Photography News

I know the first thing some people will ask: 'why?' Well, to be fair, that is a perfectly sound question and yes, why bother standing in a stream and shoot water bubbles. To me, it is because you can and with digital there is no cost. It is also a nice break from the usual blurred water shots that many of us love. So, while you are out there doing waterfalls, spend a few minutes afterwards trying this subject.
 

"It is fun, challenging and you may even like the results. In fact, if you want some abstracts to hang up, this technique is worth trying", ePHOTOzine.

Of course, you can shoot water bubbles in the bath, should you feel that way inclined. However, this idea is water bubbles in a babbling brook or at the foot of a waterfall. Health and safety point here: Please take care on slippery rocks and obviously take care of your kit.

  1. Take A Support

You could, of course, use a tripod and position the camera so it is pointing down. Tripods that have a centre column that can be swung round to horizontal make it easier to shoot down onto the water's surface as well as offering more support than working hand-held will. Do make sure your tripod is secure and balanced so it won't fall over, camera first into the stream or river you're photographing.
 

2. Pick The Right Lenses

Lens-wise, try your lens's macro feature or use a macro lens. A macro lens used close up is perfect, but there won't be a great deal of depth-of-field at such fast shutter speeds. Setting a high ISO is an option, but that depends on the noise performance of your camera.

3. Dress Appropriately

Wear sturdy boots, making sure they are waterproof if you're planning on standing in a stream. Wellies or waders mean that you have more freedom regarding camera position but you can just find a suitable spot by keeping your feet dry and standing on a rock or something. You'll also need a warm, waterproof jacket, particularly at this time of year when a rain shower is a common thing. Various jackets and photographer's vests are available on the market.
 

4. Choose The Right Shutter Speeds

Find yourself a good spot in the stream. This can be in a sunbeam or it can be in the shade. However, very fast shutter speeds are the order of the day, so check the lighting and if you are getting 1/1000sec or more, great. It is an opportunity to explore those speeds of 1/2000sec and 1/4000sec. As with blurring flowing water, try different shutter speeds. Flash is worth a try too.

  

5. Let's Talk About Focus And Exposure

Exposure and focusing are technical challenges. Your camera is not going to manage to autofocus – water bubbles do not hang around waiting for your AF to kick in. The best thing is to focus manually and then change the camera position to get sharp focus. The reject rate will be high.

Exposure can be tricky because you have a bright, sunlit bubble against a dark background, and the scene is constantly changing. Like focusing, taking the manual option is worth serious thought. Meter manually, shoot some frames and make adjustments. Once you have metered for a particular lighting situation, it is time to start shooting.
 

6. Don't Stop Shooting

Shoot lots. You are not going to get the perfect picture in a couple of frames. You will find that the micro landscape in front of you is never the same twice – miss a shot and you are not going to get another identical shot. Put in a positive way, every shot you take will be unique – no question. You can also play around with your images in Photoshop, flipping images to create interesting patterns etc. 

 

 

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

Many of today's advanced AI software features require extra subscriptions. This is also true for Photoshop's premium AI models in Generative Fill. But what if you could access the powerful Nano Banana AI for retouching without committing to another subscription? In this article, I reveal a pay-as-you-go method for using cutting-edge AI in Photoshop.

 

A few months ago, I wrote an article showcasing the power of Google’s Nano Banana AI when used for retouching in Photoshop. In the same article, I also complained that using it would require yet another subscription.

[Read More]

The Fstoppers community is brimming with creative vision and talent. Every day, we comb through your work, looking for images to feature as the Photo of the Day or simply to admire your creativity and technical prowess. In 2026, we're featuring a new photographer every month, whose portfolio represents both stellar photographic achievement and a high level of involvement within the Fstoppers community. 

