Innholdsfortegnelse for 24-oct-15 i Amateur Photographer

We’ve probably all been in the position where we’re travelling along, whether in a car or on a train, gazing out of the window, only to come across a brilliant scene that would make a stunning image. More often than not, though, it’s impractical to stop, and if you’re on a train it’s impossible. But rather than miss out on what could potentially be a great shot because you can’t get out and shoot it in the way you would normally like to, why not have a go at shooting as you’re moving? You’ll be surprised how effective the results can be, with the blurred foreground adding a highly distinctive look to your photographs. To get a successful shot this weekend as you’re travelling, see our tips (right). 1 If…

At a glance Canon EOS M10 18-million-pixel, APS-C CMOS sensor DIGIC 6 image processor 49-point Hybrid CMOS AF II system 3in, 1.04-million-dot tilt touchscreen Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC Price £399.99 with lens AS WELL as introducing two new models into its GX series, Canon has unveiled its latest member to join the EOS M line-up in the form of the EOS M10. Sitting just below the more advanced EOS M3, the EOS M10 is designed to be the direct successor to the EOS M – a camera that will be remembered for being Canon's first endeavour into the ‘mirrorless world'. Out to target beginners in search of their first compact system camera, the EOS M10 carries on where the EOS M left off by featuring an 18-million-pixel sensor, which is…

Everest: Mountain Without Mercy by Broughton Coburn, National Geographic, £19.99, paperback, 224 pages, ISBN 978-1-42621-585-8 EVER since the Enlightenment, and man's awareness of his oneness with nature, there has been a drive to conquer Earth's most inhospitable landscapes. Never is this more apparent than in the psyche of the adventurer, a figure who has been romanticised throughout history. In May 1996, eight people died attempting to reach Mount Everest's summit. It raised serious questions about the safety of such expeditions and looked into the heart of what drives people to risk their lives. The tragedies of that season were captured in two documentaries, and the story is now in cinemas as Everest, a film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Keira Knightley. This best-selling book has been re-released to coincide with the…

THE HELICOPTERS came into their own during the 2012 London Olympics, when three were used to spot vandals and trespassers on the lines. This helped to ensure the network was fit to cope with extra traffic generated by the games and could convey spare parts, too. The team also uses a Star Safire thermal-imaging camera that can detect faults with electrical equipment, and shoot HD video. The thermal-imaging camera is mounted on the nose of the chopper, explained the team, which is led by Eleanor Lloyd. When AP joined the crew, instead of the EOS-1D X, Sean Leahy used a gyro-stabilised camera in the shape of a Canon EOS-1D C (see above), which was attached to the outside of the aircraft in the mount otherwise occupied by the thermal-imaging camera.…

WHEN using the Graduated and Radial filters in Camera Raw or Lightroom, it's possible to switch to the Brush edit mode and use the brush to add to or erase from a filter adjustment. The best way to do this is to enable the Mask option in the Filter panel to reveal the mask overlay and use this as your guide as you edit the mask. The important thing to consider here is that edits made to a filter adjustment mask remain independent of the adjustable filter itself. If you edit the mask in Brush edit mode you can still adjust the Filter adjustment handles to further fine-tune the filter effect independently of a Brush-edited mask.…

£840 www.fujifilm.co.uk The charismatic X100T is the third generation of Fujifilm’s classic APS-C-sensor compact WHEN it appeared in late 2010, the original FinePix X100 was Fujifilm's first camera for many years designed specifically for enthusiast photographers. Its successor, the X100S, added Fujifilm's unique X-Trans CMOS sensor and brought much-needed improvements in operational speed. The current X100T updates the physical design and control layout to match the company's X-system CSCs, resulting in an incredibly refined camera that just works exceptionally well. Based around a16.3-million-pixel APS-C sensor and 23mm f/2 lens, the X100T's standout feature is its advanced hybrid viewfinder that combines an optical viewfinder with a high-resolution EVF. This allows detailed exposure information to be projected into the optical finder, including a clever focus-confirmation window. Alternatively, you can use the 2.36-million-dot…

THE LEICA Q and the Fujifilm X100T are both fixed-lens cameras, but the different angles of view lend themselves to different purposes. With its 28mm lens, I found that the Leica Q was especially well suited to landscape, architecture and interior shooting. The X100T's narrower 35mm-equivalent view is better suited to shooting subjects such as street photography and people. However, both cameras also give the option to go beyond the lenses' native angles of view (28mm and 35mm-equivalent respectively), but use distinctly different approaches. The Leica Q relies on cropping into the image, while the X100T can accept matched wide and tele-lens adapters. So what's the practical difference? On the Leica Q, two crop modes are available: 1.25x to give a 15.4MP, 35mm-equivalent image, and 1.8x to give a 7.5MP,…

Digital photos can be shared in seconds, but there's nothing like holding a printed photo in your hands. Whether you're an amateur, enthusiast or professional photographer, the quality of those printed images is just as important as the shots themselves. With Canon's hdbooks, your photos are really brought to life and given the quality they deserve. A professional photo book is a great way to showcase your own photography skills and promote your business to potential clients. Or it can take pride of place on your bookshelf to show off your memories and special images. Canon hdbooks are professionally printed and bound on a state-of-the-art Canon DreamLabo 5000 printer with a combination of Canon inks, specially coated photo papers and a range of customisable options and sizes. The photos are…

