No. 1 for beginners
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Essential guides for Cameraphone | Compact | DSLR | Compact System Camera | iPad
10
Fantastic Projects
Learn new skills & try fun ideas
Capture Great Wildlife Shots Top tips for amazing animal images
GOLDEN RSUHLOETSS
5FOR BETTER
EASILY EDIT HOW TO… COMPOSE KEEP IN FOCUS BALANCE COLOURS MASTER EXPOSURE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Candid Portraits
Tricks for natural shots
TWEAK COLOURS ONLINE SHARING LATEST KIT RATED
Add a creative colour cast Back up photos and send The best camera reviews, for a truly fantastic effect them to friends & family action kit and more inside
ISSUE 024
Welcome Issue 24
Welcome! Meet the team... Learn the photo rules with Photography for Beginners
Ella Carter
Annabelle Sing Photoshop expert Annabelle designs the mag and provides you with editing advice to enhance your shots
Ella is our resident wordsmith, here to make our tutorials as simple as possible for you to follow
Hayley Paterek
Jo Stass
Digital Photographer features editor Hayley breaks things down and gives great advice in Camera School
Our staff writer Jo is on hand to give you the best tips and shooting tricks to improve your images
There are rules that every good photographer knows, so we are here this issue to let you in on the secret. Turn to p54 to discover the best tips for stronger shots, and how to break them so you stand out from the crowd! This issue we also have a Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography on p22, fantastic water projects on p32 and great ways to edit shots starting on p60. Inside you’ll also find some amazing sharing ideas, from using on Nikon’s new storage website on p78 to creating animations from your stills on p80! Whether you stick rigidly to the imaging rules or decide to go your own way, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to take your shooting to the next level. I hope you enjoy this issue’s projects and features.
3
Amy Squibb Editor Follow us at @PFBMag
For more great photo tips, head to photoforbeginners.com Get in touch with us… Ask questions, leave feedback on the magazine or share your shots via the following social sites…
@PFBMag
PFBMag
PFB Magazine
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Issue 24
s t n e t Con Essentials 06 Your photos A showcase of photos sent in by PFB readers for you to be inspired by
11 How to share your photos Discover the best ways to share your photographs with the PFB team
22
Practical starter section! p52
CAMERA SCHOO Learn how to use your camera and take your best photos ever!
O
Get to know your camera 5 golden photo rules OHow geotagging works O
Beginner’s guide to…
Wildlife photography
Tips for tracking wildlife, setting up and shooting techniques to get your best-ever animal images
12 Readers’ Challenge Win some slideshow software by getting involved in our monthly shooting challenge
14 Need to know Learn about the latest kit and join in our debate over black-and-white methods
18 Ask the team Your questions answered and problems solved by our panel of photo experts
44 10 great images of plant life Capture great shots of flowers and leaves using our tips and inspirational photos
72 Subscribe! Save money on your copy of Photography for Beginners with our exclusive offer
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84 Camera reviews The latest models get rated, from a full-frame DSLR to some great compacts
Discover the perfect wildlife settings and camera skills
94 Accessory reviews Find out our recommended kit for action and a group test of remote releases
98 The great photo hunt Send us your photos using natural light and win a Forex print of one of your shots!
Edit with Facebook’s app Shoot, edit and share shots in one go on p68
32
10 water projects
Hands-on guides to create some great images
How to take amazing images and learn new skills with our fun ideas
What the icons mean… Your quick-start guide to all the icons you’ll see in Photography for Beginners Cameraphone: Smartphones that are always with you
Compact: Small, low-cost and easyto-use cameras
DSLR: Usually more expensive but good image quality
Compact system camera: Good image quality, lightweight
Shutter speed: The time your shutter is open for, in seconds
Aperture: The depth of field of an image, as an f-number
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HANDS-ON Contents Issue 01 PROJECTS INSIDE
Subscribe to...
Get money off issues!
Golden rules
54
The essential lessons to help you get images with impact Tips for focusing, composing and more
Shoot 22 Beginner’s guide to… Wildlife photography Compose, master settings and more
30 5 tips for amazing eyes in portraits Easy tricks for sharp and bright eyes
32 10 fantastic projects Get creative and have fun with water!
38 Create this shot: Panning Capture the speed of your subject
40 Shoot, edit & share a fantastic panorama Shoot a wide vista to print on canvas
46 Capture candid portraits Get natural images in five steps
48 5 tips for shooting on a bright day How to do battle with harsh light
50 The story behind a dramatic seascape Learn how we took this great photo
54 5 golden rules for better shots How to compose, focus and more
Edit Latest kit reviewed p84
60 Improve images with Perfect Photo Suite 7 Retouch, resize and more with ease
64 5 tips for giving dull shots more impact Learn to boost colours and exposure
66 Add creative colours Use a colour cast for a warm effect
68 Edit with Facebook Shoot, edit and share in just one app
70 Add impact to your images using Camera MX Our multi-purpose app of the month
Share 74 Stream media to your TV A great device for sharing shots
76 5 tips for sharing photos with apps Get more from your smartphone
Sh are ph Or oto yo se fo u arc rb r h f eg sh or in o PF ne t BM rs s ag .co a on m t. .. ...
Candid portraits p46
5
78 Share and store photos online Back up your images
80 Animate your stills Get creative!
Your photos Readers’ gallery
Your photos Be inspired by these reader images and send us your best shots for a chance to see them here
WIN!
A Samsung 16GB memory card Every issue, one wi Samsung 16GB HDnner will recieve a SC or a prize of equamemory card l value ww
w.samsung.c
Full terms and co om/uk nd available onlineitions
6
Your photos Readers’ gallery
7
Winner! Reader : Ken Wilson Industrial Sunset “Anticipating a welcome sunset I wanted to be in a place where there was good foreground interest together with an interesting horizon. This shot was taken from South Gare by Redcar.” Shot on: Nikon D90 at f16, 1/8sec, ISO 200 Sent in via: Website
Share your shots at... photoforbeginners.com Or search for PFBMag on...
Reader: Wiwit Boen Take A Rest “The photo was taken in our front yard. I took a walk around and saw this cute butterfly looking tired under the sun.” Shot on: Nikon D5000 at f1.8, 1/4000sec, ISO 200
Reader: Ma Trevillion Alfa Romeo Spider “We hired this 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider to drive around the Almafi Coast in Italy. It was 20 degrees and sunshine all the way!" Shot on: Canon EOS 500D at f4 1/200sec
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Reader: Emily Leonard Tree Backlit “The photo was taken at Fleet Dyke, Norfolk Broads. The sun was behind the tree and gave it a silhouette effect. When I returned home I processed the photo in grayscale in Photoshop.” Shot on: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W610 on Auto
Reader: Richard Tucker Mambo Sunset “The photograph was taken at Cafe Mambo in Ibiza at the end of this Ibizan season.” Shot on: Fujifilm FinePix SD2500HD on Sunset mode
Reader: Lynn Bolt Barca D’alva “This photograph was taken in October while we were taking a night-time sail on the River Douro in Portugal. The lit-up bridge makes a wonderful reflection against the inky-black river” Shot on: Panasonic DMC-FZ45, at f2.8, 1/13sec, ISO 800
Reader: Neil Botham Reader: Mark Andrew Lindsay Light Trails “I used a Nikon camera charger in my dark bedroom, only moving the camera to get light trails.” Shot on: Lumix DMC-FN18 at f3.1, 60sec, ISO 100
Lily Pond “I was on a trip to the Isle of Wight and while we were there we visited an exhibition. This pond was one of the centrepieces. I took three exposures and merged them to make the final image.” Shot on: Canon EOS 400D at f10, 1/50sec, ISO 100
9
Reader: Andy Clark
Win cameraphone kit! Send us your cameraphone shots and you could win a Manfrotto KLYP kit worth £95/approx $150. For more info head to www. manfrotto.co.uk. Full terms and conditions available online.
ENTER NOW: Send your shots to
[email protected]
Reader: Sabrina Qua Title: Tunnel Reader: Jemma Greef Title: Sunny Hunny
10
Winner! Reader: Jack Davison Llandudno “It was a grey rainy day and the colours just caught my eye. I don't think it would’ve had the same effect without the rain drops but I grabbed a cameraphone and took a snap.” Shot on: iPhone Reader: Carole Benson Title: Helmsley Castle
Reader: Josh Gorton Title: Paw Print
Share your shots Here’s how to show us your stunning snaps Share on our social sites Join the Facebook, Twier and Flickr communities @PFBMag
PFBMag Search for ‘PFBMag’ and click the tab. On our page, hit Photo/Video, then Upload Photo/ Video. Browse for your image, write a message and click Post for it to appear on our wall!
PFB Magazine
Click the Compose New Tweet box then select Add An Image. Find your shot and click Open. Write some text, include @PFBMag then click Tweet and we will see your photo!
Hit Upload to add images. Click on the image you want to share then hit Share> Grab the link. Email it to pfbteam@imagine-publishing. co.uk or post it to us on Facebook or Twitter.
Also share on our website Head to www.photoforbeginners.com now Create a gallery
Be inspired
Become our favourite!
You can showcase your favourite images by creating your own gallery page on our website. It’s quick and simple to set up.
Browse through all the different categories to be inspired by other readers’ photos and get ideas of your own.
We pick our favourite shots to highlight in our Featured Image section. This could be you soon, so get uploading!
Also online… The best of the rest on our great website Competitions Head to www.photoforbeginners.com and enter our weekly competitions to win some really fantastic prizes!
Enter the Face-Off Your shots are entered into our Face-Off section and pitted against other people’s – have fun watching your score rise!
Tips and tutorials Our website is piled high with step-by-step tutorials and useful tips to help you take better photos of any subject.
News and debate We help you keep up to date with the latest industry news and releases. You can also get stuck into hot topics with our debates!
Share your shots at... photoforbeginners.com
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11
Readers’ challenge
We challenged, you delivered…
Low-light photography Our Beginner’s Guide to shooting in low light can be found in PFB Issue 23. Get back issues from…
Winner! Reader: Andy Brown
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The OWL At Night “I saw the new Observation Wheel in Leeds as an opportunity to practice with long-exposure low-light shots” Shot on: Nikon D5100 at 100mm and f32, 30sec, ISO 100 Sent in via: PFB website
Just because the sun is setting, does not mean you need to pack away your camera. Dusk and the hours that follow open up a whole host of new and exciting shooting opportunities. The city lights captured using a slow shutter speed and a tripod look magical at night, or you could fire your flash to take beautiful night-time portraits. There are plenty of fun projects for you to try as the light fades too. Capturing light trails from the traffic, painting an object using creative washes of coloured light or taking photos of fantastic firework displays are just some of the options open to you
at night. In Issue 23 of Photography For Beginners, we showed you the tips and techniques behind mastering low-light photography for all sorts of subjects. We also challenged you to send us your best low-light shots. As always, you rose to the challenge and captured some truly beautiful images. Here Send us your shots for a chance to win a copy of MAGIX PhotoStory on DVD, courtesy of www. are just a few of magix.com. This software, which allows you to turn your photos into fantastic our favourites. slideshows, is worth £70/$70.
