Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2022 i Digital Camera Magazine

How can you make cash from your camera? By selling it, as the old joke goes. But we’ve got some better ideas, and none of them involve putting your pride and joy up for sale. Turn to our cover feature (p50) for some advice on selling prints, running photo workshops, shooting paid work and much more. Also this month, discover how an infrared filter can transform the wildest of summer landscapes in our One to One pro masterclass (p8), stretch yourself with 10 all-new projects in Photo Active (p16) and learn how to shoot product photos at home in Camera College (p60). In Kit Zone, you can read our early verdict on the Canon EOS R10, while three new lenses pass through our lab. Also, don’t miss our exclusive interview…

1 Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III “Hardwearing but also small and light, with built-in ND filters, High Res Shot Mode and one of the best in-body stabilisation systems.” 2 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-100mm f/4 S Pro “Offers me 24-200mm in full-frame terms – a versatile lens that I never leave the house without.” 3 Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17 f/1.2 Pro “A favourite focal length of mine, and this is a fantastic little do-it-all prime.” 4 Kase Armour 100x150 BK03 “I recently returned to using 100 x 150mm filters, like these Kase double graduated ones: I have a soft/hard grad, and a medium reverse.” 5 Kase Wolverine Magnetic IR720 “Shooting in the 670 or 720nm range gives rich contrast, and you can go to pure black and white in the 820 to 960nm range.”…

1/400 sec f/2.2 ISO 100 I am an aerial photographer living just outside Bristol in the beautiful county of Somerset – it’s a hive of stunning scenery for landscape and drone photographers alike. My photography journey started hand in hand with my passion for travel. I’d travelled to some incredible places, such as Sri Lanka and Indonesia, with only a smartphone in hand, and came away disappointed with the photos I had captured. After doing a bit of research, I decided to take the plunge and buy my first DSLR. Initially I was frustrated, making comments such as: “The photos on my phone look better, this camera is rubbish!” However, I soon came to realise that the magic was all in the edit, and my love of photography grew exponentially…

www.benedictbrain.com Camera: Sigma fp L Lens: Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Settings: 1/160 sec at f/8, ISO 200 I’ve been off travelling the globe again. This time I was sailing from Lisbon to New York, visiting half a dozen or so countries en route while talking about the art and craft of photography. However, there was a creative twist: I was presented with a challenge by the folk at Sigma Imaging, who had asked me to try their new super-fast wide-angle 24mm prime. At first I was thrilled to have been asked, but then it dawned on me that 24mm is a lot wider than I’d normally plump for, especially on a trip like this. I’d typically reach for 35m, which is pretty much my go-to focal length.…

What do you enjoy most about wedding photography? I love being trusted to capture such an important day – I get truly swept up in the excitement and happiness of it all! It feels amazing to be able to provide a tangible reminder of the day for my couples, their families and their friends. When did you realise you wanted to become a wedding photographer? It was something the quietly crept up on me. After photographing my sister’s wedding, I realised that I thrived in the fast-paced environment of weddings. I loved that I could bring a calm presence to what can often be a stressful day. What do you think makes a great wedding photograph? Emotion. Time and time again, my couples tell me that their favourite images are…

Amy Lathrope-Reid Amy has been photographing horses for 14 years, initially after someone gave her a camera. At the time her sister had a Black Beauty-style horse – the perfect subject. 1 You don’t need much equipment When I first started I shot everything with one lens, a 70-200mm f/2.8. This is all you need to start shooting images and making money by offering digital or print packages to your clients. 2 It’s OK to say no If you’ve built up a reputation as a good photographer within a certain genre, like equine, you might get asked to shoot other things like newborn or family portraits. It’s OK to say no, focus on your special subject and put all your resources into that. 3 Offer some tuition Once you feel…

Fast, powerful and precise editing software for PC, macOS and iPad affinity.serif.com/photo Photographer and writer Marcus is a former editor of Digital Camera If you think you’re obsessive about taking pictures now, wait until you give product photography a go. Hours will drift past as you nudge shoes, watches, candles or bottles of scent by a few millimetres here or there to get their best side, or experiment with different lighting setups in order to remove hotspots on a piece of jewellery and add them to glossy lipsticks. Product photography might be just taking pictures of ‘stuff’, but it’s easy to become obsessed with the details. You’ll start noticing things that you never thought you’d be worried about before: micro stains on the leather of a watch strap; tiny…

