Videos

Photography gear can get expensive fast, especially if you’re just getting started. In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down 5 smart, practical ways to save money on photography without sacrificing image quality or falling for marketing hype.

With so many beginners following this channel, I get asked all the time how to build a solid photography setup without blowing the budget. In this video, I talk about buying used gear the right way, why you only need one good lens to start, which accessories to skip, how free learning resources can save you thousands, and why chasing the latest camera is rarely worth it.

I also share my firsthand experience buying used gear from MPB, including what to expect when buying, selling, or trading camera equipment.

Whether you’re brand new to photography or just tired of overspending on gear you don’t need, this video will help you shoot smarter and keep more money in your pocket.

Relevant links: 

Visit MPB: https://www.mpb.com/en-us 

Timestamps : 

0:00 – Photography gets expensive fast
0:55 – Five ways to save money
1:23 – Buy used gear
3:38 – One lens strategy
4:21 – Skip cheap kits
5:12 – Learn for free first
6:58 – Intentional spending mindset

#photography #SaveMoneyPhotography #beginnerphotography #CameraGearAdvice #PhotographyOnABudget 

Affiliate Statement:

Buy through our links, and we get a small thank-you commission. Your price? Unchanged!

You might enjoy these next:

Why Auto Mode Is Holding You Back
https://youtu.be/hCPfM_nq0II

Shoot Happens - Frame Within a Frame
https://youtu.be/bMDOmC8DMYs

Photography gear can get expensive fast, especially if you’re just getting started. In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down 5 smart, practical ways to save money on photography without sacrificing image quality or falling for marketing hype.

With so many beginners following this channel, I get asked all the time how to build a solid photography setup without blowing the budget. In this video, I talk about buying used gear the right way, why you only need one good lens to start, which accessories to skip, how free learning resources can save you thousands, and why chasing the latest camera is rarely worth it.

I also share my firsthand experience buying used gear from MPB, including what to expect when buying, selling, or trading camera equipment.

Whether you’re brand new to photography or just tired of overspending on gear you don’t need, this video will help you shoot smarter and keep more money in your pocket.

Relevant links:

Visit MPB: https://www.mpb.com/en-us

Timestamps :

0:00 – Photography gets expensive fast
0:55 – Five ways to save money
1:23 – Buy used gear
3:38 – One lens strategy
4:21 – Skip cheap kits
5:12 – Learn for free first
6:58 – Intentional spending mindset

#photography #SaveMoneyPhotography #beginnerphotography #CameraGearAdvice #PhotographyOnABudget

Affiliate Statement:

Buy through our links, and we get a small thank-you commission. Your price? Unchanged!

You might enjoy these next:

Why Auto Mode Is Holding You Back
https://youtu.be/hCPfM_nq0II

Shoot Happens - Frame Within a Frame
https://youtu.be/bMDOmC8DMYs

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YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLjM2QmlXc09YTFRR

5 Ways to Save Money on Photography Gear

Auto mode is a great place to start, but staying there too long can hold your photography back.

In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down what auto mode actually does, why it’s helpful for beginners, and why learning to move beyond it is one of the biggest steps toward improving your photography. We’ll talk about creative control, learning your camera, and simple ways to transition into more advanced shooting modes without feeling overwhelmed.

Timestamps :
0:00 – Stuck on Auto
0:47 – What Auto Does
1:08 – Why Beginners Use It
1:28 – Auto’s Biggest Limits
2:00 – Why Learning Stalls
2:24 – Gaining Creative Control
2:49 – Photos vs Photographs
2:59 – Better Than Full Manual
3:15 – Time to Move On
3:46 – Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Relevant Links:

Mastering Aperture Priority Mode: A Comprehensive Guide - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-aperture-priority-mode-a-comprehensive-guide/

Everything You Need to Know About Shutter Priority Mode - https://www.photographytalk.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shutter-priority-mode/

Why You Need to Shoot in Program Mode - https://www.photographytalk.com/why-you-need-to-shoot-in-program-mode/

How to Shoot in Manual Mode – Beginner’s Guide With Examples - https://www.photographytalk.com/how-to-shoot-in-manual-mode-beginners-guide-with-examples

#BeginnerPhotography #CameraAutoMode #CameraModes #LearnPhotography

You might enjoy these next:

AE Lock & AF Lock Explained for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQ1WJcC2g8

Camera Basics - Aperture - Exposure Basics for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A450nLzqBPg

Auto mode is a great place to start, but staying there too long can hold your photography back.

