Ron Leach

Friends or mentors have likely broached the concept of "low key photography," but you're uncertain what the term really means or how to capture images with a dramatic look that can be easily achieved if you know a few basic tricks. This straightforward primer discusses everything you need to know for getting the job done with simple gear.

Are you a new Photoshop user who feels overwhelmed by the apparent complexity of everything this comprehensive software can do? This is a common occurrence for anyone starting out, and today we'll simplify matters and eliminate much of the confusion so that you'll be able to proceed with confidence.

If there's one camera variable that doesn't fit into the set-it-and-forget-it category it's the ISO you select for every scene you confront. Choose wisely and you're on the road to success, but an incorrect pick can severely compromise the quality of a photo.

We're always on the lookout for straightforward tutorials that will inspire Shutterbug readers to try something new and expand their skills. If you've never experimented with high-contrast b&w photography, this video from instructor Peter Forsgard is guaranteed to add a new arrow in your quiver.

Shooting great outdoor photographs in perfect light is often quite simple, enabling us to capture impressive images that require a minimum of post processing. Unfortunately, things get far more challenging under less favorable conditions as you'll see in this quick tutorial from the Photography with Rich YouTube channel.

What if an experienced pro told you that one simple shooting technique can instantly improve every image you capture in the great outdoors? This may sound implausible, at least until you watch the following video from the Gary W YouTube channel.

Earlier this week we discussed how to step out of your comfort zone by trying your hand at capturing dramatic high-contrast b&w photographs. We're following that up today with thia post-processing beginners guide for inexperienced Photoshop and Lightroom users.

Like it or not we live in an era where camera manufactures compete with each other for how much resolution their products offer. But there's a big difference between what you want and what you really need. That's why, budget notwithstanding, it's time to ask yourself how many megapixels are necessary for your style of photography.

Nighttime can be the right time for capturing impressive outdoor photographs, when boring scenes often take on a magical appearance. But there's a challenge to overcome as the light dims, because so do the colors in a shot.

Midtone contrast is often a key ingredient for making impactful outdoor photos, but the technique is often overlooked by inexperienced shooters. As one successful pro likes to say, "it's the secret sauce that makes many images feel more lifelike" and jump off the screen.