Photography News

Anyone can walk into a store, buy a camera, and shoot a wedding the next weekend. That reality sits behind one of the most common questions couples ask: why does wedding photography cost thousands of dollars when the barrier to entry looks so low?

 

[Read More]

Capturing a galaxy 12 million light years away takes clear skies, a tracking mount, hours of long exposures, and a stacking process most beginners never attempt. Getting all of that to line up in Iceland during a yellow weather warning is where the real story begins.

 

[Read More]

 

1. Where To Go? 

Meadows with wildflowers growing in abundance are great places for photographing butterflies but please don't trespass on other people's property. You could also visit one of the many nature reserves or public gardens found right across the UK.

If you can't get out and about to photograph butterflies it's worth growing plants in your garden or window boxes etc. that will attract butterflies. These include Aubrieta, Buddleia, Primrose, Honeysuckle, Lavender, Lilac, Marigold, Phlox, Mint, and Thyme. Get to know which plants caterpillars feed upon, too, as you can plant them in your garden or look out for them on your travels.
 

2. Buy A Guide

A butterfly guide book can be very useful in identifying the species whilst out in the field. Occasionally, you may come across a species which is rare or not even native to the UK, it’s handy to know if you have spotted a rare species or even one in decline so you can report your sighting. Of course, you can also use the internet once back home for your research. 

 

 

3. Time Of Day

The best time of day to maximise your chances of photographing butterflies will be early morning or in the evening as they don't move around as quickly. At these times, you may even be lucky enough to see one emerging or covered in dew which can make for that extra special photograph. 

Try to stand/approach them so your shadow doesn't cover them as they'll tend to fly off in search of a sunnier spot. 

If you start out early and temperatures are relatively cool then you may get lucky and find a few sleeping. By approaching slowly and quietly you may be able to move distracting stems etc. out of the way without disturbing your subject, to help with a more pleasing composition. Do take care not to destroy their habitat as many species are declining in numbers.
 

4. Shutter Speeds & Set-Up

Another way to increase your chances of capturing a good shot is by switching to burst mode / continuous shooting. By doing so your camera will rapidly take a series of shots.

Instead of chasing a butterfly around your garden, it can be easier to find a plant you know they like and set up nearby. Then you just have to wait patiently for your subject to land on the part of the plant you're framed upon. It can be a little hit and miss and you will, more than likely, end up waiting a while but on a warm summer's day, having to sit out in your garden isn't really a bad way to pass a few hours!

 

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

In February 1996, five of the biggest names in photography, companies that spent the rest of the century trying to bury each other, walked onto one stage in Las Vegas and formally launched a film format they had built together in secret. The five of them had already sunk around $500 million into it between them and expected to spend roughly that much again. Fifteen years later almost nobody remembered it existed.

 

[Read More]

Apple has announced updated versions of the Mac mini with M6 and Mac mini with M5 Pro, bringing faster CPU, GPU, storage, and AI performance to the compact desktop while adding Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, faster Ethernet, and genlock support. Preorders open August 25, 2026, with the computers scheduled to begin shipping on September 22, 2026. 

[Read More]

Apple has announced a new generation of Mac Studio, bringing its M5 Max and M5 Ultra processors to the compact desktop along with faster storage, Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and significantly expanded unified memory options. 

The new Mac Studio with M5 Max starts at $2,499, while the Mac Studio with M5 Ultra starts at $5,499. Preorders opened August 25, 2026, with general availability scheduled for September 22. Configurations with 512 GB of unified memory are expected in late October.

[Read More]

Apple has announced two new Apple silicon chips aimed at very different levels of desktop computing: M6 for the new Mac mini and M5 Ultra for the new Mac Studio. M6 introduces Apple’s first 2 nm chip design, while M5 Ultra uses a new quad-die architecture to push CPU, GPU, memory, media, and AI performance further at the high end. 

[Read More]

© EISA

 

Nikon's on a roll at the 2026 EISA Awards, landing four accolades that span both camera and lens categories. The recognition covers a solid range of gear, from the specialist ZR video camera to everyday workhorse lenses. The judges clearly valued Nikon's approach to building a complete, capable system. From solo videographers to working photographers, there's something in this award haul worth considering.

