Videos

Unlock the secret behind those dreamy, creamy backgrounds you see in professional photos! In this episode of Shoot Happens, I’m breaking down bokeh…what it is, why photographers love it, and how you can create it with the gear you already have.

Whether you're shooting portraits, detail shots, or creative close-ups, understanding bokeh is a game-changer for taking your images from “nice” to “wow.” This beginner-friendly guide walks you through aperture, subject separation, lens choices, and real-world examples so you can start getting gorgeous background blur today.

If you’re new to photography or just want to sharpen your skills, you’re in the right place. Hit play, learn something new, and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss a Shoot Happens lesson!

Got questions about bokeh or want feedback on your shots? Drop a comment. I’d love to help!

Timestamps :

0:00 – Intro
0:39 – Bokeh Explained
1:08 – Why Use Bokeh
1:41 – Wide Aperture Tips
1:56 – Distance & Positioning
2:16 – Lens Choice
2:33 – Budget Bokeh Tricks
2:45 – Real-World Examples
3:19 – Foreground Blur
3:41 – Bokeh Styles

#photography #bokeheffects #portraitphotography #ApertureBasics #beginnerphotography

Watch now and start creating photos with a little extra magic!

Check these out next:

Shoot Happens - Importance of Good Light : https://youtu.be/heCDUYh2Rco

AE Lock & AF Lock Explained for Beginners : https://youtu.be/4kQ1WJcC2g8

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Good light can make or break a photo, and in this episode of Shoot Happens, we explore why mastering light is essential for every photographer. Learn how to see and use light to create depth, mood, and stunning images.

In this 3-minute episode, you’ll learn why light is the most important element in photography, how direction, quality, and color of light affect your shots, and explore real-world examples of natural and artificial light in action. You’ll also get tips for using light to enhance portraits, landscapes, and everyday photography

Whether you’re shooting indoors, outdoors, or anywhere in between, understanding light is the key to taking your photos from good to great.

Got questions about lighting or techniques? Drop them in the comments!

Relevant links:
https://youtu.be/AV_OTO8Dn_0

Timestamps :

0:00 – Quick Intro to Shoot Habits
0:58 – Light: The Heart of Photography
1:35 – Why Lighting Shapes Every Photo
2:01 – Front, Side & Backlight Basics
2:29 – Harsh vs. Soft Light Explained
3:00 – Warm vs. Cool Light Effects
3:13 – Real-World Lighting Examples
4:10 – See and Use Light Creatively
5:12 – Tips

#photographybasics #lightingtips #beginnerphotography #howtouselight

Check these out next:

AE Lock & AF Lock Explained for Beginners : https://youtu.be/4kQ1WJcC2g8

RAW vs JPEG - When and Why to Shoot Each : https://youtu.be/-2oDQqejBro

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Unlock the mystery behind two of your camera’s most useful (and often misunderstood) features: AE Lock and AF Lock. In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down what these functions do, when to use them, and how they can instantly improve your photography.

Whether you’re struggling with exposure changes when recomposing or battling focus issues on off-center subjects, this quick and easy guide will help you take full control of your camera.

You’ll learn what AE Lock and AF Lock actually do, explore real-world examples of how and when to use them, and understand why mastering both can make your photos more consistent and professional

If you’re a beginner looking to finally understand your camera’s buttons and features, this is the video for you!

Timestamps :

0:00 - Overview
1:00 - AE Lock Explained
1:31 - Example: Bright Window Shot
2:14 - When to Use AE Lock
2:31 - AF Lock Explained
2:58 - Portrait Focus Example
3:35 - Back Button Focus Tip
3:53 - AE vs AF Lock Summary

#photography #camerabasics #AELock #AFLock #BackButtonFocus

Watch now, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out my other Shoot Happens videos for more straightforward photography tips and explanations.

Check these out next:

Fill the Frame vs. Negative Space : https://youtu.be/P0GTnYPFzBQ

RAW vs JPEG - When and Why to Shoot Each : https://youtu.be/-2oDQqejBro

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Ever wonder why some photos feel bold and powerful, while others feel calm and open? It all comes down to Fill the Frame vs. Negative Space — two simple composition techniques that can completely change the look and feel of your photos.

In this Shoot Happens episode, you’ll learn what “fill the frame” means and how to use it for stronger impact, how “negative space” creates balance, mood, and storytelling, and see real-world examples of when each approach works best.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or everyday moments, this quick guide will help you take control of your compositions and make your photos more intentional.

