This Week’s “Choose Your Own Prompt” Challenge

This week we’re keeping the creative momentum going with another “Choose Your Own Prompt” format — five fresh ideas for you to explore, shoot, and interpret however you like. Pick the one that sparks something, stick with it for the week, and share your results with the community. No rules, just inspiration.

? Your Five New Options This Week

1. Framing Within the Frame

Find a natural frame in your environment — a doorway, window, tree branches, arches, fences or anything that surrounds your subject. It’s a simple way to add depth and guide the viewer’s eye.

2. The Colour Contrast

Instead of one dominating colour, look for two colours that play off each other. Complementary (blue/orange), bold contrasts (red/green), or subtle pairings (teal/green). Let colour relationships tell the story.

3. Quiet Moments

Capture calm. Early morning stillness, someone reading, soft window light, empty spaces, a pet resting. Focus on mood and subtlety rather than action.

4. Hard vs Soft Light

Photograph the same subject twice — once in harsh, directional light and once in soft, diffused light. Notice how shadows, detail and emotion shift with the change in lighting.

5. Lines That Aren’t Straight

Hunt for curves, spirals, zig-zags or wavy lines. Roads, rivers, staircases, shadows, architecture or everyday objects. Use these shapes to lead the viewer through the frame.

You can share your photograph below (Has to be new, not one from your archives!) or you can join / visit our Facebook group and share it there. (You can find that group here)

The post This Week’s “Choose Your Own Prompt” Challenge appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

TAMRON Firmware Update (Ver. 4)

150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057)

For those of you that run one of the Tamron 150-500mm A057 lenses (Hey, that’s me!) the team have just released a firmware update that will help you with the following…

Want to know more about this lens? Pop over to the Tamron Australia website for the low down – or leave a question in the comments!

The post Tamron update the 150-500mm Firmware appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Well, we haven’t had the privilege of spending any time with one, but, we know someone who has – Thank you, Jared, for letting us share your video!

Big fan of Jared’s ‘keeping it real’ in his reviews – Grab a cup of tea and enjoy the next twenty seven minutes.

A reminder, FroPack 4 is currently 40% off if you’re up for some new Lr presets! – Have a look –

Meanwhile, I shall keep my a7 III clean and polished and dream of a faster frame-rate….. for now!

— Simon

The post What do we think of the new Sony a7 V? appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Welcome back to another Weekly Photo Challenge at Digital Photography School!
This week you get to choose from five creative photography prompts — all designed to help you notice your world a little differently and strengthen your visual storytelling.

Whether you prefer landscapes, street photography, portraits, or still life, each prompt below offers a unique way to push your creativity and explore new techniques.

Your Five Prompts This Week

1. Leading Lines

Lines are everywhere — roads, railings, tree branches, stairways, shadows. Use them to guide the viewer’s eye toward your subject or deeper into the frame.

2. Motion Blur

Instead of freezing action, try showing motion. Slow your shutter and capture the beauty of movement: cyclists, waterfalls, passing cars, or walking crowds. Tripod optional, experimentation encouraged.

3. Negative Space

Minimalism often speaks loudly. Try placing your subject within a large, uncluttered area. It could be sky, wall, floor, ocean, or a blurred field. Let the emptiness elevate your subject.

4. Close-Up Details

The world is full of fascinating textures and details we rarely see. Focus on something small — a droplet, a fabric weave, an insect wing, cracked paint, a watch dial, a flower petal. Get closer than you usually do.

5. Golden Hour Magic (What’s Golden Hour?)

Ah, the warm glow of the sun as it rises or sets. This hour transforms even ordinary scenes into something cinematic. Try silhouettes, portraits, landscapes, street shots, or architecture bathed in soft light.

How to Join the Challenge

• Pick one prompt that sparks your interest.
• Spend the week exploring, experimenting, and shooting.
• Share your final image at the end of the week using #dPSWeeklyChallenge.
• Want to push yourself? Photograph multiple prompts!

These challenges are all about practice, play, and exploring your vision. Can’t wait to see what you create!

