Innehållsförteckning för No. 270 från Digital Photographer

It's a busy job working on a photography magazine. The whole team has to be creative all day, every day and, at times, it can be tricky to find inspiration. Such is the case with professional photography. Pro shooters are, by nature, self-critical, especially when comparing their work to that of other creatives. It's tough to stay productive and feel you're doing your best work every day, especially when new technologies introduce new skills to learn. Video is an area that can seem scary to photographers, mainly because it can feel like a must-have skill today. On p14, we shed some light on pro-level videography with the help of expert Ben Price. Discover his tips for integrating video seamlessly into your creative workflow in our Shoot Like A Pro feature.…

Tamron likes to do things a little differently and often creates slightly more unusual focal lengths than are generally considered traditional. One such example is the Tamron 70180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, its take on the classic 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Shaving 20mm off the top end made significant weight and size savings, while not sacrificing the wide aperture or image quality. Now Tamron is back with the second generation of this lens, announcing the development of the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 – initially available for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The G2 version builds on the firstgeneration model, incorporating several new features, including Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) for sharper shots. While Tamron hasn’t revealed how many stops of compensation the VC enables, the lens manages to…

Among the first things digital photographers learn when moving up from beginner to enthusiast level is that pro photographers shoot RAW files. While this is a little reductive – jpegs are still useful in a professional capacity – it is generally accepted that the RAW file format is superior to jpeg in terms of its flexibility and creative potential. This is due to multiple factors, both at the moment of exposure and after your photoshoot, in the digital darkroom. With the camera in RAW capture mode, once the sensor has been exposed to light and the shutter curtain has closed again, photo information is handled differently. The camera’s onboard computers read the charge created by light striking the photosensitive materials and pass it down a chain of processing. There is…

Jpeg files are often described as being ‘fully baked’, in that the data held within them is of a fixed state. The final colour theme and exposure have been decided upon and those parameters are locked in so that they cannot be easily adjusted without degrading the image quality. That’s why, when shooting in jpeg format, the white balance should be adjusted in-camera to ensure it is correct before the finalising process takes place. One of the greatest benefits of the RAW format is the ability to choose a white balance preset or to select any kelvin value after shooting has taken place. This means that we can choose a global colour theme at any point in our workflow, including any adjustments further local edits may require. However, the power…

To ensure an accurate portrayal of a historical complex for future generations, it is crucial to adopt an impartial viewpoint and present a neutral perspective. One good way of doing this is to pick out one ‘main’ building and position yourself square-on to it. Here, we would also recommend using a wider frame so that the architectural elements can be included in their significant features. To achieve a comprehensive representation of a complex structure, it is best to capture a scene that provides buildings in the foreground, middle, and background. Another approach is to document specific scenes that show active change, such as moments of reconstruction. To create a series of images, follow up by taking a photo from the same location once construction is complete. By capturing the scene…

1 Edit in Quick Mask Mode When you open your image in your preferred editing software, press the Q key on the tools panel to start working in the Quick Mask mode. After enabling it, the selected areas of the image will turn red. 2 Choosegradient type Go to the tools panel on the left side and open the Gradient tool. As we want to use the semi-transparent gradient, choose the Foreground to Transparent gradient found in the Basic folder. 3 Select style and method Make sure you have the Reflected Gradient type selected. I also like to use the Linear interpolation method as it gives a closer approximation of the way the tiltshift lens creates the in-focus area. 4 Define infocus area While pressing down the Shift key, draw…

Natural, bold-looking colours are preferable in many types of photography, but if you’re aiming for a more stylistic approach, you can have lots of fun at the editing stage. Vintage colour effects remain as popular as ever, so we’re going to take a look at how to create an effect that reduces contrast and brightens colours, shifting them towards a more pastel-like appearance. What you’ll be using Presence controls White Balance Tone controls HSL controls Exposure 1 Reduce contrast Adjust White Balance if necessary and increase Exposure to the desired amount. Set Highlights to -35, Shadows to +45, Whites to +30 and Blacks to +65 to brighten the image overall while reducing contrast. This will be the perfect starting point for applying additional effects. 2 Soften the image Scroll down…