ROLLING hills, beautiful countryside and a striking sunrise or sunset are usually what spring to mind when you think of landscape images. Because of this, many photographers are guilty of overlooking the urban landscapes. However, provided they're composed correctly, scenes with structures can make excellent subjects. It's best to look for buildings that have an interesting shape and discover scenes with strong leading lines that draw the eye across the image. The simplest way to do this is to use Google Maps and select Street View. You can then easily search an area and find a suitable urban location just right for photographing. It's also worth noting that some scenes will look especially great at night. 1 If you’re shooting subjects that are illuminated at night, try shooting 30mins to…

WHETHER you're photographing a sprawling countryside vista, or an impressive city skyscape, a panorama is the tool of choice for when you'd like to capture the whole of an expansive setting. A panorama is created by taking a series of photos, usually panning from left to right across a scene, and then digitally stitching the images together using editing software, such as Photoshop, or via a downloadable app. Thanks to the fact that a vast number of modern digital cameras now feature a built-in panorama shooting mode, panoramas have become increasingly popular. It's easy to see why, when you stop to take a look at some of the impressive results that can be created using the technique. So, if you've never taken a panorama before, now is the time to…

COMPLEX compositions with many elements all fighting for your attention can often make a shot unsuccessful, as the eye doesn't have anywhere to rest and the overall feel can be rather chaotic. With this in mind, why not shoot an image that has been stripped back to the bare bones, keeping your composition as simple as possible? By adopting the philosophy of less is more, your images can take on a much more tranquil, reflective mood thanks to the pared-back arrangement of elements. It goes without saying that this method requires a considered approach. You'll have to survey the scene to exclude the elements that will clutter your shot. Head out with a clear mind and a fresh pair of eyes and you'll be surprised by what you can achieve.…

FREQUENTLY, we photographers put the camera to our eye, then compose and shoot without paying much attention to the foreground. The result is that often a somewhat drab foreground can dominate the image much more than we intend. For example, when taking pictures of a car, the road is not very exciting and often detracts from the image. By switching the perspective of the shot and shooting from a low angle, little of the road surface will appear in the image and far more emphasis will be placed on the subject. This technique can bring a freshness to a whole host of subjects, so long as there's a strong focal point to the shot. This weekend, try using this ultra-simple trick to add more impact to your images. 1 Many…

WHILE we shouldn't get bogged down with the idea of good or bad weather for photography, rain is something that divides us. Some will want to keep their cameras safely tucked away in their bags, while others will embrace the conditions. If you're in the former camp, don't discount rain entirely, as it is possible to turn it to your advantage and still stay dry. By staying inside and opting to photograph rain on windowpanes, it's possible to create some creative abstract images, while making the viewer look at a scene that they've probably seen before in a new light. With the UK blessed with its fair share of rainfall at this time of year, there's bound to be an opportunity to capture rainy windows at some point this weekend.…

WHEN wandering around towns or cities (or even country houses), we invariably fall into the trap of looking at architecture from a fairly flat-on view, often shooting just the exterior of a building without venturing inside. While there's plenty of scope for general interior views, next time you're out and photography is permitted inside a building, look up. More often than not you'll be rewarded with striking patterns that make really interesting and abstract imagery. Wideangle lenses are invaluable in these situations, as they allow you to cram so much into the frame. When composing your shot, though, aim to have elements of the structure leading in from the edges of the picture to draw the eye into the image. 1 It may not be possible to set up a…

WHEN you draw back the curtains and see that it's raining outside, the thought of picking up a camera and heading out might not seem that appealing. However, don't let the weather put you off. There are plenty of subjects you can capture when it's wet, and the rain gives a unique perspective to things that many photographers simply overlook. For example, landscape images that include foliage, rocks, trees and other plant life become far more tonally rich. Also, in urban scenes the reflections on a cobbled street or road can add much more drama to a particular shot. Most cameras should be fine in light showers, but do be aware that if your camera doesn't have weathersealing you shouldn't subject it to extreme conditions or heavy showers. 1 This…

FIRST run in 1981, the London Marathon was founded by Chris Brasher and John Disley. Inspired by the atmosphere of the New York Marathon, they dreamed up the mass city race after a few drinks. Now in its 35th year, the 2015 event saw more than 50,000 runners set off from Blackheath to complete the 26-mile course. The 2016 event, to be held on 24 April, will be as fantastic to watch and photograph as ever – and not just because it's free. It's also the access you get. Even as a spectator, you can be very close to the action and achieve striking frame-filling images without the need for any press accreditation. The range of abilities on show, from world-renowned athletes to those braving their first marathon, means a…

IF YOU want to dip your toe into the world of wildlife photography, a visit to a wildlife centre offers a great opportunity to get close to a host of our native species. So, whether you want to see foxes, red squirrels, little owls or otters, you're likely to find them at venues like the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey. These centres can offer fabulous photo opportunities that would take great patience and fieldcraft to achieve if you were in the wild. And for those really wanting to get the perfect wildlife shot, you'll find that some centres will offer specific days for photographers in small groups that are often closed off to the public. This means you'll have the luxury of better vantage points and, in some cases, access…

