Animal enthusiasts, get ready to be awestruck—we’re diving into the 500px Licensing collection and highlighting the 25 top-selling Licensing photos that feature animals. These images aren’t just stunning shots of our furry and feathered friends; they also present powerful themes of connection, family, support, and our relationship with nature.

Not only creative and visually dynamic, but these photos also have all proven themselves to be valuable additions to their photographer’s portfolio, and are great examples of how animals can be used to convey a variety of themes and emotions.

Without further ado, here are the 25 top-selling 500px Licensing photos featuring animals!

Check out our Licensing Quests for opportunities to win prizes with your Licensing submissions.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post Check out our 25 top-selling Licensing photos featuring animals appeared first on 500px.

Whether you’re trying to escape the winter blues and jetting off to the tropics, or you’re an adrenaline junkie that’s venturing into the cold and ready to hit the slopes, travel fills us with excitement and a sense of adventure. It’s the perfect chance to capture photos of new, unique places or experiences. We’re often more aware of our surroundings when we travel, so don’t miss the opportunity to pull out your camera and take captivating photos.

Travel photography is a genre of photography that captures the culture, people, and landscapes of a specific location. It can be used to document a trip, or to create a narrative about a place, and every click tells a unique story.

If you aren’t sure where or how to begin, these travel photography tips will be a good starting point.

1. Invest in a camera that suits your aesthetic and is easy to carry with you
2. Plan your shots
3. Get creative with the composition to help your image stand out
4. Tell a story—this makes an impact and ensures the image is thought out
5. Use leading lines
6. Search for the details
7. Shoot in RAW
8. Use a tripod for stability
9. Incorporate the local culture
10. Edit your photos

Now, let’s dive more into detail for each tip.

Invest in a camera

Your device of choice doesn’t need to break the bank—we hope it doesn’t! When making your choice, think about the functionality that you are looking for. For example, if you’re an experienced photographer, you might want a newer DSLR with advanced settings that lets you shoot in manual mode and make the most of a diverse range of lighting scenarios.

Another thing to consider, is the weight of your device. Gone are the days when bigger meant better when it came to your camera. Mirrorless cameras are a great alternative to a DSLR, as they don’t compromise quality but are lighter, and easy to travel with.

Plan your shots

As the saying goes—if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail. The saying applies to photography, as there are many variables to consider when capturing a moment in a place you know, and they are doubled when in a new place. Don’t panic though, the unknown is half the excitement of travel photography!

When planning your shots, consider the time of day and what the light will be like, how busy the location will be, and what gear you might need to get the architecture or people from the right angle with the best framing. As you start to shoot, you will be grateful that you planned, and were prepared for the new terrain.

Get creative with compositions

Experiment with angles. Try shooting from the ground up to capture a tower’s soaring height, or get an aerial view from a nearby hill. These tactics will help your final image stand out from the clichés, whether you’re capturing the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt or La Sagrada Familia in Spain. It’s all about how you see it.

Tell a story

Your photos should convey a narrative or evoke emotions. Try to capture the atmosphere, mood, and the essence of the place you’re visiting.

Use leading lines

Direct your viewer’s eye with leading lines. Look for things like roads, railways, rivers, etc. Anything that leads the eye towards your subject will work to create a path for your viewer to follow.

Search for the details

Get up close and personal with your subject, or use objects in the foreground to add detail and dimension within the frame. When you pay attention to details in travel photos, it can take your image from boring to amazing by adding depth.

Shoot in RAW

When you shoot in RAW, you’re giving yourself more wiggle room for post-production. This will be a huge help if some of your images turn out to be over or underexposed.

Use a tripod for stability

Nothing ruins a good picture quite like a shaky hand.

Capture the culture

Photograph local people, customs, and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals, and try to capture candid moments that reveal the essence of the culture.

Edit to perfection

Experiment with your editing software to push your images to new levels. The goal is always to achieve perfect lighting and sharpness in the camera, but sometimes, it’s that extra tweak in post-production that gets us to that level of perfection.

Have the travel bug and want to check out more articles?
[Travel Photography] A Beginner’s Guide to Learning Travel Photography
Seven ways to create wanderlust in your travel photography
What’s Trending in Licensing: Travel photography and the freedom of solo travel

Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.

The post How to take jaw-dropping travel images appeared first on 500px.

Each month, we highlight some of the best Licensing submissions in our 500px New in Licensing Gallery. In this series, we’ll delve into why these photos are in high demand and make for excellent Licensing content. As part of our ongoing commitment to educate and inform our 500px Licensing Contributors, we’ll feature new and relevant photos on a monthly basis to help inspire creativity and connect Contributors with the latest trends in the Licensing industry. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s top 10 photos that are sure to captivate and inspire.

Olha Dobosh, having taken first part in our recent Licensing Rush contest, has a lot of great new photos in her Licensing Portfolio. We chose to highlight this photo for its use of copy space, lighting, and composition.

1. Having copy space is essential in Licensing, it gives content buyers space to add their own messaging, making the photo work for a variety of uses.
2. Having the model turned away from the camera creates a sense of anonymity, and allows viewers to put themselves in the model’s place, creating a sense of wanderlust.

Contributor Dominic Gaiero submitted this stunning landscape shot. Landscape photos make great additions to any Licensing Portfolio and easily connect with popular commercial themes of nature, sustainability, climate, and even conceptual themes like renewal or growth.

1. We love how the composition of the photo uses natural lines and textures to draw the viewer in, the winding path drawing your eye deeper into the photo.
2. This photo has great depth, we are able to see the changing landscape as it continues into the background.

This photo is from Greece-based Contributor Ksenia Amosova and we’re giving it a spotlight for its great use of color, framing, composition, and how it connects to different conceptual themes.

1. Travel and vacation-themed content is always popular within Licensing, especially photos that capture a model in a way that allows all different kinds of people to imagine themselves in the model’s place, soaking up the sun in some beautiful exotic destination.
2. This photo has a vertical, portrait, orientation, which is great for content buyers looking to Licensing photos to use on social media. We always encourage photographers to capture a variety of different crops with their Licensing photos.

We have chosen to highlight Licensing Contributor Dragos Condrea’s photo for its great use of casting and setting. Capturing two professional needleworkers at work, collaborating with one another, and getting creative with designs.

1. We commend Dragos for his efforts in styling such a dynamic shot while still taking care to avoid all necessary copyright issues. There are no visible brands, logos, or intellectual property, and any objects that could potentially present an issue have been carefully blurred.
2. The casting of this photo is diverse in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity, and that kind of diversity is very popular within Licensing. We see two professionals, dressed professionally, working together respectfully, in general, it feels to be capturing a natural everyday moment in this workplace.

Lastly, we wanted to highlight this great photo from Jaromír Chalabala for capturing an authentic moment between a man and his horse, highlighting the connection between humans and nature.

1. Casting animals and pets within Licensing photos can be a great way to highlight connection between a person and the animal, showing how many people look to their pets for support and companionship.
2. We can see that the man is trying to calm and comfort the horse, bringing themes of compassion, care, and responsibility to the image.

Check out the rest of our featured submissions below, and take a look at the New in Licensing October 2023 gallery for more inspiration!

Check out our Licensing Quests for more opportunities to win prizes with your Licensing submissions.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post October’s 10 standout Licensing photos appeared first on 500px.

This November, 500px photographers will once again have the opportunity to win big with their Licensing photos! 500px Licensing Rush is a race to add new and creative content to their commercial Portfolios, as photographers compete to have the most new and accepted Licensing photos.

We’ll be tallying up all photos submitted and accepted to Licensing between November 1-30. The participating photographers with the most new and exclusive photos accepted within the contest period will win one of three cash prizes.

Prizes:
1st Place: $300 US
2nd Place: $150 US
3rd Place: $50 US

Check out our previous Licensing Rush winners from September!

How to enter

To take part in 500px Licensing Rush:

• Add your 500px Username to the Licensing Rush Entry Form
• Start submitting new and exclusive photos to 500px Licensing

The submission deadline is November 30, 2023, 23:59 ET. Don’t wait to submit your entries—you have a better chance of winning if you start early!

Please Note: We will not consider photos that have been declined or require changes before they can be accepted to Licensing. Be sure you have all the necessary edits, model, and property releases completed before you submit!

Unsure of what to submit?

Stay up to date on popular Licensing trends and receive Licensing Rush submission tips and tricks by:

• Joining the 500px Licensing Discord
• Following along within the #Licensing-Rush channel
• Keeping up to date on our Monthly Shot List

Check out our Licensing Quests for more opportunities to win prizes.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post Introducing the November edition of Licensing Rush appeared first on 500px.

Instagram photos look best at 1080 pixels wide. Pinterest images shine at around 1000×1500 pixels. A Facebook photo should be at least 1200 pixels wide—1920 if it’s an event photo. In 2003, when 500px launched, the perfect web-resolution was, well, 500 pixels. Now, it’s best to upload your photos with a resolution of at least 2048 pixels.

The web is constantly evolving, and for photographers, that means regular image resizing. While you can resize your photos using a variety of quick online tools, we recommend doing it with care and precision so you don’t damage the quality of your files. Here are our tips for resizing your images without losing any details in the process.

Knowing the vocabulary

First, it’s important to understand the terms that will be used in this article.

Dimension

The dimension of a photo is essentially the measurement of its length and width. Depending on what you’re using your photo for, you may need to see this measurement in pixels, inches, or centimeters. There are many standard sets of dimensions that you’re probably familiar with; for example, your old family photo albums are probably full of standard 4×6 inch prints.

Resolution (Pixel Density)

The resolution of a photo refers to how many pixels there are within those dimensions. (Therefore, the pixel density of the photo.) The smaller those pixels, the more of them you can fit within your dimensions and, in most cases, the sharper your image will appear.

DPI and PPI

DPI (Dots Per Inch) and PPI (Pixels Per Inch) are the two terms that describe your image resolution. Although you may hear them used interchangeably, DPI refers to print resolution (as in, the number of ink dots per inch) while PPI refers to screen resolution (or how many pixels in an inch when your photo is viewed at 100%).

