How to Fake a Sunset for Wedding Portraits on a Gray Day
Gray skies on a wedding day leave you with flat, shadowless light right when the couple expects their most romantic evening portraits. Faking a sunset with a single gelled flash is one of the few ways to rescue that hour without waiting for weather that may never show up.
Titanic Carried 15 Known Cameras, and 12 of Them Went Down With the Ship
Titanic is the most famous ship ever built, yet only a little over 400 photographs of her are known to exist, and that count grows only when an old album or a forgotten newspaper turns up.
Photograph Artificial Poppies On and Around Remembrance Day
Remembrance Sunday is a day that commemorates the sacrifices of armed forces and civilians in times of war and artificial poppies are bought and worn as a mark of respect. Although the 11th is the actual Remembrance Day, a two-minute silence is observed at war memorials and other public spaces across the UK at 11am on Remembrance Sunday. At these locations and for weeks after you will see decorative wreaths of poppies placed at these memorials which can make an interesting subject for photographers.
What sort of kit is best?
Any compact camera can be used to photograph memorials and artificial poppies. As long as it has a lens with a fairly close focus you will be able to shoot closer shots of individual poppies or wreaths, and a wide angle will help you take a more overall view of the scene.
The main thing you need is imagination.
Respect your surroundingsAt all times respect the location. These are areas marked for people who lost their lives and people come to pay their respects. The last thing they want is a disrespectful photographer interrupting their moment.
Memorials are often grand structures and dwarf the wreaths placed below them so consider moving in closer with a tighter crop of the scene. Use a wide-angle lens and move in close placing the memorial to one side and allow the background scenery/cityscape to contrast against the scene.
Consider the bright colour of the poppies against the often cold dark tones of the memorial and underexpose slightly so the darker areas become a stark contrast behind the vibrant red of the poppies. You can adjust the contrast and colour saturation using your image editing program to enhance the poppy colour.
Try focusing on a single poppy and isolate it from the rest of the scene. Placing one strategically on a part of the memorial will give an interesting still life set. Use a polarising filter to prevent reflections from the statue or polished marble.
Hone in on a single poppy in a wreath and use a wide aperture to throw the rest out of focus. Choose the right angle and the rest will be a blur of red as a background.
Many of the memorials have very poignant messages engraved in the marble. Try including one of these in the shot with a wreath. Have the wreath on the foreground and the message tailing off to the distance. Photography the message head-on and cropped so just a few of the words are visible with a single poppy laid over them.
Don't forget the people at the ceremonies
Candid shots of old war veterans wearing poppies can make good photographs. Again, respect the person. Asking if you can take a photograph is polite and then you don't have to grab the moment. You can spend a few minutes composing the shot and making sure the viewpoint is good. If the person is in a wheelchair get down to their level for a better perspective.
A photo of a person placing a poppy on the memorial could look good from the right angle. Again, take from a low viewpoint and makes sure the face and the poppy are in frame.
Your Camera Stops Counting at 9,999 Because of a 1998 Filing Standard Written Around MS-DOS
Shoot past frame 9,999, and the camera does not run out of numbers. It closes the folder it has been writing to, opens the next one, and starts again at 0001, which is how two shoots two years apart both end up holding a file called IMG_0473.CR2. The 0001 to 9999 numbering space, the DCIM folder those files live in, and the four-letters-plus-four-digits name itself all come from one short specification a Japanese trade group published in 1998. The rollover is the manufacturer's own choice, made inside the room that specification built.
Retouch4me Offers Free AI Photo Retouching for 48 Hours This November
© Retouch4me
Retouch4me is making all of its cloud-based AI retouching tools free for 48 hours on November 21 - 22, 2026, with no limit on the number of photos. The offer is open to new and existing users, and no credit card is required. The event centers on Retouch4me Apex, an all-in-one AI plugin with 13 retouching tools for skin, eyes, teeth, hair, clothing, background, and glasses glare, available as a standalone app or a Photoshop plugin on Windows and macOS.
From Retouch4Me:
Retouch4me will make all of its cloud-based AI retouching tools free for 48 hours on Nov. 21-22, with no limit on the number of photos.
The offer is open to new and existing users, and no credit card is required.
Free Weekend centers on Retouch4me Apex, the company’s flagship all-in-one AI plugin. Apex brings 13 professional retouching tools into one interface, covering skin, eyes, teeth, hair, clothing, background and glasses glare. It runs as a standalone app or a Photoshop plugin on Windows and macOS. More about Apex: https://retouch4.me/apex
“We’ve made big updates to our cloud AI retouching lately, adding new tools for moles, glasses glare, backgrounds and object removal, and now we want everyone to try them,” said Oleg Sharonov, founder of Retouch4me. “We’re photographers ourselves, and we know how many late evenings go into retouching. We can’t wait to see photographers try Apex on their real shoots, save hours and get results that look natural.”
