Big Sensor, Small Limits: GFX100RF vs X100VI
Two cameras with very different ambitions are compared head to head: the Fujifilm GFX100RF and the Fujifilm X100VI. You’ll see whether extreme resolution and a bigger sensor change your results when you actually walk around and shoot.
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The Honest Truth About Shooting With a Leica M11
The Leica M11 carries a reputation that makes people stop and stare. It’s more than a camera: it’s a statement, both in form and price. But beyond its polished brass and minimalist design lies a question that matters deeply to anyone serious about image-making: does shooting with a rangefinder actually change how you see?
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Learn How To Improve Your Landscapes Instantly With Mood
How To Capture Mood In Your Images
To capture dark and dramatic mood successfully, be prepared to wait for breaks in the weather, sometimes you just have to sit out the rainy spells – in the car if you're lucky; but when the weather breaks you can be rewarded with a few minutes really exciting lighting.
When the light does come, be prepared to work quickly. Good lighting doesn't wait for the photographer, and often its over just as quickly as it arrived, so think in advance whether you are going to need a graduated ND filter, or if you need to bracket the shot to put together an HDR (High Dynamic Range) picture. Don't wait for the light before considering that you need a filter or need to bracket exposures to cope with the contrast range, as when the light's gone – it's gone. Checking your histogram after the event to find that your exposure is wrong it's too late – you can't bring it back.
For misty, early morning moody images, again the weather forecast is an essential pre-planner – there is no point sleeping in to find that you've just missed a delicate, moody sunrise. Similarly, there is little point getting up early to find the weather isn't ideal.
The key to capturing mood is to pick the right day and location – as is all landscape photography, but the real secret is to be fully prepared for when the "mood" arrives.
Final Call to Enter Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY)
Image Credit: Tittu Shaji Thomas/tpoty.com
- Deadline approaching — enter by October 13, 2025
- £10,000 cash prize package
- NEW - a 7-day cultural journey in Sri Lanka courtesy of Visit Sri Lanka and Jetwing Hotels
- NEW - 5 Rising Talent winners to experience an exclusive international mentorship in Sri Lanka, including with some of the nation’s leading wildlife photographers
- NEW - Travel Image of the Year automatically selected from all entries
- Free 30-day trial of Radiant Photo software for all entrants — approved within competition rules
The Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards — widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious travel photography award — are issuing their final call for entries. Now in its 23rd year, TPOTY is a showcase for the very best in travel imagery, attracting entries from more than 158 countries and producing winners representing 57 nationalities for both established and emerging photographers.
What sets TPOTY apart:
- A truly global stage — with photographers from every continent represented
- Run by photographers, for photographers, with copyright fully protected
- World-class judging by leading photographers, editors, and industry experts
- A platform that has launched careers, with winning work published in leading international outlets and exhibited around the world
Prizes with Impact
This year’s overall Travel Photographer of the Year will receive:
- A significant cash award
- A once-in-a-lifetime 7-day trip to Sri Lanka, supported by Visit Sri Lanka and Jetwing Hotels
- An exclusive portfolio review with a top New York agent
The overall winner is chosen from the portfolio category entries.
Image Credit: Roie Galitz/tpoty.com
Calling all amateur and semi-pro photographers
In addition, five winners of the Rising Talent category will take part in a mentorship program in Sri Lanka, guided by two of the nation’s leading wildlife photographers, thanks to the generous support of Visit Sri Lanka and Jetwing Hotels.
Create impact with your images
To help all entrants prepare and use software which is not AI, sponsor Radiant Photo is offering every participant a 30-day free trial of its image editing software (link on TPOTY website), with all winners receiving a lifetime license. Radiant Photo uses non-generative AI and fully permitted under TPOTY’s competition rules.
Categories
Travel embraces many genres so TPOTY showcases the best in contemporary colour and B&W photography in wildlife, culture, landscapes, portraits, climate, adventures, video, and young talent, with awards for both portfolios and single images. Entry is open to everyone and worldwide — whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time explorer.