In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down what auto mode actually does, why it’s helpful for beginners, and why learning to move beyond it is one of the biggest steps toward improving your photography. We’ll talk about creative control, learning your camera, and simple ways to transition into more advanced shooting modes without feeling overwhelmed.

Timestamps :
0:00 – Stuck on Auto
0:47 – What Auto Does
1:08 – Why Beginners Use It
1:28 – Auto’s Biggest Limits
2:00 – Why Learning Stalls
2:24 – Gaining Creative Control
2:49 – Photos vs Photographs
2:59 – Better Than Full Manual
3:15 – Time to Move On
3:46 – Wrap-Up & Next Steps

Relevant Links:

Mastering Aperture Priority Mode: A Comprehensive Guide - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-aperture-priority-mode-a-comprehensive-guide/

Everything You Need to Know About Shutter Priority Mode - https://www.photographytalk.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-shutter-priority-mode/

Why You Need to Shoot in Program Mode - https://www.photographytalk.com/why-you-need-to-shoot-in-program-mode/

How to Shoot in Manual Mode – Beginner’s Guide With Examples - https://www.photographytalk.com/how-to-shoot-in-manual-mode-beginners-guide-with-examples

#BeginnerPhotography #CameraAutoMode #CameraModes #LearnPhotography

You might enjoy these next:

AE Lock & AF Lock Explained for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kQ1WJcC2g8

Camera Basics - Aperture - Exposure Basics for Beginners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A450nLzqBPg

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YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLmhDUGZNX25xMElJ

Why Auto Mode Is Holding You Back

Ever notice how some photos say more by showing less? In this episode of Shoot Happens, I’m breaking down silhouette photography and showing you how to create bold, dramatic images using light, timing, and simple camera settings.

This video is designed for beginner photographers who want to build real skills that actually improve their photos. We’ll cover what makes a strong silhouette, how to expose for it correctly, and when silhouettes work best in real-world shooting situations like sunsets, portraits, and outdoor scenes. No complicated jargon, no overthinking, just practical advice you can use right away.

Relevant Links:

Mastering Aperture Priority Mode: A Comprehensive Guide - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-aperture-priority-mode-a-comprehensive-guide/

Mastering Exposure Compensation: A Beginner’s Guide to Better Photos - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-exposure-compensation-a-beginners-guide-to-better-photos/

The Exposure Triangle Explained in Plain English - https://www.photographytalk.com/the-exposure-triangle-explained-in-plain-english/

Timestamps : 
0:00 – Silhouette Magic
0:51 – What Is a Silhouette
1:13 – Backlighting Basics
1:41 – Exposure Trick
2:05 – Shape Over Detail
2:59 – Camera Settings
3:43 – Common Mistakes
4:10 – Mood & Storytelling
4:29 – Creative Scenarios

#SilhouettePhotography #PhotographyForBeginners #BacklightingPhotography #CameraExposure

Videos you may like 

Shoot Happens: Mastering Aperture Priority Mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PR2j3-TzoY

Shoot Happens - Water Reflections
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfRBdHr8xFA


Shoot

Ever notice how some photos say more by showing less? In this episode of Shoot Happens, I’m breaking down silhouette photography and showing you how to create bold, dramatic images using light, timing, and simple camera settings.