How it works
Users register at https://promo.retouch4.me/free-weekend-2026, download Apex and sign in. Unlimited processing starts at midnight CET on Nov. 21 (6 p.m. EST on Nov. 20) and ends at 11:59 p.m. CST on Nov. 22.
Free Weekend is followed by Retouch4me’s Black Friday sale, which runs Nov. 23-30.
About Retouch4me
Retouch4me is a software company that provides innovative solutions for photo and video editing. With neural networks, its software automates manual tasks and delivers natural results, allowing creatives to focus on their artistry. We believe that combining AI and human creativity helps achieve superior results. Retouch4me improves the workflows of creatives in over 115 countries. Discover how to elevate yours at https://retouch4.me
Think Tank’s Very Practical Sling, The PhotoCross V2, Is a Winner
Think Tank released two new slings earlier in the year that are perfect for street, urban, and travel photographers. Depending on your gear, there are 11L and 14L options to choose from. I got my hands on the 11L in a rather fetching Desert Sage, and have been using it for around four months on the streets…
The 3 Lenses One Pro Would Buy at $300, $750, and $1,500
A lens is usually the biggest purchase you make after the camera itself, and the spread runs from a $300 35mm prime to a Sony G Master zoom that costs well past $2,000. Spending more feels like the safe move, yet a pricier lens only earns its cost when you can name exactly what it's supposed to fix.
Why a Former Velvia Shooter Now Turns His Saturation Down
Camera makers, Fujifilm in particular, treat color science as a reason to buy into their systems, and plenty of people pick a brand on that point alone. If you shoot raw files of landscapes or travel scenes, it's fair to ask how much of that brand color makes it into your finished image before you consider switching.
Why the Sony a7R VI Let a Portrait Photographer Stop Underexposing
Sony's a7R line has carried a large share of high-resolution portrait and wedding work for a decade, yet each model had a weak point somewhere, usually slow sensor readout or video that was merely passable. The Sony a7R VI is the first in the series with a fully stacked sensor, and that change affects how you expose, when you can trust a silent shutter, and whether one $4,500 body can handle both stills and video.
The 3 Camera Modes One Wedding Photographer Uses for Every Portrait
Manual mode has a reputation as the serious way to shoot portraits, and plenty of people switch to it the moment they feel comfortable with their camera. Outdoors, with clouds drifting across the sun and subjects walking in and out of shade, that habit can leave you chasing exposure instead of watching your subject.
5 Top Ways To Get Creative With Panoramas
Even though panoramas, like the one above, are great, there are a few ways you can get more creative with them. Here we have five ideas for shooting creative panoramas but if you have any more, please feel free to add them in the comments.
People Panoramas
If you're out with a group of friends or at a social gathering, a panorama is an interesting way of capturing a group portrait. Whether it be at a picnic, or just a get together at someone's house, a panorama is a unique way to include everyone in a photo with ease. Try using different poses and expressions to create a shot which is more dynamic and fun. Many cameras now have panorama modes built in where you often have to just hold the shutter button while panning the camera around to take your shot, making it easier to produce good panoramas. Plus, small compacts can be slipped into pockets and bags, meaning they won't take up too much room when you're out.
Vertical Panoramas
Vertical panoramas can be used to give vertical objects more presence. They are great for when you're capturing tall trees and buildings, as they give you a real sense of height and grandeur. It is also ideal for capturing waterfalls, wind turbines and windmills. For more tips on shooting vertical panoramas, have a look at this article: Basic Tips On Shooting Vertical Panoramas
360 Degree PanoramasFor something more quirky, try shooting a 360-degree panorama. You can buy gadgets that do this or some cameras have 360°/180° panorama modes built in. Don't worry if your camera doesn't have a 360-degree panorama setting, as you can stitch several panoramas together to create a similar look. Take a look at our stitching tutorial for more information.
These work really well in woodland where the changing of the seasons is really visible. Try taking four different panoramas: one in the summer, autumn, winter and spring, in the same location. It will take you a year to get all your images, but once you have them, you will be able to combine them to create a really stunning image showing the changing of the seasons that will be fit for any wall.
'Following An Object' PanoramaThis works really well with a pet or motor vehicle. Take snaps of the animal or object as it moves, preferably running for the animal. This can be achieved really easily by setting your camera to continuous shooting mode. Then just combine your results.