If you find this video helpful, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tap the bell icon so you don’t miss more beginner-friendly photography lessons in the Shoot Happens series!

Timestamps :

0:00 – Intro
0:30 – Composition Overview
0:57 – Fill the Frame Explained
1:36 – Power of Focus & Detail
2:11 – What Is Negative Space
2:33 – Calm & Balance Through Space
2:57 – Real Examples & Emotions
3:22 – When to Use Each Style
3:50 – Practice & Compare Shots
4:39 – Wrap-Up

#photographybasics #composition #FillTheFrame #negativespace #beginnerphotography

Check these out next:

RAW vs JPEG - When and Why to Shoot Each : https://youtu.be/-2oDQqejBro

What is the Best Time of Day for Photography? : https://youtu.be/AV_OTO8Dn_0

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Should you shoot RAW or JPEG? It’s one of the first big questions every new photographer faces. In this episode of Shoot Happens, we break down the difference between these two file formats in plain English — no tech dictionary required.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
- What RAW and JPEG actually are (and why it matters)
- The pros and cons of each format
- Real-world examples of when to use them
- How to choose the right format for your photography style

Whether you’re shooting birthday parties, landscapes, or just want to up your photo game, this quick 3-minute guide will help you make smarter choices behind the lens.

If you found this helpful, hit that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more beginner photography tips, and don’t forget to ring that bell so you never miss a new Shoot Happens episode.

Got questions about RAW vs. JPEG? Drop them in the comments — I read them all and love helping new photographers grow.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Welcome
0:18 - RAW vs JPEG Question
0:43 - JPEG Explained Simply
1:04 - JPEG Pros & Cons
1:36 - RAW Explained Simply
1:55 - RAW Pros & Control
2:22 - When to Use JPEG
2:29 - When to Use RAW
3:08 - Shoot RAW + JPEG Together
3:26 - Wrap-Up

#rawvsjpeg #photography #beginnerphotography #camerasettings #PhotoEditingBasics

Watch next: Check out my other beginner tips in the Shoot Happens playlist to level up your photography skills fast!

Check these out next:

What is Depth of Field? : https://youtu.be/kKkjvurr_5k

What is the Best Time of Day for Photography? : https://youtu.be/AV_OTO8Dn_0

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I just finished testing another HD metal print — this time from Artbeat Studios, featuring their 16x24 White High Gloss finish with a black floating frame.

In this video, I cover everything you’d want to know before spending your hard-earned money — including:
- Color accuracy and vibrance
- Sharpness and detail retention
- Surface finish and reflections
- Frame quality and build
- Packaging and protection during shipping
- Noise and grain performance in prints

I’ve reviewed hundreds of metal, acrylic, and canvas prints over the years, and I’ll walk you through where Artbeat Studios stands in terms of quality, value, and presentation.

Whether you’re a photographer looking to sell prints or a collector decorating your home, this honest review will help you decide if Artbeat Studios is the right choice for your next wall piece.

Timestamps :

0:00 - Review Setup
0:40 - Why Prints Make Great Gifts
1:25 - Unboxing the Print
2:05 - Packaging & Protection
4:20 - Revealing the Metal Print
5:05 - First Impressions & Build Quality
6:22 - Gloss and Color Review
7:25 - Floating Frame Design
8:05 - Mounting Hardware Check

#ArtBeatStudios #metalprints #HDMetalPrint #PhotographyWallArt #photoprintquality

Check these out next:

What is Depth of Field? : https://youtu.be/kKkjvurr_5k

Unboxing a $100 Framed Canvas from Lumaprints — Worth It? : https://youtu.be/jj29Yf5b6Rg

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What is depth of field—and why does it matter so much in photography? In this quick and simple episode of Shoot Happens, I break down this essential concept so even beginner photographers can master it in minutes.

You'll learn:

- What depth of field actually means
- The three main factors that control it
- When to use shallow vs. deep depth of field in your photos

Whether you're shooting dreamy portraits with buttery backgrounds or sweeping landscapes where every detail counts, understanding depth of field will instantly level up your photography game.

Like this video if you found it helpful! Subscribe for more short, beginner-friendly photography tips, too. And check out the rest of the Shoot Happens series — where learning photography doesn't have to be overwhelming!

