Photography News

You have decided to transition from DSLR to mirrorless, and that should feel exciting, with a whole new way of shooting waiting for you. Changing systems does mean planning around the cost, but you may already own more of the funding than you realize. The DSLR kit sitting in your bag can pay for a good part of the switch, and how you sell it decides how smooth the whole process feels.

 

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© SIGMA

 

Sigma has announced the FP2, a compact full-frame camera equipped with a 24.5-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor, continuous shooting at up to approximately 20fps, and support for 6K OpenGate recording and ProRes RAW. A dedicated switch on the top of the body toggles between STILL and CINE modes. Sigma has also announced a new external electronic viewfinder, the EVF-21, along with other dedicated accessories. The FP2 is scheduled for release on November 11, 2026.

 

From Sigma:

 

Sigma Corporation (Headquarters: Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce  the Sigma FP2, which combines full-fledged shooting capabilities and flexible expandability in the world’s smallest*1 body. Carrying over the concept of the original fp series while enhancing every function, Sigma has perfected the FP2 as a “Small, Powerful, Adaptable” camera.  Its pocket-sized, lightweight body is equipped with powerful shooting features, from a high-performance full-frame sensor to switching between still and cine modes, each with its own dedicated UI. The Sigma FP2, a one-of-a-kind compact system camera that offers a high degree of user-oriented adaptability, will be available on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

 

Product name: Sigma FP2

Launch: Wednesday, November 11, 2026

* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change.

 

Key Features

 

• Top-class performance in the world’s smallest body
• A full-fledged cinema camera at the flip of a switch
• Accessories for greater expandability

 

Top-class performance in the world’s smallest body

 

Full-frame expressive power and wide dynamic range

At the heart of the Sigma FP2 is an advanced full-frame sensor that captures images with exceptional resolution, rendering power, depth of color and subtle tonal gradation. Its uncompromising performance gives photographers the freedom to capture any scene or subject, no matter the shooting conditions.

 

Color modes for creative freedom in photography

Thirteen color modes, selectable with the dedicated “Color” button, enable intuitive and unrestricted creative expression . Developed on the basis of Sigma’s own color science, this diverse range of preset modes lets photographers craft the tone of their work, capture the atmosphere of the moment and bring out the full appeal of their photography.

© SIGMA

 

A true evolution of the fp series

The Sigma FP2 inherits the innovative concept of the original fp, along with the distinctive character that made it one-of-a-kind.  At the same time, every element and function of the camera has been reexamined and refined to create a more intuitive and expressive shooting experience, making the FP2 a true evolution of the fp series.

 

Tilting LCD for broader perspectives

While keeping its compact body, the Sigma FP2 features a tilting LCD that tilts up 90° and down 45°. From low angles to high angles, it broadens the photographer’s perspective.

 

Dedicated external electronic viewfinder for focused shooting

Easily attached to and detached from the camera via a single USB-C port, the high-resolution, high-luminance electronic viewfinder helps photographers feel deeply immersed  in their photography. Its tilting mechanism angles upward by up to 90°, making it comfortable to shoot not only at eye level but also at waist level.

 

24.5-megapixel partially stacked CMOS sensor

The high-performance partially stacked CMOS sensor delivers outstanding rendering power, advanced AF performance and excellent dynamic range. Its high-speed readout significantly reduces rolling shutter distortion, enabling even faster continuous shooting and video recording at high frame rates.

 

Advanced AF performance

With improved accuracy, speed and low-light performance, the sophisticated AF system captures subjects reliably, so decisive moments are never missed. In addition to people and animals, the advanced subject detection function now also recognizes birds.

 

High-speed continuous shooting at up to approx. 20fps

The Sigma FP2 can shoot continuously at up to approx. 20fps, for up to 200 frames in a single burst. Even in critical moments where a split second makes all the difference , it captures the shot with confidence.

