually adjust colour temperature and tint, as well as fine-tune your composition with cropping. Adobe Lightroom on desktop or mobile is one of the best choices for precision editing, whether for underwater photo correction or rendering your photos taken underwater in black and white. Lightroom is equipped with multiple ways to fine-tune your images as well as some AI features that can help push your composition to perfection. While the free versions of Lightroom can be quite limited, Snapseed offers a similar array of options as well. Another available option on smartphones is Polarr, which offers a certain level of control when it comes to making manual adjustments while offering quick solutions for rendering out effects and retouching images for a cleaner feel. Afterlight offers various presets and filters that can be used to enhance the colour and mood of your underwater photographs. Explore Your Underwater Photo Editing Skills Underwater photography is an exploration into a side of our world barely seen by most people. Exploring the depths and bringing those images to life in the edit can be extremely rewarding. There are challenges both in shooting and editing underwater photos but with enough practice and a lot of exploration, you can capture the best of our natural world.

Taking a camera underwater opens up a whole new world of photographic opportunity. From images of a diver floating in a wide empty space to those of marine life and unique glimpses of the world out in the deep, there’s so much that underwater photography can offer. Until relatively recently, it would mean investing in expensive photography gear to take on this creative task. Nowadays, with smartphone designs that are more durable, and with the aid of reliable tools and underwater gear, we are now able to take our phones underwater to capture beautiful images and videos. In this guide, we’ll share with you some tips on how to take underwater photos with your phone. Is It  Possible to Take Good Photos with a Smartphone? The technology that we have in our pockets nowadays has taken a leap forward in many ways. The cameras on our smartphones are now able to take excellent images even in low-light situations. AI-powered smartphone cameras mean we can now take amazing photographs even in unfavourable conditions and not have to tinker so much, as they can select the right settings and make colour adjustments for the user. In addition, smartphones are now becoming more water resistant, which allows us to take them into certain underwater environments without the need for special gear. This, however, does have certain limitations in terms of the kind of water that we expose the phone to and how deep we can go with it, which is why it is still always better to have protective tools available. These limitations aside, yes, it is possible to take underwater photos with your iPhone and Android phone. Essential Underwater Photography Gear To allow you to go further and deeper, and be more creative in taking underwater photos with your smartphone, here are some examples of essential underwater smartphone photography gear that will expand the possibilities of your creative pursuit. 1. Housings/Waterproof Cases The most important accessory for taking beautiful underwater photos and videos is a waterproof case or housing. iPhones and some of the top Android smartphones are generally rated at IP68, which means that they can go down to about 6 meters below the surface for about 30 minutes. However, this rating only applies to fresh water which makes it quite a significant limitation. With waterproof housing, you’ll be able to enter saltwater environments as well. It allows you to fully utilize the touch screen even while inside the housing and underwater. 2. Domes Optically, a dome attachment or a dome lens  will have a big impact on your underwater photos, allowing you to create interesting compositions in and out of the water. Light travels at different rates through air and water so there will be a resulting distortion and aberration on the image projected to your smartphone camera’s sensor. Since a dome lens takes in the air around the camera of your phone, it is able to correct that distortion. 3. Handles/Grips To give you a better grip on your phone and at the same time allow you to handle it better while floating underwater, a handle or grip will make a huge difference. Grips give you something to hold on to. Techniques for Taking Photos Underwater Gearing up for the shoot is only half the task. Executing the perfect underwater shot is a whole other matter. So, here are some helpful tips to help you take breathtaking smartphone or iPhone underwater photography. 1. Getting the Settings Right Underwater photography is one of those disciplines where the correct camera settings can make or break a shoot. Since light is relatively scarce underwater, you’ll need to make sure your shot is bright enough to bring out the details without creating too much noise from increasing your ISO or motion blur from using a shutter speed that’s too slow. For the best results, it is best to use your phone’s manual camera mode if possible. That way you can set the right combination of exposure settings to produce clear and properly exposed images. Your priority is to keep your shutter speed no slower than 1/30th of a second if your subject is still, and faster than this if the subject is in motion. You may have to boost your ISO depending on the lighting condition but monitor it so as to avoid getting too much noise. Smartphones generally have fixed apertures so that will be a constant. 2. Tackle Changing Light Even underwater, it is expected that lighting conditions change. In fact, the impact of a cloud covering the sun when underwater will be exponentially bigger than above the surface. For this reason, it will be helpful to use external artificial light sources that you can attach to your phone’s underwater casing. These lights can provide additional brightness to make underwater photography with your smartphone easier. 3. Get Creative with Underwater Compositions Your underwater photography compositions can tell a story even in the vastness of the ocean. Photographing a person or an animal against a wide empty background can illustrate the scale of the subject in the scene. You could also look for angles where the refraction of light from the surface creates depths and a visible visual path towards your subject. When diving in relatively shallow water, you can use what’s on the surface, such as corals and other marine life, as foreground with a much larger subject in the back. When using a dome attachment, you can create stunning images that show what’s above and below the surface of the water. 4. Master Staying Still Being able to hold yourself in position while underwater allows you to capture clear images even when using a relatively slow shutter speed. By maintaining your position, you’ll also increase your chances of not disrupting the environment and the subject you wish to shoot. Marine animals will move comfortably around you, potentially creating more scenes to photograph. If it’s safe to do so, you can practise holding still while swimming in a pool by staying close to the edge and holding your breath while shooting. When in the ocean, you can use stable rocks that are of significant mass to anchor yourself while shooting. 5. Focus on Your Subject One of the most important factors in capturing sharp images is making sure that your subject is in focus. This is generally easier when photographing still objects. To ensure your focus is accurate, don't forget to use the view/functionality of your smartphone screen to focus on subjects you want to focus on. If it has the capability to do continuous focusing and/or subject tracking, those will make it much easier when shooting underwater. 6. Make Sure Your Phone is Ready for the Water To make the underwater photography process much smoother, make sure that all your underwater photography tools are ready and functioning. This includes testing the seal of your underwater housing before using it with your phone. You can do this by submerging the sealed housing without the phone. Instead, you can place a piece of paper inside to check the case is watertight. Once you’ve assembled your underwater photography setup, you can pre-select general settings that will lessen the amount of adjustments that you will have to make while underwater. That way, you can focus on the creative process instead of the technical settings. 7. Stay Safe Whenever diving and doing underwater photography, safety is of the utmost importance. Be aware of your surroundings at all times as you identify potential scenes to photograph. Always make sure to have at least one companion with you so you can check up on each other. It’s always advised to avoid touching marine life, not just for the sake of your own safety but also to protect the marine environment that you’re visiting. 8. Know How to Post-Process Underwater Photos After mastering how to take photos with iPhone and Android smartphone cameras, post-processing and editing your photos will be crucial. There will always be limitations to work around when shooting and making adjustments on exposure, colour correction, and removing distracting elements will help you improve your images. To help you with that, here’s our in-depth tutorial on How to Edit Underwater Photography. Take the Plunge Underwater photography with your phone is absolutely possible and is a good way to learn underwater photography and filmmaking if you’re starting out. With the right tools, enough practice, and your desire for exploration, you can create stunning underwater images to share with the world.

