Innehållsförteckning för No. 272 från Digital Photographer

The development of new technologies and ideas always seems to follow a similar pattern. At first, the novelty of a new device or creative trend takes the world by storm, as people explore the true potential and opportunities available. Over time, however, whether we're talking about fashion, music, car design or cameras, people will almost inevitably turn to the past for inspiration. One such example is hardware filters. Almost anything is possible in editing software, but nothing beats the feeling of looking at your camera screen and seeing an almost print-ready shot. Turn to p24 of the magazine to read our feature on getting the most from your filters, learning which ones you should buy and how to use them in creative ways. Furthering the theme of working free from…

Free ebook to download Work well with wide angles Adding a wide-angle or ultra-wide lens to your kitbag can open up some tremendous opportunities for stunning landscape, architecture and interior imagery. However, life at the wide end comes with its challenges if you want to get the most from your kit. Discover the wonderful world of wide-angle photography with this in-depth guide to lens choice, composition, accessories and everything in between. Expand your perspective now! To claim your free ebook, visit https://bit.ly/DPH272 Enter our Photocrowd contests online to win Affinity prizes Every month, we team up with Photocrowd – the world’s leading photography competition platform – to offer you the chance to win an Affinity Photo editing software licence (worth £60 for Mac or Windows) and have your images printed…

Photographer: Mike Mezeul II @mikemezphoto Website: mikemezphotography.com Image location: Volcán de Fuego, Guatemala Type of commission: Personal Shot details: Nikon D850, Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8, tripod, eight-frame panoramic image shot, 30 seconds, f/2.8, ISO 4000 About the shot: As a photographer of extreme natural landscapes, Mike Mezeul II is experienced in capturing some of the most breathtaking volcanos on the planet. To photograph them safely, Mike has studied volcanology to gain a thorough understanding of how volcanos behave. This involves reading reports and observations from volcanologists and checking seismic activity and sulphuric emissions. At the site, he analyses the volcano’s behaviour, tracking the direction and speed of the lava flow and monitoring the movement of gases. To ensure his safety, Mike always has an escape route planned in case of any…

Before the advent of digital photography, neutral density (ND) graduated filters were necessary for landscape photography and other genres of outdoor imaging. The dynamic range of outdoor scenes is often well beyond that which a film emulsion or digital sensor can capture, meaning that detail is lost in either the brightest highlights or the deepest shadows. While the immediate danger to each differs between film and digital, the effect is the same – areas of the frame that are devoid of fine detail and colour, due to either over-or under-exposure. But with the digital revolution came exposure blending techniques, from manual blending using layers to tone mapping and luminosity masking. These methods produce high dynamic ranges (HDR) but there are tradeoffs, namely ‘ghosting’ of moving elements and colour interference. The…

Another area where hardware filters cannot be replaced with software trickery is in control of exposure duration. Although it is possible to simulate long-exposure effects by combining multiple frames, this is often a computer memory-heavy task when working with large RAW files. It also requires the final images to be broken into many component parts, taking up valuable hard drive space and, indirectly, power. Remember that the more files you back up in cloud storage, for example, the more energy is used, which can affect your bank balance and the climate when measured over the course of several years. ND filters come in several forms and strengths, with the usefulness of each one depending on the type of photography you normally shoot. The most common type are square systems, as…

In the age of digital photography, it may seem as though snapping countless photos without much forethought has become second nature. Gone are the times when photographers had to meticulously compose and illuminate their shots, limited by the number of film exposures they had. Unfortunately, this often results in neglecting essential techniques and not fully using the capabilities of our cameras. Instead, we now spend even more time editing images to improve clarity and vibrancy even though this could have been achieved during the initial capture. It’s important to remember that creating breathtaking photos doesn’t just need an interesting subject, it also requires profound photographic knowledge, which goes hand in hand with having full control over the main tool: the camera. Here, it’s not essential to own the latest high-tech…