Nikon ZR Firmware Brings Log3G10, 3D LUT Support and More
© Nikon
Nikon has released firmware version 2.00 for the ZR, its full-frame compact cinema camera, and it is the first major update since the camera launched. The update adds Log3G10 gamma support when recording in the compact H.265 format, allowing shooting that incorporates RED color science. It also lets users select the level of High ISO NR and assign more functions to the command dials and function buttons. For monitoring, the ZR now offers focus peaking when recording in R3D NE1 format and 3D LUT support for HDMI output.
From Nikon:
Nikon is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame compact cinema camera, the Nikon ZR, scheduled for release soon.
Firmware version 2.00 is the first major update for the Nikon ZR since its launch, further expanding creative capabilities and enhancing production workflows. The update adds support for Log3G10 gamma when recording in the compact H.265 video file format, enabling shooting that incorporates RED color science.
The new update also brings the ability to select the level of [High ISO NR], supporting image rendering tailored to the creator's intent and the visual tone of each production. Additionally, more functions can now be assigned to the command dials and function buttons, enabling single-action access to key settings for a significant improvement in operability.
What's more, the addition of a focus peaking display when recording in R3D NE1 format, together with support for applying a 3D LUT to HDMI output, enables efficient monitoring during shooting. With these updates, the ZR becomes more versatile and easier to use in a wide variety of situations.
Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also contributing to the development of imaging culture in the field of cinema. To find out more, please visit the Nikon website.
FOOTNOTES
1 R3D NE is a RAW format developed for Nikon cameras to deliver the distinctive color science of cinema cameras from RED Digital Cinema Inc.
Free Canon Firmware Update Adds Speedlite Support to the EOS C50
© Canon
Canon has announced a new firmware update for the EOS C400, EOS C80 and EOS C50. All three cameras get Multi-Matrix Support for color and saturation control, plus more customization options for lens buttons, control dials and assignable buttons. The EOS C400 and EOS C80 gain autofocus support in Slow & Fast mode at additional frame rates between 60 and 120p, and the EOS C50 can now use compatible Canon Speedlite flash accessories. The update will be a free download from December 2026.
From Canon:
Canon announces a new firmware update for its Cinema EOS range, introducing a series of enhancements across the EOS C400, EOS C80 and EOS C50. Developed in response to customer feedback and evolving production needs, the updates deliver new broadcast and virtual production capabilities, enhanced filmmaking features and greater customisation, alongside Speedlite flash support for the EOS C50. These improvements reinforce Canon's commitment to continually enhancing its professional imaging range to meet the changing needs of filmmakers, broadcasters and hybrid creators.
Enhanced broadcast and virtual production workflows
The firmware update introduces Multi-Matrix Support across the EOS C400, EOS C80 and EOS C50, providing advanced control over image colour and saturation across selected colour axes. This enables greater precision when matching multiple cameras and working with LED volumes, helping cameras integrate more seamlessly into existing real-time colour workflows.
Further enhancements support demanding broadcast and virtual production environments, including improved CV metadata for focus and zoom encoder data, Black Level adjustment when shooting in Canon Log 2 or Canon Log 3, and Image Stabilisation support for lenses exceeding 1000mm. Audio output in Slow & Fast mode also enables greater flexibility for productions that move between high-speed sports footage and post-match interviews.
Expanded filmmaking capabilities
For professional filmmakers using the EOS C400 and EOS C80, the update extends autofocus support in Slow & Fast mode to additional frame rates between 60 and 120p, including 72p, 75p, 90p and 96p. This allows users to benefit from Canon's advanced autofocus tracking across a wider range of slow-motion shooting scenarios, supporting narrative, documentary, commercial and music video productions.
The update also improves on-screen display information, including Base ISO and fan indicators, helping users monitor key camera settings and operational information while shooting.
Speedlite flash support for the EOS C50
Expanding the versatility of the EOS C50, the firmware update introduces support for compatible Canon Speedlite flash accessories via the Multi-Function Accessory Shoe. This enhancement is particularly valuable for professional photographers and hybrid shooters, including wedding and event creators, who want to capture high-quality still images using flash alongside video footage from the same event.
Supported accessories include EL-series and EX-series Speedlites, Macro Lights and Speedlite Transmitters. [1]
Greater customisation and control
In response to customer requests, the update introduces additional customisation options for RF lens buttons, camera control dials and assignable buttons across the EOS C400, EOS C80 and EOS C50. Users can assign quick access to a wider range of functions, including autofocus, digital tele-converter, sensor mode and exposure settings.