Chris Coe, TPOTY Founder, said: “Each year TPOTY reveals new perspectives from every corner of the world. These photographs aren’t just images — they’re invitations to step into someone else’s world.”
Past winner Athanasios Maloukos (Greece) said: “After winning TPOTY, my images were published in 111 publications worldwide. The recognition transformed my career.”
Deadline: October 13, 2025
Entries close soon. Don’t miss your chance to take your place on the world stage.
Esquisse Camera Announces Development of a Compact MFT Camera
Esquisse Camera is developing a premium, ultra-compact digital camera designed to be carried everywhere and used often. It combines a large Four Thirds sensor with a durable, all-metal body, intuitive manual controls, and compatibility with the Micro Four Thirds lens system.
This camera is small enough to fit in a coat pocket and light enough to bring along without a second thought. Built for photographers who value simplicity, quality, and portability, the Esquisse Camera offers an alternative to the bulky and complex systems that are often left behind.
Specifications are targets and may evolve during development.
Key Features
Simple Controls
The Esquisse Camera features physical dials for ISO and exposure compensation, a clickable control wheel, two customizable function buttons, and a responsive touchscreen. All essential settings are within reach, so photographers can stay focused on the image.
Durable Build
Each camera body is milled from a single block of aluminum for strength and longevity. The clean, modern design is accented with fine leather for comfort and grip. It is dust and splash resistant.
Designed for Portability
Measuring just 105 × 70 × 35 mm and weighing under 350 grams, the Esquisse Camera is smaller than a deck of cards. It is made to be carried all day, every day.
Excellent Image Quality
A 20MP+ Four Thirds sensor delivers strong low-light performance and wide dynamic range. The camera is designed for compatibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses, including autofocus support, giving photographers access to a large selection of high-quality, compact lenses.
Technical Specifications (Targeted)Category Item Intended specifications Sensor & Image Quality
Sensor Type
ISO Range
Autofocus
Dynamic Range
20MP+ Four Thirds CMOS
200 - 25,600
Multi-point AF System
13 stops
Physical & ConnectivityDimensions
Weight
Battery Life
Connectivity
105 × 70 × 35 mm
350g (body only)
300+ shots
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Display & ControlsRear Screen
Viewfinder
Control Layout
Weather Sealing
3" touchscreen
3.69M-dot OLED EVF
ISO and exposure compensation dials, clickable wheel at the back, 2 function buttons
Dust and splash resistant
Storage & MountStorage
Lens Mount
Lens Compatibility
Body Material
256 GB Internal Storage
Micro Four Thirds
All MFT lenses with full AF support
All aluminum unibody
Specifications may change during development.
Price and Availability
The Esquisse Camera is expected to retail between $1,500 and $2,000 USD (or local equivalent). It is currently in development, with the first production units scheduled for delivery in late 2026.
For more information, please visit the Esquisse Camera website.
6 Brilliant Camera Features That Digital Photography Forgot
Every time I load a memory card into my camera, I think about the satisfying mechanical click of loading a fresh roll of film. Modern digital cameras are technological marvels, packed with computational photography, eye-tracking autofocus, and in-body stabilization that would seem like science fiction to photographers of the 1990s. But in our rush toward the future, we've left behind some genuinely clever innovations that solved real problems in elegant ways. These weren't gimmicks or marketing features. They were thoughtful solutions born from the unique challenges of film photography, and some of them reveal just how much we've gained and lost in the digital revolution.
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How to Capture Stunning Wedding and Engagement Photos in National Parks
There’s something magical about photographing weddings or engagements in a national park. Depending on which of the 60+ national parks you find yourself in, the unique views from this one-of-a-kind “office for the day” might include famous peaks or endless dunes—and always wide-open skies.
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FINAL CALL: Entries for SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 Closing Soon
Image Credit: Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP)
The Society of International Nature and Wildlife Photographers (SINWP) is urging photographers worldwide to submit their best bird images now - the Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 competition closes on 31 October 2025.
