Advanced Photography Techniques

November 1, 2021

Legendary Photos: The Stories Behind 5 of David Hume Kennerly’s Iconic Images
Pulitzer prize-winning photojournalist discusses his classic shots
By David Hume Kennerly
Photo of George Bush and Michelle Obama by David Hume Kennerly
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind some of the world’s most iconic images? Our new series “Legendary Photos,” features photographers from Canon’s Explorer’s of Light program, past and present, giving us behind-the-scenes insight on how they captured these unforgettable moments. For the inaugural installment... Read more
October 25, 2021

How to Get Better Color in Photoshop with Hue Masks
An easy way to nail color during post-processing
By Dan Havlik
Photo of Hue mask Photoshop
Getting the right color in your images is part of what using Photoshop or Lightroom is all about. Last week, we shared a tutorial on how to produce striking color in your photos by creating a cinematic color grade. And now here’s an easy way to process more accurate color by making a Hue mask in Photoshop. In the below tutorial led by software... Read more
October 19, 2021

Give Your Photos Striking Cinematic Color in Photoshop
Add drama to your images by tweaking the color in Photoshop
By Dan Havlik
Photo of cinematic color in Photoshop
One way to add some drama to your photos is to give them a cinematic look. And an easy way to do that is by creating a cinematic color grade in Photoshop. Photographer and Photoshop expert Eli Infante shows you how in the simple but effective Photoshop tutorial below. In the video at the bottom of this post, Infante explains his color grading process... Read more
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October 11, 2021

Make a Realistic Background in Photoshop in 5 Steps
Avoid flat, amateurish backgrounds with this technique
By Dan Havlik
Photo of background in Photoshop
An effective background can be key to an effective portrait. Sometimes, however, the background where you shoot your portrait will look dull or even distracting. One solution to this dilemma is to swap in a non-photo background – such as a gradient, an abstract pattern, or a graphic – behind your subject in Photoshop. However, that can produce a... Read more
October 6, 2021

On Assignment: Techniques for Capturing Autumn Leaves
The best assignments are right in your own backyard
By Rick Sammon
Photo of Autumn Leaves technique
Editor’s Note: Have you ever wondered how your favorite photographers capture the images they take? Digital Photo Pro’s monthly column “On Assignment” is where Canon Explorers of Light, past and present, share a backstage look at one of their favorite assignments and how they delivered the goods. This month we go On Assignment with outdoor... Read more
September 27, 2021

A Quick Way to Fix Color in Images in Photoshop
Correct color in thousands of photos with just one click
By Dan Havlik
Photo for color correction trick in Photoshop
One the most surefire ways to get accurate color in your images is to use a gray card. But, from time-to-time, you’ll leave your gray card at home or simply forget to take a picture of it during a photo shoot. What do you do now? Photographer and author Glyn Dewis shares a “quick fix” for color correcting images in Photoshop in the... Read more
September 22, 2021

How I Made It: The Story Behind Douglas Dubler’s Leaping Horse Photo
A renowned fashion and beauty photographer captures horse jumping
By Dan Havlik
Photo of a jumping horse
We mostly know Douglas Dubler 3 for his iconic fashion and beauty photography, so when he showed us his striking equine image above from the recent Hampton Classic Grand Prix, we were a bit surprised. We shouldn’t have been. Dubler 3 has been photographing horse jumping for a few years now and sees this type of photography as an extension of his... Read more
September 16, 2021

How to Pose Female Clients for Flattering Portraits
Jerry Ghionis shares his secrets for posing women
By Dan Havlik
Photo for how to pose women
Knowing how to pose women for flattering photos is essential to having a successful portrait photography career. But even some experienced pros might need a refresher course on great poses for non-models. That’s where Jerry Ghionis comes in with his excellent free tutorial below with tips on how to pose women. “This video is all about demystifying... Read more
September 13, 2021

Sharpen Images by Blurring (Yes, Blurring) Them in Photoshop
It might sound counterintuitive but it works
By Dan Havlik
Photo of blur sharpen technique
Here’s a great Photoshop trick that might seem counterintuitive: you can sharpen an image by blurring it first. In the below tutorial, Photoshop guru Unmesh Dinda shows you this handy technique for portraits, but it works for any photo that needs precise sharpening in post-processing. In the video, Dinda explains how this technique sharpens images... Read more
September 8, 2021

On Assignment: Creating a Rippling Water Light Effect
Lindsay Adler hits the pool to capture a shimmering portrait
By Lindsay Adler
Photo of ripple effect image
Editor’s Note: Have you ever wondered how your favorite photographers capture the images they take? Digital Photo Pro’s monthly column “On Assignment” is where Canon Explorers of Light, past and present, share a backstage look at one of their favorite assignments and how they delivered the goods. This month we go On Assignment with portrait... Read more