YOUR camera's functionality is controlled by a host of microprocessors running firmware. In essence, this is your camera's operating system, and just as you can update the operating system on your computer or smartphone, you can do the same with your camera. While some firmware updates fix bugs that only become apparent after the camera has been released, other updates go a bit further, in some cases transforming the performance of the camera thanks to a number of tweaks. In addition, new features can be installed and functionality can be refined owing to feedback gathered from photographers shooting with the camera. If you haven't updated your firmware in a while, it's worth doing as it's the best way to ensure you're getting high-quality performance from your camera. 1 Look up…

FOR HUNDREDS of years, country shows have celebrated the best of rural life, from the finest livestock and farm machinery to top UK produce and rural pursuits. Not only is a country fair a great day out, but in between marvelling at show-stopping pigs, classic tractors and feasting on the fine array of food and drink available, it's also the perfect opportunity to take along your camera and grab some shots. The country show season is a ready-made environment for photographers and it is now in full swing. With many coming up, there's bound to be one near you in the following weeks, but if not, make a weekend of it and venture slightly further afield. Check local press to see if there are any in your area or visit…

ALL PROFESSIONAL events photographers have to start somewhere. No one wakes up one day and instantly becomes an in-demand wedding photographer – you need to practise. A great way to gain experience is to photograph an event for family or friends, whether it's a birthday bash, an engagement party or christening. So long as it's an occasion where everyone is together and there's something happening throughout, you'll be able to tell a story with a series of pictures. However, we'd advise against putting yourself forward as the ‘official' photographer – you'll probably add unnecessary pressure to taking photos and may end up with compromised results. Just stay back, enjoy yourself and take the best photographs you can. 1 Set your camera’s clock. If you’re going to shoot with multiple cameras…

WITH poppies and lavender a firm favourite with photographers at this time of year, it's easy to forget about borage. A beautiful flowering herb, borage blooms from June to August, and while it's native to the Mediterranean it is hardy enough to grow in the UK. With its vivid blue flowers, borage is a popular choice with gardeners, and the cucumber-flavoured leaves can be used in summer drinks or the flowers used as decoration. Borage is also grown on a commercial scale, cultivated for borage-seed oil, so it's possible to find large fields full of vibrant blue. While the flowers are plentiful, they are also quite small, making them a bit of a challenge to shoot. However, you can make the most of each situation by searching for any possible…

COLOUR negative and transparency film requires two quite distinct chemical developing processes – C-41 for neg and E-6 for slide. Pop a film through the wrong process, though, and all is not lost. The images can still be used, and the film often yields some quite unusual colour shifts. While not suited to every subject, some photographers really embrace this look and experiment with different film stocks to get the results they are after. With the advent of smartphone photo apps, this retro look is more popular than ever. Rather than relying on an automated app to apply the look, you can easily do it yourself in either Photoshop or Lightroom, and the results are much more effective. 1 Using Curves, select the RGB channel from the drop-down menu. Then…

WHEN it comes to starting out in image editing, we've probably all been in the same boat. Getting to grips with the software, particularly when it's a powerful package like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom, can be a daunting process, with so many tools to learn. And in the early days, while still trying to understand the program, images you edited may not have always been processed as well as they could be. Besides, with the array of new controls that appear as editing packages are upgraded, you're now sure to get even more out of the image than before. So this weekend, why not go back and find an image from your archives you may have processed when you were less experienced? Re-edit an image, transferring all the knowledge and…

The refugee crisis is perhaps the defining story of 2015. No one can fail to be moved by the often devastating scenes that have dominated the headlines of our newspapers. Here we see a picture of a woman carrying her child as she arrives with other refugees on the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos. Scores of people arrived on the coast after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey on an inflatable boat on 4 October near the village of Skala Sikaminias. Despite the deteriorating weather as autumn approaches, migrants and refugees are risking their lives in an attempt to reach the European Union. Officials have warned that a rise in migrant deaths is expected as weather conditions gradually worsen. Words & numbers “Photography to me is catching a…

Horrible Histories: Blitzed Brits Seventy-five years ago, the Blitz brought the Second World War to the doorsteps of everyone in Britain. This exhibition at Manchester’s Imperial War Museum features more than 200 objects, photographs, artworks, film clips and sound recordings that reveal the personal stories of the people who lived through the Blitz. Until 10 April 2016, www.iwm.org.uk Chris Porsz If you’re travelling by plane, why not try start your trip from London Luton Airport? The work of street photographer Chris Porsz is currently adorning the walls of its walkways, and is well worth a look. Ongoing, www.chrisporsz.com Deer rut Photograph the deer rut in the grounds of Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire. With the help of the park rangers, you’ll be able to get close…

£2,900 www.leica.co.uk With its 24-million-pixel full-frame sensor and 28mm f/1.7 lens, the Q promises stunning quality THE LEICA Q takes all its design cues from the company's legendary M-series rangefinders, but behind its retro exterior it's a thoroughly modern camera. Leica is best known for its iconic M-series rangefinder cameras, which have remained pretty much unchanged in terms of exterior design for 60 years. Its premium fixed-lens compact model, the Q (Typ 116), is strongly modelled after the M, with a conventional-looking focus ring and aperture ring around the lens, as well as a top-plate shutter-speed dial. Leica's signature rounded-end body design adds to the illusion. Things aren't all as they at first appear, though, and rather than an optical viewfinder the Q employs a 3.7-million-dot EVF – quite simply…

