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

Tips from the pros: 3 keys to taking better bird pictures

A great grey owl. ISO 1600, 1/200 sec, f/5.6 @ 70mm. Michael Cummings/Getty Images This post on better bird pictures has been updated. It was originally published on June 3, 2015. At once challenging and wondrous subjects, birds are fast, elusive, biologically diverse, and can be stunningly beautiful. “There are about 10,000 species of birds… Continue reading Tips from the pros: 3 keys to taking better bird pictures

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

Eadweard Muybridge documentary explores the legacy of motion pictures’ pioneer

One of Muybridge’s most recognizable works, “A Horse in Motion,” was created by rigging several wet plate cameras. Courtesy of Marc Shaffer Today, Hollywood is a titanic industry churning out film after film. But what of its humble beginnings? Why can we synonymously say “motion picture” when referring to cinema? We owe much to a… Continue reading Eadweard Muybridge documentary explores the legacy of motion pictures’ pioneer

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

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

How to edit your digital photos to look like film

Edited using The Archetype Process Fuji Pro400H +2 Normal Frontier profile. The Archetype Process Analog photography has been experiencing a renaissance over the past several years, yet despite an increase in demand, film prices are sky high and availability is scarce. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to edit digital photos to look like film.… Continue reading How to edit your digital photos to look like film

Peter van Agtmael grapples with chronicling the post-9/11 era

A women sob as soldiers arrest their family. “It was one of my first raids in Iraq. At the time, I felt almost no emotion. I was consumed by the novelty and the mania. We got back to the base as the sun was beginning to rise. I opened the door to my trailer and… Continue reading Peter van Agtmael grapples with chronicling the post-9/11 era

How to be a respectful photographer when visiting national parks

Olympic National Park. Dan Bracaglia This summer, it’s nearly certain that people will be heading to the great outdoors. As we look for ways to escape the heat and pandemic woes in crowded cities, many of us will turn to national parks and other public lands for respite. And, plenty will bring their cameras (or,… Continue reading How to be a respectful photographer when visiting national parks