How Much Commercial Photographers Really Make in 2025

Commercial photography looks glamorous from the outside, but the real question is whether it actually pays enough to make a career of it in 2025. Money isn’t the only reason you do the work, but knowing what’s possible helps you decide if the effort, the risk, and the uncertainty are worth it.

5 Underrated Camera Features You Shouldn't Overlook

Most photographers obsess over megapixels, autofocus points, and dynamic range when shopping for new gear. But while you're comparing sensor specs and lens sharpness charts, you're probably overlooking the features that could actually revolutionize how you shoot.

Why This Camera Made Shooting Fun Again

A camera can feel like an extension of your job, or it can feel like something you carry because you want to. The difference matters because it changes whether you’re shooting for yourself or only to meet deadlines and expectations.

Sam Altman Has No Idea What a Photograph Is and That Should Make You Angry

Last week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that photos and AI-generated imagery will converge. Given that his intellect receives so much acclaim, it’s alarming that he has no understanding of photography and its function within society, not to mention the far-reaching implications.

The Comeback of the Pocket Powerhouse

With the most recent announcement of the Sony RX1R III, the scarcity of the Fuji X100VI, and the popularity of the Leica Q, are we seeing a renaissance of the small compact camera?

Overrated? William Eggleston: The Photographer Who Changed Everything

William Eggleston's documentation of the everyday, referred to by many as a revelation, is also regarded by others as overrated when judged in a modern context. This video by Tatiana Hopper, a respected voice on photography, dives into William Eggleston’s transformative work, leaving room for you to make up your own mind on where Eggleston's work sits in photographic history.

Why This $199 50mm Lens Could Be a Smart Pick

Some lenses stand out because they strike the right balance of size, price, and performance. The Viltrox AF 50mm f/2 Air falls into that category, offering you a lightweight and budget-friendly option without giving up too much in image quality.

The Sony RX1R III Hands-On: Big Sensor, Small Body, Real Limits

The Sony RX1R III isn’t your usual camera upgrade. With its fixed 35mm f/2 Zeiss lens that hasn’t changed in a decade, it raises an immediate question: is this a serious tool for your work or just a niche option for specific situations?

The TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 Lens: Cheap, Compact, and Surprisingly Sharp

A 40mm lens has always been a sweet spot for many of you because it feels close to how your eye naturally sees the world. It gives a slightly wider view without looking exaggerated, which makes it useful in a lot of everyday shooting situations. The TTArtisan AF 40mm f/2 is trying to bring that perspective to more people with a price tag that’s hard to ignore.

Apple Chooses Samsung Over Sony for US Image Sensor Supply

Samsung Electronics will manufacture three-layer stacked image sensors for Apple’s iPhone 18 at its Austin, Texas, plant, using a chipmaking technology described as a global first. The deal fits with Apple’s pledge to invest $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing.

Why This 35mm Lens Might Be Nikon’s Best Prime Yet

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S is a rare mix of technical precision and artistic flexibility. A fast prime at this focal length gives you control over depth of field without sacrificing sharpness, making it a strong tool for portraits, environmental shots, and video work.

5 Underrated Lens Features You Shouldn't Overlook

While pixel-peepers obsess over sharpness charts and bokeh samples, the smartest photographers know that certain overlooked lens features can help you get that elusive shot. Here are five hidden gems you should look for in your next lens.

Is White Balance Broken?

White balance is something most photographers know affects how colors appear, but a recent video argues that almost every camera, even high-end cinema models, is designed in a way that makes precise control harder than it needs to be.

Why This Camera Might Be the Best Wildlife Setup Under $10K

Some cameras are built to do everything well. Others double down on one purpose and push it to the extreme. The OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II falls in the second category, with a focus on still photography that challenges some long-held assumptions about what you need for serious work in the field.

Panasonic’s 24-60mm f/2.8: Compact Power for Lumix Shooters

The Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8 offers a lighter, more compact alternative to the typical 24-70mm zoom, cutting 10mm from the telephoto end while maintaining image quality. Its unusual focal range makes it an interesting option when you want versatility without the bulk, especially if you often work in situations where carrying a heavier setup becomes tiring.

The Wedding Industry Has a Ghosting Problem. Is It You or Them?

Wedding photographers are seeing a dramatic increase in ghosted inquiries. Couples are sending out initial messages but only responding if they feel an immediate and undeniable connection, and if the pricing works for them. For many in the industry, this shift has created an unpredictable and often frustrating sales process. If your inbox feels quieter after that first reply, you are not imagining it.