Adjusting the white balance (WB) settings is crucial to avoid colour cast issues that can be difficult to edit in post-processing. Furthermore, it could take hours of work when dealing with many images, so it’s best to invest time in adjusting these settings beforehand. Most modern cameras have pre-dialled white balance modes, which are tuned to centre colour based on a predetermined standard. However, these presets can remove the shifts in colour that we want to capture. To use these settings like a pro, start by taking the auto settings as a reference and customising them further to control the hues of the scene. BRACKET YOUR WB To perfect customised settings, many cameras come equipped with a white balance bracketing mode. Here, you capture a series of frames each with…

Low-light situations require higher ISO settings but these can result in image noise, which is visible in grainy elements in darker parts of the image. As a result, photographers avoid high ISO settings but in situations where you need to push up the ISO, then you can enable the Noise Reduction function. However, this has a major downside. The camera records an extra frame to minimise image noise, which takes the same exposure time as the first image and can be frustrating when shooting in bulb mode. The image sensor can also overheat, producing visible thermal noise further reducing image quality. While the AI Denoise function in editing software may seem like a solution to these issues, it also comes with its own negative aspects. While it can recover noisy…

Capturing the intricate details of a high-contrast scene with one exposure can be a daunting challenge as it is bound to overexpose bright areas or underexpose dark ones. Here, we can use the HDR technique, which solves the issue by taking multiple frames with different exposure stops. These can then be merged in post-processing to showcase the different bright image elements to perfection. To ensure a smooth editing process, you will need to shoot using a tripod. To simplify the shooting process and save time in editing, in-camera functions enable the shooting of the exposure handheld while merging images directly on the go. SHOOT HANDHELD This method is handheldproof, just make sure to select a faster shutter speed to achieve clear results. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to seek…

Zoom burst is a creative photographic technique that adds dynamism and transforms a still subject into a visually more captivating image. This approach involves changing the focal length of the lens during the exposure, resulting in a dramatic blur and radial lines emanating from the centre of the image. By creating the illusion of movement, you will draw the viewer’s eye towards the centre of the image while blurring the surrounding elements. This technique is ideal for conveying a sense of excitement, chaos or drama in your shots. To capture a moment in time with a heightened sense of energy, you will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera where you have manual control over the settings and a zoom lens, preferably in the range of 24-70mm or 70-200mm. This technique…

“As human beings, we’re limited in the amount of time we have to spend here on Earth. Photography is amazing because it has the power to stop time, whether it’s a sunset, a family event or a portrait. A photographer can create something that you or another person can keep and reflect on for the rest of your life.” ELEVATED PERSPECTIVE Camera drones have become powerful tools that have unlocked a world of dynamic and captivating perspectives that were once out of reach. “I was the stubborn old man when it came to the popularity of drones,” says Mike. “But when I finally caved in and purchased one, it was highly satisfying. Those elevated perspectives make some of the most interesting photographs,” he says. “A lot of people knew me…

For our latest competition in association with Photocrowd, we challenged you to submit your best Amazing Architecture 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 The twisted one Photographer Jaz72 Our comment: Architecture is the perfect genre for monochrome treatment and this shot highlights that. The choice of wide-angle lens and low perspective exaggerates the size of the structure, allowing us to examine both the larger and smaller details. A fantastic composition, exposure and edit. Well done! WIN! Prizes from…

You’ve probably noticed that the overall ratings for all but one of the tripods are the same. That’s because they are universally excellent, although some score a little higher for certain categories. However, taking everything into account, the 3 Legged Thing Pro 2.0 Winston is our favourite, though, for an even more travelfriendly tripod, we’d also recommend the 3 Legged Thing Punks 2.0 range. The Winston is conveniently compact and lightweight, yet stretches to a generous operating height, and combines sturdiness with versatility. It’s also beautifully engineered and has fabulous handling. The Vanguard is another good option, especially if you prefer a speedy setup to compactness. For rock-solid dependability and rigidity, the Benro Mach3, Manfrotto 055 and Novo T20 match the Winston, although only the Manfrotto features a pivoting centre…