I'VE LONG been a fan of Fujifilm's X100-series cameras, for their combination of handsome good looks, superb handling and excellent image quality. However, ever since I first I saw the Leica Q, I've been itching to compare them side-by-side. Because the X100T is so good – and at £840, already an extravagant purchase for most photographers – it seems impossible to believe that spending the extra money for the Leica could make any sense, no matter how lovely it might be. Indeed, for the price of the Leica Q you could buy yourself a silver X100T with its hood and adapter ring set, plus wideangle and telephoto converters, and still have enough money left to buy them all over again, but this time in black. After spending a couple of…

Paul Hobson Wildlife photographer Paul Hobson has been shooting nature images for around 30 years. He works with a variety of publications and organisations. He's also received a number of prestigious awards and has been highly commended in several more, including the British Wildlife Photographer of the year and Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Visit his website at www.paulhobson.co.uk. 1982 Pentax Spotmatic This was my first serious camera, which I used to photograph birds at the nest with an old Tair 300mm lens. This lens needed manually stopping down, was big, heavy and clunky but very sharp. The Spotmatic had an annoying screw thread, so changing lenses was always a chore. However, it was an incredibly reliable, solid workhorse, which took some serious punishment and still works today. 1984 Olympus…

IF YOU'VE got young children in your family, then you'll appreciate the truth behind the old cliché that they grow up very fast. That's why creating stunning photos of them while they're still young is incredibly rewarding, and is a treasured memory captured forever. Whether it's your own children, grandchildren or a relative's child, capturing child portraits is a fantastic way to sharpen your core photography skills, as it requires speed, dexterity and a watchful eye to snap the right moment. Let's face it, children (especially younger ones) won't want to sit nicely for very long, so it's important to ensure that you stay alert with your camera in-hand, ready to snap that all-important shot whenever the opportunity arises. 1 Prime lenses are great for portraits as they offer a…

SOMETIMES the best way to inspire creativity is through limitation. It forces you to look at a scene in a new light, presents new challenges and ultimately enhances your ability to overcome these obstacles. A great example is setting yourself the task of choosing one lens from your kit bag and sticking to it for the entire weekend. Selecting a prime lens for this project would be best, as it will constrain you to a single focal length. We'd recommend using either a 50mm for full-frame users, or 35mm for APS-C DSLRs, as these generally provide a happy medium between wide and telephoto. Ultimately, though, it's your choice, so select a lens that will force you to rethink your compositions. 1 Using just a single focal length needn’t mean lack…

IF YOU'VE ever shot black & white film, you'll know that creating a good mono image requires a set of skills entirely separate to colour. Most modern DSLRs now feature a built-in black & white mode, which enables you to shoot mono images straight out of the camera. Activating this often-overlooked feature is actually a great way to challenge your photography skills, as it takes away any reliance on bright colours to help make a shot interesting. Colours are transformed into tones, which forces you to look at scenes in an entirely different manner. So, this weekend, why not test your photography skills by stripping away the colour from your photographs to capture some raw and gritty mono imagery? 1 With all colour stripped out, you’re going to have to…

AS THE colder weather really sets in and winter is at its peak, many of the plants in a forest will die down. However, until early January there is still the chance to see, and photograph, a number of woodland fungi, such as those pictured right. In addition to the species of fungi, there are other interesting subjects to photograph in our woodlands, from evergreen plants to dying bracken and a variety of berries. Be sure to look on the ground, around fallen trees, on tree trunks and in dense areas of foliage to maximise your chances of finding the right subject. Taking a long walk around local woodland with a camera and a spare lens can be very enjoyable at this time of year – particularly if the weather…

THERE are a variety of live music events to be found up and down the country, usually on Friday and Saturday nights. Whether it's at a small music venue, in a nightclub or, in warmer months, at a music festival, there's always something going on that will make an exciting subject. For some events you'll be unable to take a ‘professional' camera into the venue, but many places do allow all kinds of cameras. Just make sure to check with the venue beforehand. Most events will have special lighting on stage, which adds a great deal of atmosphere to images. Plus, the musicians just ooze passion and this combination makes for very interesting photos. This weekend, do a little research and head out to a live music event in your…

SHOOTING film is great fun. There's also a certain magic to handling photographs that were shot using this medium. Each film type has its own specific colour, tone, contrast and grain, which gives it a sense of character, and most photographers have a particular preference for the films they use. However, it is possible, using software such as FilmConvert (www.filmconvert.com) or DxO FilmPack (www.dxo.com), to replicate film effects on digital files. These will accurately replicate a variety of popular films, such as those from Fujifilm and Kodak. It's also possible to replicate a more general film-type look and tone using image-editing software. So, this weekend, take a shot at trying to turn a digital file into a fun filmic creation. 1 If you have film-simulation software, try the same film…

