DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

Local parks are one of the best places to find a wide variety of photographic subjects. Plus, you'll be enjoying the outdoors and getting some exercise at the same time so what's not to like?
 

1. Gear Choices 

If you're just going for a quick walk around the park pocketing a compact will be fine but for those who will be taking their camera and interchangeable lenses along, pack your telephoto lens for shots of dog walkers, animals and long shots of the park with your town in the background. For close up work with flowers and leaves pocket your macro lens.

[HOOK]position_1[/HOOK]
 

2. Grey Days Are Good Days

An overcast day, when the light is gently diffused, is the perfect time to capture flowers and foliage. They look even better after a light rain shower as the vibrant greens will jump right out of your frame. If you spot a squirrel while looking through the trees and bushes keep your distance and use a telephoto lens to fill the frame with the cute animal. For those of you who have streams, ponds or even lakes in the park you're visiting why not have a go at duck/swan photography. In most locations, the ducks are used to people so getting close to them shouldn't be a problem. 

If it's a fine day there should be plenty of people for you to snap a few candids of as they pass by. Try shooting from the hip or if someone such as a park warden tidying up really catches your eye, remember to ask them if they mind you taking their photo before you snap away.
 

3. Guide The Eye

Paths and lines of flowerbeds can be used to guide the eye through the image while repetitive patterns such as lines of trees, street lighting and fencing can add symmetrical interest to your shots.
 

4. Go Down To The Woods

If your park has wooded areas you could have a go at capturing beams of light bursting through the trees but this usually means you'll need an early start and shooting on a misty morning is a must.  
 

5. Statues, Water Features & Architecture 

Don't forget that statues, monuments and water features make great photographic subjects and most parks will have one if not all of these on display somewhere. Try looking for glimpses of buildings in your town through the leaves on the trees or gaps in the hedges. The contrast of green or even the golden colours of Autumn later on in the year against the glass and concrete of the town can work extremely well. Then, when you leave the park, find a hill to climb and photograph the patchwork of greens that break up the grey lines of the town.
 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Daily Forum Competition

 

The German image editing provider Neurapix has expanded its AI technology with a fundamental enhancement: effective immediately, the AI edits even more like a human by taking the context of the entire Lightroom collection being processed into account. The result: even more consistently edited photos.

The goal of many photographers is a cohesive look that runs throughout an entire shoot. Until now, however, editing AIs have analyzed each image individually and applied the desired style to each one separately. Neurapix's new approach also considers the other images within the project, ensuring, for example, even more consistent white balance and more uniform exposure across the entire set.

For users, almost nothing changes in terms of operation: in the Neurapix editing dialog, they can simply check the box labeled "Optimize Consistency" to activate the new AI. The feature is included in the "Neurapix Unlimited" plan. In the “Pay-per-Picture” model, as with all optional features, a maximum surcharge of 1 cent per image applies.

 

"The Best Editing Results Currently Possible"

 

"We asked ourselves: Why doesn't AI work like a human? After all, a human would look at the entire shoot and compare the images with one another," says Nils Sauder, co-founder and CEO of Neurapix. "Accordingly, we developed a completely new AI approach in order to deliver the best editing results currently possible to our customers."

The new feature becomes available automatically after updating the Neurapix plugin. The update is offered via a pop-up the next time Lightroom Classic is launched, or it can be installed manually via the Plug-in Manager.

 

About: Neurapix is a German AI start-up based in Goettingen that was founded in 2021. The company has developed an artificial intelligence that is able to learn a photographer's image editing style and apply it within Adobe Lightroom Classic. This allows photographers to have large numbers of photos edited in their own style, resulting in significant time savings of around 90%. For more information, please visit the Neurapix website.

      

Canon has received eight accolades at the 2026 iF Design Awards, marking thirty-two years of consecutive recognition for the company's industrial design. This year's awards were granted to a range of products within Canon's portfolio, including mirrorless cameras, digital cinema equipment, and industrial printing solutions. These honors reflect the brand's ongoing participation in global design standards and its ability to deliver products across multiple technology sectors.

 

From Canon:

Canon announces that eight Canon Group product designs were recognised by iF International Forum Design GmbH at the iF Design Award 2026. This year marks the 32nd consecutive year in which Canon designs have won iF Design Awards. Canon Medical Systems Corporation's Aquilion Rise CT scanner was selected for an iF Gold Award, the highest distinction.

iF Design Award 2026 Gold winning product

 

  Product name Full-body CT scanner Aquilion Rise (Canon Medical Corporation)

 

iF Design Award 2026 winning products

 

  Product name Mirrorless camera EOS R50 V Compact digital camera PowerShot V1 3D lens RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL Digital cinema camera EOS C400 Digital cinema camera EOS C50 Industrial inkjet label press LabelStream LS2000 Large-format hybrid printe
Colorado XL-series
(Canon Production Printing Netherlands B.V.)