The post Weekly Photo Challenge: Pick One of These Five Fresh Prompts! appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Had a great article sent out by the State Library of Victoria today, it was titled “Misinformation through the decades” and explores the use of what we now call Photoshop.. Well worth a read!

A sentence that certainly resonates within me “When we’re bombarded by a stream of images, daily, how can we tell what’s real and what isn’t?” as someone who looks at photography from many sources, daily, I certainly see a LOT of ‘generated’ content these days, and scarily, a lot of people ‘praising the photographer’ – Can you spot a fake? Drop us a comment.

We won’t re-print it here, that’s not cool, but we’ll drop a link to the full article, below!

On 24 July 2025, we hosted a staff forum exploring the complex world of misinformation. From retouched glass plate negatives to AI-generated bird photos, we unpacked how truth is distorted and preserved in digital collections….[read the full article]

The post Misinformation appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Sharing this one for our friends over at Lensbaby!

When Elizabeth Willson first picked up the OMNI Rainbow Pack, she was comfortable adding creative light and bokeh to her photos, but the OMNI films remained a mystery. That changed the moment she began curling them around the edge of her lens to catch the light. Suddenly, her images transformed, bursting with color, depth, and a sense of wonder that made every story feel alive.

Through selective focus, layering, and in-camera double exposures, Elizabeth creates dreamlike photographs that invite you to move through time and space—moments that feel fluid, alive, and full of possibility.

At the Shoot Extraordinary Conference 2025, Elizabeth will teach you how shifting your focus can change the entire tone of your story. You’ll learn to harness OMNI films and crystals to add intrigue through light and color, and explore how layering in your compositions creates a sense of movement and mystery.

If you’ve been struggling to create vivid, story-driven images, or simply want to learn how to amplify your storytelling through light, color, and depth, this session is for you.

JOIN LIVE DECEMBER 6TH. CLICK TO REGISTER FOR FREE.

And while you’re at it…

The post Register for Shoot Extraordinary, Limited spots left. appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

New from Godox, the iFlash camera flash is an interestingly modular on AND off camera flash, building on their iFLash range, this is a good option for those looking to use their flash on and off their cameras.

Why should I use my flash OFF my camera?

iFlash Camera Flash iT32 & X5 C/N/S/F/O – One System, Built for All

Meet the iT32 iFlash Camera Flash & X5 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger — a modular lighting system built for ultimate versatility and efficiency. When paired with different X5 versions, one iT32 flash body seamlessly adapts to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, and OM System cameras, offering full TTL and HSS support across brands. The X5 functions as both a hotshoe and wireless trigger, enabling instant transitions between on-camera use, off-camera freedom, and complex multi-light setups. Compact yet powerful, the iT32 & X5 combine magnetic modularity, cross-brand compatibility, and Godox 2.4GHz wireless integration—empowering photographers to shape light effortlessly, anytime and anywhere.

One System, Built for All

The iT32 & X5 offer a universal solution for photographers working across different camera systems. Its interchangeable magnetic X5 hotshoe allows instant switching between brands by simply changing the X5 version. This flexible design helps photographers focus more on creativity and less on equipment compatibility.

Dual Identity: Hotshoe & Trigger in One

X5 serves both as a hotshoe mount and a wireless transmitter, enabling smooth transitions between on-camera and off-camera use. When attached to iT32, it functions as the hotshoe for on-camera shooting; once detached, it automatically switches to trigger mode, wirelessly controlling iT32 or other Godox Wireless X System flashes. 

Effortless Multi-Light Sync

Equipped with a built-in 2.4GHz receiver in the iT32 and a 2.4GHz sender in the X5,

the system ensures instant wireless communication without manual pairing. When used together, iT32 and X5 act as a master unit to trigger multiple Godox flashes simultaneously. When separated, the X5 can still control the iT32 and other flashes within the Godox 2.4GHz wireless X system, making multi-light setups simple, fast, and reliable.

Intelligent Recognition and Real-Time Display

The iT32 automatically identifies the attached X5 version, displaying key information such as model type, battery level, and charging status on its screen. This smart detection ensures photographers always stay aware of system status, minimizing errors and keeping shooting sessions smooth and controlled.

