This 17-minute video on black and white photography discusses everything from “why black and white?” to numerous tips and tricks to improving your black and white photography. This is also the last article/video in our Articles By Amy Month series. Make sure to check out the links to Amy’s ebooks and her new magazine below.

Most people know that lighting is the key in most photographs. If a scene is under lit the subjects are lost; too much light and the scene is washed out; unbalanced light and the effects are lost – most photographs can be greatly affected by light.

How does a photographer adjust lighting? There is equipment as well as techniques that photographers use to address difficulties or issues with lighting in a scene or of a subject.

As summer approaches, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, a lot of us begin to make plans for our summer vacations (or the organized among us are getting ready to go on vacations they planned months and months ago). As photographers, though, we have a bunch of extra stuff we have to bring with us. Sometimes our point-and-shoot camera will do the trick, but depending on where you’re going, you may be packing most of your gear: a dSLR body or two, a bunch of lenses, filters, a cleaning kit, flashes, and a whole bunch more. But I can’t really tell you how or what to pack – we all have different bags, different gear, different destinations, and different photographic priorities. Instead, here are some general tips on traveling with your gear (from deciding what to bring, how to bring it, and what hotels to book).

If you have ever been interested in taking peoples portraits then listen up, because I’ve got some handy tips and advice to share with you. In my five years of photography experience I have learnt one thing about taking someone’s portrait. I’ve learnt that successful portrait photography hinges on your ability as the photography to bring out the absolute best in someone. We’ll go into lighting and the “gear” in just a minute, but I want to draw your attention to the fact that portrait photography depends on the interaction you have with the person.