In the previous issue of Digital Photographer (269), we examined how to start your journey as a pro photographer by engaging in your first professional assignment. Up to this point, is it quite likely that hiring expensive camera kit has been the best solution since, in these early days of your aspiring photo business, you might not yet be completely sure of your specialisms. However, there comes a time when renting or borrowing your kit becomes uneconomical and impractical, especially when you are taking on regular photography jobs. Once you have established some regular clients, or are at least shooting more regularly in a particular genre, you should start thinking about investing in your own equipment. As exciting as buying new photo gear can be, it also comes with a…

Having doubts After leaving full-time employment last year, I started my own photography business. The problem is I keep doubting myself and constantly have imposter syndrome when I look at what other photographers are capable of. Every time I have a photo shoot, I can’t sleep as my mind gets consumed by nerves and I can’t stand the thought of a client not being happy with the results. Anonymous First, take a deep breath and give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve taken a gigantic step by starting your own business so give yourself some credit. Also, you aren’t alone! Every photographer has had nerves, doubted their ability and struggled at the beginning of their career. Speaking from experience, I can tell you it does get easier. Being a…

Dina Goldstein Beginning her career as a photojournalist over 30 years ago, Dina Goldstein evolved from documentary and editorial photography into being an independent artist. She now focuses on large-scale productions of narrative photography tableaux. Her work is highly conceptual, incorporating cultural iconography from the collective imagination and blending it with narratives inspired by the human condition to create images with a social commentary. dinagoldstein.com @dinagoldstein Photography as a medium can capture the essence of societies around the world, preserving brief moments of real life for eternity. But with a conceptual approach, photographers can also use their unique perspectives to deliver powerful messages. One artist who has mastered this approach is Dina Goldstein. Through her staged compositions, she questions notions of cultural influence and inherent belief systems that pervade modern…

For our latest competition in association with Photocrowd, we challenged you to submit your best beautiful black-and-white images. After working through all the entries, the winners have been selected. As a prize, the expert winners will get a licence for Affinity Photo professional editing software. Congratulations to all of the winners – as usual, the standard of submitted images was high, and it was a difficult task to select the best ones. 1ST PLACE WINNER DARKNESS SHINES Photographer: Cornilia Our comment: This is a really creative shot! It’s a fantastic interpretation of the brief, making the most of contrast, exposure and detail, all of which work together in perfect balance. The eye is drawn to the brightest area of the frame, so the light on the subject’s face pulls…

Ink for Canon MegaTank and Epson EcoTank printers is much cheaper than for models that run on replaceable cartridges. The Canon PIXMA PRO-200 on test here is comparatively inexpensive to buy for a bottled ink printer – but not so its Epson EcoTank ET-8550 A3-sized counterpart. Moreover, while the Canon printer is replenished by 60ml bottles (compared with the Epson’s 70ml), it uses all six inks for photo printing, rather than five. The result is that a full set of bottles is sufficient for 3,800 6x4in colour photo prints, compared with the Epson’s 2,300 prints. Ultimately, the Epson ET-8550 is expensive to buy, compared with the likes of the Canon. You’d need to create a huge quantity of prints before you start to see any savings, as well as paying…

Many of us will be content with an A4/8.5in printer that can create 6x4in, 7x5in, 10-8in and full A4/8.5x11in photo prints, complete with borderless options. For others, however, the bigger size of an A3 print is more appealing – and will be worth the extra initial cost and the room required for a physically larger printer. A3 prints are the same size as two sheets of A4 paper laid next to each other, measuring 8.27x11.69in (210x297mm). A3 is a more impressive size, especially if you want to hang photo prints on the wall, but the aspect ratio still isn’t ideal for the format of images from Canon’s interchangeable lens cameras. A3+ is both larger and a better fit, measuring 13x19in (329x483mm). The large-format A2 paper measures 16.5x23.4in (420x594mm), which is equivalent…

If twice as big is twice as good, this Epson A3/11in photo printer easily beats smaller A4/8.5in models. It delivers double the maximum print area but remains reasonably compact, lightweight and easily manageable. All of the multifunction attractions of most smaller printers are retained but, when you compare the A3 and A4 photo prints side-by-side, you’ll notice that, in this case, bigger really is better. Tech focus Print size: A3/11in Resolution: 5700x1400dpi Inks: Dye: cyan, light cyan, magenta, light magenta, yellow, black Interface: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi Like the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 on test, this more conventional cartridgebased printer packs a built-in scanner, SD card slot and a PictBridge port, brought together by a 4.3in touchscreen. That said, the scanner is A4/8.5in rather than A3/11in, so you can’t scan or photocopy…

