Boudoir imagery is a unique subset of portraiture that’s growing in popularity as more and more photographers learn how easy it is to pursue with the equipment they already own in the comfort of their home. There’s no need for a decked-out studio or complex-and-expensive lighting gear if you understand how to take advantage of natural illumination streaming through a window.

This quick tutorial from Patrick’s Boudoir Photography Secrets is perfect for r first attempt because it’s super simple. And the comfortable couch pose is easy to teach to a “model” without experience like a spouse, friend, or significant other.

Patrick is a Vienna-based portrait artist specializing in b&w natural-light photography and this episode is installment #20 of his ongoing Two-Minute Tips series that explores posing, storytelling, image structure and more. In the next four minutes you’ll the simple steps for keeping a model comfortable by providing simple guidance, along with the necessary camera settings and shooting techniques to achieve compelling images that make you and your model proud.

Thoughtful composition also factors into the equation, especially when using soft window light to illuminate your “set.” You’ll be surprised to see how slight adjustments in body posture can enhance femininity when photographing models of all body types. The trick is understanding how to identify and accentuate a subject’s best physical attributes.

You’ll also learn why b&w boudoir photographs can be so compelling once you understand Patrick’s methods for creating stunning highlights and shadows without supplemental lighting. He also demonstrates how to quickly and effectively edit your images with his Ultimate Pack Lightroom Presets (there’s a link in the description beneath the video.

Mother’s Day is coming up in a couple months, and a nicely-frame boudoir photo of your wife will me a really nice gift. So start practicing now.

Be sure to check out Patrick’s instructional YouTube channel if this video strikes your fancy. There’s much more to learn about this fascinating genre, and you’ll also be able to view the first 19 episodes of this series.

And don’t miss the related tutorial we featured earlier with an image-editing beginners guide to transforming dull color photographs into attention-grabbing monochrome images.

Here’s a unique tutorial from bird photographer Shelley Pearson who treats us to an uncommon mix of information, gorgeous imagery, and inspiration for nature and wildlife shooters. In the next five minutes you’ll learn how to unlock the beauty of backlighting effects.

Pearson is a long-time Australian pro who travels the globe while documenting her vision of the natural world. Today’s lesson is the second installment of a two part primer, and the initial episode can be found here if you missed it. It’s a worthwhile series, especially for those of you who want to get things right in the camera.

The video begins with a display of Pearson’s stunning work set to music so that you’re in the right mood for the technical details and insights that follow. It all happens in the next five minutes, with real-world examples of everything you’ll learn to elevate your wildlife photography game.

One super powerful technique involves using natural rim lighting to accentuate a subject with a soft, beautiful glow and this is the first topic of discussion as Pearson explains the concept and how to get it done. She describes the best vantage point from which to shoot, how to position yourself properly relative to the sun, employ eye-catching camera angles, and appropriate camera settings and gear.

Pearson has a lot more up her sleeve as the lesson proceeds, with solid recommendations for taking advantage of how the color of light throughout the day. She also has great tips for enhancing atmospheric effects in certain types of weather. And thoughtful composition also factors into the equation.

So make sure to watch both installments of this interesting primer, and then pay a visit to Pearson’s instructional YouTube channel when you have time to explore.

And don’t miss the recent lesson we featured with another popular pro who demonstrates the exposure techniques that enables him to capture photographs with detail in subjects that are darker than normal.

Photoshop’s Gradient tools serve a wide variety of purposes for bringing outdoor photos to life by gradually blending colors or opacity. There are various options available for better colors, smoothing transitions and applying creative effects. The rub is that it takes a bit of time to get the adjustments just right.

Today’s quick video from the Joy of Editing YouTube channel short circuits the process by providing 12 timesaving Photoshop Gradients that are ready to go. Instructor Dave Kelly, creator of today’s collection, is an image-editing expert whose straightforward tutorials are designed to unlock the full potential of every image you process, and these Gradients go a long way toward fulfilling that promise.

