Indholdsfortegnelse for No. 282 i Digital Photographer

It’s remarkable how many common skills run through each genre of photography. Whether you are shooting a distant, fast-moving subject or a model in a studio, there are certain core techniques that you need to know that are common to all image-making. This is perfectly demonstrated by our two main features in this issue, which cover photography at two extremes of the focal length range. On p24, you’ll find our guide to working with wide-angle lenses and the pros and cons of shooting with these all-inclusive optics, which squeeze in lots of scene details. Discover how to compose wide shots like the professionals to make the most of the unique perspective effects. Next, on p36, check out our feature on bird photography – a genre which is far more closely…

Canon has launched two anticipated cameras: the flagship EOS R1 and R5 MkII. These pro full-frame mirrorless bodies share much in common, though the EOS R1 has a built-in grip, a bigger battery and an emphasis on still images, while the smaller R5 Mark II is aimed at hybrid shooters. Both models use Canon’s latest Accelerated Capture: the DIGIC X Processor and DIGIC Accelerator for faster autofocus, precise tracking through obstacles, increased frame rates and Deep Learning autofocus tracking. The new sensors claim to deliver up to 8.5 stops of stabilisation and a resolution of 24.2MP on the EOS R1 or 45MP for the R5 Mark II. Both use newly designed back-illuminated stacked Dual Pixel sensors to improve noise reduction, detail and data readout. Canon’s best electronic viewfinders are found…

In many ways, we live in a golden age of wide-angle photography. With the advent of digital imaging, one area where sacrifices were initially felt was at the wide end of the focal length scale. The first digital cameras had smaller-than-full-frame sensors and the first 35mm format cameras were prohibitively expensive for all but the most successful professional photographers. Then, from the mid-2000s onwards, ultra-wide lenses in the region of 12-24mm and eventually 10-20mm began to appear. These had the equivalent coverage of a 16mm or 20mm lens in full-frame terms, unlocking the kind of field-of-view film photographers had enjoyed for decades. They also had the advantage of being much smaller and lighter, thanks to the reduced image circle. In the 2010s, the full-frame ultra-wide optic was slowly introduced, with…

Controlling the foreground is so important with a wide-angle lens. I’ve often been in a tight space where I needed my wide-angle lens and I found myself trying to fit in a larger scene but challenged as to how to compose. Personally, I find that to compose a wide-angle landscape shot and make it stand out, having some leading lines to a centrepiece, some kind of foreground interest, such as a pathway to lead your eyes down, for example, is essential. If you look to point the camera below or above the horizon, it can distort any parallel or vertical lines you’re aiming to achieve and make them look like they are converging – any lens will do this, of course, but it’s much more evident on a wide-angle. If…

Whether large or small, rare or common, birds are an increasingly popular subject in wildlife photography. To showcase birds in all their majestic beauty, not only do you need the relevant photographic skills and techniques, but you will also need to familiarise yourself with their unpredictable behaviour so you can create unique and compelling images. We’ve spoken to three experts in this field, who reveal the technical aspects that will help you achieve your photographic vision without breaking the bank. From composition advice to creating atmospheric close-ups and dramatic action shots, they will help you gain control so you can assess situations better with fewer surprises. Over the following pages, our experts will provide you with all the tips, hints and advice that you will need to know to effectively…

Controlling the depth of field in my shots is one of the techniques I enjoy using the most. I generally use a shallow depth of field to draw attention to the bird and gently blur anything that is not the primary subject. I want people to see the crisp detail captured in the bird and for everything else to complement that detail, not distract from it. With the right depth of field, vibrant backgrounds with lots of foliage can add subtle pops of texture and colour. Less inspiring backgrounds can naturally fade into a much broader haze. But the same thing also happens with the foreground. This technique is effective when taking pictures of birds in trees. Getting your depth of field and the focal point just right creates a…

DO SOME RESEARCH Collect information about your subjects so you are able to predict their behaviour and capture compelling insights DO PACK ESSENTIALS After your photographic equipment, don’t forget to pack some snacks and drinks. The birds might take their time to make an appearance and you may be waiting for a while DO INVEST IN EQUIPMENT Teleconverters, bean bags or monopods are tools that don’t have to cost much but will improve the quality of your frames DO KEEP AN EYE ON THE BACKGROUND Highlighting your subject against the background is crucial, so pay attention to the scenery behind your shot. Choose a backdrop and get in position to be prepared for the birds DO TRY TO BE EXPERIMENTAL Bird photography has plenty of room for creative possibilities, so…

