Category: Photography Blog

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Accessory Reviews 2008As 2008 has just ended, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our accessory reviews from the past year. There are 9 in-depth reviews, including printers, colour calibrators, graphics tablets, hard drives and portable storage devices. You should be able to find the right accessory for you from this round-up.

As 2008 has just ended, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our accessory reviews from the past year. There are 9 in-depth reviews, including printers, colour calibrators, graphics tablets, hard drives and portable storage devices. You should be able to find the right accessory…

Friday, January 2, 2009

In Memory of a Shutter-Bug - Michael C. JohnstonOur seventh and final Christmas guest writer, Michael C. Johnston from The Online Photographer, shares a festive tale with you all.

Back when I was editor-in-chief of Photo Techniques magazine, one of my duties was to sort through the many letters the magazine received to find a few short ones to print. As happens at any magazine, among the many ordinary inquiries were a variety of epistolary missiles from an always-entertaining assortment of cranks and crackpots. One enigmatic correspondent, for instance, once sent us a perfectly mediocre drugstore snapshot of a field with a nondescript tree stump in the middle distance. One the back was written, “I thought this was a pretty nice stump.”

During one period that lasted half a year or so, we received a succession of long, rambling, often angry letters from one particular reader, one after each issue was published.

Our seventh and final Christmas guest writer, Michael C. Johnston from The Online Photographer, shares a festive tale with you all. Back when I was editor-in-chief of Photo Techniques magazine, one of my duties was to sort through the many letters the magazine received to find a few short ones…

Thursday, January 1, 2009

How to Become a Professional Photographer - Keith CooperOur sixth Christmas guest writer, commercial photographer Keith Cooper from Northlight Images, shares his top tips for becoming a professional photographer.

So you want to be a Pro Photographer?

Many people wonder about their futures and whether it’s a good time to become a professional commercial photographer?

I often get asked about what it takes - so here are some of my answers. Remember I’m a commercial photographer (so no weddings or portrait work) - If you want to be a wedding photographer then ask one of them :-)

Our sixth Christmas guest writer, commercial photographer Keith Cooper from Northlight Images, shares his top tips for becoming a professional photographer. So you want to be a Pro Photographer? Many people wonder about their futures and whether it’s a good time to become a professional commercial photographer? I often get…

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Software Reviews 2008As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our software reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews, covering everything from the big daddy of digital imaging (Adobe Photoshop CS4) to specialized black and white conversion software (Nik Silver Efex Pro). You should be able to find the right software for you from this round-up.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our software reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews, covering everything from the big daddy of digital imaging (Adobe Photoshop CS4) to specialized black and white conversion software…

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

How to Photograph Mixed Light - Philip DunnOur fifth Christmas guest writer, long-time professional photographer Philip Dunn from PhotoActive, shares his top tips for taking great photos of mixed light.

Ever wondered how to create those wonderful atmospheric exterior photographs where golden light from a house window streams into the cold, blue light of the street? You must have seen them – National Geographic photographers use this technique all the time when taking pictures of villages or towns. Advertising photographers use it when photographing hotels and guest houses. It’s a really old trick to make the place look cosy and inviting – the front door is often left open so that yellow light spills out onto the doorstep.

Our fifth Christmas guest writer, long-time professional photographer Philip Dunn from PhotoActive, shares his top tips for taking great photos of mixed light. Ever wondered how to create those wonderful atmospheric exterior photographs where golden light from a house window streams into the cold, blue light of the street? You…

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Point and Shoot Compact Camera Reviews 2008As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our point and shoot compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that are great for beginners looking to get into photography, or just something easy-to-use for family snaps. You should be able to find the right point and shoot compact camera for you from this round-up.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our point and shoot compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 16 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that are great for beginners looking to get into photography, or…

Friday, December 26, 2008

Serif PhotoPlus X2Serif PhotoPlus X2 is a full-featured image editing application at an entry-level price. Taking on the likes of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Corel Paint Shop Pro, PhotoPlus X2 allows you to organise and open RAW files, correct common camera flaws and photo problems, makeover portrait photos, apply powerful artistic effects, print a range of layouts, create web graphics, and share photos digitally. Serif PhotoPlus X2 Digital Studio retails for £59.99 / $79.99. Jon Canfield discovers if PhotoPlus X2 is a realistic alternative to the market leaders.

