https://fstoppers.com/ en Photography Contests Sat, 16 May 2026 05:21:00 -0400 Tue, 05 May 26 13:51:00 -0400 https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/dark?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/dark?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/marius-van-dyk.jpg.webp?itok=YPrerOMn" width="650" height="366" alt="Soviet-era fighter jet in flight with afterburner engaged against deep blue sky"> </a> <p>Welcome to the April Critique the Community!&nbsp; For this contest/critique, we are doing another abstract theme that should allow more photographers to enter. For this month we want to see your most "dark" or "low key" photographs. If you have images that play off of darker tones or contain mostly black, unlit areas, we would love to see them!</p><h3>Rules&nbsp;</h3><ol><li>Each photographer may submit up to three images.&nbsp;</li><li>This month's contest features a pretty broad theme, therefore any type of photograph is acceptable. When thinking about "dark" or "low-key" images, your photo must primarily feature dark colors and tones.&nbsp;</li><li>10 Images will be chosen by Lee and Patrick for the video critique.&nbsp;</li><li>Finally, every image submitted MUST HAVE some written commentary on how the image was created, what gear was used, and some of the challenges you faced when capturing the image. Any photo with a single sentence description will not be included.&nbsp;</li></ol><h2>Prizes</h2><p><strong>First, Second, and Third Place</strong> - This month the top 3 images will receive their choice of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers photography tutorial</a> found in the Fstoppers Store. Our elaborate and exhaustive photography tutorials not only help photographers immediately start taking professional quality images, but most of our tutorials also share business and marketing techniques that can help make photography a full time income. With genres like Headshots, Landscapes, Architecture and Real Estate, Fashion, Macro, and Product Photography, there is something for every photographer no matter what genre you specialize in. <strong>This prize is valued at $299.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"><img alt="Promotional graphic advertising 50% off discount with code CTC50 at checkout, valid this month only." src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/04/03/fstoppers-store-discount_0.webp?itok=3rL-Po15" width="800" height="186" loading="lazy"></a></p><h2>BONUS SPRING OFFER</h2><p><br>We have decided to extend our 50% off an additional month. For the entire month of April we are offering you, our valued community members, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">the largest single sale on EVERY Photography Tutorial in the Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>From now until April 31st you can use the <strong>discount code "CTC50"</strong> and <strong>save 50%</strong> on anything in your cart. &nbsp;We are only offering this sales here to our most loyal Critique the Community members as a thank you for all the support you've given us over the years and for participating each month in these photo contests. &nbsp;<br><br><br><br>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best "dark" photographs!</p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/dark?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 902069 May 5, 2026 - 1:51 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Dark Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/emotion-0?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/emotion-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/ctc-emotion.png.webp?itok=Je7gAJf1" width="650" height="366" alt="Multiple people running on wet sand with motion blur capturing dynamic movement and speed."> </a> <p>Welcome to the April Critique the Community!&nbsp; This month's theme is "Emotion" and can be interpreted however you see fit.&nbsp;</p><h2>Rules&nbsp;</h2><ol><li>Each photographer may submit up to three images.&nbsp;</li><li>This month's contest features a pretty broad theme, therefore any type of photograph is acceptable. When thinking about "emotion," make sure your photo clearly gives the viewer a strong feeling, mood, or experience.&nbsp;</li><li>10 Images will be chosen by Lee and Patrick for the video critique.&nbsp;</li><li>Finally, every image submitted MUST HAVE some written commentary on how the image was created, what gear was used, and some of the challenges you faced when capturing the image. Any photo with a single sentence description will not be included.&nbsp;</li></ol><h2>Prizes</h2><p><strong>First, Second, and Third Place</strong> - This month the top 3 images will receive their choice of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers photography tutorial</a> found in the Fstoppers Store. Our elaborate and exhaustive photography tutorials not only help photographers immediately start taking professional quality images, but most of our tutorials also share business and marketing techniques that can help make photography a full time income. With genres like Headshots, Landscapes, Architecture and Real Estate, Fashion, Macro, and Product Photography, there is something for every photographer no matter what genre you specialize in. <strong>This prize is valued at $299.&nbsp;</strong></p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"><div class="media-image media-2007486 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="2007486" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2026/04/03/fstoppers-store-discount_0.webp?itok=6sQ3rAyq 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/04/03/fstoppers-store-discount_0.webp?itok=3rL-Po15 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2026/04/03/fstoppers-store-discount_0.webp?itok=kah8u4SY 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="186" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/04/03/fstoppers-store-discount_0.webp?itok=3rL-Po15" alt="Promotional graphic advertising 50% off discount with code CTC50 at checkout, valid this month only."> </div> </div> </a><h2>BONUS SPRING OFFER</h2><p><br>This month we are offering you, our valued community members, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">the largest single sale on EVERY Photography Tutorial in the Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>From now until the end of the month, you can use the <strong>discount code "CTC50"</strong> and <strong>save 50%</strong> on anything in your cart. &nbsp;We are only offering this sales here to our most loyal Critique the Community members as a thank you for all the support you've given us over the years and for participating each month in these photo contests. &nbsp;<br><br><br><br>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best "Emotional" photographs!</p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/emotion-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 901381 April 4, 2026 - 3:50 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Emotion Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/print-worthy?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/print-worthy?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/large-print-in-bedroom-new-york-city.jpg.webp?itok=OLU0emCP" width="650" height="366" alt="Modern bedroom with large window overlooking city skyline and illuminated art print of iconic skyscraper on white wall."> </a> <p>Welcome to the March Critique the Community!&nbsp; This month we want to see your most "Print Worthy" photographs, and the first place winner will receive a $1000 credit to print their photos through <a href="https://www.lumaprints.com/">Lumaprints</a>!</p><h2>Rules&nbsp;</h2><ol><li>Each photographer may submit up to three images.&nbsp;</li><li>This month's contest features a pretty broad theme, therefore any type of photograph is acceptable. When thinking about "print worthy" images, we are imagining a single image printed large and making a statement within a room or space. Your images could be abstract or literal, fine art or a family memory, or simply an awesome photograph that demands being printed large.&nbsp;</li><li>10 Images will be chosen by Lee and Patrick for the video critique.&nbsp;</li><li>Finally, every image submitted MUST HAVE some written commentary on how the image was created, what gear was used, why this photo would do well as a large print, and some of the challenges you faced when capturing the image. Any photo with a single sentence description will not be included.&nbsp;</li></ol><h2>Prizes</h2><p><strong>First Place</strong> - One lucky winner will receive a $1000 print credit to use through the print lab <a href="https://www.lumaprints.com/">Lumaprints</a>. Lumaprints is one of the top print labs in the US and they offer both traditional print lab services as well as customer drop shipping, client online store integration, and bulk order printing. Some of the most popular products they offer are Fine Art Paper Prints, Metal Prints, and Foam Mounted Prints, but they also offer framing for many of these traditional printing options too. &nbsp;<strong>This prize is valued at $1000</strong>&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;</p><div data-embed-button="image_gallery" data-paragraph-id="4350a743-b4d9-417d-b197-2e10f8872a65" data-paragraph-revision-id="2186" data-entity-label="Image Gallery" data-langcode="en" data-view-mode="embed" data-entity-embed-display="entity_reference_revisions:entity_reference_revisions_entity_view" data-entity-type="embedded_paragraphs" data-entity-uuid="4350a743-b4d9-417d-b197-2e10f8872a65" data-entity-embed-display-settings="[]" class="embedded-entity embedded_paragraphs embedded_paragraphs--embedded_paragraphs"> <div class="field field--name-paragraph field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__item"> <figure class="paragraph paragraph--type--gallery paragraph--view-mode--grid"> <div class="modal-browser-gallery gallery-item-field gallery-item-image-field field field--name-field-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items" data-sidebar="1" data-elements="thumbs" id="portfolio-browser-paragraph-gallery-field-media"> <div class="field__item"><figure class="media-image media-2005245 gallery-item media media__gallery_item view-mode--gallery_item media--type-image" data-entity-id="2005245" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-title="luma-prints-print-lab-for-photographers.jpg" data-gtag-dimensions="{&quot;fs_article_type&quot;:null,&quot;content_group&quot;:&quot;Community&quot;,&quot;fs_post_type&quot;:null,&quot;fs_post_author&quot;:&quot;152&quot;,&quot;fs_post_published_date&quot;:null}" data-mid="2005245" data-uid="152"> <div class="gallery-item-field gallery-item-image-field field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"><a href="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/xlarge/s3/media/2026/03/01/luma-prints-print-lab-for-photographers.jpg?itok=dv8-z5ms"><img class="gallery-item-image" data-large="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/xlarge/s3/media/2026/03/01/luma-prints-print-lab-for-photographers.jpg?itok=dv8-z5ms" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/medium/s3/media/2026/03/01/luma-prints-print-lab-for-photographers.jpg?itok=bKD13HAR" width="884" height="350" alt="Two professionals reviewing printed photos and canvas art samples at a desk with a computer monitor visible in the background." loading="lazy"> </a> </div> </figure> </div> </div> </figure> </div> </div> <p><br><br><strong>Second Place</strong> - The second place winner of this critique will receive a full copy of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU9kaGJUQnpIb245STVNOFZ6VERrWU1mLXJaZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuUlJKRnV4eXhxaFpMZXk4X3ZWci1yY0NQekFQVkdPdnd5Y0hnbnBuR196UTlQdGQ0UUVjRk9mdHU2SDcydW9uZDRaWVRzLU9SMUNvYlAzMlBFZXotS2V1VEFFNWFqNTZjZUd0djhzNHpZLVp5TjRYaw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F49OZkb9&amp;v=jcYy_0e-yVA">ACDSee's Photo Studio Ultimate 2026</a>. This power photography editing suite gives photographers the ability to edit, cull, catalog, and retouch all of their images in one easy to use program. Packed with some of the latest Ai tools like Sky Replacement, Face Detect, Auto Selections, and Splotch Removal, Photo Studio Ultimate gives photographers state of the art editing tools that both save time and produce professional results.&nbsp; <strong>This prize is valued at $109.</strong>&nbsp;<br><br></p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br><br><strong>Third Place</strong> - As always, our third place winner will receive their choice of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers photography tutorial</a> found in the Fstoppers Store. Our elaborate and exhaustive photography tutorials not only help photographers immediately start taking professional quality images, but most of our tutorials also share business and marketing techniques that can help make photography a full time income. With genres like Headshots, Landscapes, Architecture and Real Estate, Fashion, Macro, and Product Photography, there is something for every photographer no matter what genre you specialize in. <strong>This prize is valued at $299.&nbsp;</strong><div class="media-image media-1123930 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1123930" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=YgpEsx7E 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hBmdZS-h 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hY80K0fr 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hBmdZS-h" alt="Grid of photography tutorial and course promotional thumbnails featuring portraits, landscapes, and technical instruction materials."> </div> </div> <p><br><br>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best Print Worthy photographs!</p><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/print-worthy?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 900383 March 1, 2026 - 5:40 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Print Worthy Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/location-flash-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/location-flash-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/fstoppers_critique_the_community_2026.jpg.webp?itok=u9RvO76g" width="650" height="366" alt="Bride and groom kissing under a white umbrella in heavy rain at night."> </a> <p>Welcome to the February Critique the Community!&nbsp; This month we are giving away an awesome Profoto Flash Kit, and so it is fitting that the theme is On-Location Flash. For this contest, we want to see your best images featuring flash photograph out on-location!</p> <h2>Rules&nbsp;</h2> <ol> <li>Each photographer may submit up to three images.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every photo entered must feature artificial flash used out on location. Your image can be created with flash as the primarily light, it can be used as fill to help balance out the lighting, or it can be the only light source in the photograph. While we are not entirely discounting studio lit images from being "out on location," we really want to see scenes that utilize outdoor and unique interior locations. Photos taken on pure seamless backgrounds will most likely not make the final critique.&nbsp;</li> <li>10 Images will be chosen by Lee and Patrick for the video critique.&nbsp;</li> <li>Finally, every image submitted MUST HAVE some written commentary on how the image was created, what flash, lens, camera, or light modifier you used, and some of the challenges that made the final image come together. Any photo with a single sentence description will not be included.&nbsp;</li> </ol> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p><strong>First Place</strong> - One lucky winner will receive a <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=profoto%20a2%20kit&amp;sts=ma&amp;BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Profoto A2 Connect Kit</a> for the camera system of their choice.&nbsp; The Profoto A2 flash is a "Coke can" sized flash that not only gives packs a strong punch of light, but it also makes flash photography simple and lightweight. The A2 flash offers 100Ws of power with around 400 flash exposures per battery. The flash is triggered by the Profoto Connect and mounts to any of the Profoto Clic light modifier system. <strong>This prize is valued at $1095</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> </p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> <strong>Second Place</strong> - The second place winner of this critique will receive a full copy of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU9kaGJUQnpIb245STVNOFZ6VERrWU1mLXJaZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuUlJKRnV4eXhxaFpMZXk4X3ZWci1yY0NQekFQVkdPdnd5Y0hnbnBuR196UTlQdGQ0UUVjRk9mdHU2SDcydW9uZDRaWVRzLU9SMUNvYlAzMlBFZXotS2V1VEFFNWFqNTZjZUd0djhzNHpZLVp5TjRYaw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F49OZkb9&amp;v=jcYy_0e-yVA">ACDSee's Photo Studio Ultimate 2026</a>. This power photography editing suite gives photographers the ability to edit, cull, catalog, and retouch all of their images in one easy to use program. Packed with some of the latest Ai tools like Sky Replacement, Face Detect, Auto Selections, and Splotch Removal, Photo Studio Ultimate gives photographers state of the art editing tools that both save time and produce professional results.&nbsp; <strong>This prize is valued at $109.</strong>&nbsp;<br> <br> <div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> <strong>Third Place</strong> - As always, our third place winner will receive their choice of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers photography tutorial</a> found in the Fstoppers Store. Our elaborate and exhaustive photography tutorials not only help photographers immediately start taking professional quality images, but most of our tutorials also share business and marketing techniques that can help make photography a full time income. With genres like Headshots, Landscapes, Architecture and Real Estate, Fashion, Macro, and Product Photography, there is something for every photographer no matter what genre you specialize in. <strong>This prize is valued at $299.