On a shoot, it’s natural to want to focus 100% of your attention on capturing the story at hand, but what goes on behind the camera also deserves some attention. Capturing behind-the scenes (BTS) content can be a powerful tool for any production. It engages your audience by offering an inside peek of the filmmaking process and it humanizes the brands and companies behind the content. Sure, behind-the-scenes filming takes a little extra effort, but with the right mindset and the right equipment, your bonus content could create some great engagement! Whether you like to stay behind the camera or you want to take your vlog content to the next level , learn how a little BTS footage can go a long way. Why You Should Create Behind-The-Scenes Videos With so many social media platforms at our fingertips, there’s an insatiable demand for content. At the same time, creators can’t do it all, there are only so many hours in a day. By setting up an extra camera to capture the behind-the-scenes story, you can get more content out of the same shoot.  There are many benefits to capturing behind-the-scenes content. You can: Give your followers an ‘inside’ look at your creative process Connect with your audience in a relatable and human way Highlight the hard work you put into the filmmaking process Share production tips and tricks to help colleagues in the industry Build your brand and differentiate yourself from competitors Create bonus content for your social media feed Now that you see the power and potential of behind-the-scenes content, let’s talk tactics. Planning Your BTS Filming Strategy Like all production, when filming behind-the-scenes, set yourself up for success and plan ahead. It helps to have your finger on the pulse on everything that’s happening, so you can prioritize and strategize. Filming BTS footage tends to require a more time, so pad your shoot schedule accordingly. Setting up a behind-the-scenes camera could be simple or complex. To get started, you’ll need a camera or your phone and a tripod, and possibly a microphone and light. On bigger crews, you might have a dedicated filmmaker or photographer to capture the behind-the-scenes story. If you’re flying solo, you’ll need some extra time to switch gears to set up and position an additional camera. Most importantly, identify your goals. Perhaps a behind the scenes short film is packaged to your client as an extra deliverable. Or, perhaps your goal is to focus on behind the scenes photography. On the other hand, maybe your behind the scenes footage is intended for your own use. You could capture footage to use in a future promotional sizzle reel or upload short vertical video clips to your daily Instagram Stories. With the end goal in mind, you can determine the key shots to capture. In some cases, you might follow the entire step by step process—packing your gear, flying or driving to the shoot, getting set up on location, filming behind the scenes footage of the production, jumping into the edit, seeing the final video on YouTube or Instagram, etc. Alternatively, you could decide to only capture a few key moments on set, so you can ignore everything else. Making these decisions before you get started will help you manage your time. While you’re at it, think through the details. Do you need interviews or will you record an introduction to camera to explain what you’re working on today—you might need a mic. Will you add VO and on-screen captions later—you’ll need to compose your shots to make room for graphics. For creative shots, think a step ahead.  If you want to capture timelapse footage of you setting up, have your BTS camera ready before you arrive.It's easy to get carried away capturing BTS content, so make sure you have a plan. Even though the goal is to capture the reality of the production, it pays to come prepared, so you can capture the essence of all the behind-the-scenes action. Essential Equipment For BTS Filming When it comes to the gear, prepare a dedicated kit for capturing behind-the-scenes content so you’re always at the ready. Camera:For simple shoots, your camera may not be manned. Think through your camera settings before you walk away. If you can’t babysit your camera, are there some auto-settings you could use?  Perhaps you want to lock down your focus or perhaps you want to auto-focus to follow you with face detection. Maybe you want to set your exposure manually, or maybe you want your camera to auto adjust if the light changes. Think through the best camera settings for each situation and check your camera frequently. It’s the worst when you run out of battery or space and don’t even realize it! Support:If you don’t have a dedicated BTS filmmaker on your crew, a tripod can come in handy to get the shot with low effort. Flexible tripods for a compact camera or your phone make it easy to set it and forget it! Sound:Level up your BTS content with quality sound. We all know built-in phone mics and in-camera audio is not the best. Mobile microphones are lightweight plug-and-play options to capture ambient sounds or dialogue when in close proximity. Light:When possible, utilizing natural light can make for an easy set up. But for more advanced shots, investing in a lighting kit will be well worth it, especially if you’re creating a home studio so you’re ready at any moment. When traveling, mini LED lights might come in handy to give you a bump of light without weighting you down. Media:Extra memory cards are always helpful to have on hand, so you never run out of space to capture B-ROLL and other magical moments on camera. Capturing Authentic Moments One of the best ways to capture authentic BTS content is to always have your camera at the ready, just in case. While it’s important to make a plan, you can’t plan for everything! Embrace spontaneous moments as they come. While the shot might not be perfect, simply getting the shot goes a long way. Sometimes this means rolling on your camera a moment before and after the official scene takes place—maybe you’ll capture some fun bloopers. Consider capturing additional content outside of the main story—film yourself waking up at 4am to capture the sunrise or having a celebratory social hour after the shoot wraps. Always have your camera within reach to capture these real moments, you will thank me later. Composition and Angle Variations To give yourself plenty of options for the edit, capture a wide variety of shots. Have a play with different compositions and camera angles. If you capture a timelapse during set up using a tripod in the back of the room, for the next shot, move the tripod to the front of the room to get another angle. Here are some ideas: Grab a static wide-angle frame on a tripod to capture timelapse footage of the full production like a fly on the wall. Capture run and gun style handheld footage which naturally adds subtle movement to your shots and gives a real sense of being in the moment. Try to follow different members of the crew to get a sense of what their role involves. Mix in some nice close-ups with medium and wide shots. Have a play with specialty shots--rack focuses, slow motion, timelapses, hyperlapses, etc. Consider capturing sit-down interviews and on-the-fly interviews with the creator or team members and have them explain the project. It’s always fun to hear about their passion for their craft, interesting details about the production, and unique challenges and successes! Asking questions in the moment while they’re working versus asking them later in a controlled setting will give you different results, give it a try. Etiquette Tips For Working With Talent and Crew Remember, while it’s a lot of fun to create content, not everyone may feel comfortable being included. If your shoot involves other people, whether talent or crew, get permission in advance so you can respect their privacy and protect your relationship. It’s also smart to outline the expectations for other people who want to post on social media. Appearance release forms are a common way for on-camera talent to give permission to be included in the production. Make sure all uses and possible uses for the footage is included. Crew members often sign an independent contractor agreement or employee agreement that describes their participation in the production and possible marketing efforts. Be sure to read all the fine print to make sure your needs are covered. Not having permission could have some consequences. Parties could ask to have the piece re-edited or taken down, they could ask for additional payment, or at extreme, they could file a lawsuit. Be sure to CYA and get permission before the cameras start rolling. For larger productions, it’s good practice to make mention that BTS content will be captured during any pre-production calls and during an on-site meeting that happens before the shoot officially begins. Of course, discuss with your client on what their policy is for social media and BTS capture, so you’re not revealing any trade secrets or positioning their brand in a negative light. Ask if it’s OK to post the BTS content in real time or if they prefer you publish the content after the final videos are released to the public. Communication goes a long way to build trust with your clients and colleagues. How to Create Captivating Edit Now that we’ve got the shot, it’s time to get creative in the edit. Have fun telling your story, whether you’re creating a start-to finish overview of a particular project or just sharing one specific shot to spotlight a moment in time. Some popular trends on social media include: Follow a before and after format, featuring a behind-the-scenes moment first, and then revealing a beautiful hero shot as the big payoff. Split the screen and show behind-the-scenes footage next to the hero footage to play simultaneously. Sometimes people like to include a screen record of the timeline playing in their editing software as well. Consider writing a script to narrate your story through voice-over. Perhaps you explain the start to finish process of setting up your camera, or do a day in the life. Try approaching your piece like a mini-doc, weaving in short sound bites from the crew from interviews and on-the-fly moments. Include bloopers and BTS crew moments to add humor and make the experience feel more relatable. Use BTS content to tease viewers to watch the full length story. Capturing behind-the-scenes content unlocks a world of possibilities. Be creative and enjoy the process, and get some of it on camera, too! The sky is the limit!