Website: Serif PhotoPlus X2 Review

Serif PhotoPlus X2 is a full-featured image editing application at an entry-level price. Taking on the likes of Adobe Photoshop Elements and Corel Paint Shop Pro, PhotoPlus X2 allows you to organise and open RAW files, correct common camera flaws and photo problems, makeover portrait photos, apply powerful artistic effects…

Thursday, December 25, 2008

How to Photograph Winter Landscapes - David WardOur fourth Christmas guest writer, one of Britain’s most accomplished large format photographers, David Ward from Light & Land, shares his top tips for taking great photos of winter landscapes.

Many people dream of the long, languorous days of summer, with its gentle, warm zephyrs. But, as a landscape photographer I dream of the short days of winter, preferably with snow and ice. Despite what you may think this isn’t simply a case of me being contrary. No, honestly, it isn’t! For me there are many compelling reasons why landscape photography is a more worthwhile experience in winter.

Our fourth Christmas guest writer, one of Britain’s most accomplished large format photographers, David Ward from Light & Land, shares his top tips for taking great photos of winter landscapes. Many people dream of the long, languorous days of summer, with its gentle, warm zephyrs. But, as a landscape photographer…

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Ultrazoom Compact Camera Reviews 2008As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our ultrazoom compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 12 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least a 10x optical zoom lens, allowing you to get much closer to the action without having to change lenses. You should be able to find the right ultrazoom compact camera for you from this round-up.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our ultrazoom compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 12 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least a 10x optical zoom lens, allowing you to get…

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Is this the End of the SLR Camera? - Ian BurleyOur third Christmas guest writer, photography website editor Ian Burley from DPNow, considers if the days of the SLR camera are numbered.

SLR cameras are special, aren’t they? The first time you pick up an SLR, peer through the viewfinder and release the shutter, if was the same for you as it was for me (all those years ago!) , it was a watershed experience;  rather like driving a car for the first time. The viewfinder, the mechanical whirr, clunk and click of the mirror and shutter operating in tandem, and the reassuring interchangeability of the lens, they all add up to a feeling that never goes away. An SLR has purpose, a mechanical assuredness, almost infinite potential. It’s exhilarating and satisfying in use and makes one look down upon compact cameras with a sense of diluted respect.

But is the SLR camera era under threat? Will many of us never fulfil long-cherished ambitions to own an SLR? Might existing SLR users abandon their old reflex passion… for something new?

Our third Christmas guest writer, photography website editor Ian Burley from DPNow, considers if the days of the SLR camera are numbered. SLR cameras are special, aren’t they? The first time you pick up an SLR, peer through the viewfinder and release the shutter, if was the same for you…

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Advanced Compact Camera Reviews 2008As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our advanced compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 26 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least aperture/shutter-priority modes, which is surprising given the recent trend to de-feature compacts in order to sell more entry-level DSLRs. You should be able to find the right advanced compact camera for you from this round-up.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our advanced compact camera reviews from the past year. There are 26 in-depth reviews in total of cameras that offer at least aperture/shutter-priority modes, which is surprising given the recent trend…

Friday, December 19, 2008

Samsung NV100HDThe Samsung NV100HD (also known as the Samsung TL34HD in North America) is a stylish, full-featured and affordable compact camera. Offering a headline-grabbing 14.7 megapixels, 720p HD video mode, touchscreen interface and high-res 3-inch LCD, the NV100HD certainly offers enough innovations to stand out from the crowd, while still being very well priced at £229 / $329.95. Gavin Stoker discovers if the Samsung NV100HD is either a bargain or a missed opportunity.

Website: Samsung NV100HD Review

The Samsung NV100HD (also known as the Samsung TL34HD in North America) is a stylish, full-featured and affordable compact camera. Offering a headline-grabbing 14.7 megapixels, 720p HD video mode, touchscreen interface and high-res 3-inch LCD, the NV100HD certainly offers enough innovations to stand out from the crowd, while still being…

Thursday, December 18, 2008

How to Create High Dynamic Range Photos - David J. NightingaleOur second Christmas guest writer, world famous photo-blogger David J. Nightingale from Chromasia, shares his top tips for creating great high dynamic range (HDR) photos.

Our second Christmas guest writer, world famous photo-blogger David J. Nightingale from Chromasia, shares his top tips for creating great high dynamic range (HDR) photos.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

DSLR Camera Reviews 2008As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our DSLR camera reviews from the past year. There are 20 in-depth reviews in total, which is proof of just how quickly the DSLR market is expanding, and how busy we’ve been this year! You should be able to find the right DSLR camera for you from this round-up.

As the end of 2008 quickly approaches, we thought it would be a great idea to round-up all of our DSLR camera reviews from the past year. There are 20 in-depth reviews in total, which is proof of just how quickly the DSLR market is expanding, and how busy we’ve…

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

How to Photograph Children - Annabel WilliamsOur first Christmas guest writer, world class photographer Annabel Williams, shares her top tips for taking great photos of children.