File Size

File size refers to how much space or memory your photo takes up. The more information there is in an image, the more memory it requires, and the bigger the file size. “Information” can refer to pixels, which means a higher resolution may give you a larger file, or it can refer to things like layers if you are saving in a non-destructive file type.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio is often confused with dimension because they’re closely related. Your dimension, as we just discussed, describes the length and width of your image in terms of measurements. Your aspect ratio describes that length and width in terms of—you guessed it—a ratio. Those 4×6 inch family photos we just talked about have an aspect ratio of 3:2.

Why is resizing images important?

Resizing is a daily part of a professional photographer’s workflow. Even if you are not going to print your image, your website or online portfolio will probably have requirements for the file size and resolution that an image must be in order to be uploaded. Depending on where your image will appear, you may want to use a specific aspect ratio (a hero image will require a different aspect ratio than an Instagram post).

If you do not resize to fit those requirements, the hosting site may refuse to upload it altogether, or worse, compress or distort your photo. The process of resizing the dimensions of a photo and/or changing its resolution and file size to prepare it for the web is called image optimization.

How to resize in Photoshop for beginners

Resizing in Photoshop is a relatively simple process. Start by going to Image > Image Size.

Here you’ll see all that vocab we just covered. Your file size (Image Size) is right there at the top. Below it are your dimensions.

If you want to convert pixels to inches or need to do the opposite and convert inches to pixels, simply select a new unit of measurement from one of the dropdown menus on the right. Last is the image resolution, which is measured in PPI or DPI. In theory, you can just set these numbers however you like and click “OK.” In practice, it’s not always that easy.

Above, we’re resizing Forest Sky, a piece by 500px Contributor Kalen Emsley, as an example. You can see the “Image Size” dialogue box we just described.

Say you want to increase the resolution, so you type a new number into the resolution box.

Notice what happens below.

Resolution, resizing, and resampling

Not only has your resolution increased in the image above, but your dimensions have also increased as well. You haven’t actually increased the resolution; you’ve just expanded those pixels out. Imagine you have a stretchy polka-dot shirt. If you lay it flat, the dots are close together. If you stretch it, those dots get farther apart as the edges of the shirt extend further out. That’s how it works with pixels and resizing.

Because the resample button is checked in our dialogue box (it will usually be this way by default), Photoshop filled in those pixel gaps for us. But because your computer does not have the actual scene to compare your image to, it can only make an educated guess at what the new pixels should look like. When you resize without resampling, Photoshop will not fill those gaps; it will simply change the resolution to match your resizing.

That’s how issues like fuzziness occur when you enlarge what was originally a razor-sharp photo and because of that, it’s easier to retain good quality when you’re making an image smaller than when you are making it bigger. However, when you make an image smaller, you may be inadvertently deleting some of that pixel information, which means you might still experience a loss of quality if you try to size back up again.

Preserving image quality

In the case of this particular photo, the loss of image quality would barely be noticeable since it had a healthy number of pixels to start with. You may find yourself in a position where you have to make changes like this in order to meet an upload or printing requirement with an image, so do two things to keep image degradation from becoming noticeable to the naked eye:

1. Shoot at a high resolution
This way, you give yourself plenty of information to work with in case you ever have to “fudge” the numbers on your resolution in post-processing.

2. Keep a copy of your original
If you ever make a change and later discover that the quality doesn’t hold up the way it appeared to on your editing screen, you can go back to the drawing board with your original pixel density.

How to choose the right image size

When you are determining how to size your image, start with the dimensions. The first step is to use the correct unit of measurement. If you will be printing your photo, measure in inches or centimeters. This will be especially helpful if you want to mat and/or frame it, as you can simply choose a standard size like 5×7, 8×10, or 11×14 and go from there.

Remember that different standard sizes have different aspect ratios. So if your image has an aspect ratio of 3:2 (remember, that’s a 4×6 inch photo), you will experience some cropping if you resize it to an 8×10, which has an aspect ratio of 5:4.

How to choose the right image resolution

After your in-camera focus settings, your resolution is what ultimately determines the sharpness of your image. The standard for web-based images is 72 PPI (or DPI, depending on who you speak with about it), although many photographers choose to go with 300, which is the standard for a high-resolution print image.

Now that you’ve learned what to do in Photoshop to resize your images, and how to do it without sacrificing quality, you can easily resize your photography for use on the web or in print. Remember to use the correct resolution for your medium and shoot at a high resolution to allow yourself plenty of flexibility when you are ready to resize.

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The post Pixels to Inches: How to Resize Images Without Losing Quality in Photoshop appeared first on 500px.

Landscape photography may be a popular subject among photographers, but it takes a lot of mastery, patience, and a certain frame of mind to capture imagery that will really stir the viewers’ emotions and minds.

Just ask photographer Iurie Belegurschi, whose own jaw-dropping landscapes never fail to amaze us. In this 500px ISO exclusive, Iurie shares his personal tips that will help you improve your landscape photography from scouting locations to gear recommendations.

Scroll down for a Q&A with Iurie—followed by his photos and a list of 23 helpful tips!

Q&A WITH IURIE ON LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hi Iurie! Please introduce yourself to our readers.
IURIE BELEGURSCHI: I’m originally from Moldova. I moved permanently to Iceland in 2006. I work full-time as a professional landscape photographer. I also run photo tours and workshops in Iceland and around the world. My work has been published in major newspapers, magazines, books, and calendars worldwide. My two passions in life are photography and traveling.

How did you discover photography and how long have you been doing this?
IURIE: I have been shooting for many years, but I got serious about my photography five years ago.

As a landscape and travel photographer, how much time do you spend out in the field?
IURIE: I do mostly tours and workshops in Iceland, Norway, and Greenland, so I am outdoors 90% of the time, shooting with my guests. Sometimes, I go out and take photos on my own during my free time, but that is very seldom. I’m making it a point now to travel at least three to four times a year—my last one being in New Zealand last April.

Your landscape images are otherworldly, but still grounded in the natural world. What type of subjects do you enjoy shooting the most?
IURIE: Icelandic landscapes, of course! I love winterscapes, snow-covered mountains, icy lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, and ice caves. I like night photography the most—shooting the Milky Way, stars, and the Northern Lights. It gives me a sense of fulfillment and peace when I’m outdoors at night, capturing what is relatively hard to fully see with the naked eye.

What about Iceland do you find the most fascinating, and what makes it different from the landscape of other countries?
IURIE: Iceland is a photographer’s paradise, truly “the land of ice and fire”. We have amazing waterfalls all around the country—volcanoes, glaciers, mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, black sand beaches, rocky coastlines, and more. When you combine this with the Northern Lights in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer, the creative possibilities are endless.

In all your years of experience, what has been the most difficult terrain or weather condition to shoot?
IURIE: Definitely mountains and winter. You have to deal with lots of hiking, elevated to get to vantage points from the top. Bringing your gear and the weight of the clothes you wear to keep yourself warm is challenging. You have to be physically and mentally fit to be able to keep doing it. I have been shooting as well in sandstorms, windstorms, and blizzards—those are always a challenge.

What’s the photograph that you are the most proud of?
IURIE: I was guiding a workshop. We had been stuck due to bad weather, but we were planning on shooting at a glacier lagoon. I really wanted everyone to get a great sunset shot, as it was near the end of our trip. So, I took a risk and drove through a major sandstorm to get there. As we arrived, I could see that soon the sky would be on fire. We quickly set up. The result was this photo, which is one of my all-time favorites.

IURIE’S TIPS FOR SHOOTING LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

1. Start with a vision of you want to achieve as a landscape photographer.
2. Quality is better than quantity when it comes to landscape photography.
3. Keep yourself motivated. You will realize that landscape photography is not easy—the weather, the hiking, getting the best conditions for the shot or mood you want.
4. Look to others’ work for inspiration, and keep on learning. It never stops.

CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOS

5. Be prepared and plan ahead for location. Consider the direction or state of the sun and moon.
6. I always look for leading lines, a good foreground, angle of view to the subject, direction of the natural light, and the direction of the moon if there is one.
7. Visit your locations ahead of time, and scout for other vantage points. You may find something that takes a bit more effort and time to reach, and you may not make it if you arrive on the dot.

8. When you arrive at your scene, don’t rush your shots. Take 5 minutes to “see” the scene, and then form your shooting plan.
9. Get to your location early and stay there late.
10. I see photographers shooting for one hour during sunset from the same spot with same composition. Get up, move around, change your direction, change your focal length, and shoot different photos.
11. When you are shooting seascapes, always take a look at the tides before you visit. Some places are better shot in high tide, some in low tide.
12. For seascapes, also take note of the prevailing tide swells in the sea.

TIPS ON ON THE BEST TIME TO SHOOT

13. I prefer to take my photos at 12 o’clock noon—okay, I’m kidding! You cannot get the very best results without missing some sleep. I will get to my location an hour before sunrise or sunset. After sunset, you can find me chasing the Northern Lights!

WHAT GEAR AND EQUIPMENT SHOULD I USE FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

14. Get a tripod. I see many new photographers with expensive gear, but very flimsy tripods. It is so important to have a very stable tripod and camera mounting system.

15. Make sure to check the quality of the gear and filters you use. It is foolish to think that everything can be done and corrected in post.
16. I personally shoot with Canon 5DM III. My second body is Canon 6D.
17. My go-to lens for most of my landscapes is the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 II. My passion is in seeing and capturing the wide-angle, so I use the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 II lens most of the time.
18. At night, I love shooting with the Canon 24 f/1.4 lens.

19. For the panoramas I have recently started to shoot, I use Really Right Stuff double-row panorama gear on top of my Really Right Stuff tripod, which is an amazing combination.
20. As I do more panoramas, I am experimenting with longer focal lens lengths to gain maximum resolution of my final image.
21. I don’t rely on much more gear, but I am never without a Circular Polarizer and my Lee Filter System.

POST-PROCESSING TIPS FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOTS

22. The work is only partially done when you press the shutter. I shoot in RAW and process my photos in Lightroom and Photoshop—it is extremely important.
23. My workflow involves basic moves such as lens correction, chromatic aberration, white balance, and minor tone curve adjustments. From there, it’s very simple. I typically only spend 5-10 minutes finishing an image; mostly, color and exposure adjustments.

We hope you found Iurie’s tips and thoughts on shooting landscapes helpful.
To see more of his work, follow Iurie Belegurschi on 500px, or thumb up his Facebook Page.

For more information on his photo tours and workshops, visit Winter Photo Workshops, Guide To Iceland, or subscribe to his newsletter.

