How We Test and Rate at FixThePhoto

By Ann Young, Tetiana Kostylieva 3 days ago, Photography Gear

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Our trusted process for testing and reviewing at FixThePhoto. Save your time – no more endless searches or scrolling through countless videos and articles.

At FixThePhoto, our blog’s goal is clear: to become your trusted experts in gear and tools you may use for creative digital tasks. We provide honest, unbiased tests and reviews to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your equipment.

Our team consists of three dedicated experts who work at FixThePhoto since 2003 and specialize in different aspects of testing:

Kate - innovations expert: focused on the latest gear and gadgets hitting the market.

Tetiana - head editor: is in charge of content creation while exploring and testing creative trends and tools for photographers and artists.

Nataly - trends analyst: evaluates popular tools trending on TikTok and YouTube to separate hype from reality.

Vadym - myth buster: tests popular trends, viral techniques, and hyped products to review how real they actually are.

Every product is reviewed with attention to detail, real-world application, and long-term usability. Whether it's a newly launched device or a long-standing favorite, if it's available to buy, it's on our side to help you.

To stay ahead of the latest trends and developments, these three guys regularly attend industry-leading events like the London Photo Video Convention & Trade Show, Imaging USA, Sync, and WPPI. These workshops allow us to meet industry professionals and beginners, and conduct insightful interviews asking them about experience, share results. This firsthand knowledge helps us provide reviews that are not only accurate but also relevant fast-changing digital world.

Meet the Team Behind the Reviews

Kate is our go-to expert when it comes to testing the latest gear and gadgets. She approaches every product with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, ensuring that no marketing claim goes untested.

"I always ask myself one question before starting a review: 'How does this make a photographer’s life easier?'" she shares.

One of her favorite parts of the process is the opportunity to experiment with gear that's shaping the future of photography.

"There’s nothing like unboxing a camera that everyone’s talking about and being one of the first to push it to its limits. I still remember testing the Sony Alpha NEX-5, one of the first mirrorless cameras, back in 2010. It was at Photokina in Cologne, where the buzz around mirrorless technology was just beginning."

Her reviews often include side-by-side comparisons with other popular models, offering readers a clear picture of what they can expect. Whether it's a high-end DSLR or a TikTok-famous gadget, Kate's goal remains the same: to provide honest, thorough, and helpful reviews that creatives can trust.

"Talking to the people who actually design and use these tools is invaluable. It’s not just about specs - it’s about understanding the ‘why’ behind the product.

I remember attending Imaging USA in 2021, where I had the incredible opportunity to meet Joe McNally. During our conversation, he emphasized that even affordable gear can deliver excellent results it was a powerful reminder that the most expensive tools aren’t always the best choice."

Nataly is our trends analyst, specializing in testing and using popular tools and accessories trending on social media and Reddit. Her mission is to separate honest value from marketing hype, ensuring photographers and creatives make informed decisions about their purchases.

kate and nataly at fixthephoto test tech

Rather than focusing on cameras, Nataly dives into testing accessories and creative tools, such as lighting setups, tripods, tablets, and other gadgets that claim to enhance the creative process.

"It’s important to understand whether these products truly add value or if they’re just clever marketing. I don’t want you end up buying tons of gadgets that look promising but don’t actually work in real-life scenarios. Instead of becoming essentials in your camera bag, they end up collecting dust at home."

With her analytical approach and connections to top content creators, Nataly provides FixThePhoto readers with honest, practical reviews of accessories and tools that can make a real difference in their creative work.

"Four years ago, ring lights became a viral trend on Instagram, thanks to influencers like Lauren Gray and Charli D’Amelio, who made them a must-have accessory. I tested these lights myself to see their actual impact on photo and video quality and determine if they truly lived up to the hype."

Vadym, our resident Myth Buster, has built a reputation for putting tech through the ultimate stress tests. Over his career at FixThePhoto, he’s done it all: dropped, dunked, and even frozen equipment to see if it lives up to its marketing claims.

"For example, there was this tripod that went viral for supposedly being indestructible - it was all over TikTok, with claims that it could hold up under extreme conditions. But when I tested it, it couldn’t even withstand a light gust of wind while holding a mid-sized Canon. It toppled over and failed completely. That’s why real-world testing is so important."

One of Vadym’s favorite challenges is recreating viral TikTok videos showcasing "too-good-to-be-true" video and photo gadgets.

"I love those beautifully edited promo videos," he shares. "But the truth is, they’re designed to sell you a dream, not a reality."

Vadim takes these viral tools and techniques, repeats them step by step, and reveals whether they actually work or are just clever marketing stunts.

Vadym’s passion for uncovering the truth isn’t just about breaking myths, it’s about helping colleagues, especially, total beginners, make smarter decisions.

"I want people to stop wasting money on gear that looks amazing in ads but fails in real-world use," he explains.