WIN!
PhotoStory on DVD software
Send us your shots at... photoforbeginners.com
Search for PFBMag on...
Your photos Readers’ challenge
Your next photo challenge:
Wildlife photography Follow the tips in our Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Photography and send us your best shots by 02/05/2013 for a chance to win MAGIX PhotoStory on DVD 2013 Deluxe.
Prize may be substituted for an item of equal value. Full T&Cs available online.
Reader: Paul Cobb Title: Liverpool
Reader: Debbie Murray Title: Concert
Reader: Tony Woodward Title: Just Chillin’
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Reader: Sco Viggars Title: Lamp
Reader: Pinar Tuncbilek Title: Light Painting
Need to know A snapshot of what’s exciting us this month
Self-portraits made easy with the NEX-3N Put yourself in the frame with Sony’s all-new CSC model
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The new NEX-3N has a 180-degree tiltable LCD screen which allows you to compose shots of yourself with ease. There is also a textured grip and zoom lever on the camera body – two features that make this model ideal for onehanded shooting. Many photographers may prefer to stay behind the camera, but selfportraits are an unavoidable necessity of life. Whether you need a new passport photo or a profile picture on Facebook, we all have to get in front of the lens at some point. Sony has taken this into consideration
and saved you the hassle of having to ask someone else to take the shot. This camera is lightweight and compact, so you’ll have no trouble holding it at arm’s length while you pose. With 16.1 megapixels and a maximum ISO of 1600, your new profile picture will be high quality too. Sony’s model joins the likes of Samsung’s MV900F, which also has a tiltable LCD screen ideal for framing self-portraits. The NEX-3N is available now with a 16-55mm power zoom lens for £399/$500, or with 16-50mm and 55-210mm lenses for £599/$TBC.
The top three… Reasons why we can’t wait to get our hands on this camera…
01 02 03
The 180 degree tiltable LCD screen, easy-to-hold textured grip and zoom lever make taking stunning self-portraits easy. Auto Object Framing automatically crops your shot for stronger composition based on what appears in the scene.
We can’t wait to see how the NEX-3N performs in low light. Will automatic noise reduction help produce quality images at a max ISO of 1600?
Smart composition Auto Object Framing mode judges what is in the scene, one person or two people, and crops the shot to create more powerful compositions.
Capture crisp low-light shots Noise reduction and sharpness are autoadjusted to ensure you get sharp low-light images without a tripod or flash.
Plenty of lenses Colourful playback Experience vivid, ultrarealistic colours when images are played back on any BRAVIA TV supporting ‘TRILUMINOS Display’.
With a range of 13 great E-mount lenses to choose from, including telephoto, zoom, wide-angle and macro, you will be able to shoot in any situation.
This month on… photoforbeginners.com How to photograph indoor events 0ōĚœœšğžğōŭťťųĔıćťĔœōĔğšŭťDŽŝćšŭĴğťDŽ ťĔıœœŅŝŅćƅťćōĚſğĚĚĴōĬťćšğĬšğćŭĨœš ĔćŝŭųšĴōĬŋğŋœšĴğťLJ-œſğžğšDŽŭığƅćšğ ŭƅŝĴĔćŅŅƅŠųĴŭğĚćšłćōĚĚĴĨĪĔųŅŭŭœĬğŭ ĬšğćŭťōćŝťœĨLJığĔłœųŭœųšŭĴŝťĨœš ŭćłĴōĬŝıœŭœťŭœĔığšĴťıLJ
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Beginners get noticed in prestigious awards Top new talent gets unveiled in Sony’s imaging competition eığťıœšŭŅĴťŭĨœšŭığŝšğťŭĴĬĴœųť^œōƅwœšŅĚ VıœŭœĬšćŝıƅſćšĚťıćťĒğğōćōōœųōĔğĚćōĚćŅŅ ſĴōōğšťſĴŅŅĒğšğžğćŅğĚĒƅŭığğōĚœĨŝšĴŅLJeığ ĔœŋŝğŭĴŭĴœōťćſœžğšǾǿǿDŽǽǽǽğōŭšĴğťĨšœŋǾȄǽ ĔœųōŭšĴğťŭıĴťƅğćšLJeığƅğćšŅƅćſćšĚťćšğœŝğōŭœĒœŭı ŝšœĨğťťĴœōćŅćōĚćŋćŭğųšŝıœŭœĬšćŝığšťćōĚğćĔı ƅğćšŭığĔœŋŝğŭĴŭĴœōųōĔœžğšťŭığıœŭŭğťŭōğſ ŝıœŭœĬšćŝıƅŭćŅğōŭLJ ōğƄıĴĒĴŭĴœōœĨŭığſĴōōĴōĬćōĚťıœšŭǗŅĴťŭğĚ ŝıœŭœĬšćŝığšťſĴŅŅćŝŝğćšćŭwœšŅĚVıœŭœ>œōĚœōLJeığ ğžğōŭſĴŅŅĒğığŅĚćŭ^œŋğšťğŭ-œųťğĨšœŋǿȃŝšĴŅŭœ ǾǿDćƅćōĚĨğćŭųšğŭığĒğťŭĴōŭğšōćŭĴœōćŅ ĔœōŭğŋŝœšćšƅŝıœŭœĬšćŝıƅćĔšœťťǿȂĔćŭğĬœšĴğťLJ eĴĔłğŭťĔœťŭǹȄLJȂǽǟǹȂĔœōĔğťťĴœōťǠćōĚĔćōĒğ ŝųšĔıćťğĚĨšœŋwww.worldphoto.org/2013exhibitionLJ
Plus all this…
Metering modes explained
ǜeĴŝťĨœšŝšğžğōŭĴōĬŅğōť ĨŅćšğĴōƅœųšŝıœŭœť ǜDğĬćŝĴƄğŅťğƄŝŅćĴōğĚdž ſıćŭĚœƅœųōğğĚǀ ǜœŋŝğŭĴŭĴœōťćōĚŭığ Ņćŭğťŭŝıœŭœōğſť
Top tweets eığŋœōŭıNJťĒğťŭŝıœŭœĬšćŝıƅǗ šğŅćŭğĚŭſğğŭťLJ}œųĔćōŭſğğŭųť ĚĴšğĔŭćŭ@PFBMag
15 DZ-ĴğŝǗFĬųƅğōǗ-œćōĬ
@uppbeat
The top three…
New beginner cameras The latest models that have caught our aention this month
@PFBMag Lumix GF1. Wicksteed Park in Kettering @CB_Photographs @PFBMag just brought Issue 22 sitting in the office reading through it now
@FidaiAzeem @PFBMag happy to see my city shot in last month’s issue of PFB!
@Claire Knighton @PFBMag Reading my PFB mag that’s just arrived in the post
Nikon CoolPix A
Fujifilm F900EXR
Sony A58
£1,000/$1,100 Nikon introduces the world’s smallest camera with a DX-format sensor, allowing for DSLR-style photo performance in a pocketable, compact body.
£310/TBC Super-fast autofocus, start-up time and time between shots make this 20x optical zoom camera a speedy shooter and a great option for capturing action.
£450/TBC A 20.1-megapixel interchangeable-lens camera with tiltable LCD screen and electronic viewfinder that can shoot 8fps for fast shooting.
@beesknees @PFBMag [Here’s a photograph of] one of my favourite places
Need to know Join the debate
Join the debate
Which should you shoot in? Black and white vs colour Monochrome images are classic, beautiful and hugely popular to shoot. When taking black-andwhite photographs, the main dilemma that faces many photographers is whether to shoot using
Things we love…
01
#PFBLoves
Kata Revolver-8 PL Revolving backpack
in-camera black-and-white mode, or shoot in colour and then use editing software to transform the shot later on. Join in the debate on Facebook, Twitter or the PFB website. Web: www.katabags.co.uk Price: £235/$275 This cool bag has a revolving section at the bottom for quick access to up to five lenses.
02
Giottos YTL8213 vertical column tripod
Web: www.giottos-tripods.co.uk Price: £349/approx $520 With a Y-shaped centre column instead of a circular one, this tripod is much more compact.
16
03
Diddpix kids camera club
Our staff writer Jo says: When I want to take black-and-white shots, I always shoot in colour and then convert the shot later on. It is sometimes difficult to tell if a scene will look good in black and white before you take the shot, so by shooting in colour I can
make sure I have a colour shot to fall back on if the converted photo doesn’t work. This also means that I get both versions of the shot for if I decide I actually want the colour photo later. What do you think?
Web: www.diddipix.com Price: Free Didipix is an online camera club for kids aged 6-16, allowing them to create a gallery, get tips, enter contests and more.
04
Cokin Pure Harmonie filters
What Photography For Beginners readers have to say… Rik Freeman
James Steadman
Robert Dickinson
Angela Brown
“99 per cent of images I take are colour, however, I do sometimes take a shot knowing it will be better in black and white.”
“Capturing in colour is much better, so you have options. Then you can use colour selectively, which looks really cool.”
“Shoot RAW colour so then it can be converted, but on some occasions monochrome is a good option for great results.”
“I shoot in black and white as it’s much quicker than converting. I often switch to colour to do a backup, though.”
Sent in via PFB website
Sent in via email
Sent in via PFB website
Sent in via email
Our poll stands at 12% shoot in black and white, 88% shoot in colour. Add your vote now!
Web: www.cokin.co.uk Price: From £40/$55 These UV, polarising and ND filters are lightweight and thin, with a coating to protect them from dust, scratches and more.
Search for #PFBLoves on Twitter to see what we love
Join the debate at...
photoforbeginners.com
Search for PFBMag on...
The Ultimate
Travel Lens 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 VC PZD Lens
270 mm
18
mm
15x ZOOM
Travel Light!
The new small and lightweight lens from Tamron is the ideal ‘one solution’ lens for travelling. It’s jam packed with features including our new piezo ultrasonic motor for superfast and silent autofocus, plus built-in Vibration Compensation (VC). It also comes with a 5 year guarantee, not that we think you’ll need it! Just put it in your bag and this lens can handle almost any situation you can throw at it.
Possibly the only lens you’ll ever need!