&nbsp;</strong> <p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1123930 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1123930" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=YgpEsx7E 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hBmdZS-h 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hY80K0fr 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2026/01/18/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=hBmdZS-h" alt="Grid of photography tutorial and course promotional thumbnails featuring portraits, landscapes, and technical instruction materials."> </div> </div> <br> <br> Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best images using flash out on location! <p> </p><p>Featured Image by: <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/mariusvandyk?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">S</a><a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/stevenhoule?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">teven Houle</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/location-flash-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 722051 January 18, 2026 - 4:19 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: On-Location Flash Photography Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/best-2025?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/best-2025?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/bird.jpeg.webp?itok=XYmdwaIt" width="650" height="366" alt="Colorful bee-eater bird perched on a dark branch with wings partially spread in flight posture."> </a> <p>For our final contest of 2025, we want to see your favorite images that you captured this year. Please remember to add details in the description of each image to let us know how it was conceived, shot, lit, edited, and anything else the viewer may find interesting.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Rules and Prizes</h2> <ol> <li>Each photographer may submit up to three images.&nbsp;</li> <li>10 Images will be chosen by Lee and Patrick for the video critique.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every photographer featured in the next critique will win a free tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store.&nbsp;</a></li> </ol> <p>Featured Image by: <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/mariusvandyk?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Marius Van Dyk</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/best-2025?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 719294 December 14, 2025 - 7:32 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Best Of 2025 Lee Morris https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/color?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/color?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/colorful_photo_contest.jpg.webp?itok=TVkScsQI" width="650" height="366" alt="Hands holding fresh red berries and green leaves against a blue surface scattered with autumn leaves."> </a> <p>Welcome to the next Critique the Community Photo Contest! The theme for this contest is "Color", and for the entire month of November, we want to see your best images showcasing vivid and vibrant hues and colors.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until November 30th at 10:00&nbsp;PM&nbsp;Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. Since this critique is focused on color, please include any post processing tricks you used to achieve the color palate in your final image.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image must be, obviously, a color image.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p><strong>First Place:&nbsp; </strong><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=tamron%2025-200mm%20f/2.8-5.6%20di%20iii%20vxd%20g2%20lens&amp;N=0&amp;InitialSearch=yes&amp;sts=ps&amp;BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored"><strong>Tamron 25 -200 f/2.8 - 5.6 Di III VXD G2 Lens</strong></a><br> <br> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1920172-REG/tamron_25_200mm_f_2_8_5_6_di_iii.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1113694 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1113694" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/10/31/tamron_25_200_lens.jpg?itok=s6R8WzSR 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/tamron_25_200_lens.jpg?itok=qX-Ne9h5 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/10/31/tamron_25_200_lens.jpg?itok=oh2idjo- 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="396" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/tamron_25_200_lens.jpg?itok=qX-Ne9h5" alt="Tamron 25-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 lens with control ring and autofocus switch visible."> </div> </div> <br> One lucky winner will receive the newest all-in-one 8x zoom from Tamron. This lens features a fast f/2.8 aperture when shooting at 25mm and has a very useable f/5.6 aperture when zoomed all the way into 200mm.&nbsp; With a minimum focusing distance of just 6.3 inches and 31.5 inches between the wide and telephoto range, this lens can also provide exceptional close-up magnification. This 2nd Generation lens is essentially the successor to the wildly popular 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD lens but now gives an even wider field of view for photographers wanting a light weight, yet versatile travel lens.&nbsp; <strong>Total value of this prize is $899</strong> <p><strong>Second Place:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/photo-studio-ultimate/?utm_source=fStoppers&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Ultimate2025">ACDSEE Photo Studio Ultimate 2026</a></strong><br> &nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/photo-studio-ultimate/?utm_source=fStoppers&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Ultimate2025"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1113698 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1113698" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/10/31/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2026_win_free.jpg?itok=JffZCvPo 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2026_win_free.jpg?itok=-BJxh8L0 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/10/31/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2026_win_free.jpg?itok=nMSmWfcC 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="373" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2026_win_free.jpg?itok=-BJxh8L0" alt="Two elk resting in a mountain meadow with forested slopes and alpine terrain in the background."> </div> </div> <br> The second place winner of this critique will win a full version of ACDSee's flagship Photo Studio Ultimate 2026 photo editing suite. This powerful photo editing software is one of the most popular suites for photographers wanting to catalog, edit, retouch, and store their images all in one single application. New for 2026 is an completely new Ai based portrait retouching panel, AI noise reduction module, hair selection tool, and brand new non destructive Ai style and develop presets. <strong>Total value of this prize is $150</strong> <p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1113699 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1113699" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/10/31/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=Lzl4x5Tg 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=aFHo72Np 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/10/31/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=ovEbrlzg 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/31/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=aFHo72Np" alt="Collage of photography educational course thumbnails and tutorials covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <br> &nbsp; <p> </p><p><strong>Third Place&nbsp;</strong>- This month 1 third place winner will receive a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> <strong>Total Prize value: $300</strong> </p><p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best photographs feature strong and dynamic color!</p> <p>Featured image by the talented <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/dinabelenko?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Dina Belenko</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/color?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 715812 October 31, 2025 - 11:26 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Color Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/shallow-depth-field-bokeh?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/shallow-depth-field-bokeh?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/snow_storm_bokeh.jpg.webp?itok=WQxM5neg" width="650" height="366" alt="Person in winter clothing pulling a wooden sled through heavy snowfall."> </a> <p>Welcome to a new Critique The Community! October is here which for many conjures up memories of football, autumn leaves, and of course Halloween. But for this month we want to focus on shallow depth of field and that obsession photographers have with Bokeh.</p> <p> Bokeh is simply that cool aesthetic you get when parts of your image go out of focus. This can be achieved with wide open apertures like f/2.8 or f/1.4 or it can be forced by shooting with longer telephoto lenses and focusing on a closer subject.&nbsp; No matter how it is achieved, everyone loves a nice creamy bokeh effect on their images.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p>For the entire month, we want to see your best images taken with super shallow depth of field and interesting use of bokeh. It can be subtle or it can be over the top; we just want high quality images that use a shallow depth of field in some interesting way.&nbsp;</p> <p>This contest is open to any genre of photography including landscapes, portraiture, weddings, still life, portraiture, conceptual photography, and any style that showcases super out of focus bokeh effects. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until October 30t at 11:45 PM&nbsp;Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. Since this critique is focused on bokeh, you probably need to explain the lens you used as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image must show some form of bokeh or out of focus effect in the image.</li> </ul> <h3>PRIZES</h3> <p>This month's contest is <a href="https://skl.sh/fstoppers05251">s</a><a href="https://lensbaby.com/discount/LBFStoppers?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fcollection">ponsored by Lensbaby</a>.&nbsp; Lensbaby first made their splash in the photography community decades ago with their affordable Lensbaby Original which allowed photographers to replicate a tilt shift type of effect by adjusting the focus plane of the lens. Nearly 20 years later, the company has expanded to now offering nearly a dozen lenses aimed at producing unique and specific effects.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1109276 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1109276" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_lensbaby_tilt_shift_lens_velvet_28.jpg?itok=7tm1Y_7Y 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_lensbaby_tilt_shift_lens_velvet_28.jpg?itok=OXQHy67Q 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_lensbaby_tilt_shift_lens_velvet_28.jpg?itok=whM2UCax 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="349" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_lensbaby_tilt_shift_lens_velvet_28.jpg?itok=OXQHy67Q" alt="Lensbaby Velvet 28mm and Composer Pro II with Edge 35 lens comparison graphic."> </div> </div> <br> <br> For this contest, Lensbaby is giving away two of their most popular prime lenses, the&nbsp;<a href="https://lensbaby.com/products/velvet-28?_pos=5&amp;_psq=velvet+28&amp;_ss=e&amp;_v=1.0">Velvet 28</a> ($549.95) and the <a href="https://lensbaby.com/products/cpii-edge-35-optic">Composer Pro II w/ Edge 35</a> ($449.95).&nbsp; The Velvet 28 lens offers a creamy, dreamy effect when shot wide open and can also focus extremely close for near macro quality shots.&nbsp; The Composer Pro II + Edge 35 allows photographers to achieve that tilt shift lens look that Lensbaby has been famous for all these years. With nearly twice the tilt angle of traditional tilt shift lenses, the Composer Pro II will allow you to create wildly shallow depth of field images you simply cannot create with normal lenses.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> Both of these lense are available in a variety of camera mounts and the winner will be able to pick their preferred mounting system.&nbsp; <p><strong>Total Prize value: $1000.</strong> </p><p>All Fstoppers readers can get 10% off any of the Lensbaby collection by using the code "<a href="https://lensbaby.com/discount/LBFStoppers?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fcollection">LBFstoppers</a>" directly on the <a href="https://lensbaby.com/discount/LBFStoppers?redirect=%2Fcollections%2Fcollection">Lensbaby store</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"><div class="media-image media-1109277 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1109277" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=Guz-NUTz 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=OoTkZdCY 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=-w7FHc_h 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/10/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free_1.jpg?itok=OoTkZdCY" alt="Collage of photography course and tutorial thumbnails covering portrait, fashion, macro, and landscape techniques."> </div> </div> </a> <p><strong>Second and Third Place&nbsp;</strong>- This month both 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> <strong>Total Prize value: $300</strong><br> <br> &nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing your best Bokeh filled images!<br> &nbsp;</p> <p>Featured image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/switekeu?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">L</a><a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/134731?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">ilia Alvarado</a> </p><h3></h3> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/shallow-depth-field-bokeh?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 712980 October 2, 2025 - 1:14 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Shallow Depth of Field / Bokeh Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/outside-box?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/outside-box?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/outside_the_box_photography.jpg.webp?itok=y7TH715k" width="650" height="366" alt="Bride and groom kissing during outdoor garden wedding ceremony surrounded by guests."> </a> <p>Welcome to a new Critique The Community! September is usually a month for transition and we want to embrace change. For this month we want to see images that required you to think "outside the box" or use a clever approach that lead you to creating an interesting image.</p> <p></p> <p>For the entire month, we are hoping to see your fresh take on a common subject or genre. Whether that means a unique perspective, a complicated or challenging camera trick, a wild post production edit, or even a less photographed subject matter, this contest is going to focus on being creative and pushing your boundaries. Of course the final image needs to pay off and work for the viewer too!</p> <p>This contest is open to any genre of photography including landscapes, portraiture, weddings, still life, portraiture, conceptual photography, and any style that showcases a clever approach. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until September 29th at 11:30 PM&nbsp;Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself.&nbsp;<strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image must feature something that is clearly unique or fairly uncommon. Your story will help sell this creativity but it always helps if the photo screams it on its own.</li> </ul> <h3>PRIZES</h3> <p><br> This month's contest is <a href="https://skl.sh/fstoppers05251">sponsored by Skillshare</a>.&nbsp; Skillshare is the largest online learning community for creatives, and they offer thousands of creative classes in countless categories. You might already be a great photographer but if you want to brush up on other artistic skills such as design, video editing, or illustration, Skillshare is the perfect platform to learn from respected mentors who can get you up and running quickly! Skillshare also has thousands of other practical classes like entrepreneurship, marketing, wood working, and even music classes which makes it a great resource regardless for your hobbies and general interest. All Fstoppers readers can also <a href="https://skl.sh/fstoppers05251">get 7 days free and 20% off any Skillshare plan</a>, anytime, without entering the contest.&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>First Place</strong> - The first place winner of this contest will receive a full year's subscription to Skillshare. You will get full access to all the classes and resources offered on the Skillshare platform for an entire year.