 

High-capacity battery

While maintaining the compact size that defines the fp series, the Sigma FP2 achieves approximately 30% longer battery life than the original fp. Its high-capacity battery can capture approximately 370 still images or about 130 minutes of video, enabling extended shooting sessions.

 

70GB of internal storage

In addition to an SD card slot, the Sigma FP2 features 70GB of internal storage that supports high-speed writing. It allows recording to continue seamlessly when the memory card is full and ensures comfortable shooting in situations that call for additional capacity.

© SIGMA

 

A full-fledged cinema camera at the flip of a switch

 

The Sigma FP2 is both a still camera and a full-fledged cinema camera. A single dedicated switch on the top of the body instantly toggles between STILL mode and CINE mode, each with functions, a user interface and a workflow fully optimized for that mode. Optimized for the creative production process  and highly customizable, the FP2 is a true cinema camera capable of cinema-quality imagery, offering both mobility and performance in an exceptionally compact and lightweight body.

 

A compact, dedicated cinema camera

Transforming to suit its setup, the Sigma FP2 serves as a compact full-frame digital cinema camera for a wide range of video production. With a wealth of functions packed into its compact body, it covers every type of production, from personal vlogs and fly-on-the-wall documentaries  to high-end film and TV productions.

 

6K OpenGate recording

The Sigma FP2 supports 6K OpenGate recording, capturing every bit of information from the full-frame sensor. Footage can be adapted to a variety of formats with different aspect ratios while maintaining high image quality, supporting video production in the multi-platform era.

 

Up to 14.1 stops*2 of dynamic range

Designed with ample highlight headroom, the Sigma FP2 delivers rich tonal gradation even in high-contrast environments. With 7 stops of headroom secured at ISO 1250 and above, it offers greater freedom for color grading in post-production.

 

32-bit float audio recording*3

The Sigma FP2 supports 32-bit float audio recording, reducing noise at low volumes and clipping at high volumes for recording with a wide dynamic range.

© SIGMA

 

Support for advanced post-production

The Sigma FP2 supports ProRes RAW, which combines a high degree of editing flexibility with the efficient data handling of compression. It also supports L-Log from Leica Camera AG , which can be edited directly in a wide range of grading software, accommodating a diverse range of workflows.

 

Director’s Viewfinder function

The Sigma FP2 is equipped with a Director’s Viewfinder function that can simulate the shooting ranges of various brands’ cinema cameras. In addition to the desqueeze display mode for use with anamorphic lenses, the FP2 now supports the latest equipment, including the ARRI ALEXA 35 and Sony VENICE 2 / BURANO. The LCD Viewfinder LVF-21 (sold separately) is also available, allowing users to reliably check the view on the optical axis.

 

Accessories for greater expandability

 

The expandability of the Sigma FP2 is ensured by the screw holes for the strap holders on the left and right sides of the body and the tripod screw hole on the bottom. Standardizing all of these screw holes to the common 1/4-inch size allows a wide variety of Sigma’s own and third-party accessories to be attached. New dedicated accessories have also been added for the Sigma FP2, opening up even more possibilities for expansion and customization.

 

ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF-21

The ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF-21 is an external electronic viewfinder designed exclusively for use with the Sigma FP2. The attention to detail is evident in its tilting mechanism, eye sensor, supplied large eye cup and other features , all designed to ensure convenience and comfort during use. With its 0.5-inch OLED panel with approx. 5.76 million dots, this high-resolution, high-luminance viewfinder helps users feel more deeply immersed in their photography and makes shooting an even more enjoyable experience.

 

HOT SHOE UNIT HU-21

The HOT SHOE UNIT HU-21 is an attachable hot shoe unit featuring a flash communication terminal shared with the OM SYSTEM / LUMIX .

 

BASE PLATE BPL-21

The BASE PLATE BPL-21 is a base plate designed exclusively for the Sigma FP2. In addition to being used to attach the LCD Viewfinder LVF-21, it allows standard video accessories to be connected using its 3/8-inch screw.