This prestigious contest, run in aid of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), has raised over £16,138 to date through past competitions.
With entry priced at a minimum of £1 per image, 100% of donations go directly to the RSPB to support their vital work in protecting avian wildlife and habitats.
“We are thrilled by the response so far, but time is running out,” said Colin Jones, SINWP CEO. “We strongly encourage all bird photographers - from hobbyists to professionals - to enter their best work before the deadline. Together, we can make a significant contribution to the RSPB and elevate awareness of birds and their conservation.”
Key Competition Details
Closing date: 31 October 2025
Entry fee: Minimum £1 per image (no maximum)
Prizes: The overall winner receives the Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 trophy and certificate, one year’s free professional membership of SINWP, a copy of the Anthropics Collection, among other rewards.
For details on how to enter see here https://sinwp.com/bird/
Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8: Vintage Lens With Hasselblad X2D and Arca Swiss Pico
Old glass on cutting-edge cameras—is that a smart move or just nostalgia? The Pentax 645 45mm f/2.8 comes from an era when medium format meant film, yet many photographers still swear by its character today. To see whether it can hold its own in 2025, I mounted it on two very modern systems: the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Arca Swiss Pico view camera.
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Canon’s RF 85mm f/1.4: The Sweet Spot Between Power and Practicality
The Canon RF 85mm f/1.4 L VCM has arrived, and it fills a gap many portrait shooters have been waiting on. The 85mm focal length has long been the sweet spot for flattering portraits, and Canon’s latest version promises to balance sharpness, weight, and background blur better than any before it.
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DJIs New Osmo Action 5 Pro Just Dropped in Price
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade your action camera, this might be it. DJI’s new Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo has just dropped in price, and it’s easily one of the most capable compact cameras we’ve seen this year. With waterproofing, class-leading stabilization and crisp dual touchscreens, it’s built for anyone who wants to capture life’s fast moments without the bulk or cost of a full setup.
This deal is time-sensitive and stock may fluctuate rapidly.
View this deal here - Click here to view / purchase the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo on Amazon
Why this deal matters: You get DJI’s latest 1/1.3″ sensor, dual OLED touchscreens, advanced stabilization, and waterproof capability in a more minimalist, cost-optimized package.
What We Like- Pro-grade imaging in compact form – The 1/1.3″ sensor (with ~2.4 µm effective pixel size) gives you better low-light performance and an improved dynamic range over older action cams. Amazon
- Dual OLED touchscreens – Front and rear displays make framing, monitoring, and adjusting settings far more intuitive (especially for vlogging or POV mounting). Amazon
- Top-tier stabilization / horizon correction – DJI’s 360° HorizonSteady keeps your footage level even through aggressive motion. Amazon
- Waterproof & rugged – Rated IP68 to 20 m without a case, enabling you to go underwater or in the elements straight away. Amazon
- Decent battery life in cold / extreme conditions – The included Extreme Battery Plus (1,950 mAh) is quoted to last ~4 hours (3.6 hours at –20 °C) in constrained conditions. Amazon
- Essential bundle only – You get core components (camera, battery, frame, mount) — no extra accessories (e.g. extra batteries, filters) are included. Buyers wanting a full kit may find the “Adventure / Pro” bundles more complete.
- Price volatility — Because this is a new release, prices and stock may vary quickly; what’s true now may shift tomorrow.
- Regional warranty / import risk — If buying from Amazon US (or a non-local retailer), check warranty coverage and shipping / import fees for your region.
- Lens / accessories ecosystem still expanding — While DJI’s action ecosystem is mature, some niche accessories or third-party mounts may lag behind more established brands.
From DJI’s specs and our understanding of similar models:
- For action sports, motorcycling, biking, surfing, skiing — this camera should deliver smooth, stable footage with horizon correction, even in challenging light.
- For vlogging / POV shooting, the dual screens and voice commands give you more flexibility than many prior action cams.
- For underwater / extreme environments, the IP68 rating allows direct use without housing, but for deeper dives or rugged conditions you might still prefer a protective housing.