&nbsp;</p> <a href="https://amzn.to/3I1htao"><div class="media-image media-1105025 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1105025" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/09/02/skillshare_logo.jpg?itok=EPlb3826 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/09/02/skillshare_logo.jpg?itok=GxjkMx3i 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/09/02/skillshare_logo.jpg?itok=ahuCEdlX 864w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="267" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/09/02/skillshare_logo.jpg?itok=GxjkMx3i" alt="Skillshare logo plus Amazon.com $500 gift card graphic."> </div> </div> </a> <p>In addition to a full year of Skillshare, the first place winner will also win a <a href="https://amzn.to/3I1htao">$500 Amazon gift card</a>. Together these prizes will not only increase your creative knowledge but also help you with some useful tools as you navigate your artistic journey.&nbsp; <strong>Total Prize value: $669</strong> </p><p><br> <br> <strong>Second Place</strong> - The second place winner will also receive a full year's subscription to Skillshare.&nbsp; <strong>Total Prize value: $169</strong> </p><p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1105027 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1105027" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/09/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=5SAT2wb7 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/09/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=DyBHApXl 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/09/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=dOqndpNi 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/09/02/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=DyBHApXl" alt="Collage of photography course and tutorial thumbnails covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <br> <strong>Third Place</strong> -&nbsp;The third place winner will receive a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> <strong>Total Prize value: $300</strong><br> &nbsp; <p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing images that required you to think outside the box!<br> <br> Featured image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/switekeu?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Łukasz Świtek</a> </p><h3>BONUS DEAL!</h3> <p>For the entire month of September, we are offering a special discount sale on one of our most popular tutorials: <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/well-rounded-photographer-8-instructors-teach-8-genres-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">The Well Rounded Photographer</a>.&nbsp; This tutorial features 8 different photography instructors and a wide range of photographic genres. We filmed and created this tutorial to help photographers think outside the box and explore different genres that they might not have considered.&nbsp; The genres included in this tutorial include Headshots, Swimwear, Product Photography, Landscape Photography, Architectural Photography, Editorial and Fashion Photography, as well as a bonus lesson on selling your photography to a large market Art Buyer.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> For the entire month of September, you can <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/well-rounded-photographer-8-instructors-teach-8-genres-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">get this tutorial for 56% off</a> at $129 (normally $299).&nbsp;&nbsp; <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/outside-box?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 710644 September 2, 2025 - 10:31 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Outside the Box Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/soft-light?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/soft-light?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/soft_light_portrait_contest.jpg.webp?itok=HuodV2JD" width="650" height="366" alt="Two figures with white wings posed against a muted blue-gray backdrop, one seated upright and one reclining on a white surface."> </a> <p>Today is a new month which means Fstoppers has a new Critique the Community contest! For the month of August, we want to see your best images featuring soft lighting. Anyone can enter up to 3 images with details below!</p> <p>This month we want to focus on one of the most important aspects of photography, lighting! For the August 2025 edition of Critique the Community we are asking to see your best images featuring soft lighting. Soft lighting is often described as having gentle, diffused shadows with gradual transitions between light and dark areas. Soft lighting is often less vibrant and shows less contrast when compared to direct, hard lighting. Your soft light images can be completely naturally lit or perfectly crafted in the studio using flash, and any genre of photography is acceptable including landscapes, portraiture, weddings, still life, and conceptual photography. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until August&nbsp;30th at 11:30 PM&nbsp;Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. <strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image must primarily feature soft lighting&nbsp;in some way. There can be other forms of lighting included but the overall theme and mood of the image must be soft.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <h3>The top 3 images win!</h3> <p>This month we are rewarding the top 3 winners with a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> (<strong>Prize value $300</strong>)</p> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"><div class="media-image media-1100717 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1100717" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/08/01/fstoppers_free_tutorial_1.jpg?itok=8t_eXOhb 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/08/01/fstoppers_free_tutorial_1.jpg?itok=fICHjNPh 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/08/01/fstoppers_free_tutorial_1.jpg?itok=VEKnzXCr 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/08/01/fstoppers_free_tutorial_1.jpg?itok=fICHjNPh" alt="Grid of photography tutorial and course promotional thumbnails covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> </a> <p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing the best soft light photos from the Fstoppers Community!</p> <p> </p><h2>BONUS DEAL!</h2> <p>For the month of August we are giving our readers the chance to purchase our fashion tutorial, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/fundamentals-fashion-photography-shavonne-wong?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">The Fundamentals of Fashion Photography with Shavonne Wong</a>, for only $49!&nbsp; This tutorial is normally priced at $179 and for this month only you can get it for the cheapest price it has ever been sold.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p> </p><p>Shavonne Wong is an incredible photographer based out of Singapore, and this tutorial explores some of her best tips and techniques for making jaw dropping fashion inspired images. In this course, Shavonne teaches you some of the most misunderstood aspects of fashion photography such as how to assemble and work with a team, how to cast the right model, how to correctly style a high-end looking shoot, and what poses look most flattering and fashion forward. If you are more interested in lighting techniques, don't worry, as Shavonne explores some of her favorite lighting setups as well as some of the pitfalls many photographers experience when designing clean, but interesting, fashion lighting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have an interest in fashion photography or simply want to learn from a successful photographer based in another world market, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/fundamentals-fashion-photography-shavonne-wong?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">The Fundamentals of Fashion Photography</a> is a great asset for photographers of any skill level.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p><p></p> <p>Featured Image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/alexhill?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">I</a><a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/304133?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">rina Jomir</a></p> <p></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/soft-light?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 707862 August 1, 2025 - 1:25 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Soft Light Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/abstract-or-conceptual?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/abstract-or-conceptual?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/fdf24c950b0c26a4edbc7f420b7f23e1.jpg.webp?itok=fD_xkERG" width="650" height="366" alt="Upward view of a Ferris wheel's intricate white metal framework against a dark blue sky, with orange structural supports visible on either side."> </a> <p>For the entire month of July, we want to see your best abstract or conceptual photographs! Enter the Fstoppers Critique the Community and show off your best images showcasing a slightly different view of the world.&nbsp;</p> <p>This month we want to open up the Critique the Community to those who capture the world in a truly unique way. For this contest, all submissions should showcase something photographed in an abstract, conceptual, or metaphysical way. We will leave that definition up to you, and feel free to enter images that feature people, places, objects, or even mixed media art.&nbsp; Anything goes this month but as always, make sure you explain how to created the photo and what your inspiration was for capturing the photo in the first place.&nbsp; Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until July&nbsp;30th at 11:30 PM&nbsp;Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. <strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image needs to be abstract in some way. This is a subjective theme but do if an image does not appear to fit the abstract concept, it will not be picked.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <h3>Every Selected Image Wins!</h3> <p>This month we are rewarding every single image that makes the final Critique the Community video with a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> (<strong>Prize value $300</strong>)</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1097695 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1097695" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/07/06/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=OkJSeEOF 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/07/06/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=OpOCxd5m 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/07/06/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=wrI-uhye 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/07/06/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=OpOCxd5m" alt="Grid layout of photography tutorial course thumbnails and promotional graphics featuring various subjects and techniques."> </div> </div> <p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing the best abstract photos from the Fstoppers Community!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/alexhill?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Alex Hill</a> </p><p></p> <p></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/abstract-or-conceptual?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 706064 July 6, 2025 - 12:23 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Abstract or Conceptual Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/great-outdoors?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/great-outdoors?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/c6f9b5cd03341e2200717a1f62430a30_0.jpg.webp?itok=dL3Ctu4k" width="650" height="366" alt="Small black and tan dog carrying a large branch in its mouth amid falling autumn leaves."> </a> <p>Summer time is here which means it's time to see your best outdoor images! For our June contest, we want to see your best images taken outside, and the winner will be rewarded handsomely.&nbsp;</p> <p>With school now out and everyone itching to get those summer trips planned, we thought it would be great to open up this month's critique the community to any image taken outdoors.&nbsp; This theme is up to your interpretation but in a perfect world your image would be outside, or look to be outside, and should definitely incorporate nature or a busy city scene in some way.&nbsp; Although the featured image is an eye catching image of a dog, your subject could be anything from a friend, your family, a professional model, or just a beautiful landscape. Each community member can submit up to 3 images for this contest.&nbsp;</p> <h3><br> Rules</h3> <ul> <li>All images must be submitted from now until&nbsp;June 30th at 2am Eastern Time.&nbsp;</li> <li>Every image submitted must include a short story on how you took the photo, what were the challenges, how you used natural or artificial lighting, what gear you used, and any other interesting insight on the image itself. <strong>Photos that do not include some backstory on how it was taken will not be picked to be featured in the Critique the Community episode</strong>.&nbsp;</li> <li>Each image needs to incorporate something related to the Outdoors. This is a subjective theme but do if an image does not appear to fit the outdoor concept, it will not be picked.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <h3><br> 1st Place Prize: Godox AD600 Pro II&nbsp;</h3> <p><a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1836274-REG/godox_ad600proii_all_in_one_outdoor_flash.html/overview?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1092451 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1092451" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/05/30/godox_ad600_pro_ii_contest.png?itok=t0iSfAKu 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/05/30/godox_ad600_pro_ii_contest.png?itok=LqIviJkv 550w" sizes="100vw" width="550" height="165" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/30/godox_ad600_pro_ii_contest.png?itok=FwOVugUm" alt="Godox AD600ProII outdoor flash unit with integrated LED light mounted on a stand against dark background."> </div> </div> <br> We are happy to have Godox sponsoring this month's contest. With the recent release of the <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1836274-REG/godox_ad600proii_all_in_one_outdoor_flash.html/overview?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">brand new AD600 Pro II</a>, this powerful 600ws strobe is the perfect companion for adding beautiful light to any photograph. This new update to one of the industry's most loved studio strobes offers a greater power range from 1/1 down to 1/512 power, an improved bi color LED modeling lamp, and even faster flash durations for freezing fast moving elements in your photos.&nbsp; (<strong>Prize Value $899</strong>) <p><br></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p><br> Recently Lee Morris of Fstoppers reviewed the top studio strobes for photographers and the AD600 Pro II ranked as one of his favorite strobes on the market today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3>2nd Place Prize: ACDSee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025</h3> <p>The second place winner will receive a lifetime license of ACDSee's flagship photo editing and organizing software <a href="https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/photo-studio-ultimate/?utm_source=fStoppers&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Ultimate2025">Photo Studio Ultimate 2025</a>. This software doesn't just let you edit your raw files but you can also do some really exciting editing and organizing using AI and advanced masks. If you've wanted to break away from the grips of Adobe's subscription model, ACDSee's Photo Studio Ultimate is a great way to get the most out of your photos without the extra monthly fees.&nbsp; <strong>(Prize Value $149)</strong> </p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/photo-studio-ultimate/?utm_source=fStoppers&amp;utm_medium=Video&amp;utm_campaign=Ultimate2025"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1092450 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1092450" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/05/30/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025_free.jpg?itok=uX9bIfye 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/30/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025_free.jpg?itok=01RO6PvV 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/05/30/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025_free.jpg?itok=_R4dwrYE 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="272" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/30/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025_free.jpg?itok=01RO6PvV" alt="Screenshot of Acdsee Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 purchase options interface with product box and security guarantee messaging."> </div> </div> <p> </p><h3>3rd Place Prize: Photography Tutorial from Fstoppers</h3> <p>As always, the third place winner of this critique the community contest will win a <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">full photography tutorial</a> from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> (<strong>Prize value $300</strong>)</p> <p><a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1092452 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1092452" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/05/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=zx3jzlvk 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=vxMw9UhA 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/05/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=Sozszil5 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=vxMw9UhA" alt="Grid of photography tutorial and course thumbnails covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <p>Good luck to everyone who enters and we look forward to seeing the best outdoor photos from the Fstoppers Community!