This video is designed for beginner photographers who want to build real skills that actually improve their photos. We’ll cover what makes a strong silhouette, how to expose for it correctly, and when silhouettes work best in real-world shooting situations like sunsets, portraits, and outdoor scenes. No complicated jargon, no overthinking, just practical advice you can use right away.

Relevant Links:

Mastering Aperture Priority Mode: A Comprehensive Guide - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-aperture-priority-mode-a-comprehensive-guide/

Mastering Exposure Compensation: A Beginner’s Guide to Better Photos - https://www.photographytalk.com/mastering-exposure-compensation-a-beginners-guide-to-better-photos/

The Exposure Triangle Explained in Plain English - https://www.photographytalk.com/the-exposure-triangle-explained-in-plain-english/

Timestamps :
0:00 – Silhouette Magic
0:51 – What Is a Silhouette
1:13 – Backlighting Basics
1:41 – Exposure Trick
2:05 – Shape Over Detail
2:59 – Camera Settings
3:43 – Common Mistakes
4:10 – Mood & Storytelling
4:29 – Creative Scenarios

#SilhouettePhotography #PhotographyForBeginners #BacklightingPhotography #CameraExposure

Videos you may like

Shoot Happens: Mastering Aperture Priority Mode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PR2j3-TzoY

Shoot Happens - Water Reflections
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfRBdHr8xFA


Shoot

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YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLkR1UzlKZ3M3M2Zz

Shoot Happens - Silhouettes

After reviewing well over 200 prints across canvas, metal, and acrylic over the last six years, I don’t give out perfect scores lightly. In fact, this is only the second print to ever earn one.

In this video, I take a deep dive into a canvas print from The Stackhouse, breaking down exactly why it stood out--from color accuracy and sharpness to noise control, framing, presentation, and overall curb appeal.

This print is nothing short of extraordinary. The colors are rich, the details are razor sharp, noise is virtually nonexistent, and the frame and presentation elevate it well beyond what most people expect from a canvas print.

If you take pride in your photography--or simply appreciate truly premium craftsmanship--you owe it to yourself to see what a high-end canvas print should look like.

*What I cover in this review:
• Color accuracy and tonal depth
• Sharpness and fine detail
• Noise handling
• Canvas quality and frame construction
• Presentation and wall impact
• Overall value

* Final Verdict:
A rare perfect score (+1) -- fully earned.

Timestamps : 

0:00 – What this review covers
1:47 – Unboxing the Stackhouse print
3:14 – Canvas print reveal
3:38 – Packaging quality explained
6:06 – Fully unwrapped canvas
7:07 – Canvas tightness & first look
8:17 – Color, sharpness, and image quality
9:54 – Edges, folds, and build quality
12:54 – Staples & mounting hardware
15:37 – Final verdict 

#canvasprinting #fineartprints #PhotographyPrintQuality #canvaswallart 

Check out The Stackhouse for yourself: https://thestackhouse.com/  and try out a print for yourself.  
If you enjoy honest, experience-based print reviews from someone who’s tested hundreds of prints across multiple mediums, be sure to subscribe and let me know what you’d like reviewed next.

More metal print reviews you might like:

Vivid Metal Prints Metal Print Review 
https://youtu.be/Qrj6DG1ab1Y

Lumaprints Metal Print Review: The Budget Gift That Looks Premium
https://youtu.be/EzpcNrJQxdo

After reviewing well over 200 prints across canvas, metal, and acrylic over the last six years, I don’t give out perfect scores lightly. In fact, this is only the second print to ever earn one.

In this video, I take a deep dive into a canvas print from The Stackhouse, breaking down exactly why it stood out--from color accuracy and sharpness to noise control, framing, presentation, and overall curb appeal.

This print is nothing short of extraordinary. The colors are rich, the details are razor sharp, noise is virtually nonexistent, and the frame and presentation elevate it well beyond what most people expect from a canvas print.

If you take pride in your photography--or simply appreciate truly premium craftsmanship--you owe it to yourself to see what a high-end canvas print should look like.

