Indholdsfortegnelse for No. 288 i Digital Photographer

Hello and welcome to both the New Year and your latest issue! This month, big things are happening. I’m excited to announce our brand-new photography training program, Digital Photographer University. Since last year, the team has been working hard to bring you this robust syllabus of serialised features, tutorials, projects and workshops. The aim is simple – to provide our readers with the most complete, informative and inspirational course in professional photography of any photo magazine today. For the next 18 months, you can enjoy our series of exceptional pro-led content in our first two modules: Landscape, Travel & Architecture and Portrait, Still Life & Studio Techniques. Follow along from month to month as we build on what we’ve learned from the previous features and explore new ways to create…

Viltrox is about to release a new APS-C format 35mm f/1.7 lens for Sony E, Nikon Z and Fujifilm X mounts, according to several rumour sites. The fully autofocus lens will be priced at around ¥800 Chinese yuan, which works out at around £90. Due to be released for the three mounts simultaneously, the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.7 has a configuration of 11 elements in nine groups, including two extra-low dispersion elements, one high-refractive index element and one aspherical element. The lens’s widest f/1.7 aperture makes it slightly faster than Nikon’s own Z 35mm f/1.8 S but at a fraction of the cost. An STM focus drive should ensure zippy autofocus. It has a minimum shooting distance of 0.33m with a maximum magnification of 0.13x and a 45º angle of…

Broadening your techniques is a surefire way of mastering the art of landscape photography. Capturing epic landscapes involves thinking beyond the ordinary and being creative in your approach. Besides the basics of camera kit, using a tripod and achieving good depth of field, the key aspects professionals consider when capturing awe-inspiring landscapes include composition, framing, lighting and balance, making use of the different elements and focal points available, such as a lone tree, an interesting building, mountains, rivers and a wide-open sweeping landscape. The way a pro landscape photographer approaches and captures a scene comes from vast experience and knowledge from being in the field, where applying specific exposure, colour and composition techniques can separate their image from the rest. The methods highlighted here are tried-and-tested tools that draw on…

By adding a lens with a focal length of 35-150mm f/2-2.8 to your collection, you introduce remarkable versatility and reach. This workhorse lens excels in providing exquisite background separation and compelling subject isolation, making it perfect for close-up portraits and candid shots. Whether you’re shooting weddings, events or outdoor portraits, a lens with this focal length range stands out for its optical finesse, adaptability and cost-effectiveness. If you are just starting in portrait photography, investing in one of these lenses will pave the way for exploring diverse portrait styles and honing your craft. These lenses are invaluable tools that enhance your ability to capture stunning, professional-quality images across various settings. Lens angle of view (full-frame)…

OPEN THE APERTURE As Caroline has mentioned, opening the aperture (selecting a low f-stop number) is one approach to creating a shallow depth of field. The more open the aperture is, the more reduced the focus field gets, transforming the background into a bokeh. CHANGE THE FOCUS DISTANCE When photographing with an older lens that does not feature such a wide aperture setting, or when dealing with harsh lighting, it’s best to adjust the subject’s position. The closer the subject is to your lens, the less depth of field will be introduced. ADAPT FOCAL LENGTH Using a zoom lens allows you to effectively manage the depth of field. To achieve a shallower depth of field, select a longer focal length. In contrast, a wider lens with a shorter focal length…

To visually highlight my subjects, different aspects need to be taken into account. When creating impactful portraits, I often get inspiration from things I see, collaborating and pulling ideas together, and that is often late at night. Brainstorm and ask the owner to pull some images they like for an idea of what they are looking to achieve. When working with clients, it is essential to gauge what they are comfortable wearing and what will be relatable to them. It is no good photographing someone in a dress with a horse when they would never wear a dress. The biggest factor is finding out about that person, and then creating at least two or three different looks. Styling is essential in creating professional portrait imagery, to make them stand out…

When travelling to a new destination, exploring a city or seeking a fresh perspective on a familiar environment, taking a boat trip can be an excellent photographic opportunity. Not only does it provide unique framing possibilities and a new viewpoint, but it also allows you to concentrate solely on your subject. We’ve all experienced the crowded streets, limited space and surrounding buildings blocking out the light that makes capturing landmarks challenging. By booking a boat tour around the city, like we did in Budapest, you can avoid these issues. These boat trips are often affordable when booked in advance and come with designated time slots. Be sure to check the weather beforehand, as rough waters in some seasons may lead to rescheduled trips. A clear view is also essential since…

