DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

When you're new to photography and are not quite ready to venture into the manual world, the basic shooting modes available on your camera's dial can help you get a better photo, in certain situations. These are pre-programmed modes which can be used to shoot a particular subject or scene.

Almost all digital cameras these days will have at least macro, sport, landscape, night, movie and portrait modes. Plus, there are a few modes/features that are individual to each camera.

These scene modes are usually easy to find on your camera. They will either be found on the wheel which sits on the top of your camera or they will be clearly marked on the camera's menu system.

Your camera's manual will give you more details on specific modes but to get you started, here's a quick rundown of what popular modes are available and when you'd use them:

 

Portrait Mode

Portrait mode's obviously for portraits and it tells your camera you're photographing a subject where you want the background to be blurred so all attention falls on them. By selecting this mode, the camera picks a larger aperture (smaller f-number) to throw the background out of focus.

 

 

Sports Mode (Action)

This tells the camera to use a quicker shutter speed so you can freeze the action/movement in front of you. It's designed to be used with moving subjects so try it out when you're by the football pitch or capturing cars at the go-kart track. Having a camera with fast AF, such as those available in the NX series, will also increase your chances of capturing a sharp action shot.

 

 

Beach/Snow Mode

Beach scene shooting mode is as the name suggests a mode to use when shooting pictures on a beach. Sand reflects a lot of light and fools cameras into underexposing so the shot comes out dark. When sand is recorded dark it looks muddy and not the lovely golden yellow depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The Beach scene mode increases the exposure slightly to compensate but also adjusts the white balance to make the sand look more natural. This mode is sometimes combined with a Snow scene mode which causes similar exposure problems for a camera. It's great for quick snaps on the beach when you're out on day trips or on holiday with your family.

 

 

Landscape Mode

This tells the camera you want front-to-back sharpness so it will select a smaller aperture (larger f-number) to give you this. This mode sometimes boosts the greens in an image as you'll tend to be shooting scenes that have more of this shade in it with this mode. Be careful if it's a little dull though as the camera may use a slower shutter speed due to the smaller aperture size which can result in shake if you're not using a tripod.

 

 

Macro Mode (Close Up)

When shooting insects, flowers, coins and other small objects, this is the mode you want. Different cameras will have a different macro focusing distance but all of them do let your camera know you'll be shooting something that's small and fairly close to your lens, with a narrow depth of field. A tripod will be a big help when working in this mode as the tiniest of movements can cause your shot to go out of focus.

 

 

Movie Mode

This mode lets you shoot short videos with sound. Some cameras also capture HD movies. 
 

Other Modes that feature on some cameras include:

• Panoramic – Create wide-screen shots by simply choosing the Panorama Mode while moving the camera in the direction you want. 
• Kids/Pets Mode – This is similar to Action/Sport Mode as it is designed to help you capture fast-moving objects by quickening the shutter speed.
• Fireworks Mode – Obviously, it's for photographing fireworks but it can also be used for light painting too.
• Sunset – to help you capture the colours of a sunset in all its glory
• Dawn – for those photographers who get up early to shoot their landscapes
• Text - photograph text in documents clearly and easily with this mode.

Short days and cold nights don't make it very appealing to head outside in search of interesting photographic subjects so here are five photographic ideas for you to try without leaving your home.

  Shoot Indoor Close-Ups

This is one for ebay fans but it's also a great technique for photographers who want to get into still life photography to try. In this article Pete shows you how to deal with different types of light, shares tips on diffusing it and discusses reflections.
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Have A Go At An Indoor Portrait

If it's cold and cloudy outside have a go at shooting indoor portraits with window light. Cloudy days diffuse the light so you can create flattering portraits from the comfort of your own home with the free light that flows through your windows.

Brighten Your Window Portraits

After you've shot your indoor portraits have a read of our Photoshop tutorial which will show you how to even out the brightness levels of your shots.

It doesn't take too long to do and is something you can do on any day when the weather's not playing ball outside.

Indoor Flower Photography

It may be a little too early to head out into your garden in search of flowers that are worth photographing, however you can still have a go at shooting a few bouquets at home. Just purchase a few specimens from the shop and have a read of our indoor flower photography article to get some inspiration.

  Get Creative With Household Objects

Follow John Gravett's advice and you'll soon be shooting objects you thought were boring in a whole new light. In his piece he puts cutlery, paperweights and even a slinky in front of his camera to show you how easy it is to make creative abstracts from ordinary objects.

Shoot Bokeh Christmas Light Portraits

Learn how you can use small LED lights to add interest to your indoor portrait shots. You don't need loads of kit, it's fun to do and it's something everyone can have a go at.

 

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

 

If you recently got your hands on a new camera (many probably did for Christmas), you may be wondering what you should do next. Here, we’ve come up with a few first steps that will help any photography novice on the way to stunning shots.
 

Step 1 - Read The Manual

Yes, we know it’s boring, and it takes a while to find the right language sometimes, but your manual will have invaluable information about your particular camera, straight from the manufacturer. Read what the manufacturer has to say, and then build on your knowledge as you go along.
 

Step 2 - Familiarise Yourself With The Camera

Turn the camera on, and familiarise yourself with what dial does what. Have a run through the menus on your camera so you have an idea of where to head when you’re out and about for the first time, saving you time if a shot presents itself.

