Increasing dynamic range can be an extremely effective method for improving photos that look flat and boring, and the transformation is often quite amazing. Today’s episode from the Photo Feaver YouTube channel demonstrates a remarkably fast technique for getting the job in Lightroom.

In simple terms, “dynamic range” refers to the spread of tones in a photo, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. This ratio is particularly important when shooting outdoors because the range of a scene often exceeds the capabilities of the camera. In fact, even high-end digital cameras capture only half as much range as the human eye discerns when looking through the viewfinder.

There are a variety of post-processing solutions, some of which are complicated, like shooting multiple photos of the same scene—each at a different exposure— and merging them during the editing process to create a final image in which the light is just right. The lesson below employs a far simpler technique to deliver the goods.

Instructor James Feaver is a British freelance pro who specializes in tutorials than run two minutes or less, designed to help novice photographers improve their shooting and editing skills. This episode demonstrates how to maximize dynamic range by setting the perfect black point and white point using two basic sliders in Lightroom.

The magic occurs in Lightroom’s Develop module where Feaver drops down to the Basic sliders. He first targets the white point of his image using a keyboard shortcut so the screen goes black. Then he slowly moves the White slider to the right until you see white tones begin to appear on the black image.

Setting the correct black point works much the same, except this time you move the Black slider to the left until you start seeing black tones on the white screen. By taking these two super simple steps you now have the maximum dynamic range for the specific image at hand.

If you think this couldn’t be faster or easier, think again, because Feaver concludes the video  with an even quicker (and just as effective) method for accomplishing this task by using Lightroom’s automatic settings. He once again provides helpful keyboard shortcuts to further accelerate the process.

With this approach you’ll get the job as fast as it tasks to take a sip of your coffee. Feaver posts Two-Minute Tutorials every Tuesday, and you can find previous episodes on his instructional YouTube channel.

And don’t miss the five minute lesson we shared recently from another accomplished pro who demonstrates a sneaky selection trick for eliminating distracting shadows, and he provides a free PDF cheat sheet that summarizes the straightforward steps.

We regularly encourage Shutterbug readers to step outside their comfort zone and experiment with unfamiliar techniques to capture attention-grabbing photos that stand out from the crowd. If you’re willing to try something different, this quick tutorial  from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel is a great place to start.

The technique known as “high key photography” is an evocative style that accentuates bright white tones and sometimes colors for a very dramatic look. It’s a method that’s accessible to shooters of all skill levels who understand how it’s done, and the goal of this tutorial is guiding you through the straightforward process.

This approach is often accomplished in the studio where a photographer has ultimate control over lighting. But today’s unnamed instructor explains everything you need to know for mimicking this unique style when shooting outdoors when available light is far less predictable and often changes by the minute.

While watching the lesson keep in mind that there’s a big difference between high key and overexposed. Throughout the lesson you’ll learn the key exposure settings, how to choose an appropriate subject, and the best way to employ natural light to achieve the luminous dreamy effect that makes high-key images so powerful.

You’ll quickly discover that this is a versatile technique for a wide variety of genres; namely, everything from capturing unique environmental portraits and striking flowers to macro photography, wildlife life subjects, and much more.

Some photographers think high key images must be in monochrome, but that’s hardly the case. In fact today’s demonstration shot is a vibrant red berry on a bramble bush that was photographed on a bright, sunny day. In any case, you’ll want to deemphasize  any shadows in the scene, even though they “can be very important for adding drama to the shot and help tell a story.”

The instructor moves in close with a standard 50mm lens (not a macro) and shoots at maximum aperture to isolate his lone subject from the surrounding twigs. Then he waits patiently for a group of white fluffy clouds to float by, because these will become the background for his shot.

The instructor is shooting almost directly into the sun so he uses spot metering on the berry as the clouds become a super-bright backdrop. The portion of the berry facing the camera is in shadow, but that’s an easy exposure problem to solve by following the step-by-step instructions in this lesson.

