LATEST ADDITIONS

It's nearly mid-September, so you know what that means. It means the Halloween paraphernalia has been on display at the supermarket for nearly a month already, and the kiddos are happily (?) back in the classroom, using interactive smartphone apps to track the days until Spring Break.

But more important, it means that we'll soon be enjoying Mother Nature's fall festival of fabulous foliage. Here is the prediction map you've been waiting for, courtesy of the wonderful folks at smokymountains.com.

Today's eye-opening Photoshop tutorial is super interesting for a couple reasons: First, you'll learn how to use an unfamiliar tool that can deliver spectacular results. Then there's our grumpy instructor who's miffed because he didn't know about this transformative technique until recently.

You know a tool is hyper-useful when you recognize its potential with little or no explanation. Perception depends of frame of reference, and photographers are quick to imagine how certain items mesh with their image-making work habits. Foil windshield visors become ad hoc reflectors, for instance, wooden boxes become props and discarded sunglasses translate into creative filters.

Here's a trio of photo accessories that you may find indispensable once you comprehend the logic that conceived them.

Are you dissatisfied with the images you shoot of birds and other forms of wildlife? If so, you've come to the right place today. The video below provides a handful of pro techniques that are guaranteed to up your game—regardless the gear you currently own or the level of your skills.