- For hybrid content creators who mix action clips with B-roll / studio content — it’s a solid companion, though image quality will still be behind larger sensor mirrorless cameras in low light.
If you don’t need the advanced features (dual screens, stabilization, 4K/120), a more basic action cam may suffice — but this deal narrows the premium gap.
Who Should Buy & Who Might WaitBuy now if you:
- Want a premium action cam without paying for full “Pro / Adventure” bundles.
- Regularly shoot in motion, extreme angles, or want excellent stabilization.
- Value compact form + versatile mounting over carrying large rigs.
Consider waiting if you:
- Already own a capable action cam and only need incremental improvement.
- Want more included accessories out of the box.
- Are cautious of buying from overseas sellers (warranty / returns risk).
Click here to view / purchase the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro Essential Combo on Amazon
Prices and availability are subject to change — always verify before ordering.
Final ThoughtsThis is a strong entry-level “Pro” deal not the full package, but enough to unlock many of DJI’s headline features at a leaner cost. For creators who don’t want to carry extra gear, the Essential Combo makes smart trade-offs.
If you spot a better regional offer (UK / EU) or see stock changing, drop a comment below and we’ll update if a better deal emerges.
ePhotozine may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via our links.
How to Photograph Mountains In 8 Easy Steps
Mountain photography, both on and off these magnificent natural structures, is something photographers can capture images of all year round, but there's something about the Autumn and Winter seasons which add an extra level of 'wow' to these landscape shots. For your next venture up a mountain or to one of our many national parks where mountain ranges decorate the horizon, here are 8 pieces of advice that'll have you capturing breathtaking mountain shots in no-time at all.
1. Safety First
This can be a tricky subject in winter as you need to ensure you remain safe at all times. Walking in snow is one thing but mountains tend to also be covered with ice and have erratic weather conditions. Before you set off, know your ability, wear the right clothing and take the right walking equipment including phone, compass and map. You should also carry a whistle which can be used to attract attention if you need help.
2. Pack Your Filters
Don't leave home without a UV filter as not only does it protect the lens from the elements but it will cut the levels of UV which are often high in the mountains, especially in sunny conditions.
If it’s sunny and there’s snow use a polarising filter. The polariser is a great tool to help control glare and light reflection from the snow. Take care not to over polarise a blue sky in the mountains, though.
The ND Grad filter is essential for reducing the contrast difference between the sky and ground. Landscape photographer Robin Whalley tends to carry a 2 stop and 3 stop (0.6 and 0.9) wrapped in a filter cloth and placed in his pocket when photographing mountain landscapes.
3. Lens Choices
The lens choice for shooting in the mountains is wide-angle. A longer lens can also be useful for picking out details, but a zoom will probably allow you to capture the best the mountain has to offer. When using longer lenses, don't forget that you need a tripod that can support their weight.
4. Capture Distance And Height
When shooting from the mountainside or summit the best approach to composition is to emphasise distance and height. Use a wide-angle lens and include something to act as foreground interest. Lenses wider than 24mm can be used successfully but the feeling of distance and height tends to diminish the wider you go.
5. Use Small Apertures
The need to include foreground interest as well as keep the distant hills in good focus probably means you need to stop your lens down to quite a small aperture, perhaps f/16.0 or smaller. If you are also using filters, for example, a polariser you might find slow shutter speeds a problem. Robin Whalley says: "I used to use a walking pole and place the camera lens through the hand loop to support it, giving me a few extra stops of stability. Now I use a monopod which doubles as a walking pole and which I have used successfully with shots with over 0.5-second exposure."
6. Creating The 'Wow' Factor When shooting from the mountain you want the viewer to gain a sense of the place, so when they look at the shot they almost feel like they were actually there with you. To do this, as well as using a wide-angle lens, use a panoramic composition as this will help the viewer appreciate the scale of the location but again, it doesn’t emphasise the dramatic height of the mountain, something we'll discuss further down the page.