 

From Nikon:

Nikon proudly announces its success at the 2026–2027 Expert Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Awards, receiving four accolades across a range of product categories.

The accolades include:

• The Nikon ZR awarded “Photo/Video Camera 2026-2027"
• The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens awarded “Lens of the Year”
• The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 lens taking home “Standard Lens” award
• The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens receiving the “Telephoto Zoom Lens” award

Nikon's cutting-edge dedicated video camera, the ZR, impressed the judges with its advanced subject-tracking autofocus, built-in 7.5-stop image stabilisation, impressive video quality, excellent audio, and large, bright 4-inch screen. Incorporating advanced video codecs and colour technology from Nikon-owned RED, while providing access to the expansive Nikon Z system, the ZR was praised as a unique tool for ambitious videographers.

Nikon's next-gen NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens was lauded in its category for its lighter design, enhanced optical performance, and video-friendly internal zoom construction. The lens stood out for its more lightweight design, faster autofocus and improved sharpness at close distances, with the judges describing the lens as a “top-class professional lens without any weaknesses”.

Judges were also impressed by Nikon’s compact NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 lens, citing its versatile macro capabilities, bright f/1.7 aperture, and excellent optical performance in their acclaim. Judges praised it as the perfect second lens for Nikon DX users, offering the versatility of both a standard and macro lens in a lightweight, compact design.

Nikon’s second-generation NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II lens was recognised for its impressive range of improvements, including a lighter design, faster autofocus, and enhanced optical performance. Featuring improved coatings, an 11-blade aperture for beautifully smooth bokeh, and up to 6 stops of image stabilisation when paired with compatible Nikon cameras, the lens delivers outstanding results for both stills and video.

The four awards showcase Nikon’s continued commitment to world-class design and engineering excellence, empowering photographers and videographers with pioneering equipment that allow them to push the boundaries of creativity and achieve exceptional results.

 

© EISA

 

EISA comments for “Photo/Video Camera 2026-2027" award

With the ZR, Nikon has created a dedicated video camera packed with attractive features at a reasonable price. Incorporating advanced video codecs and colour technology from Nikon-owned RED, videographers get a unique tool with access to the expansive Nikon Z system. Impressive video quality, excellent audio, built-in 7.5-stop image stabilisation, Nikon’s advanced subject-tracking autofocus, and a huge, bright 4” screen provide solo creators and ambitious videographers with a complete, highly capable tool with extensive production potential.

 

© EISA

 

EISA comments for the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II ”Lens of the Year 2026-2027" award

Nikon has improved its fast standard zoom lens in a number of impressive ways. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 130 grams lighter than its predecessor, and it’s better suited for video thanks to internal zoom construction, which makes it easier to operate on a gimbal. Focusing has become even faster with minimal breathing, while sharpness has been improved at shorter distances. The anti-reflective coating is improved and is now class leading. Overall, this results in a top-class professional lens without any weaknesses. It’s true workhorse for professionals and a real investment in image quality for photo enthusiasts.

 

© EISA

 

EISA comments for the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 “Standard Lens” award 2026-2027

The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is a real jewel in Nikon’s lens range. The optical construction is designed for DX (APS-C) sensors, and it functions as both a macro lens for close-ups, and a standard lens with relatively high brightness. Compact size, low weight and great sharpness are among its many attractive features. Linear distortion is almost unnoticeable and there’s little vignetting either. Other practical features are weather sealing and inner focusing. The lens covers the same subject area as a 1:1 macro lens for full frame. It’s the perfect second lens for owners of DX-format mirrorless Nikon cameras.

