Thomas Hoepker’s ’63 road trip, plus four other fantastic photobooks to get you inspired

Controlled Burn & Dodge #1, CA 1999. © Bob Kolbrener This month’s photobook selection includes a collection of photos of pairs by Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti; Thomas Hoepker’s look back at his 1963 road trip; Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb’s lockdown project of photos from Cape Cod; a collection of Bob Kolbrener’s B&W Californian… Continue reading Thomas Hoepker’s ’63 road trip, plus four other fantastic photobooks to get you inspired

How to be a conscientious travel photographer: Creating thoughtful images with Susan Portnoy

The Tiger’s Nest monastery in Bhutan. Susan Portnoy So, you’re packing your bags—and your camera—for a little summer vacation. It’s only natural that you’ll want to document your trip, but, what’s the point of taking pictures at popular destinations when millions of others are, too? PopPhoto chatted with award-winning travel photographer Susan Portnoy of The… Continue reading How to be a conscientious travel photographer: Creating thoughtful images with Susan Portnoy

Hawaii-based photographer captures ethereal photos of rare planetary alignment

In addition to being a practical location that rises above the fog, Mauna Kea holds much cultural significance. Photographer: Andrew Richard Hara / Producer: Greg Scott Earlier in the summer, a dazzling planetary alignment took place, showcasing Mercury, Venus, the Moon, Mars, and Saturn across the night sky. According to Sky & Telescope, the last… Continue reading Hawaii-based photographer captures ethereal photos of rare planetary alignment

Does bird detect AF really work?

Common Tern. ISO 1250, 1/2000 sec, f/6.3, @ 600mm. © Marie Read We like to say it’s not about the gear, that a photographer with any camera can create good photos. And in most situations that’s true. Then there’s bird photography. To get the ultimate photos of feathered subjects you need special equipment: zoom lenses… Continue reading Does bird detect AF really work?

Bruce Dorn on the importance of saying ‘yes’ and the joys of mentorship

© Bruce Dorn Bruce Dorn’s big break in the photo industry was utterly unexpected. He’d submitted some work to a college competition run by Conde Nast, ended up winning, and before he knew it, he was working as a guest art director for the company.  “Prior to winning that contest, I was working in a… Continue reading Bruce Dorn on the importance of saying ‘yes’ and the joys of mentorship

Rankin’s flaming dandelions are the perfect metaphor for ‘an exploding world’

Rankin Rankin has photographed many of the big names in fashion, music, and society. Known for his portraits of Kate Moss, David Bowie, and Queen Elizabeth II, he is also at the head of a creative agency with dozens of employees. When lockdown hit in March 2020, and Rankin could no longer work in his… Continue reading Rankin’s flaming dandelions are the perfect metaphor for ‘an exploding world’

In a self-portrait series, Chinelle Rojas reclaims her identity

One of Rojas’ favorite portraits is this one, which she made with Prisma colored pencils. Chinelle Rojas In an age saturated with selfies, the art of the self-portrait can feel diluted at best, and an indulgence of vanity at worst. But for Florida-based creative Chinelle Rojas, it’s been an avenue for accepting her identity and… Continue reading In a self-portrait series, Chinelle Rojas reclaims her identity

Rats, coyotes, and raccoons, oh my! The year’s best urban wildlife photography

“Oh, snap!”. Barak Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! Well, make that rats, coyotes, and bread-stealing monkeys, and you’ve got the winners of Picfair’s Urban Wildlife Photography Awards. Since 2019, the number of urban wildlife photographs on Picfair’s photo portfolio and e-commerce platform has quadrupled. And the competition, co-hosted by Nikon, Peak Design, MPB, and… Continue reading Rats, coyotes, and raccoons, oh my! The year’s best urban wildlife photography

Festival preview: 10 shows & workshops to check out at Les Rencontres d’Arles this summer

Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, 1981. Black River Productions, Ltd. / Galerie Thomas Zander / Mitch Epstein If you ask this editor what’s better than summer in Europe, the only acceptable answer is summer in France, specifically. Throw in a legendary photography festival and that might just be la crème de la crème. This summer, Les Rencontres… Continue reading Festival preview: 10 shows & workshops to check out at Les Rencontres d’Arles this summer

With thoughtful luminescence, Elizabeth Messina offers an intimate study of the female portrait

Messina is renowned for her stunningly simple portraits of women that convey depth and feeling. Elizabeth Messina Southern California-based photographer Elizabeth Messina is something of a legend. With her beloved Contax 645 and Fujifilm GFX100s, she has photographed for the likes of Tori Spelling, Claire Pettibone, and Brooke Shields—and that’s just to name a few.… Continue reading With thoughtful luminescence, Elizabeth Messina offers an intimate study of the female portrait