7. Correct Exposures
If you are shooting in snowy conditions, you should also watch out for the cameras light meter being fooled into underexposing the scene. Check your histogram regularly after shots and use your cameras exposure compensation adjustment if necessary to increase the exposure.
8. Off The Mountain
This option is far more accessible to most people and can provide equally if not more impressive images. When people think of dramatic mountain scenery, it’s often shots taken of the mountain from a normal altitude that they think of.
When shooting off the mountain the best lens is a long telephoto, probably in excess of 100mm. This may seem counter-intuitive but wide-angle lenses seldom give the most drama. They will emphasise the foreground but diminish the background, almost making it shrink into the horizon. The telephoto lens in contrast will emphasise the size of the mountain and allow you to focus in on the rugged details.
In summary, decide on your approach, on or off the mountain, then use the right equipment to give a composition that will best connect the viewer with the scene.
Autofocus, Flare, and Color: Choosing the Right 56mm for Fujifilm X
Two 56mm primes dominate Fujifilm X right now, and they are closer than many expect. If you spend time shooting people at f/1.2, the small differences in sharpness, color bias, autofocus behavior, and flare control can change which one belongs in your bag.
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Is the Canon EOS R5 Mark II Worth the Upgrade?
Sunrise plans, moody skies, and a year of field use set the stage for a frank look at Canon’s high-resolution workhorse. If you shoot portraits, landscapes, or hybrid projects, the question isn’t specs on paper but whether a stacked sensor, faster bursts, and upgraded codecs change how you actually work.
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The Fujifilm X-E5 Mirrorless Camera: Minimalist Rangefinder Body, Big-Sensor Brains
The X-E5 is a compact body that borrows the 40.2 MP sensor and processing from Fujifilm’s recent heavy hitters while keeping the classic rangefinder style. If you shoot street, travel, or daily life and want interchangeable lenses without lugging a brick, this lands right in the sweet spot.
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How To Ensure Your Zoom Compact Shots Are Sharp
The zoom lengths on compact cameras keep growing and even though this makes more photographic subjects accessible to compact users, it does bring one problem and that's camera shake.
Manufacturers do install modes and features to help combat the issue, such as the shake reduction, but there are still a number of things that you can do to ensure your images are sharp every time.
1. Use A Support
When you think of a camera that sits on a tripod your first thoughts will probably be of a DSLR but just because you're using a camera with a body much smaller than a DSLR doesn't mean you shouldn't use a support. This can be a tripod, monopod, something smaller such as a Gorilla Pod or even a beanbag.
2. Use Your Camera's Self-Timer
Even when you're using a support the small action of pressing the shutter button can still move the camera slightly and cause shake. As a result, when shooting a static subject you can use your camera's self-timer function so there's a delay between you pressing the shutter button and the exposure beginning.
As longer shutter speeds mean the camera has to be held still for longer periods of time, shake can be a problem, particularly when working hand-held. To increase the shutter speed you can switch to a higher ISO but do take care when increasing ISOs as noise will be introduced at some levels. Where possible, try to stay below ISO400. If long shutter speeds are a must, always use a support as working without one will just result in shake spoiling your shots.
As images can be previewed on the built-in LCD screens available on compact cameras it means that shots can be checked for sharpness before leaving the location you're shooting in. However, it's not always that easy to tell if a shot is sharp by just checking the screen so if your camera has the option, it's always worth using the zoom magnifier when previewing to get a closer look at the shot.
You can slightly sharpen images in various pieces of editing software but don't overdo it as the shot won't look right. Boosting the contrast a little can help as well, but again don't go too mad with it. There are ways to reduce noise, too if high noise is a problem.
2025 UK Photographic Roadshow Tour - A Year of Inspiration, Innovation and Community
The 2025 UK Photographic Roadshow Tour has wrapped up after a hugely successful series of nine events that brought together photographers, industry experts, and leading brands in a celebration of creativity, learning, and community.
Kicking off in April in Motherwell and travelling through Kendal, Walsall, Wetherby, Nottingham, Worcester, Somerset, Reading, and Kent, the Roadshows once again proved themselves as a must-attend highlight on the UK photography calendar.
