The art of capturing sunset images with the WOW factor is a key goal of most landscape photographers—pros and beginners alike. This tutorial from the Photos on the Bay YouTube channel provides several in-camera techniques for taking advantage of what many say is the perfect time to shoot.

Instructor Neil Medland is a successful Australian landscape photographer whose behind-the-scenes tutorials take us along on his adventures while he shares his favorite tips and techniques. This eye-opening episode finds him on the shore of beautiful Hervey Bay just before the sun drops below the horizon with a nice sky overhead

Medland demonstrates how to “embrace the light” so that the images you capture appear realistic and just as compelling as what you saw through the viewfinder. What often complicates matters is the task of achieving well-balanced exposures when the sun is a key element within the frame.

As you’ll see, these challenging conditions often require that you give your camera a helping hand by modifying exposure settings, metering modes and focus points. Utilizing appropriate composition techniques also factors into the equation.

Medland says the most common mistake is this: “Many times photographers will just go put, point their camera at the sunset, and take the shot.” If this is your approach while hoping for the best, you’re likely to be disappointed every time until you follow the simple instructions that Medland recommends.

Keep in mind that all sunsets aren’t created equal, and Medland explains why the optimum conditions occur when the sun is visible but partly diffused by a passing cloud. Hence, patience and good timing can be very important. He also demonstrations how to capture successful sunset photos when shooting under less-than-ideal conditions.

One trick on clear days is to alter your composition so that the sun falls just outside of the frame so that it doesn’t bias your exposure. His other tips are equally effective and just as simple to apply. We recommend that you visit the instructional Photos on the Bay YouTube channel once today’s video concludes.

And don’t miss the interesting discussion we featured recently with a British expert who lists four thought-provoking questions that he says all photographers should ask themselves before heading out for a shoot.

Are you confused about the Flow and Density settings when using brushes in Lightroom and Photoshop? If so, you’re not alone. Take heart, however, because this must-watch tutorial from post-processing expert Mike Wardynski explains everything you need to know for moving forward with confidence.

Wardynski (aka Nature Mike) introduces today’s four-minute episode like this: “We break down the key differences between flow and density, showing you how each one affects your brushwork, masking, and overall editing control.

This lesson is appropriate for both beginners and more experienced Lightroom users looking to fine-tune their dodging and burning or local adjustments. The quick primer provides the clarity necessary for making the most of these often misunderstood settings. Mike walks you through both the technical and visual aspects of flow and density—with examples that make the differences easy to understand.

You also learn when to choose one setting over the other for greater precision, depending upon the specific task at hand. Just pay close attention to Mike’s real-time edits and your confusion will be a thing of the past.

Then head over to Mike’s popular YouTube channel where there are many more how-to videos to be found.

And don’t miss the tutorial we featured with an accomplished Australian pro who demonstrates how to employ the Color Mixer in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) to create dramatic photographs with perfectly balanced tones.

The first thing many photographers do after pulling up an image on the computer is to use the cropping tool to refine framing. This tutorial from the Yorkshire Photo Walks YouTube channel reveals five often-ignored cropping concepts that “every photographer should know.”

Instructor Tom Marsh is a a successful British landscape photographer and image-editing expert known for his excursions to inspirational locations and a philosophical approach to capturing and processing his work. In the quick video below you’ll learn why there’s much more to artistic cropping than you may think—whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced shooter.

In barely nine minutes Marsh dives into a handful of essential cropping tips “that can transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary.” The discussion offers valuable insights into framing a subject effectively and balancing compositions. March also provides compelling before/after examples that illustrate how following his advice will elevate your visual-storytelling skills.

At the top of Marsh’s list is what’s known as “aspect ratio.” This important term not only describes whether your final result will be horizonal, vertical, or square, but the exact shape of the image as well. Digital cameras provide several settings for the former, but the second part of the equation is up to you.

While the foregoing is worth considering, Marsh plays devil’s advocate by explaining why in-camera aspect ratios aren’t the be-all-and-end-all of your crop. As he says, “There are no rules and regulations in photography that require photos to adhere to a standard aspect ratio. And this is where Marsh’s creative cropping methods come into play.

Another key tip involves the concept of “subject space,” and why March recommend giving a bit of breathing room to the key subject within the frame. He describes the compositional compromise this this: “On the one hand we want the subject to stand out and be impactful, but on the other we don’t want our frame to be all crowded and claustrophobic.” This means leaving enough space so that other interesting elements can play a supporting role.

At this point we’re barely halfway through the lesson, so keep watching until the end. Then visit the Yorkshire Photo Walks YouTube channel for more how-to videos that will help expand your skills.

And don’t miss the comprehensive beginners guide we shared recently in which a German pro demystifies your camera’s autofocus modes so that you understand which setting to use when for sharp photographs every time.