Outdoor and Travel

Article: Super Bowl Photographers Damian Strohmeyer and Peter Read Miller.We interview two top SI sports shooters

We caught up with Sports Illustrated photographers Damian Strohmeyer and Peter Read Miller to find out what it's like to cover the Super Bowl—and about the friendly competition to get the coveted cover shot.

Article: Destination Holland: Focus on Flowers.If you enjoy photographing flowers, 2012 is the best year to visit Holland.

Yes, it's the middle of winter, so why talk about flowers? The Floriade, a gigantic floral exposition which happens every 10 years, will take place this spring in Holland. It's time to make travel plans!

Article: Bird Man: A portfolio of John Isaac's close encounters of the avian kind.Celebrate National Bird Day with this expert wildlife photographer's pristine images of his feathered friends.

To celebrate National Bird Day (January 5), we asked world-renowned travel and wildlife photographer John Isaac to share some of his best bird photos!

Article: Backyard Bird Photography Gear Guide.Good stuff, and good how-to advice, for bird photographers

These accessories can help you capture your feathered friends—photographically, of course—whether you’re far afield or in your own backyard.

Article: Scott Bourne Interview—AdoramaTV.reDefine with Tamara Lackey

In this episode of reDefine Tamara Lackey joined photographer, and controversial media personality, Scott Bourne, in his Las Vegas studio.

Article: The Best Rugged Compact Cameras Right Now!.Waterproof, Dust-Proof, and more! UPDATED FOR HOLIDAYS 2011

Are you the adventurous type? Like to be one with the mud? Want to get great underwater snorkle shots? Don't mind getting wet, gritty, dusty, and dirty? These cameras are designed for you.

Article: Wildlife Service: Beyond Long Lenses.How to choose all the gear you need to bag great shots of animals in the wild--and why DSLRs make a difference

The stock in trade of the wildlife photographer is the telephoto lens. Most animals are small and get spooked when humans are near.

Article: Taking Pictures Through Glass.Reflections on a compositional element

Glass is both a joy and a nuisance to photograph. It has three wonderful properties that captivate the imagination and have the potential to transform the mundane into the magical. These same properties, however, can also be frustrating aspects of the material.

Article: Interview: Chris Kridler, Storm Chaser/Photographer .How she catches amazing extreme weather images

Chris Kridler has been chasing and photographing storms for over 12 years. What draws her to extreme weather photography, and what tips does she have for those who'd like to give it a try? She generously shares her tips here.

Article: Let’s Go Chasing.Want to photograph extreme weather? This will get you started!

The wind is raging, it's gotten dark, clouds swirl overhead, and an eerie silence sets in. A storm is brewing. Let's go storm chasing.

Article: To Pose or Not to Pose People Part II .Travel Photography

There are times when posing people offers distinct advantages.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: New York, New York.The street photography capital of the world

I've lived my entire life in and around New York City—especially Manhattan—so there are certain common “touristy” locations I take for granted, and tend to ignore: The Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Times Square at Night. Instead, I focus on the people, and do street photography.

Article: To Pose or Not to Pose People: Part I.Travel Photography Tips

Travel and photography are natural partners. Forget the postcards: We all want our own images of the world’s great sights. But often what gives our travel photos true personality are the people we include, whether they are our travel companions or the locals who cross our paths.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: Birding in South Florida.When and where to get great bird shots in the sunshine state

Birds are beautiful subjects for photography, but getting close enough for good pictures is often frustrating. One of the best places for getting close is south Florida.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: Yosemite National Park.Is this iconic photographic destination a victim of its own success?

How to avoid choking crowds, tiptoe around rattlesnakes, and keep bears out of your food, and still capture fresh photos in the park that Ansel made famous.

Article: Fireworks photography basics.How to capture the rockets' red glare...and more!

No matter what kind of camera you own or your level of photographic knowledge, you can capture stunning fireworks this 4th of July!

Article: f/8 And Be There.It's not just a photographic technique: It's a philosophy for documentary, street, and travel photographers

When asked how he was capable of getting such amazing images on a consistent basis, Arthur “Weegee” Fellig replied “Simple. f/8 and be there.” Since that time this simple statement has become the mantra of Documentary Photography, held as scripture, writ in stone.

Article: Travel Photography 10-Point Checklist.When in a new locale, vary your shots

Standard practice in professional editorial assignments is to vary the style, scale and lighting, so that the total take looks rich and varied and gives the art director different material to work with.