Who would have thought that a Black & White Adjustment Layer could be used to adjust the luminosity of colours in colour images? Well, with the right blending mode, it can. This technique provides a huge amount of creative control although you have to take care because banding and noise can become a problem. However, the level of control available remains impressive. What you’ll be using Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer Saturation slider Black & White Adjustment Layer Colour Channels Blending modes 1 Increase saturation With the naturally subdued colours in this shot, a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer was created to boost Saturation to +30 to make colours more prominent. This can be useful for many images, but if your photo is already saturated enough, you can most likely skip this step. 2…

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As photographers, we’re always keen to find new perspectives on familiar subjects. American photographer Donn Delson is known for offering viewers a unique take – his typical workday involves being strapped into a ‘doors off’ helicopter and flying at heights of up to 12,000ft above to capture the world from a bird’s eye view. The absence of doors allows him to lean out and shoot scenes that inspire him from above without optical distortions, reflections and limited perspectives. During his visit to London for his exhibition ‘Visions Unbound: A Photographic Journey Through American Eyes’ at Cromwell Place, Digital Photographer had the opportunity to observe Delson in action. Before the helicopter ride, he emphasised that the experience is still just as exhilarating for him as it is for us first-timers, as…

For our latest competition in association with Photocrowd, we challenged you to submit your best Character Portrait images. After working through all the entries, the winners have been selected. As a prize, the expert winners will receive a licence for Affinity Photo professional editing software. Congratulations to all of the winners – as usual, the standard of submitted images was extremely high and it was a difficult task to select the best ones. 1ST PLACE WINNER An Old Woman in Myanmar Photographer Eugene Resh We love the lighting in this shot. The strong contrast creates excellent drama, while there is just enough detail to reveal the character of the subject. The exposure is perfect and the photographer has done well to avoid clipping in the highlights. A great character portrait…

Price: £1,299/$ 1,399 Website: fujifilm-x.com There was a time when a certain phone manufacturer would release tame S versions of its flagship phones in between major numerical releases, both as a refinement of the previous model and to build momentum for the next big update. When Fujifilm opted not to call its previous camera the X-T40, that is what the Fujifilm X-T30 II felt like, a refined but tame update to see Fujifilm through and harvest a bumper crop of updates for the next model. With the launch of the Fujifilm X-T50, it’s safe to say that this is not just another simple refinement. The X-T50 has received some big updates both inside and out, which should put this camera firmly back on the radar of anyone shopping for one…

1 Test your settings Start by dialling in the settings for your lighting before the model arrives. If this is in your own studio, you will likely know which settings work best, but when on location, take meter readings for the ambient lighting and be ready to go. 2 Offer clear direction Beauty andeditorial shots are more about telling a story of the subject than about selling a product or concept. Focus your direction on enhancing the subject’s character, suggesting specific poses and expressions. 3 Use your team If you’re working with a creative team, ensure you get their continuous input and ask for suggestions or tweaks to makeup and hair as you shoot. Building relationships with individuals gives you advance insight into how they work. 4 Fine-tune lighting As the…

The rookie error many of us make when shooting with our first wide-angle lens is to capture everything at the minimum focal length setting. The stretched perspective a 10mm (cropped) or 16mm lens offers can easily go to your head and, before you know it, you’re shooting everything under the belief that showing as much of the scene as possible is the best option. Before we can start to use this extreme field-of-view for creative purposes, as we’ll see over the following pages, we have to understand what it is about a wide-angle image that connects with the viewer and which characteristics compromise rather than complement the subject. The operative word is context. Focal length choice is all about deciding how much of the environment is needed to tell the…

1 Find your foreground interest A sea of luscious poppies gives some beautiful foreground interest with the castle in the background. A small tram line through the field will lead your eye down towards it. Taken with a small aperture, it will still blur some of the foreground to lead your eyes upwards. 2 Set your horizon point Create layers in your shot by setting your camera height, with the middle of your shot focusing on the horizon – that’s particularly important if there are strong parallel lines in your frame. Aiming on the horizon will ensure they remain parallel and don’t become converging. 3 Set the focal length A wide-angle lens is considered to be one that is 35mm or shorter. I would always recommend shooting wider on the…

