We’re always on the lookout for straightforward tutorials that will inspire Shutterbug readers to try something new and expand their skills. If you’ve never experimented with high-contrast b&w photography, this video from instructor Peter Forsgard is guaranteed to add a new arrow in your quiver.

Forsgard is an experienced pro whose instructional videos are devoted to the art and techniques of capturing the essence of urban life, whether you’re shooting dynamic cityscapes or capturing the hustle and bustle on a street in the town where you live.

The topic of today’s 15-minute episode is what Forsgard calls “high-contrast b&w magic with a 40mm lens on the street.” This may sound like a rather narrow genre, but the techniques discussed have far broader applications. Here’s the promise Forsgard makes for this lesson: “From the shadows to the highlights I’ll show you how to make the most of your camera’s capabilities to produce stunning black-and-white images that tells a story.”

By following Forsgard’s advice you’ll be able to depict the energy of city life in a unique and captivating way, armed with nothing more that your camera, a 40mm prime lens, and a few easy-to-emulate tips on camera settings, composition, and camera angles that will enable you to create visually interesting photographs that create a lasting impression.

Forsgard covers a lot of ground in a hurry, so you may want to jot down a few notes as he demonstrates the power of abstract imagery, encourages you to experiment with both a vertical and horizonal orientation, and explains what he means by “off-balanced images.” He also has a few helpful tricks for eliminating distraction that clutter up a shot.

You’ll see how small easy-to-miss details can really make a shot worth capturing, why and why not to employ touch focus, the beauty of reflections, and the importance of waiting for the perfect moment to develop. Forsgard always strives to get things right in the camera, and one of his virtues is a calm patience for “following the light.”

There much more to learn about refining your street photography on Forsgard’s instructional YouTube channel. So be sure to pay a visit if this video strikes your fancy.

We also encourage you to watch the recent tutorial we featured with a Canadian pro who demonstrates why you should pay very close attention to the EXIF Data embedded in your digital photographs.

If there’s one camera variable that doesn’t fit into the set-it-and-forget-it category it’s the ISO you select for every scene you confront. Choose wisely and you’re on the road to success, but an incorrect pick can severely compromise the quality of a photo.

As most of you know, ISO is one of the three attributes of the Exposure Triangle, along with aperture and shutter speed. When properly configured this trio of settings enable you to master the light. But there’s an important hierarchy to this decision and understanding where to start—and it all depends upon the subject and style of the image you intend to make.

This tutorial from instructor Michael Shainblum concentrates specifically on ISO and the important role this setting plays in controlling image quality and unlocking creative possibilities. Shainblum is a professional landscape photographer who regularly shares his secrets for epic outdoor photographs, mind-blowing timelapses, camera techniques, and more.

Many photographers fall for the unfortunate misconception that the lowest ISO is always the best strategy when determining image brightness, but Shainblum kicks of the lesson with this: “We’ll explore why sticking to the lowest ISO isn’t always the best choice.” He also describes a delicate tradeoff that occurs between unwanted noise and managing low-light situations.

In fact, Shainblum illustrates when and how “increasing your ISO will help you capture stunning photography—even in challenging shooting situations.” There’s much to consider than prevailing light levels when choosing the appropriate setting. For example, are you shooting a static scene like a landscape, or is your subject in motion?

How about whether the camera locked down atop a sturdy tripod, or are you’re hand-held? Maybe your objective is to capture breathtaking star trails in the nighttime sky or long-exposure car lights in the city after dark, i.e. situations in which shutter speed may be an overarching consideration.

Shainblum covers all this and more, using sample images to drive home his points. After watching the lesson take a look at Shainblum’s informative YouTube channel where there are many more pro tips and tricks to be learned.

We also recommend watching the tutorial we shared recently from another top photographer who demonstrates everything you need to know to get started in the dramatic world of low key photography.

The official first day of winter is still more than a month away, but we’re already focusing on mild, sunny weather and the June 7-8 celebratory opening weekend of the colossal Photoville Festival that will run through June 22, 2025. Now in its 14th year and promising to be bigger and better than ever, the free, public event is now in its planning stages and cordially invites you to submit your visual story proposals for consideration.

Submit your proposal today to be a part of New York’s favorite photo festival dedicated to global visual storytelling in the heart of NYC!

The Photoville Festival is the East Coast’s epicenter for global storytellers, artists, educators, students and community partners to connect with a large and diverse audience and share lived experiences, stories and dynamic creativity.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Thursday, January 16, 2025 (11:59PM EST). Submission categories include Container Exhibitions, Open Air Exhibitions and Public Programming.

Additionally, bonafide educators of Middle and High School students may be qualified to apply for an Educator Exhibition Grant by Jan 16, 2025. (School Administrators and Elementary and College programs will not be considered. For more details, visit the official Photoville Festival website.)

As in 2024, Photoville will comprise around 18 shipping containers in Brooklyn Bridge Park, plus more than 35 open-air photo exhibits and activations. On opening weekend June 7-8, 2025, the village will host a range of programs including artist talks, workshops, screenings and more for which you can apply via this form. The containers will house photo installations; you can apply for one via this form.

More questions? Reach out to the Photoville Festival team – [email protected].

Visitors — Plan Now
Just FYI, the average temperature in Manhattan and the Tri-State Area features highs of 80°F (27°C) and lows around 64°F (18°C) — best month of the year to visit, according to many. Check room availability on your favorite travel-assist website and don’t rule out staying in nearby New Jersey or Connecticut and using mass transit. While in the Big Apple, visit some of the world’s most exciting and photogenic attractions and return home with photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Holiday Gift Idea
Looking for a truly unique holiday gift? Print this story, place it in an envelope, and present it to the photographer(s) in your life: “Happy Holidays — You’re Going to Photoville!”

∞ Shutterbug Staff