Magnetic Mounting, Fast and Secure

The magnetic interface between iT32 and X5 ensures a stable, one-click connection that’s firm yet quick to detach. Compared with traditional locking mechanisms, it greatly speeds up setup while maintaining reliability, allowing photographers to switch modes fluidly and capture every moment with ease.

Refined Design, Built for Practical Use

Intuitive Touchscreen Control

Rotatable Flash Head

Built-in Reflector and Diffuser

USB-C Charging

Professional Performance, Seamless Compatibility

Advanced Flash Functions

Godox 2.4GHz Wireless Ecosystem

Magnetic Accessories for Creative Expansion

LED Modeling Light

Technical Data

The post Introducing Godox iT32 iFlash Camera Flash & X5 TTL Wireless Flash Trigger appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

PortraitPro 24 BIGGEST-EVER sale: 30% OFF downloads + EXTRA 30% OFF with code DPS30 + FREE software gift  PortraitPro 24 is the world’s first intelligent portrait-retouching software — fast, intuitive, and now powered by cutting-edge Generative AI. From flawless skin to perfect lighting, you’ll get natural-looking results in minutes. Now is the best time to upgrade or buy. “PortraitPro 24 takes the whole process that either took hours, or was virtually impossible, and reduces it down to just a few minutes, sometimes mere seconds per photo when editing greater volumes! We highly recommend PortraitPro 24.”  — SLR Lounge PortraitPro 24 comes packed with powerful, easy-to-use tools designed to speed up every part of your workflow. And, in our biggest-ever Black Friday sale, you’ll also receive a free software product with any PortraitPro 24 purchase or upgrade.   “This feature alone [Glasses Reflection Remover] would pay for the upgrade after repairing just a couple of shots spoiled by the reflections in a subject’s glasses, mainly in time saving.”  — Professional Image-maker Try it free or jump straight into our biggest savings ever. With 50% off all downloads, plus an exclusive extra 30% off with the code DPS30, and a free software gift when you buy or upgrade to PortraitPro 24, there’s never been a better time to streamline your portrait-editing workflow. Want more? Bundle up for fantastic savings. Hurry — our best ever offer ends soon! Buy now Upgrade Bundles Free trial

The post PortraitPro 24 BIGGEST-EVER sale: 30% OFF downloads + EXTRA 30% OFF with code DPS30 + FREE software gift  appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

Hello photographers! Welcome to this week’s photo challenge at dPS. The idea: you get to pick one of five prompts below and spend the week capturing images around it. At the end of the week you’ll have a fresh image (or several) to review, share and grow from. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for inspiration, this is your chance to explore, experiment and have fun.

? Your five options this week

Choose one of these to photograph during the week:

1. Reflection – Look for reflections in water, windows, mirrors or shiny surfaces. Think about symmetry, distortion, light and framing.
2. Texture in unexpected places – Find a texture you wouldn’t normally notice: cracked paint, peeling wallpaper, rusted metal, tree bark, street pavement. Make the texture your star.
3. A single colour dominating the frame – Pick one colour and fill (or nearly fill) your frame with it. It could be a red door, a yellow umbrella, a green field, a blue sky. How does that colour set the mood?
4. Silhouette or back-lit subject – Shoot a subject with strong back-lighting so that detail falls away into silhouette. It might be a person, tree, building or something else. Keep the shape strong and clear.
5. An everyday object — seen differently – Pick something ordinary you see regularly (a chair, a cup, a gate, a shoe) and photograph it as though it were extraordinary. Change angle, light, context; make us look again.

Why this challenge matters

Photography is as much about seeing as it is about shooting. By giving yourself a specific prompt, you train your eye and engage creatively. These prompts encourage you to step out of your “usual” photographic patterns and notice things you might normally ignore.
When you pick and commit to one prompt for the week, you’ll likely discover new possibilities in your surroundings and push your creative limits.

How to play and share

• Choose the prompt you’re drawn to.
• Go out (or stay in) and make a photo (or a few) that respond to that prompt.
• Reflect: what worked about your shot? What might you try differently next time (angle, light, crop, isolation)?
• At week’s end, share your image in the comments (if on dPS) or on your favourite platform, tagging us and using #dPSWeeklyChallenge so we can all find and enjoy the results.
• Bonus: If you want to push further, try two prompts from the list or revisit the same subject across days.