The first thing you need to do is click on the link beneath the video and visit the TK Web Store. Then scroll down until you find “TK Gradients” and import them into Photoshop with the quick instructions provided below. As Kelly says, “Now you can access them within Photoshop’s Gradient panel to make image-boosting Gradients more intuitive, and efficient.”

Kelly provides a quick overview for those of you who haven’t employed Gradients in the past. Then he describes your new free tools, illustrates their intended use, and demonstrates how easy they are to apply for a variety of immediate effects. Ten minutes is all it takes to save yourself hours in the future.

Be sure to heed this important warning before getting started: “Never check on Reverse in the dropdown at the top of the screen because these Gradients are set up to be used just as you find them.” With that out of the way Kelly pulls up a few impressive landscape images and discusses how to choose the ideal Gradients for different types of photos—depending upon lighting, composition, color, and other key variables in a scene.

One of our favorites is the Black-to-Transparent Gradient example you’ll find near the end of this episode. Once you grab these free image-editing assets you’ll be able to get the computer work done fast so you can head back into the field with your gear as soon as possible.

The popular Joy of Editing YouTube channel is full of important how-to videos and the occasional freebie, so be sure to visit often.

On a related note, don’t miss a tutorial we featured recently with another very accomplished instructor who demonstrates how to employ four more amazing post-processing effects for landscape and nature photographs that look different than the rest.

We frequently stress the importance of experimenting with new tools and techniques, because that’s the only way to expand your skills and broaden your portfolio. This quick tutorial with pro Austin James Jackson, is designed to do exactly that by demonstrating four interesting Photoshop effects that anyone can apply to their outdoor images in minutes.

Jackson is an up-and-coming star based in Southern Utah who’s always searching for a new and innovative approach to our craft. He posts weekly shooting and editing tutorials that will quickly elevate your game—whether you’re a young pup like him or an old dog like many of us.

Setting aside the primary goal of this episode, it serves another valuable purpose as well; namely, when you’re short on inspiration, open an image in Photoshop, and simply have np idea where to begin. In either case, you’ll definitely get a big jolt of creativity in the next 18 minutes. Jackson put’s it like this: “If you’re struggling to find ways to enhance an image, this is the perfect video—even if you have a good Photoshop workflow. So add these four tricks to your Photoshop  toolbelt.”

He begins by explaining when, why, and how to Warp an image. The sample photo looks awesome at is, but Jackson has a few reasons for employing an easy Warp effect. One is a distracting curved horizon that can’t be effectively fixed with the Crop tool. The other is that “I want the distant mountains to appear more grand.”

Jackson also wants to create more interest to the stream than runs all the way from the foreground to the background. He demonstrates how easy it is to accomplish all three goals with a bit of Warp-tool magic. Once you get the hang of it, and it doesn’t take long, you’ll think of other ways to make use of this method.

Next on the list is a technique for creating custom vignettes that can really draw attention to a key element in certain types of outdoor images. This one requires a few more steps, and Jackson walks you through exactly how they work. There’s also a link beneath the video to a more comprehensive lesson on this specific topic.

At this point you’re only halfway through the episode and there are two more interesting effects to learn, and these are just as easy and transformational as those mentioned above. Trust us: by watching until the end your creative juices will be flowing once again.

Then head over to Jackson’s instructional YouTube channel where there are many more easy-to-learn techniques that will make your images rise above the crowd.

We also recommend watching an earlier tutorial we featured with another acoomplished pro who demonstrates a straightforward Lightroom technique that will transform a dull photo into a masterpiece in barely four minutes.

All of us who shoot in color have experienced the disappointment of capturing a unique scene that fails to meet expectations. The video below from the PHLOG Photography YouTube channel explains why some images can be significantly more compelling in b&w, with a basic workflow for making a dramatic transformation.

Instructor Christian Mohrle is one the most inspirational landscape photographers in Germany. He’s also a post-processing expert who’s very generous about sharing editing tips that contribute to his success. Be sure to download today’s sample Raw file with a link beneath the video so you can follow along and make the changes yourself as they’re explained.