Build and handling This lens aims to deliver seriously ultratelephoto focal lengths along with an impressive overall zoom range at an ‘affordable’ price of $1,799 ($1,697). Although it isn’t classified as one of Nikon’s premium S-line lenses, the Z 180-600mm feels sturdy, with excellent build quality. The construction incorporates a full set of weather-seals, although Nikon says the lens isn’t guaranteed to be dust-and drip-resistant in all situations. A fluorine coating is applied to the front element, to repel moisture and grease and to help easy cleaning. At 2,140g complete with tripod mounting ring, the Z 180-600mm is certainly no lightweight, but it’s entirely viable for prolonged periods of handheld shooting. Performance The lens delivered superb sharpness, clarity, contrast and colour rendition, throughout the entire zoom range. Coupled with 5.5-stop…

Canon has announced the world’s widest zoom lens for full-frame to feature autofocus with its brand new RF 10-20mm F4L IS STM. The new optic is the spiritual successor to 2015’s Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens but is notably lighter, smaller, sharper and more feature-packed. Weighing just 570g, it is 610g lighter than its predecessor and with dimensions of 83.7x111mm it’s about one-third smaller too. It’s Canon’s first L-series lens with an STM motor and has a position sensor for faster start-up time, it also has an advanced rectilinear optical design for straight vertical lines – ideal for architecture. Also on the bill is a five-stop peripheral control Image Stabilisation, which goes up to six stops when used with a compatible Canon IBIS body. It features 16 elements in…

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II is the successor to the flagship G9 aimed at hybrid shooters. It inherits an upgraded AF system from the Lumix S5 II for faster, more accurate focusing and has 779 phase-detection points with more advanced subject recognition and tracking algorithms for people, animals, cars and motorcycles. The newly designed 25.2MP Live MOS MFT sensor employs a high-resolution pixel shift mode for 100MP images handheld. The Lumix G9 II also features a 60fps burst mode with AF or 75fps MF and up to eight stops of in-body stabilisation. For video, the G9 II boasts 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p or FullHD 240p and can record using the full sensor in 4:2:0 10-bit. Also announced was the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8 Power OIS and Leica DG Vario-Elmar…

Gavin Forster finds it a challenge to define exactly what kind of photographer he is. Although some types of assignments certainly populate his calendar more regularly than others, he admits that he feels uncomfortable branding himself as someone who shoots just one specific genre. This is the case for many professional photographers today, as the market fluctuates and adapts to current creative requirements, client budgets and customer expectations. At one time, it may have been easier to call yourself a ‘portrait photographer’ or ‘wedding and events photographer’. Today this can, at worst, limit your appeal to clients and at best, simply not represent your interests and full skill set. As pro photographers, we are constantly learning as new clients and conditions present themselves. Many assignments call for more than simply…

In the field, you have the choice of using a strong filter, such as 1.2ND or grad, or stacking multiple weaker models. Reducing stacking will improve the image quality but strong filters can introduce complex colour contamination. The choice should be influenced by light predictability. If the light is consistent, a strong filter is better to improve resolution. But if the light is changeable, multiple filters provide greater versatility and allow rapid adjustments to overall filtration density. 1 With a single 1.2ND grad, there is less flare to manage and the maximum sharpness is possible from the lens. Any changes in light would mean swapping filters and a greater workload. 2 Here, using two 0.6ND grads offers rapid, precise adjustment to filtration to better match the exposure requirements. There is…

Colour management has become significantly more streamlined in the digital age. At one time, with a film installed in your camera, you were limited to the colour balance of the emulsion used and, if the lighting changed, you were forced to swap rolls. Alternatively, it was necessary to attach a colour-balancing filter to minimise unsightly colour casts. Nowadays, just a simple change of white balance preset is necessary, which means a faster workflow and no wasted frames. Of course, the advantages also extend to the editing possibilities afforded by RAW processing software, where the opportunities for colour correction and creative toning are almost limitless. That said, while colour correction filters may have dwindled in their number and popularity, there is still plenty of room for hardware accessories in the realm…