Hopefully we’ve given you a taste for what you can achieve using some pretty basic kit – now it’s over to you. Show us your best product shot and you could be in with a chance of winning a copy of Affinity Photo worth £49/$50! We’d like to see the creative, commercial and stylish ways that you can bring products to life. Don’t worry about what we can’t see in the photo, like the sticky tack propping up parts of the scenery; it’s the result that counts. Feel free to combine elements from different shots to create a digital montage if you want – there are no rules with this one! To enter, either email your entry (one per reader, please) to digitalcamera@futurenet.com, with the subject line ‘Product shots’, or…

Andrew is a highly experienced writer and photographer – if you have a problem, he is here to help. How to shoot dragonflies Q I’m into nature photography and have an ambition to photograph a dragonfly as it is emerging. Any advice? Kenneth Pullen A Catching the moment that a dragonfly hatches from its larval stage is one of those things you either stumble on by chance or due to repeatedly visiting a location where you know they hatch. In most cases, this emergence will happen early in the morning. For those who don’t know, dragonflies change from a water-based nymph form by crawling out of the water on a reed stem or other vegetation and then emerging from the nymph into the adult. Once emerged, the adult will wait…

Well known for its colourful finishes and lexicon of quirky product names, leading UK accessories brand 3 Legged Thing has released a limited edition of its popular L-brackets. Compared to the brand’s typical finishes, which include Copper and Metallic Slate Grey, this new matte black ‘Darkness’ range looks pretty stealthy. L-brackets are one of the most convenient tools in a photographer’s kit bag, allowing quick flips between landscape and portrait orientations when working from a tripod. But some users, especially those shooting from wildlife hides and in pro portrait studios, may want their accessories to be more muted, so might prefer the Darkness range. Five models are available in this limited run: QR11 L 2.0, QR11 FB 2.0, Gracy, Roxie and Zelda, and this could be the start of something…

Compatible with Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony cameras, the Senior Retro Camera Flash sits in the hot shoe like any standard strobe, although it also has a sync port for vintage cameras. The flash deploys from its compact folded state (which looks like an oversized car remote key fob) with a nine-blade flash dish that unfurls for operation, along with a bulb that pops out. A manual or automatic unit, it has one simple control dial that combines ISO, aperture, power and distance for ease of use. It carries a Guide Number of 46ft / 14m at ISO 100, with a fixed 28mm focal length spread, and its internal 1700mAh battery is good for 150 full-power flashes. www.godox.com; £99 (estd)/$119…

Documentary photographer @dave_swindells The most significant youth movement to happen in Britain since punk, the acid house explosion of the late 1980s created a musical culture that still endures. DJs and musicians who were there at the beginning still play to large audiences around the world, and several global mega-music festivals owe a debt to the can-do ethos and visual aesthetic of the UK’s early acid house parties. Taking place three decades before the arrival of social media, one of the definitive pictorial documents of the scene was captured by Dave Swindells, then the nightlife editor of London’s Time Out magazine. As a new collection of his images appears in his latest book, we found out more about those heady days – and the challenges of getting it on film…

Cristina ‘Mitty’ Mittermeier began her career as a marine biologist in her native Mexico, and soon discovered the power of imagery in ocean advocacy work. She went on to become an internationally recognised National Geographic photographer, public speaker and founder of The International League of Conservation Photographers. In 2014, she co-founded SeaLegacy, the international conservation and production organisation. Mittermeier is a Sony Artisan of Imagery and is the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Smithsonian Conservation Photographer of the Year Award and the Imaging Award for Photographers Who Give Back. Earlier this year, Mittermeier received an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, Honoris Causa, from Simon Fraser University. www.cristinamittermeier.com Beginning her career as a marine biologist, Cristina Mittermeier turned to photography as a way of increasing awareness of her cause.…