Scratching your head trying to come up with the perfect travel caption for Instagram? We hear you!  It’s a ton of fun to create travel content on the road, but before you hit publish, a quality travel caption is key! Funny, meaningful, informative, or just downright cool captions add a layer of creativity to your posts. Whether travel vlogging or taking photos, here’s our guide to writing a strong travel caption for Instagram. Why are Instagram Captions Important? Even if your visuals speak for themselves, there are several reasons why quality captions are key: Captions encourage engagement and interaction from your audience. People who read your caption may appreciate the extra dimension it brings to your post and drop a “like,” comment or question. Captions can increase dwell time by providing valuable additional information and context to your visual story. Using relevant hashtags make your posts more discoverable. Hashtags help other people find your post, and it helps the algorithm categorize your post and share with others who might like it, too. You can express your personality and brand through your style of caption. If you're struggling to find your brand or need further guidance on how to put your stamp on your social content, check out this blog on how to make social media content stand out . For video, adding on-screen travel captions for Instagram reels allows you to narrate your content visually. Overlaying captions or adding text-on-screen are helpful storytelling tools when your audience’s audio is turned off. How Long Can Instagram Captions Be? Instagram captions are limited to 2,200 characters.  Try out different caption lengths to see what engages best with your audience. Perhaps you get a lot of engagement when you write short travel captions, or maybe your posts perform best when you type out a novel. Experiment and see what works for your feed. Many creators are wise to the fact that big blocks of text can be a chore to read, so use your spacing wisely and include paragraph breaks and new lines for easy reading if you opt for a longer caption. Remember, Instagram truncates your caption after the first 125 characters, so your audience will have to click “more” to see the rest. Put your most compelling hook at the top of the caption to invite your audience to read the full story. What Font Does Instagram Use for Captions? Instagram uses Sans typeface for captions. However, if you’re looking for a way to stand out, you can switch up the style of your text. Many creators use alternative fonts by using a font generator tool. You can type in a phrase and the software will share some stylish options utilizing Unicode symbols.  You can find bubble letters and cursive and italics and more.  Just copy paste the resulting text into your Instagram captions, bio and IG stories to add some flair. You can design any part of your caption or the whole caption, but not hashtags. Mix and match, but be careful not to overdo it.  If your caption is hard to read, your audience will scroll on by. Within Instagram Stories, creators already have a selection of font styles to express themselves, so whether you’re going for a cursive or typewriter vibe, you’ve got options! Of course, you can also customize the color of the font or background. Take some time to experiment with the styles built in app. Types of Instagram Travel Captions There are a lot of different types of travel captions to consider based on the content you’re posting. Perhaps you want to post a photo dump from your trip and you just need one witty line for a caption. Or maybe you want to create a carousel highlighting your top 5 things to do, showcasing a photo from each recommendation and a written description matching each slide in the caption below.   From inspirational quotes to one word comments, here are some ideas to get you started: Nature-focused Outdoorsy folks and brands have a field day creating nature travel captions for Instagram, pointing to stunning scenery, adventure activities, wildlife photography and more. Collect travel quotes that inspire you, such as, “The mountains are calling and I must go,” John Muir. Then, add in hashtags, perhaps a mix of larger tags like #nature (820M posts) with medium tags like #naturephotography (249M posts) and small tags like #offthegrid (1M posts). To get your gears turning, try:  On mountain time Walking on the wild side Choosing the scenic route Short or One-Word Sometimes, a word or phrase is all you need. Short posts create intrigue and mystery, sometimes opening up a question that lets your audience answer for themselves. A short caption shows of creativity and wit.  See what you can come up with writing a short caption, 5 words or less, such as: Vibes. Nailed it. Chasing Dreams. Vacay. YOLO. Funny Sprinkling in funny travel captions for Instagram will make your posts memorable and might inspire audience interaction. Whether you’re dropping something subtle or laugh-out-loud status, infusing a little humor via a pun or joke into your next caption is welcome, such as: Do not disturb. Tropic like it's hot! Life’s a beach POV Everyone loves a little sneak peek behind the scenes. Adding a POV themed caption to your Instagram Reel is a growing trend.  POV stands for Point of View, and sharing a simple POV statement as text on screen over a vertical video is a great strategy for inviting your audience in. Give it a try, with POV statements like: POV: You’re out-of-office POV: You’ve landed in paradise POV: You’re on airplane mode Inspirational You can never go wrong with inspirational travel captions. Collect inspiring sayings and mottos whether in a book, movie, or from your favorite feed. Here are a few ideas to get you started: "Not all those who wander are lost." — J.R.R. Tolkien “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” ― Susan Sontag “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” ― Maya Angelou You can also share stories from your own travel experiences to inspire your audience.  Perhaps you’ve finally made it to a destination that was on your bucket list since you were a kid, or maybe you want to share how you faced a challenge, like a fear of flying or traveling solo.   How to Take Insta-Worthy Travel Content You know what pairs nicely with a good caption? Insta-awesome travel content!  When you’re ready to hit the road and here are a few tips to documenting your own adventures through photos and videos. Consider the Story You Want to Tell Decide what are the most important parts you want to share. Perhaps you want to narrow in on one specific moment, like a sunset, or maybe you want to create a recap of your whole trip, or what about focusing on one aspect like the best food in a destination? Having a framework for your story will help you identify what to shoot and what not to shoot. Aim for a Variety of Footage Get the shot! And then, move on! Explore new angles so you have lots of options in the edit. Try putting your camera up close to your subject or backing up to get an extra wide shot. Lower your camera to the ground or climb tall to get a birds eye view. Plan Ahead for Various Types of Instagram Posts There are important differences in aspect-ratio whether you are posting a photo or video to your feed, as an IG Reel or story. Consider recommended dimensions for different types of Instagram content. While in-feed posts were once only square (1x1) on Instagram, it is certainly possible to post a landscape shot (1.91x1). However today, most static posts are best framed portrait (4x5) because you take up more vertical space on the screen when scrolling—you get more screen time. Keep in mind, a thumbnail of the center square (1x1) will be displayed on your wall. For Instagram Stories and Reels, aim to rotate your camera so you can create vertical videos (9x16) at the highest quality, that way you don’t have to reframe your horizontal content. Remember, the thumbnail for your reel will be a square 1x1 on your main feed and a vertical 9x16 thumbnail on your reels tab. Find your Light! When traveling, time of day is key, especially when shooting outdoors. Always identify your main light source—what direction is it coming from and how intense is it?  Shooting at sunrise or sunset when the light is warm can make a scene really magical, compared to shooting at high noon when the light is bright and the shadows are strong. Pay Attention to the Basics When it comes to composition, of course you’ll want to frame your subject using the rule of thirds, consider leading lines, symmetry, you know the drill. This can sometimes be tricky when you are creating content for multiple platforms—perhaps shooting a horizontal thumbnail for YouTube and a vertical thumbnail for Instagram Reels—you may need to reframe the shot a few different ways in the field to avoid frustration trying to crop the shot later. It’s in the Bag And remember, no matter where you’re traveling to, your gear matters! Having too much gear can really weigh you down, and not having the right gear can limit your creativity. If you’re ready to get started with the camera in your pocket, you might need a light mobile video creator kit to accompany you on your adventure. And choose one that offers the right balance between size and weight, artistic control, and quality, and of course, pick one that matches your budget. Having your gear dialed takes planning and practice. Now that you’re ready to post your incredible travel content, get creative, dazzle your followers, and appease the algorithm with a compelling caption. You got this!