18-270mm F/3.6.3 Di II VC PZD The world’s lightest, most compact 15x Zoom
i
Available for Nikon, Canon and Sony DSLR cameras. i) For SLR camera high-zoom-ratio lenses with 15x magnification capability. Current as of December 2010. (Source: Tamron).
Lens shown Actual Size
Available from all fine camera stores www.tamron.co.uk Intro 2020 Ltd. Priors Way, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 2HP Tel: 01628 674411 *Lens shown for illustration purpose only, sizes may vary. E&OE
New eyes for industry
*
Ask the team questions at
photoforbeginners.com
ag Post questions to the PFBM om k.c oo eb group at www.fac or tips you Tweet any quick questions may have to @PFBMag to our Flickr Upload your problem pics bmag /pf pool at www.flickr.com
Questions & answers, tips & photo-fixes
Amy Squibb
PFB’s editor Amy is here to help out with our readers’ shooting concerns
Annabelle Sing
Photoshop expert and PFB designer Annabelle is on hand to solve any photo-editing issues
Jo Stass
PFB’s staff writer Jo is at the ready to answer your camera tech questions
How do I capture architecture? I took this shot when the pattern of the building caught my eye. I also really like the distorted reflection of the opposite buildings in the glass. However, I do feel it looks a little dull. Is there anything I can do?
A
B C
John Barry via Facebook
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You have the makings of a good shot here; it’s correctly exposed and sharp and we like how the reflection creates a contrast between old and new architecture. The main element that detracts from the striking buildings is the not-sointeresting expanse of blue sky. No one can help the weather but there is a little trick in post-production that can create a more exciting backdrop. You can also remove distracting things like the lamp post quickly and easily. Photo needs rescuing?
Dull sky is a lot of empty space A There in the picture due to the lack of clouds. Cheat Mother Nature using image-editing software
Closer crop tighter crop would cut out B Apart of the blank space and bring the focus back to the main subjects: the buildings
Distracting elements lamp post juts into the C The picture at an odd angle and
Email it to our experts
[email protected]
Painting clouds
01 Dodge
there is part of a building intruding in the corner
Fill your blue skies with clouds in four simple steps in GIMP
Click File> Open and select your image. Then select the Dodge icon from the Toolbox and create a rough cloud shape by making circular motions with the mouse.
02 Smudge
Select the Smudge tool and click and drag around the edges of the makeshift cloud to soften the edges and make it look natural. Change the brush size in the Toolbox.
03 Add depth
Pick up the Dodge tool again and draw a second cloud shape over the first one. Make it slightly smaller than the first shape in order to add depth. Use the Smudge tool again.
04Add highlights
You’ll notice that some parts of real clouds are whiter and others wispier. Create this effect with the Dodge tool and using a smaller brush to draw in loose, swirling motions.
Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
4 of the best… Ways to tidy up shots using the Clone tool
Use the rubber stamp In GIMP, find the Clone tool which is located in the Toolbox down the left-hand side; it looks like a rubber stamp icon. This is perfect for getting rid of things like lamp posts and, in this case, the corner of a building.
What is the exposure triangle? I’ve always used my camera on auto mode but now I’m beginning to feel confident enough to experiment with manual settings. I’m slowly getting to grips with aperture and shutter priority modes but using full manual mode still intimidates me. I’ve read that you must think about the ‘exposure triangle’ when changing the settings but I have no idea what that means. Can you talk me through it please?
3 of the best…
Isabelle Wiggins, via Facebook
Polarisers aid your exposure as they combat harsh reflections and glare from the sun. These filters can also help to boost the contrast and saturation in your photos for vibrant images, so are great for punchy landscape shots.
The ‘exposure triangle’ consists of three vital factors in image making: ISO, aperture and shutter speed. Exposure is how light or dark an image will be and it’s a case of juggling those settings. Changing one will affect the others. For example, if you have a wide aperture, plenty of light will enter the lens so you need a fast shutter speed and a low ISO so the picture isn’t completely white. It’s often a case of getting to know your camera and testing settings to see what works best. On bright days, it can help to use a filter, like those in our sidebar here…
Hit the Control key To clone out an unwanted area of your image, drag your mouse to a ‘clean’ part of the picture nearby to the subject you wish to remove. Then hold down the Control key on your keyboard and left-click your mouse button.
Avoid over- or underexposed images by learning about the exposure triangle
Now repeatedly click over the unwanted subject and it will quickly be replaced with more pleasing pixels. You can change the size of the brush as you go and it’s also a good idea to hit Control again as the colour changes slightly.
Polarising filter
Sunset filter Transform a bright sunny day into a beautiful sunset by slotting a sunset filter over your lens. It’s tinted with a natural warm-orange glow which translates into sunset-style hues for a beautiful evening vista.
Graduated Neutral-density (ND-grad) filter Balance a bright sky and darker land by using an ND-grad filter. It will be dark one end so place this area over the sky to reduce the amount of light coming through in this section only.
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Change the size In the Tool Options (below the Toolbox), you can change the size of the Clone stamp by dragging the Size slider across, or increasing the number by clicking on the ‘up’ arrow. This can make cloning larger areas much easier.
Click, click, click
Camera filters for perfecting your exposure
This month we
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Lisha Foster A beautifully detailed shot of a bird enjoying breakfast. We love the blurred background.
How can I recreate Instagram effects? 20 Susan Hurst This macro makes us squirm! The punchy colours and the level of detail is impressive.
I really like the hazy, retro look that photos have when they are taken and edited with the Instagram app. Although smartphone shooting is very popular, and very handy as everyone has one these days, personally I prefer taking photos with my digital camera. Landscapes are my favourite genre to shoot, and I’ve seen some great Instagram vista shots that I’d love to recreate. I’m relatively new to image editing but I would like to know how to do these retro-style photo effects using iPhoto – can you help? Mark G via Facebook
Carl Surry
The retro film camera look is so popular right now, thanks in large part to Instagram. For the uninitiated, it’s a free app that applies a filter to your photos and gives them the coveted ‘vintage’ appearance. However, it’s really easy to replicate this effect in any editing software. In Photoshop, for example, just click Image> Adjustments> Colour Balance and experiment by dragging the sliders to create some interesting effects. Just make sure you save the file separately so you don’t copy over the original image. Using iPhoto (software that comes with your Mac) is even easier. Read on to find out just how simple it is.
Make digital pics look like film Follow these steps to transform your shots in iPhoto
The tilt-shift effect has been used in this beach scene for a great miniature look.
Val Stone Brill An amazing camouflage capture! Wildlife shots look great with natural backdrops.
Apply the Antique filter Open your image in iPhoto via File> Import To Library and click Edit. Then select the Antique filter to apply an instant dated appearance.
Warm up Click the Warmer button to inject some colour, and Lighten/Darken for the desired effect. Click Vignette for the ultimate retro look.
Adjust exposure Lastly, click on the Adjust tab at the top and drag the sliders to alter the Saturation (how punchy the colours are) and Contrast until you’re happy.
Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
Twitpics The best photos tweeted to us @pfbmag
Exotic bird captured in Queenslan d, Australia @NathBrayshaw
A beautiful landscape shot with a great foreground! @sonsational
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A fast s h strawb utter speed h erry sp lash. @ as frozen this Cobs74
Let us recommend
Best professional compact camera models Do you want wow-worthy pics without a bulky DSLR? Try a premium compact I’d like to upgrade from my little compact point-and-shoot camera to a newer model that comes with more manual features. I’m hoping to expand my photography skills and so I’m very interested in purchasing a higher-end compact camera for its portability and high image quality. I’m not really fussed about having to change lenses on my camera, so a fixed lens is just fine. Can you suggest some good recommendations that are available please? Mark Hunt via email
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
Canon PowerShot G1 X
Olympus Stylus XZ-2
£450/$500 The build quality of the Panasonic LX series is excellent; it’s light and comfortable to hold and looks the business. Highlights include the Leica lens that opens up to f1.4.
£700/$800 Available much cheaper online, this premium compact has lots of external controls for easy operation and it offers impressive images thanks to the large sensor.
£480/$600 The ultra-fast 28-112mm zoom lens comes with image stabilisation for steady shots under a variety of lighting. It also has HD video and filters can be added to footage.
What’s good about it…
What’s good about it…
What’s good about it…
There’s a great variety of digital filters on board, including a neutral-density (ND) filter for sunny days It comes with full-manual control and an aperture ring that can be adjusted from f1.4 to f8.0
There’s an optical viewfinder and a vari-angle LCD screen for improved composition Take advantage of manual control, HDR mode and the ND filter for better high-contrast images
A control ring around the lens lets you alter the aperture and flick a switch to manually focus There’s a touch-screen LCD and this model is also available in white for stylish shooting
What could be better…
What could be better…
What could be better…
It lacks a touch screen and flexible LCD screen, which can be found on rival premium models Other competitors are opting for larger sensors; this one has the same size as 2010’s LX5 model
It’s heavier than others so users might find it uncomfortable shooting for long periods The 4x optical zoom could feel restrictive – if you prefer close-ups, consider a superzoom model
The LCD only tilts horizontally, which is a little restrictive and doesn’t help with self-portraits There is no macro mode for close-ups and full manual control isn’t available for video capture
Shooting Beginner’s guide
Beginner’s guide to
Wildlife photography
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Discover when, where and how to capture amazing photos of animals
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Wildlife can be found almost anywhere, and is a great subject for practising your photo skills. You don’t have to go on a trip to the zoo or a safari park to get excellent images of animals either, as lots of species can be found in your back garden or local park. Patience is important to master with wildlife photography, as you cannot direct an animal to pose for you. Capturing those one-off fleeting moments is what makes it so exciting, so don’t be put off if you have to wait around! There are also steps you can
take to boost your chances of a great shot, such as putting out food to entice animals like birds, hedgehogs and badgers into view. Just keep a safe distance so you don’t scare them off. Of course, taking photos at the zoo also comes with challenges, but there are easy tricks to ensure you get brilliant shots. Follow our guide for the best way to plan and take your animal shots, and learn the best times of day to find certain species out and about. Also check out our tips for editing your images to make them truly stunning.
Over the next eight pages: Learn the simple tips and tricks for getting great photos of wildlife, no matter where you are
Kit for wildlife photography TELEPHOTO LENS
Use a long lens to get close-ups while keeping your distance so the animal isn’t aware of you.
CAMOUFLAGE COVER
REMOTE SHUTTER RELEASE
Use a tripod and remote release to take a shot a few steps back, leaving your camera among the animals.
POLARISING FILTER
1/50sec
F4
Use natural light up near to areas that Set are well lit to make use of Hides and other camouflage can help you to blend in with the scenery and not scare off your subjects.