Got a question for Iurie? Got your own landscape photography shooting tips, or stories about Iceland and other amazing terrains that you think we should explore?
Tell us all about it in the comments below!

You Might Also Like These Articles:

• 8 Post-Processing Tips For Creating Beautiful Landscape Photos
• Best of 2015: Top 10 Landscape Photos
• Everything You Need to Know About Filters For Landscape Photography
• Tutorial: Focus Stacking For Landscape Photography

The post Landscape Photography | 23 Actionable Tips To Stir Emotions appeared first on 500px.

500px held the third Licensing Rush contest last month, and the results are in! Those who participated had all of September to get as many new photos accepted to 500px Licensing as they could, and the top three photographers would be rewarded with cash prizes!

Without further ado, the winners are…

In first place is AllNea—Olha Dobosh—$300 US prize

This September, Olha, takes first place with an astounding 447 accepted photos! After having placed second in June’s Licensing Rush, Olha secured first place by submitting a large volume of outstanding photos featuring diverse models in different scenes and settings. Olha skillfully works themes of adventure, travel, romance, technology, and sustainability into her Licensing photos.

Coming in second place is TeeBangkok—Anucha Muphasa—$150 US prize

The silver medal belongs to Thailand-based photographer Anucha Muphasa, with 370 accepted photos. Anucha’s photos capture a mix of different elements of Thai culture from delicious street food, local wildlife, and insects, to the beautiful and wanderlust-inspiring landscapes of Thailand.

Lastly, third place goes to PetervanHaastrecht—Peter Van Haastrecht—$50 US prize

In third place with 261 accepted photos, Peter’s photos present a blend of lifestyle moments and stunning landscape photos, both of which connect with ever-popular commercial themes of sustainability, nature, and travel.

With over 1,900 photographers and over 10,000 photo submissions in September’s Licensing Rush, the competition was fierce, with many amazing photographers fighting for the top spots. Be sure to watch out for the next Licensing Rush announcement, and your chance to win!

Check out our Licensing Quests for more opportunities to win prizes.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post September’s Licensing Rush winners are… appeared first on 500px.

In the mountains of Adjara in Georgia, Nika Pailodze has traveled kilometers on foot to get to some of the remotest regions. In a few areas, he’s lost his phone signal and gone without access to electricity. Setting up his tent for the night, he’s slept beneath the stars, preparing for yet another day of wandering the mountains.

But everywhere the photographer roams, the people of Adjara welcome him with open arms. In this magical corner of the world, where family homes have been passed down from one generation to the next over one hundred and fifty years, he has stood in awe of intricate embroideries. He’s tasted local dishes, carefully prepared by his hosts, and he has awoken to see the morning light kiss the rooftops of their huts.

Once, when traveling through Adjara, Nika met a geography teacher, who, upon learning the photographer would be sleeping in a tent, invited him to spend the night with his family. The artist politely declined, but the teacher continued to check up on him via text to make sure he was safe and warm. “His sincere concern deeply touched me,” Nika tells me now.

When he returns to the mountains, the families he’s visited before are there to greet him, glad of his return. For artists like Nika, who dedicate themselves to photo essays and long-term projects, creating pictures is just one part of an ongoing journey of discovery.

We spoke to three photographers who’ve traveled far and wide in search of once-in-lifetime stories; along the way, we learned about the importance of curiosity, patience, and resilience.

Spotlight on: Eduardo Teixeira de Sousa

Eduardo Teixeira de Sousa, a street and travel photographer from Portugal, has created photo essays around the globe, from Egypt to Patagonia. He was inspired to embark on a journey to Uzbekistan, along with Joao Martinho, a fellow photographer he met through 500px. “We had both read about the rich history of this place as one of the keys to the Silk Road,” Eduardo tells me.

Once there, the language barrier didn’t pose problems for the experienced street photographers. “When English was not an option (well, it usually wasn’t), I kept speaking Portuguese and receiving my answers in Uzbek along the way,” Eduardo remembers. “That worked out well enough—actually, for street photography, this can sometimes even be a good thing, as it keeps communication simple and light.” A smile goes a long way.

While in Uzbekistan, Eduardo abandoned the typical “postcard” shots and searched for something deeper. “I’ll never forget the feeling of heading out with full batteries into the maze of the quiet and dusty streets of Bukhara at sunrise,” he says. “At first, there was silence—then the sound of a fast, cranky bicycle racing around the corner. Suddenly, a man selling bread appeared, warmly shouting at us a rolled ‘bonjour,’ while I tried to swap lenses and adjust my settings for his fast movement.” In the end, he didn’t get that particular shot, but it set the tone for the trip.

Throughout the trip, the photographers encountered plenty of surprises. In Samarkand, they marveled at the vibrant blue tiles and historic architecture. In Khiva, they met a woman who later invited them to her garden. Although she initially declined to be photographed, they won her trust, and she sat for a portrait at the end of the day. She practiced shamanism, and she gave them a special blessing before they left.

Pro tip: Do your research

By the time Eduardo and Joao traveled to Uzbekistan, they’d already seen how its cities had been photographed by other people, and they knew they wanted to capture something different. With that goal in mind, they decided to focus on only three cities, rather than packing too much into their itinerary. “As a photographer, I find focusing on fewer locations puts me a bit more at ease, as I feel I can always return to the same place if somehow a chance was missed,” Eduardo says.

Eduardo and Joao spent a little under a month researching and preparing their itinerary for Uzbekistan, so they were well prepared. At the end of each day of exploring, while backing up his photos, Eduardo made rough plans for the next day—it’s good to have a starting point, at least. Consult guidebooks, blogs, and other resources for tips on local spots.

“Keep a mental library of dream shots,” Eduardo suggests. “That way, you’ll react quicker if they happen to really occur in front of you.” At the same time, however, he always leaves room for chance and serendipity, telling me, “Sometimes, luck happens, too.”

Once you’re out there on the streets, take as many photos as you can. “I’ve trained myself to be a serial shooter, to click first and react later,” Eduardo admits. “When I feel there’s potential in a scene, I actively try to avoid overanalyzing it; instead, I try to respect the impulse, go with the flow, and improvise.

“I am always strolling, scanning, interacting, getting lost, running, hunting, and getting frustrated by a missed chance or an idea that sometimes comes too late. I think you have to accept your lot of randomness with humor—and balance it with solid research of the place, a sense of optimism, and occasional sore legs.”

Finally, when he’s home, he goes through all those photos and edits them down to the very best of the bunch.

Spotlight on: Alessio Laratta

Alessio Laratta, a street and portrait photographer from Italy, traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, in early 2023. While there, he captured ephemeral moments and people lost in contemplation while on their way from one place to the next.

It’s true what they say about Lisbon: the light really is golden. “I noticed that Lisbon for some reason had very warm, orange light even at night,” the artist remembers. It was so warm, in fact, that his usual approach to color correction had to be adjusted slightly to get the look he wanted.

“The only other challenge I faced was the steepness of Lisbon’s streets,” Alessio admits. “I had to prioritize a very comfortable outfit and a good pair of shoes to make the most of each day. At the same time, the warmth of the locals is something that I have rarely found in other places. I felt at home after a few days. It’s really a special city, where the old and the new blend together in a very special way.”

Pro tip: Make the best of what you have

While in Lisbon, Alessio initially hoped for clear, sunny days. But when he got there, he found rainy, overcast weather. Instead of throwing in the towel, he embraced what the city offered him, creating moody and wistful images of people as they made their way through the clouded streets. And with some contrast tweaks in post-production, everything worked out beautifully.

“Remember to let your inner artist find your own personal way of conveying what you see through the lens,” he advises. “A great essay is made from your personal point of view on the world.” Give yourself the freedom to experiment and try new things, while staying true to your voice as an artist.”

Spotlight on: Nika Pailodze

Finally, we return to Nika Pailodze, who’s been documenting life in the mountainous regions of Georgia for more than a decade now. Two years ago, he made his first trip to Adjara. “Initially, my journey began with a deep appreciation for nature, but as I roamed and observed the traditional Adjarian houses, the allure of the landscape slowly faded into the background,” he remembers.

“Some of these wooden huts had stood the test of time, their age rivaled only by the ancient trees around them. They had become an integral part of the Adjarian ecosystem, and there was nothing more disheartening than witnessing their demise.

“One particular hut left a profound impact on me: a shroud of mist enveloped the scene, and it seemed as though nature itself cradled what remained of the hut. It felt like the entire essence of this small cottage and its residents resonated in a brief moment, even more transient than the fog in the Adjara highlands.”

Set on preserving the stories that lingered within those houses, he approached the local people, who travel uphill with their cows in the summer so the animals can graze on fresh grass. “As I traversed pasture to pasture, I was welcomed with a steaming cup of coffee and an assortment of delectable sweets,” he remembers. Along the way, he was treated to homemade, local feasts.

“While capturing these photographs, I forged numerous friendships, some of which endure to this day with friends who regularly check in on me,” the photographer tells me. He longs to return again to the rolling hills, lush fields, and foggy mornings.

Pro tip: Let go of preconceived notions

Nika initially traveled to Adjara in search of natural wonders, but somewhere along the way, his focus turned to the people themselves. His advice is to stay open to change and evolution. “When you embark on such a project, you must accept from the beginning that everything may develop differently from what you had planned,” he explains.

“The main thing is to go with the flow and always remain connected to the people and the environment. I didn’t pre-select a topic, nor did I set out to work on any specific subject. Instead, I observed and documented people’s real lives.”

If you can, make multiple trips and spend as much time in the location as possible. “At times, circumstances unfold quite differently from our initial expectations,” Nika says. “In such moments, the virtue of patience becomes absolutely indispensable.”

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Each month, we highlight some of the best Licensing submissions in our 500px New in Licensing Gallery. In this series, we’ll delve into why these photos are in high demand and make for excellent Licensing content. As part of our ongoing commitment to educate and inform our 500px Licensing Contributors, we’ll feature new and relevant photos on a monthly basis to help inspire creativity and connect Contributors with the latest trends in the Licensing industry. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s top 10 photos that are sure to captivate and inspire.

Laro Pilartes is a long-time 500px Licensing Contributor whose Portfolio illustrates various commercial themes and concepts that image buyers desire. We chose to showcase this image for its universal nature and technical skill.