Article: Shooting At Dusk .Dynamic scenes after sunset

When it comes to shooting cityscapes, the time to do it is after sunset or before sunrise. Too many photographers pack up their gear at sunset and head home, but the most dramatic shots are still waiting for you. The trick is to shoot at the right time.

Article: Buying Guide: Five Tripods for Travelers.These camera supports fit in carry-on luggage

If you are traveling by plane and plan to bring a tripod with you, weight—and especially size—count. Which models fit in your carry-on bag? Here are five of our favorites.

Article: Perfect Beach Exposures Every Time.No more grey sand!

The problem with beaches (or snowy landscapes, or any scene where there’s a lot of white or light colors) is that they mislead camera meters.

Article: Top Ten Wildlife Photography Tips.From the Perfect Picture School of Photography

Follow these shooting suggestions and you'll be bagging winners in no time

Article: Mastering Graduated Neutral-Density Filters.From the Perfect Picture School of Photography

Adorama's online photo learning partner, the Perfect Picture School of Photography, is are very happy to add Glenn Randall as an instructor. Here he shows how to use graduated ND filters for landscape photography.

Article: Shoot Super Close-Ups of Snowflakes!.Photographing landscapes in reverse

How to use reversal rings and a wide-angle lens to get stunning super-close-ups of snow flakes.

Article: Soft Light in the Middle of the Day.A lesson produced by PhotoFlex and the Adorama Learning Center

Many photographers prefer to shoot outdoor portraits either at dawn or at dusk to take advantage of the "magic light" that occurs during those times. But what if your schedule (or your subject's schedule) doesn't permit you to shoot then? Can you still capture your subjects in soft, beautiful lighting conditions?

Article: Mobile Lighting for Outdoor Portraits.A lesson produced by Webphotoschool for Adorama

So you want to take dynamic portraits outdoors but you don't want it to be a huge production with a lot of lighting gear, assistants, etc. Not a problem.

Article: Shooting Beach Portraits at Dawn.A lesson produced by PhotoFlex and the Adorama Learning Center

When it comes to creating spectacular outdoor portraits, early morning sunlight alone is often not enough to generate the "magic" you envision. That's when you need a little help.

Article: Improving Action Shots with Portable Lighting.A lesson co-produced by Adorama and Photoflex

When you think of sports photography, lighting equipment most likely doesn't enter the picture, does it? After all, most photographers that work with lighting equipment use it to shoot formal portraits or indoor studio work, right? Well, that used to be the case.

Article: Shooting Lightning—AdoramaTV.Digital Photography 1 on 1

Do you want to know how to photograph lightning? In this episode Mark gives you 8 tips to help you get great lightning shots.

Article: PhotoZAP 51: Freight Train, Freight Train, Going So Fast.Our critics praise and pan your pictures

"I wonder what this scene would have looked like if it had been shot during the golden hour before sunset, or in the early morning hours?"—Mason Resnick

Article: Subtleties In The Shade.Harsh direct sun can ruin a shot

I love sunlight. It adds backlit punch to portraits, and lets me shoot at superfast, stop-action shutter speeds. But sunlight can also take something away. Harsh direct sunlight can cast dark shadows that lack detail. When shooting nature, that can be a big minus.

Article: Sidewalk serendipity.What's so great about street photography? Plenty!

You'll never get rich doing street photography. And unless you're Martin Parr, Joel Meyrowitz, or Jeff Mermelstein, you probably won't become famous, either. But you'll hone your skills as a photographer, and grow as a person.

Article: Picture-taking techniques - Outdoor portraits in the sun.What gear you need to get great outdoor pictures, and how to fight harsh outdoor sunlight...and win!

Whether you're traveling, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or recording your graduate's moment of glory, everyone ends up shooting outdoor portraits. And most are less than satisfied with the results. But a few simple picture-taking tips can soften and flatter those harshly-lit, squinty-eyed faces.

Article: Sports lens buying guide.Want to catch the action? Here’s a quick guide to the gear—especially lenses--you need.

First, lets’ disqualify compact cameras. Get 'em off the field. The lag time on any compact camera can delay the actual picture-taking moment rules them out when you need split-second timing. (I’m penalizing EVF “bridge” cameras, too—they may look like DSLRs, but most react slower.)

Article: Picture-taking techniques - Talkin' Baseball Photography.Here's how to get pro shots of amateur diamond action

Baseball has been described as a game of hours of boredom punctuated by seconds of terror. Capturing those moments of intense action is the rewarding challenge of baseball photography.