 

LCD VIEWFINDER LVF-21

The LCD VIEWFINDER LVF-21 is a viewfinder designed exclusively for the Sigma FP2 that mounts over the camera’s LCD monitor and cuts out extraneous light. It has a built-in diopter adjustment mechanism with a range of −2 to +1 (dpt). Magnifying the LCD monitor 2.5x*4, it helps photographers check focus and decide on composition. The specially designed high-performance lens and coating ensure excellent visibility.

 

BATTERY CHARGER BC-91

The BATTERY CHARGER BC-91  is a dedicated charger for the LI-ION BATTERY PACK BP-91 supplied with the camera. It allows for charging in approximately 175 minutes when used with a commercially available USB PD-compatible AC adapter.

 

DC CONNECTOR CN-91

The CN-91 is a connector for connecting the camera body to an AC adapter or external power supply.

 

*1 As of October 2026, by Sigma.

*2 When using 4K FF L-Log.

*3 When the optional HU-21 hot shoe unit is attached and the Panasonic DMW-XLR2 and DMW-DMS1 are used.

*4 The magnification value is calculated according to the definition generally used for loupe magnification.

 

For more information, please visit the Sigma website.

If you shoot Fujifilm and want the classic 85mm-equivalent portrait look at f/1.2, you have two serious, fully weather-sealed choices, and at B&H, one costs about half as much as the other. The Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro cover one of the most-used focal lengths in the system, and the gaps between them are smaller and odder than a spec sheet suggests.

 

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A 28mm lens sits in an awkward spot between the 24mm and 35mm primes most people already own, and that in-between position is what makes it useful when you film yourself in a small room. If you record talking-head videos, tutorials, or product demos in a spare bedroom or home office, your focal length decides how much of the room shows up, how your face is rendered, and how close the camera has to sit to you.

 

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© SIGMA

 

Sigma has announced the 50mm F1.4 CL DG Contemporary, the first lens in a new lineage of primes within its I series. The lens combines a bright F1.4 aperture with a compact metal body, smooth bokeh and intentionally controlled aberrations for soft rendering and gradual background transitions. It also has a newly developed RDD autofocus actuator, automatic switching to manual focus when the focus ring is turned during autofocus, and a dust- and splash-resistant structure. The lens is scheduled for release in early spring 2027 for L-Mount and Sony E-mount cameras.

 

From Sigma:

 

Sigma Corporation (Headquarters: Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce  the Sigma 50mm F1.4 CL DG | Contemporary. Housed in a small, lightweight and premium metal body, the lens combines a bright F1.4 aperture with rich textured rendering that gives images a unique expressive character. The CL, which is the start of a new lineage in Sigma’s I series line, harnesses the latest technology to achieve a classic aesthetic with beautiful tonal gradation, and is scheduled for release in early spring 2027.

 

Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount

Supplied accessories: Lens Hood LH520-04B / LH520-04S, Front Cap LCF-52 IV, Magnetic Metal Lens Cap LCF52-02MB / LCF52-02MS, Rear Cap LCR III, Pouch

Launch: Early spring 2027

 

* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change.

* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

 

Key Features

 

• Aberrations intentionally controlled with the latest simulation technology for soft rendering of texture that helps the subject stand out
• Exceptionally compact for a large-aperture F1.4 prime, with the newly developed RDD autofocus actuator
• A new lineage for the I series primes designed to maximize the joy of shooting

 

Aberrations intentionally controlled with the latest simulation technology for soft rendering of texture that helps the subject stand out

 

The Sigma 50mm F1.4 CL DG | Contemporary is a premium compact prime lens that delivers a bright F1.4 aperture and rich textural rendering in a small and lightweight metal body. Its authentic optical system, housed in a barrel that is exceptionally small by the standards of today’s mirrorless lenses, was designed by making full use of the latest optical technology. Through exhaustive simulations, aberrations have been intentionally controlled to achieve a gentle softness within the in-focus plane, smooth and attractive bokeh, and characterful background rendering that helps the subject stand out. Conveying warmth and a natural sense of three-dimensionality across the entire frame, the lens is ideally suited to portraits and snapshots in particular. Its body distills the pure enjoyment of shooting with dedicated photographic equipment, while the latest technology perfects its impressive image quality, with supple rendering of texture and rich tonal gradation. Sigma hopes that the CL, the first in a new lineage of I series primes will help you discover and capture more beauty and joy in your everyday life.