 

Step 3 - Experiment

When you know your way around the camera, the next step is to have a go with it. This may sound obvious, but if you don’t have a quick play and see what images you can produce with various settings, you won’t know what to look for when you head out to get some professional-style shots. Have a go at shooting using every aspect of the camera, to gain knowledge – you never know when an opportunity may present itself that requires the use of a mode that you know how to use through having a play.

Step 4 - Get Online

When you know how to use the camera and are looking for inspiration and like-minded people to share your shots with, this is where ePHOTOzine comes in! We have a wealth of knowledge and ideas on the site to help you achieve those stunning shots you’ve always wanted. Search the site for anything photography related using the magnifying glass in the toolbar – you’ll more than likely find it!

Now's also the perfect time to join +. What is +? Well, if you love photography, and want to get the very best out of the site, then Plus is the ideal product for you. You can find more information about the membership here.
 

Step 5 - Find Your Niche

Once you’ve gotten to know your camera, have been out, taken some shots and read up on your areas of interest, you may find that you like, or are better at certain areas of photography. Build on these, and they will become your area of expertise. By discovering what you like and what you are good at, you can hone your skills and become the very best in an area of photography that you love.

 

Elinchrom UK has announced the full Live Stage speaker schedule for the 2026 London Photo Trade Show, taking place from 15–17 January 2026 at Novotel London West, Hammersmith.

The Elinchrom Live Stage will feature a packed programme of live demonstrations and expert-led talks from leading UK photographers, offering practical insights into creative lighting techniques using Elinchrom equipment. Sessions are designed to appeal to photographers working across portrait, newborn, maternity, commercial, product and specialist genres.

Throughout the event, Elinchrom specialists will also be available on Stand 70–71, providing hands-on demonstrations and advice on lighting setups and solutions tailored to individual photographic workflows.

Live Stage Programme Highlights

Thursday 15 January 2026

• 11:30 – Bjorn Thomassen: Top 5 Features to Elevate Your Portrait Photography (Live Demo)
• 12:30 – Russ Jackson: Lighting New Life: A Live Newborn Photography Demo
• 14:00 – Victoria Baptiste: Just Shoot It: Ditching Perfection & Finding Your Voice (Live Demo)
• 15:00 – James Musselwhite: Four Portraits in 60 Seconds (Live Demo)

Friday 16 January 2026

• 10:30 – Neil Shearer: Liven Up Your Product Photography (Live Demo)
• 11:30 – James Musselwhite: One Light Portraits (Live Demo)
• 12:30 – James Musselwhite vs Paul Wilkinson: Live Photographic Lighting Shootout
• 14:00 – Russ Jackson: Shaping the Glow: Maternity Lighting Live (Live Demo)
• 15:00 – Gary Hill: Creative Headshots (Live Demo)

Saturday 17 January 2026

• 10:30 – Gary Hill: Glitz & Glam: Professional Lighting in Action (Live Demo)
• 11:30 – Jessica McGovern: Lighting with Character: A Live Dog Photography Demo
• 12:30 – Scott Johnson: One Light, Endless Possibilities (Live Demo)
• 14:00 – Paul Wilkinson: Mastering Portrait Photography (Live Demo)
• 15:00 – Julian Fulton: Confidence Through the Lens: Photographing Boudoir with Purpose (Live Talk)

 

 

The London Photo Trade Show is one of the UK’s leading photography industry events, bringing together photographers, brands and educators for three days of learning, networking and hands-on experience. Trade Show attendance is free, with registration closing on 1 January 2026.

For full event details and registration information, please visit: https://thesocieties.net/convention/

Live Stage proudly supported by Elinchrom UK

Register now for FREE tickets!

© Fujifilm

 

Fujifilm Corporation announced a major investment of 5 billion JPY to strengthen its production facilities for instax films at the Ashigara Site in the Kanagawa Factory. This move is designed to meet the growing global demand for the popular instax series.

The new production lines will start operating in stages from spring 2026 and are expected to be fully running by autumn 2026. Once complete, Fujifilm will increase its instax film production capacity by about 10 percent compared to FY2025.

 

Global growth of instax

Since its launch in 1998, instax cameras and films have become a worldwide brand available in more than 100 countries. The lineup has grown from instant cameras to hybrid instant cameras, smartphone printers, and compact palm‑sized cameras. Fujifilm also introduced instax Biz, an application that allows businesses to create custom photo templates for events.

 

Continuous investment

Fujifilm has been investing in instax film production facilities since 2022. With 2 billion JPY invested in 2022, 4.5 billion JPY in 2023, and this latest 5 billion JPY investment, the total investment now reaches about 11.5 billion JPY. As a result, production capacity will rise by about 50 percent compared to FY2022.

 

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Company statement

Fujifilm stated it will continue to explore new possibilities in photography and expand the world of instax instant photo printing, giving people more ways to enjoy photos on the spot.

 

Investment overview

• Company: Fujifilm Corporation, Ashigara Site, Kanagawa Factory
• Location: 210 Nakanuma, Minami-Ashigara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
• Total Investment: Approx. 5 billion JPY
• Details: New production lines for instax films and related facilities
• Operation Start: Spring 2026, fully operational by autumn 2026

 

How instax film works

• Instax film uses silver halide photography technology with 18 layers that react to light.
• When the film is ejected, developer fluid spreads evenly across the surface to start the chemical reaction.
• Excess fluid is absorbed by the frame, and the photo gradually appears in about 90 seconds.

instax and instax Biz are registered trademarks of Fujifilm Corporation.

 

For more information, please visit the Fujifilm website.