Article: Panning: Adorama Photography TV.Digital Photography 1 on 1

In this episode Mark demonstrates how to use the Panning technique to capture great sports images.

Article: Capturing the essence of a place – Travel photography tips.Create destination cover shots

You can’t go to a fantastic place and come away with only one picture. Or can you? Naw, you can’t.

Article: Photographing Mexico’s colonial architecture –Travel Photography tips.Rich, saturated colors, no Photoshopping necessary

When it comes to food, music, and architecture, I must confess I’m no connoisseur. I can say with equal amounts of enthusiasm and ignorance that I know what I like.

Article: The day your itinerary died – Travel photography tips.What to do when adversity strikes (or a volcano erupts)

Like me—like most photographers—you probably prefer information that is specific, concrete, technique-oriented, and visually demonstrable.

Article: Capturing Images in India — AdoramaTV.How'd They Do That?

Mark Wallace describes how he shot like a sports photographer to capture images in India from a moving vehicle. Mark used a Canon 1Ds Mark II and a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L lens to document scenes in India.

Article: Photographing local people.How to avoid embarrassing situations while trying to take pictures in other countries

Do as I do now and not as I did then, and maybe a certain street flower lady in La Paz, Boliva won’t swat you upside the head with a bouquet of gladiolus.

Article: Camera bags for travelers.Buying Guide: Different destinations, different bags

So, you’re getting ready to take a big trip, and want to bring your camera gear. What should you put it all in? It depends!

Article: Researching your photographic trip.Destination choices affect the photos you bring back

Where to go? When to go? What to see? How long to stay? But first, where to stay? What to do while you’re there? Then where to go next? How to get around?

Article: Travel photography: What gear to take?.Don’t get weighted down by too much equipment

As I have grown older I have embraced “the less is more” approach to gear for travel photography. And my pictures seem better for it.

Article: Planning for a big trip abroad.Set goals, both photographic and personal

This is the start of a series of articles about travel photography, which will appear here over the next two weeks. To be more precise, this series is about taking pictures during your big trip.

Article: PhotoZAP 40: Pink sky country.Our critics praise and pan your pictures

“I’m not quite sure I understand the logic of the simulated infrared here.”—Mason Resnick

Article: PhotoZAP 32: The View From Kilimanjaro.Our critics praise and pan your pictures

“This is a great shot from a pocketable camera!” —Jack Howard

Article: 6 Amazing Ski and Snowboarding Photography Portfolios.Inspiring winter action shots

It’s the dead of winter—a time when some of us sit in front of our computers and try to learn some new tricks in Photoshop. But sitting and not shooting just won't do for some of us. Here’s the work of half a dozen photographers who’d rather hit the slopes.

Article: PhotoZAP 30: Tequila Sunset.Our critics praise and pan your pictures

“What's not to love about a perfectly executed silhouette shot against a gorgeous sky?” —Jack Howard

Article: Winter Sports Action Photography Tips.How to get cool shots of hot doggers

Skiing and snowboarding are incredibly photogenic sports, but they're fraught with gotchas: extreme weather that can harm both you and your camera, difficult lighting (only for the inexperienced), and of course participants who could be zooming right at you at the speed of a fast car.

Article: How to photograph football games.Capture peak gridiron action

Each autumn, the air becomes crisp and the sound of marching bands and cookouts fills the air, and it means football.

Article: Make it Rain.A garden sprinkler and a little imagination goes a long way

You can make it rain! Well...actually, you can make it appear to be raining in your own backyard with simple gardening tools and a bit of planning.

Article: How to shoot stunning aerial photos.Get a natural high as you and your creativity take flight

Airplanes provide some unique photo opportunities. You can get some wonderful shots from the air, and at airshows and airports (with permission) you can shoot airplanes on the ground and in flight. Here’s how you can maximize your chances of success.

Article: Wiggle 3D: How To Make Animated 3D Images.Play with your brain’s depth perception using animated GIFs

Put a funky new spin on stereoscopic digital photography, and have a ball with Wiggle 3D.

Article: How to Build a Two-Camera Rig for Wiggle 3D.Create 3D images with this do-it-yourself two-camera rig

When the action is moving and you ant to catch it in 3D, a single camera won't do. Here's how to create a support for two cameras that you can shoot simultaneously for 3D action photography!

Article: How to shoot heavenly sunrises and sunsets anywhere.Composition Basics: Gifts from the Sky

Follow these helpful picture-taking tips to get the best shots at the beginning and end of the day. If you've seen one sunset photo, you haven't seen 'em all!