1. We love that this image can be used by various content buyers. The photo could easily represent themes of health and wellness, fitness, freedom, determination, travel, and wanderlust.

2. We appreciate the balanced composition within the photo. We love the leading lines, the texture on the road, and how the subject is the focal point of the shot.

Contributor Matej Kastelic shot this precious moment of a mother and son. We love how clean the photo is and how the color palette between the models and the environment relates and creates a beautiful, cohesive scene.

1. We love the attention to detail. The model’s clothing brings focus to the foreground and background of the photo. The mother is wearing a neutral color that beautifully matches the foreground, it anchors the viewers’ eyes. While the baby, wearing blue, is lifted up in the sky and moves our attention to the top half of the photo, where we can appreciate the blue water and mountains.

2. We love how clean the photo is, the subjects are the focal point and the action within the frame is clear and articulated directly to the viewer.

This photo by Contributor Dmitrii Travnikov is being highlighted for various reasons.

1. First, we love how this photo represents themes of summer. Although it is fall in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the beginning of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, photos that represent a variety of seasons are welcome all year round at 500px to suit the needs of brands and companies globally.

2. We love how this photo would be suitable for both print and social media use. The neutral colors with a pop of red make it easy to incorporate into design work and the white background could easily incorporate copy space.

We adore this photo from Licensing Contributor Dragos Condrea. It is a stunning example of how to capture themes of shopping and retail from the customer POV in an interesting and visually appealing way. Something that is not that easy to do.

1. We love that Dragos made sure all recognizable elements of the scene were blurred and/or removed to avoid copyright issues. They did this while still keeping the authenticity of the retail environment.

2. We love how real and authentic this shopping experience feels. The models used represent an everyday customer experience. An extra shoutout to Dragos, who titled and keyworded this photo with detailed descriptions to help his content surface in front of buyers.

We chose to highlight this photo from Victor Emanuel de Coen for its technical skill and story that it shares with the viewer.

1. We love how clear and crisp the photo is. It captures the viewer’s attention and draws them into the finer details and textures.

2. We love how this image portrays an action and tells a story of the puffin gathering food. It allows the viewer to relate to the image more. This photo can easily represent concepts of providing for one’s family, responsibility, or caregiving.

Check out the rest of our featured submissions below, and take a look at the New in Licensing September 2023 gallery for more inspiration!

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The post September’s 10 standout Licensing photos appeared first on 500px.

Jimmy Mcintyre is a travel photographer and educator. His photos have been published in local and national magazines, including the BBC. His online courses on digital blending and post-processing can be found in his official website. You can also check out his exclusive tutorials on 500px ISO here. In this tutorial, Jimmy shares his expert tips and videos on post-processing landscape photos. Read on and get inspired!

There is nothing quite like the power of a stunning seascape or landscape photo in transporting us momentarily to a world of wonder, magic, danger, beauty…the list is almost endless. Nature enchants us. As photographers, our imaginations often swirl with ideas when we witness one of its magnificent creations.

How much we choose to infuse our imaginations with nature’s true scene in our photography is a matter of personal enjoyment. In this article, I present to you 8 post-processing techniques for landscape photography, some of which will help to restore the natural scene as you saw it, some will enhance that scene further, and some will push your imagery beyond that of reality.

1. Remove lens flare from your landscape photography
Shooting directly into the sun is a tricky process when doing landscape photography, but it can often produce some beautiful results. One of the main challenges we face is lens flare from the sun. Sometimes, lens flare adds to a scene, and other times we’d prefer to be without it.

I created this tutorial to show you how to control lens flare in the field and in post-processing. And, as a bonus, I went through the full digital blending workflow, which will hopefully give you a few other handy tips.

2. Paint colors into a sunset with your landscape photos
We are literally going to paint extra color into the sunset and sunrise areas. This technique is most effective when there is already color in the sky, which you can enhance.

This is the example image we’ll be working with:

Puerto Natales, Chile

The two things we’re going to do here is paint more pink into the sky and water, and paint more orange into the area of the sun.

Here’s a “Before” and “After” comparison using the Painting with Warmth technique:

Below, you’ll see steps 1-6 for creating the first effect. And here is a screenshot, so you can visualize the steps.

Steps
(1) Create new layer. To create a new layer, simply go to the button left of the trash can in the layers panel and click on it.

(2) Select Paintbrush. With this chosen, change the opacity to 100%, a hardness of 0 so there’s a smooth transition, and create a medium sized brush.

(3) Click on foreground color. Your foreground color is at the bottom of the toolbar to the left. When you click on it a dialogue will appear. Place your cursor over the sunset area where there are golden/orange colors. You will see that the cursor has become an eyedropper tool. Left-click on the golden/orange color to select this as your foreground color.

(4) Paint across sunset. Take your brush and paint across the sunset, trying not to affect other areas. It’s okay if you go across the horizon on this type of image. But we should avoid the sticks to the left.

(5 & 6) Change blend mode to Overlay or Soft Light and change opacity. For the sunset area of this image, I changed the Blend Mode to Overlay, which creates a stronger contrast effect. But I lowered the opacity of this layer to 30%. You’ll instantly see stronger colors coming from the sunset.

Mask out any areas that you don’t want to affect. In this image, I accidentally went over the sticks, so I created a black foreground color and just masked that area of the adjustment out.

Now do the same to enhance the pinks (selecting a pink foreground color), this time painting around the sunset and in the sky and water. I used do the Soft Light Blend Mode and an opacity of 25% on this layer.

3. Add sky replacement to your landscape photos using a gradient mask
Whether we want to extend the dynamic range of light of our image, or replace the sky with a completely different sky, using a gradient mask can allow us to make a very natural transition between the layers we are blending.

In the image below, I blended two exposures; one for the sky and blown out parts of the water, and one for the foreground sticks and sand. This allowed me to create a balanced image with a greater range of light.

This post processing tutorial will show you how to use a gradient mask to quickly blend these two exposures.

4. Create a magical feel using the Orton Effect in your landscape photography
We’ve all seen magical landscapes that would look fitting in a Lord of The Rings movie. Often this dreamy feel is created using the Orton effect. The following images will show you the impact the Orton effect can have on your landscape photos. Below the images, you will learn how to create the Orton effect in Photoshop yourself.

Feel free to download my free Photoshop Action pack, which includes the Orton effect and luminosity masks: Photoshop Powerpack actions.

Hadrian’s Hall – Image straight out of camera

Image after luminosity mask exposure blending, contras adjustment, and lighting adjustments

Image with a heavy Orton effect applied

Image with a more subtle Orton Effect added

Steps for creating the Orton Effect

(1) Duplicate your Background Layer. Right-click on it and choose Duplicate Layer. This should be called Background Copy.

(2) Apply Image. Now go to Image>Apply Image. A dialogue box will appear. Make sure to change the Layer to Background. The Channel should already be on RGB, and where it says Normal, next to Blending, change that to Screen and press OK.

(3) Duplicate the Background Copy layer. Now we need to blur this new, top layer, which should be called Background Copy 2. Go to Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur. The Radius you choose here is dependent on the size of the file you are working on. For this image, which is 5,184px wide, the Radius was set to 22.

(4). Change The Blend Mode. Select both of the Duplicate layers, go to Layers>Merge Layers, to collapse these into 1 layer. Now go to the Blend Mode of this layer and change it to Multiply. This will create the Orton Effect.

(5) Reduce the Opacity of this layer as you like it.

Tip 1: Try to be selective in how you apply the Orton Effect. It can soften important textures and fine detail which adds to the image. In this case, mask it out of the areas you don’t want it to be applied. For the image in this tutorial, the effect was not applied to the wall on the left, the sky, or the hills and trees in the distance.

Tip 2: Control your colors! After you apply this effect, you tend to find that your colors have become strongly saturated, like the greens in the image above. Be aware of whether or not that is enhancing or degrading your image.

5. Consider cutting through haze
In humid conditions, one of the biggest challenges in creating an impacting image is haze. It can soften details and leave our images with a blue cast. Aaron Nace of Phlearn.com has created a great tutorial that will show you how to remove that blue cast and create a nicely contrasting scene.

6. Use detail enhancer in your landscape photography to create greater impact
One wonderful way of giving your landscape photos greater impact is through detail enhancement. By applying local contrast changes within Photoshop, we can draw out beautiful textures and patterns that compliment the rest of the scene.

 Petra, Jordan

Strong Detail Enhancement here to demonstrate the effect.

If you do choose to enhance the details in your image, I strongly advise that you do it selectively and subtly, unlike the Before/After comparison above. For example, in the image of Puerto Natales, Chile that we saw earlier, only the wooden sticks experienced detail enhancement.

Make sure to mask out any white edging that will often appear during strong detail enhancement. You can see a tutorial for detail enhancement here: Enhance Details in Photoshop

7. Remove strong color casts in your photos
Color casts are an inevitable part of photography. Sometimes, we misjudge the white balance, or use a filter which creates a strong cast over our scene. As with everything in Photoshop, there are multiple ways to remove color casts, but I find this one to be the most consistent.

Essentially, we are showing Photoshop what our white, 50% grey and black points are. Photoshop then adjusts the rest of the colors accordingly.

The image below is a composite—the sky was taken from a different image. But for the main long exposure shot I used a 10-stop ND which left a strong cast. The video below will show you how I removed the cast at the beginning of the workflow, and restored some of the natural coloring.

8. Change Light Balance – Nik Color Efex
One very common way for photographers to both increase mood and guide the viewer’s eye is through a vignette. One of the best tools for creating vignettes is Nik Color Efex’s Darken/Lighten Center filter.

Not only can you create a seamless, darker border, you can also shift the entire balance of light in your image onto an area of more prominence. With this filter, you can choose an area which you deem the center. From there you can brighten that area while smoothly and naturally darkening the rest of the image.

For example, this technique was used on 3 images in this article: Puerto Natales, Petra, and Hadrian’s wall. Notice how all three of these images have a vignette that smoothly fits in with the rest of the scene.

I’ve created a very subtle vignette in the images below (left=without vignette, right=with vignette). I’ve darkened the borders without under-exposing them, while slightly illuminating the rocks and water in the foreground.

Darken/Lighten Center Explained

(1) Being in alphabetical order, you will find Darken/Lighten Center just after Dark Contrasts.

