6 Outdoor Flower Photography Tips Every Compact Camera User & Smartphone Photographer Needs
As the above image shows, with lenses designed for macro photography attached to a more advanced camera, you can capture great outdoor flower shots. However, just because you're a compact user doesn't mean you shouldn't shoot outdoor flower shots. In fact, with these few tips, you'll soon be on your way to capturing an excellent example of flower photography.
Compact cameras come with various white balance presets that tell the camera what type of light source you are taking your photographs under. Some settings vary from camera-to-camera but there are four you'll see on all models which are: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten and Fluorescent. When working outdoors, try the Daylight setting (usually a sun symbol) when working on bright days and the Cloudy setting for overcast days.
2. Use Macro ModeIf you want to make one flower your subject rather than focusing on a group, switch to macro mode. The Macro mode, which has a flower head icon, can be found either on the mode dial if your camera has one, or, in your camera's menu system. Some compacts focus within millimetres of your subject while others have a minimum focusing distance of a few centimetres. However, results can still be excellent.
3. AF Mode
If you struggle to get the camera to focus on the point you want then switch your focus mode. Various modes are available and different modes suit different purposes. Spot can be useful when you have one specific flower to focus on as this mode is fixed more towards the centre of the screen. You can position your camera so the target marker is over your the subject you want to focus on then all you have to do is half-press the shutter button to focus then take your shot.
4. Try Using Exposure Compensation
Dark backgrounds are great for shooting lighter coloured flowers against as it'll allow them to 'pop' from the frame. However, a large dark background which only has a small area of highlight in can fool your camera into thinking the scene is darker than it actually is and as a result, it can end up looking overexposed. Switching to spot metering can help with this but you may also need to have a play with exposure compensation to produce a more balanced exposure.
5. Think About Distance
By Zooming in closer to your subject, it'll fill the foreground of the frame and chances are the background will be thrown nicely out of focus so it's blurred. This is because the depth of field becomes shallower. Ensuring there's distance between your subject and background will also make it easier for your camera to throw the background out of focus. By doing so, the background won't be a distraction and all attention will fall on your flower rather than what's around or behind it.
6. Learn To Use The Histogram
LCD screens can be used to preview images on but when it's sunny it can be hard to judge if the exposure is correct and this is where the histogram comes in useful.
Basically, you don't want the graph to be touching the left or right border and you want it to peak more in the middle and get lower towards either end. There are times when this won't apply but generally, it works.
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Canon Secures 32nd Consecutive Win at 2026 iF Design Awards
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 productProduct 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.
When Nikon Got It Wrong: Five Cameras That Flopped
Nikon has released some of the most iconic cameras, including the Nikon F in 1959 and the D1 in 1999, the first digital camera to replace film for working professionals. Occasionally, even the legends miss.
What Is Dual Gain ISO and Why Does It Matter?
Most photographers think of base ISO as a single number: the setting that produces the cleanest possible image with the widest dynamic range. In reality, even "base ISO" is more complicated than it sounds.
Lightroom's 4 Sharpening Methods and When to Use Each One
Lightroom has at least four distinct ways to sharpen an image, and most people only use one or two of them. Knowing when to use each one and how to combine them is the difference between sharpening that looks deliberate and sharpening that looks overdone.
For Anyone Who Wants To Fly: Our First Look at the New DJI Avata 360 Drone
It used to be scary and intimidating to fly a drone, let alone film using one. Nowadays, flying a drone means seeing the world from a different perspective — in this case, all 360 degrees.
The Hidden Lesson Behind a First Photography Print Sale
Deciding to print and sell your own work is one of those things that's easy to keep putting off, and Faizal Westcott finally stopped putting it off. The process taught him things about printing, paper, pricing, and the psychology of selling art that most people don't think about until they're already in it.
The 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm System a Working Photojournalist Actually Uses
Choosing between a 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm prime comes down to more than personal preference; it's about knowing exactly why you're reaching for each one before you ever raise the camera. Most people skip that question entirely, and it shows in their work.
How To Photograph Spring Lambs
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.
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1. Don't TrespassShooting 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.
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Photo Paper Names Are Mostly Marketing. Here's What Actually Matters
Choosing the right paper for your inkjet prints is more complicated than most people expect, and most of the confusion comes from marketing language, not actual technical differences. Understanding what paper names actually mean, and what's really inside the box, can save you money and frustration.
Samyang AF 35mm F1.8 P FE Strengthens Prima Series with Compact Everyday Lens
Image Credit: LK Samyang
LK Samyang has launched the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, the latest lens to join its growing Prima Series lineup. Tailored for hybrid creators who prioritize mobility without sacrificing image quality, the lens packs a bright F1.8 aperture, advanced 10-element optics, Linear STM II autofocus, and weather sealing into a lightweight body with a 62mm filter thread. Rounding out its feature set are UMC II coating for cleaner shots in tricky light and USB-C support for straightforward firmware updates. UK availability is anticipated toward the end of April.