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/331202?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Chris Van Riel</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/great-outdoors?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 702786 May 30, 2025 - 10:50 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: The Great Outdoors Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/modern-photos?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/modern-photos?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/modern_photographs.jpg.webp?itok=cU2c8PdJ" width="650" height="366" alt="Wood duck swimming in water with wings partially raised, displaying iridescent plumage in blue and purple tones."> </a> <p>You've spent thousands on photography equipment. Justify your purchase by showing us your recent images that were made possible with modern gear and cutting-edge features.</p> <p>In February, we asked to see your best images taken with older cameras to prove that good photographs don't require the newest, most expensive equipment. For our May contest, we want the opposite. We want to see images taken with modern equipment that would not have been possible to capture with older gear.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maybe your 100mp sensor allowed you to crop in to the perfect composition or your 120fps camera allowed you to capture the perfect moment. Maybe modern autofocus allowed you to capture a fast-moving subject, or your camera's incredible ISO performance allowed you to capture an image in almost total darkness. Perhaps the editing software you used allowed you to save an image by upscalling it, removing noise, or extending the frame. We want to see images that would not have been possible to capture just a few years ago.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <h3>1st Prize</h3> <p>For this contest, the first-place winner will receive the entire <a href="https://www.polarpro.com/collections/bags?srsltid=AfmBOorfqxf045LFD_EO394DgU5Hq1sCwncXok-utjhfQFBaGUdQe9lA">"Road Runner" Collection of bags by Polar Pro</a>. These lightweight bags have been designed by professionals to meet the most demanding needs of traveling photographers and videographers. These bags come in five different sizes but the winner won't have to choose between them because they'll get them all. Due to shipping costs and trade wars, these bags must be mailed within the United States.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1088932 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1088932" data-uid="303"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/05/03/screenshot_2025-05-03_at_4.55.53_pm.png?itok=jMc5_t-I 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/03/screenshot_2025-05-03_at_4.55.53_pm.png?itok=zio9moNZ 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/05/03/screenshot_2025-05-03_at_4.55.53_pm.png?itok=lBvB0OgN 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="379" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/05/03/screenshot_2025-05-03_at_4.55.53_pm.png?itok=zio9moNZ" alt="Four black camera bags with tan accents arranged by size on sandy ground, labeled with their capacities."> </div> </div> <h3>2nd and 3rd Prize</h3> <p>For this contest, the 2nd and 3rd place winner will get their choice of any tutorial in the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Rules</h2> <p>Each photographer is allowed to upload up to three different images. We will choose 10 images to feature in our critique based on the description the photographer uploads and how relevant the image and story is to the theme of "modern photography." Obviously, images without a description will be disqualified, but images with poor descriptions will also be ignored. Community ratings will not affect our choice in any way so your score doesn't matter, so it's not worth complaining about.&nbsp;</p> <h2>Extra Deal</h2> <p>For all of May, we are discounting our tutorial with Pye Jirsa titled <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/mastering-adobe-lightroom-how-use-lightroom-pye-jirsa?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Master Adobe Lightroom</a> to just $49. If you're looking to not only master post processing, but learn to do it as quickly as possible, in a single piece of affordable software, this is the tutorial for you. Obviously Lightroom is the first choice of volume photographers everywhere, but <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/mastering-adobe-lightroom-how-use-lightroom-pye-jirsa?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">this tutorial</a> will open the eyes of even the most casual shooters.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>As with all of our tutorials, if you don't like it, just let us know and we will give you all of your money back. You have absolutely <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/mastering-adobe-lightroom-how-use-lightroom-pye-jirsa?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">nothing to lose</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/modern-photos?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 700617 May 3, 2025 - 5:15 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Modern Photos Lee Morris https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-portraits?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-portraits?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="en"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/best_portraits.jpg.webp?itok=8sFMyNkX" width="650" height="366" alt="Bearded man in glasses and cap examining geological specimens on a map overlooking a waterfront."> </a> <p>Welcome to the April 2025 Critique the Community Contest!&nbsp; For this month's contest we want to make it super simple and inclusive by asking for your best portrait images. They can be full length, headshots, single person, multiple people, natural light or lit in the studio. Anything is fair game for this critique!&nbsp;</p> <p>As always, please write a short story on how you took the portrait, what camera gear and lighting you used, any challenges you faced, and any other interesting information about the shoot in general.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and what challenges you faced taking the image. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>March Prizes</h2> <h2><strong>1st Place</strong>&nbsp;</h2> <p>This contest is sponsored by the culling, editing, and retouching software company <a href="https://aftershoot.co/fstoppers_contest">Aftershoot</a>. Aftershoot is a powerful all-in-one AI based editing suite aimed at helping photographers shave off hours and even days on their photography sessions. Unlike other editing software suites, Aftershoot does it all by helping photographers quickly cull down their full photo sessions in minutes, batch complex edits throughout different mini sessions, and offers quick skin and face retouching with just a few clicks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <a href="https://aftershoot.co/fstoppersa"><div class="media-image media-1083443 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1083443" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_banner_contest.png?itok=ixCIAVXw 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_banner_contest.png?itok=W0v0myup 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_banner_contest.png?itok=J8uT-DIZ 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="395" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_banner_contest.png?itok=W0v0myup" alt="Screenshot of photo editing software interface showing portrait images with editing tools and a free trial offer."> </div> </div> </a> <p>Fstoppers readers can get a <a href="https://aftershoot.co/fstoppers_contest">free 30 day trial of this software</a>, but one lucky first place winner will receive a <strong>full Annual Aftershoot Max Plan worth $720</strong>.</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1083605 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1083605" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/31/photography_gift_card_amazon.jpg?itok=D3LzVUTS 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/31/photography_gift_card_amazon.jpg?itok=HdP1nyp6 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/31/photography_gift_card_amazon.jpg?itok=hkE2GANp 1152w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="250" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/31/photography_gift_card_amazon.jpg?itok=HdP1nyp6" alt="Amazon Gift Card graphic displaying $500 denomination. Dark card with orange Amazon smile logo and text."> </div> </div> <p>On top of that, Aftershoot is including a <strong>$500 Amazon gift card</strong> to help you produce better portraits on your next photoshoot! T<strong>otal prize value ($1220).&nbsp;</strong> </p><p> </p><h2><strong>2nd and 3rd Place</strong></h2> <p></p> <p>This month, both 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive their choice of any Fstoppers photo or video tutorial found at <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers.com/store</a></p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1083442 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1083442" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=E73Ue2FN 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=pWDaQOt_ 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=Zl-kdlr_ 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/30/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=pWDaQOt_" alt="Grid layout of photography tutorial and course thumbnails covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p>The <strong>total value of this prize is up to $299</strong> </p><p>We are excited to see your best portrait photographs. Good luck to everyone and we will see you at the end of the month!</p> <p></p> <h2>Bonus April Sale</h2> <p>For the month of April, we are offering up <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/clay-cook-fashion-and-editorial-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Clay Cook's Fashion and Editorial Portrait Photography tutorial</a> for just <strong>$59</strong>.&nbsp; Clay Cook is an incredible photographer based out of Louisville, Kentucky who specializes in eye catching portraits used for marketing, advertising, and story telling. In this 11+ hour tutorial, Clay teaches some of his favorite lighting setups, shows you how to completely change your images by building and designing inexpensive sets, and explores how to set a mood with wardrobe, interesting color grades, and outdoor location choices.&nbsp;</p> <p><br> </p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>This tutorial was design for photographers in both large and small niche markets looking to build a significant business around editorial and fashion portraiture. Normally this tutorial is sold for <strong>$300</strong> but we are marking it down to <strong>$59 just for the month of April</strong>.&nbsp;<br> <br> Featured Image by the talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/marcolivierleblanc?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Marc Olivier Le Blanc</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-portraits?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 697016 March 31, 2025 - 10:03 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Your Best Portraits Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/images-taken-older-camera?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/images-taken-older-camera?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/angel_oak_30x40.jpg.webp?itok=7FEebkgY" width="650" height="366" alt="Ancient tree with massive dark trunk and sprawling canopy of bright green foliage backlit by golden sunlight."> </a> <p>Welcome to the March 2025 Critique the Community Contest!&nbsp; For this month's contest we want to see your best images taken with an older camera you've owned. This could mean your previous smart phone camera, an older DSLR camera, or even a modern mirrorless camera that you've since replaced with a newer camera. Obviously this opens the door for a ton of entries so we are asking that you add a little information about the camera you used to create the photograph and what camera(s) you are now using. If the only camera you own was first released before 2020, you can submit images taken from it as well even if you have never upgraded since then.&nbsp;</p> <p>The whole idea behind this contest is we want to see images taken without the absolute latest and greatest gear available. We want read about the challenges you experienced back then and how it might be easier to capture the same shot today with a more state of the art camera.</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and what challenges you faced taking the image. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> <li>Each image MUST identify what camera it was taken on and what camera or cameras you are currently shooting with today.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Because the only requirement for this contest is the model of camera you used, we are allowing submissions of images from any genre of photography. Whether that be landscapes, product and commercial, portraits, composite work, or conceptual and fine art photography,&nbsp; any type of photography is allowed in this contest.</p> <p></p> <h2>March Prizes</h2> <h2><strong>1st Place</strong>&nbsp;</h2> <p><br> <br> One first place winner will receive a full <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/">bundle of Topaz Labs' software suite</a>. Topaz Labs has become the industry leader in image upsampling and Ai processing for both photograph and videography. This suite includes an unlocked copy of Topaz Labs' <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/gigapixel">GigaPixel 8</a> software which allows you to upscale and enhance any image up to 16x. Also included is a copy of <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/topaz-photo-ai">Photo AI 3</a> which uses artificial intellegence to bring out more detail and sharpness out of your photographs. Finally, for the video editors out there, the first place winner of this contest will receive a full copy of Tapaz Labs <a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/topaz-video-ai">Video AI 6</a>. This powerful software allows you to drastically improve any video file with options to upscale, resample, stabilize, denoise, and add additional frames for slow motion.&nbsp; We have personally been using Video AI to upscale some of our older youtube content and the results are unbelievable.&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="https://www.topazlabs.com/"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1079210 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1079210" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/03/topaz_labs.jpg?itok=2sRMpCS4 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/topaz_labs.jpg?itok=k79sUuJF 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/03/topaz_labs.jpg?itok=Bhxogpq6 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="320" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/topaz_labs.jpg?itok=k79sUuJF" alt="Topaz Labs software product boxes displayed on a mountainous landscape backdrop."> </div> </div> <br> <br> Additionally, the first place winner will also receive the brand new <a href="https://www.hohem.com/product/isteady-m7">iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal from Hohem</a>. The iSteady M7 is an advanced battery powered gimbal that stands out from other smartphone gimbals with it's wireless, self monitoring LCD remote and it's Ai powered subject tracking. The M7 also has an incredibly convenient extension arm built into the gimbal itself making it a versatile tool for any videographer or vlogger needing professional looking footage from their pocket sized smartphone. <a href="https://fstoppers.com/reviews/face-tracking-comes-new-isteady-m7-gimbal-687962?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">We recently reviewed the iSteady M7</a> and it is one of the most powerful yet compact smartphone gimbals we have ever used. <a href="https://fstoppers.com/reviews/face-tracking-comes-new-isteady-m7-gimbal-687962?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"><div class="media-image media-1079212 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1079212" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/03/hohem_m7_isteady_fstoppers_best_gimbal_smartphone_0.png?itok=Op2Qh2IV 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/hohem_m7_isteady_fstoppers_best_gimbal_smartphone_0.png?itok=59fdEuS5 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/03/hohem_m7_isteady_fstoppers_best_gimbal_smartphone_0.png?itok=zvRacYm4 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="267" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/hohem_m7_isteady_fstoppers_best_gimbal_smartphone_0.png?itok=59fdEuS5" alt="Gimbal stabilizer with smartphone mounted displaying video footage, alongside wireless controller against warm golden-hour lighting."> </div> </div> </a> <h2><br> <strong>2nd Place</strong></h2> <p><br> <br> One second place winner will also win an iSteady M7 smartphone gimbal from Hohem.<br></p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> The total value of this prize is $300.