Timestamps :

0:00 – Intro
0:19 – What Is Depth of Field
0:50 – Shallow vs Deep Focus
1:19 – 3 Factors That Affect Depth of Field
1:23 – Aperture Explained
1:47 – Distance to Subject
2:17 – Focal Length Effects
2:37 – When to Use Each Type
2:56 – Creative Storytelling with Focus
3:30 – Wrap Up

#DepthOfField #photography #camerasettings #learnphotography

Relevant links:

A Beginner’s Guide to Aperture and Depth of Field: https://www.photographytalk.com/a-beginners-guide-to-aperture-and-depth-of-field/

Mastering Aperture Priority Mode: A Comprehensive Guide

https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-aperture-priority-mode-a-comprehensive-guide/

Check these out next:

What is the Best Time of Day for Photography? : https://youtu.be/AV_OTO8Dn_0

Memory Card 101: What Do All the Numbers Mean? : https://youtu.be/gJZOb7IoEcM

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In today’s video, I’m reviewing another framed print from Lumaprints — this time, it’s an 18x24” framed canvas in their Espresso Gold Plein Air Economy frame. With the frame, the total size comes out to about 23x29 inches, and the entire piece still came in under $140.

If you’ve followed the channel for a while, you might remember my earlier Lumaprints canvas review that really impressed me. Now I’m back to see if this new framed option holds up — from print quality to framing details, color, craftsmanship, and overall value.

This is the kind of piece that could easily elevate a home office, hallway, or living room — without breaking the bank. So, how does it stack up? Stick around to find out.

More info: https://www.lumaprints.com/framed-canvas/

👉 Print Specs:
• Canvas Size: 18x24”
• Frame: Plein Air Economy (Espresso Gold)
• Total Size: ~23x29”
• Mounted, ready to hang

💬 Drop a comment if you’ve ordered a framed canvas print before — or if this video helped you discover a new option to consider!

Timestamps :

0:00 - Unboxing
1:06 - Start of Packaging Review
2:55 - Print Protection & Foam Corners
4:11 - Canvas Print Reveal
4:30 - Castle Neuschwanstein Story
5:19 - Mounting Hardware & Build Quality
6:30 - First Look at Print Colors
7:06 - Canvas Tension & Sharpness
8:25 - Frame & Hardware Details
10:15 - Final Score

#Lumaprints #CanvasPrintReview #FramedCanvas #PhotographyPrints #wallartdecor

Check these out next:

Lumaprints Canvas Print Review : https://youtu.be/YPN6iufjmFw

The BEST Budget Metal Print? Lumaprints Review (Full Breakdown!) : https://youtu.be/D9SPBaz-PaM

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Apple has spent YEARS saying they’d never make a touchscreen Mac… but new reports suggest a Touchscreen MacBook Pro with OLED could arrive in 2026.

In this video, I break down what the rumors really mean — and why photographers, videographers, and other creatives should pay close attention. From color accuracy and OLED displays to the potential of editing photos and videos with direct touchscreen input, this could be one of the biggest shifts in Apple laptops in decades.

We’ll also cover:
- Why Apple might finally be ready for a touchscreen MacBook Pro
- How OLED could transform photo and video editing workflows
- Lessons Apple learned from the iPad and why they matter here
- Comparisons to Microsoft Surface devices
- Rumors of a low-cost MacBook hitting shelves in 2025

I’ve been a Mac user for nearly 20 years, and if Apple nails this, it could be one of their most important updates yet for creatives.

👉 Would YOU actually use a touchscreen MacBook Pro for your workflow, or is it just a gimmick? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Timestamps :

0:00 - Apple Reconsiders Touchscreen Macs
0:21 - Rumors Heat Up for 2026
2:05 - Why Apple May Finally Be Ready
2:51 - OLED Displays for Creatives
3:06 - Touchscreen Workflow Possibilities
4:07 - Microsoft’s Head Start with Surface
4:37 - Apple’s Perfectionist Approach
4:56 - Release Timeline & Predictions
5:12 - Low-Cost MacBook in 2025
5:53 - What This Means for Creatives

#TouchscreenMacBookPro #AppleOLEDMacBook #MacBookForCreatives #AppleMacRumors #videoediting

Don’t forget to LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the bell so you don’t miss upcoming breakdowns on photography gear, Apple updates, and creative tools.

Check these out next:

Do You Really Need a Tripod? Beginner Photographer Shoot Happens Series : https://youtu.be/YD_mzw7mMY8

What is the Best Time of Day for Photography? : https://youtu.be/AV_OTO8Dn_0

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