(2) Center Luminosity doesn’t change the brightness of the actual center of the image. This alters the luminosity of the area you deem to be the center.

(3) Border Luminosity determines the darkness/brightness of the area around the center. The effect is feathered so the transition from bright to dark is very smooth and natural.

(4) Center size will affect how large center of your image will be. The larger the center size, the smaller the vignette.

(5) Finally, click on Place Center once. Then click where in your image you wish to be the focus of light.

Conclusion
I hope the post processing techniques in this article have been useful to you. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to write them in the comment box and I will be happy to respond.

You can also follow my work at the following links:
My website
My Facebook page
My photography newsletter

You Might Also Like These Articles:

• The Importance of Post Processing, Part 3
• Back to Basics: A Long Exposure Photo and Processing Tutorial for Beginners
• Meet Photolemur: Artificial intelligence that automates your post-processing
• 23 Landscape Photography Tips From A Pro

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While photographing snowy Sweden, Robert Andersson braved temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius. The most challenging part, he says, wasn’t the cold itself. It was keeping stock still as the temperature dropped. To minimize blurry pictures, he needed to hold his breath while pressing the shutter button.

One of the most common mistakes made across all genres of photography is unwanted blur. Regardless of whether you’re shooting a landscape or a portrait, an out-of-focus subject or excessive “softness” can be an instant deal-breaker. Other problems, such as too much noise caused by high ISOs, or diffraction caused by very narrow apertures, can result in photos that are less-than-tack-sharp.

Fortunately, most of the issues are easy to solve using the right gear, camera settings, and technique. In this guide, we’re sharing essential tips for maximizing sharpness and reducing blur. Along the way, you’ll find examples from the 500px community and behind-the-scenes stories from photographers working in all sorts of conditions, from the windy California coast to the frigid landscapes of Finland.

Know your “sweet spot”

Choose an affordable camera body and a great lens, rather than investing in a fancy body and a subpar lens. From there, it might take some experimenting to determine the aperture setting at which your specific lens is at its sharpest—this is known as your “sweet spot.” A good starting point is around two stops down from your lens’ widest setting.

Finally, clean your lens before every session, as fine layers of dust or mist can easily ruin the sharpness of an image.

Invest in a solid tripod…

For landscape photography, a quality tripod is non-negotiable, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing motion blur. Pair it with a remote shutter release for the sharpest results. (Remember to turn your image stabilization off when using a tripod, and weigh the tripod down with sandbags if needed in tricky weather conditions.)

“I use a gimbal head with my tripod, which allows for very smooth movement in almost any direction, while keeping my heavy camera and lens still enough to capture sharp images,” the wildlife photographer Chris Hurst shared along with the egret portrait above. “Although I did not expect this bird to fly away, my gimbal was already set up for unrestricted movement, which made following the flying bird very easy.”

…Or use a fast shutter speed

If you’re shooting moving subjects—e.g., street photography or sports—you need a shorter shutter speed to freeze that motion. To catch these magnificent European Bee-Eaters—one suspended in mid-air—the wildlife photographer Ilan Horn used a shutter speed of 1/2500 of a second.

Windy conditions will also require a faster shutter speed. When navigating the California coast in springtime, Max Foster compensated for 40mph winds with an exposure time of around 1/400 of a second.

Get closer

On very hot days, heat waves can lead to soft and blurry images. Foggy, overcast days carry similar risks. Clear days are always best for sharp photos, but if you have to shoot in other conditions, you can solve the problem by getting closer to your subject. The shorter the distance between you and the object you’re photographing, the less noticeable the distortion will be.

Nail that focus

Remember to set your autofocus point manually for full control over the final image. If it’s a portrait, you want it to be right on the subject’s eye. Of course, the more autofocus points your camera has, the easier this will be, so take that into consideration if you’re shopping for something new.

As always, use single focus mode for subjects that don’t move and continuous focus mode for objects in motion. You can use more than one autofocus point for moving subjects.

In some cases, such as when you’re shooting in low light, autofocus might not cut it. In those cases, switch to manual focus to make sure everything is spot-on. “I could not resist getting the tripod out, setting up, and braving the freezing cold air by getting my bare fingers on the focus ring to get this as tack sharp as possible,” the fine art photographer C. Stanley K. John recalls, referencing the landscape below.

(In manual focus, it can also help to use the magnify tool to make sure your subject is in perfect focus.)

Keep your ISO as low as possible

In recent years, cameras have gotten much better at handling higher ISO settings, but it’s still good practice to use the lowest possible setting you can. Set your aperture or shutter speed first—choose a narrow aperture if you care most about getting a wide depth of field or a fast shutter speed if you care most about avoiding motion blur—and then set your ISO last.

Take as many photos as you can

If you’re working with subjects in motion, shoot as much as possible to maximize your chances of success. While photographing hawk owls in the snow-covered town of Kuusamo, Finland, more than ten years ago, Jules Cox discovered that the birds are three times as fast as puffins. She created as many photos as she could and ended up with two sharp ones, proving that, in many cases, getting the perfect shot is a numbers game.

Another option is to shoot in burst mode: if your camera’s shooting continuously, you might boost your chances of securing a keeper. Select a camera with a high frame rate for the best results.

Skip cheap filters

Some lens filters—usually, low-quality filters—can create softness. If you have to use filters, choose high-quality brands.

Double-check

While on location, zoom in on your photos after you take them to make sure your subject is sharp. That way, you can adjust your focus points and exposure settings in real-time to correct any issues in-camera rather than trying to save an image in post-production, which rarely works.

Apply some sharpening in post

Right out of the camera, RAW files will need editing, including some sharpening. Use a light touch here, as a little goes a long way. Too much sharpening will result in an unattractive “crispy” look.

Parting thoughts

While blurry photos are a common mistake, there are a multitude of reasons why this might happen. Sometimes, it boils down to your camera settings: your shutter speed is too low, or your ISO is too high. Other times, however, it might be something outside of your control, such as foggy weather or a subpar lens.

Even in those situations, you can make the most of what you have by finessing your camera settings, getting closer to your subject, and paying close attention to your focus. Not every image will be tack-sharp, but with practice, you can navigate even tricky conditions and come out the other side with an acceptably sharp photograph.

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In the last few years, companies ranging from supermarket chains to real estate developers have come under fire after featuring copyrighted material—and other protected properties—in their print ads and television commercials. In today’s climate, brands around the world are increasingly aware of how they use images—and what kinds of photos could potentially pose problems down the road.

As a result, stock photography platforms, including 500px and its distributors, are protecting their Contributors and their clients by taking additional steps to ensure they provide property releases in appropriate situations. The guidelines and restrictions on where and when you need a property release are becoming more stringent, and these days, photographers need to pay special attention to potentially ambiguous situations. Here’s a look at just seven unexpected cases where you’d need to secure a property release to license your photos for commercial use.

The blurred background

These days, this classic lifestyle image would need a property release to be licensed commercially. Even though the interior is relatively minimal, the homeowner would be able to recognize it, meaning that they’d have to sign a release.

The fact that some of the elements (cabinets, plants, countertop) are in the background and out of focus doesn’t negate the need for the release because the space can still be identified. The same release requirement would apply to almost any wide crop featuring a household or business interior, even if it’s not the main subject of the photo.

The focused exterior

As a general rule of thumb, you need a property release if there are less than three buildings in your shot, since your image won’t just be a generic cityscape. Additionally, you’ll also need a release if the emphasis is put on one building more than the others. Whether or not a particular building constitutes the “main focus” of your image can be a judgment call made based on the case at hand, but these are some easy guidelines to follow.

General cityscape or skyline photos can sometimes work without a release, but modern architecture and building exteriors could land you in hot water, especially if they’re distinctive or recognizable.

Protections vary based on the location; for example, it’s okay to photograph the John Hancock Tower in Boston as part of a much larger cityscape, but you can’t make it the main subject of your image. Las Vegas themed hotels, on the other hand, are more strictly controlled and off-limits for commercial use.

In these cases, it doesn’t matter if you were standing on public property when you took the shot; these locations are still protected. Always do your research and make sure you understand what you can and can’t photograph before planning your shoot.

The distinctive garden

If your friend’s backyard looks like something you’d see in Architectural Digest, chances are you need a property release to include it in your photos. Unlike publicly-owned parks, private gardens have the same protections as building interiors, especially if they’re recognizable. That rule extends to any structure that might be built on privately-owned land, including barns, sheds, or garages.

Even gardens that are accessible to the public could potentially be unacceptable for commercial stock photography. For example, pictures of the Lurie Gardens in Chicago or the Jardim Botânico in Brazil won’t be able to be licensed commercially because these spots are protected.

The identifiable tattoo

Tattoos are a bit of a copyright minefield for a few reasons. Most obviously, if the person in the photo can identify themselves from the picture, you need a model release—but you could also require a property release from the tattoo artist, since the artwork is his, her, or their intellectual property. For that reason, when licensing your photos for commercial use, it’s best to avoid situations where a tattoo is a primary subject of your images.

In a well-known 2005 case, an artist named Matthew Reed brought a lawsuit after the tattoo he created for NBA player Rasheed Wallace was featured prominently in a Nike ad. That claim was settled out of court, but it does give us a look into the potential consequences of using tattoos in commercial images—brands and stock platforms prefer to stay away from situations like this one.

Even if the tattoo is an incidental element in your picture (for example, a portrait or lifestyle photo where someone just happens to have ink), it’s best to exercise caution. See if you can pose or dress your model in a way that obscures or hides the tattoo, or simply edit it out in post-processing.

Note: Tattoos of brand logos or celebrities are even more tricky. Not only could they be protected by the artist’s copyright, but they could also infringe on the property of the celebrity or company. If you find yourself in this situation, remember to cover it up or edit it out.

The piece of artwork

As with tattoos, all works of art that serve as a primary subject of your photos will need a property release; even if you own the object itself, the artist most likely owns the copyright. This includes interior elements like paintings on the wall and sculptures on the mantle.

Image buyers—and stock photo agencies—prefer images with a signed release because it protects them from potential litigation from the artists in question, so even if you’ve photographed a doodle or a page in your own sketchbook, remember to cover your bases and sign a property release. Similarly, if you’ve printed some of your own photos, hung them up, and included them in your interior shots, don’t forget that release.