From LK Samyang:
LK Samyang, a global leader in optical innovation, proudly announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers. The latest addition to the Prima Series builds on the momentum established with the launch of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, followed by the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025. Guided by a commitment to portability, practicality, and ease of use, the Prima Series is designed to meet the needs of modern creators. Each lens in the lineup combines a compact, lightweight form factor with dependable optical performance, making them well-suited for both photography and video applications. Continuing this vision, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE delivers a versatile, everyday shooting solution—offering an ideal balance of image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.
A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday Creativity
The 35mm focal length is widely valued for its natural perspective and versatility, making it ideal for everything from street and travel photography to portraits and cinematic content. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens, combining a bright aperture with a compact, lightweight design and reliable autofocus performance. Offering a more portable alternative to the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE, it delivers an excellent balance of image quality and mobility - perfect for creators on the go.
Image Credit: LK Samyang
Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design
Designed for everyday carry, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features a compact form with a 62mm filter size, pairing seamlessly with lightweight full-frame cameras for travel, street, and hybrid shooting.
Bright F1.8 Aperture
A fast F1.8 aperture delivers strong low-light performance and smooth, natural bokeh, making it ideal for both photography and video.
Advanced Optical Performance
A 10-element design, including aspherical and XHR elements, ensures sharp resolution and reduced aberrations in a compact build.
Image Credit: LK Samyang
Enhanced Coating Technology
UMC II coating minimizes flare and ghosting, delivering improved contrast and clarity in challenging lighting conditions.
Fast, Quiet Autofocus
Powered by Linear STM II, the lens offers quick, precise, and silent autofocus for both stills and video.
Built for Real-World Use
Weather sealing and USB-C connectivity provide durability and easy firmware updates, supporting reliable performance on the go.
Craig Harrison, Senior Product Manager, Holdan, commented:
“I’m really excited about the latest addition to Samyang’s Prima series. The 35mm F1.8 delivers that ideal balance of performance and value, and with the stylish, contemporary design and feature-rich build of the Prima lineup, this new lens is sure to impress.”
Availability: Stocks are expected to start in the UK towards the end of April.
For more information, visit https://www.holdan.co.uk/brand/Samyang
7 Top Boat Photography Tips For When You're next By The Sea, A Lake Or River
- Standard zoom (35mm-80mm range is fine) – wide enough to get the whole boat in but long enough to focus in on the detail.
- Longer lens (80-200mm) - shoot small detail on boats further away.
- Polarising filter – reduce reflections on the water and in paintwork and deepen blue sky.
- Tripod - extra support when working on uneven surfaces such as wet sand.
Pick A Sunny Day
If you want to capture the postcard shot of colourful boats lined up, reflecting in the water while a bright blue sky frames them from behind you'll have to head out on a sunny day when there's not much of a breeze in the air so the water's still. Make sure you use a polarising filter to saturate the colours and enhance the sky.
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The Tide Is OutIf you get to the harbour and find the tide is out don't think you need to head for fish and chips while the water trickles back in. Instead, photograph the boats which are now stuck in the mud and take advantage of the mooring ropes which are now fully visible, using them as lead-in lines for your photograph. A small aperture is needed to ensure everything from the front of the rope to the distant boat(s) or other objects are sharp.
Don't Clutter Your Scene
Harbours are bursting with photographic potential but don't make your scene too busy. If you can, single out one boat and place it near the foreground of your shot as this will give the photo more impact and will certainly be better than a shot of several boats that are fighting for your eye's attention.
Further Inland
Away from the coast, you'll still find plenty of boats on canals, rivers and in reservoirs waiting to be photographed. Canals create leading lines that will help with composition while the winding curves of a river will guide the viewer through the image to a boat making its way through the bends. If there's a bridge find a position where you can use it to frame a boat passing under it, just watch your exposure as the light under the bridge will be lower than the outside and it's easy to end up with a shot that's underexposed if the camera's meter reads from the brighter part of the scene. Switch to spot metering where possible, taking a meter reading from the sidewall of the bridge and use that as the starting point.
Activities On And Around The Boat
Barges found on canals are often very colourful and feature flower pots and other accessories that are worth a quick snap. Just remember to use a wide aperture to blur the background. Round the harbour, you can crop in on sails, boat hulls, lifebuoys and fishing nets.
Action
For those who like things to be a little more fast-paced head for a water-sports centre where water-skiing, jet-skiing and other adrenalin-pumping activities take place. A camera which has fast autofocus will help you capture action shots where your subject is pin-sharp. A little blur in the background can enhance the sense of movement/speed in your shots, however.
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The Free App That Navigates Perfectly With Zero Cell Signal
If I told you that there was a free app that allows you to navigate flawlessly without needing a cell signal, you'd be interested, wouldn't you? Given that I am a night photographer who frequently navigates in the dark, this is particularly useful. I wanted to share this in case it helps you as much as it has helped me.
My Previous Attempts at NavigationI use Google Maps with downloaded maps for day-to-day driving directions. It generally works well for this.
11 Things Photographers Say vs. What They Actually Mean
Photography has its own language. Not the technical kind (though that exists too, and nobody outside the profession knows what "expose to the right" means). This is the diplomatic kind. The professional euphemisms we deploy to navigate awkward situations, avoid confrontation, and preserve client relationships while internally screaming at a volume that would alarm nearby wildlife.