Prevent capturing your reflection when you’re shooting through glass by using a polarising filter.
natural light. You could try setting up a bird table in the most well-lit part of your garden, for instance
Shooting Beginner’s guide
23
Discover when and where to find your wildlife subjects and our tips for shooting on p24
Master our top techniques for solving common wildlife-photography problems over on p26
Turn to p28 to learn how to edit the images that you didn’t quite get right the first time around
Shooting Beginner’s guide
1. Be prepared
Where to find wildlife and get set up Planning is a good idea if you want to capture your best-ever animal shots. If you want to photograph certain animals, it helps to know what time of day they are usually most active, or what kind of food you might be able to lay out to entice them, for instance. Having the right settings prepared also makes it easier to get great animal shots when the creatures arrive. In this guide we will help you with these aspects of your shoot, and also highlight the key environments to look out for when wildlife spotting in your local area.
1/1000sec F5.6
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Get the opethnere for ing time Get to th e zoo
Get shots of exotic animals that you wouldn’t otherwise see at home
Get a clear view of underwater creatures both great and small. Place your lens close to the glass to avoid nasty reflections.
Setting up
are often early. The anim a m time and ore active at this ls there will be fewer people a bou the way t to get in of shots.
Look for bird hides and see what unusual species you can spot. Rest your arms on the viewing gaps for steady shots.
Go in search of animals in their natural environment for shots in a stunning setting. Keep quiet and still so you can get up close.
Follow animal tracks in snow or mud to find wild critters. Remember to look up in the trees as well as down on the ground.
Get yourself and your camera ready to shoot
Do your research
Chose your position
Keep quiet
If you are looking to capture a particular animal, research their habits and feeding times. This will help you plan the best time to photograph them and give you an idea of the type of shot to aim for.
Position yourself so that the background of your shots will not be distracting. Green plants or trees make a suitably plain backdrop. You can also crop in close to cut out any distractions.
Move slowly and quietly around wildlife so you 03 do not scare them off. Also be sure to turn the sound off on your camera as this could startle
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animals and cause them to run away.
Shooting Beginner’s guide
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Continuous autofocus will help to keep your subject in focus, even as they move around
Zoom right in to get great shots while staying at a distance from subjects
DAYTIME SPECIES
25 Continuous shooting will take several shots in one burst to guarantee a brilliant image
The best time of day to find certain animals Different species of animals are more active at certain times of day. It may be because this is when they hunt for food, for example butterflies are more likely to find flowers to pollinate in the day. Or it could be that they are best suited to certain conditions, such as bats which use sonar to be able to find their way in the dark. It is useful to know when the
species you are looking to photograph is most active, as this is when you are likely to bag the shot. Use our chart to see what time of day some popular animals to photograph come out at. Use this to plan your shoot and the settings you will need for the lighting conditions that will be available at that particular time.
Select shutter priority and a fast shutter speed for a sharp shot of animals in action
Turn off your flash
Camouflage yourself
Be ready to go
If daylight is fading, avoid using your flash as this will scare the animals. Try raising your ISO to make your camera more sensitive to the available light, or wait for them to move into ambient light.
Keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid wearing bright clothes that will make you stand out. Wear greens and browns to blend in with the natural habitat and try to keep quiet and still.
If you are shooting a fast-moving animal, they 06 may be gone before you manage to get your camera out of the bag and the lens cap off. Always
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have your camera out and ready to shoot.
Shooting Beginner’s guide
2. Techniques
The skills and tricks you need when you start to shoot Whether you are in your back garden or at the zoo, there are a few things that you need to think about before you take your shot. It’s easy to forget about composition when you are trying to capture a split-second of action, but it can still help turn a good shot into a brilliant one. By remembering a few simple tricks you can make it easier to increase your chances of coming away with the perfect snap. You also need to consider obstructions such as fences and glass windows which make it tricky to get good shots of animals in captivity. However, it is easy to overcome the problems they cause by implementing a few simple tricks.
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Positioning your subject in the centre of the frame can make for a dull shot
1/200sec
Get the right angle
F4
Shoot through glass
Eliminate fences
Shoot at eye level for more natural, majestic images
Keep your lens close to the glass to avoid harsh reflections
Use a small f number and zoom in to make fences disappear!
Shooting Beginner’s guide
Use a strong composition
Leave some active space in front of a subject so that the viewer can see where they are looking or moving towards
The benefits of photo tours… PFB reader Rob Unwin describes his Capture Safaris Photo Tour
Where did you go on your photo tour? “I went on a seven-day photography tour to Tanzania, visiting Ruaha National Park and the Selous Game Reserve.”
How did the tour benefit you as a beginner? “It was very beneficial to have someone there in the field with you, pointing out potential photography opportunities, getting you into prime position and also coaching you while taking photos. It was also great to have someone to critique my photos at the end of the day. To be able to see where you went wrong and then put lessons learnt into practice the next day was great.”
What sort of things did you learn on the tour? “How to form a strong composition (eg get low and don’t leave dead space above the subject) was a major aspect, and also how to use light to your advantage.”
Do you have any advice for others thinking about booking a photo tour? “Don’t be afraid of going on a tour if you’re a beginner. It’s amazing how much you can learn in a week. I would also suggest renting a long lens for the trip and taking the time to understand how your camera works before you go so that you can spend more time taking great shots.”
Mak scenee use of modes Sports scene
For more info, visit www.capturesafaris.com © Rob Unwin
as it se mode is ha setting lects the be ndy st s subjec for fast-movin ts, so y g miss a ou don’t shot.
Zoom in close
Focus on the eyes On a tour you’ll get access to amazing animals
© Rob Unwin
Zoom in so the subject fills the frame, avoiding distracting backgrounds
Move your AF selection point over their eyes to focus in that spot
Tour guides will help you with photo techniques
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Shooting Beginner’s guide
3. Editing
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Getting the perfect shot when your subject is moving can be difficult and often a bit of post-production is needed for wildlife photos. You may not have had time to select the correct settings or think about composition if the moment the animal pulled the perfect pose was fast and unexpected. There may have also been some unavoidable distractions in your shot, such as the fence that was protecting you from a dangerous creature. There are ways to clear up these issues, however, which we will show you using Photoshop Elements 11. A lot of the edits will also work in free software such as GIMP, though, if you do not have Elements.
AFTER Getting colours true to life will really make your shot stand out
28 BEFORE Colour casts and dull colours can spoil an otherwise brilliant shot
Boost colours and sharpen Adjust levels and colour curves for a more eye-catching shot
Remove colour cast
Adjust the levels
Adjust colour curves
Sharpen up
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If your image has an unusual colour tint to it, then go to Enhance> Adjust Colour> Remove Colour Cast. Then select a part of your shot that is either black, grey or white, and Elements will correct the colour cast for you.
Go to Enhance> Adjust Lighting> Levels. Select the black, white or grey Dropper tool and click on the corresponding colour in your shot. This will automatically alter your Levels, but to boost them further, move the arrows under the histogram.
Go to Enhance> Adjust Colour> Adjust Colour Curves and select Default from the Select a Style menu. Move the Highlights, Shadows and Brightness sliders until you are happy with how your shot looks in the preview box.
Shooting moving animals can sometimes leave you with slightly blurry shots. To sharpen them up, go to Enhance> Adjust Sharpness and preview a blurry area of your shot. Move the Amount and Radius sliders until your shot looks a little sharper.
Shooting Beginner’s guide
Remove a fence
Recompose
Two methods for removing distracting fences
Straighten and crop your shot for stunning composition AFTER
AFTER
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Spot healing tool
Remove the fence
Automatic straighten
Straighten manually
The simplest way to remove a distracting animal-enclosure fence from your shot is to use the Spot Healing Brush tool. Select it from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen in Elements and adjust the brush size.
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Now drag your cursor over the fence in your shot and the editing software will remove it. This works by blending the area to the rest of image as best as possible, and this method works really well in most situations.
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Photoshop Elements 11 has a great tool to automatically straighten your image. Go to Image> Rotate> Straighten Image and wait for Elements to work its magic. It is usually pretty accurate, but if it doesn’t look quite right you can straighten it yourself.
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Clone Stamp tool
Clone out the fence
Crop in
Recompose
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If your fence is in a slightly trickier position, then you may wish to use the Clone Stamp tool. Select it from the toolbar on the left-hand side of the screen in Photoshop Elements and adjust the brush size to suit.
The Clone Stamp tool works by copying a specific area of the image and pasting it over another area. Select an area similar to that which is covered by the fence (Alt+click on it), and then draw over the fence to paste it on top.
Now you need to crop your shot in order to straighten up the edges. Select the Crop tool from the toolbar on the left-hand side, drag your cursor over the image to highlight the area you want to keep, then click the green tick to make the crop.
If you want to straighten your image yourself, then in Elements head to Image> Transform> Free Transform. Now hover your cursor over the corner of your image until you see a little curved-arrow icon, then drag the image around until it is straight.
Using the Crop tool again, improve the composition of your shot. Use the gridlines to position your subject off-centre in the frame, leaving some active space in front of them. When you are finished, click the green tick to complete your shot.
For more great guides head to www.greatdigitalmags.com
Shooting Quick tips
5 tips for amazing eyes in portraits Get sharp, bright eyes with these easy tricks The eyes are the most important part of a portrait, as they are what we are instantly drawn to. As such, the quality of the eyes in an image can make or break your shot. The success of your portrait could hang in the balance, so here are some hints on how to get an image with perfect peepers!
Think about light When you’re lighting your shot, whether you’re working with natural light or flash, make sure the eyes are brightly lit. This may mean repositioning your model or using a reflector to bounce some light back up.
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Use fill-in flash If you don’t have enough available light and your subject’s eyes are in shadow, simply set your flash to fire – this will fill in any dark areas. This works particularly well on bright days when your model is backlit.
Create catchlights Catchlights are the light source reflected in the eye, and they can help make a portrait truly shine. Simply place a small white piece of card at the top of your flash to achieve this with ease.
Focus on the eyes Make sure the eyes of your subject are perfectly sharp by setting your focus point over them. You could also try manually focusing for ultimate control, making sure they are crystal clear on the LCD screen.
Sharpen up Use Unsharp Mask in editing software to sharpen up the eyes in the post-production stage. You could even use a layer mask to select just the eyes and sharpen these while keeping the skin nice and soft.
