Utilizing a flash can be one of the best ways to take your photography to the next level. That said, I often see new photographers with a lot of potential become discouraged by the initial challenges of flash photography. Even experienced photographers make many of the same mistakes. That's why...
About Nicholas Hess
Post Archive By Nicholas Hess
When the Stars Align: The 2023 Solar Eclipse and the Role of Luck in Photography
Well, perhaps a better title for this article would be “when the Sun, the Moon, and some clouds align” as I will be sharing my experience photographing the 2023 Annular Solar Eclipse! It's a story of luck and coincidence, but also a story of being ready for anything as a...
Milky Way Photography with Micro Four Thirds
Is Milky Way photography possible with a Micro Four Thirds camera? I can confidently say yes - it is absolutely doable with a Micro Four Thirds camera. Is it ideal, or is it better than other formats? No, I definitely wouldn't say so. However, it is absolutely worth shooting the...
Scientific Photography: Where Art and Science Collide
Scientific photography bridges the intersection between art and science. It combines what I love about photography with the process of discovery, truth-seeking, and documentation. The end goal is not just to understand the world around us but to depict our discoveries in an inspirational way.
Photographing the Fluorescent Bones of Amphibians using “X-Ray Vision”
"How did you make that photo look like an x-ray?" It’s one of the questions I get asked most frequently, usually referring to one of the images below. The answer is that I get this x-ray effect by using fluorescent lighting while photographing some species of amphibian! Here's a quick...
How to Get Started in Underwater Photography Without Wasting Money
If you've considered starting underwater photography for the first time, maybe you were put off by how expensive and gear-intensive it can be. And it's true - transitioning from taking photos on dry land to capturing stunning underwater images isn't easy! It requires careful planning and strategic gear investments. That's...
Panasonic Lumix G9 Review
The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a top-notch Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera. It’s hard to think of another Micro Four Thirds camera that compares for still photography at under $1000. Even looking beyond Micro Four Thirds, the Panasonic Lumix G9 has a lot to offer for both enthusiasts and professionals...
Mastering Flash Photography for Macro and Close-Up Photos
It's challenging to photograph subjects that are extremely close to the camera lens, particularly when it comes to flash photography and lighting. For some lenses, the effective working distance is practically zero when trying to shoot at maximum magnification. It becomes difficult to achieve soft, even lighting while avoiding unwanted...
Photography Lighting Setups Explained: A Beginner’s Guide
Light is everything in photography. It might be a cliché, but without light, there would be no image! Sometimes, you’re dependent on natural light; other times, you’ll have more control. In this article, I’ll explain a variety of lighting setups – from modifying natural light, to adding your own lights to a scene.
How Instagram Reels are Hurting Photographers
Instagram has been the world's biggest photo sharing platform for years, for better or for worse. Most professional photographers have an Instagram page if for no other reason than to connect to clients and share their work. And despite some issues over the years, broadly speaking, I believe it served...