Bill Schiffner

Former Contributor

Bill Schiffner is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant based in Holbrook, N.Y. He has covered the imaging industry for 25 years and reports on many of the evolving digital imaging capture and printing technologies. He was the editor for a number of imaging publications and websites.

17 essential photography tips for beginners

Capturing the moment isn't easy. That's why we sought pointers from three pro photographers about their gear, settings, and composition. These 17 great tips and tricks will boost your digital photography from amateur to pro in no time.

Guides         April 12, 2022

From sea to shining sea: This photographer shot every national park in just one year

Most people won’t ever visit all 59 U.S. national parks, but one photographer did just that. Even more amazing is that Jonathan Irish did it in just one year.

Features         January 19, 2018

To get the perfect mountain shot, photographer Corey Rich has to climb it first

For Corey Rich, mountain climbing and photography are just another day at the office.

Features         October 3, 2017

Legendary surf photographer Brian Bielmann on how he captures magic at sea

When it comes to capturing the kings of the big waves, Brian Bielmann is one of the most respected surf photographers. After nearly 40 years honing his craft, he still loves every minute of it.

Features         May 26, 2017

Nat Geo legend Jay Dickman shares shots, stories, and tips for shooting like a pro

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Jay Dickman has captured with his camera many of the world’s exotic locales. He tells us about his grueling but rewarding work, and why he prefers a Micro Four Thirds camera.

Features         January 17, 2017

Joshua Holko braves cold and claws to photograph the Arctic’s elusive beauties

Award-winning photographer Joshua Holko’s specialty is shooting the landscape and wildlife in the Polar Regions. He tells us how he survives in the harshest conditions and avoids polar bear attacks.

Features         November 15, 2016

From shambling zombies to parting the Red Sea, FX guru Sam Nicholson has done it all

From parting the Red Sea to dealing with waves of marauding zombies, Sam Nicholson takes us behind the scenes on how his visual effects company creates some of the most incredible special effects for blockbuster movies and hit television shows.

Features         May 13, 2016

In love and basketball, a photographer finds both aren’t so different

From NBA court side to wedding halls, Jack Arent finds the balance in photographing both types of events.

Features         February 14, 2016

Tougher than Everest? How Hkakabo Razi broke Nat Geo’s climbers, and their gear

An expedition team set out to explore Hkakabo Razi, to determine if it’s the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. What they found instead was a treacherous journey that challenged their bodies and gear.

Features         January 28, 2016

How to shoot insane action-sports photos (from a guy who has nearly died doing it)

Professional action photographer Michael Clark looks for new ways to capture his extreme shots, sometimes risking his life. What he gets in return is short of stunning.

Features         June 8, 2015

To photograph the gates of hell, bring tough equipment, a plan, and guts

Whenever and wherever a volcano erupts, you’ll very likely find photographer Fred Kamphues standing nearby.

Features         March 8, 2015

Lytro’s Illum light-field camera takes adventure photography to new heights

Photographer Chris Burkard returns to Iceland to capture a new set of images using Lytro's new Illum light-field camera.

News         November 17, 2014

6 home security camera systems that provide peace of mind on a budget

The newest home surveillance IP cameras to hit the market are affordable, easy to install, and a cinch to operate, and come with plenty of useful features.

News         October 9, 2014

When is it time to start recording in 4K? Pros say right now.

The 4K standard offers benefits to both photographers and videographers, as well as challenges. Two Industry pros explain why.

Guides         October 3, 2014

Chief Mets photographer Marc Levine knows how to catch a fastball (on film)

Marc Levine has been working at his dream job 25 years, as the Chief Photographer of the New York Mets.

Reviews         September 5, 2014

How do you capture a great white shark? With a wide-angle lens, actually

Renowned underwater photographer David Fleetham shares his experiences and tips for capturing the “predators” of the deep.

News         August 11, 2014

Travelling across the universe with astrophotographer Mike Taylor

Mike Taylor is an accomplished photographer who specializes in capturing the night sky and the heavenly bodies of stars, planets, meteors, and far galaxies.

Features         May 12, 2014

To shoot extreme sports like Lucas Gilman does, be prepared to get scared

Covering the world of extreme sports, photographer Lucas Gilman endures everything Mother Nature throws at him, to get the perfect shot.

News         February 17, 2014

You don’t need 10 exposures to capture nature shots this amazing (just patience)

Benjamin Edelstein spends a lot of time combing national parks across the country. It's in these parks where he captures nature's stunning beauty.

News         January 20, 2014

Braving blizzards and ice floes to photograph Iceland’s hardiest surfers

Adventure photographer Chris Burkard braved the extreme elements of the icy North Atlantic to capture a unique surfing experience.

News         December 30, 2013

He shoots, he scores! Tips for capturing the breakneck speed of hockey

Like many fast-action sports, hockey is a difficult game to capture in photos. But with some first-hand knowledge, the right equipment, and patience, it’s not impossible. Sports photographer and hockey player Joseph Nuzzo shares his tips.

Guides         November 27, 2013

6 simple gridiron guidelines NFL photographer Jeff Lewis uses on the field

Photographer Jeff Lewis shoots the big games for the NFL Network. He shares with us six easy tips he uses when he's on the field.

News         October 1, 2013

8 expert tips for amateurs on how to take professional-quality wedding photos

Whether you've been asked to photograph a wedding or you're an invited guest, photographer Sara Kauss shares 8 expert tips for shooting memorable moments.

Guides         August 26, 2013

Could you fall victim to crime simply by geotagging location info to your photos?

Geotagging is a useful tool for remember where you shot a photo or sharing it with the world, but that location info could be used by criminals against you.

Features         July 24, 2013

9 travel photo tips for capturing the best images to satisfy your inner wanderlust

Planning a trip to an exotic locale? Make sure you have a good camera in tow. Here are 9 travel photo tips to help you take the best photographs.

Guides         June 3, 2013

Be the best sports photographer at your kids’ games by following these 6 easy tips

Think running after your kids is hard? Try photographing them while they're playing sports. Photographer Erin Manning offers six easy-to-follow tips.

Guides         April 1, 2013