Insta360 has been busy challenging GoPro on all fronts in recent years and, in some ways, the Insta360 GO 3 looks like the sum of all the company’s efforts. Though it’s based upon the thumbsized secret shooters we’ve seen before, such as the Insta360 GO and Insta360 GO 2, this new iteration morphs into a regular-sized action camera, similar to those produced by GoPro and others. It comes in three separate models that vary in the amount of built-in storage, either 32GB, 64GB or 128GB, and there are a host of accessories too. The Insta360 GO 3 is magnetic and can be worn around the neck on a magnetic pendant, positioned on a cap, or attached to a tripod. The wearable proposition behind the Insta360 GO 3 may be unique,…

One of the interesting aspects of professional photography is how we tend to fall into a pattern of camera work that is repeated every time we go out to shoot. Since experience consigns many tasks to muscle memory, this can increase the consistency of your image quality and make your shoots more efficient. However, on occasion, you may have found yourself cutting a few corners in this process to speed up your image turnover. Or you have become so involved in the subject that you forgot to follow your established camera ‘workflow’. It is useful, therefore, to occasionally check that you are still shooting in a way that will capture the best possible images your kit is capable of producing. Many photographers are aware of techniques such as exposing to…

Although shooting RAW gives you the maximum scope for detail extraction, it is important to understand how best to find and represent texture to get the most from your camera’s sensor. The issue with digital photography is that there are many ‘invisible’ steps in the image creation process between you and the final image and many of these steps are out of your control. The image that gets saved to your memory card is, in many ways, a collaborative effort between you and the programmers at the manufacturer. As with many examples of progress, improvements in digital imaging have come about as a result of automation. The benefits of mirrorless technology and lens design are often born from an increase in automatic corrections, which cannot be deactivated, but this can…

Working with a tripod helps to refine compositions and frames by slowing down the process of taking pictures, but the use of tripods may not be permitted in many famous buildings. However, monopods, one-legged supports that offer more flexibility and quick adjustments, may be allowed, but if not, you can adjust the camera’s settings to shoot handheld in various lighting situations. Here, it is crucial to prioritise the shutter speed and shoot in S/Tv mode to control the shutter speed to prevent camera shake. For a clear image, select a sharp aperture of around f/8 and modify the exposure with higher ISO settings – working with Auto ISO can help you achieve a faster workflow. Activate image stabilisation on both your camera and lens and experiment with burst mode. When…

Architecture photography allows me to explore and capture the unique shapes, lines, and forms of buildings and structures. It encourages me to seek unique angles and perspectives, showcasing buildings in ways that people may not have seen before. That’s why I often work with the tilt-shift effect, a creative technique that selectively blurs certain parts of the image while keeping other areas sharp. By using a narrow depth of field on the subject, this effect simulates the shallow focus seen in macro photography or miniature model shots. This can be achieved in-camera by using a tilt-shift lens. The three ingredients for a successful effect are increased shooting perspective, tilt of the lens and use of a large aperture (low f-stop number). However, those optics can be expensive. To recreate the…

When shooting landscapes, it can often be difficult to capture the whole breathtaking view. A wide-angle lens is a useful tool for showcasing a broad range of scenery but these can cause barrel distortion, which makes the subject appear further away and creates a less impactful image, especially if the landscape is relatively flat. In this case, a panorama will help create stunning scenes without visual distortion. Exposing landscape shots properly can also be a challenge, especially when shooting against the sun. These types of scenes often have a mixture of light and dark elements and, when you are working with only one exposure, this can easily lead to clipping, especially in the highlights. Of course, this can often be fixed in post-processing software, but if there has been a…

What mental pressures do you face when running a photography business and how do you deal with them? There are two sides – the ‘on shoot’ nerves and the ‘off shoot’ nerves that come with managing your business. On a shoot, particularly wedding days, there’s a huge pressure to make sure you capture all the key moments. Early on, I used to beat myself up about the missed moments. Nine years into the business, I’m a lot more accepting that moments will be missed, poses might not work, however, plenty of other shots will be great. Before a shoot, planning is key and I have a quiet and focused process in the run-up. However, when driving to the venue, I’ll often put the radio on and wait for an energising…

