Photography News

Ask most landscape photographers what their favourite season is, and probably 80% will reply "autumn". I actually try not to have a favourite, because it keeps me fresh for all the different seasons, but even I can't deny that the Lakes in autumn can be a truly spectacular place. An important issue to remember is that the lakes can also be a truly WET place through October and November as well, so consideration of the weather must be taken into account.

Equipment needed is totally down to personal style, anything from a compact, through to DSLRs with wide-angle lenses, telephotos, macros etc. will all give excellent results. I do find a polarising filter useful to take reflection off leaves / bracken and give a boost to the colours; but be careful not to overdo it.

If I'm working in the early part of Autumn, I quite often like to work with a wide lens to make a strong feature of foreground bracken, especially when it's showing a wide colour range, from green, through to red. This will even make a good semi close-up picture just concentrating on the bracken itself.

 

Later in the season, when the colours have changed, if I'm really lucky a calm day can, with the help of the reflections, offer twice as much landscape in a single shot; with the landscape reflected perfectly in the water. On all my reflection shots, I use a 0.45 hard-edge ND grad filter, to balance up the amount of light absorbed by the reflection. Also remember, that lower viewpoints often give better reflections. In addition, if there is any foreground element, a low viewpoint will usually reduce the distance between the foreground element and the bottom edge of the reflection.

Woodlands clearly become a favourite subject through the autumn weeks, but as well as general vistas, individual branches can show off the shapes of leaves well. Even once the leaves have fallen, there are great pictures to be had of leaf details and textures on the ground, or contrasted on a mossy bank or rock. If the weather is inclement, consider taking a few leaves home and photographing them backlit on a lightbox. The type of tree and altitude has a great bearing on when they change colour, with Silver birches tending to be the early changers, and larch (the only conifer to drop its needles) then oak bringing up the rear.

The range of subjects through the autumn in the lakes is incredible, certainly covering most of October and November. Even when the trees have lost their leaves, the glow of the bracken retains the fantastic hues of autumn, almost right through to spring the following year.

 

 

Article by by John Gravett - www.lakelandphotohols.com

    

In the last stretch of the 1950 Maryland Senate race, roughly 300,000 copies of a four-page tabloid called From the Record went out across the state, and inside was a picture of Senator Millard Tydings standing close beside Earl Browder, the former head of the American Communist Party. The two men had never posed together, and the caption underneath called the picture a composite. Tydings lost by more than 43,000 votes.

 

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The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2026, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community. 

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A small team has released PhotoCraft, a free, open-source stand-in for Photoshop built with heavy help from AI, and it's designed so anyone fluent in Adobe's menus and shortcuts can sit down and start working. If you pay for Creative Cloud every month, whether a project like this can legally exist shapes how many real alternatives you end up with.

 

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Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the first three settings anyone learns, and each comes with rules repeated so often they start to sound like law. Knowing which of those rules hold up, and when breaking them gets you a better frame, decides whether the camera works with you or against you.

 

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The Canon EOS R8 Mark II sells for $1,899, which puts it $250 above the original R8 and $400 below the larger EOS R6 Mark II. That narrow spread makes choosing between Canon's compact full frame bodies harder than it has been in years, especially if one camera has to handle both your stills and your video.

 

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Wildlife files need more editing than most genres because they come from long lenses at high ISOs, subjects that won't pose, and backgrounds you couldn't choose. The edits that rescue those frames, such as cropping, noise reduction, and masked brightening, are the same ones that most often push a photo past the point where it looks natural.

 

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Halloween - it's a perfect time to shoot some portraits and capture some of the small details that make Halloween so spooktacular.

 

Low Light

Most Halloween themed activities don't start until after the sun's begun to set and that means there's not a lot of light left around to play with. If you're shooting still objects such as pumpkins, you can put your camera on a tripod and use slower shutter speeds but with kids that are running around high on sugar, longer shutter speeds will turn them into streaks of blur. Try using a slightly higher ISO or just shoot your portraits under a porch light or street lamp, to add a little bit of extra light to the scene. You can also head out at dusk when there's still light in the sky but the atmosphere you're trying to capture is just beginning to build.
 

Jack-O-Lanterns

If your flash is set to automatically fire, switch it off as you'll end up with a shiny looking jack-o-lantern that's lost all of its glow. Instead, use a longer shutter speed, making sure you have your tripod with you to stop shake spoiling your shot. If you find the glow from inside the lantern isn't bright enough, use a few more candles or switch the candles for a torch. You'll just have to position yourself so the torch can't be seen in shot. You can also try bracketing if you find metering to be a problem.