From viral gadgets to heavily marketed accessories, Vadym ensures that FixThePhoto readers always get the full picture, no matter how much gear might need to be damaged along the way.

Tetiana is the dynamic force behind the FixThePhoto blog and our team of 25+ writers. She creates articles that inform, inspire, and engage the 2M+ photography and editing community FixThePhoto has.

“I absolutely love what I do with my team. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our content help amateur photographers and editors improve their skills and achieve their creative goals. Knowing I’m contributing to a community I’m passionate about keeps me motivated every day.”

Tetiana's job at FixThePhoto is twofold: to deliver high-quality, insightful content to readers and to continuously elevate the company’s reputation as a trusted resource for photographers and editors on all social media channels.

She believes that every article, post, video and even photo has the potential to make a difference, whether by teaching a beginner how to retouch selfies like high-end studios or providing professionals with the latest trend or new developments in the digital industry.

“Staying ahead in this field means always learning. Whether it’s mastering a new tool or understanding emerging ai trends, I make it a point to bring that knowledge back to the team and our followers. It’s a continuous cycle of growth and sharing.”

Tetiana can translate complex concepts into clear, engaging content by means of website articles, TikTok videos or Instagram posts. Her writing competence has a profound impact on FixThePhoto’s readership. Under her management, the blog has grown exponentially, with a 30% increase in monthly visits over the past year.

“One of my favorite moments was hearing from a reader who said our article on retouching techniques helped them land their first freelance gig. Stories like that remind me why this job is so meaningful and why I personally decided to become a retoucher in 2014.”

What We Test and Why

At FixThePhoto, our goal is to provide comprehensive reviews of the tools and technology that photographers, filmmakers and creatives rely on and our team of retouchers use on a daily basis. Here’s a breakdown of what we test:

Cameras
Lenses
Gadgets (lights, stabilizers, microphones, bags, etc.)
Software
Accessories (cards, battery, filters, straps, etc.)
Printers and scanners
Studio equipment
Monitors and displays
Creative tools (styluses, sketch pads, etc.)
Trendy products (viral gadgets and techniques)

We select products based on their popularity, innovation, and relevance to photographers, ensuring we provide honest and practical insights into the tools you use.

Why You Can Trust Us

Guys make our reviews completely independent. We are not affiliated with brands or manufacturers, which means we’re free to give you our honest opinions without any outside pressure.

Please Note! Most of the products we review are purchased directly by us, or they’re sent for testing with the clear agreement that they’ll be returned afterward.

You can trust that when we recommend something, it’s because it’s genuinely good, not because we’re being influenced. If something doesn’t meet expectations, we’ll tell you exactly why. At FixThePhoto, honesty and trust are at the core of everything we do.

"I still remember a time when a manufacturer tried to offer us early access in exchange for a "positive review." We politely declined because our readers deserve facts, not marketing fluff. When we test a product, our evaluations are based on real-world use and measurable results - not opinions or brand reputation.” – says Kate.

Transparent Scoring and Review Metrics

At FixThePhoto, we use a straightforward text-based rating system to evaluate all tech products. Here’s how we classify them:

5 stars: A product that excels in every category, delivering exceptional value and performance. Highly recommended for all users.

4 stars: A highly reliable product with efficient performance and only minor flaws. Suitable for most photographers and creatives.

3 stars: A product worth your time if it’s heavily discounted or meets specific niche needs. Offers average performance.

2 stars: A product with notable issues or limitations. It may work in limited scenarios but lacks value for most users.

1 star: A product that fails to meet basic expectations. Not recommended due to significant shortcomings or poor quality.

All ratings Vadym, Nataly and Kate set are determined based on several key factors. We evaluate the quality of each product, focusing on its durability, build, and overall look. Price is another crucial aspect, as we assess whether the product offers good value for its cost. Performance is thoroughly tested in real-world scenarios to determine how effectively the product meets the needs of photographers. Additionally, we consider ease of use, analyzing how intuitive and user-friendly the product is for both professionals and beginners.

To provide even greater clarity, we also compare products within the same category, ensuring that our reviews help users make informed decisions when choosing between similar options.

Ann Young

Retouching Guides Writer

Ann Young is an expert photographer, retoucher, and writer with over 9+ years of working at FixThePhoto. Her career in digital community began after earning her degree from New York University, where her passion for both the creative and technical aspects of photography took root. Since then, she tried her skills in taking event photoshoots, freelance retouching, and content creation, ultimately becoming an integral part of the FixThePhoto team.

Read Ann's full bio

Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the Head Editor and Content Creator of all FixThePhoto blog articles, bringing years of creativity and expertise to the team. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events in New York, where she honed her eye for detail and her ability to connect with people. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring every piece of content is both helpful and engaging.

Read Tetiana's full bio

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