The Urban Photo Awards 2023 The 14th edition of the Urban Photo Awards has been organised by dotART, a cultural association based in Trieste, Italy. The contest is open to amateur and pro photographers and is split into four sections (Streets, People, Spaces and Creative). The theme is ‘Urban Life: Urban Photography’, covering the idea of modernity in the urban environment, the contrasts between the city and the countryside, the aesthetic views and the architectural geometries. Urban 2023’s total prize value of €24,000 includes €2,000 for the overall winner, which will be announced in October at the Trieste Photo Days festival. For further details, visit: urbanphotoawards.com/en…

The summer months may barely be over, but it will soon be that time of year when the long, dark nights draw in. The hardier souls amongst us might be planning their next trip to capture snowcapped mountains or winter storms, but those of us who prefer our creature comforts may choose to stay indoors and create prints of the shots we have taken during the more clement seasons. In this round-up, we’ve chosen four pretty epic photo printers. These four models, two from Canon and two from Epson, are all middle of the range in terms of their maximum output size of either A3 or the slightly larger A3+. Though they don’t count as large-format printers, these four machines can all output prints that are suitable for hanging on…

Although it’s a pigment-based printer, the PRO-300 delivers superb-looking output on glossy as well as matte and fine art media. Like the older PIXMA PRO-10S and larger, A2 format imagePROGRAF PRO-1000, it features a ‘Chroma Optimizer’ cartridge. This smooths out the finish when printing on glossy photo paper so there’s no difference in the reflectivity of different colours and tones. The ink range itself is comprehensive, with 10 separate cartridges in total. They’re all from Canon’s latest LUCIA PRO line-up, giving the potential for a wide gamut (colour space) with rich, vivid colour rendition, as well as high-fidelity black-and-white photo printing. The 14ml cartridge capacity should be sufficient for around 30 to 60 A3+ prints (depending on colour), although quantities naturally vary depending on the prominent colours and density…

For those who feel that an A4 print size is sufficient, Epson’s ET-8500 retails for around £630/$700. However, the A3+ ET-8550 doesn’t cost much more and is better value, as it is fed by the same set of 70ml ink bottles. These comprise a pigment-based black ink for delivering crisp mono text, and five dye-based inks for photo output, including CMYK plus a grey ink to enhance the colour space and provide better fidelity for black and white photo printing. A full set of bottles should be sufficient for 2,300 6x4in photos. Tech focus Print size: A3+/13in Resolution: 5760x1440dpi Inks: Pigment: black; Dye: cyan, magenta, yellow, black, grey Interface: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi As a printer that’s well suited to both document and photo printing, it features multiple input…

For its high-quality photo output, Canon’s imagePROGRAF PRO-300 wins our mini-test of four photographic quality printers. Its Chroma Optimizer enables smooth output on glossy paper, while the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 dye-based printer also delivers high-quality prints on glossy paper. The pigment-based Epson EcoTank ET-8550 is excellent for both colour and mono prints, but less convincing than the PRO-300 on glossy paper. For high-volume, large-format printing, we found the Epson EcoTank ET-8550 was better. Although it has a smaller maximum printing size of A3/11in, the Epson Expression Photo XP-970 is a versatile multi-function printer.…

Build and handling We’re accustomed to trinity wide-angle, standard and telephoto lenses that maintain a maximum f/2.8 aperture while they zoom, but this lens is more like a D’Artagnan to Canon’s existing Three RF Musketeers. Build quality is everything you’d hope for in a premium lens with such a hefty price tag. The construction feels rock-solid and includes an extensive set of weather-seals. There’s also a fluorine coating on the front element to repel moisture and fingermarks, and to aid easy cleaning. The handling benefits from a plentiful array of switches and control rings and two strap lugs that will help avoid mount strain. Performance The performance is simply spectacular. Image quality is easily as good as most pro-grade prime lenses, if not better. Sharpness is scintillating throughout the entire…

uk.shimodadesigns.com £385/$350 EDITOR'S CHOICE There are three backpacks in the Women’s Series Action X v2 range, with the only difference between them being their capacity – they are available in 25L, 30L and 40L versions. The Women’s Series Action X v2 30 has the same specifications as the regular Action X v2 30 but, like the Women’s Series Explore v2 that we reviewed last month (see issue 269), it comes in a teal colour and is supplied with the Women’s Tech Straps that are designed with the female form in mind. These straps have been available separately for a while, but the Women’s Series backpacks are the first Shimoda bags to come with them as standard. Shimoda has designed the Action X v2 bags for photographers who want to take…