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If you’re passionate about photography or video, this is the event for you. The only show of its kind in the UK, The Photography Show & The Video Show is the perfect destination for amateur and professional creatives alike - and over four days in September, it’ll be the centre of all things imaging. 2022 will see a show floor nearly twice the size of 2021, with the latest kit on hand to try out (and buy!). Our headliners, including Cristina Mittermeier and Colin Prior, will share top-level advice on the Super Stage (see page 16) and you’ll see some fantastic action and drama on the Photo Live Stage (see page 07). Brand new stages and theatres will feature alongside old favourites. Why not immerse yourself in travel and outdoor…

CHASE JARVIS Best known for his creative flair across a range of disciplines Join renowned photographer, creator and entrepreneur Chase Jarvis for this inspiring talk to learn specifically how putting small, daily actions to work can supercharge our innate creativity and help us rediscover our personal power in life. Chase Jarvis is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and one of the most influential photographers of the past 20 years. His expansive work ranges from shooting advertising campaigns for companies like Apple, Nike, and Red Bull; to working with athletes like Serena Williams and Tony Hawk, to collaborating with renowned icons like Lady Gaga and Richard Branson. In 2013 Chase contributed to the Pulitzer-Prize winning New York Times story Snowfall, and in 2014 earned an Emmy nomination for his documentary…

WHEN: Opening hours are from 10:00 until 17:00 from Saturday, 17 September until Tuesday, 20 September. You can arrive at any time from 09:30. WHERE: The show is located in halls 2 and 3 at The NEC Birmingham. GETTING THERE: BY CAR You’ll find the NEC clearly signposted from all motorways and major routes including the M42, M40 and M6 - just put B40 1NT in your sat nav. When you arrive at the NEC, look out for the show name you’re visiting on the signs. Then, simply jump on a free shuttle bus to get to the halls. There is parking available at a cost of £12.85 per day (pre-booked) and £16.85 if purchased on the day. Disabled parking is available. Pre-book parking with the NEC here. Please note…

1 “When considering getting into infrared photography, some people think that you just slap a filter on and the camera does the rest. That’s not the case, though – there’s a bit more of a science to it.” 2 “It’s not about the filter you use, it’s about certain lenses, understanding hot spots and the flares that come off particular lenses. So the first challenge is finding which lenses work in IR photography, and which camera.” 3 “The Olympus E-M1 Mark III sensor doesn’t have a very strong heat shield, which makes it fantastic for shooting IR. In contrast, the heat shield on a Sony Alpha sensor is so strong that blocks out all infrared light and makes it impossible to use, unless you have it converted.” 4 “Using a…

Last Halloween, together with my favourite make-up artist, Sian Anne, I was challenged by beauty brand Face Lace to create a Halloween fantasy world that would showcase Face Lace’s makeup products. Inspired by a New Romantics movement and the delicate nature of a reflective makeup sticker, I took my art direction towards the eeriness of a dark alley glamourised by the scenic rebirth of a powerful female emerging from the smoke. Sian designed an empowering warrior-styled pink-based makeup on our model Yasmin, to which I created a dark scene and added multiple light sources to imitate light coming from the smoke (which was to be added in postproduction). I used the cheapest studio lighting I own and shot it against the wall in Sian’s flat – not in my studio…

I am a wedding photographer from Gourock on the west coast of Scotland. I’ve been taking photographs since I was a kid, when my dad would give me his camera to take family photos at home and on holiday. I guess something stuck with me, as I’ve been doing it ever since! I love it to the point that it probably drives my family nuts. I have a camera with me absolutely everywhere I go! For the last few years, it’s become far more than just a hobby. I started at first through music photography at local gigs, then bigger events and finally found my true calling by shooting weddings across these genres. I’ve realised that I absolutely love photographing people, especially weddings, which I find a total blast… meeting…

Top reasons to subscribe now! Great savings Subscribe and get 13 issues a year delivered to your door or digital device! Just choose between the three options below. Get your daypack worth £89.95! This 25-litre stylish multi-function daypack has protection for a 15-inch laptop and tablet – perfect for the trail or commute. Your options Option 1: Save 28%! Print-only: pay £27 every 6 months ● 13 issues a year of Digital Camera print edition delivered to your door ● RidgeLine Pro BP 300 AW daypack, worth £89.95* Option 2: Save 58%! Print & digital (Premium): pay £34.50 every 6 months ● 13 issues a year of Digital Camera print edition delivered to your door ● 13 issues a year of Digital Camera digital edition for your iOS or Android…