Quite easy, right? And there are many more tips and tricks to be found on the My Photo Journey YouTube channel. Be sure to check out another helpful tutorial we posted recently, explaining how to control highlights for better nature and landscape photographs.

Are you struggling to capture consistently sharp images in the camera without resorting to post processing? If so, the video below from the Photo Genius YouTube channel will explain how to solve most common focusing problems in barely 10 minutes.

Instructor Paul Farris is an Australian pro specializing in tutorials, shooting tips, and gear reviews for evolving photographers. In this episode he explains how to take your photos from blurry to brilliant by using the correct camera settings, along with a few straightforward techniques that he’s developed over the past 16 years..

What you’ll learn applies to whatever digital camera you own and will work wonders for all genres of photography. His approach is to discuss common amateur mistakes, and then “show you how the pros do it.”

He discusses the camera modes he recommends for photographers of all skill levels—beginning with the Program setting. There are a couple important visual and audible signals that confirm when focus is attained regardless of the mode you select, and it’s important to understand how they work.

Farris illustrates his recommended settings with Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras, but don’t worry if you use another brand; you may just have to dig into the menu or look at a different place on the body to find the settings, switches, or physical buttons discussed. He suggests starting with the AF setting that’s typically identified as “One-Shot” or “AF-S.”

One basic concern is when the point of sharp focus in an image isn’t where you intend it to be. Farris says this happens “because cameras have a tendency to focus on what’s closest to the camera, rather than on subjects that are further away. You’re in luck if this is your problem because it’s super easy to fix by configuring the camera with the focus point(s) appropriate to the task at hand.

Farris explains the various options available and exactly how they work. Then he moves on to other key settings and methods of shooting so you’ll never have to worry about soft images again. His popular YouTube channel demystifies other frequent problems, so be sure to take a close look.

We also suggest checking out the tutorial we posted recently from another accomplished pro, explaining how you can capture amazing photographs with entry-level equipment.

Want to save BIG when purchasing a top-level mirrorless camera? Here’s the rundown on five highly desirable models and five ways MPB can help you save money buying one.

History may confirm that the introduction of mirrorless cameras was the most important event in the world of photography since the arrival of 35mm film. In any case, they’re about the best choice for photographers today. They provide a myriad of advantages vs DSLR and other cameras. Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Leica and Panasonic have separately leveraged all of their image-capture knowhow and condensed it into their mirrorless models for us to enjoy.

Five Ways to Save

1. Buy Used, Not New
Savvy image and video enthusiasts know that buying a recent model secondhand always nets a better deal than buying along the bleeding edge. Buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality or reliability. It means more for your money.

And you can save a bundle. Shoppers who buy from MPB, the largest global platform to buy, sell and trade used equipment for photo and video storytellers, on average save 33% off retail.

2. Go Fishing in a HUGE Pond at MPB
If you want to land a big fish, go to a big pond. MPB has more than 16,000 pieces of used gear in the US and over 47,000 globally. They add more than 2,000 products every week. Visit mpb.com and check out their inventory of cameras, lenses, video gear, drones, bags—the list goes on and on. Plus the inventory turns over fast, so if you don’t immediately find exactly what you’re looking for, check back in a couple of days. You can view recently added gear via this link.

3. Demand Accurate Product Descriptions
Don’t risk losing money on sketchy deals. The photo of the camera or lens you see in an MPB product description depicts the actual item you are buying. No stock photos and no false expectations.

Every camera and lens sold is MPB Approved and undergoes a rigorous 8-to-10-point inspection by a skilled photo specialist. MPB confirms that everything is as it should be and uses a 5-point condition rating system that makes the details clear and understandable.

The condition ratings are: • Like New – unboxed, unused or lightly used • Excellent – minimal signs of wear, otherwise pristine • Good – fair amount of use, but well-kept • Well Used – significant use, signs of normal wear and tear • Heavily Used – clear signs of wear and tear, still works. They even have this YouTube video that further explains the system.