 

© SIGMA

 

Exceptionally compact for a large-aperture F1.4 prime, with the newly developed RDD autofocus actuator   Beautiful bokeh and three-dimensionality only a large-aperture prime can deliver

The lens features a classic optical construction of 9 elements in 6 groups with a whole-lens extension focusing mechanism. 3 aspherical elements and 1 FLD glass element are effectively arranged to achieve a compact and lightweight design. The optimal placement of the aspherical elements also successfully suppresses ghosting, which is difficult to avoid in small, lightweight lenses. Aberrations are precisely controlled while internal reflections are eliminated. The lens is designed so that its bokeh is at its most beautiful and its three-dimensionality at its richest at the maximum aperture of F1.4, offering superb rendering, especially in the beautiful, gradual transitions of its background bokeh.

 

New RDD (Rotary Direct Drive) actuator

To keep the overall length of the lens short, Sigma chose whole-lens extension focusing rather than an inner focus design. To handle the heavier focusing unit this creates, Sigma developed a powerful autofocus actuator in which coils and magnets, as used in the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), are arranged in a circle to match the shape of the lens barrel. This minimizes any increase in outer diameter, resulting in a slim, high-torque autofocus mechanism.

 

Instant AF/MF switching with the focus ring

Taking advantage of RDD’s ability to drive the focusing optics directly, the lens temporarily switches to manual focus automatically when the focus ring is turned during autofocus operation. This allows photographers to work quickly in fast-changing conditions without needing to adjust AF/MF settings using a switch.

© SIGMA

 

A new lineage for the I series primes designed to maximize the joy of shooting

 

All-metal body with premium quality and a pleasing feel in operation, the hallmark of the I series

As the latest chapter in the I series, the “Premium Compact Primes” that pursue the joy of owning a photographic tool, the CL carries on the series’ all-metal body. Not only the knurled hood, focus ring and aperture ring but also the supplied magnetic metal lens cap  have been inherited as signature elements of the I series identity.

 

Depth-of-field scale

The CL series features a distance scale that runs from the minimum focusing distance to infinity, together with a focus ring that rotates in direct sync with focusing. It is also equipped with a depth-of-field scale, which lets photographers visually check how the depth of field changes with the aperture value. These scales also serve as an icon of the CL, combining the very latest functionality with a classic aesthetic.

 

Dust- and splash-resistant structure* / water- and oil-repellent coating

In addition to a dust- and splash-resistant structure, the frontmost surface of the lens has a water- and oil-repellent coating applied, allowing photographers to shoot without concern even in harsh outdoor environments. 

 

* The product is designed to be dust- and splash-resistant but is not waterproof. When using the lens near water, etc., take care not to allow large amounts of water to splash on it. If water gets inside the lens, it may cause a major malfunction.

 

For more information, please visit the Sigma website.

Layered ridgelines, each one a shade paler than the one in front of it, are among the most sought-after images in mountain landscape work, and they depend on haze, cloud, and low-angle light that no one can schedule. Getting them usually means showing up at the same summit again and again, often before dawn, with no promise that the sky will cooperate.

 

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Most full frame cameras ship with a slow, middle-of-the-road zoom that people outgrow within months, and the Sigma 20-60mm f/2.8-4 DG Contemporary takes direct aim at that weak spot. The lens on your camera on day one decides how much you enjoy the thing you just spent a lot of money on, and a better starting zoom can push back the moment you feel you need more glass.