You originally trained as an architect. Did this stand you in good stead for the transition to becoming a photographer? Very much so. The education combines art and technical thinking, the balance of which, like architecture, is essential in photography. As a student, there are weekly crits where you pin up your work and it gets eviscerated by invited jurors! It makes you tough. Are you a trained photographer? Yes and no. I studied a lot of photography and visual thinking at university. When I started transitioning my career, I spent a year of extensive reading and online study to pick up more technical skills. I also learnt how to use a large-format view camera (pre-digital). Which personal project have you found the most challenging and rewarding, excluding Perimeter? The…

Alistair Campbell I’ve been photographing fashion for nearly 10 years and started when someone local to me created a home-made dress and wanted to sell it. The most important thing is to show off the clothing and get a good photo at the same time, so other people could imagine wearing it and want to buy it. 1 Establish a style and be consistent To start with, you need to build up a portfolio but at the same time make it consistent across the shoots you do. Clients will book you for the style of images they have already seen and are more likely to come back for more, so make sure you’re delivering what they want. 2 Work hard to find clients This is the tricky part, and you…

What do you shoot and why? I cover a range of genres, from portraits to events and commercial to weddings. To see everything I do, it’s best to head to my Instagram! I also lecture at universities and mentor new photographers. How would you define your style? A difficult one – I guess I would say clean with natural editing. I am not a fan of desaturated colours or over-smoothed skin, for example. I want scenes to look as close to how we see them with our eye as possible. How long have you been a pro? Since 2010, after I left my full-time job in the NHS. Since then I have only made a living through photography. I turned to photography after I lost my job through austerity cuts,…

The devil is in the detail with product photography. When you’re photographing a glossy object, for example, the way that lights or reflectors are positioned will make a big difference to how the highlights accentuate the object. With this shot, the lipstick was eventually lit from the front, with a reflector placed on each side. But on closer inspection, you can see that the surface is riddled with dust and scratches. All product shots will require retouching to remove these types of blemishes. A combination of tools often works best – an intelligent ‘fill’ option, such as Affinity Photo’s Inpainting Brush tool and the Clone Brush/Stamp tool can give great results, as long as you take your time.…

Jean Claude Lataste In issue 257, we challenged our readers to shoot a photo that best captured the colours of summer. Well done to Jean Claude, who wins a copy of Affinity Photo worth £49/$50. Taken in the harbour at Saint Malo, France, this picture shows part of an IMOCA boat that was being maintained between races. Digital Camera says: Jean Claude has made the foil on a monohull racing sailboat the focal point of this graphical image. The colours of the boat beautifully complement the rich blue sky, while the fluffy cloud positioned perfectly above the foil calls to mind paintings by Jean Claude’s near-compatriot René Magritte. 2nd place: Sharon Cosgrove With the single green leaf in the centre of the frame, this photo is spot-on compositionally, while the…

FILE & VIDEO www.digitalcameraworld.com/dc259 BECOME A PHOTOSHOP MASTER! This month… Tool School: Master noise reduction in Photoshop Find out which are the best noise reduction tools in Photoshop, and those you shouldn’t let anywhere near your photographs Fundamentals: Create a perfect pastel sunrise Make the sun stand out with the tools at your disposal in Lightroom Classic Get the Look: Black & White effects in Photoshop New ways to convert your images to black and white for striking results, using a range of techniques Presets and Actions: Transform your edits in Photoshop and Lightroom PRESETS & ACTIONS! P88 VIDEO TRAINING The issue 259 download includes video lessons that build on our tutorials, plus bonus videos with extra tips! www.digitalcameraworld.com/dc259 50 MINUTES OF VIDEO PHOTOSHOP How to use your bonus skies…