It also bears repeating that just because you’ve photographed something in a public place doesn’t mean you can license it for commercial use. This rule applies to graffiti and street art, as well as modern architecture. A few years ago, a Swiss graffiti artist made headlines when he sued General Motors for showing one of his murals in a series of commercial photographs. If you must include street art in your images, track down the artist and get that release signed; otherwise, find ways to avoid including it in your frame.

The decorative pattern

Designs, like artwork, are the intellectual property of their creator, and brands are increasingly cautious about potential infringements (remember when Burberry sued Target for allegedly copying its checked pattern?).

When we buy wallpaper and other decorative pieces for our homes (including distinguishable furniture, knitted blankets with unique patterns, etc.), we’re usually purchasing them for private, personal use, and that doesn’t mean you can include them in photos you plan to sell for commercial purposes. When in doubt, contact the artist and ask for a signed property release; if you can’t get ahold of the artist or it isn’t worth the trouble, simply exclude the design from your shot or edit it out in post.

When it comes to shooting lifestyle photography in an interior setting, your best bet is to keep everything as generic as possible. If an artist or designer can recognize his, her, or their work in the background, you’ll need a signature to license the photos for commercial use. That includes designs and works of art that are only partially visible in the frame.

The privately-owned public place

Many of the places we consider public—in the sense that they’re open and available for use by the public—are actually privately-owned. That includes shopping malls, and some parks, centers, and squares, so always double-check if you’re unsure of the rules and regulations for a specific spot.

Some specific examples of areas that aren’t acceptable for commercial stock photography include Piccadilly Circus in London, the Chicago Board of Trade, and the Boston Public Library. The clock in Grand Central Concourse in NYC, the Swan Boats at Boston Public Garden, and the BP Pedestrian Bridge in Chicago. All are off-limits for commercial use.

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It is no secret that 500px is home to some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring landscape photography. Our photography community is from all over the world, and each and every one has their own unique practice and perspective. We love the diversity and inspiration that we have the pleasure of seeing and sharing every day.

With so many photos, we cannot possibly pick our favorites, but we can share the top 25 most popular Licensing landscape photos we have found. These are photos that have stood out to content buyers and have been adored by the 500px community.

Here they are, our top 25 landscape photos from around the globe for you to view and be inspired by!

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From the sun-drenched summer beverage shots of Florentina Olareanu to the minimalist stylings of Priscilla Ong and whimsical creations of Juj Winn, the 500px community continues to elevate the field of product photography with unconventional, outside-of-the-box thinking.

Whether they’re spending hours carefully arranging “flying” objects in the studio or rushing outside to capture a blink-and-you-miss-it moment of perfect natural light, they go above and beyond to make magic for their clients. In this guide, we’re sharing some behind-the-scenes secrets to help you give your product photos that “wow” factor.

Fishing line

Fishing line is perfect for creating the illusion of objects suspended in mid-air, as the Singapore-based still life photographer Priscilla Ong did when creating this Hooked on Candy-themed shoot. She used a clear line, tied to a c-stand above. This concept works well with all sorts of products, including jewelry, tableware, and more. Just remember to edit out the line in Photoshop.

If you don’t have any fishing line on hand, other materials might work: to make the macaroons “fly” in the photo above, the artist Fouzia Khan used very fine string. Florentina Olareanu, on the other hand, used floss to create the floating spoon below.

Wooden skewers

If you need objects coming in from the sides rather than falling in from above, you can use wooden skewers to place them exactly where you want them (without getting your hand in-frame). That’s how the photographer Galigrafiya created the hovering candies in this shot, positioning the chocolates at just the right angle before removing the wood skewers in post.

(On other occasions, Galigrafiya has opted for transparent plexiglas sticks, which you can employ in a similar manner. Choose what works based on the size and shape of your product.)

Sticky putty

If you want objects to stay in place, especially at an angle, you can use a powerful museum putty or sticky tack to keep them from moving or falling. Just place it strategically so the camera can’t see it.

Playful shadows

You can use everything from paper cutouts to cut lace to cast shadows across your background and elevate a product shoot. For this one, the Ukrainian photographer Iryna Shevchuk actually used openwork tulle for a romantic, delicate vibe.

The shadows of palm leaves and other types of foliage are an especially popular choice for creating a tropical atmosphere, no matter where you are. For the wine shot below, Florentina Olareanu relied on harsh natural light to get that summertime feel, which she describes as reminiscent of an Italian vineyard.

Cardboard boxes

PA Creative Studio, a product photography studio in India, has used boxes of various shapes and sizes throughout their work to create depth and intrigue. Believe it or not, this setup wasn’t created with custom-made platforms from a prop shop; it’s made of small cardboard boxes and charts (paper and foam) in shades of red, perfect for that luxury aesthetic.

Textured tiles

This hack initially rose to prominence on TikTok. Instead of investing in super expensive furniture or large backdrops, consider grabbing some tile samples from Home Depot or Lowe’s (choose the right size to fit the product). You’ll use one as your background and another as your base, mimicking the look of a luxury countertop.

Fake ice and glycerin mix

Feel free to embrace the classics: acrylic ice from a prop shop will last longer than real ice, and a half-and-half water and glycerin spray will create the same refreshing mood as natural condensation. Fake ice and beverages look especially nice when backlit. You don’t have to limit your use of these items to beverage shots alone; consider refreshing skincare campaigns, for example, or sunscreen for summertime.

Colorful ice cubes

If you’re using real ice, consider introducing some color by adding fresh flower petals, berries, or even herbs before freezing. Consider the ingredients in the beverage you’re shooting if you’re looking for ideas.

DIY background

Ana Gómez, a photographer, food stylist, and educator in Madrid, has painted some beautiful backdrops in various colors. She used canvas fabric, sponges with different textures, black and white paint, a color chalk paint, putty to create more texture, and spatulas. Work in layers to create the best effects.

(Check out our guide to DIY backgrounds here.)

Paper in “3D”

To create this 3D illusion, Frameseeker, a photographer in Vietnam, cleverly used three different colors of paper, cut into precise shapes. It’s a fun and smart way to shoot a minimalist flatlay that looks like it was made in a three-dimensional space.

Mirrors

A reflection can instantly add depth and interest to product shoots. Consider only including the mirror image of the product, rather than the product itself, for a touch of surrealism, as Juj Winn did in this creative sparkling water session.

Another option is to place your product directly onto a mirror so that it’s reflected from below; in that case, you’ll include both the product and the reflection. You can buy mirror stands/platforms specifically for this purpose at prop stores; these are especially popular when shooting for cosmetics brands.

(In recent years, it’s also become trendy to bring a mirror outside and place your product on top of it, positioning it so that just the clear blue sky above is in the background.)

Acrylic trays

Prop stores also carry clear acrylic trays for splash or water-themed product photography, so you don’t need access to a pool or beach to get the look. Simply take some pale blue seamless paper, place the tray on top, add a shallow layer of water, and put your product on top. It’ll create the illusion that the product is floating in much deeper water.

Computer monitors

Victoria Glinka, a photographer based in Israel, drew her own vibrantly hued digital backgrounds in Photoshop. From there, she opened the files in full-screen mode on her monitor (she says you can also use a TV) and placed some clear glasses in front of that background. “Your monitor will be the background and the source of light at the same time,” she explains. Turn out all the other lights in the room, and take your shot. Simple but genius.

Color gels

Pair a flash with a color effect gel for a futuristic, neon vibe. To create this still life, Ibrahim Alsamnan gelled two flashes (blue on the left, red on the right) to amp up the drama.

Light painting

To get the look, try moving a colorful light wand around your product as you use a long shutter speed. This technique works best with a black background and no external light sources aside from your main key light and the light painting wand itself. Experiment with movements and speeds to see what works with your product.

From the beautifully simple to the elaborate and meticulous, we hope we’ve inspired you to approach your next client shoot with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of creativity. If you try any of these hacks in your product photography, be sure to let us know in the comments!

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Each month, we highlight some of the best Licensing submissions in our 500px New in Licensing Gallery. In this series, we’ll delve into why these photos are in high demand and make for excellent Licensing content. As part of our ongoing commitment to educate and inform our 500px Licensing Contributors, we’ll feature new and relevant photos on a monthly basis to help inspire creativity and connect Contributors with the latest trends in the Licensing industry. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s top 10 photos that are sure to captivate and inspire.

If you are a fan of minimalism, then Naoto Kisanuki’s Licensing submission will be a treat. Shot on a Leica M-10P, Naoto’s stunning photo is simple in composition but does not fail to capture the moments of anticipation before a storm. The juxtaposition of the calm, snow-filled landscape with the impending stormy sky gives the viewer a mix of emotions and excitement.

1. We love how this shot can be used for various commercial purposes. It can easily be used to improve any creative work, digital wallpaper, or integrated into commercial campaigns.

2. We appreciate how clean and minimal Naoto kept the image without compromising visual interest and aesthetic.

Evgeniia Freeman captured this beautiful portrait of two sisters. We love how genuine and inviting this photo is. Evgeniia did a great job at capturing real models with authentic emotion.

1. We love how this photo connects to themes of family, unconditional love, connection, and relationships.

2. We appreciate that Evgeniia used real models that reflect the current demands and expectations of consumers. The models are embracing their natural beauty with confidence and love.

Jaromír Chalabala has an impressive Licensing portfolio of over 3,000 photos. His work is intentional and diverse. We appreciate how Jaromir captures various themes of business and industry within his work.

1. We love that this image illustrates themes of travel. Jaromir captured this image in an airport, which could have required a property release, but because of the shallow depth of field used in the photo, this location is unrecognizable—only revealing enough background information to tell the viewer that this model is waiting for a flight.

2. It was a great choice by Jaromir to include copy space within the frame. This allows image buyers to easily apply text onto the image and incorporate it into design work or campaigns easily.

This photo, by Mike Linnane, captured our attention because of how real and relatable it is. The anticipation of the dog holding his ball and looking at the viewer as if to say, “come and play with me”, is so clearly communicated. We had to highlight this image for its relatable and realistic message.

1. We love how this image is captured within the moment. The subject can easily pick up on its authenticity.

2. We appreciate that Mike shot this image at eye level with the subject. It allows the viewer to be face-to-face with the dog and feel immersed within the scene.