Adjusting the white balance settings in your camera is essential so you can influence the atmosphere of your images. Otherwise, you will introduce unwanted tints of yellow, blue or other colours that can distort your intended image. This is particularly true when capturing snowy scenes, because the white backdrop can amplify any colour shifts. Follow these five editing steps to control the visual impact of your photo. What you’ll be using White Balance Adjustment Layer Picker tool Colour Balance Adjustment Layer Selective Colour Adjustment Layer 1 OpenWB settings When working with RAW images in Affinity Photo 2.0, the Develop Persona option opens automatically when you drag the image over. This allows access to the White Balance control sliders. For jpegs, simply add a White Balance Adjustment Layer above your Background…

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 and software to check the image noise and dynamic range.…

‘Toy MiniNatures’ embarks on an imaginative journey that explores the deep relationship between the tangible world and the enchanting realm of toys. These photographs depict a miniature world of toys alongside nature’s elements and inhabitants in real time, blurring the lines that typically separate reality and play. The frames invite viewers to perceive these two worlds as interconnected, bringing together craftsmanship and natural beauty, creating a magical synergy between the playful and the natural. The result is a visual narrative that combines textures, colours and forms, evoking a sense of harmony between the manufactured and the organic. Each ‘Toy MiniNatures’ photo aims to tell a unique ‘toy story’ and convey a sense of immersion in the surroundings, along with the expressions of the subjects in the frame. The artistic vision…

KIM BUNERMANN Our in-house technique editor has been speaking to professional portrait shooters this month to put together the first feature in our new Pro Foundation in portrait photography series. You can find this on p36 of the magazine. Meanwhile, on p56, she demonstrates how to shoot clean cityscapes from a boat. Website: digitalcameraworld.com ANNIE GREEN-ARMYTAGE Annie is a household name in garden photography, having written for magazines and shot private commissions for over 20 years. On p70, we profile Annie’s career as she explains the challenges of starting out in a new photographic genre and building a successful business around her passions. Website: anniega.co.uk JAMES ARTAIUS As the editor of our sister website, Digital Camera World, James is an expert in all things camera technology. He’s therefore the ideal person to…

First announced in April, Tamron’s first AF lens for Canon RF mount is finally here. While the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD has been available for Sony E mount since 2021 and Fujifilm X mount since 2023, Canon has been reluctant to allow third-party manufacturers to make AF lenses for its RF mount. With autofocus performance and a solid build, it’s set to be a go-to lens for anyone using an RF camera system. The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 offers a wide 11-20mm focal range (equivalent to 17.6-32mm on full-frame), making it ideal for architectural and landscape photography. The constant f/2.8 aperture delivers consistent light throughout the zoom range, which is great for low-light situations and video work. Whether capturing stills or shooting video, having a wide aperture wide-angle zoom…

SIGMA UPDATES 9 LENSES Sigma has rolled out a new firmware update for nine of its Contemporary prime lenses, designed to maximise compatibility with the Sony A9 III mirrorless camera. The new update is said to improve operation stability while compatibility with continuous shooting of up to approximately 120 frames per second has been added for the autofocus modes (AF-S/DMF/MF) on Sony A9 III cameras. For more info, visit: sigma-global.com 3LT STR3AMCASE 3 Legged Thing may be better known for making tripods with quirky names but the company has now created its own mic system. The Str3amcase is a compact, triple-Lavalier mic and comes in a USB-C-compatible charging case. It comprises three lightweight wireless Lavalier microphones with one 2.4GHz receiver and two transmitters. Each mic features noise reduction, auto-pairing and…

Can you really have too much of a good thing? Not in the camera industry. While we love seeing brand-new bodies that do groundbreaking things, there’s nothing better than a Mark II (or, in Sony’s case, a Mark III) that takes what was good about the original and raises it to greater heights. In fairness, 2024 has kind of stacked the deck. There were so many flagship cameras this year that all the brands brought out the big guns, with Sony championing speed, Canon and OM System riding the AI battlewagon and Fujifilm doing things never before seen with medium format. At the same time as evolving medium-format, Fujifilm also proved that great APS-C cameras don’t simply get old and fade away – they can actually get better with age.…

