Camera lens filters and adapters are among the least expensive accessories that can make a big difference in your images, especially when shooting outdoors. In fact, many experienced landscape photographers never leave home without a selection of these tools.

This quick video below comes to us from Paint in Bytes, a new YouTube channel devoted to making the most of accessories and new technologies for creative purposes. Instructor Ali Chakra is an accomplished photographer, filmmaker, and graphic designer based in Germany, and in barely nine minutes he discusses how lens filters and adapters can really up your game.

In this comprehensive guide Chakra discusses the most common filters and how they work their magic once threaded onto the front of a lens. Neutral Density (ND filters, Variable Neutral Density (VND) filters and Polarizing filters are all part of the discussion, as are protective UV and Skylight filters.

Chakra explores how Polarizing filters cut glare and darken pale skies, and the way Color filters can add an artistic look by altering or enhancing the natural tones of a scene. As you’ll see, there are also a variety of popular Special Effects filters for creating in-camera effects without any post processing.

These interesting options can do everything from adding starbursts to a shot, creating an infrared appearance, to providing a soft, diffused look. There are also Special Effects filters that add vignetting, and even those for creating more outlandish kaleidoscope and multi-image effects,

Once you get started with these affordable accessories it’s often hard to stop. And things can get costly because some of your lenses likely require filters in different sizes. In that regard Chakra explains how to economize by purchasing cheap step-up and step-down adapter rings that enable you to mount the same filter on lenses with different thread sizes.

The fun part of all this is that the use of lens filters doesn’t adhere to any strict rules. That means you can create a wide variety of effects with a bit of experimentation. So watch the video and get started.

We also recommend another helpful guide we posted earlier, explaining the basics of long-exposure photography for beginners.

There are numerous variables to ponder when spending your hard-earned cash on new optics, and focal length is typically at the top of the list. That’s because the angle of view provided by a lens is what differentiates it from others you already own.

Of course there are additional variables to consider, including maximum aperture, image and build quality, macro capabilities, and focusing speed. Also factoring into the decision are crop vs. full-frame, zoom vs. prime, image stabilization characteristics, as well as size and weight.

The tutorial below concentrates solely on how different focal lengths determine what you capture within a scene. Instructor Wolf Amri says the question he’s often asked first is “what lens should I buy?” And this episode reveals his typical reply, based upon the type of images the photographer shoots most, and what’s missing from their exiting arsenal of glass.

Amri says many photographers can’t quite visualize how different focal lengths affect composition and the framing of a shot, which is why he created the helpful graphical representation at the top of this page.

As you’ll see, the comparison (made with a full-frame camera) covers everything from an ultra-wide 16mm on the short end to a powerful 800mm focal length at the other extreme—and a variety of choices in between. He also explains the ramifications of using teleconverters with long telephotos to extend their reach, and whether or not this is a good idea based upon the compromises involved.

Amri notes that as the field of view changes with lenses of different focal lengths, so do other characteristics of the images you shoot, and that’s the topic of next week’s episode that we’ll bring you when its available. But here’s a clue: wider lenses inherently provide greater depth of field, while longer lenses are known for compressing perspective. Ultra-wide lenses involve more distortion, which is why they are rarely used for portraiture—especially up close.

The big guns are obviously far larger and heavier that their wider counterparts, and they tend to be more expensive too—especially those with a fast, constant maximum aperture. So take a close look, consider your needs, think about your budget, and be prepared for Part II that will help you make your next lens purchase with confidence.

There’s much more to see on Amri’s popular YouTube channel, so take a look when you have time.

And don’t miss our earlier post with a comprehensive beginners guide to photographing birds with basic gear.

This morning we posted a straightforward Lightroom tutorial explaining how easy it is to use Lightroom Masks for landscape photos with maximum impact. Now it’s time for six pro tips that will enable you to get the job done in the camera.

Remontheroad (think Remi on the Road) is a new YouTube channel devoted to helping outdoor photographers shoot better travel and landscape images. And while there’s no magical recipe for capturing perfect photos under all conditions, French pro Remi Bergougroux always has some great advice.

Bergougroux has been passionate about photography ever since receiving his first camera at the age of 10, and he’s generous about sharing the secrets to his success now that he’s a working pro. In this episode he provides six basic tips that he says will “instantly improve your landscape photography” near home or on the road.

This lesson is intended for photographers of all skill levels, with Bergougroux explaining why “beginners tend to miss what’s important,” while advanced photographers “sometimes get stuck in a routine.” In other words, there are ways for all of us to take our outdoor photography to the next level.

The video kicks off with some useful inspiration, and a bit of self-reflection and caution as Bergougroux uses his imagery to illustrate how his work has evolved through practice, study, and experimentation. As he says, “I want to help you save time by not making the same mistakes I did over the years.”

Bergougroux then turns to gear talk as you follow him hike along the shore of beautiful Kvaloya Island in Northern Norway, and there’s a list of the equipment he uses in the description beneath the video. As you’ll see, he recommends carrying an array of essential equipment when shooting in the field.

You’ll learn why you don’t have to be in an exotic location like Kvaloya to capture beautiful imagery. More important is understanding how to choose and compose whatever you confront. He has some very helpful tips for arriving at a great composition—what Bergougroux calls his “most important advice.

There’s also a discussion of using light in the most advantageous manner possible, and why it’s important to carefully avoid “over-editing” your imagery if you really want to up your game.

You can find more helpful shooting and editing tips on Bergougroux’ YouTube channel. And if you missed this morning’s editing tutorial mentioned above, be sure to take a look.