Mohrle’s original image was captured against an overcast sky and there’s a strange color cast in the center of the subject. Rather than struggle to make a silk purse out of sow’s ear, he recommends this: “By turning this shot into a b&w image we can emphasize the lights and shadows of the scene and make the subject stand out in a very pleasing way.”

As always, Mohrle begins in Lightroom’s Basic panel and makes several global adjustments to prepare his image for the targeted enhancements that follow. After clicking on the B&W button below the histogram, Mohrle drops exposure until details are barely perceptible in the darkest parts of the image. He also drops highlights, bumps up whites to enhance contrast, and boosts Texture, Clarity and Dehaze to sharpen things up.

Mohrle also demonstrates the versatility of Lightroom’s White Balance settings when editing monochrome images, with modifications to color temperature that create specific effects. Now that he has the best-possible base image it’s time for local enhancement with straightforward masking techniques that balance out tones and add punch for an attention-grabbing look.

He chooses the Select Background option in Lightroom’s masking panel and takes advantage of the subject’s definitive lines to create precise separation. Mohrle then walks you through the remaining steps that significantly darken the background and further accentuate his main subject. He wants to maintain light coming in from the left and this is quickly accomplished with a Radial Gradient.

All that remains for Mohrle’s impressive b&w transformation is a bit more color grading and some very careful sharpening. All the proof you need can be discovered with a quick glance at his before/after images.

Mohrle’s popular YouTube channel is a great source of instructional videos, especially if landscape photography is your thing.

We also recommend watching the recent tutorial we featured with another accomplished pro who provides a quick refresher on exposure basics and demonstrates the best way to capture detail in photographs of unusually dark subjects.

Difficult lighting conditions often result in photographs that bear little resemblance to the magic we witnessed through the viewfinder, and such disappointment often occurs when we fail to faithfully reproduce the spectacular tones of the setting sun. Fortunately, there’s an easy technique for keeping failed images out of the trash, and that’s what you’re about to learn how to do in the next four minutes.

Instructor Serge Ramelli is an award-winning French cityscape photographer now working in the U.S. He’s also an author, educator and, post-processing expert as you’ll quickly learn in this in sunset-rehabilitation episode. Prepare to jot down a few notes as his foolproof tips fly by in a hurry.

Ramelli’s three “secrets” can be successfully employed by shooters of all skill levels. His sample image is a beautiful sunset over Paris, and the quick transformation is amazing. His first tip has to do with the importance of proceeding in a specific sequence, and he explains one reason like this: “Before working on White Balance you have to get a perfect exposure.” He intentionally underexposed today’s sample shot so that you’ll understand why and how this approach is so essential.

Working on a Raw file Ramelli opens a shadow and drops highlights which initially looks sort of weird but it’s all part of the plan. He first uses a keyboard shortcut to drag the black slider until all he sees on the screen are elements with a value of 100% black. Then he boosts whites until he achieves a proper exposure, or perhaps one that’s ever-so-slightly underexposed.

Now, and only now, is it time to make whatever White Balance adjustments are required for a precise effect. When modifying the color temperature of sunset images Ramelli recommends choosing daylight “because we already have warm tones and this option preserves some of the blue.” Conversely, taking the cloudy approach or one of the others eliminates various tones that embellish the image and are worth retaining. Maybe add a touch of magenta and the image now is a very closer representation of what you witnessed in the field.

But hang on for a moment: As good at Mohrle image now appears, there are still two secrets to learn for accentuating sunset scenes even further. He demonstrates how these work so quickly and effectively that we won’t slow things down by summarizing them here. Just watch how it’s done and then pull out a few photos from days gone by and see how much they can be improved.

Then pay a visit to Ramelli’s popular YouTube channel where there are many more how-to videos to be found.