We love David Goza’s wildlife photo of two elk on a snowy day. The photo is picture-perfect, to say the least. The depth of the photo and the texture of the snow creates a beautiful scene that is immersive for the viewer.

1. We love how David included copy space within his photo. This makes his image more desirable to content buyers.

2. We love how the image captures various depths of the scene. From the snow in the foreground to the layers of mountains in the background, this image has a lot of visual interest for the viewer.

Check out the rest of our featured submissions below, and take a look at the New in Licensing August 2023 gallery for more inspiration!

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post August’s 10 standout Licensing photos appeared first on 500px.

From Richard Sandler and Bruce Davidson in the 1980s to Michael Wolf in the 2000s, generations of street photographers have found inspiration in the many faces and stories waiting to be discovered on public transportation. Today, the bus remains one of the rare places where people of all ages and from all walks of life collide. Similarly, two strangers who might never meet in “everyday life” might encounter one another on the subway, if only for a brief moment.

Walker Evans once called the New York City subway a “swaying sweatbox,” alluding to the idea that underground, on their way from one place to the next, people are at their most unselfconscious. With everyone packed in like sardines, there’s no room for vanity. Plus, since nobody’s going anywhere, they have to make the most of the time they have—reading, sleeping, eating, and daydreaming.

Whether you’re carrying a classic film camera or the latest iPhone, public transportation remains a street photographer’s playground. Here are our tips for making the most of the daily hustle and bustle.

Tip #1: Be discreet

The secret to street photography, especially in cramped places like the subway or bus, is going unnoticed. In the 1930s, Walker Evans, for his part, hid his 35mm Contax camera inside his coat when working on the subway, but today’s photographers have an easier solution.

Phones are unlikely to draw any attention, so consider your mobile instead of your pro DSLR. Lorenzo Colombo, for instance, photographed this commuter with a giant wolf stuffy using his smartphone.

Alternatively, if you need a dedicated camera, you might choose a mirrorless camera for its compact size and silent shutters. Wear simple, dark clothes that will allow you to blend into the crowd.

Tip #2: Choose a prime lens

If you’re using an interchangeable lens camera, an affordable 35mm or 50mm lens is a good place to start. Prime lenses are a street photographer’s best friend because they’re lighter and more inconspicuous. Prime lenses also force you to get in close (“zoom with your feet”), and they train you to “see” with that focal length in mind and make decisions on the fly.

If you want to go wider, you can try a 28mm, another frequent choice. For example, the Leica Q2, a popular camera among street photographers, has a 28mm f/1.7 lens (very fast!).

Tip #3: Make sure you’re getting enough light

When you’re shooting handheld in the street, a slow shutter speed is rarely an option, so you’ll have to compensate with your other camera settings. If you’re working in low-light conditions (such as the subway), you might consider a fast lens with a wide maximum aperture (fair warning: these tend to be pricier).

Of course, another option would be to bump up your ISO, if your camera can handle it without introducing too much noise. This is the way to go if you need to preserve a wider depth of field. In that case, a bit of noise is almost always worth it for a well-exposed photo.

Tip #4: Go somewhere you’ve never been before

I once spoke with a street photographer who visits a new neighborhood every time he’s looking for inspiration. Then he finds a way to get there, using only public transportation. This exercise is perfect for street photographers at all stages of their careers, so try it to get out of your comfort zone.

Look for a neighborhood with history and culture, and check out local travel blogs for ideas. Or you can even just choose a random spot on the map (make sure it’s safe first). If it’s a long trek via subway and bus, so be it: embrace the journey, and always have your camera ready to capture those fleeting moments.

Tip #5: Look out the window

If you’re riding above ground, moments won’t only take place inside but outside as well. When your bus stops at a red light, look around you and the people walking past. Shooting through the window of a moving bus can be a great way to capture candid moments on the sly.

Tip #6: Wait in one location

Places of transition—such as train stations, subway entrances, and bus stops—are ideal for capturing people at unguarded moments, when they’re busy texting friends, looking at a map, or even sneaking in a quick nap. In addition to the actual buses and subway cars, consider these “in-between” places as well.

If you’re in an outdoor location, wait for the golden hour when you’ll get those gorgeous long shadows and people commuting home from work. The morning and afternoon rush hours can be ideal for this reason. Find a spot where you know people will pass, and then wait until the perfect opportunity strikes.

Tip #7: Look for moments of stillness and solitude

The advantage of shooting street photography on public transportation is that there are so many people in one place—but that’s also a challenge. Stay mindful of clutter and visual noise, and don’t be afraid to seek out solo/individual subjects, set against a clean background.

You might have to make several trips to the same location during different hours of the day (or night) until you find the right balance of activity and calm. In the street portrait by Charles Lafrance (above), the red of the man’s coat and cane sets him apart from the surrounding scene, creating contrast, isolation, and a pop of color.

Tip #8: Play with color

Speaking of color, train cars and buses can offer a bouquet of hues, so don’t be afraid to shoot in color. Consider pairing complementary colors—such as blue and orange, yellow and purple, or red and green—for an especially vibrant image. In this photograph by David Thompson Fairchild, the resting boy’s blue coat works beautifully with the bright orange seats.

Tip #9: Notice the details

As evidenced by the massively popular Instagram feed Subway Hands, which was created by the photographer Hannah La Follette Ryan, there’s beauty to be found in the details of ordinary life.

Not all street photographs need to include faces; it could be an unusual hat, a bouquet of flowers, or even a manicure that catches your attention and helps tell the story of your city. In this portrait by Andriy Ivaniuk, the old man’s head is facing the other way—at the time, the trolleybus was almost empty—but the quiet gaze of the dog drew the artist’s eye.

Tip #10: Be kind and transparent

To some extent, street photography is always daunting because you’re working with strangers, but the situation on public transport can be especially claustrophobic, so it’s important to respect people’s personal space. Use common sense, and trust your gut.

Here’s the good news, in case you’re nervous: the vast majority of people are unlikely to notice you, as they’re all busy doing their own thing. But if you do get spotted, just tell the truth, with a smile: you’re a street photographer, and the person and moment inspired you.

Instead of driving to work or taking the car to run errands, consider taking the bus or train next time. It might take longer, but you’ll be surrounded by people, and in the process, you’ll discover more opportunities for taking photos that you otherwise would have missed.

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Last month, the 500px team hosted our second Licensing webinar in our In Focus series. In Focus dives deep into various Licensing and commercial themes to break down topics and concepts aimed to help photographers develop their portfolios with content types image buyers are looking for.

Our latest webinar, In Focus: Capturing realness in commercial photography, detailed the importance of realness and authenticity in commercial advertising. The 500px team walked through various terms and buzzwords commonly used, and illustrated how to shoot successful content for today’s consumers.

“It is an exciting time,” says our Community Manager, Logan Bales. “We are experiencing a turning point within advertising. Gone are the days where brands and companies can ‘pull the wool over consumers eyes’ and rely solely on tactics. Today consumers are more educated and are especially aware of marketing and advertising strategies that were historically used.”

What does this mean? Well, the consumer brand relationship is changing drastically, and we see more consumers being verbal in their expectations and needs. Consumers want to see more realistic and everyday depictions of people and life in their advertising. They want to stop chasing perfection and instead focus on global impacts and values. This has led to brands and companies adopting more relatable and genuine branding that builds trust and transparency that consumers want to see.

If you are considering incorporating realness and authenticity into your commercial portfolio we highly recommend you check out the recorded webinar on our 500px YouTube channel and download the PDF in our 500px Licensing Discord to refer to. You will learn key terms, see real life advertising examples, and learn our commercial shoot strategy to help you make the most of your photoshoot. Plus, the 500px team deconstructs various demographics to help you strategically plan your shoots, and we give ample content types and shot lists to work from!

Check out the recorded webinar here and make sure to join our 500px Licensing Discord to stay up to date on trending themes and webinars!

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post In Focus: Webinar recap appeared first on 500px.

This September, 500px Licensing photographers have the opportunity to win big! Licensing Rush is a race for photographers to add fresh and stunning content to their commercial Portfolios, as they compete to be the contributor with the most newly submitted and accepted Licensing photos.

We’ll be looking at all photos submitted and accepted to Licensing between September 1-30. The participating photographers with the most new and exclusive photos accepted within the contest period will win one of three cash prizes.

Prizes:
1st Place: $300 US
2nd Place: $150 US
3rd Place: $50 US

Check out our previous Licensing Rush winners from June!

How to enter

To take part in 500px Licensing Rush:

• Add your 500px Username to the Licensing Rush Entry Form
• Start submitting new and exclusive photos to 500px Licensing

The submission deadline is September 30, 2023, 23:59 ET. Don’t wait to submit your entries—you have a better chance of winning if you start early!

Please Note: We will not consider photos that have been declined or require changes before they can be accepted to Licensing. Be sure you have all the necessary edits, model, and property releases completed before you submit!

Unsure of what to submit?

Stay up to date on popular Licensing trends and receive Licensing Rush submission tips and tricks by:

• Joining the 500px Licensing Discord
• Following along within the #Licensing-Rush channel
• Keeping up to date on our Monthly Shot List

Check out our Licensing Quests for more opportunities to win prizes.

Not on 500px yet? Click here to learn about Licensing with 500px.

The post 500px Licensing Rush starts now! appeared first on 500px.

Meet our newest 500px Prime Creator and learn more about how Licensing is creating a more inclusive world through visual storytelling.

500px is thrilled to have Natalie as a 500px Prime Creator, and be able to recognize her as an exemplary content creator for the 500px Licensing Collection.

Q: Hello! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I am Natalie. I love to travel, meet new people, and, of course, I love photography. I use photography as a way to express myself and to create beauty. In my practice, I do commercial shoots, stock photography, tutorials, and run my own blog on Instagram. I love to help people learn new photography skills and develop their practice.

Q: We are excited to have you as a 500px Prime Creator. Your Licensing Portfolio has an impressive 2,700+ photos. Can you share your experience with 500px Licensing and how it began?

A: It started when my boyfriend told me about Grants on 500px. The first Grant I participated in was the Intersectional Diversity Grant. He suggested that I submit some of my work. The prize was a $1000 Grant to develop a larger shoot to be part of the 500px Licensing collection. I decided to give it a go! At that time, I already had an account on 500px.com, but just a couple of photos were uploaded. It was a pleasant surprise when I found out that I was chosen to receive the Grant money. Since then, I have become more involved in Grants and Quests, and continue to submit more photos to Licensing.