BE THE EARLY BIRD “Getting up at 3am might not sound great, but for bird photography, it’s worth it,” says Martin Goff. “Birds are often active at dawn and dusk and the golden hour light gives you great opportunities. You’ll also beat the crowds and be able to immerse yourself in the peace and quiet of the natural world.” Before heading out to photograph birds in their natural habitat, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with your species of interest and their behaviour. As the seasons change, so do the location and the behaviour of these avian wonders. By leveraging resources, such as classic books, apps and online platforms like Birdguides, you can arm yourself with the essential insights needed to make the most of your bird photography…

NAIL THE FOCUS We recommend using continuous mode and setting the AF area to a wide area with high tracking sensitivity. Select AI-powered AF modes to enable the camera to track the subject throughout the frame. Alternatively, activate AF Dynamic Area mode to manually select a focus point while the camera selects AF points around it. Lastly, increase your chances of capturing the perfect shot by recording multiple frames in high-burst mode. Capturing birds in flight is a challenge that requires patience, skill, and understanding of your subject’s behaviour. To be able to freeze the bird’s movement in mid-air, you must apply high shutter speeds to avoid motion blur. Anticipating the bird’s flight path and being familiar with its behaviour are also crucial for getting the perfect shot. Using the…

Difficulty level: Intermediate Time taken: 1 hour Harbours and marinas are great places to explore with a camera and offer a tremendous range of detail on which we can focus. It’s possible to find subjects for both close-up shots and wide vistas, allowing us to capture the many facets of this fascinating environment. However, as with all coastal locations, harbours are subject to extreme tidal changes in water level and, unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to be on location at the ideal time of the tidal cycle – when water is rushing in or out of the harbour, drawing attractive lines around the boats and rocks. During low tide, you’ll often find that the boats are resting on sand and the retreating water has revealed a jumble of rocks, seaweed,…

Colour casts aren’t usually a good thing in photography, but subtle toning and colour grading are a completely different kettle of fish. Often used as a way of evoking emotion through colour psychology, adding mood or simply to stylise images, carefully adding colour can have a profound effect on the overall look and feel of your shots. Here, we’ll add a blue tone to our cityscape image for a clean, futuristic look. What you’ll be using White Balance Tone controls Tone Curve Masking HSL controls 1 White Balance To get started, correct the White Balance of the image if required, and cool the image down slightly by dragging the Temp slider to the left to add blue. You shouldn’t need much – here, it was taken to 4900, which added…

No portfolio, no experience. No experience, no portfolio. It’s a vicious cycle that can feel impossible to break when you take your first steps into the photography industry. Once you’ve decided you’d like to make a career out of your photography, you will soon realise that you need image examples to attract your first clients. However, many of these prospective first customers will want to see a proven track record of your work before commissioning anything significant from you. So how can you break the cycle and create a pathway for yourself that leads to a job in professional image-making? Working for free is one method many are drawn to in those formative months, the rationale being that clients will jump at the chance to receive images they didn’t pay…

Tell us a bit about your past and the journey you have taken… I’m a former Metropolitan Police officer, having signed up to the police force to help people when I was 19 years old. I left in 2016, when I was 25, and have since been diagnosed with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). I’ve always been a keen photographer and decided to go professional in 2019 when I started a bachelor’s degree in Photography. I am currently finishing a Masters in Photojournalism and Documentary Photography at the University of the Arts London, while also working as an Associate Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and running my non-profit organisation. Why did you set up the Scarlett Arts Society and what is it all about? Since my teens, I’ve always been…

2024 Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year Launched in 2011, the Food Photographer of the Year awards are open to professionals and amateurs alike. This prestigious competition celebrates the best in food photography from around the world, with categories covering everything from styled food for magazines and depictions of the reality of food production to food growing in a natural setting. There is a prize pool of over £10,000, including £5,000 for the overall winner. To view all the winners and enter next year’s competition, visit pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com…