 

 

Portraits

There will, of course, be plenty of people in costume and shooting candids while you're out with your kids trick or treating, should give you plenty of interesting shots. If you're taking photos while they're knocking on a door, position yourself so once the door's open, it won't block your view.

For shots with more impact, get down to the child's level before you take your shot and fill the frame. If you have more than one child to photograph, make sure they're stood close together when taking group shots as people have a habit of putting space between themselves and another person.

Take time to study their makeup and costume to see which parts are the most interesting and should be focused on. If they have a particularly interesting mask, shoot a headshot and if you're going for a full body shot, make sure you take a look at their feet before you do as people tend to head out in shoes that aren't Halloween themed and they can spoil the overall feel of the shot.

Don't forget your basic composition rules such as filling the frame, rule of thirds and giving your subject space to look into. 

 

Small Detail

Look out for the spider's webs, decorations and pumpkins as shots of these, combined with shots of people in fancy dress will give you a great overall account of the day's events.
 

Graveyards

If you fancy heading to a graveyard to shoot some close-ups of detail or want to use them as a backdrop for portraits, have a look at our previous technique: Graveyard Photography
 

Have A Play In Photoshop

If you want to give a house a spooky feel, as David did with his image above, or add a ghost to a shot you've already taken, open up Photoshop and have a play around with the various tools and features to see what Halloween-themed image you can create.  

 

VTOMAN, the portable power brand behind the FlashSpeed power station series, is offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday pricing on its portable power stations, solar bundles and jump starters, running November 19–30 on Amazon in the US and UK. Winter brings the two power problems households and drivers run into most, outages from storms and car batteries that fail in the cold, and the lineup covers both: the FlashSpeed 2400 for home backup, the Jump 600X and Jump 2200 for camping, travel and short outages, and the X-Series jump starters for the glovebox. Ahead of the main event, VTOMAN's V10 Pro and V10 jump starters are on holiday promotion from now until December 20.

 

VTOMAN's products are engineered around three core technology platforms:

• V-BEYOND™ High-Performance Output Technology: designed to support demanding power needs across VTOMAN's portable power solutions.
• CHARGECORE™ Efficient Energy Delivery Technology: optimizes charging and energy delivery for everyday and outdoor use.
• LIFEBMS™ Battery Management Technology: provides intelligent battery protection for safety, stability and long-term reliability.

 

PORTABLE POWER STATIONS

 

VTOMAN FlashSpeed 2400 Portable Power Station

Amazon US & VTOMAN Website- $649.99 (RRP $799.99) 19% off

Amazon UK & VTOMAN Website - £599.99 (RRP £899.99) 33% off

The FlashSpeed 2400 is VTOMAN's fast-charging home and roadside power station. Built around a 1408Wh LiFePO4 battery, it pairs 1500W of CHARGECORE™ AC input, for a full charge in about an hour, with 2400W of continuous V-BEYOND™ output, powering up to 12 devices at once. It also adds a built-in emergency jump-start function that drivers don't typically get from a power station.

That combination suits winter. Households can top it up quickly when a storm is in the forecast, a 10ms UPS switchover keeps refrigerators, medical devices and home offices running when the power drops, and the jump-start function covers a dead car battery on a cold morning. Its flat-top, rugged build also fits holiday road trips, tailgates and RV travel.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 1408Wh LiFePO4 battery
• 2400W continuous output with V-BEYOND™
• 1500W AC input; full charge in about 1 hour (CHARGECORE™)
• 10ms UPS switchover
• Built-in emergency jump-start function
• Powers up to 12 devices simultaneously; LIFEBMS™ with 10 built-in safety protections

 

VTOMAN Jump 600X Portable Power Station

Amazon US & VTOMAN Website (Nov 17–Dec 4)- $189.99 (RRP $299.99) 37% off

Amazon UK & VTOMAN Website - £199.99 (RRP £299.99) 33% off

Amazon DE - €199.99 (RRP €299.99) 33% off

 

 

The Jump 600X is VTOMAN's compact entry point into portable power: a 4.5kg (9.9 lb), 268.8Wh LiFePO4 power station for overnight outages, weekend camping and holiday travel. It delivers 600W of pure sine wave AC power, and V-BEYOND™ technology lets it run resistive loads such as lights and fans at up to 1200W.