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Shooting 10 water projects
10 WATER PHOTOGRAPHY PROJECTS Have fun and get creative with these watery photo ideas
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The fluidity and versatility of water has made it an incredibly popular subject for photography. There are so many ways to incorporate it into your photos, whether you are out and about, or stuck inside on a rainy day. In fact, even going out on a rainy afternoon will give you the chance to take great water shots. It doesn’t matter what camera you have either, as compacts and cameraphones, as well as CSCs and DSLRs can capture fantastic images of water. Water can be incorporated into almost any genre of photography that you choose to shoot. If you come across a lake or a river you can capture it as part of a landscape shot, or if you are near the coast you can shoot some stunning seascapes. Water also makes a great subject for shooting abstract close-up photographs. Using just a few common household items you can get creative with water or ice and produce some beautiful and colourful images. Even portraits can be
given a watery touch by shooting them as reflections in lakes or puddles. Of course, it is important to remember that your expensive camera equipment and water are not the best of friends. Make sure that you are careful with your photo kit and keep it at a safe distance from the water that you are shooting. Alternatively, if you really love capturing the wet stuff you could invest a waterproof case for your camera, or even a waterproof camera model. This will open up even more opportunities for capturing interesting water shots. In this guide, we will tell you what you need, and how to go about taking cool water photos. We will also explain some of the photography jargon that is likely to come in useful for water photography. Take inspiration from our guide of ten stunning yet easy-to-achieve water-photography projects and have fun taking some watery photos yourself.
Jargon explained The top terms to understand for shooting beautiful water photos
Long exposure
Neutral-density filter
The shutter is open for a long time using a slow shutter speed and shows the movement of the water in your shot.
Blocks some of the light from entering your lens and allows you to use a long exposure in daylight.
Shooting 10 water projects
Use continuous shooting to capture action
In shutter priority, select a fast shutter
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Pour water into a glass and snap away!
Shutter priority
Continuous shooting
Macro
A mode on most mode dials. You set the shutter speed and the camera will then work out the correct aperture.
An option available on many cameras to take several shots in quick succession when you press the shutter.
Extreme close-ups of a subject so that they appear larger than life. Usually requires a special macro mode or lens.
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Water droplets
Magically magnify objects in droplets of water It may look like a pro technique, but it is very easy to shoot these images! The spherical water drops act as an organic lens, magnifying whatever is behind them. You simply need to position and focus your camera just right. Remember that your subject will appear upside down in the droplet, so choose a symmetrical object or turn it up the other way. You can try this anywhere, it just takes a bit of patience and experimentation.
Use macro mode to get in close
Find a droplet
Go macro
Pick your subject
Focus and shoot
Look for a droplet of water or dew on a plant, or create your own. The bigger the water droplet the easier it will be to get a great shot.
Use macro mode or a macro lens and set a wide aperture (low f-number) to keep the droplet in focus but the background blurred.
Your subject could be already nearby, or you could put a subject in place. Ideally it should be around three inches behind the droplet.
Use a tripod and self-timer to avoid shake. Position yourself so that you can see the refracted object, focus on the droplet and shoot.
03 Raindrops
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Don’t be put off by wet weather
02Reflections Shoot beautiful mirrored images in water The reflective nature of water gives you the chance to take creative shots. Try capturing reflections of trees or buildings in lakes for an interesting vista; either shoot just the reflection, perhaps disturbing the water to distort the subject, or you could include the original subject in the frame too. If you want an
exact mirror image, wait for a calm day with no wind so that the water is still. If there are ripples, use a slow shutter speed to prevent them showing up in your image. You can also take unique portrait shots by shooting someone’s reflection in a lake, puddle or even your bath at home.
A rainy day may not seem like a great time to go out shooting, but you can capture great shots in bad weather. Just be sure to keep your kit wrapped up in a cover or plastic bag if it’s not waterproof! To capture the rain, use a shutter speed of around 1/50sec and a high
f-number to keep the entire scene in focus. Also make sure that your shot is backlit to illuminate the rain. You may need a high ISO to make your camera more sensitive to light on darker days. Shooting after the rain is also great for capturing raindrops on flowers.
04 Splashing Splash around for dramatic water shots It is incredibly simple to create dramatic water shots at home. All you need is a see-through container and an object to drop into it. A really colourful object, such as a piece of fruit, will make for a more eye-catching shot, but make sure that the object you use is waterproof.
05 Seascapes Take stunning coastal-landscape shots
The coast is fantastic for landscape photos as it is ever-changing and there’s plenty of scope for creativity. Just be sure to stay safe and check the tide times. A great time to shoot seascapes is at dawn or dusk for a lovely golden light. Set your camera to shutter priority and use a slow shutter speed to for smooth water. Use a tripod and self-timer to prevent camera shake. Composition-wise, look out for some foreground interest such as rocks, a boat or a pier and position them off-centre in the frame.
06Underwater Fill your glass
Shoot subsurface for a new perspective
Find a transparent glass or cup and fill it three-quarters full with water. Make sure there will be nothing distracting in the background of your shot.
Shutter priority Using shutter priority and a fast speed will capture the action
Set your camera to shutter priority and use a fast shutter speed. This will enable you to capture the splashes as it will freeze the action.
Shooting mode Use your camera’s continuous shooting mode to take a series of photos when you press the shutter. This will increase your chances of getting a great shot.
Fire the shutter Use self-timer to take the shot and time it so that the shutter will fire as the object hits the water. You may need a few trial runs before you get it right.
The increasing number of waterproof cameras and cases available has opened up a host of new opportunities, allowing you to take photos from a new perspective – underwater. Capture your family as they splash around the pool on holiday or try photographing an
object submerged in a bath for a unique still life shot. You could try taking a photo of an object at water level, capturing it half-submerged so you can see the distortion from the water. Hold it in the liquid, so that water line is halfway up the lens and take a shot.
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Oil & water
Create colourful and abstract shots When oil is dropped into water, the two do not combine, leaving perfectly circular droplets in the water. This provides a fantastic subject for macro photography, and you can personalise the background to achieve truly unique effects.
08Waterfalls
Make moving water look silky and smooth When capturing waterfalls on camera, it is great to try using a long exposure. Set your camera on a tripod or place it on a sturdy surface, select shutter priority and choose the slowest shutter speed. To avoid camera shake, you may want to use your camera’s self-timer or a remote shutter release to take the shot so you do not jog the camera. Also, keep your ISO as
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low as possible to ensure your shot is crisp and grain-free. The long exposure will capture the movement of the water in your shot, making it look silky and smooth. When shooting in daylight, you may also need to use a neutral-density filter, or hold a pair of sunglasses in front of the lens to block out some of the light and prevent your shot from overexposing.
Add coloured backgrounds for extra interest in your oil and water images
09 Ice Get creative with frozen water
Set up your shot Light your subject Fill a shallow, plain-glass dish with water and place it on top of a colourful piece of wrapping paper or perhaps a page from a magazine.
If you're shooting in the daytime, position your glass dish by a window for a naturally lit shot. Alternatively, use a desk lamp to illuminate your subject.
Add your oil
Take the shot
Dip a straw in some cooking oil and drip it into the water. Space out the drops to create clearly defined circles, and nudge them into position.
Use your camera’s macro mode or use a macro lens to get close to the water and take your shot from above, using a tripod if you need to.
As an incredibly versatile substance by nature, of course water does not just have a liquid state. You can have plenty of fun with it when it’s frozen. For a really colourful abstract shot, fill a transparent container with crushed or cubed ice and then drip food colouring over it. Set your camera to macro mode, or if you are using a CSC or DSLR, experiment with a macro lens.
This will allow you to get close-up shots of the colour as it travels through the ice. Experiment with using more than one colour and shoot from different angles, including top-down and side-on. Another great abstract ice project that you can try is to freeze objects into ice cubes and shoot them suspended in the frozen water.
Shooting 10 water projects
10
Ripples Capture perfect ripples in your bath at home
The circular shapes of ripples in water make fantastic abstract shots. It is really easy to capture this effect in your bathroom at home using just a torch, a cloth and your bath. Follow our simple steps below to recreate the effect.
Unless you have a waterproof camera, remember to be really careful when you're working with water. You may wish to secure your camera to a tripod to reduce the risk of dropping it in the bath. Also be careful with splashes around electrical equipment.
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Fill the bath
Use a torch
Select settings
Create ripples
First off, fill your bath with a few inches of water and wait until the water is calm and still so that only the ripples you intentionally create later will be visible in your shot.
Place a torch near the bath and angle it so that it lights the water from the side. This will help you capture clearly defined ripples in your photos.
Use aperture priority and a narrow aperture (high f-number) to keep ripples sharp. Use continuous shooting mode to take a series of shots, then you can pick the best.
Soak a cloth in water, hold it over the bath and gently squeeze to create water drops that create ripples. Then hit the shutter. It may take a few attempts to get it right!
Shooting Panning
Create this shot!
Panning What you’ll need… A camera with manual settings A monopod
We used…
Samsung NX200
Capture the speed of your subject
Consider the background Even though the background will be blurred, it is still important to ensure there are no distractions visible. You may need to reposition yourself to get a better backdrop.
You could use…
A tripod A smooth surface to lean on
What you’ll learn… Smooth panning Shutter speed tips How to keep your subject in focus
Account for shutter lag Some cameras have a short delay between the time you hit the shutter and when it fires. Try taking your shot a second or two before your subject enters the frame.
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With continuous autofocus your camera can track your subject and keep it in focus as it moves in the frame
Shooting Panning Secure your camera to a monopod or a sturdy tripod to ensure smooth panning and a sharp subject
P A
S
AUTO
Aperture: f8 ISO: 200 Shutter speed: 1/30sec
Take the shot When you press the shutter, gradually turn your camera with your subject, keeping a steady pace. Continue panning for a short while after the shutter has closed for a smooth shot.
Pre-focus If your camera does not have continuous autofocus, select manual focus or selective focus and focus your camera on the area where you subject will enter the frame.
Select shutter priority and choose a slow shutter speed – try around 1/30sec - 1/50sec and adjust from there
Get into position Find a safe place to take your shot from, making sure that you will not get in the way of the path of your subject. Also make sure that you will get a clear shot with no obstructions.