Each venue offered a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where photographers could connect with peers, test the latest equipment, and leave with fresh ideas to elevate their craft.
Inspiring Speaker Line-Up
This year’s programme featured an outstanding roster of speakers including Scott Johnson, Simon Burfoot, Jeff Brown, Alex Denham, Oliver Wheeldon, Raj Khepar, Gary Hill, Rebecca Douglas, Mr Whisper, and Luke Davis. Covering everything from wedding photography and creative lighting to business growth and personal branding, their sessions inspired delegates and provided valuable takeaways for photographers at every stage of their journey.
Exhibitor Highlights
The trade areas were packed with innovation and hands-on opportunities.
- Nikon ZR made its UK public debut at the September Roadshows, drawing huge interest from delegates.
- Click Backdrops unveiled their brand-new foldable fabric backdrops, which quickly became a talking point on the show floor.
- Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon all showcased their latest cameras and lenses, giving photographers the chance to test-drive cutting-edge technology.
- Other standout exhibitors included 3 Legged Thing, Elinchrom, Permajet, Camera Centre UK, MagMod, Gomatic, Loxley Colour, Aaduki Multimedia Insurance, Graphistudio, Evoto, The Society of Photographers, Praetego, Bump2Baby, and Professional Imagemaker.
The Roadshow Experience
Delegates enjoyed live demonstrations, exclusive show offers, and the chance to network with fellow professionals. The mix of expert talks, product showcases, and a friendly community spirit reinforced why the Roadshows remain such an important fixture for UK photographers.
Thank You
The organisers extend a heartfelt thank you to every speaker, exhibitor, venue, and delegate who contributed to the 2025 Roadshow’s success. Your enthusiasm and support are what make these events possible.
Looking Ahead: London Photo Convention & Trade Show 2026
Next year’s flagship event, the London Photo Convention & Trade Show 2026, will take place at Novotel London West, Hammersmith, 14–17 January 2026.
Highlights include:
- Trade Show (15–17 Jan) – Pre-register before 1 January 2026 for FREE entry, or pay £10 on the door.
- Four days of Masterclasses covering lighting, editing, business, and creative storytelling.
- Exclusive Superclasses – small-group, hands-on workshops for photographers wanting to push their skills further.
- Business School – a one-day intensive designed to help photographers grow profitable, sustainable businesses.
- 20×16” Print Competition – with live judging sessions and a gallery of merited images.
- Awards Presentation Evening – a glamorous celebration of photographic excellence.
For more information, please visit The Society of Photographers website.
10 Reasons Why A Tripod Is An Essential Tool For Landscape Photographers
A good support is a particularly important tool for landscape photographers. Even if you're a compact camera user you should consider purchasing a tripod. If you're still not convinced that fastening a tripod to your rucksack isn't a good idea when you're off on your walk, have a read of our ten reasons why we believe you should.
1. Use longer lenses more comfortably with a tripod
If you planning on taking some long as well as wide lenses out with you they tend to be more prone to camera shake so having a tripod will keep your shots sharp. However, if you do want to work hand-held make sure you don't use a shutter speed that's lower than your focal length. Some take this further and say your shutter speed should be at least double the focal length you're using.
2. Easily adjust heightIf you have a sky that's bursting with colourful sunset shades and want to make more of a feature of it, adjust the height of your tripod so more sky is in frame than land. We know you can just raise your hands up higher but holding your hands up in the air isn't very comfortable and any movement, even a small sway, could add unwanted blur to your shot. If you do want to adjust the height, make sure you pull all the legs out to their maximum length before using the centre column. Why? Well, even though it's easier to adjust than three legs, the support won't be as sturdy.
3. Create slower shutter speed images easilyIf you're planning on taking photos that turn the movement of waterfalls, rivers and waves into smooth, dry ice-like textures, you'll need slower shutter speeds. The problem with slower shutter speeds is they're not a great choice when working hand-held as you have to stay very still to stop shake and if you don't, blur will creep into your shot. However, stick your camera on a tripod and you can set shutter speeds that are many minutes long and shake won't factor into it. While we are talking about shake, try using a remote release or the camera's self-timer to fire the shutter to stop any small movement that you moving your hand away from the camera may create.