CHARGECORE™ supports simultaneous AC and DC charging, reaching 80% in about 50 minutes, and a 120W MPPT solar input pairs with VTOMAN's foldable solar panels, offered together as Black Friday bundles for off-grid recharging. A built-in UPS, seven output ports including 100W USB-C, and LIFEBMS™ protection make it a practical first power station for campers, RV owners and new homeowners.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 268.8Wh LiFePO4 battery rated for 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity
• 600W continuous / 1200W peak pure sine wave AC output
• V-BEYOND™ runs resistive loads up to 1200W
• 80% charge in about 50 minutes with simultaneous AC + DC charging (CHARGECORE™)
• 120W MPPT solar input; built-in UPS
• 7 output ports including 100W USB-C; 4.5kg (9.92 lbs); 2-year warranty

 

VTOMAN Jump 2200 Portable Power Station

Amazon UK - £449.99 (RRP £529.99) 15% off

Amazon DE - €479 (RRP €599) 20% off

 

The Jump 2200 is a high-capacity 1408Wh LiFePO4 power station for home backup during winter outages, as well as camping and holiday travel. It delivers 2200W of pure sine wave AC power, and V-BEYOND™ technology lets it run resistive loads at up to 2400W.

CHARGECORE™ supports simultaneous AC and DC charging, and a 400W MPPT solar input pairs with VTOMAN's foldable solar panels for off-grid recharging. A 10ms UPS switchover, a built-in emergency jump-start function, and LIFEBMS™ protection make it a versatile pick for households and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 1408Wh LiFePO4 battery
• 2200W continuous pure sine wave output; up to 2400W resistive loads with V-BEYOND™
• 2200W AC input; simultaneous AC + DC charging (CHARGECORE™)
• 400W MPPT solar input
• 10ms UPS switchover; built-in emergency jump-start function
• Powers up to 12 devices simultaneously; LIFEBMS™ with 10 built-in safety protections; 17.5kg

 

VTOMAN Jump 100 Portable Power Station

Amazon DE - €69.99 (RRP €99.99) 30% off

Walmart - $65.99 (RRP $145.98) 55% off (Nov 9–Dec 3)

 

The Jump 100 is a lightweight 89.6Wh LiFePO4 power station for campers, commuters and everyday backup, pairing a 100W AC outlet (200W surge) with 65W PD USB-C fast charging. It can recharge a laptop in about an hour, and VTOMAN's LIFEBMS™ system adds 10 layers of safety protection, with the LiFePO4 cell rated for 3,000+ life cycles to 80% capacity. At just 1.1kg, it's an easy tech gift under £100.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 89.6Wh LiFePO4 battery, 3,000+ life cycles to 80% capacity
• 100W AC outlet (200W surge); recharges a laptop in about an hour
• 65W PD USB-C fast charging input/output
• LIFEBMS™ system with 10 safety protections
• Compact and lightweight: 17.6 x 11.4 x 8.3 cm, 1.1kg (2.43 lbs)

 

JUMP STARTERS

 

VTOMAN X7 Jump Starter with Air Compressor

Amazon US - $84.99 (RRP $129.99) 35% off

The X7 is VTOMAN's all-in-one roadside tool for cold-weather driving, combining a 4250A peak jump starter with a 160 PSI air compressor in one unit. It starts 12V gas and diesel engines up to 10L and is rated to operate from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F), so it stays useful in the trunk through winter.

A 5.1-inch smart screen shows battery level, tire pressure and inflation mode at a glance, which helps because cold weather lowers tire pressure. An 18W USB-C port charges phones on the road, a 400-lumen LED light covers nighttime breakdowns, and 10 built-in protections, including spark-proof and reverse-polarity safeguards, guard against connection mistakes.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 4250A peak current for 12V gas and diesel engines up to 10L
• Integrated 160 PSI air compressor
• 5.1-inch smart screen with battery level, tire pressure and inflation mode
• 18W USB-C fast-charging output
• 400-lumen LED light (constant / flash / SOS)
• 10 built-in protections; -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) operating range

 

VTOMAN X5 Cross Jump Starter with Air Compressor

Amazon US - $59.99 (RRP $99.99) 40% off

Amazon UK - £50.99 (RRP £99.99) 49% off

 

 

The X5 Cross combines two essential roadside tools, a portable jump starter and an air compressor, in one convenient, travel-ready device. Designed for drivers who want to be prepared for unexpected battery failures and low tire pressure, it brings practical emergency functionality together in a compact unit that's easy to keep in the car.