DxO PureRAW v2.1 is now available As well as getting boosted performance on Apple Silicon computers, DxO’s batch-processing raw converter brings support for Canon’s latest EOS R cameras and smarter batch processing options. www.dxo.com Tamron starts work on a new 40-500mm lens Due to be released this autumn, the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a new ultra-telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, and will offer an 8x zoom ratio. www.tamron.eu Firmware updates for Canon EOS R3, R5 & R6 New firmware is available for the EOS R3 (v1.20, for speed enhancements); the EOS R5 (v1.60, for extending recording times); and the EOS R6 (v1.60, for streamlining user workflows). www.canon.co.uk…

instagram.com/gadgetsjon Jon is a professional photographer, videographer and technology journalist. Why are some photographers more popular than others? Looking back both over the years and at the present, there seems to be no particular rhyme or reason for what makes the work of certain creatives stand out. For some, this can be particularly perplexing when you look at social media. Some accounts filled with what might be described kindly as ‘average’ imagery have amassed huge followings, while many highly skilled professional photographers with regularly published work are languishing in the low thousands when it comes to followers. “Some social media accounts with ‘average’ images are very popular” You can of course blame some of the disparity on fake followers and the increasingly contentious algorithm bias towards short trending videos. But…

www.gomatic.co.uk This range of camera storage solutions is a collaboration with Canadian photographer Peter McKinnon and is sold under the Nomatic brand in the US. The 25-litre Camera Backpack on test here follows a larger, 35-litre version that was launched in 2019. Very light in the hand when empty, our review unit also feels reassuringly well put together, and is manufactured in a waterproof fabric. Versatile storage Its killer storage feature is the ‘ladder’ system in the main compartment. This can be configured quickly according to user needs: a bag for a full camera rig, or a day bag that can be biased towards personal items and then a smaller amount of camera kit. Once the use case is set, the main compartment can be fitted with the supplied dividers,…

We’ve teamed up with PADI to offer Digital Camera readers the chance to win a Digital Underwater Photographer course worth £118/$145! For a chance of winning one, make your entry at the competition page before 13 October 2022. www.bit.ly/dc259padi For course details, visit: www.padi.com/courses/digital-underwater-photographer About PADI: With a global community of 6,600 dive centres and resorts, 128,000 professional members and more than 29 million certified divers to date, PADI is entirely committed to our blue planet and empowers people around the world to experience, explore and take meaningful action to protect the world beneath the surface. For divers by divers, PADI is obsessed with transforming lives and connecting the passionate through Learning, Club, Travel, Gear and the PADI AWARE Foundation, which has a singular goal of creating ocean change. www.padi.com…

1 Which Hollywood actress is holding the Hasselblad in this picture? A Audrey HepburnB Grace KellyC Marilyn MonroeD Elizabeth Taylor 2 What is the nationality of fashion photographer Sarah Moon? A EnglishB AmericanC CanadianD French 3 What does ø72 signify on a lens? A The effective focal length is 72mmB That the minimum focusing distance is 72mmC That the diameter of the filter ring is 72mmD That the radius of the filter ring is 72mm 4 Which of these is an essential accessory for a 360 camera? A Invisibility cloakB Invisible underwearC Invisible selfie stickD Invisible tape 5 What is the English translation of the French photographic term ‘flou’? A Out of focusB Shutter speedC ExposureD Test strip 6 L UTs are useful for editing – but what does LUT…

BROWSE AND DISCOVER At no other event in the UK will you see so many brands under the same roof, and have the chance to get hands-on and chat to the brand gurus themselves. BUY Take advantage of exclusive show offers and buy all the gear you need (or want!), to take home and use to get capturing straight away. GET TO GRIPS WITH KIT Get the inside track into newly launched cameras, lenses and more at live demos and talks hosted by exhibitors and their ambassadors. Our 8 stages and theatres promise inspiration and a multitude of tips, covering everything from beginner level to pro, across photography and video. 2022 HEADLINERS This year’s Super Stage features a line-up of awe-inspiring creatives: Chase Jarvis, Christina Ebenezer, Colin Prior, Cristina Mittermeier,…

9 ALL-NEW TIPS CARDS This issue, get wallet-sized advice on long exposures, autumn wildlife and making the most of local sporting events. If your copy doesn’t include printed cards, see the Gifts folder of this issue’s download for print-your-own versions. Actions and Presets for Photoshop and Lightroom We’ve curated a selection of actions and presets to complement this issue’s tutorials. You can find them with this issue’s other bonus digital gifts – see the instructions below. Buyer’s Guide ebook Over 270 pages of camera and lens reviews, plus buying advice for accessories! See the Gifts folder in your download. 8 BONUS SKIES PRESETS Turn to page 88 NEW-LOOK TIPS CARDS! 9 subjects Techniques Settings Kit list…