Article: Digital Polarizer, Part III: Make Clouds Pop.Emphasize the clouds in the sky

Make those puffy little clouds pop off the printed page with this simple Photoshop technique

Article: A Digital Polarizer.You can fake the effect of a glass polarizer

It won't reduce reflections, but you can deepen blue skies--just like a polarizer does--in your favorite image editing program.

Article: What type of binocular is right for me?.Binoculars for photographers

Your guide to binoculars based on how you use them.

Article: Glossary: Binocular Terms.Binoculars for photographers

A guide for the optically perplexed.

Article: Binoculars For Photographers .Enhance your observation and expand your vision

Do you take lots of pictures outdoors? Do you often shoot scenic vistas, landscapes, wildlife, birds, or sporting events?

Article: Backwards take pictures should you.Like Yoda I write, so better photographs you will take.

What is it you photograph? When do you photograph? This week’s tips, which will usher out the old year and in the new, ask you to consider the very essence of your photography.

Article: Show the subject unclearly.Mystery and obscurity are good things

Sometimes, instead of showing a subject clearly, try deliberately photographing it vaguely, obscurely, or unclearly. Now, why on earth would you do that?

Article: Tilt your horizons.Shake up your compositions for dynamic images

Skill-wise, this is one of the easiest tips to execute. Attitude-wise, some of you may not find it so easy to do.

Article: Kick your bad picture-taking habits.Change is good.

By analyzing the photo conventions and biases—both personal and cultural—that influence your photography, you will be able to expand your creativity and refresh the joy of taking pictures.

Article: The magic of the mundane.Don't overlook tiny beauty

Expand your creativity and refresh the joy of taking pictures.

Article: Freezing Action at ISO 100, 200 & 400.A sensitive look at light and speed

If you could end up with a razor-sharp, action-stopping image by using ISO 100, would you stay away from higher ISOs?

Article: 5 Fall foliage photography tips.Capture the mood, the color, the season

Are you a leaf peeper? Turn your passion into photographic unreality by following these five basic, practical autumn leaf photography tips.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: Acadia National Park.For nature and landscape photographers, this is the Maine event

Bob Atkins takes you to one of the most photographically fascinating corners of the country, Maine's Acadia National Park.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: The Jersey Shore.Sandy Hook, Point Pleasant and Atlantic City, a study in contrasts

Bruce Springsteen had it right: Take Thunder Road down to the Jersey Shore, and baby you were born to...photograph!

Article: Adorama Photographs America: The Finger Lakes.Purple tongues, waterfall madness, and other surprises

Derek Doeffinger takes you on a tour of the Finger Lakes region of central New York state.

Article: Photographing Waterfalls.You're never far from a waterfall. Here's how to shoot 'em.

The great joy of photography is that it often takes you to inspiring subjects that make you feel happy. That’s how I became a happy waterfall addict.

Article: Adorama Photographs America: Puerto Rico.Visiting the Island of Enchantment? Vamos a sacar fotos fantasticos!

Joe Farace flies out to the Caribbean and focus on the glorious American Isle of Puerto Rico.

Article: Beach Mode (or Snow Mode or Beach/Snow Mode).Your guide to digital camera scene modes

Summer's here, and you're probably going to want to hit the beach. Here's a scene mode that is bound to come in handy: Beach Mode!

Article: Landscape mode.Your guide to digital camera scene modes

With summer travel time upon us, you may find yourself trying to capture the beauty of scenic vistas. Landscape mode helps you take the guesswork out of properly exposing and focusing on the vast scenes before you.

Article: Explore a subject.Another "staycation" photography idea!

Let's do something that's environmentally friendly: Photograph a tree—and learn an object lesson about taking time to study the subject.

Article: How to photograph wildlife in your backyard.Your next subject may be hiding under your deck

Whether you live in the city or the ‘burbs, critters are plentiful. During your staycation, you can hone your wildlife photography skills by capturing winged and pawed creatures in your yard or in the ‘hood. (What--you've never seen a pidgeon before?)

Article: Get to know a new lens.An optimal optical opportunity

Looking for photographic opportunities, consider trying out a new lens—or familiarizing yourself with a lens you don’t use often.

Article: Rainy day indoor picture-taking ideas.Three photography projects you can do indoors while it's raining

The price of gas is high, so you’re spending vacation at home. And now, it’s raining. Could it get any worse? Or...could it get any better?