Q: You have produced numerous stunning commercial photoshoots for 500px Licensing. Can you share with us where you draw your inspiration for your lifestyle shoots?

A: Usually, the 500px Quest themes give me inspiration. Sometimes there are topics that I have never considered shooting before, and it becomes a fun challenge for me. I start planning the right people and the right location. However, people are also my inspiration. Sometimes I just know when someone I meet would be perfect for a 500px Quest photoshoot. I get excited, and I hope that, with their participation, I could win the Quest. Then I ask these people to be my models.

Q: Commercial advertising is constantly evolving. Consumers today are advocating for content that promotes diversity and authenticity. What are your thoughts on these changes and how do they affect you as a photographer?

A: I really like this kind of content because it’s true, it’s real, it’s not embellished. We are who we are, stop wearing masks and impersonating someone else. This concept is very close to me. I love naturalness, real faces, real emotions, real life. But still, we are used to looking at beauty shots and are attracted to perfection. Therefore, one must be able to show diversity and authenticity, in a balanced way, from the typically beauty driven cinematic side.

Q: We feel that your Portfolio is an excellent example of intentional casting that feels authentic and genuine. The photo above was submitted as part of the 500px Intersectional Diversity Grant series you shot. Can you tell us about your artistic vision for this shoot?

A: The photo is of my friend Julia. I love the genre of boudoir photography—this is the creative part of my work, typically non-commercial. I suggested a photoshoot to my friend because her skin is unique. She was a little uncomfortable with the idea at first, but I wanted to show her how beautiful she is. I did this by focusing and drawing attention to her unique features.

Recently, I met with another friend of mine, and he told me that the way I capture people in my photos is unique, and he wanted to know how I do it. My secret is showing a person as is, and to not interfere with them being themselves. With my models, I find something that I can admire, and I capture it. Every person is unique and beautiful—my goal is to show this.

Q: The photographer and model relationship is important. Can you share any tips on how you make your models feel comfortable while on a shoot?

A: Yes, I know a few tricks.

1. You need to praise your models. Consider saying “super, well done, very good” These words will give them confidence.

2. You need to give validation. Say things like “you are very beautiful / you are very photogenic / you are such a beautiful couple / you move very well in the frame” This will help the person relax and loosen up.

3. Clearly communicate what you want your models to do. Remember that not all your models will be comfortable in front of the camera and instinctively know what to do and where to put their hands or how to pose. Come up with a shot list and a plan in advance—write down in your notes the actions that you will ask your model to do and demonstrate it if need be.

4. Find reference photos to show your models—point out specific poses and what facial expressions to make.

5. Specify the mood that you want evoked in your shoots. For example, in my past couple photoshoots, I asked the woman to imagine that she was a princess leading her prince through her garden of roses. She immediately changed her facial expression, became more confident, more beautiful, straightened her posture and walked with a beautiful gait.

6. If you are filming a family, I find that it is better to only interfere when necessary. Direct the overarching idea and state what you want them to do, but then watch their relationship through the camera.

Q: We appreciate how many of your Licensing photoshoots feature various industries and workplace settings. This type of content is hard to plan and execute. Can you describe the process of planning and finding these locations and models?

A: These kinds of photoshoots are best done when you are acquaintances with someone in a certain field. Businesses usually need photos for their websites and social media accounts. Often it is possible to cooperate on a barter basis. I just give them photos.

I shot a marijuana plantation recently. I find that it is more difficult for a foreigner to get access to this production type where I am located in Thailand. Therefore, I asked my Thai friend to help me find this plantation. I paid her for her work, and I also paid the farmer.

Q: How do you go about scheduling and working around a business’ schedule?

A: It is typically different every time. In the case of shooting the plantation, my friend, as an agent, organized everything.

For a cosmetology shoot I did recently, the cosmetologist first searched for a client to be the model. She then adjusted her schedule so that it was convenient for both of us and her.

Q: Once you confirm a business/service to shoot, are there any requirements or restrictions you require?

A: My requirements are that I can erase any identified branding within the frame. Usually, I stick the inscriptions myself or remove them in Photoshop. The business typically asks for the photos as-is, with no branding erased, and maybe some extra footage they need for advertising.

Q: How do you approach the subject of Licensing with your models?

A: How do I find models? The methods are different. Sometimes I text a certain person, and sometimes I look for people in chats or groups.

First, I text someone who fits what I am looking for. Then I explain the logistics such as the photos being taken for 500px. I explain everything in detail—where these photos will be placed, and where they can be used in the future. It does happen that people refuse—they do not want their photos to be publicly available on the Internet.

Then, I just look for other people. Sometimes I ask my acquaintances what they are most concerned about and their reason for refusal. I talk them through their fears and concerns and help them understand the nature of Licensing better.

Q: How do you approach storytelling as a photographer?

A: Telling a story cannot happen without a script. Therefore, I always work off of a script. I make sure it is logical and realistic. I definitely use different angles—wide, medium, and close-up shots. My models are not actors, so these scenarios are as simple as possible.

Q: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever had to do to get the perfect shot?

A: I didn’t do anything particularly strange. When I photograph landscapes and nature photography, I often climb high rocks to get the best angle. I often walk into the water or into the mud, so, I make sure that I am wearing work clothes. I had a case when I was shooting a girl on a destroyed dam and the stones on which I stood began to move down—I fell and hit myself and hit the camera. But everything worked out. Now I walk more carefully on the stones.

Keep up with more work by Natalie Zotova:
500px
Instagram

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The post Spotlight: 500px Prime Creator Natalie Zotova!  appeared first on 500px.

Drawing inspiration from the Old Masters, Natalia Balanina, a photographer in the Netherlands, gathers plums from her own garden. Isotta Coda Zabetta, this time in Italy, turns her attention to homemade pesto, made using wild, seasonal garlic. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, Thai Thu collects fresh lychees—almost bursting with sweetness.

Each of these three photographers, hailing from different parts of the world, has a unique style, color palette, and perspective, but their still lifes do have one thing in common: natural light.

While many still-life photographers incorporate powerful studio lights for full control over the scene, sunlight provides plenty of possibilities for experimentation and creativity, whether you’re going for that dark and moody look or something soft and ethereal. And it doesn’t cost a thing.

Light from the side or back

Lighting your subject from the front can create a flattening effect, so if you’re looking for dimension and texture, position your light source (e.g., the sun, a window) to the side or adjust your subject accordingly. Backlighting is another option that can be particularly appealing when shooting sheer or translucent objects, such as beverages or oils. Experiment with different angles to see how and where the shadows fall.

If you’re using window light, consider not only the direction of the light but also your subjects’ distance from the window and the background. If you place your subject close to the window and far away from the background, you’ll create contrast and a chiaroscuro effect, with the background falling into darkness while the subject remains illuminated.

Track the sun

While the golden hour remains a favorite for soft, romantic, directional light, it’s not your only option. The blue hour, for instance, might work for cool, moody shots. You can use an app like Sun Surveyor to see where the sun is at different points throughout the day and then plan the time and location of your shoot accordingly.

Try using direct and indirect sunlight to see what suits your subject. Some photos might work well with graphic, punchy direct sunlight, as in the flatlay above, while others will benefit from something more subtle. If you find yourself in a situation where the light is too harsh, look for areas of open shade to create a softer look. Overcast days can also be ideal for soft, even light.

Try manual mode

The problem with natural light is that it’s ever-changing, so it can help to shoot in manual mode and adjust your settings in real time for that perfect exposure. In still-life photography, your aperture is likely to be your most important setting, as your subject won’t move; you can open it up to create a nice background bokeh effect, or you can close it down to keep every detail in crisp focus. Keep your ISO setting as low as possible to cut down on visible noise.

(If you’re shooting indoors with window light, use a tripod. That way, you can slow down your shutter speed and capture enough light for a properly exposed photo.)

Play with modifiers

Just because you’re using natural sunlight doesn’t mean you can’t control and manipulate it. If you’re using a window, three key tools to have in your natural light kit include a reflector to bounce the light and fill in shadows, diffusion fabric or paper to soften it, and flags to block it out. Flags can be made DIY-style using black card or foam board. For super-soft, even light, you can also opt for a light tent or DIY lightbox.

Experiment to see what works best for your concept. A dramatic still life in the style of the Dutch Masters, for instance, will benefit from a small light source and plenty of flags to block out everything else. A light and airy still life, on the other hand, will benefit from lots of diffusion (in the form of sheer curtains, for example) to minimize hard shadows.

(On outdoor shoots as well, a portable reflector and diffusor can also come in handy.)

Experiment with backgrounds

Your background can transform the mood of your photos, so consider how various colors and textures reflect light. For lots of light, opt for white; for the photo above, Joanna Wojewoda chose a white background with diffused light for that popular bright and airy aesthetic. For a moodier look, choose a darker color background to absorb light and create contrast, as in the case of the still life below.

If you’re using a light-colored background, stay conscious of the shadows. If you want to minimize them, keep your background farther away from your subject. In some cases, however, shadows might enhance the story you’re telling; in that case, move your background closer.

Consider your props

As with your backgrounds, your props will reflect and absorb light—and influence the atmosphere of your photo in the process. Think about the kind of natural sunlight you’ll use, and then select your props to enhance that mood or vibe.

If you’re using a small window for moody lighting, for instance, you might choose cozy, rustic props to evoke a fall or winter mood. If you’re shooting a summer still life in bright light, on the other hand, you could choose linens in light, reflective colors.

Edit with care

A bright and airy still life will require a very different edit from a dark and moody one, so use post-production as a time to bring out the best aspects of your lighting setup. Play with the dodge and burn tools, or see how exposure and contrast affect the overall emotion of the scene. It can help to go into a shoot with a clear idea of how you plan to edit it; that way, your lighting and editing can work together to create the feeling you want.

In conclusion

Long summer days pose the perfect opportunity to take advantage of natural light in your still-life photography and experiment with different setups. If you’re used to using strobes in the studio, challenge yourself to a dreamy golden hour shoot. If you’re used to shooting light and airy photos, on the other hand, consider moving indoors and using window light for a Rembrandt–style still life.

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The post Save money and elevate your still-life photography with natural sunlight appeared first on 500px.