When it comes to improving the sharpness of your shots, image stabilisation is of great importance. However, using this feature in the wrong scene can have the opposite effect to that which you intended. When shooting handheld, ensure that your camera’s in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) or lens IS is activated, especially when using heavy telephoto lenses. This will help balance out any additional movements. On the other hand, if you are shooting from a tripod, it is crucial to deactivate these features. Otherwise, the camera may try to compensate for movement that is not there, leading to vibrations and unexpected blur. Some cameras offer a tripod mode for this purpose. GET IT RIGHT IN-CAMERA…

Have you wondered why there are expensive camera models on the market that can ‘only’ shoot in black and white? The answer is simple; blackand-white photography is a work of art that requires more than just converting the colour image to monochrome in post-processing. To successfully capture high-end black-and-white photographs, it helps to visualise the subject in monochrome. This is not easy when the camera’s preview screen only shows the colour image. Viewing the image in B&W beforehand will help you understand how the monochromatic tones shape the subject and how the light and shadows impact the scene. When working with monochrome tones, the focus shifts to the subject’s shape and structure. Here, the preview allows you to experience the subject in a new light. To take advantage of this,…

Many creatives still prefer photography over video, but it’s hard to deny the power of video in today’s social media landscape. The algorithms of some popular social media platforms favour video content, making it difficult to stand out without it. Artificial intelligence has been a topic of discussion in the world of photography for some time now, and it has the potential to revolutionise the way we create visual content. So if you’re looking to create powerful and engaging content for your online audience, then AI-powered animation tools are the way to go. These tools can transform images into captivating 3D animations in just a few minutes. This technique will enable you to add an extra dimension to your images and express creativity. It also allows you to convey the…

Degree or not degree? I’m in my final year at college and am considering studying photography at university. What are the benefits of a degree? Should I look for a photography job and go straight into the industry? Carla Hunter It depends on what type of photographer you want to be. If you’re interested in the technical side of photography and have a clear idea about what you want to shoot then a degree could be an expensive side step without much benefit to your career. However, as someone who has a degree in photography, I loved my course and got so much out of it over the three-year period. Thanks to my degree, I have a more creative outlook and a better understanding of the subject. Other benefits include…

Jamey Price Jamey Price began his career as a jockey but has since travelled the world covering F1, MotoGP, NASCAR, Indycar, and Le Mans 24-hour races. In 2019, he was named Motorsport Photographer of the Year by the National Motorsport Press Association and continues to work for major racing teams, drivers and manufacturers around the world. See his work on Instagram, TikTok and X (Twitter): @jameypricephoto jameypricephoto.com From the inaugural US Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin in 2012 to the iconic Monaco circuit and many more, Jamey Price has photographed some of the fastest machines on the planet. But the idea of speed wasn’t a new concept for Jamey. Before becoming a professional photographer, he had taken part in more than 50 races of a…

96 Carbon fibre tripods For solid support when shooting outdoors, try one of these eight carbon fibre tripods in our group test, from 3 Legged Thing, Benro, Kenro, Manfrotto, Novo and Vanguard 104 Fujifilm X-S20 With 6.2K open-gate video and impressive battery life, Gareth Bevan asks whether this powerful camera means Fujifilm has thrown down the gauntlet to its hybrid rivals 108 Canon EOS R10 Does getting professional speed for under a grand make this Canon the ultimate enthusiast’s camera? James Artaius finds out 110 Lenses Every month, we take two pro optics out into the field. Here, Matthew Richards tests the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF lenses 112 Accessories It’s the little things that can enhance your photography, so we’ve rounded up…

Fujifilm’s X-S series of cameras are positioned as versatile and user-friendly models, aimed at enthusiast photographers, as well as content creators and vloggers who want a powerful camera that is also simple to pick up and use. The Fujifilm X-S10 was released by Fujifilm in November 2020 and did away with the manual dials and retro vibes of the X-T4 or X-T30, offering a camera that is more easily recognisable to use for many creators, The X-S20 follows in its footsteps, continuing the simplified design that is less about style and more about getting down to business. Can it continue Fujifilm’s run of success? The standout feature of the X-S20 is its enhanced battery, which Fujifilm claims can capture an additional 800 frames on a single charge compared with the…