&nbsp; <h2><strong>3rd Place</strong></h2> <p> </p><p>As always, our third place winner will receive their choice of any Fstoppers photo or video tutorial found at <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers.com/store</a> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1079215 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1079215" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/03/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=RsVeuHhD 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=toKbj4Sp 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/03/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=FLNo8QNV 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/03/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=toKbj4Sp" alt="Grid of photography course and tutorial thumbnails covering various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <p>The <strong>total value of this prize is up to $299</strong><br> <br> We are excited to see your best images captured using one of your previously owned cameras. Good luck to everyone and we will see you at the end of the month!</p> <p> </p><h2>Bonus March Sale</h2> <p>For the month of March, Elia Locardi's photography tutorial <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-world-2-cityscape-astrophotography-and-advanced-post-processing?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World 2: Cityscape, Astrophotography, and Advanced Post-Processing</a> is <strong>on sale for just $59</strong> (regular price at <strong>$299.99</strong>).&nbsp;<br> <br> In the second installment of Photographing the World, Elia takes you on a journey through some of his favorite countries as he captures both rural historic sites as well as some of the world's most modern cityscapes. You will learn Elia's entire on location workflow as he travels through Italy, Cambodia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. We then fly down to New Zealand where Elia focuses on capturing the night sky, star trails, and the Milky Way.&nbsp;</p> <div class="ba-wrapper"><div class="media-image-compare"> <div class="field__items" data-type="data-type-image"> <div data-type="before" data-label><img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-before.jpg?itok=kBdzqqGP 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-before.jpg?itok=Qnwgckug 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-before.jpg?itok=rQ2KcJ6R 1454w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="550" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-before.jpg?itok=Qnwgckug" alt="Dense urban skyline silhouetted against a golden sunset with dramatic storm clouds overhead and water visible in the foreground."></div> <div data-type="after" data-label><img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-after.jpg?itok=rebcfeG5 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-after.jpg?itok=gx_MJbI_ 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-after.jpg?itok=zPXadm7P 1454w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="550" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/03/04/lesson-14-hong-kong-victoria-peak-blend-after.jpg?itok=gx_MJbI_" alt="Dense urban skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings reflected in water below."></div> </div> </div></div> As always, Elia then comes back to the post production studio to share his entire editing process including some of his favorite techniques for increasing dynamic range, removing distracting objects and people, blending multiple exposures into one single photo, and of course his entire astrophotography workflow as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; <p> </p><p><br> </p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p><br> Learn more about this incredible landscape tutorial in the video above and jump over to the full <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-world-2-cityscape-astrophotography-and-advanced-post-processing?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World 2 sales page</a> to take advantage of this fire sale during the month of March!</p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/images-taken-older-camera?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 694464 March 3, 2025 - 2:02 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Images Taken on an Older Camera Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/was-difficult?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/was-difficult?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/complicated_photoshoot.jpg.webp?itok=hjmOSVF4" width="650" height="366" alt="Woman in white blouse and dark skirt reclining on vintage suitcases against industrial backdrop."> </a> <p>Welcome to the February 2025 Critique the Community Contest!&nbsp; For this contest and critique we wanted to switch up the theme a bit by asking you to submit the most difficult and challenging images you've ever taken. Maybe the shoot was difficult because of the time constraint or because of the talent was high maintenance. Perhaps you decided to build an elaborate set from scratch or it required a specific weather or lighting event that doesn't happen often. No matter what the reason, we want to see and HEAR about your most complicated, nearly disastrous, but successful photo sessions you've ever been a part of capturing.</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and what challenges you faced taking the image. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> <li>Each image MUST explain why the image was difficult to capture and why you consider it one of your most challenging shoots ever.</li> </ul> <p>Because this theme is based on how difficult the photo was to capture, you can submit images from any genre of photography whether that be landscapes, product and commercial, portraits, composite work, or conceptual and fine art photography.&nbsp; Any type of photography is allowed in this contest.</p> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>For this contest, each of our 3 favorite photographs will receive a free <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Photography Tutorial from Fstoppers.com/store</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1074560 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1074560" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/02/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free_a.jpg?itok=yZrtEt5a 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/02/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free_a.jpg?itok=UbZsTsPI 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/02/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free_a.jpg?itok=TsuKxpKW 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/02/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free_a.jpg?itok=UbZsTsPI" alt="Collection of photography tutorial and education course thumbnails featuring various subjects and techniques."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p>We are excited to see your most "complicated" photographs and look forward to viewing all your submissions!</p> <p> </p><p></p> <p>Featured image taken by the incredible <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/jangonzales?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Jan Gonzales</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/was-difficult?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 691771 February 1, 2025 - 10:41 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: This was Difficult! Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/winter-0?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/winter-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/fstoppers_winter_contest.jpg.webp?itok=eha0-AKn" width="650" height="366" alt="Brown horse running through snow with cowboy on horseback and other horses following behind in winter landscape."> </a> <p>Welcome to the first Critique the Community Contest of 2025! Since it is deep winter in the Northern Hemisphere, we decided to make this month's theme "Winter." You can submit any image you've taken that captures cold, winter, or freezing elements. This theme isn't reserved for landscapes only, so feel free to submit your best portraits or product shots as well.</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a small description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and what challenges you faced taking the image. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> <li>These images must have something to do with the Winter theme or else they will not be selected for the critique.</li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>For this contest, we are going back old school and offering every photograph featured in his Critique the Community a free <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Photography Tutorial from Fstoppers.com/store</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1069747 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1069747" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2025/01/04/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=BVV46zwk 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/01/04/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=LpzvlVcH 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2025/01/04/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=uDS5U6ax 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2025/01/04/fstoppers_free_tutorial.jpg?itok=LpzvlVcH" alt="Collage of photography tutorial course thumbnails and promotional graphics."> </div> </div> <p>We are excited to see your best "winter" themed photographs and look forward to viewing all your submissions!</p> <p> </p><p> </p><p>Featured image taken by the incredible <a href="https://fstoppers.com/photo/609835?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Karthik Subramaniam</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/winter-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 688925 January 4, 2025 - 9:37 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Winter Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-images-2024?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-images-2024?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/best_images_of_2024.jpg.webp?itok=OEjOuFRE" width="650" height="366" alt="Cowboy in hat and vest holding an American flag that billows behind him against a dark background."> </a> <p>For the final photography contest of the year, we want to see your best images taken in 2024! There isn't going to be a specific genre for our December contest so anything goes as long as it's one of your favorite or most successful images of the year. Of course it must have been taken or published for the first time in 2024.</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a small description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and why it was your best image taken in 2024. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> <li>These images must have been taken or published for the first time in 2024</li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>Fstoppers is excited to be giving away some amazing photography related gear for each of these critique the community contests. For December's critique we are mixing it up a little bit.</p> <p><strong>All Picked Submissions will Received the Follow Prizes!</strong></p> <p></p> <a href="https://amzn.to/3B7zZKY"><div class="media-image media-1066430 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1066430" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/12/09/the_best_hot_sauce_gift_oliveum.jpg?itok=6IpVlo4W 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/12/09/the_best_hot_sauce_gift_oliveum.jpg?itok=ff8AZm20 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/12/09/the_best_hot_sauce_gift_oliveum.jpg?itok=f8gVlaFO 970w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="495" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/12/09/the_best_hot_sauce_gift_oliveum.jpg?itok=ff8AZm20" alt="Amber liquid in a dark-labeled bottle surrounded by dynamic golden sparks and splashing liquid against a dark background."> </div> </div> </a> <p>To celebrate the launch of Lee Morris's hot sauce, each image featured in the next Critique the Community will receive a free bottle of <a href="https://amzn.to/3VrhBDF">Oliveum Hot Sauce</a>. For anyone who has followed Fstoppers over the last few years, you have probably heard the story of Lee's journey into the hot sauce world. Today marks the first time the public can purchase a smaller, more affordable 3.3 oz bottle.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1066429 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1066429" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/12/09/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=3IGrJhD- 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/12/09/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=1rh4jZsk 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/12/09/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=dJOO3sYC 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/12/09/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=1rh4jZsk" alt="Collage of photography tutorial course thumbnails covering various techniques and subjects."> </div> </div> <br> <br> Also, every photograph featured in the next Critique the Community will also receive a free <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Photography Tutorial from Fstoppers.com/store</a>.&nbsp; <p>We are excited to see some of the best images created by the Fstoppers Community and we look forward to heading into the new year with a bang!</p> <p><br> <br> &nbsp;</p> <p> </p><p>Featured image taken by the incredible <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/spectaclephoto?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Richard Johnson</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/your-best-images-2024?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 687049 December 9, 2024 - 11:30 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Your Best Images of 2024 Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/drama?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/drama?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/dramatic_photo_contest_fstoppers.jpg.webp?itok=EUCFRzDq" width="650" height="366" alt="Fisherman in a small boat with a glowing lantern on a mirror-still river at twilight, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains."> </a> <p>For our next photography contest, we want to see your best dramatic photos ever taken! The theme is dramatic but the genre of photography can be anything. If you have a photo that you feel is a dramatic representation of a landscape, product shot, portrait, wedding, architectural shoot, or any other genre of photography, you are free to submit it to November's critique the community.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a small description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and anything else useful for us to discuss. <strong>Simply writing a single sentence that doesn't explain much of anything will disqualify you from being chosen!</strong></li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>Fstoppers is excited to be giving away some amazing photography related gear for each of these critique the community contests. For November's "dramatic" critique we are giving away the following prizes:&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p><strong>First Place</strong>: One lucky winner will receive a full <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1852628-REG/pmi_smokegenie_pmi_nj_tridnt_smokeninja_pro_handheld_battery_powered.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Smoke Ninja Pro Trident system</a>. These powerful battery operated smoke machines let you add haze, smoke, fog, and even bubble effects to any of your photo and video productions without the need for electricity. The built in remote control can be used to wirelessly trigger the Smoke Ninja Pro or you can even tether them together and fire multiple units as one single unit. The Trident Kit comes with 3 Smoke Ninja Pro units, bluetooth Haze Nossle, bubble nozzle, and remote control handle. This prize is valued at $799.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1852628-REG/pmi_smokegenie_pmi_nj_tridnt_smokeninja_pro_handheld_battery_powered.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored"><div class="media-image media-1061068 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1061068" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/11/01/pmi_smoke_ninja_trident_kit.jpg?itok=fJeyZ4kj 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/01/pmi_smoke_ninja_trident_kit.jpg?itok=r26dh-MV 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/11/01/pmi_smoke_ninja_trident_kit.jpg?itok=to5z_ts6 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="434" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/01/pmi_smoke_ninja_trident_kit.jpg?itok=r26dh-MV" alt="SmokeNINJA PRO - Trident Kit with multiple cylindrical smoke generators and accessories arranged on white surface."> </div> </div> </a> <p> </p><p><strong>Second Place</strong>: This month's second place winner will receive an unlocked copy of Skylum's latest flagship photo editing program <a href="https://skylum.evyy.net/c/2069361/1318151/3255">Luminar Neo</a>. Luminar burst onto the photo editing scene back in 2016 and was praised by photographers who wanted to edit their photos quicker with simple slider and single button effects adjustments. In 2022 Skylum updated the software with Luminar Neo which added AI effects such as relighting, sky replacement, background removal, powerline removal, and atmospheric effects. So whether you are a photographer simply looking to edit your raw files or you want to begin adding different skies, changing the lighting, or developing a more robust color palate to your images, Luminar Neo is a the perfect editing tool. &nbsp; This prize is valued at $347</p> <p> <a href="https://skylum.evyy.net/c/2069361/1318151/3255"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1063142 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1063142" data-uid="305"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/11/15/luminar_neo_image.jpg?itok=LhPlNANw 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/15/luminar_neo_image.jpg?itok=NZKx5NfV 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/11/15/luminar_neo_image.jpg?itok=g2bfQu8Z 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="450" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/15/luminar_neo_image.jpg?itok=NZKx5NfV" alt="Manhattan skyline at sunset with golden hour lighting across buildings and water."