104 Fujifilm X-T50 This line of Fuji cameras has traditionally been aimed at the entry-level market, so does the X-T50’s souped-up feature set have a place in the range? 106 Panasonic Lumix S9 Gareth Bevan tests this rangefinder-esque mirrorless camera featuring a full-frame sensor Our ratings Our team of trusted and expert reviewers score gear thoroughly to help you make better buying choices. Product awards Digital Photographer’s awards are given out when a product really catches our attention. Here are our three most used accolades. Lab testing Some of our product reviews also have in-depth lab data, graphs and scores. This means that the kit has been subjected to more rigorous testing. Lens tests are carried out using Imatest, and cameras are tested in our laboratory using DxO Analyzer hardware…

Price: £1,499/$ 1,498 Website: panasonic.com Panasonic is no stranger to releasing small interchangeable lens cameras and cameras like the Lumix LX100 II or Lumix GX85/80 previously featured highly on our list of the best travel cameras. However, these cameras seemed to have fallen out of favour at Panasonic, with 2019’s Lumix GX9 the last of its kind. But when a quick glance at the sales figures for the Ricoh GR III, Fujifilm X100VI or Sony A6700 shows that small but well-specced cameras are hotter than ever right now, it is clear which way the winds are blowing. And surprise – Panasonic is refreshing its compact interchangeable lens camera range with the Lumix S9. However, this is no sequel to one of those aforementioned Lumix cameras, Panasonic has made a few…

Photographer: Diego Rizzo @diegorizzophoto Website: diegorizzophoto.com Image location: Volcan de Fuego, Guatemala Type of commission: Personal Shot details Camera: Nikon Z 6 Lens: Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Settings: 3sec, f/3.2, ISO 800 About the shot: “I am fascinated by the power of volcanic eruptions, and capturing them in a photograph is a dream come true. That’s why I frequently hike around volcanoes in Guatemala. In fact, my fascination with volcanic eruptions inspired me to start running photography workshops and private tours to see them. I want more people to experience the Earth in all its fierce glory, and helping them to capture that perfect shot motivates me to do my best. I want them to return home with incredible photos and memories from a real adventure. “In this…

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Many photographers will, at some point in their career, go through a creative lull. Sometimes, it feels like you’re on the same daily grind. One method I use to break a lull is to change the way I work. For example, a change from working with three lenses, to only using one. Typically, I’d achieve this by moving to either a single Samyang 14mm wide-angle or a Canon 24-70mm lens. This simplification benefits me instantly, by not only creating a much lighter load but also forcing a change in my thinking. With only one lens in my bag, suddenly, I’m composing for that single lens. As a result, I will create different images than I would if I had my full armoury. Similarly, a drummer behind a 12-piece kit will…

The other advantage of the mirrorless revolution is the superior quality images that can be achieved by ultra-wide lenses, especially at the extremes of the focal length range. The shorter flange depth of mirrorless systems and often larger lens mounts than DSLR equivalents allow for more technology to be built into wide-angle optics with minimal size and weight penalties. However, even pro mirrorless optics have their weaknesses and being able to identify these is an important step in shooting images that will stand the test of time. All lenses experience some fall-off in sharpness and contrast at certain parts of the image frame. This is usually the extreme corners and edges of the image, which also display the most vignetting (darkening) and colour divergence with high-contrast edge detail showing the…

STEADY SUPPORT “I use the Benro SupaDupa MSDPL46C carbon fibre monopod. It has one single leg that offers both support and flexibility. Its stability and minimal bulk make it the perfect choice, and I rarely find the need to use a tripod,” says Martin Goff. Technically, you can use any camera for bird photography, as long as you know your equipment and how to activate supporting features. A weather-sealed body and lens will make your shoot easier, however, a rain cover will do the job too. Excellent image stabilisation or high-quality lens glass is not absolutely necessary but will support you in creating compelling bird photographs. However, one of the more crucial aspects for me is the sensor size. My chosen camera system is Olympus/OM System Micro 4/3rds, specifically the…

Bird photography is often seen as a more representational genre rather than an interpretive one, so experimentation with different styles tends to be less common. Unlike many other genres of photography, colour images are the norm – the reason is that people like to see wildlife shots as representing an accurate image of the subject, particularly if that’s a rare or exotic species. However, I don’t want to think of my wildlife photos as simply scientific documents – I also want them to be impactful and, using the creative opportunities available, bird photography can also display a more artistic approach. The clean and direct nature of black and white photography is a possibility here, as by removing the distraction of colour, the form and texture are highlighted. The monochrome treatment…