Article: “Staycation” photos in your backyard.You can find plenty of perfect pictures within your property line

My backyard isn’t much to look at. It’s a bit overgrown, the grass consists of thick clumps surrounded by clay-like dirt, the fence is aging but not gracefully, and there’s this huge maple tree throwing the entire yard into deep shade. And yet, it is quite photogenic.

Article: A day at the races.How to photograph the horses

Photographing horse racing--The Sport of Kings--can be challenging, because you are photographing a fast subject, and not always from as close as you might like.

Article: How to photograph joggers and runners.Keep close and keep track

Today, let's take a run at photographing fleet-footed subjects, and see how it jogs your creativity.

Article: Serving winning tennis shots.Shoot sports like a pro

Whether you’re covering the U.S. Open or snapping a friendly match at the local court, Tennis is a sport that offers plenty of opportunities to capture exciting action while fine-tuning your picture-taking timing. It’s all about knowing the game—and keeping your eyes on the ball.

Article: Matrix Panoramas.Panoramic stitching taken to a new level

Have you have ever climbed a mountain and thought, “wow I’ve got to take a picture of this” but you noticed your camera’s field of view is way too small to capture the entire view?

Article: Flood Insurance.Keep your camera dry when it's pouring out.

Raining again? There’s no reason to ever leave your camera exposed to the elements. There are plenty of protective coverings available and they’re surprisingly affordable.

Article: April showers bring great photos.When the rain comes, don't run and hide your camera

There are wonderful photo opportunities when it rains that you won’t find any other time.

Article: How raindrops can transform a scene.Shoot through a window on a rainy day? The secret is the focus.

I’m sitting in my office, typing away, when something outside catches my eye: dark, menacing rain clouds! Sure enough, within minutes it’s pouring rain, and the wind is whipping it around. Drops are landing on the window.

Article: Shootin’ amateur hoops like a pro.Low light? No flash? Get creative!

Here I am again, courtside in Madison Square Garden. I’ve got a remote-controlled camera gaffer-taped to the top of each backboard...

Article: How to photograph race cars at night.Races are not always run on bright sunny days--sometimes they race at night.

Events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, some races in the American LeMans Series, and even local drag and oval track races include occasional night races.

Article: After The Storm.Dry off, start shooting!

Unless you have rain protection gear, you probably stow away your digital camera and head for shelter when precipitation starts.

Article: Zoo Photo Safari.No need to travel to distant lands

You don't need to travel to Africa or the Amazon to bag great shots of wildlife. All you need to do is visit a zoo.

Article: Horizons: High or Low?.Beyond the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds--that a time-tested compositional tool--says that in a scenic, you should place the horizon either a third or two-thirds up in the image. Well, sometimes, that's neither high nor low enough.

Article: Foreground is Key When Shooting Scenics.What's up front counts

Nothing says “boring” in a scenic more than just showing the scene. No matter how dramatic the vista in front of you, making sure there’s an interesting element in the foreground will almost always transform it into a more interesting photo.

Article: Color or Black-And-White?.It's your choice now.

Back in the day, before shooting, photographers had to make a creative choice: shoot on color or black-and-white film. Now, however, you don't have to make that decision until after you've taken the picture.

Article: Sunsets Without The Sun.It's all about light and shadows

When you think of a sunset photo, do have a preconceived image of a red-and-orange sky over a luscious shoreline, or perhaps some people palm trees silhouetted against it for good measure? Yeah, I know: Been there, done that.

Article: Shooting the Breeze.Work the wind

Did you ever go out with your photo buddies and find it too windy? You can stand around and shoot the breeze until the wind dies down, or you can, well, shoot the breeze.

Article: Look Down!.Look down and soon your photography will be looking up

Sometimes the best photographs are lying at your feet.

Article: Picture-taking techniques: Outdoor portraits, Part II.Why the best outdoor portraits are made in the shade

In this second installment of a two-part series on outdoor portrait photography, we search for the best outdoor light, and found it in the shadows.

Article: Superwide made super-easy.How to make panorama landscapes with your digital camera or image editing software

First off, let's clear up some confusion that was perpetrated by camera manufacturers for the last decade when film was king. A Panorama is not a photograph taken with a normal or moderate wide angle lens and cropped so it is very long.

Article: Be Prepared: The day of a location shoot.A digital shooting checklist, Part II

As much fun as it is to get to a new location and start shooting immediately, I've learned from experience (sometimes bitter experience!) that it's best if you first pause for a few moments to organize your thoughts and your gear.