Ideal for winter driving, holiday road trips and everyday vehicle preparedness, the X5 Cross is a useful addition to a car emergency kit and a practical gift for new drivers and commuters.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 2-in-1 jump starter and air compressor
• Designed for vehicle battery emergencies and tire inflation
• Portable design for vehicle storage and travel

 

VTOMAN V-Truck 6000A 12V/24V Heavy-Duty Jump Starter

Amazon UK - £159.99 (RRP £239.99) 33% off

 

 

The V-Truck is VTOMAN's heavy-duty roadside essential, combining a 6000A peak jump starter with a 36,400mAh portable power bank in one robust unit. It starts 12V and 24V trucks, vans and diesel engines, and is rated to operate from -40°C to 60°C, making it well suited to cold-weather rescues, farm work and roadside emergencies.

A 145W DC fast-charging port charges the unit fully in about 1.5 hours, while USB-A and USB-C outputs keep phones and tools charged on long drives or camping trips. A 3-mode LED flashlight, a 2-second boost mode and safeguards against overcharge, over-discharge and reverse polarity make it a practical tool for truckers, motorhome owners and outdoor adventurers.

 

Key Features & Specifications:

• 6000A peak current for 12V/24V gas and diesel engines
• 36,400mAh power bank with USB-A and USB-C outputs
• 145W DC fast charging; full charge in about 1.5 hours
• 2-second boost mode; 3-mode LED light (constant / strobe / SOS)
• 10+ protections; -40°C to 60°C operating range; 2.9kg

 

More VTOMAN Black Friday Deals

 

Amazon US — November 19–30, 2026

• VTOMAN VL7: $94.99 (RRP $149.99, 37% off)
• VTOMAN VS110 Solar Panel: - $119.99 (RRP $189.99, 37% off)
• VTOMAN VS40: $52.24: (RRP $109.99, 53% off)

Amazon UK — November 19–30, 2026

• VTOMAN V6 Plus Jump Starter: £31.99 (RRP £59.99, 47% off)
• VTOMAN VL3: £37.99: (RRP £59.99, 37% off)

Walmart US — November 9–December 3, 2026

• VTOMAN V6 Plus Jump Starter: $32.99 (RRP $79.99, 59% off)
• VTOMAN X4 Jump Starter with Air Compressor: $38.99 (RRP $98.99, 61% off) 

 

About VTOMAN

Power Beyond Limits is more than a slogan at VTOMAN; it is the standard behind everything the brand builds. VTOMAN believes portable power should go beyond basic backup to deliver stronger output, smarter energy management and trusted protection in the moments that matter most. That is why VTOMAN combines V-BEYOND™ for high-performance output, CHARGECORE™ for efficient energy delivery and LIFEBMS™ for long-term battery safety and stability. Together, these technologies allow VTOMAN to create energy storage solutions that go beyond ordinary expectations. For more information, visit https://vtoman.com.

Lester LaRue shot 44 frames on the morning of April 19, 1995, with his employer's camera, his employer's film, and his employer's car to get him there. One of those frames ran on the cover of Newsweek's May 1 issue. A federal court later ruled the copyrights had never been his.

 

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Most camera bags in recent years have been made to be dedicated travel bags, everyday bags, or work bags. But Lowepro's Fastpack backpack line has always offered bags that can be used for almost anything without compromising the experience.

 

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A perfectly symmetrical frame can still feel wrong, while a frame with a speck of a subject tucked off to one side can feel completely settled. Balance in a photograph covers much more than equal weight on both sides, and how you handle it decides whether a viewer believes what they're seeing and knows where to look.

 

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Most advice about natural light boils down to two instructions: shoot at golden hour and avoid midday. Both hold some truth, yet most of your shooting happens in the hours between, and knowing what the sun is doing at each stage decides whether a frame has depth or falls flat.

 

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Nikon's NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S costs almost $14,000 and weighs more than 6 pounds, which puts it much closer to a big telephoto prime than a handy second zoom. With an f/2.8 aperture and a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, it's built to cover low-light wildlife, sports, and safaris with one lens.

 

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Viltrox's new AF 35mm f/1.4 Pro costs $829 for Sony E and Nikon Z, which puts it below Sony's own 35mm f/1.4 GM and above Nikon's NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4. It's big and heavy for a 35mm f/1.4, with a metal body, weather-sealing, and an aperture ring that switches between clicked and smooth.

 

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Winter's on its way which may mean dark nights and cold mornings but it does bring ample photography opportunities for those who don't mind braving the cold. We can capture sunrises at more reasonable hours and depending how low the temperatures drops, we could even see some snow filled landscapes appearing in people's portfolios. In preparation, here's 30 tutorials to kick-start your winter photography with a bang. 