You think you’ve captured the perfect footage, then on playback, all you can see is a light flickering. Flickering light causes a distracting visual effect on film that you can’t otherwise see with the naked eye. This is because certain light sources fire out brightness intermittently at a high speed, due to the electrical current that powers them (AC current). This speed is too quick for our eyes to register, meaning it looks like uninterrupted light. However, when the frequency of a light isn’t in-time with the shutter speed of our camera, light flicker will appear on a film. To solve this problem, here are some expert tips on how to fix light flickering in video. 1. Check Shutter Speed and Frame Rates When dealing with the issue of light flicker, particularly LED light flicker, you need to consider two things. Shutter speed and frame rate. Shutter speed refers to how long your camera's shutter stays open. The frame rate, or FPS, is the count of unique frames your camera records in a single second. When these two aren’t compatible with the frequency at which your light source flickers. This then appears in the final footage. The 180-degree shutter rule can fix this. This rule suggests setting your shutter speed to roughly double your frame rate. For instance, if you’re filming at 25 FPS, you should use a shutter speed of 1/50. This will help to synchronise the shutter speed with the light's frequency. Reducing the chance of capturing the light source's 'off' period.  2. Find the Right Light Now let's shine a spotlight on your light sources. Different light sources have different frequencies. Some of which are more likely to lead to light flickering. Incandescent lights normally give off a steady light source. This makes them less likely to flicker. Fluorescent lights and LEDs, however, can cause you a headache due to the way they ‘pulse’ with light. LEDs, despite being energy-efficient, can cause flickering if they’re not a high-quality model. Whatever light source you’re working with, try testing various shutter speed and frame rate combinations. Do this before you begin recording, and keep an eye on the light patterns in your surroundings. Wherever possible, use natural daylight to avoid film flicker. Using light sources is also a good option to temper harsh, unpredictable light. 3. Choose Manual Settings When it comes to fixing light flicker, video camera settings are a secret weapon. Auto settings may seem like a safer choice, but they can struggle with complex lighting. Manual settings give you ultimate control over any potential light flicker. ISO, aperture, and shutter speed form the trinity of manual exposure control. ISO sets how sensitive your camera is to light. This should be set to low to minimise the impact of any flickering light sources. Your aperture controls how much light enters your lens. This can adjust based on your depth of field requirements and lighting conditions. For example, in bright light, choosing a lower aperture will stop too much of it entering the camera. Shutter speed, as discussed earlier, should follow the 180-degree rule. Shutter speeds that are too high or too low can cause flickering. Especially when filming under LEDs or other fluctuating light sources. Using neutral density (ND) filters can also help you control the amount of light in your video. Think of ND filters as sunglasses for your camera. They modify the amount and wavelength of light that enters your lens. Using these means you can maintain your chosen aperture and shutter speed without overexposure. 4. Fix Flicker in Post-Production Sometimes, despite our best efforts, light flickering can still creep into our footage. But, in many cases, you can fix it in post-production. Flicker reduction plugins are the tools you need in this case. They can help fix light flicker in After Effects, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve and other post-production software. Tools like Digital Anarchy's Flicker Free or GBDeflicker can deal with strobing and make your footage smoother. These tools examine your footage, spot the flickering, and adjust exposure or colour across a series of frames to fix it. Remember, post-production is a safety net rather than a main strategy to deal with light flicker. It's always better to capture clean, flicker-free footage from the start. 5. Stay Steady with Gimbals and Sliders Motion control tools don’t directly affect light flicker. But they play a crucial role in creating professional, seamless footage. The smoother the footage, the less chance for any LED light flickering to become noticeable. Gimbals are invaluable when shooting handheld or on-the-move footage. With three-axis stabilisation, they keep your camera steady, even in uneven or busy surroundings. On the other hand, sliders are perfect for precise, linear movements. A slider can offer control and consistency for dramatic landscape pans or slow crawls towards a subject. Something which is hard to replicate by hand. Consider gimbals for dynamic, moving shots and sliders for planned, intentional movements. This will enhance your footage's sophistication and decrease the potential impact of any flicker. Enjoy flicker-free film By choosing the right camera settings and light sources, you can reduce the chances of light flicker in your film. Plus, you have the backup of post-production tools to fix anything that’s not quite right. With gimbals and sliders to add an extra touch of professionalism. So, equip yourself with a high-quality light kit and follow these tips to make sure you never get a flicker in your footage again.