 

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I attended Sigma’s launch event for the new Sigma FP2, a small full frame camera that bridges high-quality photography and professional filmmaking. The event, held at the Balloon Museum in NYC’s South Street Seaport area, featured a panel discussion with three creators who praised the latest entry in Sigma’s full frame camera line, along with a chance for the press to use the new camera to photograph throughout the museum.

  

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Cities are well known for having a 'buzz' that's created by the people and traffic that move through their streets. But how do you capture this busyness? Well here are four ways to do just that.

 

1. Find Popular Spots

Sounds obvious, we know, but finding a spot full of people, such as Times Square in New York, will make your job easier. Do be warned though, sometimes places can get too busy and you'll spend more time fighting crowds than you will be taking photos. You can try visiting at various times during the day to check for less busy times but don't expect to be able to turn up early in the morning and the same buzz intensity be there as chances are, most tourists/residents will still be in bed.

 

2. Movement

Long lines of traffic, underground trains or even crowds of people moving home after a day at work can all be captured to emphasise the busyness of a town or city.

Try panning with your subject, keeping your feet slightly apart, creating a sturdy base for you to shoot from. Lock your focus and use continuous focusing if your lens struggles to focus on your subject and switch to burst mode to increase your chances of capturing the shot you're after.

To really add a sense of pace to your shots, use a little bit of blur. Blurring the background while your subject stays sharp is often the approach most go for but it can be tricky to get right... How good you are at panning, what shutter speed you use, how fast your subject's moving and how much light's around will make this harder/easier each time you try it, however, it's worth persisting with as you can create some cracking shots with this technique. Just remember to pick the right shutter speed as if you go too high your subject will look static, too slow and there could be too much blur.

Don't overlook adding a little blur to your subject as this will emphasise motion and add more drama to your shots. We say 'a little' as if you add too much, it can look like you just took a bad photo.

Try experimenting with zoom burst to deliberately add blur to your shot by twisting your zoom lens. As well as emphasising movement it can help make your subject, who's not blurred, 'pop' from the frame. A burst of light from a flashgun will help freeze your subject and add sharpness to the image. It's a fun but tricky technique that can take quite a few attempts to get right. For more tips on creating zoom blur, take a look at our Zoom Burst Photography Article.

 

 

3. Light Trails / Traffic

Towns and cities are full of traffic and by using long exposures to turn headlights into long streams of colour's another way to create a sense of pace. To do this successfully you need to find a spot at night where vehicles will pass under/by you with their lights on. You then need to put your camera on a tripod, set a long exposure and wait for the lines of traffic to turn into streaks of colourful lights. For more tips, have a look at our previous article on Photographing Light Trails.

 

4. Alternative Vantage Points

Try getting in a lift and shooting from the top of a building (if possible) or, if you're on a city break and are staying in a hotel, shoot from your own window or make use of your balcony (if you have one). Look out for observation decks, bridges and even the big wheels that are popping up in cities. These usually take an hour to complete a full circle giving you ample time to get a few shots of the city below. By doing so you'll be able to capture patterns you can't see at street level such as the lines street lights form as they turn on or the shapes created as traffic moves through the streets.

The new Insta360 Mic launching today is offering creators a more affordable way to access high-quality wireless audio, with one particularly interesting change: instead of relying on built-in storage, recordings are saved to a microSD card supplied by the user. 

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Leica partnering with Formula 1 is a first, and unexpected. Why is Leica chasing F1, and what’s the actual benefit of the carbon fiber being used?

 

The world of motorsport is all about weight reduction to create the fastest possible cars. Carbon fiber is the material of choice, so it’s not surprising to see it being used on this rather sporty-looking special edition Q3 43. My first thought was, like F1 cars, is this special edition Q3 43 built lighter than the regular version?