 

1. Photographing Winter Portraits

Living in the UK, most of the best clothing in our wardrobes is probably winter stuff so why not encourage people to get out and about with their favourite coats, hats and scarves and have fun shooting some outdoor winter portraits.

 

 

2. Shooting Winter Landscapes

Water in the landscape makes a great photograph at any time of the year but in winter, after we've had heavy rainfall or fog's settled in, lakes and rivers suddenly take on a new look that's well worth braving the cold to capture.

 

 

3. Photographing Winter Birds

Winter days leave us with a shortage of daylight hours to photograph, but also is not the perfect time for birds to find food, with much less food about and less daylight time to feed.

 

 

4. Winter Wedding Photography

Winter weddings are becoming ever more popular. As a wedding photographer, the natural light on a winter day may only be short, but if you are comfortable using available light whether it be tungsten or candlelight, you can create some really atmospheric photos.

 

Image courtesy of Limeleaf Weddings.

 

5. Working With Winter Sun

While winter may often be associated with wet, gray, and generally downbeat weather conditions, when the sun makes an appearance it is perfect for landscapes.

 

Image from  Landscape Photography: The Four Seasons title from Ilex.

  6. Winter Photography Tips 

Whether portraying a bitterly cold day or a snowy Christmas scene, there are certain things to consider when heading out for a winter photography shoot. I have put together a number of tips which have proved invaluable.

 

Photo by Barry Chignell

  7. How To Shoot Winter Silhouettes

The low position of the sun in winter makes it a perfect time to shoot silhouettes. You just need to find a bright background (the sky's perfect) and the right subject to give you a shot with series impact.

 

 

8. Winter Wildlife Photography Tips

Learn how to take great images of winter wildlife around the coast, in your garden and in various conditions. 

 

 

9. Snowboarding Photography Tips 

Nathan Gallagher gives ePHOTOzine some tips for capturing snowboarders in action on the snow as well as tips on capturing portraits in the studio. 

 

 Photos by Nathan Gallagher.

 

10. Coping With Contrast In Winter

The low angle of sun in the winter may bring with it fantastic lighting, but it can also cause problems when it comes to contrast in your images.

 

Photo from Landscape Photography: The Four Seasons title from Ilex.

 

11. Even More Winter Wildlife Photography Tips

Winter can be a great time to photograph wildlife. With the trees bare, it can be a lot easier to spot illusive species such as deer and foxes. A telephoto zoom lens will be a necessity, and you'll need a tripod and possibly a hide, too depending on what you intend to look for.

 

 

12. Indoor Themed Winter Portrait Tips 

With winter approaching, more people will be heading indoors but this doesn't mean you have to stop looking for ways to bring your portraits to life. Of course, if you have a willing subject you can brave the cold and venture outside to capture some great winter imagery. But if the cold isn't for you, then going indoors works very well at this time of year too.

 

Photo by Michael Alan Bielat.

 

13. Photographing Mountains In Winter

There are plenty of great mountain ranges scattered around the UK that are well worth a photo at any time of year but in winter, when a covering of snow's fallen or a hard frost has settled they tend to look even more impressive.

 

 

14. Tips On Photographing Ice In Winter 

Ice is only frozen water – so it's clear, isn't it? Far from it, and I love ice – naturally occurring on lake edges, round waterfalls, as icicles, however it forms. I'm only going to look at natural formed ice, rather than ice made in freezers and photographed in studio conditions; although either makes amazing pictures.

 

Photo by John Gravett

 

15. 10 Top Robin Photography Tips 

Robins can be found in their numbers and as many would agree, they are very photogenic and this becomes even more true at this time of year when the cold weather sets in, bringing snow to cover the ground.

 

 

16. Tips On Photographing Frost And Ice

Frost might not be good for plants but it is great for photographers who are looking for winter scenes and interesting abstracts to add to their portfolio.

 

 

17. Fast Moving Vs. Slow Moving Waterfalls - How To Capture Both With Your Camera

When capturing waterfalls you can make water appear as if it's frozen in time so every splash and droplet is captured in frame or you can go to the opposite end of the scale and smooth the flow of water out into almost a dry-ice, cloud-like texture. At this time of year there's the added option of capturing frozen shapes that water's created when it's splashed up over rocks and grass found at the edges of the falls, too.

 

 

18. Top Cold Weather Photography Tips

 It won't be long before the temperatures drop and we're venturing out over the Christmas break with cold weather photography in mind. Here's a few ideas how to prepare yourself – and your camera equipment – to ensure you get the most out of your cold-weather photography.