[Read More]

Nobody buys a Leica because of its autofocus. Nobody chooses a Leica M11-P over a Sony a7R V because the spec sheet wins. The M11-P uses a manual rangefinder mechanism that was functionally mature by the 1960s. In any feature comparison against a modern mirrorless camera, the Leica loses on nearly every measurable axis: autofocus speed, burst rate, video capability, lens versatility, weather-sealing, and especially price-to-specification ratio. 

[Read More]

Printing from an 11-megapixel file in 2025 sounds like a recipe for soft, pixelated results, but modern AI upscaling has changed what's actually possible. The gap between what a low-resolution file contains and what you can put on a large print is now much smaller than it used to be. 

[Read More]

The iPad Pro has tempted photographers for years with its portability and touchscreen display, but most people who try it for serious editing eventually drift back to their laptops. Evan Ranft spent six months with the M5 iPad Pro figuring out exactly why that happens and what to do instead. 

[Read More]

Minimalist photography sounds simple, but the harder you chase it, the more it slips away. The moment you name your style, you've already done what you were trying to avoid: labeled it, boxed it, explained it away. 

[Read More]

Street photography sits at an uncomfortable intersection for many people: is it documentation or intrusion? The answer shapes not just how you approach it, but whether you approach it at all. 

[Read More]

  Natural light is often the only light available to us when we are out shooting. But far from being an untameable beast, there are several ways that you can control it to achieve your desired photo.   1. Pay Attention To How It 'Looks'

A scene can look very different depending on what time of day you're looking at it. For this reason, when possible, it's worth visiting a location at various points a day or so before you want to take your photos as this will give you the opportunity to judge when it looks at its best. Of course, this isn't always possible but a little research on the internet may uncover some information on your chosen location you can use to your advantage.

Don't always think you have to shoot in the 'golden hours' either as you some subjects, such as close-up work for creating textures, look better when photographed at other points during the day. Having said that, early morning or late sun can transform a scene which appears flat and not very inspiring during the middle of the day. 
 

2. Light Direction

By changing your shooting position or moving your subject (if possible) you can alter the direction the light falls. The relationship between the direction of light and your subject is important as it can change your image from a good shot to a great one. Think about light direction when setting up and decide if front, side or backlight is perfect for the scene. Side lighting often produces the best highlights and shadows which is key for giving shots a dimensional feel. 

 

 

3. Reflect Light

Reflectors come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Predominantly though they are white, silver or gold and each type of colour will reflect light slightly differently. White reflectors are a safe bet but if you want a brighter light, use a silver reflector, while gold ones produce a warmer light. 

Why do you need to use a reflector? Well, it's a simple and reasonably inexpensive way to bounce light where it's needed. Try not to hold the reflector too low and remember that light will bounce back off a reflector at the same angle it hit it at. Also, the closer the reflector is to your subject, the stronger the light reflecting off it will be. 
 

4. Diffuse Light 

When working indoors with window light, curtains can be used as barn doors or flags to control the 'spill' of the light and a net or something similar can be used to diffuse and soften the light.  

If you're working outdoors ask your subject to move into a shaded area where the light will be more even and as a result, your portrait will be more flattering. 

 

 

 

5. Post Processing

Even though we strive to get everything right in camera, often shots need a slight tweak during post-production to balance the tonal range. We know this isn't about working with natural light when out in the field but it's about making the natural light balance correctly throughout the image. 
 

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

A day out at the coast gives you a good excuse to get your camera out of its bag. It doesn't matter if you're going on a family day-trip or with a group of fellow photographers as you'll be able to capture a decent amount of imagery with whoever you go with, although your family probably won't want to see you looking down your view-finder all of the time!

In this article, we list 10 popular photography tutorials which are all about taking photos at the coast as well as offer some advice on what gear you might want to consider packing next time you head for the beach.