People always say, ‘Never work with children or animals’ – where’s the challenge in that!

Capturing stunning images of children is one of the most rewarding parts of my job – and while they aren’t always perfectly behaved, there are many ways in which you can put them at ease and within a great environment in order to shoot the best images possible!

Parents and Grandparents always want beautiful shots of their little ones – and today there are so many different ways to present these – framed prints, albums, on canvass, photobooks and even digital photo frames.

Our first Christmas guest writer, world class photographer Annabel Williams, shares her top tips for taking great photos of children. People always say, ‘Never work with children or animals’ – where’s the challenge in that! Capturing stunning images of children is one of the most rewarding parts of my job…

Monday, December 15, 2008

Canon Digital IXUS 980 ISThe new Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS (also known as the PowerShot SD990 IS in North America) is currently the highest-resolution Canon compact camera, offering a massive 14.7 megapixels. Even more attractive to all keen photographers is the addition of a manual Mode that allows control of shutter speed and aperture, making the Canon 980 IS the first ever IXUS to allow true creative control. There’s also a new QuickShot mode that uses the optical viewfinder for framing and focusing, virtually eliminating shutter lag. Is the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS worth the rather steep price-tag of £349.99 / $399.99 / €459.99? Read our 300th (!) product review to find out…

Website: Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS Review

The new Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS (also known as the PowerShot SD990 IS in North America) is currently the highest-resolution Canon compact camera, offering a massive 14.7 megapixels. Even more attractive to all keen photographers is the addition of a manual Mode that allows control of shutter speed and…

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 is a new point-and-shoot compact camera with two standout features - a wide-angle, 25-125mm, 5x optical zoom lens, and a 720p HD movie mode. The FX37 offers the widest lens of any camera in its class, yet still manages to squeeze a 5x zoom into its tiny body, providing a versatile focal range. The Lumix FX37 is also the latest Panasonic camera to be able to shoot video at 1280x720 pixels at 30 fps, perfect for playing back on your High Definition TV. Available in silver, black, blue, pink, white and brown, the Panasonic FX37 can be yours for a recommended price of £249 / $399. Read our 299th review to find out if it’s any good…

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 is a new point-and-shoot compact camera with two standout features - a wide-angle, 25-125mm, 5x optical zoom lens, and a 720p HD movie mode. The FX37 offers the widest lens of any camera in its class, yet still manages to squeeze a 5x zoom into its…

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Fujifilm FinePix F60fdThe Fujifilm FinePix F60fd is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s affordable range of compact digital cameras that offer something to both beginners and more serious photographers alike. Building on the success of the previous F50fd model, the new Fujifilm F60fd features a new 3 inch LCD screen, Face Detection 3 system and Scene Recognition-AUTO mode, whilst retaining its 12 megapixel sensor, 3x zoom lens, semi-manual shooting modes and stylish good looks. Priced at £199 / $299, read our 298th product review to find out if the Fujifilm FinePix F60fd is the right pocket camera for you.

Website: Fujifilm FinePix F60fd Review

The Fujifilm FinePix F60fd is the latest addition to Fujifilm’s affordable range of compact digital cameras that offer something to both beginners and more serious photographers alike. Building on the success of the previous F50fd model, the new Fujifilm F60fd features a new 3 inch LCD screen, Face Detection …

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Canon EOS 5D Mark IIToday we bring you our in-depth review of the brand new Canon 5D Mark II DSLR. This full-frame, 21 megapixel update of the popular 5D Mark I is the world’s first DSLR to feature full HD 1080p video recording. The 5D Mark II also offers an extensive ISO range of 50-25600, 3 inch LCD screen with 920k dots, 3.9 fps continuous mode, Live View and built-in dust removal. Retailing for £2299 / $2699 / €3299, we find out if the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the ultimate prosumer DSLR.

Website: Canon EOS 5D Mark II Review

Today we bring you our in-depth review of the brand new Canon 5D Mark II DSLR. This full-frame, 21 megapixel update of the popular 5D Mark I is the world’s first DSLR to feature full HD 1080p video recording. The 5D Mark II also offers an extensive ISO range of…

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Competition WinnerThe winners of the November 2008 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for November was “Innocence” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:

1st Place
Sarah by Igor

Prize: CanvasRus 40 x 30” Canvas Print
Kindly donated by CanvasRus
http://www.canvasrus.co.uk

The winners of the November 2008 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected by a panel of judges. The theme for November was “Innocence” - you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners: 1st PlaceSarah by Igor Prize: CanvasRus 40 x 30” Canvas Print Kindly…