Jump cuts are in high demand. They have evolved from amateur mistakes to a trendy and deliberate effect. They can add energy and efficiency to your content. But the key is to know when to add a jump cut, and when to avoid one. What is a Jump Cut? A jump cut happens when a section of a video clip is removed. The result feels jarring, like something is missing. Traditionally, editors cut away to another shot before returning to the same clip to ease viewers into a story and allow a smooth transition. A jump cut has the opposite effect. It draws attention to the sudden change in the scene. What Effect Can Jump Cuts Have? Jump cuts demand attention and evoke a range of emotions, from surprise to unease to amusement. They can be highly functional too, allowing you to convey a lot of information quickly, especially if you lack B-roll or cutaway shots to smooth out the edit. In social-first content, creators often use jump cuts to add style. You might notice it most when someone is talking to the camera. Vloggers often use jump cuts to trim the script, cut out the filler and get straight to the point. A montage of jump cuts can show objects or people moving through different moments, from seconds to days or even years. You might see someone appear and disappear from a frame, or items moving as if by magic — adding a fun, creative element to the video. On the flip side, jump cuts can evoke chaos and confusion, like when a parked car suddenly disappears from one shot to the next. Creative Jump Cuts Ready to experiment with jump cuts? Here are a few ideas to try: Show a passage of time: Create quick transitions that represent hours, days, or even years Trim conversations: Remove unnecessary pauses or mistakes to keep the pace sharp Create playful montages: Show rapid sequences of activities or items Depict an unsettled mindset: Convey confusion or disorientation by cutting erratically Make objects appear or disappear: Add a magical or surprising twist Energise your edit: Jump cuts can add excitement and style to your content. Practical Tips for Using Jump Cuts Single-camera shoots tend to create jump-cut situations more easily than multiple cameras and angles. They are also a great technique for cutting down a long sequence of film. To pull off the perfect jump cut, grab a camera tripod to help you achieve a steady shot. When planning your video, identify moments where jump cuts can enhance the content. For instance, in a vlog, you might decide to use jump cuts throughout for pacing or apply them in specific sections to add flair. Jump cuts work best when you stick to a rhythm. Similar to editing music, when jump cut editing you want to stick with a cadence that is somewhat predictable to give your sequence some flow. A random, isolated jump cut might feel like a mistake. How to Create a Jump Cut in Your Content A few simple tools can help make the process so much faster. In Adobe Premiere Pro, the razor tool (keyboard shortcut: "C") is a quick way to split a clip. You can also use "Q" to trim the start of a clip and "W" to trim the end. If you want to delete the middle section, use a ripple delete, which will automatically close the gap in the timeline, making your jump cuts seamless.  Adobe Premiere Pro’s new text-based editing feature allows you to generate transcripts from your footage, search for specific words, and remove filler words like "um" or "ah" with a single click. This feature can create auto jump cuts, saving you time and effort. Jump Cut Examples: Good vs Bad So, are jump cuts good or bad? It depends on what you want to achieve and how you want the audience to feel. In the right context, like a vlog where a creator speaks directly to the camera, jump cuts can keep the content flowing by eliminating unnecessary pauses. Or, the creator might use a jump cut effect to add style and appease audiences’ short attention spans. A great jump cut example might be filming yourself packing for a trip, using jump-cuts to condense the process into a 6-second clip. But why do some jump cuts fail? When jump cuts are overused, they can exhaust the viewer. Or, if a jump cut is placed without purpose, it can feel like a mistake. It’s important to find balance and use jump cuts thoughtfully. To avoid unwanted jump cuts, shoot plenty of B-rolls so you have cutaways to offer variety to your edit. If possible, capture multiple angles – wide, medium and closeup, for more flexibility. Using Jump Cuts with Purpose Jump cuts are a simple but powerful tool to enhance your storytelling. Whether you’re aiming for a specific effect, or simply working with the footage you’ve got, mastering jump cuts with your favourite Joby Gorillapod or Joby Compact  tripod can be a lot of fun.

To truly shine on camera, having the best lighting setup for live streaming is essential. Lighting dramatically change the look of your shot. When your lighting is done well, you can grab and keep your audience’s attention, but when done poorly, there are often unintended consequences. In this article, we’ll discuss how to achieve a professional live stream lighting setup. How Lighting Impacts The Quality of Live Streams Lighting is crucial for livestreaming, ensuring viewers visually identify the subject and understand the tone of the stream. Enhancing Visibility and Clarity Live streaming should put the spotlight on the on-camera talent, so the audience can easily identify where to focus their attention. Most often, filmmakers use three point lighting to bring attention to the face, which we’ll talk about in a moment. You’ll also want to light the background to create dimension. Creating Mood and Atmosphere Lighting plays a major role in setting the tone of the video. How you choose to light your subject can give off a moody edge or warm glow. Harsh light, for instance, involves a strong beam of light that creates contrast between the light and shadows which gives off a feeling of drama. Soft light, on the other hand, reduces shadows through diffused lighting and feels inviting and warm. So, your lighting choices really inform your audience, letting them know how you want them to feel. You can also use light to design your space, through your use of available light, artificial light, and practical light, like adding a lamp in the frame. For example, streaming from a basement studio with no windows using light bars and a RGB color wash on the background may give your stream a high tech feel. Alternatively, filming from a home office powered by natural sunlight with potted plants in the background gives off a totally different vibe.So, whether you’re looking to have a relaxed conversation or jump into a dynamic gaming match or deliver a professional presentation, create the look of your livestream to match the mood.  Lighting for Streamers: Common Challenges Finding the best light setup for streaming in your unique space is not as easy as it looks. Some common challenges: Limited Space and Mobility In a TV studio, space is rarely the problem. But at home, you’re operating in a pre-determined space, working around windows, walls and doors, as well as furniture and available light. That means you’ll want to be strategic to find solutions using available light and determining where to add artificial light that works with your space. Budget Constraints and Affordable Solutions Another obvious challenge is budget. It takes time to build up your studio. In addition to your camera and your computer needs, you’ll find lighting solutions at various price points.Professional lights may be worth the investment in the long run, offering powerful lights with convenient dimming and color adjustment options and sometimes bluetooth capabilities and companion apps and beyond.  For affordable solutions, use natural light from windows or repurpose household items like a gooseneck office lamp and hardware store lights and a large foam core board to bounce light to DIY. These cost-effective strategies are perfect for beginners looking to enhance their live streams without breaking the bank. Key Lighting Concepts to Keep in Mind Let’s dive into some essential lighting factors to keep in mind, including color, contrast and contour and more. Understanding Color Temperature Understanding the colors of light is helpful when designing a lighting set up for live streaming. While cameras have an auto-setting for white balance, you may prefer to set your white balance manually to have control of the color and keep the color consistent. Videographers may hold up a white card to dial in their white balance in camera. Some filmmakers prefer a pre-programmed white balance setting to match the situation. Or you can dial in the color temperature manually by Kelvin. While the sun is considered to have a blue hue, around 5600 Kelvin, it changes, especially around sunrise and sunset when the glowy light casts a golden or blue hue on the world. The color temperature of a warm and homey indoor tungsten light bulb is around 3200 Kelvin. Fluorescent lights, often found in corporate offices, tend to give off a greenish hue. If you’re using multiple light sources to set up your shot, keep an eye out for mixed lighting. A color temperature of 3800 Kelvin or 4200 Kelvin can serve as a middle ground, but you may prefer to match the light color. For example, if you’re using natural sunlight beaming through the window as your main light source, and then you add a household lamp, the lamp might look orange while the window looks blue on camera. If that’s not your intended look, you can replace the tungsten household lightbulb with a daylight colored lightbulb to better match the color temperature coming from the window. Or, maybe you close the window blinds and add another household lamp so all