 

1. Beach Photography Tips - 5 Top Ways To Shoot Beach-Themed Images

 

2. Photography Tips For Shooting At The Coast  As And After The Sun Has Set 

 

  3. Tips And Kit Suggestions For Photographing Piers At The Coast 

 

4. Edwin Brosens Shares His Top Tips On Capturing Seascapes

 

 

5. Coastal Compact Camera Close-Up Photography Tips

 

6. Step Down Onto The Sand And Under The Pier For A Spot Of Pier Photography

 

7. How To Capture Lighthouse Landscape Shots On Your Coast Visit

    8. Top Flotsam Photography Tips For You To Read

  9. Five Tips To Improve Your Coastal Landscape Shots

 

10. Ten Top Tips To Help You Improve Your Seaside Photography

 

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

Somewhere in every beginner photography forum, someone posts their first edited photo and asks for feedback. And somewhere in the replies, someone says: "You should really learn Photoshop." The implication is that Lightroom is training wheels, that serious photographers use Photoshop, and that the beginner will not produce professional-quality work until they learn layers, masks, blend modes, and frequency separation. 

That advice made sense in 2012. In 2026, it is actively counterproductive for most photographers.

[Read More]

There is no shortage of talented photographers. Every year, more people buy a camera, launch a website, announce their new business, and genuinely believe they are about to build something sustainable. Many of them never do. 

That's not because photography is impossible to make money from, or because the market is completely saturated, or because only a lucky few can succeed. Most photography businesses fail for much simpler reasons: weak foundations, poor pricing, inconsistent marketing, avoidable burnout, and a misunderstanding of what clients are actually paying for.

[Read More]

Most photographers hit a wall where their shots feel technically fine but visually flat. Knowing why that happens is the first step to fixing it, and a handful of specific, repeatable mistakes are almost always responsible. 

[Read More]

Infrared photography turns familiar landscapes into something almost otherworldly, with blown-out white foliage, dark skies, and a contrast you simply can't replicate in post.  

[Read More]

Fujifilm's GFX system produces some of the most detailed, tonally rich files available to working photographers today, and the lens lineup is both the system's greatest strength and its most significant financial commitment. After six years of building out a GFX kit, Samuel Elkins has opinions on what actually earns its place in the bag and what doesn't. 

[Read More]

The Fujifilm X-E5 is a compact, rangefinder-style APS-C camera with a 40-megapixel sensor, in-body stabilization, and a $1,700 body-only price tag. That combination sounds compelling on paper, but the real question is whether the image quality holds up when you push past the base ISO. 

[Read More]

Is the old way of retouching dead? With various AI plugins, the world of classical retouching is definitely changing. Recently, I tried out Retouch4Me and some of their plugins, and these are my thoughts as a working pro on whether it is something that would fit into my workflow or not, as well as where it excels and where I find it to struggle more. Retouch4Me has a suite of different plugins across frequency separation, dodging, burning, healing, cloning, fabric removal, dust removal on a backdrop, and many more. 

[Read More]

Have you ever dreamed of stumbling across a Rolleiflex for $180, or a Widelux for $1,400? 

 

These are exactly the kind of deals waiting for you at Karachi's Hakeem Centre in Pakistan, as captured by Karl Rock in this incredible video.

[Read More]

 

As we dream of jetting off to warmer climates in search of sea, sun and some scenic shots to photograph, we thought we'd put together a collection of top travel tutorials you really should have a look at before you head off with your case packed and photographic gear ready.

 

1. How To Improve Your Travel Photography Portraits Instantly

We share our tips on how to successfully photograph the people who live in the place you're travelling to with kit advice, tips on framing and more. 

  2. Six Awesome Travel Food Photography Tips For That Perfect Instagram Shot

As well as portraits and shots of beaches why not take a few photos of the plates of food you purchase? After all, getting your smartphone out before you chow down is the normal thing to do nowadays, isn't it?

 

3. How To Photograph Ruins in 5 Easy Steps

Historical ruins such as churches, castles and abbeys decorate our countryside and seaside towns but you'll also find a few smaller, but still impressive ruins closer to home. Walls, arches and columns are still dotted around a few towns and villages which are still photogenic even if there's not much of the structure left to photograph. If you're off on your travels, have a look online and at local tourism centres to find out what ruins are near to where you're staying.