> </div> </div> <p><strong>Third Place</strong>: Our final third place winner will receive a free copy of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">photography tutorial from the Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; This prize is valued at $299.</p> <p> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1061069 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1061069" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/11/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=PykWY2jj 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=vYSB1vfO 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/11/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=D5izMpiN 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/11/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=vYSB1vfO" alt="Grid of 16 photography course and tutorial thumbnail covers featuring various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <h3>BONUS NOVEMBER FLASH SALE!</h3> <p>Each month we also offer our own special sales, and for the month of November we are marking down one of our best photography tutorials ever produced, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/hero-shot-how-light-and-composite-product-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">The Hero Shot by Brian Rodgers Jr</a>. For the next 30 days only, you can get this 13 hour long product photographer masterclass for just $100.</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>In this course, Brian teaches you everything you need to know to produce jaw dropping, highly polished looking product shots from start to finish. Regardless if you own fancy studio strobes or just have a couple of cheap LED lights, Brian shows you everything you need to craft dramatic and beautiful lighting on all sort of different products, surface materials, and mini product photography sets. He shows you all the settings, all the lighting and light modifier tips, introduces some of his favorite tools, outlines how to tether and shoot from a computer, tricks for exposure and focus bracketing, and using single items to make larger multi product display images. Once every frame is taken, Brian then takes you into Photoshop where all the magic happens. And to make following along super easy, Brian has included each high res file in this download so you can copy his workflow and achieve the same results real time.<br> <br> We can't wait to see all your submissions to this contest and look forward to seeing your dramatic images!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured image taken by the incredible <a href="https://fstoppers.com/photo/524246?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Win Mag</a> </p><p></p> <p></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/drama?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 684181 November 1, 2024 - 3:13 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Drama Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/landscape-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/landscape-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/2b9f0f87843e05b97cf5320cc67a09b8.jpg.webp?itok=9j2O0fWm" width="650" height="366" alt="Alpine valley at sunrise with dramatic peaked mountains, mist-filled meadows, and scattered wooden buildings."> </a> <p>For our next photography contest, we want to see the best Landscape photos you have ever taken!&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a small description that includes details about how the photograph was taken, what post processing was done to it, where it was taken, and anything else useful for us to discuss</li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>Fstoppers is excited to be giving away some amazing photography related gear for each of these critique the community contests. For October's Landscape Photography critique we are giving away the following prizes:&nbsp;<br> <br> <strong>First Place</strong>: One lucky winner will receive <a href="https://www.tamron-usa.com/product/lenses/a074.html">Tamron's brand new 28 - 300mm F/4 - 7.1 Di III VC VXD all in one travel lens</a> for Sony. This full frame lens has an insane focal range that will allow you to capture both wide angle shots as well as details far off in the distance. Weighing in at just 21.5 ounces and measuring only 5 inches long, this is the perfect landscape lens for the photographer looking to travel light but unrestricted.&nbsp; This prize is valued at $900.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1056654 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1056654" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/10/03/tamron_28_-_300_best_landscape_travel_lens.jpg?itok=YR7slrFz 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/tamron_28_-_300_best_landscape_travel_lens.jpg?itok=J1P4LP9i 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/10/03/tamron_28_-_300_best_landscape_travel_lens.jpg?itok=T9QdJ_9s 1197w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="384" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/tamron_28_-_300_best_landscape_travel_lens.jpg?itok=J1P4LP9i" alt="Tamron 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens for Sony mirrorless cameras with product specifications and marketing text."> </div> </div> <br> <br> <strong>Second Place</strong>: This month's second place winner will receive a free copy of Acdsee's brand new flagship photo editing suite <a href="https://www.acdsee.com/en/products/photo-studio-ultimate/buy/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwgfm3BhBeEiwAFfxrG4gqQsQ8hzMnl_V2TUXbj65Uq1kPsuhlsC13VmSyXvndxfXzvB02ABoCTCwQAvD_BwE">Photo Studio Ultimate 2025</a>. Acdsee has become one of the top raw editing software for those who want to break away from the perpetual subscription model other companies offer. Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 is a substantial upgrade with a brand-new Ai-Super Resolution upscaler, new non-destructive Ai selection masking, and GPU processing that makes batching files faster than ever. Whether you're looking for a great alternative to Lightroom or you just want a single piece of software for all your photo cataloging and raw editing needs, Acdsee's Photo Studio Ultimate 2025 is the latest version of this highly acclaimed software. This prize is valued at $150 <p></p><div class="media-image media-1056653 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1056653" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/10/03/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025.jpg?itok=iF8PdAMm 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025.jpg?itok=WKjKWb3_ 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/10/03/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025.jpg?itok=y8uRQAZg 1292w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="471" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/acdsee_photo_studio_ultimate_2025.jpg?itok=WKjKWb3_" alt="Screenshot of ACDSee photo editing software interface with landscape image displayed."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p><strong>Third Place</strong>: Our final third place winner will receive a free copy of any <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">photography tutorial from the Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; This prize is valued at $299.</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1056655 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1056655" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=k7u2eTI2 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=lPQ0U9wn 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=DxjFkWT5 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=lPQ0U9wn" alt="Grid layout of photography and videography course thumbnails covering various techniques and subjects."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p>Each month we also offer our own special sales, and for the month of October, we have three unique deals for the Fstoppers community.&nbsp;</p> <h2>This Month's Best Deal</h2> <a href="https://fstoppers.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4e6f8ec849598786b3ead42e&amp;id=5365952ee5&amp;e=c3800610a5"><div class="media-image media-1056659 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1056659" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_5day_deal_2025_0.jpg?itok=rGjtPG23 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_5day_deal_2025_0.jpg?itok=OgeyS2WD 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_5day_deal_2025_0.jpg?itok=YvXa36qT 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="398" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/10/03/fstoppers_5day_deal_2025_0.jpg?itok=OgeyS2WD" alt="Promotional graphic displaying software product boxes and logos for a sale ending October 11th."> </div> </div> </a> <p>Fstoppers and 5 Day Deal have teamed up again for the biggest and best photography deal of the entire year! For the next few days, <a href="https://fstoppers.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4e6f8ec849598786b3ead42e&amp;id=5365952ee5&amp;e=c3800610a5">5 Day Deal</a> is offering their annual photography bundle worth over $3000 and you can buy it for just $166.&nbsp; This year Fstoppers is offering our&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-world-2-cityscape-astrophotography-and-advanced-post-processing?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World II - Cityscape, Astrophotography and Advanced Post-Processing</a> tutorial in the <a href="https://fstoppers.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4e6f8ec849598786b3ead42e&amp;id=5365952ee5&amp;e=c3800610a5">Complete Charity Bundle</a>.&nbsp; We normally sell this landscape tutorial by Elia Locardi for $300 but for just $166 you can get this tutorial along with dozens of other photography products all together in the Charity Bundle. Sometimes the sales page for 5 Day Deal can be a bit confusing, but if you want the most bang for your buck as well as Photographing the World II, scroll down to the bottom and find the Charity Bundle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> You can watch the promo video for Photographing the World II above and also <a href="https://fstoppers.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d4e6f8ec849598786b3ead42e&amp;id=5365952ee5&amp;e=c3800610a5">use this link to check out every tutorial, plugin, preset, and digital asset included in this year's 5 Day Deal</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br> <br> This year's <strong>5 Day Deal ends March 11th</strong> so make sure you grab this before the deal expires! <h3><br> <br> Second Fstoppers Deal</h3> <p><br> <br> On October 1st, Fstoppers released our newest travel adventure series with Elia Locardi, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-world-japan-ii-discovering-hidden-gems-elia-locardi?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World Japan 2: Discovering Hidden Gems</a>.&nbsp; This tutorial follows Elia throughout Japan as he searches for new locations he has never photographed and includes some amazing locations many photographers might miss if they were to visit the land of the rising sun for the first time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>If you buy PTW Japan 2, you will automatically get a second Photographing the World tutorial <strong>absolutely free</strong> ($300 value).&nbsp; To sweeten the deal even more, Elia is offering a <strong>free copy of <a href="https://radiantimaginglabs.com/">Radiant Photo for 6 full months</a> </strong>($90 value). Elia has partnered with Radiant Photo to produce the ultimate editing software to help him streamline his complex landscape workflow and make it simple for anyone to replicate his colors, tone, and overall style quickly and easily&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3><br> Third Fstoppers Deal</h3> <p>If you already have Photographing the World II or the 5 Day Deal package is more than you want to spend, to promote this month's Landscape Photography Critique the Community, we are running a flash sale on yet another installment of Elia Locardi's landscape educational series, <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-the-world-3-with-Elia-Locardi?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World III: Advanced Cityscapes</a>. For the month of October, you can get PTW III for just $100.&nbsp; This tutorial is normally $300 and it's one of the most advanced tutorials Elia has ever produced on cityscape photography.&nbsp; You can check out the promo video for Photographing the World III below.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div><br> <br> Good luck to everyone who enters this month's contest and we look forward to seeing all of your amazing images!<br> <br> Featured image by <a href="https://fstoppers.com/photo/482511?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Shumon Saito</a> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/landscape-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 681597 October 3, 2024 - 10:18 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Landscape Photography Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/smart-phone-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/smart-phone-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/iphone_smartphone_photography_contest.jpg.webp?itok=xnuY57_N" width="650" height="366" alt="Hand holding smartphone capturing autumn valley landscape with river winding through forested hills."> </a> <p>For our next photography contest, we want to see the best photo you've ever taken with your smartphone.&nbsp;</p> <p></p> <h2>Rules</h2> <ul> <li>This contest is 100% free to join</li> <li>Each photographer may submit up to 3 images</li> <li>Each photograph must include a small description that includes details about how the photograph was taken</li> </ul> <p></p> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p>For this contest, we are giving away a tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a> to every photographer we feature in the critique (at least 10 images will be chosen)</p> <h2>This Month's Deal</h2> <p>This month we area discounting our tutorial with Pye Jirsa called <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/mastering-adobe-lightroom-how-use-lightroom-pye-jirsa?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Mastering Adobe Lightroom</a> down to just $49. This tutorial will teach you how to edit images on a computer using Lightroom Classic, or with Adobe's new Lightroom software, made exclusively for mobile devices. In this tutorial Pye also takes a deep dive into his natural lighting techniques that can be used with a professional, or smartphone to get incredible results in any environment. This tutorial has always sold for $199 and you <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/mastering-adobe-lightroom-how-use-lightroom-pye-jirsa?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">can get it today for the lowest price ever at just $49</a>. Check out the promo below.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/smart-phone-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 678224 September 2, 2024 - 10:36 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Smart Phone Photography Lee Morris https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/travel?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/travel?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/a084e88df208716424200b46ac46bd90_1.jpg.webp?itok=itDvsskO" width="650" height="366" alt="Overhead view of a spiral staircase descending through concentric rounded rectangular frames in blue, beige, and gray tones."> </a> <p>Welcome to another Critique the Community contest!</p> <p>Each month, Fstoppers is challenging our community to submit their best photographs for our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fstoppers+critique+the+community">Critique the Community Youtube show</a>, and three lucky winners will win a variety of photography related prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>With summer in full swing, we want to see your best <strong>"Travel"</strong> images.&nbsp; Your photos can be from any genre of photography including landscapes, portraits, architecture, or photo journalism, but it must portray a sense of travel and exploration OR have a good back story on how the image was taken while you were traveling.</p> <p>Each image featured in the critique will be picked based on creativity, lighting, subject matter, overall production, final edit, story telling, and overall "wow" factor. The community rating does play a small part in our selection but it's not as big as you might think so don't get too wrapped up in what others have to say about your image.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Deadline</h3> <p>This month we are allowing each participant to submit up to 3 photos.&nbsp; All images must be posted to this page no later than <strong>August 30th, at 11:00pm</strong> Eastern time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>As always, every eligible entry must have at least 3 sentences</strong> explaining how the photo was taken, any valuable technical information including lighting, camera gear, lens choice, etc, and any background story that might help our viewers understand why your image is so interesting.