Butch Phillips Photographs

What Happened To The 9-Year-Old Smoking In Mary Ellen Mark's Photo?

The photographer, who died last month, has a famous portfolio of arresting images. Among them is a shot of two children in 1990. Amanda thought the photo shoot would change her life. It did not.

6 Tricks to Get a Good Holiday Family Photo

Photo: Coverd PhotographyGetting a great family photo often feels like a Sisyphean undertaking. You need to get everyone smiling, looking the same way, with their eyes open. Simple right? I hate to admit it, but there have been a few times where a photoshop face swap had to be done (getting a great photo of…

How a Photographer Turns a Woman On |

Karen Brody tells us 3 powerful ways to create a turned-on state in a woman that photographers the world over have always known…

Do You See A Duck Or Bunny? This Optical Illusion Tells A Lot About You

When you look at this drawing, what do you see? A duck? A bunny? Or both? This optical illusion first appeared in a German magazine in 1892 with the title “Kaninchen und Ente,” which translates to Rabbit and Duck. The image has now resurfaced on the internet and people are going

How to hire a wedding photographer you’ll love

Firstly, congratulations on your engagement!Now begins the exciting yet somewhat arduous journey of planning your wedding! There's no shame in admitting it. I for one am not a planner. Even with two kids, I suck at organizing anything long term because I obsess easily over the myriad of little…

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Photographer

When selecting a wedding photographer, there are three important elements you should keep in mind: personality, the photographer’s style, and cost. The first two are related to character traits unique only to that person and cannot be copied. The third element fluctuates due to many different variables. Let’s talk about each in the order of importance. Personality First and most importantly are the character and personality…

When to use a Professional Photographer

What’s the difference between hiring a professional photographer and taking your own photos? Despite the advances in technol...

Career Crush: What Does It Take to Be a Professional Photographer?

Why Hire a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)?

Learn more about why hiring a Certified Professional Photographer matters.

23 Things You Will Never Hear a Professional Photographer Say

I love it when clients RE-edit my images and then share them on Facebook. No, no…by all means…you go ahead and pose yourself. Come on, weather…I need a bright sunny day and NO shade! I’m sorry you don’t like your new hair cut in these pictures; that’s totally my fault. Okay, clothing suggestions: you wear …

Portrait Photography Resources to Help Your Business Grow

Everything you need to grow your portrait photography business. Discover all the benefits of being a PPA member.

3 Mistakes Professional Photographers Make That Could Ruin Their Career

Can a Professional Photographer Use 360 Photography Commercially?

Does 360 Photography make sense when it comes to commercial photography? Actually, it could. However, the results will be fleeting.

How Professional Photographers Actually Spend Their Time

We talked to a number of professional photographers about how they spend their time. Guess how much of it is spent shooting?

Should You Invest In Wedding Photography? [A Professional Photographer's Point Of View]

Is it worth it to spend thousands of dollars on a wedding photographer? We weigh the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision!

Photoshop fail? Hilariously botched family photos are no joke

The photographer told the family she used a smoothing tool to get rid of shadows.

Should laser backdrops be used in family photos? Mullet over.

Who Needs a Professional Photographer When You’ve Got a Boyfriend?

Instagram has made everyone’s bae—even Beyoncé’s!—the new fashion photographer.

What Should I Charge? Photography Pricing 101

How do you price your work as a photographer? What are your potential clients willing to pay for it? Answering these questions is vital to creating a profitable photography business. Read this article to learn more.