New technologies bring both benefits and challenges. When audio was brought to cinema, silent movie professionals feared how they might fit into the new world of Hollywood. When colour film was introduced, photographers who were experienced in black-andwhite imagery struggled to adapt to the new processes required. And digital photography arrived to much opposition from film loyalists, worried about adopting a different workflow after decades of honing their craft. Today, we have a similar situation with video. With digital cameras now able to shoot high-definition clips, it has opened up a new world of content creation. As stills photographers, we must decide how this can best be integrated with our existing work. I’m joining Belfast-based videographer Ben Price to shadow him on a couple of shoots for his commercial clients.…

After making RAW our format of choice, we soon notice that the images out-of-camera are far from print-ready. If you are going to shoot RAW files, some degree of post-processing is required to make shots ready for display – one of the main reasons for using the format in the first place. However, the real power of RAW becomes clear once you start to get creative with your editing style. While applying basic sharpening and colour adjustments may be all you need for some images, you won’t get the full use out of your RAW processing software. The biggest advantage of the RAW workflow is that you can apply, revisit, change and resave versions of images at any time, even years after originally adding photos to your database. A useful…

Architecture is one of the most public forms of artistic expression – each building is a piece of living history that reflects the society, the political realm and the technical possibilities of the age. Through their functionality and purpose, buildings become structures that shape our urban environment and way of life. As photographers, architecture also offers incredible potential. Besides practical necessity, these urban structures embody culture-specific discourses and ideals of the era. They can simply be documented photographically for posterity or captured with a creative approach that puts structures into a new visual context. Buildings that have stood the test of time may shape the urban landscape, but cities themselves are constantly evolving – most major urban areas are a fascinating blend of modern and historical buildings – with the…

When it comes to publishing your architectural photographs, it’s crucial to understand the legal rights involved. Since you created the photograph, it seems logical to think that you own the copyright. However, this is only half true. Some buildings and architectural features, such as the light design on the Eiffel Tower, are copyrighted and belong to the architects and designers. Taking photos of buildings from public spaces is permitted, however, copyright protection for architecture was granted in 1990, meaning that there’s protection for buildings built after that date, but not before. Photographers can take photos of buildings built before 1990 under Section 120 of the Copyright Act, unless the building cannot be viewed from a public space and photographing it means stepping on private property without permission. When shooting architecture…

1 Correct lens distortion In the Filter menu under the Distortion option, you will find the Lens Correction function. Select your camera and the lens model and the program will automatically correct obvious lens distortions. 2 Add helping extras To further correct lines with precision, activate the Grid and create Guides. These will help when adjusting the verticals to perfection. These can be found in the View menu in the top tab in Photoshop. 3 Warp the perspective After selecting the entire image, use Perspective and Distortion tools to adjust the lines. Also, take advantage of the Perspective Warp function, which works similarly but is more accurate.…

To show the contrast of buildings from different eras, we should pay attention to the lines and objects within the scene. This way, any similarities or differences between the architectural eras are not only visually but also thematically addressed. In this example, we can see the clock tower but also the construction of new buildings behind it. Work with a narrow frame and refine the cropping in post-production to direct focus onto the essential elements of the photograph.…

Jacek Durski Based in Katowice, Poland, photographer Jacek Durski focuses on long-term projects exploring sociological themes and architecture. He began photography as a teenager and later graduated from the Academy of Photography in Krakow. His works have received numerous commendations and have been displayed at photography festivals. jacek.durscy.pl @jacekdurski.bnw @jacekdurski Using monochrome in architectural photography is a common visual strategy that allows the viewer to focus on the form and structure of a building. Colour can often be distracting, so removing it softens any unnecessary elements in the photograph. The reason why I love this photographic genre is that it never restricts me. In some of my photographs, the viewer knows exactly what they are looking at – it’s an accurate representation of the building and its purpose – but…