&nbsp; We have pulled images from our final critique because the photographer did not give us enough information to make the critique informative.&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Prizes</h3> <p>Each month we are giving away a variety of different photography related prizes. Below are the prizes being offered for the 3 randomly chosen images featured in the next Critique the Community.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1045336 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1045336" data-uid="305"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/08/01/800x400_travel-a063_copy.jpg?itok=htvZPEqM 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/08/01/800x400_travel-a063_copy.jpg?itok=s1xrKIx8 800w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="400" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/08/01/800x400_travel-a063_copy.jpg?itok=WUz7ZT6h" alt="Tamron zoom lens with textured black barrel and focus ring against white background."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p><strong>First Place</strong> - One first place winner will receive the new <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=tamron%2028%2075%202.8&amp;sts=ma&amp;BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Tamron 28 - 75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens</a> (Nikon or Sony). This lens is a great full frame lens that offers wide angle and medium telephoto focal lengths in a robust, but easy to carry zoom lens. The fast 2.8 aperture is great for achieving professional quality images in low light and super shallow depth of field when taking portraits, but can also produce tack sharp landscape images when stopped down to f/8.0.&nbsp; <strong>Valued up to $999.</strong> </p><p></p><div class="media-image media-1044935 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1044935" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/07/30/best_monitor_calibration_device_spyder_fstoppers.jpg?itok=z_caQ-k2 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/07/30/best_monitor_calibration_device_spyder_fstoppers.jpg?itok=wJQv6QU7 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/07/30/best_monitor_calibration_device_spyder_fstoppers.jpg?itok=rduSGrQ1 1008w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="397" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/07/30/best_monitor_calibration_device_spyder_fstoppers.jpg?itok=wJQv6QU7" alt="Professional color-grading workstation with dual monitors displaying image and color data alongside a white and red webcam."> </div> </div> <p><strong>Second Place</strong> - One second place winner will receive the <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=spyder%20x2%20elite&amp;sts=ma&amp;BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Spyder X2 Elite Colorimeter by Datacolor</a>. This monitor calibration device is critical for achieving standardized color on your desktop monitors as well as your mobile laptop workstations. This updated version's advanced display mapping &amp; analysis will give your monitors better color, brightness, contrast, gamut, tone response and white point. You can also check screen brightness,&nbsp;color&nbsp;uniformity and display&nbsp;color&nbsp;accuracy. <strong>Valued at $269. </strong> </p><p></p><div class="media-image media-1044943 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1044943" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/07/30/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=87dCOQFz 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/07/30/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=qA9-UwtK 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/07/30/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=lO9JTtnZ 1499w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="446" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/07/30/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=qA9-UwtK" alt="Collage of photography tutorial thumbnails and course covers displaying various genres and techniques."> </div> </div> <p><strong>Third Place</strong> - One third place winner will receive a free tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; We have full length tutorials on a wide range of genres such as architectural photography, headshots, landscapes, product photography, and of course portrait photography.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $299</strong> </p><p> </p><h3>Added Bonus!</h3> <p>And finally, to help celebrate summer and all your travel adventures, Fstoppers is having a massive sale on Elia Locardi's tutorial <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/photographing-world-2-cityscape-astrophotography-and-advanced-post-processing?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Photographing the World 2: Cityscapes, Intro to Astrophotography, and Advanced Post Processing</a>. This tutorial is normally priced at $300 but for the entire month you can get it for just $59.</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>This 15+ hour long tutorial lets you travel along side Elia as he travels to over 5 countries capturing some of the most beautiful locations the world has to offer. Whether it is the incredible modern cityscapes of Hong Kong and Singapore or the ancient temples of Cambodia, Elia Locardi walks you through his process of capturing a wide range of man-made buildings and architecture. After exploring parts of Southeast Asia, Elia flies to his native country of Italy to capture Cinque Terre, one of the most beautiful and iconic coastal villages in the world. Finally, the entire team flies down to the southern island of New Zealand to capture the night sky and Milky Way Galaxy.&nbsp;</p> <p>This tutorial consists of 19 individual lessons. Once you experience Elia capture each photograph on location, he then takes you back to the post production studio where he explains all his advanced tips and tricks used to make these images come to life. As with every tutorial in the Fstoppers library, you will receive all of the image files needed to&nbsp;master Elia's advanced techniques while following&nbsp;along on your own computer.&nbsp;<br> <br> Regardless if you are a beginner with photography or you are a professional photographer who has already traveled to these breathtaking locations on your own, Elia's Photographing the World series is guaranteed to not only teach you new ways to improve your own photography, but it will also make you feel like you are right there exploring the world together.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck to everyone entering and we look forward to critiquing your best "travel" images!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by the extremely talented&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/56-herbert-a-franke?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Herbert Franke</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/travel?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 674415 July 31, 2024 - 10:10 am Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Travel Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/moody-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/moody-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/moody_smoke_ninja.jpg.webp?itok=hBS-vo2B" width="650" height="366" alt="Silhouetted handler leading horses through dust-filled barn interior backlit by golden light."> </a> <p>Welcome to another Critique the Community contest! Each month, Fstoppers is challenging our community to submit their best photographs for our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fstoppers+critique+the+community">Critique the Community show</a>, and three lucky winners will win a variety of photography related prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For the months of June and July, we want to see your best <strong>"moody lighting"</strong> images.&nbsp; Your photos can be from any genre of photography including landscapes, portraits, architecture, or still life but it must portray a moody, smokey, mysterious, or fantasy lighting style . Each image featured in the critique will be picked based on creativity, lighting, subject matter, overall production, final edit, and overall "wow" factor. The community rating does play a small part in our selection but it's not as big as you might think so don't get too wrapped up in what others have to say about your image.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Deadline</h3> <p>This month we are allowing each participant to submit up to 4 photos.&nbsp; All images must be posted to this page no later than <strong>July 29th, at 11:45pm</strong> Eastern time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As always, every eligible entry must have at least 3 sentences explaining how the photo was taken, any valuable technical information including lighting, camera gear, lens choice, etc, and any background story that might help our viewers understand why your image is so interesting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Prizes</h3> <p>Each month we are giving away a variety of different photography related prizes. Below are the prizes being offered for the 3 randomly chosen images featured in the next Critique the Community.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1035850 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1035850" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/26/don_of_money_lee_morris_fstoppers.jpg?itok=K26wjFWL 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/26/don_of_money_lee_morris_fstoppers.jpg?itok=Zw4VB4-I 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/26/don_of_money_lee_morris_fstoppers.jpg?itok=CcuZhK6s 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="450" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/26/don_of_money_lee_morris_fstoppers.jpg?itok=Zw4VB4-I" alt="Man in business attire extending fanned U.S. dollar bills toward camera."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p><strong>First Place</strong> - One first place winner will receive $1000 cold, hard cash from Patrick and Lee.&nbsp; Feel free to use this on your next camera or lighting purchase, or just use it buy Bitcoin, a pallet of fancy steaks, or a nice gift for your next door neighbor.</p> <p> </p><p><strong>Second Place</strong> - Second place will win a <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1730091-REG/smokegenie_smokegenie_pro_package_professional_package_with_handheld.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Smoke Genie by PMI</a>.&nbsp; The Smoke Genie is an incredibly powerful, battery operated smoke machine that makes adding fog, haze and dry ice to your images a breeze. This powerful kit will allow you to add all sorts of smoke effects to both your photography and video productions and is one of our favorite new products in the photography industry. <strong>Valued at $690. </strong></p> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1730091-REG/smokegenie_smokegenie_pro_package_professional_package_with_handheld.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored"><div class="media-image media-1035847 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1035847" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/25/smoke_genie_handheld_fog_machine.jpg?itok=AT2hVLUv 365w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/25/smoke_genie_handheld_fog_machine.jpg?itok=2ZE35J6v 615w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/25/smoke_genie_handheld_fog_machine.jpg?itok=xMGIcgcr 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="615" height="615" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/25/smoke_genie_handheld_fog_machine.jpg?itok=2ZE35J6v" alt="Professional lighting kit with case containing strobe head, reflectors, light modifier, batteries, and accessories."> </div> </div> </a> <p><strong>Third Place</strong> - One third place winner will receive a free tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; We have full length tutorials on a wide range of genres such as architectural photography, headshots, landscapes, product photography, and of course portrait photography.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $299</strong> <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests"></a></p><div class="media-image media-1035851 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1035851" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/26/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=KmBvK2rZ 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/26/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=QsIBlYq5 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/26/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=UjF2Q70c 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="445" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/26/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=QsIBlYq5" alt="Grid of photography course and tutorial thumbnails covering various techniques and subjects."> </div> </div> <h3>Added Bonus!</h3> <p>And finally, to help celebrate the month of July, Fstoppers is having a massive sale on <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/peter-hurley-illuminating-face?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">The Well Rounded Photo</a><a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/well-rounded-photographer-8-instructors-teach-8-genres-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">grapher</a>. It's normally priced at $300 but for the entire month you can get it for just $59.</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>This 13+ hour long tutorial is unlike any other tutorial created because it features 8 different photographers and covers a wide range of photographic genres.&nbsp; For many photographers just getting started, it's not always clear what field of photography they want to pursue. This tutorial allows you to get a taste of a bunch of different photographic styles in different genres like headshots, architectural and real estate, swimwear, product photography, fashion and editorial, and landscapes. Each of these lessons are taught by some of our most popular instructors we have worked with like <strong>Peter Hurley, Mike Kelley, Elia Locardi, Clay Cook, Joey Wright, Dylan Patrick</strong>, and <strong>Brian Rodgers Jr</strong>.</p> <p>Once you learn some of the tricks these photographer use to make amazing images, photographer <strong>Monte Isom</strong> shares some of the most tightly guarded business secrets in the photography world. In this section, Monte interviews Liz Miller Gershfeld, a senior&nbsp;executive art producer at Energy BDDO&nbsp;based in Chicago about what she looks for when booking a photographer, comparing bids, looking over treatments, working out production costs, and pulling a team together.</p> <p>Even if you are already an established photographer specializing in your own field of photography, this tutorial was designed to offer you the chance to see how other photographers work and hopefully teach you some techniques that you can then bring into your own style of image making.</p> <p>Good luck to everyone entering and we look forward to critiquing your best "moody" images!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/71734?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">John Ro</a><a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/johnrowlandphoto?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">wland</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/moody-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 668980 June 3, 2024 - 12:32 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Moody Lighting Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/unique-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/unique-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/a642f8743fc1b6cbf78e5f60175d5129.jpg.webp?itok=VGaLeZRX" width="650" height="366" alt="Profile of a person with warm and cool directional lighting creating dramatic contrast against a dark background."> </a> <p>Welcome to another Critique the Community contest! Each month, Fstoppers is challenging our community to submit their best photographs for our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fstoppers+critique+the+community">Critique the Community show</a>, and three lucky winners will win a variety of photography related prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For the month of May, we want to see your best photographs featuring <strong>"unique lighting."</strong>&nbsp; Your photos can be from any genre of photography including landscapes, portraits, architecture, or still life so long as it features interesting and unique lighting. Each image featured in the critique will be picked based on creativity, lighting, subject matter, overall production, final edit, and overall "wow" factor. The community rating does play a small part in our selection but it's not as big as you might think so don't get too wrapped up in what others have to say about your image.&nbsp;</p> <h3>Deadline</h3> <p>This month we are allowing each participant to submit up to 4 photos.&nbsp; All images must be posted to this page no later than <strong>May 24th, at 11:00pm</strong> Eastern time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As always, every eligible entry must have at least 3 sentences explaining how the photo was taken, any valuable technical information including lighting, camera gear, lens choice, etc, and any background story that might help our viewers understand why your image is so interesting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Prizes</h3> <p>Each month we are giving away a variety of different photography related prizes. This month is no different and we are featuring a massive collection of <a href="https://profoto.com/products/light-shaping-tools/softboxes?utm_medium=partner&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_campaign=profoto-softboxes&amp;utm_product=Light%20Shaping%20Tools&amp;utm_phase=See&amp;utm_content=fstoppers">Profoto's newest Softboxes</a>, grids, Edge Masks, and diffuser kits.