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39
Shooting Big project
A panorama on your cameraphone Capture a sweeping scene on your cameraphone and turn it into a canvas print to take pride of place in your home
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Shooting Big project What you’ll need…
A cameraphone A photo-editing app Printing service
We used…
iPhone 5 Adobe Photoshop Express Print Panoramics
You could use…
A digital camera Adobe Photoshop photo-canvas.com
What you’ll learn… How to take a panorama on your smartphone then print it and display it for all to see
Panoramas involve stitching several photos of the same scene together to include more in the frame than is possible with a normal photo. This is great for landscape or group shots as you don’t have to cut anyone or anything out of the photo. It is possible to take a panorama with any camera, even your cameraphone, and many will even stitch the photos together for you. Some cameraphones, such as the iPhone 5, come with a panorama mode built in. But if yours does not, then there are a huge number of free and paid-for apps that you can download to do the job. If you are using a digital camera that does not have a panorama mode, simply take a series of shots that line
up and overlap each other slightly, then use software such as Photomatix or Photomerge in Photoshop to stitch the photos together. Panoramas make for great wall art, and in this tutorial we will show you how to turn yours into a canvas using Print Panoramics. This company specialises in panorama prints, with a wide range of canvas and print dimensions available. Due to the increasingly good-quality images produced by cameraphones, their size specifications are in fact optimised for panoramas taken on iPhone cameras, which we will use for this tutorial. However, you can use shots taken on any smartphone or camera and even create non-panoramic prints of various sizes.
“It is possible to take a panorama with any camera, even your cameraphone, and many will even stitch the photos together”
Shoot! Take a smooth and sweeping panorama with your smartphone
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Use your smartphone
Don’t forget composition
Choose your direction
If you have an iPhone 5, open the phone camera, tap Options and then select Panorama. If you have a different phone, then download a panorama app. They are all really easy to use, just sweep your camera across the scene and it will stitch it all together.
01
Think about the composition. Look for foreground interest, such as trees or buildings, and position skylines a third of the way up or down the frame. It is also important to get the horizon straight, so activate your gridlines to line it up along them.
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Get rid of obstructions
Sweep smoothly
Take your shot
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Before you take your panorama shot, make sure there are no obstructions in the way. Wait for any people to move, otherwise they could appear at several points in your image. Also stand clear of any pillars or posts that will obstruct your view.
For a steady panorama, hold your phone with your elbows tucked in. Slowly swivel your body around; the iPhone 5 will tell you if you are moving too fast. Keep moving for a while after you have taken the photo to ensure it is smooth from start to finish.
Select which direction you want to take your panorama in, left to right or right to left. If you are using the iPhone 5 then simply tap the screen to change the direction. If you are using an app, check the instructions of how to change it.
You can either keep moving until the camera automatically stops taking the picture, or tap Done when you have captured as much as you want. The phone will then stitch your panorama together and save it to your Camera Roll
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Shooting Big project
5 of the best… Smartphone apps for easy panoramas
Edit! Perfect your panorama with Adobe Photoshop Express
Panorama ++ £0.69/$0.99 Take or build 360-degree panoramas then share them instantly. You can also merge more than one to create vertical overlapping panoramas.
Photaf Panorama Free This app has an orientation sensor that knows the exact angle each picture was taken, allowing it to stitch together shots seamlessly.
AutoStitch Panorama £1.49/$1.99 This app helps you take panoramas, and stitch together photos taken with any camera app. You can then crop the results and share.
Get the app
Recompose a shot
Download the free Adobe Photoshop Express app onto your phone and then open up your panorama photo by selecting it from your Camera Roll. Once it is open, tap the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen. You are now ready to start editing.
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Correct the exposure
Adjust the colours
Tap the Exposure icon on the toolbar and select Exposure. Drag your finger upwards if your shot is underexposed (too dark) and drag your finger down on the screen if the shot is overexposed (too bright). Keep going until you are happy with the results.
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Sharpen up
Add an effect
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You can crop and straighten up your shot in the Crop menu on the toolbar. Print Panoramics’s size specifications are optimised for the iPhone camera, so you may come into difficulty when uploading your shot to the website if it has been cropped.
Wondershare Panorama Free Take a great panorama and then add effects, such as Crossprocess, Old Photo and Sketch, to make it stand out. Then share it with one tap.
360 Panorama £0.69/$0.99 Pan your camera in any direction and 360 Panorama will stitch in seconds to capture the entire scene. You can than instantly share your shot.
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Tap the next icon along on the toolbar and select Sharpen. Drag your finger up or down the screen to sharpen or soften the look of your shot until you achieve the results that you want. This menu also allows you to reduce noise if there’s some grain present.
You can also select Hue/Saturation or Tint/Temperature from the Exposure menu. These will allow you to adjust the colours of your photo by either warming or cooling them or making them brighter and more saturated.
By tapping the Effects icon on the toolbar and selecting Effects, you can choose from a number of different creative options and filters. You may wish to select a Vintage filter or convert your shot to Black & White. When you have finished, tap the tick.
Shooting Big project
Share! Turn your smartphone panorama into stunning wall art
Head to Print Panoramics
Select your canvas size
Choose canvas options
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First you need to open up the website. Type www.printpanoramics.co.uk into the address bar of your internet browser. Once you have found the home page, click Purchase in the top right-hand corner of the screen to go through to the next stage.
Now select the size and type of print you want. There are three different canvas sizes to choose from, as well as six poster print sizes, all at varying prices. You can also select a non-panoramic canvas if you want to upload a regular photo.
Once you have selected your chosen canvas, choose whether you want your image to wrap around your canvas or whether you would like to leave a white or coloured edge on each side. Simply click on the circle next to the option you would like to choose.
43
Upload your photo
Buy your canvas
Fix it to the wall
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Now click on Upload a file! and select your panorama photo from your computer. It may take a little while to upload, but when it does you will be able to view a preview of what your canvas will look like on a wall. When you are happy, click Add to Cart.
You will now go through to view your shopping cart, where you can see what you are about to purchase and how much it will cost. You can also select the quantity you would like to order. Next, click Proceed to Checkout and purchase your canvas.
Once your canvas arrives, fix it to the wall of your choice. Make sure there is enough room for it as it will be very wide, and avoid placing it on coloured walls that will clash with the colours in your photo. You may wish to consider this when taking the shot.
Contrast
Colour
Personal
Edges
Use a panoramic scene with plenty of contrast and interest to avoid a flat or dull piece of wall art
Bright colours will really make your canvas print stand out on your wall and enhance the room
Choose a location that is special to you. It will make a great talking point for visitors and friends
Unless you add a white border, allow for some space at the edge to be wrapped around the canvas
Technical tip Print Panoramics’s products are optimised for the iPhone, but you can use a panorama taken on any camera.
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10
Inspirational images of... Plant life
01
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02
02
Shooting Inspirational images
04 01Draw on the weather
Try and capture frost on plants during the winter or go out to shoot after it has rained to capture the water drops.
02Keep in focus
For sharp shots, use a tripod to steady your camera and put up a piece of paper near the flower to stop the wind moving it.
04 45
03Blur the background
Use a wide aperture (low f-number) to create a nice, blurry background and make the plant really stand out.
04Capture texture
Keep an eye out for plants with interesting texture and colour and make sure the light is softly hitting it to capture these.
05Get up close
Many plant species are full of detail, which is amazing for macro shots – switch your camera to macro mode and get up close.
05
Sh are ph Or oto yo se fo u arc rb r h f eg sh or in o PF ne t BM rs s ag .co a on m t. .. ...
03
Shooting 5 minute project
Learn how to capture candid portraits five minute project
Master the art of taking natural shots under cover
What you’ll need… A fun event to attend Camera
We used…
Sony NEX-6
You could use… Any camera
What you’ll learn… The best settings for sharp shots To compose candid photos
46
Shooting 5 minute project Paparazzi-style photography is no longer reserved for shots of celebrities falling out of clubs at 4am. It’s now one of the most popular approaches to portraits and event photography, as it captures the true story of what happened. A candid image isn’t posed or staged in any way, it’s spontaneous and ideally the subject won’t suspect they’re even having their photo taken. This creates a beautifully natural image as the person will be completely at ease. Parties and weddings make great backdrops for candid photography for this reason. The guests will be distracted and having fun, which will come across in your images. To slip under the radar, you need to learn how to shoot from the hip and frame pictures quickly. Use covert camera settings
3 of the best…
by turning the flash off and using the zoom to take photos from a comfortable distance. That also means leaving bulky equipment at home such as tripods and reflectors, as they’ll only draw attention to yourself. Bring a spare memory card along and hit the shutter button until your finger hurts, since you’re bound to capture a few closed eyes or blurred movements. Look out for groups of people talking and laughing, or even posing for formal photos, and then zoom in on faces. As a candid photographer, you need to blend in with the crowd so people feel comfortable around you, but there are plenty of other tips to come armed with. In these steps, we’re going to show you how to easily replicate this candid feel in your own shots of friends and family.
On-camera features for candid shots
Tilting screen A tilting LCD screen enables you to compose your shots without looking through the viewfinder. It helps with shooting from the hip.
Becoming invisible Capture candid portraits
Telephoto lens The further you are away from your subject, the less likely they are to spot you taking a photo. Use the zoom and shoot from a distance.
Think about composition
Shoot from the hip
Include foreground interest such as doorways, decorations or other people in a crowd. This will add interest and help the shot to tell a story, while also adding to the candid feel of the shot. Also, always leave space for your subject to look into.
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02
Kill the flash
Use your burst mode
Switch to aperture priority
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Be sure to turn off the flash. It will give the game away and spoils the relaxed atmosphere like a shark in the water. If the room is pretty dark, boost your ISO setting to 400 or more to increase your camera’s sensitivity to light.
Hold your camera at waist level and shoot upwards. You can take photos discreetly like this and it lends images a low-angle perspective. Compositions can look a little messy, but this can actually boost the spontaneous feel of your shots.
A great candid photo captures people in the moment and burst mode can help with this. Turn this function on, then hold down the shutter button to fire multiple shots in seconds. You’ll capture the moment, and the moments before and after too.
Face detection This feature locks onto faces and concentrates its autofocus to ensure they are sharp. Once a face is detected it will track it around the frame.
The easiest way to blur the background and keep your subject in focus is to use aperture priority. Select a low f-number (wide aperture), which will throw the background out of focus so that we only focus on the subject. It’s a simple way to de-clutter busy backdrops.
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47
Shooting Quick tips
5 tips for shooting on a bright day Combat the issues caused by shooting in the sun
48
Bright sunny days are lovely for going out with your camera, however there are some problems that can arise when you are shooting in glaring sunlight. Sometimes it is better to wait for the sun to set for more golden light. However, if this is not possible, follow these helpful tips.
Shoot a silhouette
Avoid glare
Find shade
Shooting in the sun can cause lens glare to creep into your shots. To prevent this, get hold of a lens hood or make your own out of card. Alternatively, just use your hand to shield the end of your lens.
It may sound like an obvious suggestion, but simply moving into a bit of shade can solve your problems. Or you could even use yourself to shield your subject by standing in the way of the sun.
Use a filter If your shots are too bright, or you wish to use a slow shutter speed or wide aperture (low f-number) for your sunny-day shots, use a polarising or neutral-density filter to block out some of the light.
