Photography News

 

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of its new microSD Express card lineup, the P9 Express, designed to deliver next-gen gaming experiences and optimised for leading platforms, including the Nintendo Switch™ 2.

Based on the PCIe interface and NVMe protocol, SD Express technology significantly enhances data transfer performance compared to UHS-I cards, making it ideal for environments that demand high-capacity processing and fast data transmission.

The P9 Express is especially valuable for hardcore console gamers who frequently enjoy a diverse range of games and Downloadable Content (DLC), often demanding additional storage capacity beyond the internal storage. To meet different gaming needs, it is available in both 256GB and 512GB options. It also provides an ideal solution for multiple users sharing a single console, where ample capacity is required for several different game installations, helping gamers overcome limited internal storage and enjoy a wide variety of titles without compromise. When used with a dedicated SD Express interface, the P9 Express delivers sequential read speeds up to four times faster than UHS-I), enabling creators and professionals to efficiently move large volumes of data from devices to PCs, laptops, or workstations). This combination of high-speed performance and reliability makes the P9 Express an excellent choice for both immersive gaming experiences and demanding professional workflows, such as editing, rendering and managing large media files.

By leveraging ultra-fast transfer speeds, Host Memory Buffer (HMB) support, and advanced Dynamic Thermal Guard (DTG) technology, originally developed for SSDs, the P9 Express delivers a smooth gaming experience comparable to playing directly from internal storage. DTG technology intelligently monitors and regulates the card’s temperature, preventing overheating and maintaining consistent performance, even during long gaming sessions. HMB enhances performance by efficiently utilising the host system’s memory to accelerate data access, further improving responsiveness during gameplay. With maximum sequential read speeds of up to 800MB/s—up to four times faster than conventional UHS-I cards—this combination ensures stability, allowing gamers to stay fully immersed in gameplay without throttling or interruptions.

To protect valuable data—whether it’s saved game progress for gamers or large media files for creators and professionals—the P9 Express features safeguarding against water immersion, extreme temperatures, X-ray exposure, accidental drops, dust, and pressure. These robust protections ensure data integrity and sustainable performance, giving users peace of mind during extended gaming sessions as well as demanding professional workflows.

The 256GB and 512GB) models will be available for purchase in November. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) are £58.59 for the 256GB model and £99.99 for the 512GB model.

For more information — including warranty details — please visit the Samsung website.

In my new YouTube video, Shooting Epic Landscapes in Terrible Weather, I take you behind the scenes of one of the most intense stages of my award-winning project ENLIGHTEN. The episode is about a lesson I learned the hard way: how to work with difficult weather and why those conditions often lead to the most powerful images. Here’s the full story behind that shoot.

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Pen tablets are probably the only precision tools shared by photographers and illustrators, and they play a key role in the creative process. However, they could never really be that functional without a keyboard or mini keyboard on the side. This aims to change that.

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Skylum, a leading innovator in photo editing software, announces the fall update for its award-winning image editing program Luminar Neo. This version includes powerful enhancements to existing features as well as innovative new additions such as a Luminar Neo ecosystem, Restoration, and an AI editing assistant.

 

New features in Luminar Neo software Luminar Neo Ecosystem and Spaces

With Luminar Neo Ecosystem, users' devices connect to form a powerful cross-device editing ecosystem. This allows users to access and edit images on any of their devices. Seamless transfer of photos and adjustments between mobile devices and desktops, for example, allows creatives to implement their initial ideas and inspirations directly on their mobile devices while on the go. Back at their desk, they can continue the work process.

With Spaces, hobbyists and professional photographers can share personalized, curated web galleries that inspire, connect, and bring their work to life with their community, customers, and other creatives—without needing their own website.

Available to Ecosystem Pass holders and with Cross-Perpetual and Max-Perpetual licenses.

 

Professional-quality photo restoration

A new photo restoration feature allows users to restore historical or aged photos that show cracks, stains, or discoloration. Monochrome, color-cast, or faded photos are given a new lease on life with natural colors. Users can breathe new life into their old, valuable family and souvenir photos, for example. All it takes is a scan—or even just a photo of the original.

