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Showing posts from June, 2023

Licensing Contributor Kaitlyn Sawyer gives insight on capturing emotion and diversity

At 500px amazing photography is at our core, but these photos would not be possible without the talented people behind the lens. The 500px Spotlight series highlights the global and diverse photographers that are part of the 500px Community. This week we are excited to introduce you to Licensing Contributor Kaitlyn Sawyer. Kaitlyn Sawyer is a freelance photographer currently based in West Tennessee. Her style and approach to photography caught the attention of the 500px team for her creative concepts and lighting. Kaitlyn is also a prime example of a photographer who thoughtfully casts her models to include diversity. Her portfolio continues to captivate us with the unique narratives and personalities of her models. Q: Hello Kaitlyn! Can you tell us a bit about yourself? A: I’m a creative portrait photographer based in West Tennessee. I’ve been freelancing for over six years, primarily focusing on alternative fashion and creative lighting. I spend most of my time dreaming up new c

Should You Work for Free as a Photographer? A Comprehensive Guide

This blog post is a guest feature written by the team at  The Photographer Mindset .  As a photographer, you may be asked if you would perform work for free or be told there isn’t a budget to accommodate your services. Should you walk away or remain interested and move forward? While it can be difficult or frustrating to accept unpaid jobs, there are certain situations in which working for free makes complete sense for you as a creator. In this blog post, we’ll identify when it’s best to work for free as a photographer and provide some tips on how to make the most of unpaid opportunities. We’ll discuss the generalized pros and cons of taking on unpaid photography jobs, if your financial situation can afford to handle an unpaid gig, how different genres of photography have unique levels of supply and demand, and how much your current experience level and portfolio play into whether or not you should work for free. Lastly, we’ll get into bartering options if there isn’t money availab

3 Ways to Handle Imposter Syndrome as a Photographer

This blog post is written by the team at  The Photographer Mindset .  What Is  “Imposter Syndrome”  & How Does it Affect Photographers? Have you ever felt like you have a difficult time taking ownership of your achievements? Do you consistently feel like a fraud and can’t believe that someone is actually paying you for your photography? Do you get a false sense that your weaknesses or insecurities will get exposed and that other photographers are more deserving of where they’re at in their careers? Do you feel like you know nothing compared to the majority of other photographers who seemingly have it all figured out? Lastly, do you have crippling perfectionism that affects your ability to complete your work? If you’ve answered yes to some or all these things, you’re likely suffering from an invisible ailment that especially plagues creative individuals known as  “Imposter Syndrome” . Before we talk about some remedies to mitigate and manage Imposter Syndrome, let’s first dig de

Essential Photography Tips for Beginners | Mastering the Art of Photography

Photography is a captivating art form that allows us to freeze moments in time and share our unique perspectives with the world. If you’re new to photography, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the vast array of techniques and equipment available. However, fear not! The team at 500px is here to guide you through the ten essential photography tips that will help you kick-start your journey. From composition and lighting to camera settings and post-processing techniques, we’ve got you covered! Not a member of the 500px community yet? Join now! Understand the Rule of Thirds: The rule of thirds is a fundamental principle in composition that can transform your photographs. Instead of placing your subject in the center of the frame, imagine dividing your frame into a 3×3 grid and position your subject along the intersecting lines or at the points where the lines meet. This technique adds balance and visual interest to your images, making them more compelling. Tip: Experiment with diffe

Mays 10 standout Licensing photos

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. First up—Clii Fairy’s May submission is a great example of how to capture trending themes within Licensing. We chose to feature this photo because it illustrates concepts of DIY, crafting, small business, learning new skills, and leisure activities. 1. We appreciate how Clii captured an intimate crop, focusing attention on the action of crocheting. The hands included in the image give the viewer a sensory experience whe

#VanLife: Four photographers who traveled off-grid

When Sam Brockway first set foot in Nevada’s Jarbidge Wilderness , he could scarcely believe he was still in the United States. Before him stretched 11,000-foot mountain peaks, lush groves of aspen trees, blossoming wildflowers, and crystal-clear blue rivers. Dirt roads as far as the eye could see. At night, he and his friends fell asleep beneath the stars, with no other campers in sight and only the sounds of nearby sheep to keep them company. They spent one night in an abandoned ranch, left behind more than a hundred years earlier. For photographers like Sam, Simon Migaj , Ida Hollis , and Nacho Gonzalez , the real magic lies just beyond where others are willing to travel—settling within the remote corners of pristine wilderness. We spoke with these four intrepid adventurers about the call of the wild, their journeys off the beaten path, and their tips for those hoping to follow in their footsteps. Join them on the open road, as they travel from the far reaches of the American W