• Types of light in photography: master lighting to improve your photos

    Types of light in photography: master lighting to improve your photos

    Light is the soul of photography. Learning to recognize and manage the different types of lighting will allow you to completely transform your images.. The lighting is key in photography. Mastering the types of light, their control and use will allow you to convey emotions, highlight details and create atmospheres. Below, we will explore the main photographic types of light with examples and tips.

  • FUTURE / PRESENT / PAST - A visual reflection on time and transformation.

    FUTURE / PRESENT / PAST - A visual reflection on time and transformation.

    Mexican artist Lauren Fortoul, second place in the contest, transforms stagnation into hope through digital photography. For Lauren Fortoul, her work FUTURE / PRESENT / PAST was born out of a very personal need: to illuminate that feeling of stagnation that we can all experience at some point in life. With an introspective gaze, the artist invites the viewer to reflect on how the decisions we make today and the way we reinterpret our past shape our future. "I wanted to give the viewer a sense of hope and empowerment - and also remind myself. It all depends on the interpretation we choose to give the past and the actions we take in the present," explains Lauren. Her creative process always starts with an internal conflict or a recurring situation she observes around her. From there, she synthesizes the idea into a word or phrase and builds a visual universe through references gathered from Pinterest, walks, movies, books or exhibitions. The result in this case was a minimalist, reflective and contemplative digital composition, created with Adobe Photoshop, photographs taken with his Sony a7 iii camera and a simple white background. Discover the full interview with Lauren Fortoul on Domestika's blog to learn more about how she maintains her authenticity, the routines that nurture her creativity and the artists that inspire her. -Can you tell us what inspired you to create the winning project? What story or emotion did you want to convey? I was inspired by the concern to shed light on the feeling of stagnation that we experience at some point in life. I want to give the viewer a feeling of hope and empowerment, to do so and make me remember that it depends on the interpretation we decide to give to the past and the actions we take in the present that will shape our future. - What is your process for developing original ideas from scratch? It all starts with the need to transform or shed light on an internal conflict, either my own or a recurring situation I observe around me. I synthesize the concept in a phrase or a word. I look for visual references in Pinterest and in information that I collect from walks, movies, series, books and exhibitions. I make several digital collages, until I reach a feasible idea. - Do you start with a sketch, an inspiration board or something else? I start with a digital sketch - How would you define your style and how has it evolved? Currently I would define it as minimalist, reflective and contemplative, previously it was loaded and confusing. - What tools or techniques did you use to bring your project to life (traditional, digital, mixed media, etc.)? The technique I used is digital - Adobe Photoshop (main software) Main tool for image composition, manipulation and editing. - Collections of images pulled from Pinterest for reference collages. - Sony a7 iii camera - Tripod - White background ( a wall )

  • Wendy Red Star: rewriting history from an indigenous point of view

    Wendy Red Star: rewriting history from an indigenous point of view

    An artist who uses photography to question the colonial narrative and reclaim cultural memory. Wendy Red Star, a Crow visual artist, activist and educator born in 1981, reconfigures history from a contemporary indigenous perspective through photography, installation, collage and archiving, challenging official narratives and making indigenous voices visible.

  • Why do you take photos? Finding your style beyond technique

    Why do you take photos? Finding your style beyond technique

    In a world saturated with images, stopping to think about why you take photos can be more revealing than any technical tutorial. Beyond focus or editing, your photographic style is born from your motives, your visual obsessions, and your unique way of looking at the world. Your photographic style isn't about your technique, but about your intention. Discover why understanding your motives can transform the way you take photos.

  • 5 Free Documentaries Every Photographer Should Watch

    5 Free Documentaries Every Photographer Should Watch

    5 free YouTube short films on photography documentaries will inspire photographers of all levels with new perspectives and stories. 1. The Last Roll of Kodachrome This short film follows iconic photographer Steve McCurry, best known for his portrait of the Afghan girl, as he shoots the final roll of Kodachrome ever produced. It’s a moving reflection on the end of an era in analog photography. 2. Slideluck Potshow This documentary shows how photography can bring people together. Through community dinners and photo slideshows, it creates a unique experience that blends visual art with food and social connection. 3. Through the Ground Glass A visual and sensory journey through the world of large-format photography. This short film highlights the patience, preparation, and precision required by this technique, offering a contrast to the speed of today’s digital age. 4. Pittsburgh Photographic Library This historical archive captures a photographic documentary project from 1950s Pittsburgh. It’s a visual portrait of mid-20th-century urban life, showcasing both industrial scenes and everyday moments. 5. Liam Wong: Visualizing Tokyo Graphic designer and photographer Liam Wong explores Tokyo at night, capturing cinematic scenes filled with color, artificial light, and urban atmosphere. A stunning visual journey through one of the world’s most photogenic cities. Want to dive deeper into photography history? Discover the pioneers of photomontage in this video And if you're ready to take your photography skills to the next level, explore Domestika’s full Photography and Video course catalog for expert-led classes on technique, storytelling, editing, and more.

  • Susan Sontag: The Mind Behind the Lens of Culture and Criticism

    Susan Sontag: The Mind Behind the Lens of Culture and Criticism

    Intellectual, critic, writer. A voice that illuminated the world of images Susan Sontag, although not a photographer, transformed our perception of photography. Her work spanned literature, film, philosophy, and cultural criticism, and explored the impact of images on modern society, as reflected in her works "On Photography" and "Regarding the Pain of Others."

  • 10 Films About Great Photographers to Spark Your Creativity

    10 Films About Great Photographers to Spark Your Creativity

    Discover 10 inspiring films about famous photographers, from street photography legends to iconic photojournalists. Ready to dive into the world of photography through the lens of some of the most iconic photographers? We've rounded up 10 must-watch films that not only showcase stunning visuals but also delve into the fascinating lives and careers of these talented artists. Whether you're a budding photographer or just looking for some creative inspiration, these films are sure to captivate and motivate you. Grab some popcorn and let's get started!