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The shafts of light you call god beams are lying to you about their shape. They look like a fan bursting out of a hole in the clouds, splaying wider as they fall toward the ground, but the beams are very nearly parallel. You are watching the same trick that makes railroad tracks pinch together at the horizon, just pointed at the sky.

 

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As someone who relies heavily on a geared head for precise hospitality work, the increasing demand for speed and video applications has left me considering how to integrate a hybrid ball head system into my professional workflow. Specifically, I was looking for a unit that acts as a traditional fluid head, yet retains the multi-axis freedom of a ball head for dynamic still photography—all without lugging around two different support systems.

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Most advice on personal projects follows the same order: settle on a concept, write a rationale, set some rules, and only then pick up the camera. That sequence keeps a body of work coherent, though it can also screen out the images you keep returning to before you have any idea why they pull at you.

 

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Crafting beautiful portraits with a simple camera and lighting setup is possible, and limiting our gear choices can lead to even more creative results. 

In my latest YouTube video, I demonstrate how I use natural light, strobe, and continuous light to create portraits. Instead of focusing on a ton of gear, I use simple setups, starting with just a window, and then show how I can use one Westcott FJ100 M hot shoe flash and a Joel Grimes Beauty Dish, and later one Westcott L120-B continuous light with the same modifier, to create varied results.

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Background blur is usually the first effect you learn to create on purpose, and that early success tends to shape how you shoot for years. The settings you lean on, from aperture to shutter speed to exposure mode, decide whether your images feel flat or deep long before you open an editor.

 

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© Neurapix

 

Neurapix has launched Flow, a new workflow automation service that starts with image import into Lightroom Classic. With Flow Live, photos upload over Wi-Fi the moment the shutter is released, then the Neurapix AI edits them using the photographer’s SmartPreset and delivers them to Lightroom Classic within seconds. Flow Card starts an automatic import when a memory card is inserted into the computer.

 

From Neurapix:

 

Photos edited straight from the camera and transferred to Lightroom in real time: With the launch of Flow, German AI photo editing company Neurapix is taking another major step toward an automated workflow. Whether via Wi-Fi or SD card, photos arrive fully edited and ready for delivery in Lightroom Classic.

Flow is Neurapix's new umbrella for workflow automation, and the company's first move beyond editing and culling into the steps that come before and after. The initial focus is on image import, with two possible routes photographers can take depending on their use case.

Flow Live is Neurapix's name for the direct Wi-Fi upload of photos from the camera. After a one-time setup*, every image is transferred automatically the moment the shutter is released. Once uploaded, it is edited by the Neurapix AI in the photographer's individual style using their SmartPreset and delivered straight to Adobe Lightroom Classic within seconds. The images are ready for culling and delivery before the shoot is over.

Flow Card describes the import via SD card, for example, when swapping cards during a shoot or when handling very large volumes of data. As soon as the memory card is inserted into the computer, the import into Lightroom Classic starts automatically. All images are then edited with Neurapix and prepared for culling with Neurapix Culling.

 

For everyone who needs (or wants) to deliver fast

Delivery speed is becoming the deciding factor in more and more photography segments. That's exactly what Neurapix Flow was developed for:

• Event and sports photographers send finished, stylistically consistent images to their agency or editorial desk while the event or game is still underway. No card reader, no all-nighter.
• Wedding photographers know the race against "Uncle Bob": minutes after the first dance, the guests' smartphone photos are already on WhatsApp or social media. With Neurapix Flow, the professionally edited photos land in Lightroom Classic while the party is still going. The first images can be handed over to the couple during the celebration itself.
• Family and portrait photographers show their clients a first selection of finished images at the end of the session, which turns same-day delivery into a bookable premium service.
• Content creators focused on social media have publication-ready photos in Lightroom Classic in real time so they can shoot, select and post while the moment is still trending.

 

Photographers stay in full control

As with every Neurapix edit, nothing is "burned" into the photo files: the AI simply sets the Lightroom sliders and the crop for each individual image. Photographers can continue editing every photo exactly where the AI left off right in Lightroom Classic.