 

iF Design Award 2026 Gold winning product 

 

Aquilion Rise, full-body CT scanner

 

iF Design Award 2026 winning products

 

RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL, 3D lens

 

PowerShot V1, compact digital camera
 

EOS R50 V, mirrorless camera (shown with RF-S14-30mm F4-6.3 IS STM PZ lens attached)

 

EOS C400, digital cinema camera (shown with CN-R85mm T1.3 L F lens attached)

 

EOS C50, digital cinema camera (shown with RF85mm F1.4 L VCM lens attached)

 

Colorado XL-series, large-format hybrid printer

 

LabelStream LS2000, industrial inkjet label press

 

About the iF Design Award

Established in 1953, the iF Design Award is one of the most prestigious design awards in the world. It recognizes outstanding industrial designs worldwide. This year, international design experts judged over 10,000 entries from 68 countries and regions across nine disciplines: product, packaging, branding & communication, service design, architecture, interior design, concept, user experience, and user interface.

For more information, please visit the Canon UK website.

Photo by Daniel Bell.      Why this style of photography works is because, generally, people feel more relaxed out of a studio environment which will produce better photos. Throw a bit of fun into the mix and you'll soon have a collection of images that are unique and interesting.  [HOOK]position_1[/HOOK]  1. Gear Advice 

For environmental portraits, a 14-24mm lens can work well but a go-to lens popular with many photographers is a 70-200mm, which can produce great perspective at the right focal length. When working with families, particularly when shooting a little more candidly, natural light works well but do pack essential lighting accessories such as a reflector. If you find you're out during the middle part of the day, particularly on a sunny day, find shade you can shoot in to produce a more even exposure. 
 

2. Conversation Is Key 

Even if you know the people you are photographing it's still important to talk to them during the shoot as direction and encouragement will always be welcomed. Suggest poses and always get your 'money shots' in the bag early so you can have more fun and also shoot more candidly later on. Good shots to ensure you capture are images of the group as well as shots with tighter framing of individuals or one or two family members together.

Direction doesn't have to come via your voice either. You could kick a ball into a particularly good patch of light or ask children to play with toys in a certain part of the landscape you're working in. Remember that children do have a short attention span so make the posing part of the shoot as quick as possible then leave them to play, capturing candids with your camera as they do. 
 

3. Colours, Backgrounds & Clothing 

Backgrounds that contrast with what your subject is wearing can create vibrant images and don't get too hung up on having everyone in matching shades as a mix of colours adds interest and if they pick their own outfits, they'll be more comfortable. 

 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Daily Forum Competition

 

Lambs are not only cute, but they're also a sign Spring is well-and-truely on its way so they make us doubly happy. Cuteness and happiness aside, they're great subjects for outdoor photos as not only do they make people go 'ahh' they're also pretty active so you can capture some great action shots as well as images that are a little calmer. 

To set you up for your lamb-themed photography shoot, we've got 5 essential tips to share with you. 

[HOOK]position_1[/HOOK]

1. Don't Trespass

Shooting from a roadside, lay bay or on a public path that has right of way through a field is fine but don't venture on to someone's land without asking permission first.

2. When To Photograph Them?

In some places, lambs are starting to appear in fields now and if the farmer started lambing early, some start in December, they should be starting to become more active which will give you the chance to capture more interesting shots.

Dull days might not be your favourite time to head out into the countryside, however, days like this can give the best sort of light which makes grass appear saturated and you'll be able to see plenty of detail in the lamb's coat.

 

3. Wrap Up Warm

Even though we do get sunny days, it's still rather cool out there and when you're standing around for lambs to move a little closer to you, you'll soon start to feel the cold if you're not dressed correctly. Sheep are generally very wary of people so once they've done a runner, it can take them quite some time to build up the confidence to come and graze near you again.

 

 

4. Find One Subject

If possible, zoom in and focus on just one lamb. Not only will this give you the 'ahh' factor but it'll also give your shot more impact. Your shot must be sharp and exposed well and if you can, use a wide aperture to throw the background out of focus so nothing distracts the eye away from the lamb.

Getting down to the lamb's level can give a more interesting viewpoint, however, you need to pay more attention to the background – posts growing out of heads is never a good look and other items can just be distracting.

If you're subject's slightly older, they'll have more energy and will be braver so are more likely to be jumping around. Adding a small amount of blur to your action shots with slower shutter speeds can work well but don't go too slow as you still need to be able to see what your subject is.