 

 

19. Tips On Photographing Snow & Ice

Winter brings a new range of photo opportunities where familiar colourful scenes are suddenly covered in a blanket of snow. Bare trees become stark outlined silhouettes against a brilliant white backdrop, grasses poke out from below white canopies and old barns look like sets from pantomimes.

 

 

20. Urban Christmas Light Shoot

As the majority of festive pictures are of parties taken on small apertures on compacts with auto flash, having a good image of the Christmas lights, particularly with people in them will really stand out and as a result are a great subject to have a go at photographing.

 

 

21. Cold Weather Photography Tips

The temperatures are slowly dropping which means it's a good time to start thinking about cold weather photography and how you can protect yourself as well as your kit. 

 

 

22. How To Take Black & White Shots Of Snow Scenes

Find out how using the black & white medium can add so much more to your snowy landscape shots. 

 

Photo by John Gravett

 

23. How To Photograph Frost

Set your alarm, wrap up warm and get outside to capture the magic of a frosty start. You don't have to head to far either as you'll find plenty of frost-themed images right in your back garden. 

 

Photos by John Gravett

 

24. More Snow Photography Tips

Snow scenes are very picturesque. They make excellent additions to your landscape portfolio but they can be tricky to photograph. Here are some tips to help you take better snow scene photos and make your time in the chilly outdoors more enjoyable.

 

Photo by Mark Elliott 

 

25. Tips On Photographing Stormy Seas

For those who don't mind a fierce wind and cold weather, winter is a great time to shoot at the coast. Why? Well it's quieter as you don't tend to get many tourists visiting out of season and strong winds can create strong sea swells which means they'll be plenty of big waves crashing into cliffs and sea walls to capture.

 

 

26. Capturing Snowy Landscapes

What better excuse do we need as photographers than a blanket of snow for wonderful photographic opportunities, but it's important to get a few techniques right to ensure you capture everything at its best.

 

Photos by John Gravett

 

27. Photography Tips On Capturing Patterns In Ice

When temperatures begin to fall, lakes, ponds, puddles and even waterfalls (when it's really cold) freeze, all of which make excellent close-up photography subjects.

 

 

28. Explanation On Why Snow Can Appear Blue And How To Fix It

We all know the feeling of photographing in snow on a bright, crisp day, only to realise that the snow is coming out blue in your pictures. This is generally due to one or two errors which can be quickly and easily put right. 

Photos by John Gravett

29. Snow Photography For Beginners

Snow can be quite tricky to capture and can leave many beginner photographers asking questions. To help them out, here we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about snow photography.

 

 

30. Quick Tips On Taking Photos In Icy Conditions

If you're out in icy conditions, there are a few hazards to contend with which are particular to the weather. Yes, this includes obvious things like taking care to not slip but there are other problems you may not have thought of too. 

 

 

 

When you had out in autumn, the first thing that you're likely to be greeted with is fallen leaves on the floor. Take advantage of these and create some great photos!

It's worth packing a polarising filter as one of these will enhance autumn shades and help reduce glare. Then basically, all you need to do is find some autumn leaves, arrange them if you wish then photograph them. Try and get a mix of varieties if you can and if you can wait until the next morning to photograph them, they'll be covered in droplets of morning dew or if you wait until the temperature drops a little more they'll have a dusting of frost, giving you the chance to shoot some abstract Autumnal shots.

 

1. Look for interesting patterns Don't have any trees at home? Well, you can collect some fallen leaves from the park or venture out early and do your photography there. Look out for scenes where fallen leaves have created interesting patterns without you having to move them or where they’re decorating a particularly picturesque scene. A blanket of leaves around the trunks of trees will always make a great shot that really sums up autumn. Look for objects in your garden or around the park that you can use in shots with the leaves you've collected to make a more interesting composition.    2. Go close-up and abstract You can position yourself a little further off the ground and photograph the whole pile of leaves but by getting in close to one or two of them, playing with several compositions you can end up with some surprisingly interesting shots. Try just focusing on the tip or stalk of one leaf or focus on the centre of one so blur creeps in at the edges. Try using a wider aperture so you get a shallow depth of field that allows detail to be to focus of the shot. Do watch out for shake creeping into your shots as it does become more noticeable when working with close focusing. Always use a tripod and make use of your camera's self-timer so you aren't touching the camera as the exposure begins. Better still, use a cable / remote release or even your SmartPhone as the trigger if your camera allows it.   
  3. Backlight the leaves Back home, if you have a lightbox you can use it to backlight your leaf so all the detail stands out. If you're using a camera that has Live View it's worth using it to check the overall sharpness of your close up shots. It also comes in handy when you're taking shots where putting your eye to the viewfinder is a little tricky. 

