Photography News

  Fields make great photographic subjects and better still if you play around with slow shutter speeds you don't need particularly good weather to get great photos which is good news for us Brits who quite often don't see the summer sun (although this year we are doing a little better in the sun stakes!). Some farmers have started harvesting their crops, but there are still some fields out there which the tractor hasn't reached yet.    1. Use A Wide-Angle Lens

A wide-angle lens will be the most useful bit of kit you take with you.Don't own a wide-angle lens? Take your telezoom along and just stand a little further back to get your sweeping shots of the field. 

 

2. Don't Trespass 

Make sure you're not trespassing so if there's no public access through a particular field you want to photograph stay out if it and use your telephoto.

 

3. Take Your Tripod

When using slower shutter speeds (try 1/15-1/5th or longer depending on how windy it is) you'll need a tripod as you don't want shake creeping into your shot. 

 

4. Straight Horizons

To get your horizon straight, you either need a really good eye or something to help you measure it. Some cameras have inbuilt levelling systems but if yours doesn't, you can get a spirit level that sits on the camera's hotshoe. Although, you can find in-built spirit levels on many tripod models.

 

5. Take Your Filters Along

Pack an ND filter in case the sky's a little too bright and you need to balance the exposure. 

 

6. Aperture Choices

Use a small aperture to get front to back sharpness, so you can show the whole field turning into a sea of waves.

 

7. Create Interest 

Add interest to the shot by looking out for objects such as a single tree standing at the far end of the field or a barn that will give the viewer something to focus on.

 

 

8. Guide The Eye

If there are tractor tracks use them to guide the eye from front to back. Hedges and fences can also be used for this purpose, too.

 

9. Use Frames

If there are overhanging tree branches, gate posts or if you happen to stumble across an old barn without glass in its windows or any doors, have a play around with frames in your shots to add an extra level of interest, plus they can help focus the viewer's eye when used in the correct way

 

10. Clouds Are Good

Golden light diffused by a light blanket of cloud looks great shimmering across the crop.

 

11. Photography The Sun

Clouds lower contrast and help eliminate flare which means you can shoot into the sun. Just don't look directly at it through your lens as it can cause serious damage to your eyes.

 

12. Rain Isn't A Bad Thing

Shoot in different weather conditions and at different times of the day as a dark, heavy sky full of rain adds drama to your shots while the warmer light and colours of a sunrise or sunset will make the field glow.

 

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The smell of fry bread and livestock hits you first at the Sanpete County Fair. Kids in dusty boots weave through the crowd with ribbons in hand, 4-H leaders shout instructions over the hum of the rodeo announcer, and the late-afternoon sun cuts sharp shadows across the midway. I’ve covered this fair more times than I can count, and every year it reminds me how different small-town assignments are from the big-city work that dominates so much of the photography conversation.

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The Nikon Z5 II stands out because it gives you a full frame camera body without a massive price tag. You get access to modern features like in-body image stabilization and advanced autofocus, making it a practical tool whether you’re hiking before sunrise, shooting portraits, or capturing wildlife.

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Adapters are the bridge between today’s mirrorless bodies and yesterday’s affordable glass, but not all bridges feel the same underfoot. This guide explains how adapters work in practice, what usually delivers the best autofocus, which types of adapters exist (and when to use each), plus the real-world pitfalls that trip people up.

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The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II covers one of the most versatile focal ranges in photography and brings upgrades that matter if you spend long hours shooting. The mix of weight savings, optical improvements, and better handling makes it a serious option if you need a reliable standard zoom.

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A compact lens with autofocus at just $168 is not something you see every day. If you’ve been waiting for a small, budget-friendly option that still feels like a serious tool in your hands, this release could be worth a closer look.

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The Viltrox AF 15mm f/1.7 Air lens is the widest option in the company’s lightweight Air lineup. Its size and speed make it appealing for anyone who wants a compact tool for wide views, but that comes with some trade-offs you’ll want to know about before picking it up.

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    1. Research

Before you leave your hotel, make sure the market's open and have a quick glance at the weather forecast as it won't be much fun walking around a market when it's raining rather heavy. Although fewer people will venture out to open-air markets when it's wet so you'll have more room to work. If you're going on a market trip that's organised by an excursion company you won't have much say in when you can visit the market. Plan your own trip, however, and you can arrive for when it opens, giving you more room to work and the produce will be fresher which means your shots will look more appetising. If it is really, really busy step back or find a higher spot to work from and shot a few wide shots of the hustle and bustle.
 

2. Be aware of your surroundings

Don't leave your camera bag unattended and if it's really busy, it's a good idea to do the tourist trick of spinning your bag to your front. Yes, you may look a little silly but it's better than finding all of your gear's gone from your bag. Taking a bag that doesn't scream: 'look I'm carrying expensive equipment' is a good idea too. 

It's important not to get distracted by one particular stall either. Market's are generally big places and they'll be more than one location that's worth getting your camera out of its bag for.