Fill in shadows Shooting in bright sunlight can cause harsh shadows, which are particularly unflattering for portrait shots. Use a reflector or fire your flash to fill them in for a more even distribution of light.
Why not have a go at making the most of the sunlight by taking a silhouette shot? Position yourself so that your subject is directly in front of the sun and be sure to turn off your flash.
Focus on Spring Join us at the Dudsbury Golf Club, Ferndown for our Annual Spring Show on Tuesday 14th May Canon EOS 6D
-Touch and try all the latest kit -Seminars throughout the day -Exclusive show offers
New entry level full frame DSLR 24-105 Kit
£2199 HALF P R BATTE ICE RY GRIP
Canon EOS 5D Mk III Body
£2335 SAVE £50
Check our website www.castlecameras.co.uk or call us on 01202 526606 for our latest prices and event details Canon PowerShot G1 X £499.00 PowerShot G15 £439.00 EOS 1D X Body: free bag £4,849.00 EOS 5D Mk III Body: Half price Battery grip BG-E11 - please phone for details £2,335.00 EOS 5D Mk III, 24- 70mm MkII: Half price Battery grip BG-E11, ask for details £4,029.00 EOS 5D Mk III, 24-105mm: Half price Battery grip BGE11, ask for details £2,975.00 EOS 6D Body Only £1,599.00 EOS 6D, 24-105L £2,199.00 EOS 7D Body £1,059.00 EOS 7D EF 17-40L £1,639.00 EOS 7D EF-S 15-85, EF 70-300 IS USM £1,945.00 EOS 7D EF-S 15-85 f3.5-5.6 IS USM £1,569.00 EOS 7D EF-S 17-55 £1,785.00 EOS 60D 17-55 IS £1,359.00 EOS 60D 17-85 IS £849.00 EOS 60D 17-85 IS, 70-300IS £1,199.00 EOS 600D Body £419.00 EOS 600D 18-55 IS MkII/EF 70-300IS £855.00 EOS 600D 18-55 IS, 55-250IS MkII £695.00 EOS 650D 18-55 IS II £599.00 EOS 650D 18-55ISII+55-250ISII £785.00 EOS 650D 18-135 IS STM £795.00 EOS1100D 18-55 IS £349.00 Speedlite 600EX-RT £469.00 EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM £1,059.00 EF 16-35mm 2.8 II L U £1,099.00 EF 17-40mm f4 L USM £599.00 EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM £1,749.00 EF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM £799.00 EF 24-70mm f4 L IS USM £1,299.00 EF 24mm f1.4 LII U £1,249.00 EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM £589.00 EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM £559.90 EF 35mm f1.4L U £1,089.00 EF 35mm f2 £209.00 EF 35mm f2 IS £779.00 EF 50mm f1.2L USM £1,179.00 EF 70-200mm f2.8 L USM £979.00 EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM £1,829.00 EF 70-200mm f4 L USM £499.00 EF 70-200mm f4.0 L IS USM £929.00 EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM £1,099.00 EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM : £369.00 EF 85mm f1.2L II USM £1,679.00
@C AS FOLL ON TLEC OW TW AM ITT ER ER AS
EF 100-400mm f4.5/5.6L IS USM EF 100mm f2.8 USM Macro EF 100mm f2.8L IS USM Macro EF 180mm f3.5L USM Macro USM EF 200mm 2.0L IS USM EF 200mm f2.8 L/2 USM EF 300mm f2.8L IS II USM EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM EF 400mm f5.6L USM: Special low price while stocks last EF 500mm f4.0L IS II USM EF 600mm f4.0L IS II USM EF-S 10-22mm f3.5/4.5 USM EF-S 15-85 f3.5-5.6 IS USM EF-S 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM EF-S 17-85mm f4/5.6 IS USM EF-S 18-135 f3.5-5.6 IS EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM EF-S 18-200 f/3.5-5.6 IS EF-S 60mm f2.8 Macro USM Extender EF 2x III TS-E 24mm f3.5L MkII TS-E 45mm f/2.8 EF-M 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM
£1,229.00 £415.00 £709.00 £1,179.00 £4,499.00 £599.00 £5,099.00 £8,249.00 £1,049.00 £7,749.00 £10,590.00 £619.00 £529.00 £769.00 £299.00 £279.00 £349.00 £389.00 £349.00 £399.00 £1,579.00 £1,079.00 £244.00
Fuji X100S £1,149.99 X20 Black £519.00 X-E1 Body Black £629.00 X-E1 Kit Black £949.00 X-Pro1 Body Only: Special offers in-store Please phone for details £1,079.00 XF-18-55mm f2.8-4 R LM OIS : £599.00 XF-18mm f2 £429.00 XF-35mm f1.4 £429.00 XF-60mm f2.4 £469.00
Nikon D4 body: With Tamrac Explorer 400 D90, 18-105VR D3100, 18-55VR D3100, 18-55VR, 55-300VR D3200, 18-55 VR, 55-300VR, Black D3200, 18-55 VR, Black D5100, 18-55VR D5100, 18-55VR, 55-300VR D5100, 18-105VR D5200 Black, 18-55VR D600 Body D600 Body, 24-85 D7000 Body D7000, 18-105VR
£4,249.00 £579.00 £319.00 £579.00 £699.00 £429.00 £419.00 £659.00 £549.00 £699.00 £1,449.00 £1,849.00 £649.00 £799.00
D7100 Body due on 21st March D7100, 18-105VR due on 21st March D800 Body D800e Body: With NX2 software SB-910 Speedlight AF-S 2x Teleconverter TC-20EIII AF-S 14-24mm f2.8 G ED AF-S 16-35mm F/4G ED VR AF-S 24-70mm f2.8G ED AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S 24mm f1.4G ED AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S 50mm f1.4G AF-S 60mm f2.8G ED Micro AF-S 70-200mm f2.8 G IF-ED VR MkII AF-S 70-200mm f4G ED VR AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR AF-S 85mm f1.4G AF-S 85mm f1.8G AF-S 105mm f2.8G IF-ED Macro VR II AF-S 200mm f2.0G IF-ED VR II AF-S DX 18-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
£1,099.00 £1,299.00 £1,959.00 £2,349.00 £339.00 £369.00 £1,329.00 £829.00 £1,249.00 £819.00 £419.00 £1,479.00 £669.00 £279.00 £409.00 £1,629.00 £1,079.00 £429.00 £1,159.00 £379.00 £619.00 £4,099.00 £679.00 £279.00
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 DMC-G3 14-42, Black DMC-G5 14-42X, Black DMC-GH3 14-140 DMC-GH3 Body DMC-GX1 Body, Black
£349.00 £299.00 £629.00 £1,579.00 £1,179.00 £349.00
Pentax K-30 Black, DA 18-135mm WR £749.00 K-30 Black, DA 18-55mm WR £529.00 K-5 II DA 18-135 WR Lens kit £1,049.00 K-5 II DA 18-55 WR Lens kit £799.00 AF 540 FGZ £349.00 SMC DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL (IF) SDM £799.00 SMC DA* 60-250mm f4AL SDM £1,059.00 SMC FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited, Black £699.00 EM-140 DG Macro EOS £299.00
Sigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC HSM £459.00 120-300mm f2.8 EX DG APO OS £1,799.00 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM £629.00 150-500mm f5-6.3 DG APO OS HSM £749.00 150mm f2.8 EX DG Macro IF HSM OS £679.00
Sony DSC-HX200VB with genuine LCJ-HJB case and spare NPF-H50 Battery
£315.00
DSC-HX200VB, Black £289.00 DSC-HX20VB, Black £239.00 DSC-HX20VB, Black with case £249.00 DSC-RX1: With Free spare Battery, 16GB card and satchel case £2,549.00 DSC-RX100 £449.00 Alpha 37, 18-55 SAM, 75-300 D £449.00 Alpha 57, 18-55 SAM £529.00 Alpha 57, 18-135 SAM £749.00 Alpha 65 Body £599.00 Alpha 65 18-55 SAM £659.00 Alpha 65 18-135 SAM £799.00 Alpha 77 Body £799.00 Alpha 77 with 16-50mm f2.8 £1,169.00 Alpha 77, 18-135 SAM £899.00 Alpha 99 Body: With Free Holdall £2,149.00 Alpha 99 Body with grip and Batteries £2,249.00 DSLR Lens, 2X Teleconverter £339.00 DSLR Lens, 11-18mm f4.5-5.6 (D) £449.00 DSLR Lens, 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 (D) £449.00 £1,399.00 DSLR Lens, 24-70 F2.8 ZA T* DSLR Lens, 55-300mm SAM £299.00 DSLR Lens, 70-200mm F2.8 G £1,519.00 DSLR Lens, 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 £689.00 DSLR Lens, 70-400 F4-5.6 G SSM £1,329.00 DSLR Lens, 100mm f2.8 Macro (D) £549.00 NEX-5R Double lens kit with 16-50 compact power zoom and 55-210 telephoto zoom £899.00 NEX-5R, Black with 16-50 £699.00 NEX-5R, Black with 18-55 zoom £459.00 NEX-6 Body £599.00 NEX-6 double Lens kit with 16-50 and 55-210 zoom Lenses £929.00 NEX-6 zoom kit with 16-50 zoom Lens £729.00 NEX-7 Black Body £774.00 NEX-7 with Black 18-55 Lens £859.00 NEX-F3 with Black 18-55 Lens £349.00 E 10-18mm F4 OSS £729.00 E 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS £299.00 E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS £569.00 E 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE Black £569.00 E 35mm F1.8 OSS £379.00 E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 zoom Lens £239.00
Tamron AF 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD EOS £389.00 SP 70-200 f2.8 VC USD EOS £1,379.00 SP 90mm Macro f2.8 VC USD EOS: Please phone for availability £649.00 SP AF 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 Di II EOS £349.00 SP AF 24-70 F2.8 Di VC USD EOS £849.00 SP AF 28-75 F2.8 XRDi EOS £359.00
BOURNEMOUTH & SALISBURY
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Sony A 77, 18-135mm SAM
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Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II EF Lens
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£1749
Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT
£469
Shooting Story behind the shot
Story
behind the
shot
Photographer James Sheppard shares the secrets behind this moody seascape image 50
What’s the story behind this dramatic photo?
Did you have to do any planning before you took the shot?
What time of day did you shoot this image at?
I was inspired to take this shot by watching the tide pull inland while walking my dog along the beach front, and quite simply wanted to capture it. The sense of scale and serenity of this beach is captivating and I wanted to catch that on camera, so I came back with my kit another day.