Now that you’re on a roll be sure to watch the tutorial we posted with another accomplished pro who demonstrates how to capture spectacular landscape photographs by ignoring a useless rule and shooting into the sun.

Regular Shutterbug readers are well-acquainted with extraordinary German Landscape pro Christian Mohrle, not just because of his inspirational images but also for the post-processing tutorials shared on the popular PHLOG photography You Tube channel that’s loaded with helpful how-to tips.

This must-see episode describes what Mohrle says is the “insane” potential of Lightroom’s Object Selection masks. Today’s demonstration image is a well-composed shot of a gorgeous mountain scene. However, the dull-gray photo is totally devoid of impact and this is where Mohrle’s “impossible” masks transform it into a keeper with minimal effort.

Mohrle insists that in the next 14 minutes “you’ll learn how create complex masks using Lightroom’s Object Selection tool.” As always, he holds off on selective enhancements until after making several global adjustments to create the best possible base image from which to proceed.

These preliminary steps begin by changing the profile from Adobe Color to Adobe Standard which immediately lessons contrast and provides greater control later in the process. He also drops overall exposure (paying close attention the histogram), slightly boosts shadows and blacks, drops highlights and slightly increases whites—all for reasons that he explains.

Mohrle finishws the initial work by modifying White Balance for a cooler look, removing a green cast, and creating a sharper effect by introducing Texture. Interestingly, he drops Clarity and Dehaze to lay a soft glow over the entire image.

Now it’s finally time for Mohrle to unleash Lightroom’s Object Selection tool for his game-changing masking technique that likely to become a strong component of your everyday workflow. He walk’s you every step of the way will clear examples that make everything super simple to understand.

The remarkable transformation concludes with thoughtful color grading and very judicious sharpening. Just glance at Mohrle’s before/after images and you’ll be impressed.

Mohrle’s popular YouTube channel is a great source of shooting and editing tips for all outdoor photographers, so don’t forget to pay a visit when you have time to explore.

And on a related note, we also recommend watching a tutorial we featured with another accomplished shooter who demonstrates how to capture detailed and perfectly exposed outdoor photographs when the key subject in your scene is darker than normal. Here’ a hint: Don’t let the camera decide.

OK, STOP and answer this question without giving it too much thought: Should you increase or decrease exposure when photographing dark subjects? Are you sure? If not, check out this quick tutorial from Ejaz Khan so you’ll get things right, whether you’re photographing wildlife or other outdoor scenes in which the key subject is darker than normal.

Khan began his career in filmmaking before applying his love of drama and storytelling to still photography. He now travels the globe and uses his narrative skills to capture the untamed beauty, energy and movement of wildlife subjects. So he’s the right guy to address the question we posed at the onset by providing actionable steps that work every time.

Khan summarizes today’s episode like this: “From mastering gear and outdoor exposure, to understanding the importance of camera settings, we cover it all whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just getting started.” The methods he explains are provided in the context of large bison. Nonetheless, the tips you’ll learnwill work wonders with small subjects like birds and dark inanimate objects as well.

This crucial exposure decision will enable you to faithfully reproduce detail in fur, feathers, tree bark, and the like. Khan’s invaluable insights take less than 10 minutes to explain and are guaranteed to eliminate all exposure guesswork the next time you’re out and about with a camera.

Khan is in the field with a herd of bison moving through the frame, and he’s armed with a long telephoto zoom to avoid approaching these unpredictable beasts too closely. It’s not a particularly bright day, so his initial exposure settings are f/2.8, 1/1,600, at ISO 640. It’s important to keep in mind that he’s shooting hand-held.

Metering a scene accurately with the proper mode is absolutely essential with dark (or bright) subjects and Khan explains the process. Thoughtful composition is also part of the equation, especially for emphasizing the power of large subjects, and the vantage point and camera angle you choose goes a long way to fulfilling this goal.

We’ll leave it up to Khan to answer the question we asked up top and provide both the why and the how. But here’s a clue: “The bison is dark and I want it dark, but the camera is telling me to make it gray because that’s the camera’s job.” Now you got, right?