 

 

 

4. How To Keep Shooting During Those Hot, Sunny Days

If you're heading off on holiday here are a few tips to help you keep taking photos when it's hot outside. Plus, as well as looking after your gear, don't forget to look after yourself. It may seem obvious now, but it's easy to get away with taking photos and the small things such as reapplying sunscreen and having a drink of water can be forgotten.

 

5. Ten Safety Tips For When Traveling With A Camera 

Here's a quick list of quick but essential tips to help you keep your camera safe while on holiday. 

 

6. Learn To Convey A Sense Of Place And Culture With Your Travel Shots

When shooting travel images, as well as showing people back home that you had a really great time and that it was sunny every day, try capturing shots that convey a sense of place and culture as well. 

 

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

 

In most cases, when manufacturers moved from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, this also meant a new mount to accommodate the reduced back focus distance. No longer did lenses have to be designed with the DSLR mirror box in mind. The main consequence is that we might be left with an impressive collection of fine DSLR lenses with a dwindling supply of new bodies to use them with. As technology developed further, we would need new lenses along with the resulting expense. The answer is, of course, a lens adapter, enabling the old lenses to be used on the new cameras. Ideally, that would include transmission of data and full operation of AF and exposure information.

The Canon solution is the EF-EOS R AF Mount Adapter, at a price as we might expect. Enter Meike, with their own version of the adapter range, plus quite a few additional filters of their own. The Meike adapter range is much more affordable, and Meike has a growing and impressive reputation for efficient, well made kit, so this makes a very interesting proposition.

Armed with the 26MP Canon EOS RP body plus the very fine Canon EOS EF 50mm f/1.8 lens, let's see how the Meike adapter brings these two together.

 

Meike Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Handling and Features

The version of the adapter provided for review is the MK-EFTR-C, with a drop-in filter facility and two drop-in filters provided. These are the V-ND, a variable neutral density filter, plus a clear filter. Including the V-ND, the adapter weighs in at a featherweight 136.8g. Dimensions are a trim 73.0mm x 24.7mm. 

There are electronic connections and AF is fully supported. It is quite clear that the adapter is very well made, from the look and feel of the components to the smooth action when bayoneting either lens to the adapter or the adapter to the R body. Although tempting perhaps to think an adapter contributes little of its own and is just an interface, in fact, there is much more to it than that. Apart from the need for precision in manufacture, of which more in a moment, there is the need for rapid AF performance and correct transmission of EXIF and other data.

 

 

To ensure absolute precision in the connection of the lenses, a couple of shims are provided and these can be used if the tolerances should happen to be slightly out. There was no evidence of that, so they were not needed, but it's good to know that should it be necessary, the point is well covered.

There are several versions of the Meike adapter. The one provided for the review is the MK-EFTR-C, which includes a drop-in filter V-ND plus a clear filter. V-ND is a variable neutral density filter ND-3 to ND-500 mounted in a beautifully designed drop-in system that is compatible with the original Canon version. There is also available an MK-EFTR-B, which is a version with the control ring. A third option is MK-EFTR-CPL, with a drop in polarising filter. The plastic case for the storage of filters not in use is another design gem. This all adds up to a very efficient way of storing and changing filters. This is so much easier than using screw in front filters and, of course, also means just one set of filters regardless of the lens in use. 

 

 

Rotating filters are especially easy to use, as a small wheel is provided that enables adjustment. The obvious application would be the polariser, or as in the case of the version provided, a variable ND. This also extends to a whole series of filters from Meike and the leaflet provided in the box lists some 22 options. Admittedly, these are mostly various ND filters, plus the variable ND, the clear filter and the C-PL. The “Creative filters” include various star, streak and rainbow effects.