Medium Format vs Full Frame: When the Difference Really Shows

Matching medium format files against today’s best full frame options isn’t just a technical exercise. It can reveal exactly where the differences show up and when they don’t matter at all. In certain lighting situations, the gap between these formats shrinks, and in others, it’s clear why some people pay more for that larger sensor.

5 Mistakes Photographers Make When Buying a New Lens

Every photographer dreams of that pristine lens collection, but many end up with expensive glass gathering dust while scrambling to find the lenses they actually need. The brutal reality is that lens purchases gone wrong hurt because good glass costs so much and directly determines whether you can accept paying jobs.

A Straightforward Way to Make Your Photos Better

Simplicity in composition is one of those deceptively hard skills that can transform your images. The instinct to include everything in front of you is strong, especially when surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Yet too much detail can scatter the viewer’s attention and weaken the impact. Learning to remove what isn’t essential makes the difference between a busy snapshot and a clear, compelling photograph.

Dust Spot Removal in Photoshop Just Got Easier

Removing dust spots from photos is one of those chores you probably put off until it’s absolutely necessary. The process has always been slow and repetitive, especially if you’re dealing with an image riddled with tiny sensor spots. These small marks can ruin an otherwise perfect shot, so finding a quicker way to handle them matters.

The Nikon Zf: The Rare Camera That Works for Both Work and Play

The Nikon Zf manages to fit into an unusual category, as it’s both a dependable professional tool and a camera you actually want to carry with you. You might reach for it at a wedding shoot just as easily as when heading to the park with your kids. That balance between capability and personal appeal is rare, especially for a model that can be found for under $2,000.

5 Mistakes Photographers Make When Buying a New Camera

You're about to drop thousands on a new camera system, convinced that flagship body will transform your photography overnight. But here's the brutal truth: most photographers sabotage their success before they even click the shutter, making expensive mistakes that leave them with gear they can't use effectively and budgets too depleted to fix the problem.

Will There Be Any More Legends in Photography?

Demarchelier. Eggleston. Avedon. Penn. Mann. Leibovitz. These names are etched into the history of photography. They are the figures whose work appears in museum retrospectives, on coffee tables, and in academic textbooks. But will photography ever produce universally recognized legends like this again?

85mm Showdown: Size, Price, and Performance Compared

Two new 85mm f/1.4 lenses for Sony have hit the market, each promising sharp optics and fast performance. One comes from a brand known for solid, affordable glass. The other is a newcomer to the lens world, entering with a smaller, lighter design and a few unique touches that stand out.

Learn This Boring Lighting, Make Great Money

Let’s be honest: look book photography isn’t glamorous. It won’t get you a Vogue cover or a viral campaign, but it will get you paid. Repeatedly. Reliably. And if you're smart about it, it can become one of the most consistent and lucrative income streams in your photography business.

How a 12mm Lens Can Create Uniquely Eye-Catching Photos

A 12mm f/2.8 full frame lens opens the door to images that feel bigger than life. You can pull entire cathedrals, sprawling streets, or the curve of a canyon into a single shot. It’s also easy to go wrong with focal lengths this wide, which is why learning how to control perspective distortion is key. If you don’t, you’ll end up with scenes that look stretched and unnatural instead of immersive.

Is the Viltrox 15mm f/1.7 the Best Budget Wide Lens?

The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air lens offers a bright, wide angle view in a compact, lightweight body. At 0.4 lbs and just over 2 inches long, it’s easy to keep on your camera without adding bulk. For travel, architecture, or tight interior spaces, having a fast 15mm that fits in a small bag makes a difference in how often you actually bring it along.

Four Budget Micro Four Thirds Lenses Worth Owning

Many people assume that building a capable Micro Four Thirds kit requires investing in expensive pro-grade glass, but that’s not the only route. Affordable lenses can still give you sharp, versatile results without stretching your budget, and knowing which ones to choose can open up creative options you might otherwise overlook.

We Review the First Three Canon VCM-Prime Lenses

Canon has released a set of lenses that carry the abbreviation VCM, short for Voice Coil Motor, a fast and silent autofocus system. The first three primes of this series are the RF 24mm f/1.4L VCM, the RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM, and the RF 50mm f/1.4L VCM. Let’s have a look.