If you're working by water where leaves are decorating the land surrounding it or are floating along the surface of the water as it flows downstream, experiment with longer exposure times to blur the water's movement. We say experiment as several factors will affect what length of shutter speeds you'll need to achieve your desired result.

 

4. Experiment with settings

Experiment with your camera's white balance settings to find the best colour balance for your shot and if you feel the autumn tones need more depth, use your camera's exposure compensation control and dial a - stop in. You don't need to go too low, a half or one-stop should be fine. Having said that, if you shoot in RAW you can always give the colour in your shots a boost when you're back on your computer. 

Viltrox has announced the AF 35mm f/1.4 Pro, a weather-sealed full frame prime for Sony E and Nikon Z with a 16-element optical design and voice coil autofocus. It costs $829 and joins the 50mm and 85mm f/1.4 Pro lenses, which gives Viltrox a set of three fast primes that comes in under $2,000 combined.

 

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Nikon has announced the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, which it describes as the world’s first telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in 1.4x teleconverter. The S-Line lens is designed for professional sports photographers, extends to 168-420mm with the teleconverter engaged and weighs approximately 2735 g. Sales start in November 2026 at £13,999 in the UK and €16,499 in the Republic of Ireland.

 

From Nikon:

 

Today, Nikon introduces the world’s first1 telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture and built-in 1.4x teleconverter. Designed for professional sports photographers, this powerful S-Line lens is built to nail incredible shots of defining moments without fail. Image quality is comparable to that of a prime lens even with the teleconverter engaged, AF performance is phenomenally accurate, and the build is tough yet remarkably lightweight.

From the atmosphere in the venue to in-game action shots, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S puts sports photographers right where they want to be. The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal-length range from 120-300mm to 168-420mm, and photographers can even go to 630mm in DX crop mode. Immersive detail is attainable at any focal length thanks to the fast, constant f/2.8 aperture and advanced S-Line optical construction. Specialised lens elements and coatings produce high-contrast images with exceptional clarity, even when shooting into strong sunlight or under bright artificial lighting.

Compared to its F-mount predecessor, the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S also offers sports photographers a massive upgrade in terms of responsiveness and agility. Nikon’s Silky Swift AF system ensures fast, silent, pinpoint tracking, and a new control algorithm keeps pace with the fastest continuous shooting speeds. This Z Mount sports lens is also approximately 515 g lighter, even with the built-in teleconverter, which helps to beat fatigue when shooting handheld. Other features that can make all the difference include the balanced internal zoom, more customisable controls, Arca-Swiss compatibility, and the option to use front or rear filters.

Dirk Jasper, Product Manager, Nikon Europe says: “The NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S represents some of the best professional lens technology available today. Tested in the field and refined based on feedback from professionals, we’re bringing this high-powered professional zoom lens to the next level.”

 

Summary of key features: NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S

120-420mm focal-length range with built-in 1.4x TC: image quality is comparable to that of a prime lens, even with the teleconverter engaged.

Superior rendering, immersive detail: S-Line optical construction delivers high-contrast images with exceptional clarity. Includes Super ED and SR glass, and Meso Amorphous and ARNEO coatings.

F/2.8 constant aperture, up to 6.5 stop2 in-lens VR: freeze action, isolate subjects against smooth bokeh, and nail sharp, clean, detailed images at lower ISO settings.

Breakthrough AF: experience thrilling new levels of precision thanks to a multi-focus system equipped with Nikon’s Silky Swift voice coil motors. A new control algorithm keeps pace with the fastest continuous shooting speeds.

Lightweight build helps beat fatigue and weight restrictions: this fast telephoto zoom lens weighs 2735 g (approx.) and fits into international-standard carry-on bags.

Highly customisable: the control ring can also be used as a focus ring, and functions can be assigned to two L-Fn buttons or the Fn ring.

Internal zoom: keeps the centre of gravity consistent for more balanced handling when zooming.

High-performance sealing: keeps dust, dirt, and moisture at bay. A fluorine coat makes the front element easier to clean.3

Designed for hardworking pros: Arca-Swiss4 compatibility enables quick release from a tripod, front screw-in and rear drop-in filters are both supported, and the iconic yellow ring is visible even when the lens hood is attached.