4. Create multiple exposures
If you're shooting a scene where the camera can't handle all of the different exposure levels present, you may want to try shoot a series of separate shots that each focus on the dark, middle and light parts of the image which are then combined to create one balanced exposure. If you're unsure whether the location you're at will work better with HDR, take a few sample shots and have a look at the areas that are in shadow. If you think there's detail that's lost in these darker areas that will improve your photograph then have a try at HDR.
A tripod is essential for this type of photography as the smallest of movements can adjust your framing which means your shots won't line up when you try to merge them together. As a result, once you've framed up, lock your camera's position, ensuring all screws are fastened tightly and that all leg locks won't come loose.
If you want to shoot some landscape panoramas, having a tripod will help keep your shots steady and make them easier to stitch together once back in front of the computer. Start at either the left or right of the image, whichever you're more comfortable with, and allow for some overlap between each frame. It's always worth doing a 'dummy run' so you can make sure everything you want in the scene can be captured and to double-check you have enough overlap between each shot. It is important that focus is not adjusted during the panorama so take care not to touch the focus barrel once you have focused and set your white-balance manually so you don't have to make small tweaks to individual shots once back home. For scenes with details much closer to the front of the frame you'll need to use a panoramic head.
6. Take your time to compose properly
We know it's been said quite a few times but it doesn't hurt to mention it again, particularly to those who are new to landscape photography. What are we talking about? Well, the actual process of setting up your tripod, putting your camera through it and looking through the viewfinder does take some time and as a result, it slows you down and makes you think more about the shot you're taking. If you didn't have a tripod with you it would be very easy to take your camera out of its bag, fire off a few shots quickly and move on to a new location without really giving much thought about composition and the overall shot you're trying to achieve.
7. More stability in windy weather
If you find the weather turns a little blustery you'll need a sturdy tripod as unlike us photographers, they're better at balancing so won't get blown and pushed around as easily. If you find you need a little more weight and your tripod features a centre column hook, you can hang a bag of stones or other weighty objects off it to balance the tripod. For lighter tripods, use your body as a shield from the wind. Sticking spiked feet into the ground will also help keep the tripod still.
8. Set up low angle landscapes
For something a little different, adjust your tripod legs so you can shoot lower to the ground. This can give foreground detail more emphasis, really changing the feel of your landscape shot.
9. Set up in water, use a remote triggerSometimes you have to get your feet wet to get the shot you want but trying to stand upright in water that's moving on what can be slippy rocks is hard enough on your own, without a camera in your hands. To minimise the chances of you dropping your camera in the water, put it on a tripod. If the tripod doesn't have to be too far in the water you could also use a remote release/cable to fire the shutter from the water's edge rather than getting in yourself. Do make sure your tripod won't topple over and if you have them, use spiked feet to bed the tripod into the floor. If you're shooting at the coast, remember to clean your tripod after dunking it in the sea as saltwater will rust it.
10. Capture images with low light minus movement blurShooting at sunrise, sunset or during the night so you can capture a sky full of stars, requires the use of slower shutter speeds, which, as mentioned, means you'll have to use a tripod as working hand-held can result in shake spoiling your shot. You can try nudging your ISO up to quicken your shutter speed but not all cameras produce good-quality shots when higher ISOs are used so the safest option is to take your tripod with you so you can use longer shutter speeds.
5 Cameras That Were Ahead of Their Time
The history of photography is littered with brilliant ideas that arrived too early. These were cameras that promised to revolutionize the industry but were met with skepticism, confusion, or outright rejection. These weren't failures of engineering. They were failures of timing.
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How I Captured The Impossible Photograph
This is the story of an impossible photograph—an image that demanded an absurd amount of luck, unwavering perseverance, and a few very specific pieces of gear to pull off.
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