Kōlab guides
Photography guides for people who'd rather be shooting.
Settings, editing, composition and light, written by photographers for photographers. Every shot here is from a real Kōlab member, and where they've left their Shot Recipe on, you get their settings and gear too.
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Instagram alternatives for photographers in 2026
Compare Instagram alternatives for photographers including Glass, Flickr, Cara, Vero, Pixelfed, Behance, 500px, your own site and Kōlab.
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Should photographers disclose AI editing?
When should photographers disclose AI editing? A practical distinction between processing and generation, plus advice for competitions, clients and captions.
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Is editing photos cheating?
Is photo editing cheating? Usually not. Here's how to think about normal processing, composites, documentary work, competitions and generative AI.
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How to photograph birds in flight
Birds in flight settings for shutter speed, Auto ISO, autofocus, tracking, panning, light and backgrounds, with starting points you can set before you go out.
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Airshow photography settings: sort them in the car park
Airshow photography settings for jets, propeller aircraft and helicopters, including shutter speed, autofocus, exposure, lenses and panning.
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Prop blur shutter speeds for aircraft and helicopters
Prop blur shutter-speed starting points for warbirds, light aircraft, turboprops and helicopters, plus panning technique and how to improve your keeper rate.
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How to shoot backlit wildlife photography
How to shoot backlit wildlife: expose for the animal, place the sun, control flare, focus in low contrast and edit without losing the rim light.
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Long exposure settings for water
Long exposure water settings from 1/15s to two minutes, with the look each shutter speed creates, which ND filters help and a simple shooting workflow.
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How to shoot blue hour photography
Blue hour photography explained: when it happens, camera settings, white balance, focus, exposure and what to shoot before sunrise or after sunset.
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Photography composition beyond the rule of thirds
Move beyond the rule of thirds with six practical composition ideas: simplify the shot, create separation and depth, use space, direction and pattern.
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Photo editing before and after: what to look for
Learn photo editing by comparing before-and-after images: tone, local adjustments, colour, crop, sharpening and the decisions behind the final shot.
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How to ask for photography feedback that helps
Get better photography feedback by asking one specific question, explaining your intent and learning how to give useful critique without overwhelming people.
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How to improve your photography with deliberate practice
A practical way to improve your photography with deliberate practice: one constraint, honest comments, repeat attempts and small briefs you can actually shoot.
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How to get out of a photography slump
Stuck in a photography slump? Make the task smaller, change one constraint, revisit old work, shoot with someone and give yourself a clear next thing to do.
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How to shoot autumn landscape photography
When autumn colour peaks in the UK, the weather that works best, woodland composition, polariser use, white balance and editing tips.
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Winter wildlife photography in the UK
UK winter wildlife photography guide: what to shoot from November to February, low-light camera settings, exposing snow, hides, batteries and cold-weather tips.
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Astrophotography for beginners: Shooting the Milky Way with the camera you've already got
A practical beginner guide to Milky Way photography: when to shoot, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, manual focus, dark skies and essential kit.
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Your turn
Try it on this week's Mission.
Pick a Mission, go and shoot it, then put your shot up and see what other photographers make of it.