*What I cover in this review:
• Color accuracy and tonal depth
• Sharpness and fine detail
• Noise handling
• Canvas quality and frame construction
• Presentation and wall impact
• Overall value

* Final Verdict:
A rare perfect score (+1) -- fully earned.

Timestamps :

0:00 – What this review covers
1:47 – Unboxing the Stackhouse print
3:14 – Canvas print reveal
3:38 – Packaging quality explained
6:06 – Fully unwrapped canvas
7:07 – Canvas tightness & first look
8:17 – Color, sharpness, and image quality
9:54 – Edges, folds, and build quality
12:54 – Staples & mounting hardware
15:37 – Final verdict

#canvasprinting #fineartprints #PhotographyPrintQuality #canvaswallart

Check out The Stackhouse for yourself: https://thestackhouse.com/ and try out a print for yourself.
If you enjoy honest, experience-based print reviews from someone who’s tested hundreds of prints across multiple mediums, be sure to subscribe and let me know what you’d like reviewed next.

More metal print reviews you might like:

Vivid Metal Prints Metal Print Review
https://youtu.be/Qrj6DG1ab1Y

Lumaprints Metal Print Review: The Budget Gift That Looks Premium
https://youtu.be/EzpcNrJQxdo

102 21

YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLlU0UzNaM2ZycUZV

The Stackhouse Canvas Print Earned a PERFECT Score… and That Almost Never Happens

Want to take control of your photos without juggling every setting on your camera? Aperture Priority Mode might just become your new favorite tool! In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down what Aperture Priority Mode is, why it’s one of the most beginner-friendly ways to level up your photography, and how you can start using it today for sharper, more intentional images.

Whether you're trying to blur the background for creamy bokeh, keep an entire landscape crisp, or simply understand how exposure works, this video gives you the practical, real-world steps to get there. No confusing tech talk, just simple explanations, clear examples, and easy tips you can start using immediately.

If you’re trying to build your photography skills and improve your results with every shot, you’re in the right place! And don’t forget to check out the rest of my Shoot Happens series for more fast, friendly beginner photography lessons.

Timestamps :

0:00 – The Blur Mystery
0:29 – Aperture Priority Basics
0:54 – How the Mode Works
1:19 – f-Stops & Depth
1:49 – Real Shooting Examples
2:23 – Consistency Matters
2:38 – Shutter Speed Check
3:02 – Learning Smarter
3:35 – Practice Tips
4:10 – Wrap-Up

#AperturePriorityMode #photographybasics #beginnerphotography #DepthOfField #camerasettings 

• You might enjoy these next:

Vivid Metal Prints Metal Print Review 
https://youtu.be/Qrj6DG1ab1Y

Lumaprints Metal Print Review: The Budget Gift That Looks Premium 
https://youtu.be/EzpcNrJQxdo

Want to take control of your photos without juggling every setting on your camera? Aperture Priority Mode might just become your new favorite tool! In this episode of Shoot Happens, I break down what Aperture Priority Mode is, why it’s one of the most beginner-friendly ways to level up your photography, and how you can start using it today for sharper, more intentional images.

Whether you're trying to blur the background for creamy bokeh, keep an entire landscape crisp, or simply understand how exposure works, this video gives you the practical, real-world steps to get there. No confusing tech talk, just simple explanations, clear examples, and easy tips you can start using immediately.

If you’re trying to build your photography skills and improve your results with every shot, you’re in the right place! And don’t forget to check out the rest of my Shoot Happens series for more fast, friendly beginner photography lessons.