Available to Ecosystem Pass holders, in the 2025/2026 Upgrade Pass, and in Cross-Perpetual and Max-Perpetual licenses.

 

AI Assistant: An intelligent chatbot provides editing tips

Another new feature is an AI Assistant integrated into Luminar Neo, which provides editing tips, shares inspiration, and assists with specific steps through continuous image analysis. If users get stuck or need creative inspiration, the assistant is there to help.

Available to Ecosystem Pass holders, in the 2025/2026 Upgrade Pass, and in Cross-Perpetual and Max-Perpetual licenses.

 

Free upgrade for all existing users: Light Depth

The AI-powered “Relight AI” feature, which specifically adjusts light and exposure in a photo to balance the subject and background, has been replaced by the new, even more powerful “Light Depth” feature. Lighting conditions can now be specifically adjusted to achieve a more dramatic effect. Users can add virtual light sources and move them three-dimensionally within the image space for a realistic effect.

Available to all users

 

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Availability and pricing

The new features and enhancements will be available in early November 2025 with the next product update.

• Existing customers can access the new Ecosystem with the Ecosystem Pass for €69. New customers can access the Cross-device Perpetual for €109 and Max Perpetual licenses for €129.

• Restoration and the AI Assistant are included in the Ecosystem Pass, the 2025/2026 Upgrade Pass for €49, and also in the Cross-device Perpetual and Max Perpetual licenses.

• The new Light Depth feature will be available to all users upon release.

• Owners of the Ecosystem Pass and the 2025/2026 Upgrade Pass can also look forward to the 2026 Spring Update in spring 2026.

For more information on prices and access, please visit the website.

 

Black Friday Special

• Existing customers: The Ecosystem Pass and the 2025/2026 Upgrade Pass are available at a 50% discount for a limited time.
• New customers can get the Cross-device Perpetual, Max Perpetual, and Desktop Perpetual licenses at a 77% discount for a limited time.

 

Luminar Neo is available for purchase on the official Skylum website, as well as in the Microsoft Store and the Apple Mac App Store.

For more information on pricing and subscriptions, visit the Skylum website.

Every year, photographers start flocking to forests, woodlands, and landscapes known for their beauty at the start of fall. The almost luminous greens of summer begin to fade into brilliant orange, red, and yellow as the air turns colder. Autumn is that short-lived season that tests the patience and timing of every photographer. But to truly capture the fleeting beauty of autumn, you’ll need a good plan and strategy before you leave the warmth of your house.

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The Viltrox AF 14mm f/4 Air Z gives you an ultra-wide look at the world without adding bulk to your bag. For landscape and architecture work, a 14mm full frame prime can shift how you compose and see space. It’s compact, inexpensive, and seems designed for travel or anyone who wants a lightweight wide option.

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A fast 70–180mm zoom with a constant f/2.8 changes what you carry and how you shoot. Shallow depth of field, compact size, and real stabilization make this class versatile for events, portraits, and video.

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The self-timer feature is something which is available on most camera models and it's a shutter delay that when activated, stops the shutter from firing and taking the picture when the shutter button or release is pressed for a designated amount of time. This delay is useful for a number of reasons which are listed below. 

 

1. Close-Up Work

The other advantage of having a timer is to save you having to use a cable release when the camera is mounted on a tripod or resting on a secure base. You set the timer and the delay means there's no hand contact that could potentially cause camera shake when the shutter is pressed. The 10-second delay is not really necessary for this, so that's where the shorter delays come in handy.

 

 

2. Self Portraits And Group Shots

The idea is you can take self-portraits without having to be seen stretched out as you fire the camera at arms' length. All you do is activate the timer, press the shutter release and move in front of the camera, strike a pose - all within the timer's limit - and then you'll be the focus of your photo.