lights are tungsten. You may also consider repositioning your shot to avoid having a color clash. While you can add an orange or blue or green or magenta gel over your light to manually adjust the color temperature of your lights as they do on film sets, a more practical choice is to buy a light that has a color temperature adjustment dial. That way you can easily change the color of the light to match the scene. The Role of Diffusion in Lighting Learning how to light your subject is an art. Professional lights vary greatly in the size and intensity and type, in addition to where you place the light, how far it is from your subject, and how you shape it.For your stream, are you looking for harsh light that creates drama and interest? Or do you prefer a soft light that is more gentle and dreamy? Most YouTubers and streamers use soft light because of the way it falls on the face. While harsh light creates contrast between light and shadow, diffused light spreads the light evenly across a wider surface to minimize shadows. Think about the sun. The sun gives off different qualities of light depending on if it’s a blue sky day or a cloudy day. On a sunny day, direct sunlight can be harsh and creates big contrast between light and shadow. On a cloudy day, the light is not as strong, but there is an even light on the world which means less shadows and low-contrast between the sunny and shady spots. The clouds act like a big softbox for the sun, diffusing the light.Understanding how to diffuse light in your studio will help you achieve great lighting for live streaming. Diffused lighting comes in various shapes and forms. Rather than pointing a small light source to directly at your subject creating harsh light, having a relatively large light source to light your subject creates soft light. While the pros may lean on silks, scrims and flags on set, diffusion could be putting a lamp shade over a household lamp, or adding a softbox over a studio light. Even small lights like Joby's LED Video Lights come with a silicon light diffuser to soften the light. If you’re using a window as your light source, perhaps you have a window shade to modify the light. Or maybe you can point a bright light at a white wall or ceiling or large piece of foam board to bounce the light. Diffusion helps you craft how the light will wrap around your subject, creating a warm and inviting look on faces. Keep in mind, the intensity of the light changes drastically as you move the light closer or further from your subject. When purchasing a light, consider looking for a dimmer control so you can easily make adjustments to the brightness of the light. Setting Up Three-Point Lighting When it comes to interviews and lighting a subject, the three-point lighting technique has become a standard in the filmmaking industry. In essence, you’ll have a key light, fill light and backlight. Positioning Your Key Light Your key light is the main source of light that illuminates your subject. It’s generally the biggest and brightest light placed at a 45 degree angle to the side of your subject. Often when your interviewee is facing camera right or camera left, the key light is placed on the same side where they are looking, thus illuminating the backside of the face. Using Fill Light to Reduce Shadows A fill light is positioned opposite the key light to fill in and soften shadows to create a balanced look. This light source is not as bright as the key light, to shape the face. Creating Depth with Backlighting A smaller backlight is often used to separate the subject from the background. The backlight is often placed on the same side as the key light, but behind the subject and a little higher than their head to create a hair light. This adds depth and a level of professionalism to the shot. Common lighting set ups Leveraging Natural Light for Streaming An easy and free way to get started is to utilize natural light. If you have a window, position your desk to face the window. The diffused sunlight offers a nice natural light on your face. Keep in mind, sunlight is not consistent, so based on the weather and time of day and time of year, the light will change. A sunny day, a cloudy day and especially a partly cloudy day produce different qualities of light. It’s helpful to be able to control the light with window shades or silk to cut the light as needed. You may also want to add artificial light to get the desired look. While overhead light may be nice to light the room, it may also cast unwanted light on the top of your head. It’s helpful to have a dedicated light (or two) for your face. You may try putting a lamp on your desk to light your face. Or maybe you can invest in installing a dedicated LED light panel or two. You can also consider bouncing a strong light off of the wall or ceiling to add light to the room, which will offer a softer look rather than pointing a light directly at you.Eventually, perhaps you can ease into a professional three-point lighting set up and beyond. Understanding your space and the tools available will help you create a smart light setup for streaming. Using Ring Lights Ring lights have become a popular solution for live streaming because they are affordable, lightweight and easy to handle and give off an even light. Some people mount their cameras in the center of the ring while others like to position it to the side. Ring lights provide a larger surface area of light, which can help reduce shadows. They also tend to leave a ring shaped halo reflection in the talent’s eyes. As we discussed earlier, when shopping, consider the size and bonus if you have a dial to control the brightness and color temperature. Lighting for Green Screen for Virtual Backgrounds When filming with a green screen background, it’s important that your subject is well-lit and that your background is evenly lit, so that the computer can work its’ magic to make the background disappear in post. If your background is bright on one side and darker on the other side, it can be more difficult for the computer to identify a consistent shade. Consider lighting your background from both the left and right side to ensure even lighting. And of course, avoid wearing green! Tips and Techniques for a Professional Live Streaming Finish Now that we’ve talked about different lighting techniques and tactics, now it’s time to create a professional look for your live streams. Positioning Lights for Different Content Types Many genres and niches for livestreaming have a pre-determined look. Gaming livestreams may be more dramatic with dark studios and RGB color whereas educational tutorials may feel a bit more traditional with light backgrounds. Watch other streamers in your space to see what the vibe is and design your own look and feel that is unique to you! Maintaining Consistent Lighting Across Sessions For online streamers, it’s helpful to have a consistent look from broadcast to broadcast. How you show up visually helps you build your brand, and it’s also helpful to create a familiar space for your audience to join you each time. Design and test your stream and repeat what’s working. Conclusion Creating a professional lighting setup tailored to your livestreaming space is an important step for any storyteller. Take time to learn how to explore and master different lighting techniques to create a quality lighting set up that matches your space and personal style. Happy streaming!

One of the best things about photography is that once you learn the rules, you can start to break them. You’ve probably deleted a few blurry photos from your camera roll--what if we try to create them on purpose? Motion blur photography is an exciting technical skill and creative artform to add to your photographer toolbelt. Let’s dive into the art and technique of making motion blur images. What is Motion Blur in Photography? Motion blur photography is all about creating a sense of movement within a still image. Compared to photographs that crisply freeze a moment in time, incorporating motion blur implies action and introduces a powerful artistic effect. It might take some experimentation and practice to land on the best settings for the situation, but mastering motion blur in camera opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and storytelling. How To Configure Motion Blur Settings The ideal settings to play with motion blur will vary based on the shooting situation and your goal, but ultimately, you’ll want to be able to adjust your shutter speed to control time. This will naturally affect the exposure triangle--shutter speed, aperture and ISO--which work in harmony to control how light or dark an image is. A quick review: Shutter Speed Shutter speed is a key camera setting to control to create motion blur. Your shutter needs to be open for enough time to let action pass to create a cool effect. The ideal shutter speed for motion blur varies depending on the speed of the motion you’re trying to capture. For example, snapping a photo of a person walking a 1/1000 may freeze their body in action whereas shooting at 1/50 may cause them to blur slightly since they’re in motion, and shooting at 5 seconds may make the person appear to disappear because they travelled through the frame. Aperture Aperture is an important setting because it controls the depth of field in your image—you get to decide how much of the photo is in focus. Aperture refers to the size of the opening that lets light reach the sensor. If you want to take a picture where everything is in focus, you might shoot with a small aperture (big lower number) of f/11 to have a deeper depth of field. If you want to focus on a specific subject and let everything else fall out of focus, you might shoot with a large