"Whoever delivers first wins. That's as true at the sports desk as it is at a wedding reception," says Neurapix co-founder and CEO Nils Sauder. "With Neurapix Flow, images edited in the photographer's own style are available seconds after the shutter is released. At the same time, photographers retain full control. Neurapix Flow turns shooting and editing into a single step."

The new service is available to all Neurapix users after updating the Lightroom Classic plugin or installing it for the first time, and costs nothing extra for now. That means it is free on the Neurapix Unlimited plan, and on the Pay-per-Picture plan images are billed at the usual rate of 4 to 5 cents each.

* Neurapix Flow works with any camera that supports FTP transfer, as well as with the major camera manufacturers' cloud services. For more details, please visit the Neurapix Flow website.

 

About: Neurapix is a German AI start-up based in Goettingen that was founded in 2021. The company has developed an artificial intelligence that is able to learn a photographer's image editing style and apply it within Adobe Lightroom Classic. This allows photographers to have large numbers of photos edited in their own style, resulting in significant time savings of around 90%. More information: www.neurapix.com

Samyang's three f/2.8 zooms, co-designed with Schneider-Kreuznach, cover 14mm to 180mm on Sony full frame bodies while stepping away from the familiar 16-35mm, 24-70mm, and 70-200mm ranges. Trimming a few millimeters here and adding a few there is how a lens maker cuts size, weight, and price, and those are the things that decide whether a lens leaves your house or stays on the shelf.

 

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Nikon now owns RED, and the first camera to come out of that deal is the Nikon ZR, a compact body that records RED's raw codec for a little over $2,000. If you shoot video for clients or your own films, that pairing puts a codec once tied to cinema camera budgets inside a body small enough to balance on a basic gimbal.

 

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You've probably never considered your kitchen as a location for photography or as a place you can find tools that will actually help you better your photography skills but after reading this article, you'll soon realise it is. Things like pots and pans, colanders and even a trivet can be pressed into service as subjects.

Here's a list of items found in your kitchen that can help you better your photography or can make interesting subjects for your indoor shots. 

 

1. Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil isn't very expensive and it can help you create interesting backgrounds as well as bounce extra light into your shots. Add creases and lines to the foil to create textured backgrounds or get a little creative and make your own reflector by sticking silver foil to something that'll give it a bit more rigidity such as a piece of card. You could make a variety of sizes so you have reflectors that are suitable for a variety of subjects including portraits and Autumn macro work. 

  2. Metal Colander

You can bounce light from your flashgun into this kitchen utensil that'll widen the light, making it less harsh than direct flash alone. The humble colander can also be used as a photographic subject, cropping in close to focus on its shape. For the shot above, the camera was switched to incandescent white balance to create the blue cast and the lens was pulled back to include the sink which makes an interesting background. Foil was used to fill in shadows. 

 

3. Cutlery 

Spoons and forks can be used in still life images as well as in arty kitchen-themed images on their own. 

Before you start, you need to make sure your cutlery is clean and pick your backgrounds carefully. When it comes to placement, experimentation is key as there are various ways to arrange your props for a successful shot. For more tips, have a read of these articles:

• Tips On Photographing A Simple Still Life Shot
• Tips On Shooting Utensils And Cutlery In The Kitchen
   

4. Backgrounds

Worktops, wooden chopping boards and even the kitchen sink can be used as backgrounds for your shots. In fact, objects can be simply arranged on the worktop in various compositions, with the camera and lens simply aimed downwards.

 

5. Greaseproof Paper

Used by bakers normally, greaseproof paper can be used to diffuse light either from windows or flashguns. 

 

6. Food Photography 

Raid the fridge and you'll soon have plenty of items worth photographing. For tips on how you can improve your food photography shots, have a read of this: 10 Top Tips For Taking Better Photos Of Food.