Time moves differently by the sea – a minute can last forever, while a beautiful scene can be over in just a few seconds. I am lucky enough to live close to the coast in Bournemouth, Dorset. So many times I have run down to the beach to catch those magical mornings. Watching the sun rise as the waves roll in really sets you up for the day ahead. I wanted to move away from the beach and start to research all the wild and rugged places along our wonderful Jurassic coastline where I could capture more of those dramatic moments. This doesn’t come easy – from 3am starts in the summer to the freezing cold and biting wind in winter. It is always worth it, though, and carrying your…

This photoshoot took place at an event called Secret Con, a TFP-style [trade for print] location shoot held at Gloucester Prison, intended solely for photographers and cosplayers to attend. This event in particular offered a range of assets to make use of, which included prison cells, a dentist’s chair and even a helicopter! The growing popularity of cosplay photography is something that should definitely be on a photographer’s radar, as it is becoming widely recognised in the industry and on social media, encouraging collaborations between photographers, cosplayers and content creators. Cosplay photography usually involves shooting images with individuals who are portraying a fictional character, surrounding themes of gaming, fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes and popular culture. Two main styles of cosplay photography have emerged: one is basic portraiture captured at a relevant…

Mike Mezeul II Mike has always been fascinated by the power and beauty within nature, and is renowned for his amazing work on tornadoes and supercells, so shooting volcanoes was just the next step… 1 Use the right kit for the shoot Due to their characteristics, each volcano is a bit different; some are more explosive and others are a bit more ‘kind’. The biggest challenge is balancing the dynamic range in the scene, especially towards the twilight and night-time hours. Lava is extremely bright and it can be difficult at times to control the highlights within the frame, especially in explosive volcanoes like Fuego and Pacaya. I am currently shooting my volcano work on the Nikon Z 9, Nikon Z 7II, Nikkor Z 14-24mm, Nikkor Z 25-75mm, Nikkor Z…

When did you realise you wanted to lead workshops? I found myself answering questions from people about how I framed a shot, or how I was able to capture a specific photo while I was attending other photography events. Then I was approached by Rotolight to lead workshops based on the expertise and set of skills I showcased, which stems purely from an authentic and genuine passion for photography. What do you personally gain from leading a workshop? For me, what I gain is often the same as what others gain – a memorable experience. I run interactive workshops that are based on both instruction time and hands-on work. I am constantly improving my own skills while also working with others to improve theirs. What is your favourite section of…

Bath-based Simon used to work on our sister title N-Photo and enjoys photographing a wide range of different subjects. After the Covid-19 lockdowns, he was keen to build his photo business back up, and recently started shooting interiors. 1 Who will pay for property photography? Although additional software can turn an average smartphone image into a good one, I believe that both residential and commercial clients have realised the value of commissioning professional photography. 2 Don’t estate agents usually do it? Yes, they can. But as property values increase then so do the expectations of the client – you’re selling a lifestyle, so the styling and de-cluttering of the rooms in a property becomes essential. 3 You don’t need a car-full of equipment I use Nikon Z 7s with Sigma…

Once you get a taste for product photography, you’ll probably end up being on first-name terms with the team at your local art shop. Building up a collection of A3 coloured card and paper gives you more options during a product shoot. When it comes to choosing a colour, you could go complementary or contrasting, depending on whether you’re looking for a harmonious or punchy result. Consider using a colour that’s the same or close to the subject’s colour, too. To avoid the texture of the card or paper being distracting in the final image, make sure it’s some distance from the subject. Avoid using a very small aperture such as f/22, which is more likely to reveal the texture, although you can select the background in editing software and…