 

© EISA

 

EISA comments for the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II “Telephoto Zoom Lens”award 2025-2026

This second-generation professional telephoto zoom boasts an impressive array of improvements over its already excellent predecessor. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S II is significantly lighter, focuses faster and closer, is perfectly balanced and ideal for both video and stills. With the uncompromising quality of Nikon’s S series, improved coating and 11 aperture blades, this zoom delivers superb image quality and strikingly fine bokeh, whether you’re shooting portraits or following fast athletes. The detachable tripod foot is now Arca-Swiss compatible, while the optical image stabiliser provides 6 stops shake compensation while working together with the camera’s in-body stabilisation. It’s Nikon’s best zoom yet.

Every year, the EISA Awards celebrate those new products that combine the most advanced technology and desirable features with class-leading performance. The EISA Awards extend from the most affordable, high-value products to the most aspirational expressions of modern consumer electronics. Award categories change from year to year, reflecting the evolution of product design and connectivity, but every EISA Award winner remains the very best in its class. 

For more information, please visit the EISA website.

  If used correctly, the empty space you leave in your shots (negative space) can make your photograph more interesting and easier to focus on rather than trying to fill every inch of the frame with interest. Negative space can play several important compositional roles so here are a few tips to help you think more about making the most of what's not in your scene:  

 

1. Reinforce What's Important

The obvious role of negative space is to show the viewer of your image what is and what isn't important in your shot. If there's nothing else fighting for focus, their eyes will be able to settle on your main subject without searching the rest of the shot first.

2. Balance Your Shot

Negative space can make a shot appear more balanced and as a general rule, you need twice as much negative space to the area taken up by your subject. For example, if you shot a close-up portrait and your subject fills the right third of the frame, you'd want the two thirds to the left to be negative space.
 

3. Give Your Shot Context

Of course, there are times, such as when you're shooting environmental portraits where you want to make the most of the size of the place you're taking photos in, when the above rule won't apply.

With environmental portraits, it's often what's around your subject that gives the shot more interest so filling your frame with your subject would mean the context would be lost.

 

 

4. Space For Your Subject

If you do place your subject to one side of your frame make sure they're looking towards the area of negative space. The same goes for action shots where they're running through the frame as generally, your shot will be more compositionally pleasing if they have space to move into. Of course, if you're wanting them to increase the sense of speed or want to make people wonder what they're looking at, position the negative space behind them, almost pushing them out of the frame.

5. Negative Space Doesn't Have To Be 'Empty'

By using one colour in your background when shooting indoors or by throwing it out of focus if you're shooting outdoors, it won't become a point of focus for your viewer so all attention will fall on your main subject. However, sometimes adding blur to your backgrounds will leave your shot with less impact. For example, if you're out shooting portraits and behind your subject is a mountain scene, shooting with a smaller aperture so you get front to back sharpness will exaggerate the amount of negative space around them, giving the shot more meaning and impact as a result.

6. Exaggerate The Negative Space

Take the idea one step further and strip all the colour out of your shot, leaving just the shapes and space around them to tell your story. You could also remove all the textures from the shot by shooting silhouettes.

 

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

Two centuries of photography prove some pictures are timeless, but today photographers are forced to pick a lane. Or are we? 

Johannes Brahms’ Sonata No. 1 vibrates from the speakers. Opus 38. I’m told it’s in E minor. Any unsuspecting passersby down below can surely hear it leaching out from these open windows.

His genre may have been classical, but that style sure as hell is Brahms.

[Read More]

One Adobe employee compared a Creative Cloud to heroin for the business. The subscription you rely on to do your job is also the one built hardest to leave.

 

[Read More]

Flash portraiture stops most people cold at the same spot: too much gear, too many settings, and no clear order to put it all together. The fix turns out to be a single light, a handful of budget parts, and a repeatable routine you run the same way every session.

 

[Read More]

A moderately wide prime with an f/1.7 aperture that costs around $176 sounds like a corner-cutting exercise, yet this one holds up on real cameras. Budget glass gives beginners a way into fast primes without draining a bank account, and the tradeoffs decide whether that's a bargain or a regret.

 

[Read More]

Nikon now sells a full-frame camera under $2,000 that focuses in the dark better than the pricier bodies above it. That claim sounds backward, since the entry-level model is supposed to inherit leftover parts, not outperform the flagship.

 

[Read More]