HB-120 lens hood: lightweight bayonet lens hood with no protruding clamp knobs, for easy storage.

 

For more information, please visit the Nikon website.

 

FOOTNOTES:

1 As of 29 October 2026

 2 Up to 6.5 stops of in-lens Vibration Reduction with Synchro VR. Based on CIPA 2024 standards. Yaw/Pitch/Roll compensation performance when mounted on the Z6III, without a teleconverter attached (at the telephoto end, in [NORMAL] mode).

3 The lens is not guaranteed to be dust- and drip-resistant in all situations and under all conditions.

4 This lens’s tripod collar is designed for use with screw-type Arca-Swiss clamps. Lever-type clamps may not provide sufficient holding strength and are not recommended.

 

Leica Camera UK has announced the opening of the new Leica Store London Mayfair at 14 Dover Street, bringing the brand’s global total of Leica owned stores to 116. The 234-square-metre store and gallery spreads across four levels and houses all of Leica’s product families, including cameras, sport optics, watches, home cinema, mobile and its pre-owned and vintage range. It also has an integrated Leica Gallery on the lower ground floor. To mark the opening, 14 special edition Leica M-A cameras, produced with British artist Johnny Dowell (King Nerd), will go on sale from 5 November for an RRP of £15,800.

 

From Leica:

 

Leica Camera UK has opened the brand-new Leica Store London Mayfair in the heart of London’s exclusive Mayfair, bringing the global total of Leica owned stores to 116. The 234-square-meters store and gallery is located at 14 Dover Street, W1S 4LW and surrounded by other leading luxury brands, fine-art galleries, renowned restaurants and exclusive member’s clubs. The characterful Mayfair town house is a unique Leica store concept, with client space split across 4 levels housing all of Leica’s product families including Cameras, Sport Optics, Watches, Home Cinema, Mobile and their Pre-Owned and Vintage range. It also has an integrated Leica Gallery sitting on the lower ground floor that dedicates its space to cultural and artistic experiences as well as a rotating collection of exhibitions by renowned photographers.

 

 

Leica Store London Mayfair is the new UK flagship store, with Leica Store Harrods remaining open as usual, as the current store on Duke Street closes. It will provide Leica clients with complete access to all of Leica’s extensive product and cultural portfolio, offering an immersive brand experience and strengthening Leica’s presence in the capital. Private areas set across several floors also allow for a more discreet and comfortable setting for clients to explore the Leica world.

The building itself is impressive, with clients immediately being welcomed by a curated wall of art that features five photographs from Leica’s Hall of Fame, before going onto discover the rest of the ground floor which is dedicated to immersing clients in Leica’s world. Inside, an architectural highlight is the integrated atrium that extends from the lower ground floor to the first floor, offering an unobstructed view of the sky and flooding the space with natural light. Suspended within the atrium is a bespoke art installation, created specifically for Leica Store London Mayfair, that invites clients an opportunity to experience an expression of the optical quality of Leica products. The building’s curved form is reflected throughout the interior design concept, from the fixtures to the furniture and a curved seating area on the ground floor. Nods to the architecture of the brand’s headquarters, Leitz Park in Wetzlar, can be found in both the bars and key-product vitrine.

Clients might be inspired to enjoy Leica’s watches in the daylight while seated in the window bays on the second floor, or to test the telephoto lenses or sports optics equipment through the window’s expansive views of Mayfair.

 

 

The opening of the new Leica Store London Mayfair will be celebrated by the sale of 14 special edition. Leica M-A cameras that have been produced in collaboration with British artist Johnny Dowell, better known as King Nerd. Dowell is a multidisciplinary artist, designer and engraver born and raised in West London. He is renowned for transforming traditional hand engraving into a contemporary artistic practice, and has collaborated with some of the world’s leading luxury, fashion and lifestyle brands while creating bespoke commissions for an international clientele. The M-A has been specially engraved to feature designs of an English Rose, Scottish Thistle, Welsh Daffodil and Northern Irish Blue Flax, to celebrate and reflect the British Isles and will be on sale from the 5th of November for an RRP of £15,800.00. Also being sold with the M-A cameras is the Summicron-M 35 f/2 ASPH. lens, which is finished in a red scale, with the front of the lens completely blacked out, specially painted to match the unique colour of the King Nerd Edition.

Please find the Leica Store London website and number below:

https://leica-camera.com/en-GB/leica-stores/leica-store-london-mayfair

(+44) 020 7629 1351

Leica Store London Mayfair is open now from 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, located on 14 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LW.

For more information, please visit the Leica website.