 

 

3. Light Source

As most markets you find on your travels will be outdoors you'll need to watch your exposure as the contrast between a stall which will probably be undercover and the open space around can change drastically. As a result, your camera will see the bright surroundings and underexpose the shot, making the stall appear a lot darker than it actually is. You may find using the exposure lock function and then re-composing as necessary should fix the problems that may occur. If you're indoors exposure shouldn't be a problem but you will need to watch your white balance to make sure the lights aren't tinting the tone of your image.

When it comes to flash, it's best to avoid using it, particularly as you most likely will only have the one that's built into your camera and the harshness of it can ruin the atmosphere of the scene you're trying to capture. You're better off just using a slightly ISO and getting the monopod out if you have problems with shake.
 

3. Wider Shots

Stepping away from the cover of the stalls to somewhere higher up, if possible, will give you the chance to shoot some shots that establish exactly where you are. If it's in a square surrounded by buildings try and get these in your shot and use the long lines created by the stalls to lead the eye through the image too.

4. Close-Ups

The beauty with markets is the stallholder wants to sell their products so usually they present them well, which means all you have to do is take the shot. Look out for colours that complement each other, interesting patterns and the textures on offer in the products on display.
 

5. People

If you want to shoot portraits always ask before you take your photos, be polite and don't get in the stall holder's way. If they say no don't argue and keep pushing as this will only annoy them and you'll probably find someone else will be more than happy for you to take their photo on another stall. If you're finding communication's a problem a big smile and holding your camera up can often get your message across quite easily.
 

 

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Meike has officially released the MIX Series 24mm f/1.4 full frame autofocus lens, now available for E, Z, and L mount systems. The lens is designed for portrait and low-light photography, offering a wide aperture and fast autofocus performance.

 

Specification

• Model: MK-2414FFSTM-E/Z/L
• Focal Length: 24mm
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
• Filter Thread: 72mm
• Diaphragm Blades: 11
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.28m
• Focus Mode: Auto Focus
• Lens Construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
• Weight: Approximately 550g
• Full Frame Angle of View: Diagonal 84.8°, Horizontal 74.8°, Vertical 53.8°
• APS-C Angle of View: Diagonal 61.9°, Horizontal 52.8°, Vertical 36.2°

 

 

Availability

The lens is available now for E, Z, and L mount systems. The suggested retail price is USD $589.

For further information or to place an order, please visit the the Meike website.

Before you drop $3,000+ on another mirrorless body, consider these five DSLRs that still solve real jobs better than the spec sheet suggests. From IBIS in a DSLR and 153-point AF at 10 fps to base ISO 64 dynamic range and built-in Astrotracer, these proven bodies deliver client-ready files, deep lens ecosystems, and prices that leave room for glass.

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When it comes to retouching software, many photographers have felt disappointed by the promise of an easy yet professional editing solution. Could Evoto AI be the dream editing suite we have all been waiting for? Today we take a look under the hood.

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The Society of Photographers is excited to host a series of free-to-enter photographic roadshows across the UK. Now in its 11th year, these events offer an excellent opportunity for photographers of all experience levels to explore innovative industry trends, connect with leading photography brands, and gain valuable insights through expert-led Masterclasses.

 

A Unique Learning Experience

Each roadshow starting at 09:30, will feature three FREE Masterclasses led by renowned photographic educators, covering topics such as lighting techniques, business strategies, and inspirational storytelling. Attendees will have the chance to learn from an impressive lineup of speakers, including Raj Khepar, Gary Hill, Luke Davis, Mr Whisper (Balwinder Bhatla), and Rebecca Douglas.

 

Leading Brands in the Industry

The accompanying trade shows will showcase top photographic companies, allowing attendees to explore the latest equipment, software, and services. Exhibiting brands include Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, Nikon, Elinchrom, Permajet, 3 Legged Thing, MagMod, Gomatic, Click Backdrops, Camera Centre UK, Aaduki Multimedia Insurance, Graphistudio, The Society of Photographers, Professional Imagemaker, Bump2Baby, and Praetego. Manufacturers will also be offering exclusive show deals for attendees.

Event Schedule

Here are the upcoming 2025 Roadshow dates and venues:

September 2025

• Tuesday 16th September – Webbington Hotel & Spa, Somerset
• Wednesday 17th September – Green Park Conference Centre, Reading
• Thursday 18th September – Priestfield Stadium, Kent

 

  An Unmissable Opportunity for Photographers

Colin Jones, CEO of The Society of Photographers, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming events: “We are delighted to bring the Roadshows back for 2025. Each event will offer three free Masterclasses, providing valuable insights and tips to help photographers elevate their skills. Alongside this, our trade shows will be packed with leading photographic companies showcasing the latest products and services, with exclusive show deals available. Whether you’re an aspiring or professional photographer, these events promise to be both educational and inspiring. Best of all, entry is completely free!”

 

Register for Free Tickets

To find out more about The Society of Photographers’ 2025 Roadshows and to secure your free tickets, please visit the event website.

Get Your FREE Tickets Today!

 

What Is A 'Fast' Lens?