 

5. Group Shots

Singling out one lamb can be tricky in a field full of sheep so if you struggle, go for the group shot instead. Look for interesting patterns and formations the sheep create and if get a small cluster of sheep together, wait until they're all looking your way and snap the shot.
 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Daily Forum Competition

  Macro and close-up photography allows us to see the world from a different viewpoint and sometimes, shots can be almost magical with what they unveil. Plus, with so many subjects waiting to be captured, you really can put your macro photography skills to the test and, you don't have to venture much further than your own garden either.    To get you started, here are our 10 top tips on capturing images with close-up/macro lenses.  [HOOK]position_1[/HOOK]  1. Make Sure Your Subject Is Perfect

 

When you're working at such close focusing distances any imperfections become more noticeable and they can end up distracting the viewer or spoiling what could be an excellent shot. However, taking the time to look at your subject, making sure the butterfly you're photographing doesn't have a damaged wing or your fungi specimen isn't dirty or had a bite taken out of it, will mean you won't be disappointed when you review your shots on your computer once home.

2. Get Up Early

 

Not everyone's a fan of early starts but if you want to shoot macro photography out in the field, it's something you should get used to doing. Some subjects tend to be less active in the morning, especially when it's still a little chilly, making them easier to photograph and plants, flowers and other foliage are less likely to have had a bite taken out of them early on, too. Mornings can bring a sprinkling of dew which adds another level of interest to your shots and morning light is softer and warmer too.
 

3. Try Backlighting

 

Low, morning light makes it easier to backlight your subjects which can give your macro shots an interesting twist. Objects which are slightly translucent such as leaves, flower petals and butterfly wings look really good when light shines through them from the back. Keep a close eye on your shots though as the light levels can fool your camera into thinking the scene's too bright and it will underexpose the shot. If you do have problems just use exposure compensation to fix it.
 

4. Switch To Manual Focus

 

When working close to a subject, autofocus tends to end up searching backwards and forwards for something to focus on. Eventually, it may focus on the right point but it's much quicker to switch over to manual where you'll be able to focus more precisely. If you're not used to using manual focus it can take a little bit of practice but if you try shooting flowers, fungi and other objects which are less likely to fly or runoff, you don't have to rush so can take your time in getting your focusing spot-on. Then, once you're used to working manually, move on to more tricky subjects such as insects and other wildlife.
 

5. Try Pre-Focusing

 

Some macro subjects such as insects move fast and scare easily so pre-focusing your lens before they come into frame can increase your chances of capturing a good shot. Find something that's of a similar size of your subject and position it the same distance away as your subject will be when it lands.

 

6. Pack A Polarising Filter

 

A polarising filter can be fitted to a lens to ensure the colours captured are the same as the real thing, giving your shots more punch in the process. Attaching a polarising filter to your lens will slow your shutter speeds down, however, so make sure you're using a tripod to stop shake which can spoil your shot when working hand-held.
 

7. Avoid Shake

 

Camera shake is more noticeable when working close to your subject so always use a tripod. If you have one, use a remote release to fire the shutter button so you don't have to touch the camera or if you don't have one, use the camera's self-timer or your Smart Device if you have a camera that'll allow you to control it this way. Making sure your image stabilisation is on and using quicker shutter speeds, which you can get by switching to a higher ISO if you're working in low light, will help keep movement to a minimum but it's still best to fasten your camera to a tripod.
 

8. Windy Days Are Your Enemy

 

As already mentioned, any movement in the frame is exaggerated when working at such close focusing distances so what may seem like a small breeze to you can look like a strong, winter gale blowing through your image.

You can hold your subject in place with plamps etc. or if you're patient, just wait for the wind to stop blowing. You can also try and shelter the plant you're photographing with a make-shift shield. Card works well but if you're out in the field try using your camera bag or even your own body to shield your subject from the wind. Also, using a slightly quicker shutter speed will freeze motion but this isn't always possible, especially when working in darker locations such as woods.
 

9. Get In Close Then Add Some Space

 

By isolating part of a flower, insect or leaf you can create strong, abstract shots. So find detail that interests you and really zoom in close, filling the frame with striking shapes and interesting patterns.

Don't forget to try the opposite too so your subject has some space to 'breath'. Why? Well, it can help give your image context as well as create a sense of scale in your shot. Do keep your background simple if you do this though as you don't want it to distract from your main subject.
 

10. Light Your Shot Well

 

Where possible, try to use natural light, however, there are times when this isn't possible such as working in the woods where light levels are lower or when you're working with subjects that move quickly.

Rather than using your camera's built-in flash which is harsh and often too direct, try using a ring flash which can give a more even spread of light. Watch out for overexposed 'hotspots' appearing on your subject and when using natural light, make sure your own shadow isn't caught in-frame. You may also need to use a reflector to bounce much-needed light into dark areas of the shot. You can buy reflectors, but one made from a piece of card and silver foil can work just as well.
 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Daily Forum Competition