A little tip to boost your shot

• For reflections: stability helps, and watch for distracting background elements.
• For texture: get in close, fill the frame, think about lighting grazing across the surface.
• For colour: isolate the colour, simplify the scene, and ask “what emotion does this colour evoke?”
• For silhouette: expose for the bright part (back-light) so your subject falls dark, and keep the outline clean and recognisable.
• For everyday objects: change your viewpoint—shoot low, shoot high, try macro, move closer than usual. Make the familiar unfamiliar.

Enjoy the week, have fun with your camera, and we can’t wait to see what you create. Ready… set… shoot!

— The dPS Team

The post Weekly Photo Challenge: Choose Your Own & Get Snap-Happy! appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.

The new Peak Design Pro Tripod is NOW AVAILABLE (If it isn’t just keep hitting refresh until it is) You can read the presser just bellow. We have a review coming soon, too.

Peak Design, a global leader in camera accessories and everyday carry, has once again disrupted the tripod market with its latest category-defining release: The Pro Tripod. Engineered from the ground up to elegantly support the workflow of pioneering adventure photographer and filmmaker Jimmy Chin, the Pro Tripod sets a new standard in professional-grade portability, strength and thoughtfully designed functionality for users across the creative spectrum.

Peak Design first revolutionized the tripod category in 2019 with the award-winning Travel Tripod–a reexamination of traditional leg and center column architecture that delivered unprecedented spatial efficiency. Pro Tripod’s foundation is rooted in this transformative design but built with intentional upgrades to deliver an entirely improved user experience across its three available sizes (Pro Lite / Pro / Pro Tall). Featuring a fully CNC-machined hub, flanged center column, and increased leg diameter and length, Pro Tripod achieves twice the stability (40lb capacity vs. 20lb) and up to a 30% greater deployment height (197.4cm on the Pro Tall model) as its groundbreaking predecessor. Yet similar to the Travel Tripod, the Pro Tripod maintains a backpack friendly weight and size, making it the most portable pro tripod on the market.

Among the most notable refinements to Peak Design’s meticulously redesigned Pro Ball Head is the addition of fluid panning. Combined with Tilt Mod–a brilliantly designed, packable accessory that converts the Pro Ball Head into a fluid pan and tilt head (sold separately)–users can instantly capture pro-level video and eliminate the need to carry a dedicated video tripod or secondary video head. In addition to panning, Pro Ball head supports 15 degrees of adjustment when Pro Tripod’s center column is fully stowed and features a new ARCA-compatible quick-lock for a satisfyingly secure, and effortless camera connection. No other ball head on the market comes close to delivering this level of functionality and intuitive control.

Behind Pro Tripod is an invaluable design partnership between Peak Design and renowned adventure-photographer and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, Jimmy Chin. Chin’s desire to test countless Pro Tripod prototypes in the world’s harshest climates played an instrumental role in influencing each feature incorporated into the Pro Tripod.

“Peak Design has been an important part of the gear I use to support my shoots over the years,” noted Chin. “Collaborating on the Pro Tripod only enhanced my interest in their design ethos, and I’m incredibly excited to help bring to life a tool that will further the creative workflows of countless photographers and filmmakers.”.

Speaking to the partnership, Peak Design Founder & CEO, Peter Dering commented, “Jimmy made no bones about what he desired in an expedition-quality tripod.” He continued, “We knew if we could fulfill Jimmy’s wish list we’d land on a tripod that meets the needs of almost every photographer and videographer on the planet. The Pro Tripod marks a huge milestone for Peak Design and we couldn’t be more proud.”

At an MSRP of USD $799.95 for Pro Tripod Lite, $899.95 for Pro Tripod, and $999.95 for Pro Tripod Tall, Peak Design offers exceptional value within the premium tripod category. However, upon its November 20 launch on PeakDesign.com and select retail partners, customers have a limited-time opportunity to purchase Pro Tripod and accessories for a 5% discount until midnight December 1.  (We’re not sure where, perhaps

The post Peak Design’s Pro Tripod Is Here! appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.