When you hear the term 'fast lens' it means that the lens in question has a large maximum aperture (the bigger the aperture, the faster the lens will be). The aperture is often displayed as an f followed by a number but do remember that a large maximum aperture will actually be a small number such as f/1.8. A fast prime lens would be considered fast when it has a maximum aperture under f/2.8. However, if the lens is 300mm or longer, an aperture of f/2.8 would be considered to be fast and the same goes for zoom lenses.

 

Let's Talk Apertures A bigger aperture (small f-number) will allow more light to reach the camera's sensor which means faster shutter speeds can be used even in low light situations. They're useful in various shooting situations including places where flash can't be used, at concerts where there's not much ambient light, indoors when you're trying to capture movement such as dancers on stage and for subjects such as sports photography where fast shutter speeds are essential.

 

Nikon 50mm f/1.4D lens, Different apertures: f/1.4, f/4, f/16. More on exposure and camera settings here.

 

You Can Work Hand-Held

Another advantage to fast lenses is that you won't always be forced to use a tripod as the faster shutter speeds allow for hand-held shooting in more situations. This is something that's particularly useful in places where tripods aren't allowed such as in cathedrals or in busy locations where light can be an issue such as in a museum.
 

The Negatives

A downside to fast lenses is that they can be expensive and they tend to be heavier and bigger than other lenses. Care needs to be paid to focus when using autofocus as you may find it tries to focus on the wrong part of the shot, leaving focus on an area of the image that wasn't your intended subject. It's also worth investing in a good quality lens so images don't appear soft when viewed on-screen.

 

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

Computational photography has long been a staple of smartphone photography, enabling tiny sensors to punch above their weight and perform some neat tricks, but is the technology at the point where it can replace traditional methods of photography?

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A diagnosis of Parkinson’s changes how you move, how you create, and how you remember. When tremors interfere with something as important as filming your child or celebrating with family, the ability to hold on to those moments becomes even more important.

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The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens gives you the kind of reach that can replace several lenses in one. That matters because you don’t always want to carry a full kit when traveling or working in unpredictable conditions. Weight, convenience, and flexibility matter as much as pure image quality.

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Nikon introduces its new workhorse king, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.

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Photo by David Pritchard

 

Head to ponds, lakes and rivers and chances are, you'll soon spot Damselflies and Dragonflies which make interesting subjects for a macro image. If you do want to have a go at capturing these flying insects in your shots ideally, you'll need a macro lens but a longer zoom with a macro function at the longer end will also work fine, especially when coupled with extension tubes. Approach slowly, and start taking pictures from a distance so if they do fly off, at least you've got a few images saved to your memory card. It can be easier to capture images of these insects from a higher angle, looking down on the subject but do try shooting side-on, too. 

These characters aren’t the easiest to catch on camera, but a reasonable shutter speed combined with a small maximum aperture will make tracking your subject easier. You also really need to know your equipment well otherwise you could miss a shot searching for a dial/function so do remember to examine your equipment carefully, even more so if it's a new piece of kit. 

Take the time to pick a background carefully because even though you'll be throwing it out of focus, a busy background will still be distracting.

Below you'll find more tips along with a selection of dragonfly and damselfly images taken by ePHOTOzine member David Pritchard. 

 

Photo by David Pritchard

 

"I used a 20mm extension tube for this shot, so that I could get higher magnification from a greater distance. That was important for two reasons; firstly, this pair of damselflies were very skittish and secondly, they were perched over water. I couldn’t have got closer if I had wanted to and as a result, a shorter lens just didn’t work for this shot. However, as I was using a zoom lens, I was able to reach right out over the water, and the extension tube allowed me to make sure that the lens didn’t reduce in focal length as it was focused. It has also resulted in the background softening out."

 

Photo by David Pritchard

 

"The shot below is of a Banded Demoiselle and if you get the chance, watch one in-flight as it's quite beautiful." 

Photo by David Pritchard


 

"Another Banded Demoiselle, this time a female. The grace of these insects in leisurely flight belies the speed and agility that they are capable of; this lady disappeared from my viewfinder for only a couple of seconds. In that short time she shot out three feet, and returned to the same spot with this lacewing. The females generally seem more cautious than the males, and are certainly harder to spot."

Photo by David Pritchard

 

"The Banded Demoiselle is one of my favourite species of damselfly, due to their spectacular flight. The male’s wing markings appear electric blue under the right light, and they appear almost butterfly-like in the way that they move."

 

Photo by David Pritchard

  

"For this image, I used extension tubes to increase my working distance, and then chose a combination of aperture and focal length that allowed me to include some of the foreground grasses without them detracting from the main subject which added some layering to the photo."

Photo by David Pritchard

"This Damselfly was resting a few feet over the water and due to the bright sunshine,  I was able to use a couple of extension tubes (totalling 56mm) to bring the insect within range. This meant I was able to throw the background out of focus more than normal." 

Photo by David Pritchard
 

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Yes, there's really a rock in the shape of a heart in Joshua Tree National Park! This is the story behind this night photo, including how I went about lighting it.

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