Next issue The latest kit reviews, tutorials and projects to hone your photo skills FREE! EBOOKS & ASSETS Download our special software presets and exclusive extra cityscape guide Issue 289 is on sale 14th February 2025 Read these essential features: • Who needs AI? Shoot in-camera effects • Pro project: Master light painting art • Capture abstract ICM and double exposures Available at www.magazinesdirect.com *Content subject to change…

THE WIDE ONE Focal length: 35mm Christian’s top choice for environmental portraits, 35mm captures the subject full- or half-body while the background provides the viewer with contextual visual information. This way, the composition enhances the overall narrative and impact of the image. He explains, “A 35mm focal length offers a natural look with minimal distortion. Benefits of 35mm include versatility and a balanced perspective.” NIFTY FIFTY Focal length: 50mm Affordability and compact size make these optics a favourite among many. Christian says, “It is ideal for creating classic portraits with a natural field of view as this focal length offers a perspective that is close to human vision.” While 35mm optics require positioning the subject further away from the lens, 50mm lenses allow you to get in closer, with the…

1 CREATE THE MESSAGE Whether the shoot is for an individual or a brand campaign, styling is key to creating the desired image outcome. The styling must reflect the essence of the individual or the brand aesthetic. One example is the image ‘Red Dress’ on page 46, which we created for the high fashion brand Verda London. For us, it was crucial that every element – from location to lighting – harmonised to showcase the brand’s essence and feminine power. The choice of a vibrant poppy field as the backdrop enhances the striking red dress, while the golden horse in a powerful rear pose amplifies the dramatic effect, resulting in showstopping, disruptive visuals that truly embody the brand’s identity. 2 COMMUNICATE THE VISION A moodboard serves as a vital creative…

Second shooter I’ve been booked to photograph an event with a second shooter as the job is too big for me to cover by myself. What advice would you give when working with another photographer? Kit Jones Working with a second photographer is a reassuring way to ensure all aspects of the job are covered. It can also be nice to have a fellow photographer along for the day to bounce ideas from and to learn from, as many photographers are self-taught and often work alone. Here are my top tips to help you on your photo shoot. 1. Get your paperwork in order. Before the shoot, make sure you both have the correct insurance (this is especially important if you have hired them in as a second shooter) and…

Photographer: Nanda Gopal Title: Symmetry Hunt Location: Kreillerstrasse U-Bahn station, Munich, Germany @nanda.gopal.photos About the shot: “Ever since I started my photographic journey, I have constantly been pulled towards symmetry. I believe that subway stations offer the best chance for capturing symmetry – so I didn’t even think twice about visiting here when I knew I would be in Munich. I am forever glad that I was able to have a clean symmetrical image, even without a tripod.” 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…

And so begins a new year of our Photo Kit Leaderboard! Last year was one of significant advancements in camera technology. We saw some incredible innovations, such as the global shutter of the Sony A9 III and the in-camera digital interpolation seen in the Canon EOS R1 – features that promise to revolutionise photography. The scores have been counted, our players weighed and measured, and these achievements are reflected in our Gear of the Year awards in this issue (see p14). As we begin a new Leaderboard season, the scores have been reset to zero and the contest starts afresh. The rankings pick up where the 2024 Leaderboard left off. Still at the head of the pack is the evergreen Canon EOS R5 Mark II, while the likes of the…

Free ebook to download Enhance the light We all know that the best landscape photographs require great light but it isn’t always present. Returning to the location to get the best light and weather conditions is one possibility but what if you are unlikely to visit ever again? The trick is to ensure you have plenty of material to work with in your RAW file and make a few basic adjustments in post-processing so that the result looks believable. With the help of a few expert landscape photographers, we’ll show you how to enhance what might otherwise be a lacklustre image and get the best possible lighting. To claim your free ebook, visit https://bit.ly/DPH288 Enter our Photocrowd contests online to win Affinity prizes Every month, we team up with Photocrowd…

