Inevitably, many wildlife photographers will find themselves tempted by the allure of fast, exotic, super-telephoto lenses. These lenses offer unmatched optical capabilities, as long as you pay the price and carry the weight. But, as good as they are, most of these lenses have a hidden weakness: a disappointing close focus distance.
The Best Nikon Camera of All Time
Recently, I was having a discussion with a friend about which Nikon camera he should get. He asked me point-blank what I thought Nikon's greatest camera is, and my gut reaction was to say the Z9 - after all, it has the most advanced specs of any Nikon camera today...
NYA-EVO Fjord 60-C Camera Backpack Review
Often, wildlife and nature photography happens a long way from the nearest parking lot. Which inevitably raises the question: What’s the best way to haul all that bulky, heavy gear around without breaking yourself in the process? Is there a camera backpack out there that can carry everything you need?
Four Intuitive Steps for Meaningful Photography
Photography, by its very nature, is not just about reproducing what the photographer sees but about expressing our inner thoughts. When I journey through the natural world, my interactions with the places and wild animals I witness have stirred so many emotions in my heart. As a photographer, then, the...
Photography News: Canon R6 III and R7 II Rumors, Amazon Prime Week Sales
Jason’s minimalist photograph of the lapwing, published in our article "My Favorite Photos on Photography Life This Year," resonates with me. Viewing it last week reminded me once again that less can truly be more - both in the world of photography and elsewhere. In this week's news roundup, I’ve...
Photographing the Fiery Topaz: A Feathered Gemstone of the Amazon
The green shadows of the Amazon hide many treasures. From the gold and riches that played a role in the plundering of the world's largest rainforest, to the ones I'm after — living treasures. One river, the Napo, plays a central role in both types. The Napo River is part...
When the Photographer Does Not Shoot
Often, photographers are driven by the obsessive need to capture the moment, to be productive at all costs. Recently, however, I rewatched a movie that contained a different reflection, one that I would like to share with you today. It is the beauty of choosing not to shoot, to fully...
Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Review
The Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ is a full-frame mirrorless lens targeted toward videographers and hybrid shooters. Although it isn't Nikon's first PZ (Power Zoom) lens, it's their first that is meant for a professional audience. The high-end nature of the lens is evident not just in the build quality,...
Photography News: Nikon Z8 Firmware Warning, Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Announced
It isn't always easy to come up with a topic for the opening paragraph of this weekly news. Most of the time, though, I find that life itself provides the inspiration I need. Like right now, for example, as I sit under our garden pergola writing these words and witnessing...
My Favorite Photos on Photography Life This Year
One of the coolest things about working at Photography Life is being around a bunch of people who are really passionate about their photography! And although gear, reviews, and just plain maintaining a small website sometimes takes more time than photography itself, I thought I'd look back at our 2025...