Opinion

Photography has undergone a fundamental transformation that extends far beyond technical capabilities. While digital cameras and smartphones have democratized image-making and eliminated financial barriers to practice, they may have simultaneously dismantled the psychological foundations that historically drove photographic mastery: patience, deliberation, and tolerance for delayed gratification.

Sarah posted another sunset photo from her weekend getaway, carefully edited with warm filters that made the moment look even more magical than it had felt in person. Within minutes, the likes and comments began flowing: "Gorgeous!" "So jealous!" "Living your best life!" Each notification brought a small rush of validation, proof that her 847 followers were watching, appreciating, connecting with her experiences.

Photography can help improve people's mental health. It’s a mindful activity that brings moderate exercise outdoors, which can help our mood. However, with every advantage in photography, there is always a disadvantage, and the damage photography does to our brains is exacerbated by AI.

Maria noticed it first during her daughter's birthday party. She'd positioned herself discreetly across the room with her camera, hoping to capture genuine moments of joy and surprise. But something felt wrong. The children weren't behaving naturally—they kept glancing toward phones, adjusting their positions slightly when they sensed potential photo opportunities. Even the adults unconsciously angled themselves for better documentation.

Photographers make photographs, right? It’s obvious. And we all regularly share and view images, even as the technology underpinning the craft has changed. But what makes a photograph a “finished” product that we can put out into the world?

I can already see it. Many of you are clenching your fists and saying, "Never!" Certainly, there are many cases in which it's not acceptable to use AI-generated images for your photography. First, I'm going to discuss several instances of when it might be okay to use AI-generated images for photography. Then we'll examine the not-so-great applications.

Photography is an artistic pursuit, and yet shares similarities with sports. While fundamentally an individual activity, there is a necessary social component that enhances the experience. How do these two strains interact in our photographic journey?

Photography has always been a mirror of its time, but the digital age has transformed it from a tool of documentation into a weapon of self-delusion. The camera, once used to capture reality, now serves primarily to manufacture it. What we photograph, how we photograph it, and why we photograph it reveals a society that has lost touch with authentic experience, commodified human connection, and replaced genuine accomplishment with the performance of success.

I’ve always loved wandering around with my camera, looking for interesting things to photograph. Often, I struggled to find interesting things to shoot. Often, I didn’t have the motivation to put in much effort, which was weird because I love photography. And then one day, I learned something, and everything changed. From that point on, there was no looking back, no lack of motivation, and no difficulty in finding things to photograph.

Deciding whether to use a 70-200mm f/2.8 or a lighter, more compact f/4 version involves more than just image quality and price. Your style and where you shoot play a huge role in this choice.

We’ve all heard a million and one stories about happy endings. But the real success stories lie in the not-always-so-joyful beginnings along the way.

AI is increasingly shaping photography, and understanding its impacts, both positive and negative, is critical for your work.

Let’s face it—AI is here to stay. Whether we like it or not, it’s not going anywhere. When it first emerged a few years back, I have to admit that I didn’t pay much attention to it. It felt like just another tech buzzword because of how immature it seemed. But fast forward to now: it’s evolving faster than most of us can keep up with, and it’s beginning to change the creative industry in a very real way.

I am not going to lie, I have been stuck in an awful rut for almost a year. My creativity took a dramatic fall, and I had no get-up-and-go when it came to photography. Until now...

Photography without a traditional viewfinder often divides opinion sharply. For many, relying solely on an LCD screen seems limiting, yet increasingly, cameras are designed without viewfinders, raising the question of whether adapting to this approach might be worthwhile.

Throughout your photography journey, camera gear inevitably evolves. Understanding how much image quality and camera functionality have improved over time directly impacts your buying decisions and creative possibilities.

Instagram was great until it ruined the art of photography. Somewhere along the way, the app that once celebrated still images traded intention for attention, and in doing so, it didn’t just change photography — it helped ruin the art.

Something's wrong in the photography world, and everyone can feel it. Browse any photography forum, scroll through Facebook groups, or check Reddit threads, and you'll see the same conversations repeating: established photographers selling their gear, newcomers questioning whether it's worth starting, and veterans openly wondering if the industry they once loved still has room for them.

Camera manufacturers have turned photographers into spec addicts, and it's time for an intervention. Every product announcement sends us scrambling to compare numbers: How many megapixels? What's the burst rate? How many autofocus points? We've been conditioned to believe that bigger numbers equal better photos, but that's marketing fiction designed to empty your wallet.

Today, I’d like to take a moment to focus on what has really mattered in my life as a photographer.

Today, I’d like to share three simple rules for success in art and in life that have helped me through both the ups and the downs.

Your personality might be quietly shaping the type of photography you're naturally drawn to. Knowing your personality type could unlock a better understanding of your photographic strengths and struggles, particularly when shooting genres that feel difficult or uncomfortable.

Today, I’d like to share a personal story which some of you out there may just be able to relate to.

What matters more—sensor size or how a camera fits into your real-world workflow? Recent comments from our Fstoppers community made me curious to delve into how typical photographers feel, and it revealed a lot more than just APS-C vs. full frame preferences.

Many photographers grapple with whether printing their images is necessary or if digital presentations alone suffice. Is it right for you?

You’ve heard it all: “Shoot manual,” “Golden hour is king,” “Always follow the rule of thirds.” But what if those trusted tips aren’t always right?

After nearly a decade with Sony gear, this photographer shares what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to using these cameras for both stills and video. If you’re deciding whether to buy your first Sony or considering switching to something else, this kind of hands-on, long-term insight helps you weigh real pros and cons without marketing fluff.

One of the most debated topics in landscape photography is the role of editing. While some photographers firmly believe that an image should reflect the reality of the scene, others see post-processing as a critical creative tool that allows them to express their unique vision. The central question becomes: where do we draw the line between enhancement and deception?

Canon has just released the fourth lens in its L VCM line of Hybrid Primes, the RF 20mm f/1.4 L VCM. I got to have an early look and wanted to share my thoughts.