&nbsp; Unlike traditional softboxes that require assembly using individual pole pieces, the new Profoto Softbox series has an easy to use snapping mechanism that allows you to build their softboxes in seconds.&nbsp; These can be used with any 100mm flash head as well as the Profoto A series flashes (using an OCF Adapter).&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1031667 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1031667" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/02/new_profoto_softboxes.jpg?itok=rL_51i3k 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/new_profoto_softboxes.jpg?itok=pzWJmLrn 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/02/new_profoto_softboxes.jpg?itok=2MtGLbWh 1275w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="450" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/new_profoto_softboxes.jpg?itok=pzWJmLrn" alt="Photographer adjusting a large octagonal softbox while setting up outdoor lighting equipment in a grassy field."> </div> </div> <p> </p><p><strong>First Place</strong> - One grand prize winner will receive a set of <a href="https://profoto.com/products/light-shaping-tools/softboxes/profoto-softbox-octa?utm_medium=partner&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_campaign=profoto-softboxes&amp;utm_product=Light%20Shaping%20Tools&amp;utm_phase=See&amp;utm_content=fstoppers">Profoto's 3' Octa</a> and <a href="https://profoto.com/products/light-shaping-tools/softboxes/profoto-softbox-strip?utm_medium=partner&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_campaign=profoto-softboxes&amp;utm_product=Light%20Shaping%20Tools&amp;utm_phase=See&amp;utm_content=fstoppers">1x4' silver lined Softboxes</a>. Each of these three softboxes comes with a 1.0 f-stop diffuser, but the first place winner will also include both the 1.5 f-stop and 0.5 f-stop diffuser kit to help further alter the softness of these softboxes.&nbsp; If that isn't enough, Profoto is also throwing in their Edge Mask systems for each of these softboxes which allows you to completely change the size and throw of the softbox as well. Finally, you will also receive the matching Softgrids to help contain the spill of both of these softboxes.&nbsp; <strong>Total value of $1999</strong> </p><p></p><figure role="group"> <div class="media-image media-1031668 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1031668" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_1st_place.jpg?itok=1FGoFGWE 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_1st_place.jpg?itok=MP8RPyos 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_1st_place.jpg?itok=aNVh2x35 1275w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="349" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_1st_place.jpg?itok=MP8RPyos" alt="Four professional photography light modifiers arranged in a row: a parabolic softbox, a strip softbox, a rectangular modifier system with grids, and an octagonal softbox."> </div> </div> <figcaption>1st Place wins Softbox 3' Octa Silver and Softbox 2x3' Silver with accessories</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>Second Place</strong> - Second place will one <a href="https://profoto.com/products/light-shaping-tools/softboxes/profoto-softbox-rectangular?utm_medium=partner&amp;utm_source=external&amp;utm_campaign=profoto-softboxes&amp;utm_product=Light%20Shaping%20Tools&amp;utm_phase=See&amp;utm_content=fstoppers">Profoto Softbox 2x3' silver</a> as well as the 1.5 f-stop and 0.5 f-stop diffuser kit. This softbox will also come with the accompanying Edge Mask and Softgrid as well.&nbsp; <strong>Total Value of $666</strong> </p><p></p><figure role="group"> <div class="media-image media-1031669 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1031669" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_2nd_place.jpg?itok=lbLhxirx 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_2nd_place.jpg?itok=bzLZVOA_ 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_2nd_place.jpg?itok=QkVR-rPg 1275w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="349" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/05/02/profoto_2nd_place.jpg?itok=bzLZVOA_" alt="Three studio lighting modifiers arranged side by side: a rectangular softbox with diffusion panel, a grid, and a reflector."> </div> </div> <figcaption>2nd Place wins Softbox 2x3' Silver with accessories</figcaption> </figure> <p> </p><p><strong>Third Place</strong> - One third place winner will receive a free tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; We have full length tutorials on a wide range of genres such as architectural photography, headshots, landscapes, product photography, and of course portrait photography.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $299</strong> </p><h3>Added Bonus!</h3> <p>And finally, to help celebrate the month of May and get everyone excited about unique lighting, Fstoppers has made a massive sale on <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/peter-hurley-illuminating-face?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Peter Hurley's Illuminating the Face tutorial</a>. It's normally priced at $300 but for the entire month you can get it for just $49.</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>Peter Hurley is known as one of the world's best headshot photographers. In his other tutorials, Peter explains everything he knows about creating perfect headshots, but in Illuminating the Face, Peter explores every possible light modifier you can use to light a portrait session. So if you are interested in lighting with a single small softbox or bringing out the huge <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/374100-REG/Mola_MM435_Mantti_43_5_Beauty.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">43" Mola Mantti</a> out for a session, this tutorial is going to help you understand what each modifier does and how you can best use it to light your subject's face.</p> <p>Good luck to everyone entering and we look forward to critiquing your best images images featuring "unique lighting!"</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/71734?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Sam Portraitsbysam</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/unique-lighting?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 666339 May 2, 2024 - 9:58 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Unique Lighting Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/portraits-0?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/portraits-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/323ae79278d86ad1b7a55777c59060c4.jpg.webp?itok=-VQWvlIA" width="650" height="366" alt="Craftsman in a workshop holding a framed photograph of a race car, surrounded by hanging tools and equipment."> </a> <p>Welcome to another Critique the Community contest! Each month, Fstoppers is challenging our community to submit their best photographs for our <a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=fstoppers+critique+the+community">Critique the Community show</a>, and three lucky winners will win a variety of photography related prizes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p><br> <br> For the month of April, we want to see your best <strong>Portrait</strong> photographs.&nbsp; Since this is a fairly broad category, feel free to submit any photograph that showcases a person in some interesting way. Each image featured in the critique will be picked based on creativity, lighting, subject matter, overall production, final edit, and overall "wow" factor. The community rating does play a small part in our selection but it's not as big as you might think so don't get too wrapped up in what others have to say about your image.&nbsp;</p> <h3><br> Deadline</h3> <p>This month we are allowing up to 4 photos to be submitted.&nbsp; All images must be posted to this page no later than <strong>April 29th, at 8:00pm</strong> Eastern time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>As always, every eligible entry must have at least 3 sentences explaining how the photo was taken, any valuable technical information including lighting, camera gear, lens choice, etc, and any background story that might help our viewers understand why your image is so interesting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <h3>The Prizes</h3> <p>Each month we are giving away a variety of different photography related prizes. Below are the specific prizes for the month of April.</p> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1025895 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1025895" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/04/01/westcott_jr400_jr200_strobe_kit_backpack.jpg?itok=Mh3JOw48 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/westcott_jr400_jr200_strobe_kit_backpack.jpg?itok=NGRfkhBX 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/04/01/westcott_jr400_jr200_strobe_kit_backpack.jpg?itok=KeU0wLY4 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="422" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/westcott_jr400_jr200_strobe_kit_backpack.jpg?itok=NGRfkhBX" alt="Westcott photography lighting and camera gear kit including flash units, color filters, backpack, and accessories."> </div> </div> <p><strong>First Place</strong> - One grand prize winner will receive a free <a href="https://www.fjwestcott.com/products/fj-wireless-2-light-portable-portrait-flash-kit-with-fj-x3-m-universal-wireless-trigger">wireless 2-Light Portable Flash kit by Westcott</a>. Included in this kit is a JR400 400 Ws strobe, a second JR200 200 Ws strobe, a wireless FJ-x3 trigger, and a variety of accessories such as Gel set, Magnetic Grid and 55 degree Reflector. This battery operated kit is great for on-location portraits as well as shooting in the studio and can be synced up to nearly any camera with the universal FJ-x3 wireless flash trigger.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $1199.90</strong> </p><p></p><div class="media-image media-1025894 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1025894" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/04/01/dxo_suite_photography_film_raw_editor.jpg?itok=fkQO5w36 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/dxo_suite_photography_film_raw_editor.jpg?itok=BFnqLRA1 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/04/01/dxo_suite_photography_film_raw_editor.jpg?itok=zZiguULJ 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="335" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/dxo_suite_photography_film_raw_editor.jpg?itok=BFnqLRA1" alt="DXO photography software interface displaying black and white image of person on bicycle with motion blur."> </div> </div> <br> <br> <strong>Second Place</strong> - Our second place winner will receive a suite of post production software from DxO. Included in this software bundle are copies of <a href="https://www.dxo.com/dxo-photolab/">PhotoLab 7</a>, <a href="https://www.dxo.com/dxo-filmpack/">FilmPack 7</a>, and <a href="https://www.dxo.com/dxo-viewpoint/">ViewPoint 4</a>.&nbsp; With PhotoLab 7, you can edit and color grade all your raw files quickly, easily, and professionally. Once you edit your raw files, you can then use FilmPack 7 to give your photos a classic film look based on your favorite color or black and white film stock. Finally, you can fix all sorts of lens and perspective distortion in ViewPoint 4 to make your photos look as perfect as possible.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $467</strong> <p></p><div class="media-image media-1025896 media media__embed view-mode--embed media--type-image media--view-mode-embed" data-mid="1025896" data-uid="152"> <div class="field field--name-field-media-image field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <img loading="lazy" srcset="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_small/s3/media/2024/04/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=Vk3rCiTf 475w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=bc71YOAY 800w, https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/full/s3/media/2024/04/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=U0VaQxOz 1500w" sizes="100vw" width="800" height="445" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/article_medium/s3/media/2024/04/01/fstoppers_tutorial_free.jpg?itok=bc71YOAY" alt="Grid of photography tutorial and educational course thumbnails covering various techniques and subjects."> </div> </div> <p><strong>Third Place</strong> - One third place winner will receive a free tutorial from the <a href="https://fstoppers.com/store/tutorials?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp; We have full length tutorials on a wide range of genres such as architectural photography, headshots, landscapes, product photography, and of course portrait photography.&nbsp; <strong>Valued at $299</strong> </p><h3>Added Bonus!</h3> <p>And finally, to help celebrate the month of April and get everyone excited about portrait photography, Fstoppers has made a massive sale on our <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/clay-cook-fashion-and-editorial-photography?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">portrait tutorial with Clay Cook</a>. It's normally priced at $300 but for the entire month you can get it for just $49.</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>Clay Cook is an incredible editorial and advertising photographer based out of Louisville, Kentucky. His tutorial on portraiture is incredibly thorough and covers everything from wardrobe styling to simple set building to both simple and advanced lighting setups. So regardless if you are an outdoor natural light shooter, or you want to step up your studio productions, Clay's tutorial is going to have something for you.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good luck to everyone entering and we look forward to critiquing your best images in the "portrait" genre!</p> <p> </p><p>Featured Image by <a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/smithanddaniels?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Devon Krige</a></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/portraits-0?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 662807 April 1, 2024 - 2:09 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Portraits Patrick Hall https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/wedding-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/wedding-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests" hreflang="und"><img loading="eager" src="https://cdn.fstoppers.com/styles/16_9_max_650/s3/contest/lead/46332ba609b3cf587078491294e11692.jpg.webp?itok=jkqvbzXJ" width="650" height="366" alt="Bride and groom kissing outdoors with a glowing light streak effect around them."> </a> <p>For our March photography contest, we want to see your best wedding photos!</p> <p></p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <h2>Prizes</h2> <p><strong>3rd place wins any tutorial from the&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/store?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Fstoppers Store</a>.&nbsp;</strong> </p><p><strong>2nd place wins a <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1541715-REG/loupedeck_loldct_creative_tool.html?BI=6857&amp;KBID=7410" rel="sponsored">Loupedeck CT</a></strong> </p><p><strong>1st place wins a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.slrloungeworkshops.com/12-month-mentorship-with-pye-jirsa">12-month group mentorship with Pye Jirsa</a></strong></p> <p><strong>Prizes must be accepted by messaging&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/rlmorrisphoto?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Lee Morris</a>&nbsp;within 30 days of the end of the contest.&nbsp;</strong></p> <h2></h2> <h2>Contest Rules:</h2> <p><strong>1. Each contestant may submit up to three images</strong></p> <p><strong>2. Images this month must be wedding-related</strong></p> <p><strong>3. Each image submitted must include a description of the photograph. We want to know how it was taken, the lighting used, the gear used, and any post-processing you did to it. Images without a description will be disqualified.</strong></p> <p><strong>4. Each photographer is only allowed to win one grand prize/year and one tutorial/year but they may still submit images to, and be featured in all 12 contests.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p><strong>5.&nbsp;Everyone is encouraged to rate and comment on everyone's submitted photos but the highest-rated image will not necessarily win the grand prize.&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p> <p></p> <p>While this contest is running we have discounted <a href="https://fstoppers.com/product/how-become-professional-commercial-wedding-photographer-dvd?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">our wedding photography tutorial</a> to its lowest price ever of $49. Watch the trailer below.&nbsp;</p> <p></p><div class="soembed-media"></div> <p>Featured image by&nbsp;<a href="https://fstoppers.com/profile/timarbencephotographer?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Tímár Bence</a> </p><p></p> <p>[ <a href="https://fstoppers.com/critique-community/wedding-photography-1?utm_source=fstoppers&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=rss_feed_contests">Enter the Contest Here</a> ]</p> 660449 March 6, 2024 - 9:14 pm Fstoppers Contests Critique the Community: Wedding Photography Lee Morris