There’s much more to learn on Khan’s convivial YouTube channel, so be sure to pay a visit and take his advice to heart.

We also recommend watching a tutorial we featured earlier with another accomplished pro who demonstrates why “never shoot into the sun” is a rule you need to ignore if the goal is to capture stunning landscape photographs instead of me-too snapshots.

Not long ago we featured a comprehensive guide to photographing the Milky Way, with camera settings advice, gear recommendations, post-processing tips, and more. We’re following up on that today with this primer for inexperienced photographers who want to capture awe-inspiring images of starlit skies, even when the Milky Way isn’t visible.

Instructor Glenn Martin is a versatile award-winning Australian pro whose eclectic portfolio contains spectacular images of everything from landscapes to wedding photos. He’s been teaching astrophotography to beginners for years, and this 11-minute guide is just what you need, whether this genre is unfamiliar or you just need a quick refresher to brush up on your skills.

You’ll be able to get the job done with whatever DSLR or mirrorless camera you own, and Martin provides an easy-to-follow breakdown of all the appropriate settings for achieving accurate exposures. He also reveals the unique interplay between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for this uncommon style of landscape photography

Just about any wide lens will get the job done and Martin has a few recommendations for optimum results. Martin discusses how to use other must-have equipment like tripods and remote shutter releases that help ensure that your shots are sharp and breathtaking. There are also several quick tips for shooting in Manual mode.

A lot more goes into achieving sharp images of the nighttime sky beyond configuring the camera properly. To that end Martin demonstrates a foolproof focusing technique that he promises will deliver precise results—whether you’re shooting wide-field landscape scenes or deep-sky subjects.

Martin’s guarantee is this: “I’ll share valuable tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years to overcome common challenges so your next astrophotography adventure is a success.” So jump aboard, get out there this weekend after dark, and photograph the sparkling nighttime sky with your newfound skills. It’s easier than you think.

Then take a trip to Martin’s popular YouTube channel where you’ll find many more instructional videos for all types of outdoor photography.

And be sure not to miss the comprehensive guide mentioned above so you’ll know exactly what to do the next time the Milky Way embelishes the sky.

Lightroom’s powerful Curves panel offers far more versatility than the limited global adjustments many photographers use to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image and balance out tonal values. These include selective enhancements for targeting and enhancing different areas within a scene.

Today’s eye-opening tutorial from Lightroom Color & Editing Mastery demonstrates how to boost the impact of an image by harnessing the power of Lightrooms RGB Curves to create a variety of stylistic effects that will make your images stand out while keeping thing looking natural.

The video below is designed for inexperienced users, so instructor Maarten Schrader presents his tips in a straightforward manner that anyone can accomplish in minutes. This way you can replicate a variety of appealing styles that strike your fancy without digging too far into the weeds.

Schrader recommends approaching Curves “as a scientific tool” so that you can mimic the look of images you appreciate from others, and then develop personal styles as your skill and confidence grows. The trick is becoming familiar with the why as well as the how. Schrader helps gets you started with a selection of free Curves presets that you can access with a link in the description the video.

The first step is interpreting the graphic interface and Schrader begins with this: “The box represents every shade of your image, with dark tones on the left, bright values on the right, and everything else in between.” This preliminary knowledge is about as far as some photographers go, which means ignoring potential color enhancements and other local adjustments that are available for creating a recognizable style of your own.

It quickly becomes apparent that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all operation, and there’s plenty of room for experimentation. Schrader’s goal is to provide you with a firm understanding of the concept—with clear examples and the various options that are readily available. In short, it’s all about unlocking your inner creative vision.

There’s a lot more to learn on Schrader’s instructional channel, including the ramifications of color theory when shooting everything from environmental portraits, street scenes, landscapes and more.

Be sure not to miss another basic guide we featured recently that demonstrates why you shouldn’t underestimate several useful sliders in Lightroom’s Basic panel that many photographers overlook.