Each year we ask our contributors to pitch in on their take on what’s in store for photographers and photography in the year and years ahead. Most base their assumptions on bits and pieces of news and technological advancements that happen to rise above the din and onrush of digital developments. Some just stick their necks out and make bold predictions that, from reading past installments...

Monte Zucker, master photographer, teacher, and friend to many, passed away in March of this year. Monte's passion and love for photography was conveyed by each and every column he wrote for Shutterbug.

Since 1991 Monte graced the pages of our magazine, inspiring us to be the best we can. He loved life, and lived it to its fullest. Monte's mission was...

As is our wont, in this issue we asked our contributors to give us their thoughts on what the future holds, be it gear, technology, or trends in photography. We received a wide range of opinions, from those proclaiming that film is finally dead to those who see diversity in image making as important. There's no doubt that many people still use and enjoy working with film.

Beware the dark side, that famous sci-fi-movie "master" more than once cautioned his young protege re "The Force." But the dark side--a.k.a. shadows--is well worth the photographer's attention. While the eye is drawn to bright areas in a photograph, the interplay between bright and dark--between highlight and shadow--can make for a...