It can also be used to ensure you're in a family or group shot. You can arrange a small or larger group of people and allow space for yourself, activate the timer and move into the shot. This saves you having to give the camera to the waiter or tourist to take the photo, preventing an embarrassment or even potential theft!

 

3. Low Light Photography 

As with close-up work, your camera's self-timer can be used to reduce the chances of camera shake spoiling your shots when working in low light. At this time of year, your self-timer will be useful in dark woodland where you may be photographing close-ups of fungi. Again, you won't need a really long delay, a couple of seconds will be fine. 

 

 

4. Check Your Focus

There are a few things to do to help improve your photos when using the self-timer. The first is ensuring accurate focus. If you're doing a self-portrait you won't be in the photo when you press the shutter and as a result, the picture could end up blurry as the camera could lock focus on the background. One way around this is to point the camera at something that is at the same distance that you will be when the photo is taken. Press the shutter release and recompose before running in front of the camera. In a group shot this is easy - make sure you either focus on a person to the side if you're going to be in the centre or focus on the centre person and join the group at the edge.

 

5. Check The Edges Of The Frame

The other thing to avoid is a table edge being in the frame when you are taking a group shot in a restaurant or bar and decide to use a nearby table as support. The camera, when set to wide-angle, may pick up an edge of the support. Move the camera so it's right at the edge of the table, making sure it's balanced well and cannot fall off!

Another problem you may be faced with when resting the camera on a flat surface is that the height may not be right when you look through the viewfinder and often the heads or feet of your group will be cut off. If this happens, try and angle the camera so all of your group is in the shot.

The X-E5 targets a very specific need: a compact rangefinder-style body that still hands you serious files and usable video. If you shoot streets, travel, or daily life and want IBIS, a modern 40.2-megapixel sensor, and Fujifilm color without carrying a brick, this will get your attention.

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‘Forest’ by BathBun stood out in the Gallery this week, earning the title of ‘Photo of the Week’ (POTW).

This is a fantastic shot and a fine example of great photography. Taken along the Oregon coast, it presents a group of Sea Palms growing on rocks washed by the tide. The long exposure turns the rushing water into soft white streaks, giving the scene a dreamy, almost misty look. The dark forms of the Sea Palms rise above the flow, adding contrast and focus to the scene. The monochrome treatment enhances the mood, giving it an atmospheric and fascinating feel. It is well seen with great subject choice, fine balance and a well-deserved POTW.

Every Photo of the Week (POTW) winner will be rewarded with a Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card with SD adapter, providing top-tier storage for all your creative needs across multiple devices. But that's not all! In January 2026, we’ll crown our 2025 Photo of the Year winner, who will take home the ultimate prize of a Samsung Portable 1TB SSD T7 Shield, courtesy of Samsung. It’s time to shoot, submit, and showcase your best work for a chance to win these incredible rewards!

You push hard for “the shot,” then come home with images that feel flat. Woodland scenes punish rushing, and chasing a single hero frame often blinds you to the place that would deliver it on a better day.

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Leading up to Halloween you may like to spend some time in your local graveyard... you will find plenty to photograph and much of it will be in the detail. You should remember that graveyards are, by their very nature, places that should be treated with respect, but don’t let that put you off: as long as you behave yourself you shouldn’t get into too much trouble.

  1. Kit Choices 

A zoom lens with close focusing capabilities will be useful and a tripod will certainly improve the quality of your pictures. If you fancy doing something a little more dramatic you could also consider using some 'off camera' lighting, either a flash or even a torch.
 

2. Detail Is King Here

First, look around for interesting details, there shouldn’t be any shortage of these. They could be stone, lichen or moss, text on the gravestones, sculpture, ironwork, trees or the flowers left on the graves. When you have found something that interests you, look at it carefully and decide how best to make a picture out of it. Consider where the light is coming from, what angle will best suit the subject and how tight you should frame it. It is these decisions that will make the pictures ‘work’ or not. If you are getting in really close then try using different apertures: isolating the detail by shooting wide open or stopping right down to get the subject sharp from front to back. 