aperture (small lower number) of f/2.8 to have a shallower depth of field. ISO Settings ISO refers to your cameras’ sensitivity to light, which can help you achieve your ideal exposure. In general, bumping up your ISO can help you compensate for light in darker situations, but boosting your ISO will add noise and grain to your image. That said, camera technology is constantly improving, and manufacturers are often raising the bar when it comes to capturing noise-free files. Every creative and technical decision you make to one setting will impact the other settings. Getting Started with Shutter Priority To get started playing with motion blur, try setting your camera to shutter priority, often called S or Tv (for time value), to experiment with different shutter speeds. While you adjust your shutter speed, other settings will be set automatically. Of course, you’ll have the most control when shooting in full manual mode, but shutter priority mode is a great place to start. Tips for Capturing Motion Blur Neutral Density Filters or ND filters are an essential tool when it comes to dialling in your motion blur settings. They act like sunglasses for your camera. An ND filter attaches on to the end of your lens, and comes in handful of different strengths or darknesses to block light in varying degrees. In order to slow down your shutter speed, you’ll have to adjust other settings like your aperture or ISO to compensate. Alternatively, adding an ND filter will allow you to get the desired exposure without making drastic changes to your other settings. Having a set of ND filters for each lens is a smart move for optimal creative control. Another essential tool to capture motion blur--a tripod. When you shoot handheld, it becomes difficult to keep your camera steady the longer your shutter stays open. Generally, if your shutter speed moves beyond 1/60, say 1/10 or 30 seconds, you’ll start introducing camera shake into the equation, and get unpredictable and unwanted motion blur. A tripod will help you lock in the stillness of the shot next while offering an opportunity to capture motion traveling within your frame. Using Long Exposure Technique for Smooth Motion One way to play with motion blur is to capture long exposures. For this, it’s helpful to have a tripod and ND filters on hand, so you can freeze the elements that are still and introduce motion to specific elements in motion. For example, if you’ve framed up a city shot where the buildings and skyscrapers are still, you can enjoy the magic of motion blur watching people and cars passing through the frame. The same goes for landscape photography. If you want to snap a shot of a waterfall and make the water look silky smooth, you can lock in your shot with your camera on a tripod , and dial in your settings with the help of your ND filter to block the bright sunlight. It’s fun to play with slowing down the shutter speed to allow time for the water to travel through the picture. A shutter speed of say 1/10 may give you a little blur, but a shutter speed of say 1/500 will give you an even more smooth and milky look. Using Panning Techniques To Track Moving Subjects Now that you’re getting the hang of motion blur photography, a fun technique to try is called a panning shot—when you pan your camera along with a moving subject. The idea is to keep your subject in focus while the background blurs with your camera motion. This can be tricky to dial in your settings to create the desired effect, but with some experimentation and practice, you can really capture some cool images. It’s helpful to choose a situation where there will be predictable or repeatable movements, like watching crowds walking across a street or photographing cars traveling down a busy road. When you arrive to a scene, first, get the shot, just so you have something. Then, start to explore some slower shutter speeds, while also letting your camera travel in the same direction as the subject. This could be a subtle sway or a big movement. It depends on your subject and how fast it’s traveling. For example, following a racecar as it speeds down the racetrack could require a quick movement to keep the car in frame. But the result is catching the car in focus as the background blurs, creating a dynamic image that offers the feeling of flying in a moment frozen in time. Have fun experimenting. Capturing a perfect panning shot may take a few tries, but when you get it, it’s totally worth it. Examples of Motion Blur Photography Not all situations are equal when it comes to motion blur photography. It’s helpful to land on a scene where there are both still and moving pieces, especially when the movements are predictable. Here are a few ideas of places to practice motion blur technique: - Waterfalls and moving water - Cars, watching car taillights travel down a highway at night or traveling in a car, watching the world whiz by - Street photography, watching people stand still waiting for a train while another train passes - Coastal areas, like watching the waves crash on the beach - Amusement Parks, watching rides repeat movements - Star Trails, watching stars travel across the sky as the earth moves- Zoom Blur, zooming while the shutter is open Post-Processing for Motion Blur Photography If you want to add motion blur in Photoshop, there are many types of blur effects you can add under the Filter menu. “Motion blur” allows you to adjust the angle and distance to create the desired effect. While this may introduce or enhance motion blur to your images, try to capture your shot in camera. One of the joys of motion blur photography is seeing the shot immediately after taking it so you can make small adjustments. Perhaps you need to hold your shutter open longer or shorter based on the timing of the movement happening within the frame. Experimenting in the field will give you a variety of interesting results. Conclusion As you can see, motion blur photography opens up a whole new world of possibilities, but it takes time to master. While you experiment, there will be mistakes and close attempts before, during, and after you get the shot. Review your images as you go, to so you can make adjustments. And when you get the shot, celebrate your wins!

Are you choosing between a DSLR or a mirrorless camera? Explore their key differences in size, autofocus, video capabilities, and more to find the perfect fit for your creative needs. While the debate continues, the landscape has shifted. Camera makers now focus on mirrorless systems, expanding their lineup with enhanced features. DSLRs, however, still deliver the proven quality and technology they're known for. So, maybe you’re wondering, how do today’s mirrorless cameras compare to a traditional DSLR?  In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between mirrorless and DSLR cameras so you can make an informed decision about which is best for you. DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras In recent years, mirrorless cameras have gained popularity among professionals and hobbyist due to their compact size and advanced features. Meanwhile, DSLRs remain a trusted choice for durability and battery efficiency. While DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a lot of similarities, they both produce high quality images and have the ability to change lenses, there are fundamental differences. What is a DSLR Camera? DSLRs work by having a Digital Single Lens Reflex mechanism that reflects light into the optical viewfinder using a mirror. This mechanism adds to the size and weight of a DSLR because the mirror has to physically move out of the way so light can reach the sensor behind it. What is a Mirrorless Camera? Mirrorless cameras work without a mirror mechanism. Light passes directly onto the sensor, and you see a projection of the image on the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or LCD screen. With this technology, you can preview your camera settings before you shoot your image. What is the Main Difference Between DSLR and Mirrorless? Now that you’ve got the basics, let’s do a side-by-side comparison between mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Size and Weight A noticeable difference between the two systems is size and weight. Because mirrorless cameras lack the mirror mechanism that DSLRs have, they tend to be smaller and lighter. This makes mirrorless cameras easier to carry when shooting in the field or out on a long shoot. Travel photographers and videographers really benefit by having a lightweight kit where every ounce counts. The camera’s weight may make little difference when shooting on a tripod in studio, but when looking for camera support on the go, naturally, mirrorless cameras have access to lightweight tripod solutions, like flexible tripods , which can help lighten the load even further. Interestingly, some photographers prefer the larger form factor of a DSLR to better balance with larger lenses. The debate on camera size also includes a perceived level of professionalism. Some photographers and videographers want people, especially their clients, to know they are a serious professional and worth the big bucks, and having a big camera achieves this. For others who don’t want to stand out, it’s ideal to be inconspicuous and blend in with the crowd, so a smaller camera is less noticeable. It's also important to think about ergonomics and preference, what feels good in hand. Creatives with larger hands may like the feel of a larger camera while creatives with smaller hands may prefer a smaller camera in hand. Autofocus System A major improvement in cameras in recent years is the autofocus, which has benefitted mirrorless camera systems by working faster and more accurately. Newer