Additionally, MPB lists each and every item that’s included with the product—straps, caps, everything.

4. Deal Only with Reliable Sellers
Forget the anonymous online auction dealers—stick with a company that proves itself to thousands of customers every week. MPB has served 625,000 visual storytellers. MPB recirculates more than 500,000 items a year and enjoys a well-earned 5-Star Rating on Trustpilot based on more than 34,000 reviews.

MPB backs every used camera and lens it sells with a 6-month warranty. Buy with confidence and peace of mind. Buying used doesn’t mean sacrificing on quality or reliability.

5. Trade the Gear You No Longer Love
You save more when you trade your underused equipment toward the purchase of the mirrorless marvel you really want. With MPB the process is free, fast and fair, and it starts with a free instant online quote.

Should you decide not to buy but still want to shake out the camera closet, you receive the same value by selling to MPB instead of trading. MPB uses a sophisticated analysis to assure that you receive the appropriate market value on your trade in. On average, photo and video storytellers earn about $900 when they sell to MPB.

Whether trading or selling to MPB, the process is the same; it’s three easy steps. First, go online for a free instant quote. Second, MPB pays the freight to have the products shipped to them for final inspection. And third, your payment is deposited in your bank account within a couple days.

Five Great Mirrorless Cameras to Buy Used Today
The Mirrorless Camera Section at MPB lists complete information about every camera in stock, including quantity on hand, full description, real-life images of the camera from various angles, product overview and full specifications. If you want to learn when additional used units become available, you can create an alert. Prices, of course, vary by condition. Note that all prices below are for body only, no lens included. And again, all MPB cameras and lenses come with a 6-month warranty.

Sony Alpha A7 III
One of the best values to be found in full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Sony Alpha A7 III shines whether you shoot stills or video. Featuring a 24-megapixel back-illuminated sensor, it weighs in at 23 ounces (650g) and is supported by a wide range of Sony lenses, as well as lenses from independent manufactures. This true bargain is available used from $1,019 – $1,149 depending on condition. 

Nikon Z7 II
Available used from MPB at prices ranging from $1,699 – $2,049, the Nikon Z7 II is part of the highly acclaimed Nikon Z System. Sporting a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, this gem has no optical low-pass filter that can dilute image sharpness. It features dual processors, two memory card slots, a 493-point autofocus system and records 4K Ultra HD video at 60p. Add a used  Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter (priced at from $149 – $154 at MPB) and you have instant access to an extremely wide range of famous Nikon F lenses.

Fujifilm X-T3
Built around a 26.1-megapixel APS-C format sensor, the Fujifilm X-T3 is a very affordable gateway to the legendary “Fuji Colors” all Fujifilm users rave about. It features the back-illuminated X-Trans sensor and therefore does not require an optical low-pass filter. Users love the clean, virtually noise-free images produced by the X-T3, and many brag that because of the superb JPEG images it creates, they no longer need to shoot in Raw format. Experience the mystery of Fuji Colors, available from MPB priced between $674 – $904.

Olympus OM-D E-M1
Perfect as an entry-level mirrorless camera or as a backup model for your main Micro 4/3rds, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a reliable performer and a genuine bargain. Available used from $244 – $329, it’s great if you’re looking for a budget-priced mirrorless body that accepts hundreds of legacy DSLR and Film SLR lenses via readily available adapters (albeit for strictly manual operation). It features a very compact size and light weight of 17.5 ounces (497g) so it’s easy to pack and carry, and it has a 16.1-megapixel sensor.

Canon EOS R6
The Canon EOS R6 features the same base image sensor and image processor as the much higher-priced EOS-1D X Mark II professional model yet is surprisingly affordable (available used from $1,339 – $1,569 at MPB). It features a 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and excels at both high-speed action shots and filming 4K cinematic productions in addition to fine art and everyday photography. It also offers upscale video features including 4K 60P and Full HD 120P with the option of internally recorded 4:2:2 10-bit Canon Log or HDR-PQ recording.

∞ Shutterbug Staff