You don’t have to stick with a plain backdrop when you’re shooting products, of course. Building a still-life scene using additional props that help to convey the lifestyle associated with the product is a consideration when you’re shooting commercially. If a client wants to underpin the natural qualities of a product, for example, then you could consider bringing in textures from nature, such as wood, slate and plants. If you want to accentuate softness, look at introducing circular shapes and waves of silk or cotton. Alternatively, create your own backgrounds to make the product distinctive. A sheet of crushed kitchen foil can make for a bokeh-rich background when thrown out of focus, for instance. Another option is to use a laptop or tablet screen to turn your photos into backlit…

1 Sketch out your shot: Firming up your ideas in a thumbnail sketch is a useful exercise, as otherwise it can be daunting to start from scratch when you’ve set up your camera. That’s not to say that inspiration won’t strike when you’re behind the camera, but sketching helps! 2 Modify the light: Some basic modifiers will give you control over where the shadows fall and how soft they are. Use a softbox to diffuse direct light, or bounce your flash off white card that’s angled towards the subject. Try a grid or a snoot to focus the beam onto a specific feature, and use a ring light modifier to add a ‘halo’ effect (shown in this watch shot). 3 Pick a colour: Look for a highlight colour in your…

WATCH THE VIDEO! Fast, powerful and precise editing software for PC, macOS and iPad affinity.serif.com/photo FILE & VIDEO www.digitalcameraworld.com/dc259 With over a decade’s experience as a writer and photographer, James is also an accomplished image editor, and an expert in Affinity Photo. The magic of photo editing lets us create studio-quality photos of large objects like this classic 1969 TVR Tuscan without the need for a studio or bank of lights. Our car here was lit with a single softbox flash. Using a tripod to keep the camera still, we shot 28 frames while moving the softbox into different positions. By underexposing the daylight, we could keep the mundane surroundings dark and pick out the curves and lines on the car. This fragmented approach to lighting is useful not just…

FILES & PDFs www.digitalcameraworld.com/dc259 This month, we have curated a collection of actions and presets that will help transform your image editing. Actions and presets can make a big impact on your photographs in a matter of seconds. Once they have been installed in Photoshop or Lightroom, they are on hand for whenever you need them. You can build up your own library of actions and presets by collecting the ones to be included in upcoming issues of Digital Camera. One of the main advantages of using actions and presets is that they save you time – rather than having to manually adjust a photo to give it a certain look, actions and presets will get you there in a few clicks. See below for this issue’s collection… 1 LIGHTROOM…

The coastal pathway gives a great lead-in line to this landscape shot, but the overall image is too bright and the foreground definition of the path has been lost. To improve matters, we’re going to convert the image to black and white and tease out its tonal qualities so that the path becomes much more prominent. Starting in the Develop module, let’s make the mono conversion. In the Basic panel 1 press V or click on Black & White. Now let’s deal with the washed-out sky. Go to Mask and use Select Sky 2 to darken the sky area and bring out the clouds. Things are looking better already, but we’re not finished with the sky yet. Go into Masking and choose Select Sky. With the sky selected, taking the…

Organised in collaboration with the Urban Photography Club, this exhibition showcases work by photographers from around the world that was taken during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Urban Photography Club is a collective founded by a group of photographers who came together in October 2020 when the UK entered its second Covid lockdown. After initially collaborating online, the collective used the 52 Assignments: Street Photography book by Brian Lloyd Duckett as their inspiration to continue shooting. Following the success of the project, the Fujifilm House of Photography (8-9 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LH) is sponsoring the UPC’s exhibition. www.fujifilm-houseofphotography.com Go to www.digitalcameraworld.com for the latest news, reviews & techniques…

I deal for carrying camera kit safely within a larger piece of luggage, ‘bag within a bag’ solutions are becoming increasingly popular. Vanguard’s Veo BIB (Bag-in-Bag) collection adds to what’s available and comprises three series: Veo BIB T (smaller top-access bags that will fit inside a shoulder bag or any other bag); Veo BIB F (mid-sized front-access bags designed to fit inside backpacks like a Veo Active, or a roller case); and Veo BIB Divider R (a large robust and water-resistant bag that can be used alone or will fit into a Vanguard Supreme case). All Veo BIB models feature new Vanguard slimline dividers to maximise protection and minimise wasted space. www.vanguardworld.co.uk; from £29.99/$34.99…