 

3. Think About What Distractions 

When you are looking at detail, it is usually best to try and frame in such a way that there is no distraction in the foreground or background – unless you are making some specific use of them. To do this, you may need to get right in close. If your camera then struggles to find something to focus on, try switching to manual, focus as close as the lens will permit and then move the camera to get the subject sharp.

  4. Don't Be Afraid Of The Dark 

You can also get some spooky results by waiting until it is dark and then shooting with the camera on a tripod and ‘painting’ with a torch. Get the camera focused on what you want to photograph, a gravestone for instance, set the ISO to around 200 and the shutter to ‘B’ then do a test, open the shutter and ‘paint’ with your torch. With digital cameras, you can see the result straight away so review the picture and adjust the amount of time you take to do your ‘painting’. If your torch is not bright enough you might start to get problems with noise, but it is easier to get subtle shading if you have a little longer so don’t use a super bright torch. It may take a while to get it right, but it’s very rewarding when it works.   

Every photographer has those days (or trips) when we just want to bring a small and light camera and be more casual photographers. Then there are those, like me, who do not want to miss out if a tripod is needed on the go. This might be an option.

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Every seascape photographer knows the frustration: a stunning location, epic waves, and a sky on fire—but the tide is all wrong. Forget endlessly checking charts. What if you simply received an alert at the exact moment when light, water, and tide align for your masterpiece? A revolutionary new tool does exactly that.

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Every generation has its lens. Picture a child in 1905 clutching a Kodak Brownie, the first camera their family could afford, suddenly able to freeze a moment that would have otherwise vanished into the fog of memory. The family gathering instantly captured on Polaroid 1973. The night out captured on iPhone and uploaded to Facebook in 2010. These were the cameras of your time.

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The latest winner of our popular daily photography theme which takes place in our forums have been chosen and congratulations go to Arkwright (Day 18 - Backlight).

 

Daily Theme Runners-Up

If you didn't win this time, keep uploading your images to the daily competition forum for another chance to win! If you're new to the Daily Theme, you can find out more about it in the Daily Theme Q&A. 

Well done to our latest runners-up, too, whose images you can take a look at below.

  Day 19

Cross Polarisation

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  Day 20

Vista and View

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Day 21

Bad Weather Landscape

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Day 22

Kitchen Item

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  Day 23

'Busy' Theme

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Day 24

Town Architecture

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You’ll find the Daily Themes, along with other great photo competitions, over in our Forum. Take a look to see the latest daily photo contests. Open to all levels of photographer, you’re sure to find a photography competition to enter. Why not share details of competitions with our community? Join the camaraderie and upload an image to our Gallery.

  As photographers, when we think of mood, we think of stormy, dark and dramatic, but mood can equally relate to any lighting type that evokes a feeling. Photographically then, mood can readily be associated with weather conditions – calm and misty mornings, dramatic cloudy days with sunbeams and often, the most dramatic mood can be obtained on those days you might think offer less promise – as it only takes a break in stormy clouds to give a magnificent, moody image.

 

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.

Pixieset has long been a go-to platform for photographers, offering a polished way to deliver client galleries, host portfolios, and sell images since pioneering this service in 2013. Fast forward to 2021, when Pixieset released their Studio Manager and has transformed into a comprehensive client management system that cuts down administrative tasks, streamlines client interactions, and optimizes workflows. This upgrade empowers photographers to focus on what matters, making their work life smoother and more productive, and getting paid faster. In this article, we explore what Pixieset is known for, how it’s changed, and why it’s an excellent all-in-one solution for photographers.

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Autofocus systems have come a long way, but even the best can still miss. When you rely on them to track fast or unpredictable subjects, you start to notice which brands handle those challenges with real consistency and which don’t.

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Two fast 56mm primes on X mount go head to head: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro XF and the Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 R WR. If you shoot portraits, the way these two handle focus, sharpness, and blur can change what your keeper rate and look actually are.

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