Ever since Instagram announced in mid-2021 that its focus was no longer on photography but short-form video, photographers have been debating the usefulness of the platform. Despite this, Instagram remains a potent tool for showcasing our work and connecting with potential clients. Instagram has released several updates this year, offering new ways of boosting visibility and engagement, and as photographers, we need to be aware of these new features so we can use the platform to its full potential. The most significant update is the ability to become Meta-verified by paying a monthly fee to obtain the blue verified badge on your profile. This means your audience and clients know it is the real you behind the profile, while also increasing account protection and monitoring for fake accounts. But there…

BLACK IN BLACK At first glance, the picture appears black and white, but on closer inspection, it becomes clear that it also contains subtle shades of blue. This is shown in the horse’s bridle and mane and adds depth to the image. “With black horses, it can be hard to get that exposure right in-camera. They often appear ‘lost’ within the background and have no defined edges,” says Dawn. “With the original black background, I felt the image was too plain so I wanted to add some texture. Colours didn’t look right but choosing similar tones from the horse really pulled the image together,” she says. CATCHLIGHT The way light reflects in the eye is captivating and gives the subject a sense of liveliness and vibrancy. “The catchlight is straight…

Canon’s PIXMA PRO-100S had long been our favourite A3+/13in pro-grade printer for creating photo prints on glossy and lustre papers. Running on eight dye-based inks, including black, grey and light grey, it delivered sumptuously smooth glossy prints with immaculate colour rendition and good tonal expression for black-and-white images. The replacement PRO-200 brings some improvements and enhancements compared with the older PRO-100S pigment-based model, and similar to those of the imagePROGRAF PRO-300. Tech focus Print size: A3+/13in Resolution: 4800x2400dpi Inks: Dye: cyan, photo cyan, magenta, photo magenta, yellow, black, grey, light grey Interface: USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi A headline upgrade is that the PRO-200 has a new and improved range of inks that deliver a greater colour space, superior vibrancy and deeper reds, blues and blacks. Paper handling is intuitive,…

When you’re creating a prized photo print to last a lifetime, it might seem inconsequential whether a printer takes a matter of seconds or a few minutes to complete the job. It’s even less of a concern when you consider that you’re creating the print right on your desktop, without the delay of uploading it to an online lab and then waiting days for it to arrive in the post. However, if you need to print several or even dozens of prints, the time soon adds up and, with slower print speeds, it can feel like you’re literally watching paint dry. As a rule, dye-based printers are a lot faster than pigment-based printers, with the added advantage that prints tend to be touch-dry as soon as they land in the…

The molecules of dye that make up the colour in dye-based inks are tiny, fully dissolved in the ink fluid and sink beneath the outer, protective layer of glossy photo paper. This makes them unbeatable for giving a smooth, uniform finish on glossy photo paper and they’re cheaper than pigment-based ink. Pigment-based inks have larger molecules, the pigment is carried by the fluid ink rather than dissolved into it. More durable and with better archival quality than dye-based ink, pigment is generally preferred for printing on matte and fine art media, especially when creating prints to go on display rather than being stored. However, pigment-based inks can be prone to ‘bronzing’ on glossy paper, where the pigment settles on top of the outer layer rather than sinking beneath it, so…

Sony hit on something great when it released its first APS-C crop sensor mirrorless camera way back in 2013, combining the new and exciting Sony E-Mount that offered smaller and lighter mirrorless lenses with a light and compact camera body that could easily be slipped into a bag. Sony’s a6x00 range of cameras became wildly successful with travellers, weekend photographers and content creators as the compact hybrid camera to beat. The Sony a6600 has been at the top of Sony’s range since 2019, however, over the past few years, Sony has made a lot of technical developments that the company is rapidly rolling out to new camera models. This has meant that fans of Sony’s a6x00 range have been clamouring for Sony to update its lineup. Now Sony has answered…

There is a strange duality that comes with being chronically ill or disabled, especially for women. Our culture has strong ideas on how we should look, how we should behave, what we should do about our health… even whether we should exist at all. Our agency has been taken from us. We mustn’t look too sick so that it makes people feel uncomfortable in our presence, yet we also cannot look too ‘together’, as though we are faking our illnesses so we can benefit from some sort of perceived societal advantage. This photo is an example of this fine balancing act, one that leaves individuals feeling marginalised and powerless. As someone with a life-threatening illness myself, muscular dystrophy (Myasthenia Gravis), I have experienced first-hand how it throws you into the…