Thomas Speck is a fine-art photographer who specialises in cityscapes and landscapes. “In a world that often seems to be falling apart, I find my mission is to create fine-art photographs that help to bring us into a community with one another,” he says. “Inspired by conceptual photography and neo-pictorialism, I use landscape and cityscape photographs allegorically to express artistic themes in this context.” With his current kit, Thomas can exploit the detail and unique effects created by using a larger sensor. Explaining his choice of dream kit, he believes the Hasselblad system, with its even larger format than his Fujifilm, would allow him to pick out more texture in distant objects. “The Hasselblad H6D-100c has a 16-bit real midsize sensor of 53.4 x 40mm that would allow me to…

Name: Italian frame Date: September 2021 Kit: Nikon Z6 Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 Focal length: 14mm “Follow the lines until the light,” says Sebastien, who used a strong wide-angle perspective and the predisposition of the human eye to move towards brighter elements to create direction in the frame. Sebastien Lebrun Sebastien Lebrun is a professional photographer based in Le Havre, France. He specialises in travel photography, and has a particular passion for capturing urban environments and their architecture. His expertise also extends to landscape and astro photography, where he often skilfully combines scenic vistas with a mesmerising Milky Way backdrop. @sebleb76 Youtube: soyonsobjectifs…

Photographer: Sayan Biswas Title: Daily News Location: Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India @the_iron_mask About the shot: “On a Saturday morning on the noisy streets of Indore, a man finds solace while sitting on his scooter, immersed in the daily newspaper’s stories. Captured through the lens of a mobile phone, the scene exudes a tranquil charm and simplicity, echoing the timeless ritual of weekend relaxation amid the bustling and chaotic Indian streets.” WIN! SAMSUNG 256GB PRO PLUS MICRO SDXC MEMORY CARD WITH SD ADAPTER Every issue, one Digital Photographer reader wins a Samsung 256GB PRO Plus MicroSDXC memory card with SD adapter. Boasting up to 180MB/s and 130MB/s read/write speeds, the card is perfect for high-res stills and Ultra HD video. It is the go-to card for the modern content creator using…

PRICE: £1,819/$1,499 FOCUS DISTANCE: 0.28m WEIGHT: 555g Build and handling I’ve written quite a few times about the lenses I’d most like to see for the Canon RF mount, and consistently the one lens that features right up the top of that list is an update to Canon’s popular EF 35mm f/1.4 USM II lens. When it comes to design, the RF 35mm f/1.4L follows the same look as recent L-series RF lenses, which are themselves more of a simple refinement of their EF counterparts. The new lens is slightly smaller but much lighter than the older model. Despite the decrease in size and weight, Canon has managed to add a few new tricks to the RF version. These include a custom function button on the left of the lens as…

PRICE: £1,299/$1,349 FOCUS DISTANCE: 0.30m WEIGHT: 960g Build and handling Sigma offers a diverse range of lenses in its ‘Global Vision’ Art, Sports, and Contemporary line-ups, aiming to offer ideal solutions to all sorts of photographers. The lens features both internal zoom and internal focus mechanisms, so the overall length remains fixed in all conditions. Not only does that avoid air, dust and moisture potentially being sucked into the barrel, but the constant centre of gravity is a bonus when using a tripod or gimbal. The lens also features extensive weather seals and a moisture/oil-repellent fluorine coating on its front element. Two function buttons are fitted, nominally for autofocus hold, so they fall neatly under the thumb in both orientations. Performance At the heart of the Sigma 28-45mm is some…

Shape, form, pattern and texture – and the effect of light falling on these features – is where I often find my inspiration. I love man-made structures that have the potential for abstract architectural images, but I’m also excited by the natural abstracts you find in sand dunes, foliage and rocks, for example. Although intended as standalone images, recent photos of architecture in Bilbao and Valencia, Iceland’s volcanic rocks and English sandstone outcrops provided source material for what has subsequently become a multiple-exposure (ME) project. Experiments with ME hadn’t excited me in the past, but a session at The Photography Show and seeing work by other creative photographers reignited my interest. It all began when, to pass the time creatively on a long train journey home from a photo shoot,…