These refinements enable professionals to tailor camera operation to their individual shooting styles and workflows, improving efficiency and providing more intuitive control on set.
By delivering new capabilities and refinements in response to professional user feedback, Canon continues to evolve its Cinema EOS range to support a broad range of production requirements, helping customers maximise the potential of their existing equipment and giving prospective users greater flexibility when choosing a camera system.
Availability
The new firmware updates for the EOS C400, EOS C80 and EOS C50 will be available to download free of charge from December 2026 via canon-europe.com/support.
[1] When using conventional five-pin Speedlites, the Multi-Function Shoe Adapter AD-E1 is required. The adapter maintains the camera's dust- and water-resistant performance.
Seven Cameras Famous Photographers Actually Used for Their Most Iconic Work
One of the most recognized photographs in the history of National Geographic was made on a camera you can still buy used for a few hundred dollars. Steve McCurry pointed a Nikon FM2 with a 105mm lens at a girl of about 12 in a Pakistani refugee camp in 1984, loaded Kodachrome 64, and came away with "Afghan Girl." No autofocus, no built-in motor drive, no computer in the box. A manual mechanical camera and one prime lens.
7Artisans 40mm f/2.5: Remarkable Performance for The Price
I love small prime lenses and cameras for travel and street photography, so I was curious to test the new 40mm f/2.5 from 7Artisans. It's a tiny full frame lens for Nikon Z cameras, weighing a mere 97 g and measuring just 2 inches long. And at $159, it's also considerably cheaper than Nikon's 170 g NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2, which currently sells for around $277. Sony E and L-Mount versions are also available.
Why New Printer Owners Should Start With Basic Manufacturer Paper
Buy a new photo printer, and the next temptation is a shopping cart full of baryta, cotton rag, and sampler packs of photo paper from every maker you've heard of. Paper shapes how a print looks, but telling which paper suits your images depends on a skill you can only build by printing a lot.
Why Focusing on the Background Makes Photos Feel Dreamy
Nearly everything you learn about focus points in one direction: keep the subject sharp and let the background fall apart. Reversing that, so the person in front of the lens goes soft while the scene behind them stays crisp, is one of the simplest ways to make an image feel dreamy and a little unreal.
4 Affordable Compact Cameras, From a Used Sony ZV-E10 to the Lumix L10
Every small camera between $500 and $1,500 gives something up, whether that's stabilization, battery life, a viewfinder, or a mechanical shutter, and the Sony ZV-E10, Fujifilm X-M5, Lumix S9, and Lumix L10 each make a different sacrifice. Picking the one whose weakness you rarely run into is what separates a camera you carry every day from one you regret buying.
Why a Long-Term Project Makes Photography Feel Less Repetitive
Landscape photography can settle into a loop: scout a spot, wait for light, take the frame, go home, and do it again next weekend. That routine produces some beautiful single images, but a hard drive full of unrelated pictures rarely adds up to a body of work you can show someone.
Playing With White Balance To Create Interesting Images
We all aspire to get the correct colour rendition and it is very important, especially with shooting JPEGs, but sometimes it is really fun to shoot with the wrong preset and get weird colours. If you shoot Raw, you can do this afterwards on the computer.
Gear Suggestions:
A camera where you can adjust the white balance makes life easier. This could be a DSLR or compact which has various white balance settings, including custom white balance if none of the presets give you the look you're after.
Once you've found the camera's white-balance control, take a look at your manual if you're unsure where the white balance options are, do try the various settings on offer as each one will give a slightly different look to your image. Most cameras have the following white balance settings: auto, cloudy, daylight, incandescent, fluorescent and flash.
Technique:
Much of this is you playing with the various presets – or in Photoshop afterwards.
One of the most obvious is shooting with the incandescent setting in daylight to give blue-coloured images. In film days, fashion pros used to use tungsten-balanced colour film in daylight. With digital, you can try this without risking anything and if the effect looks wrong, switch back to auto white-balance and try something else.
Most cameras have the option of using Kelvin. You could set a low value and shoot in normal daylight. The effect can be very pronounced and will enhance the mood of suitable scenes. There is no right or wrong when it comes to experimenting.
Play with RAW files on your PC
If you have Raw files, you can play with white balance without leaving the computer. Just put the file through the Raw converter again and try a different preset. It is simple to do and because it is Raw processing is non-destructive so you can always go back to the original colour images.
It is worth saying that if you play with white balance in-camera and are shooting JPEGs, the result is more or less what you are stuck with and there is only a limited amount that you can salvage afterwards.