The Real Differences Between Sony, Fujifilm, and Leica That No Spec Sheet Will Tell You
Choosing between the Sony a7CR, the Fujifilm X100VI, and the Leica Q3 43 is not a simple spec-sheet decision. These three cameras sit in roughly the same tier within their respective brands, but they represent completely different philosophies about what photography should feel like.
Panasonic Lumix TZ300 Review: The Best Compact Zoom You Can Actually Buy New
The Panasonic Lumix TZ300 lands in a market where its closest rivals are seven years old and increasingly hard to find. Whether that makes it a smart buy or a missed opportunity depends on which tradeoffs you're willing to live with.
Four Mistakes That Make Your Film Photos Look Amateur
Shooting film for a decade gives you a clear view of what separates a polished image from one that looks like it came from a beginner. The culprit is almost never the camera or the film stock itself; it's a handful of repeatable mistakes that are completely fixable once you know what to look for.
10 Top Macro Photography Tips
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Handholding a Telephoto Lens Wrong Is Costing You Sharp Wildlife Shots
Handholding a long telephoto lens is one of the fastest ways to come home with a memory card full of soft, blurry shots. Even small movements get amplified at long focal lengths, and if your technique is off, no amount of image stabilization will fully bail you out.
10 Top Action, Movement & Motion Photography Tutorials For You To Peruse
Motion, movement and action are wide and varied photographic subjects and as a result, there are many ways a photographer can create a sense of action, motion or movement in their shots. ePHOTOzine has written many tutorials that cover motion/action in some shape or form and as a result, we've decided to group the most popular tutorials together so you can find all of the inspiration you need in one place.
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Our 10 Top Action, Movement & Motion Photography Tutorials:
1. A - Z Of Light Trail Photography Tips
Night + city = the perfect opportunity to capture light trails. Plus, you get to practise your long exposure photography technique while shooting the colourful lines created by traffic weaving through the city streets.
2. Tips To Help You Shoot Sharp Action Shots
When it comes to action and sports photography, one of the main problems you face is your subject moves quick and they don't tend to stay in the same place for very long. As a result, it can be a bit of a challenge to try and get a sharp photo where your subject is in focus, however, there are a few things you can do to capture your moving subject perfectly.
3. Tips On Shooting Water Sports Photography
Head to the coast on a sunny day or even to your local reservoir and you'll probably find someone skimming along the water, holding onto a sail fasted to a windsurf board or getting pulled along by a boat on a board. The pros make it look easy and their jumps, turns and sheer speed make water sports a great photographic subject.
4. How To Capture The Action At Running Events
Many sports take place some way from the spectators which makes taking decent pictures without long lenses a challenge. However, accessible sports photography comes in the form of road running events. Something which can be captured right up and down the country. Plus, good action shots can be captured with modest gear at local events because you just stand by the roadside - often there are no barriers or anything to get in the way.
5. 7 Top Tips On Using Blur To Create A Sense Of Action In Your Photos
Contradictory to what you're told when you first pick up a camera, it is OK to have blur, and quite a lot of it, in your shots when you're photographing the right subject and want to emphasise speed or create a sense of motion. When we say it's OK we don't just mean a shot you accidentally took out of focus will pass off as something creative, you have to deliberately adjust your camera's settings or know how a quick twist of your lens will give you the blur that's needed to add a sense of action to your shot.
6. Photographing Fairground Rides At Night
If you want to shoot general wide shots of the fair then head out just as the lights are coming on when there's still a touch of colour in the sky. That way you'll be able to get the lights, stalls and other foreground interest of the fair set against a deep blue sky. Leave the flash at home though as it can kill the atmosphere you're trying to create. For more abstract images, wait until the sky's a little darker and turn the rides into streams of light patterns. Look for rides that spin quickly or are bursting with colour as these tend to produce the better results.
7. Top Long Exposure Subjects For You To Photograph
See how long exposures can turn what can be described as ordinary into something much more interesting. From atmospheric shots to northern lights and, of course, blurry water, plenty of topics are covered in this tutorial.
8. Waterfall Photography Tips: 3 Ways To Photograph Waterfalls
When it comes to photographing waterfalls, you can either capture the power and intensity of every cascade or you can slow things down and make the movement the focus of your photo.
9. 10 Top Tips On Adding Blur To Water For A Creative Effect
Love it or loathe it, blurred water can look great in the right situation so it is always worth a try. For those who are new to the technique, here are 10 tips to get you started in turning even small cascades can look like raging torrents.
10. 5 Top Ways You Can Add Creative Movement To Your Landscape Shots
The idea of movement isn't usually a thought that first springs to mind when you try to describe what a landscape shot is. However, when you start to think of popular landscape topics such as waterfalls, rivers, trees, clouds and the sea, you suddenly realise movement, which makes shots more dynamic, crops up more often than you think.
Bonus Top List: Best Action And 360 VR Cameras
To help you capture all of the action, an Action or 360 camera might be useful and as there are so many action cameras available, we've put a handy guide together which talks you through action cam features as well as what's currently available on the market.
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