AS MOST of us now view our images via digital displays, it's a shame they may well languish there as a series of 1s and 0s. So why not look through your images this weekend and select your best shots to create a beautiful coffee-table book? While hardback photography books were once the sole preserve of the ‘highly regarded', modern printing techniques mean anyone can produce their own high-quality photo book. You can make a special one-off edition, while some printers offer the option of bulk ordering, bringing down the unit cost. There is also an extensive range of sizes, finishes, paper types and bindings to choose from. So unshackle your images from the hard drive and create a beautiful photo book. It's a much more satisfying way of looking…

STREET photography is more popular than ever before, with many photographers shooting their own specific style of street imagery. Much of the work of many famous street photographers relies upon a certain technique or subject matter to define their style, from capturing a definitive moment in a street scene to a very specific type of lighting. The idea of this project is to achieve simple, but brilliant, minimalist street images. The great thing about this type of photography is that it requires very little preparation – all you need is a camera, a few buildings or structures, a couple of people and sharp eyes to find the right place to shoot. Oh, and more than a little patience… 1 Look for strong shapes. Buildings, roads, columns, railings and steps are…

WHETHER you want to experiment with lighting set-ups, shoot outdoor portraits or you have a specific image in mind, there will be occasions when you should think about booking a model, especially if you've exhausted the goodwill of family and friends as subjects. With community sites like www.modelmayhem.com connecting photographers, models and make-up artists, you're bound to find a model in your area. You'll often find that models who are starting out are happy to work for free in return for images (although you may have to pay for travel), but to guarantee a level of professionalism and punctuality it's worth booking a professional model from a model agency like www.missionmodels.co.uk. You'll have to pay, but you can spread the cost with another photographer and help each other with the…

WHETHER you have a gorgeous classic, a hot hatch or a family run-around, why not try to shoot your car in a style that wouldn't look out of place in a glossy car magazine? Take a look at a few car magazines for inspiration and try to deconstruct why they work so well. Think about the angle and framing, focal length used, location and if they've captured that feeling of speed. Before you set off with your camera and car, though, make sure it's spotlessly clean – even the best Photoshop retouching can't clean a grubby car. You'll also need an insured friend who's free to do the driving. And think where you're going to shoot, as well. Avoid busy roads, and instead opt for quiet country lanes towards the…

TRANSFORMING the landscape with a blanket of red, a rich and vibrant poppy field is the perfect photographic subject at this time of year. Offering a host of photo opportunities, from broad vistas to tight close-ups, poppies are a great summer subject. You'll probably need to tap into a bit of local knowledge to find a field of poppies, or failing that, Flickr is a great place to look for locations that other members have found in the past. Try to check out the location beforehand in order to work out the best viewpoints, but be sure not to trespass on any private land. Then, when the light's right, you'll be ready to go. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1 To capture a whole field of…

FOR MANY UK-based anglers, 16 June is an exciting and significant date as it marks the start of the coarse-fishing season. Many canals, rivers and some lakes are closed to anglers from 16 March to allow the fish to spawn undisturbed. However, by now the riverbanks will likely be populated by keen anglers who have been patiently waiting for the season to open. These anglers make excellent subjects for environmental portraiture or even simply figures to provide perspective to the landscape around them. In addition, the locations often offer photographers a wealth of other subject matter to capture, such as wildlife, macro subjects and landscape shots. 1 Wake up early to capture the best light. Anglers are a keen bunch and will often be at a venue for first light…

IF IT'S too hot and bright outside this weekend, why not retire to the cool and shade of your home and challenge yourself to shoot a colour still-life image? You may think that you need a load of kit to achieve this – especially various bits of lighting – but you'll be pleasantly surprised at how simple it can be. The first thing to do is to choose your subject. Flowers are an obvious choice, but don't discount anything else that catches your eye; even simple objects can take on a whole new appearance when looked at differently. Be bold with your choice of subject, and you're likely to get some pretty striking results. Once you've picked your item, and you're happy with it, make some space on a table…

MOST photographers have a head full of ideas for specific images they'd like to take in future. However, all these ideas can be overwhelming, and need some organising in order to create a clear vision of what to shoot. It's not uncommon for photographers, or any kind of visual artists, to create mood boards to help achieve their vision. Pinterest (www.pinterest.com) is one of the best tools to help you gather inspiring photographs into a collection, using either its browser-based platform or the app for Android or iOS smartphones. You can search for images other photographers have taken, or add images you find online to your virtual ‘pin board'. This is useful for any type of photography, whether it's replicating a style, achieving a specific technique or gaining a certain…

WHEN we think of wildlife photography, we conjure up ideas of photographing animals within a beautiful country estate, a heritage site or a national park. However, in even the most urban environments there's an abundance of wildlife. Many photographers shooting cityscapes around St Paul's Cathedral in London in the early hours of the morning have seen foxes trot past. On other occasions some have spotted peregrine falcons flying around the Tate Modern. If you look hard enough you'll find plenty of wildlife living in the middle of your own city, town or village. As a bonus, capturing wildlife against an urban background makes for an unusual set of photographs that most people aren't used to seeing. 1 Arm yourself with a telephoto lens. While much of the wildlife you find…

