Matt, Author at truenorthphoto.net

Why Vertical Photos Outsell Horizontal Ones in Stock Photography

Vertical stock photography often performs better than horizontal images because it fits modern layouts with less friction. Most photographers shoot horizontally by default. Cameras are designed that way, tripods encourage it, and traditional photography education reinforces wide compositions. For landscapes and architecture especially, horizontal framing often feels natural and intuitive. But when it comes to […]

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Indoor Sports Photography Settings That Actually Work

Photography Tips / Matt

Indoor sports photography is one of the most frustrating challenges photographers face. Gyms, rinks, and indoor courts combine fast action with poor light, mixed color temperatures, and backgrounds that constantly change. Unlike outdoor sports, you cannot rely on sunlight or predictable conditions. Every venue is different, and many are simply dark. This post focuses on

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Exterior of a courthouse photographed from a public street with clean architectural lines and no people

How to Photograph Public Buildings for Commercial Use

Photography Business / Matt

Photographing public buildings is one of the most reliable ways to create commercial-ready images that can sell for years. Courthouses, city halls, libraries, and other civic structures are visually strong, widely useful, and usually accessible. Yet many photographers hesitate because they are unsure what is allowed, what requires releases, or why similar images get rejected

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Historic courthouse photographed in everyday public conditions with natural light and surrounding civic space

Photographing Places You Cannot Control

Field Notes / Shooting Tips / Matt

Photographing places you cannot control is one of the most common challenges in real-world photography. When you are shooting architecture, courthouses, or public spaces, you rarely get ideal conditions. Light may be harsh, weather may be uncooperative, and the scene may be filled with parked cars, construction equipment, or people moving through the frame. Unlike

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Clean commercial office interior illustrating why photos that sell focus on usability

Why Some Photos Sell and Better Ones Do Not

Photography Business / Matt

One of the most frustrating moments in stock photography is realizing that photos that sell are often not the ones you worked the hardest to perfect. At some point, however, nearly every photographer asks the same question: why does this image sell when that one does not? The answer usually has nothing to do with

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Golden hour light illuminating rolling hills and distant mountains in a natural landscape scene.

A Beginner’s Guide to Natural Light Landscape Photography

Camera Basics / Matt

Natural light is one of the most versatile tools in landscape photography. It can shape the atmosphere, define the mood, and completely transform a scene without changing a single piece of gear in your bag. In this guide, you’ll learn how natural light works, how to recognize the best lighting conditions outdoors, and how to

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waterfall long exposure near an old wooden grist mill in a forest setting

Long Exposure Photography: A Beginner’s Guide to Smooth Water and Creative Motion

Camera Basics / Matt

Long exposure photography is one of those techniques that makes people stop and stare at an image. When you slow down your shutter speed, everyday scenes turn into something surreal – water turns silky, clouds stretch across the sky, and city streets reveal light trails that look like glowing ribbons. In this guide, we’ll walk

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camera resting on fresh snow with soft winter light falling around it

The Best Camera Settings for Snowy Winter Photography

Camera Basics / Matt

Snow can make even an ordinary scene look magical, but it is also one of the hardest conditions to photograph. Bright white snow throws off your camera’s meter, cold air drains your batteries, and changing light can make a perfect shot disappear fast. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best camera settings for

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Photographer standing in an open mountain landscape during warm morning light while scouting the location for a photo.

How to Scout Locations Like a Photographer

Camera Basics / Matt

Scouting locations is one of those habits that separates casual snapshots from intentional photography. When you know how to find the right spots and plan your shots ahead of time, everything becomes easier. Your compositions improve, you waste less time wandering around, and you can work with the light instead of fighting it. In this

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Clean flat lay of a camera, laptop, and external drives used for photo backup on a wooden desk.

How to Back Up and Protect Your Photo Library

Editing & Workflow / Matt

Every photographer eventually learns one hard truth: losing photos hurts more than losing gear. Cameras can be replaced, but your images are one of a kind. Maybe you have already had a memory card fail, or a hard drive click loudly one morning and refuse to mount. I have been there, and it is a

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