This past weekend, a fairly sizeable portion of the western hemisphere got a glimpse of a spectacular eclipse, one which created a glowing red ring of fire in the sky. Of course, it is dangerous to look directly at an eclipse, which is why those eager participants viewed the phenomenon using eclipse glasses, handmade projector tubes or pinhole cameras. More

Color is so big for us photographers. Color and light are our primary mediums in creating our picture. So, when a picture is off in color tones, for example too dark or yellow/pinkish, it can really affect how we view the photograph overall. There are a few simple steps in adjusting the color of your photos in Photoshop. Here are the start and finish results, before and after color correction, side by side. Quite a difference huh?! More

Perhaps it's a shoebox full of old family photos or a desire to do something creative with your Flickr feed, this DIY project is a keen way to transfer photographic memories into decorated and/or wearable items using Photoshop, printer transparency paper, and light sensitive dye... More

One of our favorite things about cameras is, once you think you've found all the coolest ones to round up, a new batch of fun and interesting cameras surface again. These are the two we've been lusting over most recently. More

Here's an idea to inspire DIY reuse from Italian designer, Tommaso Guerra. If you've got a non-working SLR camera, your discarded shooter can see another life as lighting, converted into a desk or wall-mounted lamp! More

Product: Nikon 1 J1
Price: $649.95 ($549.00 via Amazon)
Rating: Recommend*

The Nikon 1 J1 is a new design direction for Nikon, a mirrorless compact CX format sensor with a proprietary Nikon 1 lens mount, all in a minimalist form factor aimed at the enthusiast looking to step up from a budget point and shoot, but not yet ready to commit to a full DSLR model. From the pared down menu UI, the absence of a view finder, to the J1's marble smooth unadorned body, everything about the J1 communicates simplicity, joining an ever-growing subcategory of cameras which purport to offer the best of both worlds of a DSLR's performance with the convenience of a point and shoot. But is the J1 just a fashion statement or can it replace carrying around a full-size DSLR? More

Lomography Fisheye One in Cherry or Vanilla
• $62.90
• Lomography

Here's a last second Mother's Day gift idea if you can get yourself to a Lomography store or dealer: buy her one of these retro Fisheye cameras in cherry or vanilla with a few rolls of film, and package it with a road trip itinerary to take her somewhere relaxing or adventurous (depending upon her usual preferences) for an upcoming weekend. Of course, it doesn't have to be this camera, but something about the colorful form factor and shooting with old school film seems to promise a better getaway...

Andrew Scrivani, food photographer and stylist extraordinaire, recently answered a great Q&A via Twitter. Read on for tips and recommendations from a professional who regularly shoots for the New York Times dining section, including settings, equipment, and even Instagram! More

We hope you've been following our resident photography "magician", Leela Cyd Ross, and her series, Super Photo Magic School. The archives are filled with some great advice about improving the quality of photos you snap, whether beginner or even if you're a bit more experienced. But if you're just starting out, you'd do well by watching this newbie-friendly video put together Matthew Gore of Light & Matter, explaining the 3 basic elements of exposure: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. More

One of our Austin, Texas–based contributors, Adrienne Breaux, recently shot the most stunning lead image. She's got a beautiful room to work with yes, but she's also using a photographic device — having a figure in motion set against a static room. The results are beautiful, lively and slightly enigmatic. More