WITH autumn fast approaching and the sun sitting lower in the sky, now is a good time to get out and shoot a silhouette landscape that displays plenty of drama and vibrant, punchy colours. However, rather than opting for a tight crop on your subject that produces a more graphic result, why not think about viewing your subject from a slightly wider perspective? With this kind of approach, instead of aiming to capture a total silhouette with a crisp jet-black subject in the foreground, try shooting a partial silhouette instead. Doing this should deliver an image with a slightly wider tonal range that makes for a more three-dimensional result. Follow our four-step guide (below), and see where this approach takes you. 1 Shooting into the light in this way will…

FOR MANY of us our pets are like another member of the family. Cats in particular seem to be a firm favourite with photographers, as they're the perfect subject matter to test cameras with – if internet forums are to be believed. Unlike dogs, though, cats can be a little more aloof and independent, making them slightly more challenging to photograph. Get them at the right moment, however, and they can be a rewarding subject. If you haven't got a cat at home and don't have family or friends with one, it might also be worth thinking about contacting your nearest animal rescue centre like the Blue Cross. You'll often find that they'd welcome a volunteer to get some nice shots of their current residents and help them find a…

Built-in flash The G9 X’s flash pops up from the top-plate, while the G5 X’s is built into the viewfinder housing. Lens dial Both cameras feature customisable dials around the lens for easy control of exposure settings. At a glance PowerShot G5 X 20.2-million-pixel, 1in sensor 24-100mm (equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens 2.36-million-dot OLED EVF 3in fully articulated touchscreen Price £629.99 PowerShot G9 X 20.2-millon-pixel, 1in sensor 28-80mm (equivalent) f/2-4.9 lens 3in fixed touchscreen Slimline design (30.8mm thick) Price £399.99 IT'S A little over a year since we saw Canon's first compact camera with a 1in sensor, the PowerShot G7 X, which was clearly set as a direct competitor to Sony's successful Cyber-shot DSC-RX100-series cameras. Now Canon has bolstered its line-up with two more models that sit above and below the G7…

Excellent Evening In AP 10 October I was pleased to read that Adobe's new Photoshop Elements 14 is introducing one-click removal of blur caused by camera shake, especially since I recently joined Adobe Cloud for access to Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC. However, when I asked, via the Adobe chatroom, when it would be available in the Cloud, I was informed that the software for Elements14 is different to the Cloud version so isn't available. Happily, I then turned to Martin Evening's latest Evening Class, where he explained how to use Sharpen>Camera Shake in Photoshop CC. This was mentioned in the chatroom, but I didn't realise that I had the file in Photoshop. So thanks, to both the chatroom and Martin, but no marks for me! Paul Lock, Staffordshire Water…

They say every cloud has a silver lining, and for surfing-turned-ocean photographer Ray Collins it really did. Back in 2007, Ray seriously injured his knee in a coal-mining accident, which meant he couldn’t work for a while. So he filled the recuperation time by figuring out how to use a digital SLR. ‘I got my first camera in 2007, and while I always felt I was a creative person I never had an outlet,’ Ray explains. ‘I decided I might as well do something constructive, so I read the camera manual several times.’ Despite having plenty of time on his hands, Ray had to surmount a steep learning curve. ‘I went in cold, with no preconceptions. I tried to work out what happened when I changed the ISO, aperture and…

Many photography enthusiasts would jump at the chance to combine a hobby with their day job. Aviation photography fan Sean Leahy is lucky enough to do just that. He twins his passion outside work with a full-time job that involves shooting photographs from a helicopter high in the skies over southern England. In a previous incarnation, Sean checked trackside fencing and vegetation for Network Rail. Now, the body responsible for maintaining Britain’s railway lines employs him as an aerial-survey specialist – using his skills as an ‘off-track’ engineer to capture fault-finding photographs from heights of up to 1,000ft (300m). He is one of two Network Rail ‘observers’ who take to the skies over London and the South East of England, on a mission to spot glitches on the lines –…

Tested Leica Q (Typ 116) Fujifilm X100T It is five years since Fujifilm announced its original FinePix X100 – a retro-styled compact camera with an APS-C sensor, fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2 prime lens, analogue control dials and a unique hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. Despite all manner of operational quirks, its stunning image quality and sheer charisma meant that it instantly became a cult classic. The current third-generation model, the X100T, uses the same formula, but now with a highly refined design that makes it as pleasant to shoot with as it is to look at. Given the success of the X100T, it's perhaps surprising that no other manufacturer has really made a direct competitor. Nikon, Ricoh and Sigma have all built cameras with APS-C sensors and fixed prime lenses, but none of…

Low-light shooting With its 23mm f/2 lens and eminently usable ISO 3,200, the X100T is no slouch in low light. But with no IS, you’ll often need higher ISOs compared to the Leica Q. The Leica Q’s combination of 28mm f/1.7 lens, optical stabilisation and full-frame sensor makes it a low-light monster. I was able to get sharp results handheld at a shutter speed of 1/4sec, which allowed me to shoot after dusk using ISO 400. Close ups While the X100T’s 23mm f/2 lens can focus within 10cm in its macro mode, results are soft at large apertures. It needs to be stopped down to f/5.6 for sharp results. On the Leica Q you’re required to twist a ring on the lens barrel to engage macro mode. Doing so will…