Fujifilm’s GFX 100 II has been built around a new high-speed 102MP CMOS sensor and, paired with a new custom X-Processor 5, the new model can shoot at 8fps with continuous AF at full resolution. It also features a buffer size of twice the previous model, with up to 325 shots in RAW or 75 shots in RAW+jpeg. It can shoot in 16-bit HQ RAW, HEIF 10-bit, and jpeg, with files offering over 30 percent more dynamic range than the previous model with a new base ISO of 80. The AF has been improved to take advantage of Fujifilm’s latest subjecttracking algorithms, including humans, animals, vehicles, and insects. It also has up to 8-stops of stabilisation when used with compatible lenses. In terms of its video capabilities, the GFX 100…

The first set of filters I bought was a trio of neutral-density graduated filters made by Cokin. They were fairly basic, each filter made of lightweight plastic and they scratched within seconds. For a freshfaced photographer armed with a new DSLR, these filters might not have been the most exciting purchase, but the magic of seeing a balanced exposure appear on the LCD was transformative. Exposure blending, colour grading and creative preset application in software are extremely powerful processes, but there is always a feeling that your images are, quite literally, in pieces. The preview images you see on your camera screen aren’t even close to being finished. This is, of course, an expected part of the RAW workflow (see our feature in issue 270 about the secrets of RAW…

REDUCED MOVEMENT When shooting many frames for HDR, there is a risk of ghosting of moving elements. This is reduced with only two frames STREAMLINED CATALOGUE You will still have a ‘finished’ exposure should you require a quick turnaround instead of hundreds of bracketed frames (three to nine per HDR) GREATER QUALITY The bottom half of the frame doesn’t require the filter, so why not mask in a shot with reduced optical interference?…

At their peak, there were hundreds of different hardware filter types. Whatever special effect you wanted to create, there was a good chance that a filter was available to serve your purposes. Some were genuinely useful for professional situations, while others were gimmicky and questionably necessary. Digital software filters have put an end to most of these, but there are still a few more unusual types that have a part to play in professional digital photography. This is potentially even more true in the current age of cross-genre content creation. For video shooting, there are effects which would take hours, if not days, to simulate on the computer, but which can be introduced with the addition of a single filter to the lens. As with all special effects in photography,…

The composition of a photograph is a critical factor and can either make or break the image. However, when taking pictures in busy areas, such as in the middle of a big city, this aspect often gets overlooked. While it is possible to change the composition with cropping in editing, this approach comes at the potential cost of a loss in image size and quality. With the in-camera composition guidelines, you can achieve a perfect composition straight away, even handheld on the go, without any compromise. Many camera brands provide a rule-of-thirds grid, as well as more advanced guides with additional lines that you can adjust to any scene. Look for the Grid Line features in the Display settings. Having the ability to view these lines as an overlay is…

Even shooting with the best DSLR sensor, featuring the most megapixels, may not deliver crisp results if the gear is not checked over time. One issue that is often not addressed is the accuracy of your camera’s autofocus, which suffers as it shifts in the optimal focus position of the lens elements over time. The precision of the AF is then either slightly shifted forward or backwards towards the subject. Fortunately, you don’t have to send the camera to the manufacturer for a lens calibration – you can correct it yourself with the in-camera lens micro adjustment. Find this option in the menu’s autofocus section. Here, two parameters are shown: W and T. W is the widest part of the lens view (wide-angle – short focal length). T is the…

Double-exposure photography has been a popular technique since the early days of film, allowing photographers to create stunning images by exposing the same side of the film twice. As digital files are directly saved on memory cards nowadays, the merging process for this technique mainly takes place in editing programs. However, advanced camera models from Canon and Nikon come with a feature that allows you to overlay additional images directly in the camera. Not only does this technique deliver incredible results, but it also fosters creativity by forcing you to think critically about the visual outcome before analysing your work on the computer. This approach also helps you improve your skills by training your eye to see the visual potential in any given situation. To use the Multiple Exposure mode/…