systems have expanded AF points and access to tracking moving objects. The latest mirrorless cameras include options like eye tracking, face tracking and even animal and vehicle tracking. Still, DSLRs have reliable and accurate auto-focusing capabilities and there are situations where the AF may be faster due to having a dedicated AF chip. That said, for the most part, mirrorless cameras are on the cutting edge when it comes to autofocus. Electronic Viewfinder vs Optical Viewfinder A big differentiator between DSLR and mirrorless cameras is the viewfinder. DSLR’s have a direct and real-time connection to the actual image with an optical viewfinder (OVF). It’s common for photographers to take a test shot to visualize their camera settings. On the other hand, mirrorless camera users see a version of the image in the electronic viewfinder (EVF), similar to what is displayed in the LCD screen. The big advantage to having an EVF is that you can see what the sensor sees when it takes the picture with all the camera settings applied. This can be helpful in a lot of situations, like when it’s too dark to see with the naked eye. DSLRs have this feature too, previewing shots through the LCD screen in “live view mode,” but it’s not available in the viewfinder. Lenses Because mirrorless cameras have a shorter flange distance allowing the lens to sit closer to the sensor, mirrorless lenses are not compatible with traditional DSLR cameras. You can, however, use legacy DSLR lenses with mirrorless cameras with an adapter. For example, Canon has a handful of EF to RF adapters at the ready, one with a programmable control ring, one with a drop in ND filter slot, and even one that makes your lens faster and wider (EF-EOS R 0.71x mount adapter). While there is a wide selection of lenses available for DSLRs of various superpowers and price points, lenses for mirrorless cameras are catching up to match the needs of mirrorless camera owners. Today, there are lots of choices for mirrorless camera lenses, and the options continue to grow at a rapid pace. For DSLR owners, it may be daunting, and expensive, to make the switch to mirrorless after you’ve already acquired an impressive arsenal of legacy lenses to choose from.  At the same time, how long can you afford to NOT to take advantage of the new and improved technology being built into the mirrorless camera system? Video Capture One place the mirrorless system continues to outperform the DSLR system is in video. Because the mirror needs to be lifted up to access auto focus for DSLRs, it tends to be slow. As well, DSLRs are not currently benefiting from the latest technology. On the other hand, mirrorless cameras by nature offer a strong set up for capturing video on camera, because the visual goes straight to the sensor. As well, you can take advantage of high performing auto-focus for identifying people or tracking a subject. Mirrorless cameras now also pack in pro video settings like shooting in log with view assist and recording at high resolutions like 4K and 8K. When it comes to video, there’s no question a mirrorless camera is a solid choice. Continuous Shooting Mirrorless cameras typically have both a mechanical and electronic shutter, whereas DSLRs tend to have a mechanical shutter, though some pro models have both. One of the cool benefits about an electronic shutter is that you can shoot silently, which can make a big difference when you don’t want to get caught making a noise. As well, electronic shutters offer impressive continuous shooting speeds, much faster than a mechanical shutter. So if you’re looking to shoot in bursts, mirrorless cameras have you covered. One thing to note is that the electronic shutter may not sync with some artificial lights (ie. florescent), and may not be able to keep up with fast-moving objects, like a quickly refreshing LCD screen or a helicopter propeller. In this instance, the image could look distorted if the image changes before the full photo is captured. So, the electronic shutter it’s not perfect for all types of photography. That said, the increased continuous shooting speeds for mirrorless cameras is a game changer! Image Quality There’s no question, both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems produce high quality images. Because mirrorless cameras employ the latest technology, including high speed communication between the lens and body, you’ll find these cameras work so fast they can even make corrections on the fly. Both systems offer options in sensor size, such as full-frame and smaller APS-C, so you should be able to match image quality to your desired budget and needs. Battery Life When it comes to battery life, DSLRs typically win this game because mirrorless cameras rely on battery power, but it depends on how you use your camera. The electronic viewfinder in a mirrorless camera requires power to function, whereas the optical viewfinder in a DSLR does not require power, so you can survive much longer on one battery with a DSLR. However, if you’re shooting with the LCD screen, it typically requires more power on a DSLR than on a mirrorless camera. Generally speaking, without comparing individual models side by side, the battery life comparison is much closer when shooting with the LCD screen. Dust protection Maintenance and upkeep is a necessary part of camera ownership, and getting dust on your sensor is never fun. Mirrorless camera sensors are more susceptible to dust since the sensor is more accessible and closer to the lens throat, although they are also easier to clean for this same reason. Some mirorless cameras employ a sensor cover that shields the sensor when changing lenses. This is super helpful to avoid getting debris in your camera. In comparison, the sensor in a DSLR is located behind the mirror and shutter, so it’s more difficult to access. That means it’s easier to keep it clean, but also harder to clean if you do get dust in there. Most cameras, DSLR and mirrorless, have self-cleaning mode that shakes the sensor to keep it free from dust, though it’s not a substitute for manual cleaning. Price Mirrorless cameras on the market today are priced competitively for their advanced features and cutting edge technology, with a wide variety of options in terms of price between full-frame and APS-C sensors and more. DSLRs still offer solid features and high quality, sometimes at a fraction of the original cost as they mature. There’s also a healthy second-hand market for DSLR gear. Which One is Right for Me? While mirrorless cameras are holding strong across the board, you might be wondering, which is better, DSLR or mirrorless? Your Individual Needs ● Image Quality: While both mirrorless and DSLR cameras produce high quality images, the newer sensor technology in mirrorless cameras cannot be ignored. ● Video Needs: For those who are shooting video, mirrorless cameras are proving to be superior to the video mode in DSLR cameras, which lack some advanced features like autofocus, as well as high resolution formats like 4K and 8K. ● Portability: Because mirrorless cameras do not have the mirror mechanism in DSLRs, they are lighter and more compact to carry. While some visual storytellers prefer how DSLRs feel in hand and balance with large lenses, most creators are happy to lighten the load. Budget Considerations ● Compare Costs: While there are some great deals on DSLRs, with savings on a healthy supply of second hand bodies and lenses, splurging on top-of-the-line tech in mirrorless cameras means you’ve got some premium features to play with. ● Long-term Investment: While it’s easy to focus on your needs this very moment, investing in gear that will last you years down the line is always smart. Given the trends towards the mirrorless revolution, a purchase in this camp also reduces risk long term. Use-case Scenarios ● DSLRs: For photographers who are highly specialized in specific genres, such as wildlife photographers who may need to conserve battery when in remote places, and sports photographers who are shooting high burst, you might opt to stick with a DSLR and have an optical viewfinder for that real-time connection. ● Mirrorless: For visual storytellers who are on the go and prioritize portability and video capabilities, the mirrorless system is hard to beat. Travel photographers, videographers and vloggers will especially benefit from the mirrorless camera system which cuts down on size and weight. Other specialties like wedding, news and doc shooters will also benefit from this efficient technology. The choice is yours While the legacy and reputation of DSLR cameras is valid, the mirrorless system is performing high and promising more. While DSLR technology has a wide array of lenses to choose from, the growing number of mirrorless choices, both bodies and lenses, available on the market are meeting creatives where they are and where they want to be. The advantages of a mirrorless system, having a lighter and smaller form factor, advanced auto focusing capabilities, high speed continuous shooting options, silent shooting, and high quality video recording make mirrorless cameras a strong choice.  The benefits of the DSLR system focus around preference in the larger body size and weight, ability to conserve battery power using the optical viewfinder, and consistency for those using a mechanical shutter capturing quick moving subjects and operating in specific lighting scenarios. While the debate between mirrorless and DSLR systems evolves, it’s hard to ignore the leaps and bounds that have make the mirrorless system a success. Based on your needs, preferences, style and budget, the choice is up to you! Keep on exploring and capturing the action with the camera in your hand.