When I reviewed the Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 a few weeks ago (AP10 October), I also referred to the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 – a lens that, like the Batis 25mm f/2, has been created specially for full-frame mirrorless cameras made by Sony. Having been impressed by the innovative design and optical performance of the first Batis lens to pass through our hands, I'm keen to find out if the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 is just as good. I'll be finding out if it lives up to my expectations as one of the finest medium-telephoto primes for photographers specialising in portraiture, event and wedding photography. Unlike the Zeiss's Loxia lenses and the newly announced Milvus lenses for DSLRs, one of the key selling points of the Batis lenses is their…

Freak mistake Q I took this photograph (above) with a Nikon Coolpix S9700 camera while on holiday in Dartmouth, Devon. It was taken on a standard setting. Can you explain how it happened? John Lewis A Looking at this picture and its exposure data, it looks to me as if you’ve taken a shot at the wideangle setting of the lens and then applied a fisheye effect filter in-camera after shooting. It’s possible to do this on the Nikon S9700 using the camera’s ‘quick effects’ setting – when the image is displayed immediately after shooting, pressing the ‘OK’ button opens the effects menu. The control dial can be used to select an effect, then to save a processed image you have to move the zoom controller to the ‘T’ position…

WE'RE often told that lens flare is a bad thing, and that it should be avoided at all costs with the aid of a lens hood. While this advice certainly has its merits, instead of viewing flare as something negative, why not try to use it to your advantage? For those who don't know, lens flare is caused when light glances across the front element of the lens, which causes rings or orbs of light (also known as artefacts) to appear on the final image. Although it can be used in just about any type of photography, it works well with portraiture, allowing you to add a warm and hazy glow to your images. It's incredibly easy to do and requires little more than a light source (the sun), and…

AT THIS time of year, there are fewer hours of daylight for photography. On the plus side, the colder months give us the perfect excuse to capture low-light images – in particular, traffic trails. It's relatively simple to do, but the results are incredibly rewarding. The process involves finding a suitable location where moving cars can pass through your shot (usually this is on a footbridge over a busy road), then mounting your camera on a tripod and using a very slow shutter speed in order to create a trail of light. Although not mandatory, a wideangle lens is often a good choice, as it will allow you to pack in a greater stretch of road and include the surrounding scenery into your shot. 1 When shooting with long exposures,…

WHILE trees and bushes are looking perhaps their worst at this time of year, with most devoid of any foliage, there's still plenty of photographic potential to be had if you look a little closer. Plants such as cow parsley, which have been left to whither in these cold and dark months, and are devoid of leaves and flowers, take on a different kind of beauty that's a far cry from the rich colours that are on show in spring and summer. You may have to work a little harder to get a successful shot, but the rewards will be worth it. As an added bonus, you won't have to travel far, either, as there will be plenty of opportunities with the foliage to be found right on your doorstep.…

IT'S HARD to believe that there are a host of disused London Underground stations right in the centre of the city. Usually sealed off to the public, the London Transport Museum opened up at Aldwych station back in January 2015, providing a rare chance for you to peer into one of London's disused stations. Originally called the Strand, Aldwych station was used as an air-raid shelter during the Blitz before falling into disuse after the Second World War. It's now used for training and filming – Atonement and V for Vendetta have both been filmed here. In 2016 the tours run from 21 January-21 February and are led by an expert guide. To book tickets and find more details visit www.ltmuseum.gttix.com. Please note that entrance to the platform is via160…

WHILE it may be cold outside at this time of year, the misty mornings that occur when the temperature drops overnight can provide stunning vistas, so it's well worth getting up early to photograph them. The best places to see mist materialise are to be found near stretches of water, such as rivers or ponds, as well as cool valleys. Mist can make a familiar scene look different and completely change the atmosphere of a location. Mist acts a bit like a big softbox in the sky and so contrast is reduced, but use this to your advantage. With objects progressively losing contrast the further back they go in the scene, it can be a great way to emphasise depth in your shot and exaggerate the differences between near and…

THE SHED might not be the first place you'd look for photographic inspiration, but if you don't consider its potential you could be missing a trick for great still-life shots. Nestled among the lawnmower and bikes, you'll probably find a few rusty old tools and other paraphernalia that can make the perfect still-life study. Distressed, worn items have a story to tell, which you can help translate into photographic form. Some objects will make an interesting image on their own, while others can be grouped together as a study in composition. Any camera will be suitable, although you might want to consider using a prime lens. A tripod is also vital. While there's nothing wrong with using flash, soft and diffused window light can produce some lovely effects. 1 If…

WITH the first ever race taking place way back in1829, the Oxford and Cambridge boat race has been held annually since1856, except during the two world wars. The four-mile course runs from Putney to Mortlake in West London, and is one of the world's longest-running sports events. It's also one of the most popular on the London sporting calendar, attracting over a quarter of a million spectators who flock to watch the spectacle from the banks of the Thames and soak up the fantastic carnival-like atmosphere. To get the best shots, try to get at eye-level with the rowers, but also think of getting up high for a wider view of the entire race. Whatever you do, it offers a fantastic opportunity for photographers to try a variety of shots.…