What you’ll need ● Tripod ● LED light source ● Plastic/glass panel ● Two boxes (same height) Difficulty level: Advanced Time taken: 1.5 hours ● In the period preceding the invention of photography, visualising botanical subjects carried a huge significance. Detailed drawings of various plants allowed people from all cultures to identify plants that were useful for healing purposes and those that were toxic plants and communicate the differences without a common language. This was crucial during the time of explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, as they ventured to foreign lands. These drawings served as the basis for pharmacists to develop and teach medical techniques and craft the necessary medication for people worldwide, ultimately saving millions of lives in the fight against fevers and pandemics. Plants have been a recurring…

As the saying goes, it’s never too late to try something new. It’s not uncommon for photography to be your hobby as you go through life while establishing a successful career in another field. But perhaps you’ve always had a nagging feeling that you could quit the day job and turn your passion for photography into an illustrious career. There’s always a risk anytime you try something new, but taking risks can lead to rewards. The risks from turning pro later in life aren’t necessarily worse than going pro at a younger age – in many ways, it can be an advantage – but it all depends on your situation and where you are at in life. For example, if your household relies on the regular income from your nine-to-five…

Tell us about yourself… At the moment, I’m experiencing an existential crisis, brought on by being a third-year student and turning 26 next month. There’s a lot of pressure and I definitely don’t have it all figured out yet. I like doing collaborative work and I enjoy exploring topics around feminism, motherhood and representation. Outside of photography, I’m a mother and a climber too. Where are you studying photography? I’m in my third year studying press and editorial photography at Falmouth University. I loved the first year of my course and the final year is looking exciting too. I struggled with the second-year modules as they were based around multimedia work and it wasn’t something I took to naturally. My images are often quite ‘silent’ and I found it hard…

The reFocus Awards World Photo Annual 2023 The inaugural World Photo Annual contest is a ‘celebration of the enduring power of photography’. Open to series and individual images, the WPA is divided into professional and non-professional categories and feeds into the International Photographer of the Year and International Discovery of the Year awards. To view the winners or for more information, visit refocus-awards.com…

Canon never ceases to surprise us, but with the Canon EOS R10, it has truly outdone itself. Here is a body that’s priced at under a grand, yet it offers shooting speeds that match or exceed those of the top pro sports cameras on the market. We’re not suggesting that the Canon EOS R10 is the best professional camera you can buy. However, it is mechanically faster than the Canon EOS R3 and Sony A1 and beats the Canon EOS R5 and Canon EOS R6 when shooting both mechanically and electronically. At the heart of the EOS R10 is a reworked version of Canon’s familiar 24.2MP APS-C image sensor, which has been re-engineered to deliver improved readout speeds – resulting in the lightning-fast 15fps mechanical/23fps burst shooting. In an astonishing…

WANDRD ROGUE 6L SLING eu.wandrd.com (£140/$139) The Wandrd Rogue 6L Sling is a versatile bag that you can either sling across your shoulder, carry like a messenger bag or strap around your waist like a bumbag. The bag’s adjustable, long strap ensures you can tailor it to how you wear it. There’s also a hidden security strap stashed in its rear that can be looped under your arm and attached to a clip on the main strap to keep the pack snug against your back in sling mode, making it ideal for when you’re on the move. Helpfully, the strap can also be flipped so the bag can be worn on either side of your body. Unzipping the main compartment allows the lid to fold back for easy access and…

The MagMod Professional Flash Kit 2 consists of the MagGrip 2 flashgun mount and a collection of modifiers, including the MagSphere 2, MagBounce 2, MagGrid 2 and Pro Correction Gels. It builds on the original kit with extended compatibility and a better fit on flashguns with round heads. The MagGrip 2 is the cornerstone of the kit and is made from stretchy, durable silicone that fits over flash heads and holds the magnetic modifiers in place. The MagSphere 2 is a new and improved version of the wellknown MagSphere but now weighs 40 percent less. It effectively turns a flash into a softer, diffused light source and, like all the modifiers in the kit, it snaps securely onto the MagGrip 2. The MagBounce is designed for use on upward-pointing flashes…