However, the basic application is, of course, the ability to use Canon EF and EF-S lenses on the new Canon R bodies, specifically EOS-R, RP, R5, R6, R7, R10, C70 and Red Komodo. Let's now have a look at how the adapter performs in use and see whether we have a viable and reliable alternative to the Canon original product.

 

Meike Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Performance

First job is to align the correct colour of dot with the EF (red) or EFR-S (white) index on the mount, and the lens smoothly clicks into place. The fitting end of the adapter, with its generous seal, offers a moisture and dust resistant interface with the camera body. After that, we can use our EF or EF-S lenses as they were intended, and of course, there are many fine lenses that have long working lives ahead of them yet.

The drop-in filter system is magnificent, so easy to use and such an excellent idea. The filters themselves do not seem to create any CA effects, perhaps the very slightest sign of an increase in fringing at the mid point of the V-ND, but even then very difficult to induce. As we rotate the V-ND, the colour balance does not seem to be severely affected, certainly not in any way that is obvious to the eye, although a slight shift might be expected at high values approaching the maximum.

AF operation is also unimpaired and the camera operates just as it would normally be expected to.

The instructions suggest that the filter should be removed before installing on the camera, something that might easily be forgotten. The idea that a filter should always be installed is a more obvious one. Failing to do this would result in light leaking in to the side of the lens, running the risk of creating flare effects.

 

MEIKE Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Sample Photos Previous Next

You can view additional images in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own reviews, photos and product ratings.

 

[HOOK]position_1[/HOOK]

  Value For Money

The kit as provided, the [AMUK]Meike MK-EFTR-C Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter|Meike+MK-EFTR-C+Drop-in+Filter+Mount+Adapter[/AMUK] with V-ND and Clear filters, is priced at £135.99.

There are other kit versions:

• [AMUK]MK-EFTR-B with Control Ring|Meike+MK-EFTR-B[/AMUK], £79.99
• [AMUK]MK-EFTR-CPL Circular Polarising Filter for MK-EFTR-C|Meike+MK-EFTR-CPL[/AMUK], £55.99
• [AMUK]MK-EFTR-VND Variable ND filter|Meike+MK-EFTR-VND[/AMUK], £55.99

To put this in perspective, some Canon original options:

• Canon mount adapter with control ring, £239
• Canon drop-in filter mount adapter with C-PL filter A, £359
• Canon drop-in filter mount adapter with V-ND filter A, £499

Those figures are pretty dramatic and in terms of pricing the Meike looks very attractive indeed.

 

 

Meike Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Verdict

Meike is pitching in here with an excellent product at a very attractive price point compared to the OEM version from Canon. There may be those who, regardless, will always opt for the manufacturer's original version for any and all accessories, and that's fair enough, although we know it comes at a price. Manufacturers such as Meike compete with keen pricing, but at a quality level that does the job and does it well. The irony is that often the after market items have features that extend and even improve on the original. Meike is a manufacturer that does this very well, and this latest adapter is a great example of a really well designed and manufactured item that can hold its head high, at a price level that brings it into range for many more photographers.

The Meike adapter is Highly Recommended.

 

Meike Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Pros

• Very well designed and made
• Efficient and reliable operation
• Keenly priced
• Enables full use of DSLR lenses on mirrorless bodies
• Moisture and dust resistance

 

Meike Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter MK-EFTR-C Cons

• Some slightly fiddly instructions re shims, should they be needed

 

[REVIEW_FOOTER]R_features=4.5|R_handling=4.5|R_performance=5|R_value=5|R_overall=4.5|A_level=4.5|A_text=Highly Recommended – A well priced alternative to the OEM version, enabling continued use of DSLR lenses on mirrorless cameras.|E_id=8027[/REVIEW_FOOTER]

.borders { border: 1px solid #ccc !important; border-collapse: collapse; } .borders td,.borders tr { border: 1px solid #ccc !important; } .borders { border: 1px solid #ccc !important; border-collapse: collapse; } .borders td,.borders tr { border: 1px solid #ccc !important; }