BRITAIN is world famous for its love of gardens, and at this time of the year they're starting to burst into glorious colour. If you're lacking inspiration in your own garden, then why not pay a visit to one of the many large gardens that are open to the public? For starters, the Royal Horticultural Society has four expansive public gardens: Wisley in Surrey, Hyde Hall in Essex, Rosemoor in North Devon and Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire. You'll often find that there are a host of wonderful gardens on your doorstep too, while some private gardens are open to the public on specific weekends. This also makes it the perfect opportunity to get some close-up floral images as well as broader vistas. Visit www.ngs.org.uk for more information. 1 With…

AT SOME point, most photographers have edited one of their pictures, printed it or previewed it on a different display and found it looks vastly different from the one on their screens. The colour tones may be off, the blacks are too deep or the highlights look blown. This is because the display used to edit the images isn't colour accurate. Thankfully, there are devices that will monitor the ambient light and adjust your colour display to give very accurate colour and tone. If image accuracy is important to you, it's worthwhile calibrating your monitor using a calibration tool. 1 For our monitor calibration we used the X-Rite ColorMunki Display. Look for brands such as X-Rite and Datacolor that make a variety of monitor calibrators, starting at £65, which are…

THERE'S no denying that visiting a new location can be incredibly inspirational and can often provide a much-needed shot of creativity that might otherwise be missing. That said, with the demands of family life and other commitments, it's not always possible to travel around the country to shoot a new spot. Rather than giving up and keeping your camera tucked away in its bag, why not focus on the landscape and locations near you? With a keen eye and the right conditions, you'll be surprised by the images you can achieve close to home – and all with time to ensure you're back for Saturday Kitchen. This is a great way to push your creativity that bit further, and, since you're close to home, if the conditions aren't quite right,…

THE HARD, direct light of summer is far from ideal for many types of photography, but one of the benefits that it offers is the appearance of strong shadows, which can make great subjects for your camera. One of the interesting qualities of shadows is that their shape and scale can be distorted by the angle of the sun, and the surface they're projected onto. The beginning and end of the day provide great opportunities to shoot long distorted shadows on the ground cast by a low sun. Although something as simple as railings can offer great potential, people can also make good shadow subjects. Whether running, jumping, walking the dog or just enjoying a coffee, their shadows create interesting graphic shapes that have the potential to make striking photographs.…

WHILE Provence and the heat of the south of France may spring immediately to mind when we think of lavender fields, warmer summers here in the UK have seen a resurgence of lavender fields on these shores. With neat, long, vibrant and often undulating coloured rows of lavender carpeting the landscape, these fields are fabulous subjects to photograph during the summer months before the lavender is harvested around September time. With a growing number of lavender fields dotted around the UK and the lavender coming into bloom, now is the perfect time to get out there and photograph these stunning vistas. 1 While it may not be possible with all lavender farms in the UK, some have public rights of way running across their fields, allowing you to shoot at…

WITH any luck, at this time of year the sun should be making an appearance fairly frequently. However, the high-contrast lighting you get in the midday sun is terrible for many subjects, and especially portraiture, due to bright highlights and dark shadows. This is because the camera can't capture all the information between the light and dark areas. However, street photography can look fantastic when photographers play with these areas of dark and light. By focusing on simple form and composition, and allowing areas of the image to fall into complete black or white, you can achieve some really striking street shots. 1 Use an evaluative metering mode as an exposure guide. Dial in exposure compensation to underexpose or overexpose the image, allowing for completely black or white areas that…

‘THE NOTTING Hill Carnival has become an institution,' says travel photographer Craig Roberts. ‘First held in1964 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival, it's now the largest street festival in Europe. ‘Held yearly on the August Bank Holiday (27-28 August in 2016), it has become a spectacle of costumes, colour, music, Caribbean food, extravagance and sheer entertainment that rivals the carnivals that take place in Brazil, with more than one million people attending. ‘You can expect to see some 50,000 performers, so for the best viewpoints, take the Tube to Kensal Green station and walk down to Ladbroke Grove. This is where the floats meet to start the procession and it allows you more access than later on the route. Have fun, enjoy the (loud!) music and above all, take…

WHETHER it's a large contemporary structure or a classical piece that's a focal point in a public garden, there's bound to be a striking outdoor sculpture near you and often these pieces of art will make fantastic photo subjects. However, rather than settling for a simple snapshot of the sculpture, why not challenge yourself to come up with something a little different? Spend time studying the piece and get an understanding of the concept or intention behind it. How it sits in the landscape will affect how you take the shot. If it's positioned in a built-up area, you may want to wait until it's floodlit and the surrounding buildings become less of a distraction, while a sculpture in a more natural setting may need subtle backlighting to really highlight…

IN RECENT years, fine-art-style architectural photography has risen in popularity and many photographers have embraced the use of long exposures to capture the beauty of architecture. They rely on simple composition and dynamic lighting in order to make the images come to life. Shooting with a tripod and using very dark neutral density filters is the way to achieve these images. There are thousands of fantastic buildings to photograph up and down the country, mostly in the larger cities. If you're struggling to find the right ones, simply check out www.instantstreetview.com where you can click around your local area to find the perfect location. 1 Stacking upward of 10EV of ND filters inside a square filter holder is not uncommon for architectural photographers. This achieves silky-smooth skies or blurred clouds.…