Think Tank has announced a new camera backpack and a pair of updated roller bags. The new Darklight backpack is available in 14L and 20L sizes and its standout feature is a laser-cut Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) panel with webbing rails. An opening back panel provides secure entry to the main compartment. Inside, adjustable dividers can accommodate a variety of items, while the selection of easy-access pockets can hold a laptop or tablet and other smaller accessories. Also revealed was the Airport Navigator V2.0 and Airport Roller Derby V2.0 roller bags. The compact Airport Navigator V2.0 has been designed for rapid on-the-go access, with easily accessible top and front openings. Inside, there is space for two gripped camera bodies side-by-side, each with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached. The second…

Photographer: Prasenjit Dutta @prasenjit.dutta.58 Image location: Howrah, West Bengal, India Type of commission: Personal Shot details: Nikon D7500, Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, 1/3200 sec, f/5.6, ISO 1600 “I’m drawn to conservation photography because it combines the art of nature photography with a problem-solving approach. By capturing the beauty of the natural world, I aim to highlight pressing environmental issues and inspire action to protect our planet. “In this image, I wanted to convey a vital truth: the fate of wildlife is inextricably linked to the health of our environment. As we go about our lives, it’s essential to remember that we share this planet with incredible creatures. I hope my photography encourages viewers to consider their impact and to take conscious steps to preserve the delicate balance of…

Portraiture is a dynamic field that blends technical skills with interpersonal finesse, where artistic expression meets human connection. When photographing outdoors, mastery of natural light is essential. Understanding composition and creatively using the aperture can help eliminate distractions and transform your surroundings into captivating artistic elements. Conversely, indoor portraiture often relies on artificial lighting to create headshots in clean and minimalistic environments. Here, the magical application of catchlights brings your subject to life. For this feature, we spoke to three pro photographers to get their expert advice. First, we will dive into the fundamentals of portrait photography, starting with the vital role of lenses. Choosing the right optics is crucial because optical distortions can undermine the authenticity of a portrait. As a successful portrait hinges on a deep understanding of…

PRIME + Better optical performance The sharpness of primes is one of their flagship qualities + Faster aperture values Lower f-stop numbers enable primes to create an extremely shallow depth of field + Short focusing distance Optimal for capturing the subject from a close distance while nailing the focus + Smaller and lighter Due to fewer lens elements, primes are ideal for shooting on the go – No zoom in/out capabilities You have to think with your feet when readjusting the frame – Might need to change lenses during shoot Can interrupt smooth shooting, and your camera bag might be heavier  – More expensive Primes can be pricey without being versatile ZOOM + Versatile optic Suitable for a range of genres – key when specialising in various types of portrait…

There was a time, not so long ago, when the thought of using a smartphone for professional-level imagery would not have been taken seriously. While smaller sensors can introduce certain practical challenges, these devices are more than capable in the modern age of advanced cameraphone technology of working as a backup to an interchangeable-lens camera, or as a perfect portable alternative. The latest iPhones and Android-equipped models are loaded with photography features, so learning how to get the best from your phone is advantageous. If there is any photographic condition that will challenge digital cameras, it’s low light. For the shot seen here, it was difficult to set up a tripod without blocking the public walkways and attracting unwanted attention from building security. Using a large camera setup was therefore…

Influence Noun The capacity to have an effect on the character; development or behaviour of someone The role of the influencer Funnily enough, I’ve never really classed myself as an influencer because there’s more to the role than many people realise. There is more than one route towards becoming an influencer and the word means something different depending on what you do and how you interact with your audience. At its most basic, I create either photo or video content or some sort of artform, which is then posted on my social media channels. These happen to have grown a large following over time. In that sense, it is influencing people because I’m promoting a product or a brand. People start to follow you because of your work and you…

DJI Air 3S Price From £959/$1,099 (with DJI RC-N3 Controller) Website dji.com The DJI Air 3S has a take-off weight of 724g, so you will need to be mindful of the drone regulations if you’re considering purchasing one. However, it is significantly more robust than a sub-250g drone, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro, and considerably cheaper than the excellent DJI Mavic 3 Pro. While the Air 3S doesn’t make a huge leap in specifications from the Air 3, its 24mm 50MP main camera has a larger sensor (one-inch type rather than 1/1.3-inch type) paired with a 1/1.3-inch type 70mm 48MP secondary camera. This gives it an advantage in image quality and, according to DJI, also boosts the Air 3S’s maximum dynamic range to up to 14 stops for…