How the GFX100 II Handled a Demanding Nighttime Commission

Finding the right camera for a single, high-stakes shoot can be a balancing act. When you’ve only got one night to capture a specific scene for a client, there’s no margin for error. Resolution, reliability, and adaptability all matter, especially when the final images will be printed at large sizes where every detail counts.

5 Fatal Mistakes Photographers Make in Their First Year of Business

Starting a photography business feels like stepping into a dream job where creativity meets entrepreneurship, but the harsh reality is that most new photography ventures fail within their first two years. The difference between thriving photographers and those who crash and burn isn't talent or expensive gear. It's avoiding these five business mistakes that rookie photographers make over and over again.

Fuji X-T5 vs Nikon Zf: Which Retro-Styled Camera Is Right for You?

Retro-inspired cameras aren’t just about nostalgia. They offer a tactile shooting experience and physical controls that many modern designs have lost. If you value the feel of metal dials under your fingers and a body that recalls film-era craftsmanship, the two models here are among the most talked-about options in that space right now.

Canon’s 20mm f/1.4 Lens Is Sharp, Fast, and Pricey

A 20mm full frame lens at f/1.4 isn’t something you pick up without a plan. It’s a specialty tool, one that opens up creative shots you can’t easily get with other focal lengths. The ability to capture dramatic wide scenes in low light without sacrificing detail makes it valuable for landscapes, interiors, and astrophotography. You also have the option to get surprisingly shallow depth of field if you work close to your subject.

The Canon EOS R50 V: A Compact Video Powerhouse With Surprising Quality

The Canon EOS R50 V takes a different approach from what you might expect at its price. It’s compact, lightweight, and aimed squarely at content creators who want strong video performance without hauling around a heavy setup. Its balance of portability and image performance make it worth a look.

We Review DJI Osmo 360: The First 360-Degree Camera Capable of 8K 50fps.

It’s been an exciting few weeks for photography-gear enthusiasts, with product-announcement rumors coming in from every direction. But among all the speculation, as you might already know, DJI has officially entered the 360-degree-camera market with the launch of the Osmo 360.

Some Thoughts About Portrait Photography Using Natural Light

Shooting portraits in natural light, if you get it right, can be very rewarding. You can easily create beautiful, moody, and very natural photos—with just a camera in your hand and a willing subject in front of you. Here are some thoughts that may help you get the best possible results.

Why the Fujifilm X-E5 Might Beat the X100VI for Everyday Shooting

Two cameras with similar specs can still offer completely different shooting experiences. The Fujifilm X-E5 and X100VI may share the same sensor and processor, but one offers the flexibility of interchangeable lenses while the other locks you into a fixed focal length. Choosing between them isn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet. It’s about how you want to shoot and how much versatility you need in the field.

5 Lesser-Known Lenses Bokeh Fanatics Won't Want to Miss

Every photographer has experienced that moment of envy scrolling through Instagram, wondering how certain portraits achieve that impossibly smooth, cinematic background blur that seems to wrap subjects in pure light. Here are five fantastic portrait lenses that will give you some of the smoothest and unique bokeh you've ever seen.

Tamron’s 18-300mm: Big Range, Small Hassle

A lens that can handle everything from wide landscapes to distant wildlife shots means you can travel lighter and react faster. You avoid carrying a bag full of glass and still have the range to shoot almost anything that catches your eye. That’s why a zoom like this matters if you want flexibility without the constant lens-swapping.

6 Photoshop Updates Worth Trying Now

Photoshop just got a wave of updates that could speed up your workflow and make certain edits far easier. The updates also add new AI-powered options that can handle more complex adjustments automatically.

The Real Secret to Making Your Best Images

Some of the most respected names in photography didn’t just create remarkable images. They sustained that quality for decades. Their mastery came from consistent effort, not a single burst of inspiration.

These 5 Game-Changing APS-C Cameras Prove Full Frame Isn't Everything

The camera industry has been pushing full frame sensors so hard that many photographers think anything smaller is automatically inferior. Here are five remarkable APS-C cameras that deliver professional results while offering advantages that even the best full frame cameras can't match.

Which Canon RF Telephoto Zoom Lens Actually Delivers the Sharpest Results?

Canon's decision to release two different 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses for the RF mount has left many photographers scratching their heads about which one to buy. The choice becomes even more complex when you factor in the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM as an alternative for reaching longer focal lengths, especially since all three lenses occupy similar price points and target overlapping use cases.