Timestamps :

0:00 – The Blur Mystery
0:29 – Aperture Priority Basics
0:54 – How the Mode Works
1:19 – f-Stops & Depth
1:49 – Real Shooting Examples
2:23 – Consistency Matters
2:38 – Shutter Speed Check
3:02 – Learning Smarter
3:35 – Practice Tips
4:10 – Wrap-Up

#AperturePriorityMode #photographybasics #beginnerphotography #DepthOfField #camerasettings

• You might enjoy these next:

Vivid Metal Prints Metal Print Review
https://youtu.be/Qrj6DG1ab1Y

Lumaprints Metal Print Review: The Budget Gift That Looks Premium
https://youtu.be/EzpcNrJQxdo

107 4

YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLi1QUjJqMy1Uem9Z

Shoot Happens: Mastering Aperture Priority Mode

Looking for a meaningful, from-the-heart gift that doesn’t break the bank? A metal print might be the perfect answer — and today I’m reviewing a glossy white metal print from Lumaprints that cost just $54.

As always, I leave no stone unturned in this review. From the moment the box arrives to the very last detail on the print, I’m inspecting everything: build quality, color, sharpness, mounting options, and overall presentation. If you’ve ever wondered whether a budget-friendly metal print can still deliver wow factor, this video will answer that.

And while we’re creeping up on Christmas, beautiful prints like these make incredible gifts all year long — birthdays, anniversaries, “just because,” or even as a meaningful piece for your own home or office. There’s something special about turning your favorite photos into something you can hold, display, and enjoy every day.

In this video, you’ll learn:
  *What you actually get for $54
  *How glossy white metal compares to other finishes
  *Full quality inspection (packaging → print → mounting)
  *Why prints make some of the most thoughtful gifts you can give
  *Whether this Lumaprints option is worth picking up

If you’ve been curious about metal prints — or you’re looking for a great gift idea — this review is for you.
Get the perfect print gift: https://www.lumaprints.com/

Timestamps :

0:00 – Intro & Gift Idea
1:00 – Packaging Overview
2:42 – Protection System
3:41 – Print Unwrapped
4:22 – iPhone Photo Example
5:23 – Color & Sharpness Check
6:48 – Build & Edges
7:56 – Backside Quality
8:48 – Price & Value

#metalprints #Lumaprints #photoprintquality #PhotographyGifts #iphonephotography 

• You might enjoy these next:

Artbeat Studios Metal Print Review
https://youtu.be/8HXHZufLWsk

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

Looking for a meaningful, from-the-heart gift that doesn’t break the bank? A metal print might be the perfect answer — and today I’m reviewing a glossy white metal print from Lumaprints that cost just $54.

As always, I leave no stone unturned in this review. From the moment the box arrives to the very last detail on the print, I’m inspecting everything: build quality, color, sharpness, mounting options, and overall presentation. If you’ve ever wondered whether a budget-friendly metal print can still deliver wow factor, this video will answer that.

And while we’re creeping up on Christmas, beautiful prints like these make incredible gifts all year long — birthdays, anniversaries, “just because,” or even as a meaningful piece for your own home or office. There’s something special about turning your favorite photos into something you can hold, display, and enjoy every day.

In this video, you’ll learn:
*What you actually get for $54
*How glossy white metal compares to other finishes
*Full quality inspection (packaging → print → mounting)
*Why prints make some of the most thoughtful gifts you can give
*Whether this Lumaprints option is worth picking up

If you’ve been curious about metal prints — or you’re looking for a great gift idea — this review is for you.
Get the perfect print gift: https://www.lumaprints.com/

Timestamps :

0:00 – Intro & Gift Idea
1:00 – Packaging Overview
2:42 – Protection System
3:41 – Print Unwrapped
4:22 – iPhone Photo Example
5:23 – Color & Sharpness Check
6:48 – Build & Edges
7:56 – Backside Quality
8:48 – Price & Value

#metalprints #Lumaprints #photoprintquality #PhotographyGifts #iphonephotography

• You might enjoy these next:

Artbeat Studios Metal Print Review
https://youtu.be/8HXHZufLWsk

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

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YouTube Video VVUzd0toYmVCbkZYLVBkOEROWWlFMV9nLkV6cGNOckpReGRv

Lumaprints Metal Print Review: The Budget Gift That Looks Premium