How to make a cinemagraph in Photoshop — stamped still frame layer stacked above the video layer in the Timeline panel

A photo that moves. A video that stays still. Are cinemagraph’s making a comeback? This isn’t a new concept; they peaked on Instagram around 2014–2018, when the platform still prioritized photos. With the explosion of TikTok around 2020-2021, followed by Instagram trying to compete with Reels, video took over social media, and the creative format […]

How to Make a Cinemagraph in Photoshop | Step-by-Step Guide

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Photography Tips

Flatlay of what comes with the DJI Mic Mini.

With so many wireless lavalier microphones on the market these days, choosing one can feel overwhelming. I finally bought the DJI Mic Mini during a Black Friday sale when the price dropped significantly. I wanted something compact that could improve audio without adding bulk to my travel and run-and-gun setup, so I’ve spent the past […]

Is the DJI Mic Mini Still Relevant in 2026?

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Camera Gear

View count of my Instagram Trial Reels case study.

The biggest shift in my Instagram reach didn’t come from making better content. It came from rethinking Trial Reels as a distribution layer. Since Instagram repositioned itself as creator infrastructure in 2021, a lot of audiences have turned into ghost followers. They’re there, but they don’t engage. If no one sees your content in the […]

Instagram Case Study: How 9 Trial Reels Generated 2.3M+ Impressions

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Content Creation

Full kit of the Neewer cm28 wireless mic.

There’s a common saying in videography: people will tolerate low visual quality, but never low audio quality. I’ve been putting off investing in proper audio gear because 1. I’m not an audiophile, and 2. quality wireless mics typically cost $hmoney. As a content creator still building my business, that felt steep since my budget goes […]

Neewer CM28 Wireless Mic Review: Still Relevant in 2026?

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Content Creation

New York City facing east during sunrise.

While I’ve been shooting on Sony cameras for about a decade, my journey in photography began with a basic Canon Powershot SD 1200IS, now considered a vintage camera. To this day, I still have no idea what all those abbreviations stand for. Reflecting on My Photographic Journey Since leaving my corporate job to pursue a […]

Using Canon Vintage Cameras In Today’s Digital Age

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Camera Gear

Clean and minimalist product photography taken at a photography studio in NYC.

The Big Apple is a photographer’s paradise, but accessing professional photography studios in NYC can often come with a steep price tag. I’ve previously written about how to DIY your own home photography studio, but if you need more space, renting a studio for a day or longer period is sometimes necessary. It also helps […]

Where To Find Rental Photography Studios In NYC

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Photo Spots

Sitting in a hotel lobby with two weeks worth of clothes packed into a carry-on suitcase.

If you’re anything like me, packing everything in a carry-on is the only way to travel. While it would be ideal to opt for a larger check-in suitcase, I prefer not to play a game of Russian roulette and risk an airline losing my luggage. There are ways to remedy such situations, especially if you […]

Packing 2 Week Essentials In A Carry-On As A Travel Photographer

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Travel

The Edge is one of the best observatories in NYC, but gets super crowded.

NYC is a city that has mastered the art of reaching for the stars, both figuratively and quite literally. One of the most spectacular manifestations of this ambition is Edge NYC Observatory, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, perched on top of 30 Hudson Yards. This modern marvel offers a one-of-a-kind experience […]

A Photographer’s Experience of Sunrise at Edge NYC Observatory

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New York City

The empty mirrored floors of Transcendence I with the view of Lower Manhattan in the background.

Let me start by saying that I’ve only ventured to Summit One Vanderbilt observatory during the tranquil embrace of sunrise. If you’ve seen the crowds during regular daytime hours on social media, you’ll understand why. As the newest observatory in New York City, this place can get busy, with security noting that it can see […]

Experience Sunrise at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Observatory

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Photo Spots

Model poses at the Sony Kando Trip sign atop Snowbird's summit in Utah.

You’re probably here looking for information on the current year’s Sony Kando Trip. I’d love to tell you, but Sony hasn’t invited me back since 2023. I can’t decide what’s worse: never getting an invite, or getting one and then getting cut from their list. However, I’m grateful I got to experience it at least […]

I Was Invited To Sony Kando Trip Without 100K Followers

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Entrepreneurship

Photographing your moments in San Francisco, California

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