Limited numbers of prints are available for $100 from over 100 photographers, including Beverley Joubert, Karim Illya, Drew Doggett, Ami Vitale and Marsel van Oosten. 100 per cent of the profits goes to African Parks, who currently manage 20 parks in 11 countries, including Kafue (Zambia), Akagera (Rwanda) and Liwonde (Malawi) National Parks, on behalf of African governments. Every print sold will help African Parks with its mission to help safeguard 30 million hectares of Africa’s protected areas, contributing to the global target of protecting 30 per cent of nature on Earth by 2030. The charity is aiming to look after 30 parks by 2030, with plans to sign a number of new parks, including Luengue-Luiana and Mavinga National Parks in Angola and Boma and Badingilo National Parks in South…

This month, we’re pleased to bring you our early hands-on verdict on the second of the two new APS-C sensor cameras for Canon’s mirrorless RF mount. The EOS R10 was launched at the same time as the EOS R7, but it’s a different proposition in many ways, including its affordability. Canon hasn’t skimped on R10’s spec-sheet though, as it features some top-end tech that you’ll find in the brand’s professional EOS R3 body. Topping the list is its impressive subject-tracking autofocus performance and a professional-standard burst mode. The R10 is available in a kit with the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM – one of the three optics on test in this issue. Find out just how good this kit lens is on page 111. Also going through our labs…

www.benroeu.com The Benro RoadTrip Pro is a ‘6 in 1’ tripod – it can be used as a tripod, a monopod, a selfie stick, a ground-level or table-top tripod, and a full-height support. With a maximum height of 152.5cm (min 39.5cm), RoadTrip Pro weights start from 1.37kg (carbon-fibre; aluminium, 1.64kg), but offer a payload capacity of 8kg, so they will support everything from a compact camera body to a DSLR with a zoom lens. Conversion factor Converting the RoadTrip Pro to a monopod is easy: just remove the centre column and padded leg. An internal mini tripod stows within the centre column and can be used with the column to create a configurations including a tabletop tripod for live streaming video. The Arca-compatible PMM70 quick-release plate also incorporates a 1/4in…

12 creative ways to capture the glories of golden season ✓Camera settings✓ Pro techniques✓ And much more! ON TEST Nikon Z 30 Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN | C Mini Test: Ball heads DON’T MISS OUT! SUBSCRIBE TODAY & GET A FREE BAG Get Digital Camera delivered and receive a fabulous free gift! See page 40 PLUS! 10 all-new photo projects One to One pro masterclass Camera College Expert editing tutorials ON SALE Friday 16 September…

LANDSCAPES INFRARED CAMERA KNOW-HOW REFLECTIVE METERING PORTRAITS BY A WINDOW ACTION CAR RIG SHOTS BLACK AND WHITE FINE ART NUDES ARCHITECTURE CHURCH INTERIORS MACRO SHARP LEAVES WILDLIFE DEER PARKS ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY STAR TRAILS Head to www.digitalcameraworld.com for more photography tips HOW TO SHOOT… MACRO SHARP LEAVES SETTINGS CHECKLIST… Aperture Priority FOR YOUR FIRST SHOT, TRY… TIPS FOR GETTING A GREAT SHOT… • To help isolate individual leaves, use a macro lens or a long telephoto (a 300mm, for example). • Make sure the shutter speed is set to at least 1/250 sec to avoid blur. • Shooting into the light will help to make the most of the autumn colours. Shoot on a still, calm day so that your shots aren’t blurred due to movement or incorrect focusing. HOW TO SHOOT……

FREE! ON LOCATION Drawing visitors into the world of destination photography and film, this packed programme of talks and practical demos will focus on nailing those awesome travel shots, capturing weddings in paradise settings - and everything in-between. FREE! CREATOR STAGE For the content creator and the pro creative alike, the Creator Stage will offer a whole realm of ideas for content creation. Then let your imagination run riot in our playground, with funky sets, optical illusions and giant props - bring your friends and have fun! SPONSORED BY SONY FREE! VIDEO HUB Combining the best brands and expertise in video, the Video Hub will showcase video kit and offer the opportunity to discover more about filmmaking - whether your ambition is adding video to your services or becoming the…