I had been keeping an eye on the weather during the week prior to the shoot to make sure I would get moody clouds rather than just a flat blue sky. A bright sunny day would have not been ideal, as I wanted to capture a sense of drama and movement in the sky rather than your usual sunny beach image.
I took the shot at around 4pm when the sun had started to set, meaning the light was low to add to the drama. This was also the ideal window to shoot in as less people were be on the beach and the tide was out, giving me a great view under the pier – usually it impossible to get underneath.
Shooting Story behind the shot
Keep safe When shooting seascapes, especially in low light, watch out for things like slippery rocks and incoming tides and keep safe
6sec
F11
51
What kit and settings did you use for this final image?
What do you like about your final image?
What tips would you give for shooting moody seascapes?
I used my Canon EOS 50D and a Sigma 10-20mm lens. I set an aperture of f11 and a shutter speed of 6sec, which meant I needed a tripod to keep my camera steady. I also used an ND filter to block out some light, meaning I could leave the shutter open for longer without overexposing the shot.
I like the lead-in line of the pier – it really draws your eye into the frame and towards the dramatic sky. I also like the small amount of grain present, which adds to the moody look. When I walk the dog on the beach now I'm always looking for more ideas and inspiration!
I would definitely recommend wearing wellies, bring an umbrella and watch out for the water and where it is pooling around you! I would also recommend keeping an eye on the sand’s moisture as it will make the tripod sink – even just a fraction can cause problems when using slow shutter speeds.
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O O H C S A R E CAM
otos ever! h p st e b r u yo e k ta d n a Learn about your camera
Get to know Contents
Mode dial
p52-53 Get to know your camera Get to grips with the buttons, dials and icons on your camera and you’ll soon be taking fantastic shots
Hotshoe
Change the settings on the camera using the mode dial
The hotshoe allows you to attach an external flash to the camera
p54-57 5 golden rules for better shots Familiarise yourself with the imaging rules that will guarantee you a great photograph every time
p58 How geotagging works Learn about how a camera can tag the location of your photos and the benefits of using this data
Shutter release This button is used to take the picture. On most cameras, pressing it halfway in Auto will focus the image
52 Lens The light enters the camera here. Lenses can be changed on some camera models
Lens release
Flash
Press this button to remove the lens from your camera
If your camera has an on-board flash, press this button to use it
Different types of camera Don’t know a superzoom from a CSC? Read on… Interchangeable Fixed Cameraphones/ lens lens smartphones
Great shot secret! Use continuous autofocus mode to track fast subjects as they move across the frame, making sure they are kept perfectly sharp.
Refers to DSLR cameras and Compact System Cameras (CSC) as they both offer the ability to switch lenses
Includes compact cameras and superzooms. As the name suggests, the lens cannot be changed making them simpler
The main contenders are currently Apple’s iPhone and Android smartphones. You can buy accessories and apps for achieving different effects
Pros…
Pros…
Pros…
Cons…
Cons…
Cons…
Great image quality Fast shooting speed Manual and Auto
Can be expensive Can be complex Can be heavy
Easy to use Light and versatile Lots of features
Fewer manual options Can be slow Less adaptable
Light and compact Cool app add-ons Share instantly
Small lens and sensor Flattens perspective Fewer features
Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
your camera Menu For options such as formatting your memory card
Viewfinder
Zoom
An optical viewfinder shows the image through the lens
Zoom in on your image to check it’s in focus
Camera icons explained Make sure your camera is always on the correct seing by following this guide If you’re using a compact camera, then most of your controls will be on the back. A DSLR or Compact System Camera will usually have a mode dial on top. Either way, the icons for setting the camera to shoot in different conditions and for basic operation such as deleting images are usually universal.
Landscape Boosts saturation in blues and greens for vivid outdoor shots
Auto If all else fails, let your camera do the hard work for you
Program Customise your most used settings in Program
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AUTO Controls Use the control panel to change settings, scroll through menu options or move around a photo when in Playback mode
Jargon buster Aperture
Focal lengths
Megapixels
Affects the amount of your image that is in focus – the ‘depth of field’
Wide-angle – a wider angle of view than normal, eg 28mm Telephoto – a magnified view of distant subjects, eg 200mm
Number of pixels on the sensor, in millions
CSC Compact system camera
DSLR
Focus
Digital single lens reflex camera
Autofocus means your camera focuses for you; manual puts you in control
Drive mode
ISO
Continuous or burst mode, single shot and self timer
Dynamic range The term used to refer to the amount of detail in the highlights and shadows
Exposure A balanced exposure has detail in light and shadow areas alike
Exposure compensation Adjusts the tonal range of your photo, lighter or darker
Refers to how sensitive the sensor is to light and affects the visible grain or ‘noise’ in a photo
LCD The display screen on the rear of the camera used to compose images
Live view An electronic view of the scene in front of the lens
Metering Refers to the way the camera reads the light in the scene
Noise Refers to the visible digital grain in a photo
Macro For shooting close-ups such as flowers and insects
Shutter priority
Select the shutter speed and the camera will change the aperture
Sports
Portrait
Uses a fast shutter speed to capture action without blur
Aperture
For super-flattering Select the aperture shots of your friends while the camera and family chooses shutter speed
Shutter speed Fast speeds freeze action while longer ones blur any motion
Viewfinder Optical – shows you the view through the camera lens and is good for accurate framing Electronic – shows the view on an LCD in the viewfinder
Delete – found on all cameras
Drive modes including burst
Self timer for self portraits etc
Playback – use to review photos
Metering modes
Image stabilisation
Exposure compensation
Landscapes – for wide angles
Night-time/ low-light scenes
Video mode on stills cameras
Portrait – perfect for people
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Zoom in on your photos
Macro or closeup modes
Manual mode – for control
–
Zoom out of your photos
Sports or action mode
W
Displays an electronic view of the scene in front of the lens
A
LCD screen
Flash – switch it on or off
White balance Affected by the ambient light around you, your camera can alter this to ensure a natural colour result
Zoom Optical – the magnification provided by the camera lens Digital – a camera crop factor
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–
button – for shortcuts Fn Function
CAMERA SCHOO
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KEEP IN FOCUS Focus on the eyes Whether you’re shooting portraits, pets or wildlife, your subject’s eyes should always be sharp. This is where the viewer will be drawn to first. If your camera has face or eye-detection modes, use them for accuracy.
Keep landscapes sharp With a narrow aperture, your landscapes should appear sharp edge-to-edge, but you’ll still need to ensure it’s all in focus. The best technique is to focus one third of the way up the frame for front-to-back sharpness.
Freeze movement Ensure fast-moving subjects appear sharp with the correct focus mode. Use continuous or tracking AF so that once you’ve focused on your subject, the camera can track their movement and adjust focus continually.
Focus up close Autofocus is incredibly accurate but it can sometimes struggle up close. Switch to manual focusing mode to take more control. Simply rotate the focus wheel around the lens until the subject appears sharp.
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S E L U R N E GOLD ER SHOTS
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EM H T K A E R B O T W O H N R A LE N HE DISCOVER THE RULES AND T
Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
2
GET THE RIGHT EXPOSURE
Avoid over or underexposure Use the meter dial on your camera to get the exposure spot on – the dial should fall in the middle. You can also use your histogram after you’ve taken a photo to see if its exposure is correct, as the peak shouldn’t be bunched to either side.
Think about depth of field In aperture priority mode, select the aperture and the camera will pick the shutter speed. A high f-number will keep the shot sharp from front to back, whereas a low f-number will separate your subject from an artistic blurry background.
Control low light Up your ISO setting if you’re working with little natural or ambient light. Higher ISO numbers will boost your camera’s sensitivity to light so you won’t need slower shutter speeds or wider apertures. Be sure to watch out for noise in your shots though.
Set your shutter speed
Avoid camera shake
Using shutter priority mode on your camera allows you to control your shutter speed while the aperture is selected automatically. Use a slow shutter speed to capture motion blur to illustrate movement, or a fast shutter to freeze the action.
If you’re shooting handheld and in low-light conditions, you may need to slow down your shutter speed. As a rule, prevent any camera shake appearing in your shots by always using a tripod when you're working with shutter speeds of 1/60sec or slower.
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BALANCE COLOURS
Avoid colour casts To avoid unwanted colour casts, always ensure you’ve set the correct white balance mode. Most auto settings are pretty accurate, but a specific mode can be more effective if you’re working under mixed lighting conditions.
Stick to three tones Avoid capturing too many colour hues in your images as this can be distracting. As a rule, stick to framing no more than three dominant hues in one photograph to create a harmonious palette.
Use complementary hues Command attention with contrasting colours. For example, a red flower will stand out against a green backdrop because these hues appear on opposite sides of the colour wheel.
Be bold with colour Include bold colours for striking images. Try adding impact by embracing just one colour in the frame. You’ll need to ensure your subject is well lit so it appears three dimensional as apposed to flat.
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CAMERA SCHOO
4
USE A STRONG COMPOSITION
Use the rule of thirds Employ the rule of thirds to balance out your composition. To do this accurately, check your camera menu for an optional grid display then simply place the most important subject in the scene along one of the third lines or at an intersecting point on the grid.
Try the golden spiral Imagine a seashell spiral overlaid on the scene. The subject should appear in one of the four corners of the frame while the rest of the scene spirals up to that point.
Include lead-in lines
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Lead-in lines are a great way to guide the viewer through the frame. Think carefully about the camera angle you’re shooting from and where you’re focusing.
Think about the angle Add energy into the frame by shooting from more dynamic camera angles. Adjust your perspective continually while shooting to get a fresh take on a subject.
Frame the scene Be experimental, explore your location and find unique ways to frame the scene. Use archways, branches, windows and door frames to lead into the image.
Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
5
EDIT TO ENHANCE
5
K A E R B E H T ES L U R Get creative
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Once you’ve got the correct image, shoot creatively. Try out zoom-burst effects by setting a slow shutter speed and zooming once you hit the shutter.
Centralise your subject
Process files RAW files almost always need contrast and sharpening tweaks. Then save as a JPEG for printing, storing and sharing.
Crop in close Cropping in-camera can’t be undone, but it’s easy to do it in editing software. Just be wary of reducing size and quality.
Brighten up Use the Brightness/Contrast or Levels features in Photoshop to add in some punch. Use the Preview button to check your results.
You don’t have to use the rule of thirds. Try centralising a subject to emphasise importance. You can use the background and surrounding elements to draw the eye to the focal point.
Overexpose the shot Once you’ve mastered your exposure settings, you can experiment with more creative effects. Although overexposing isn't recommended, this bright, blown-out effect can look great.
Shoot with harsh light Midday sun is generally too harsh for outdoor shoots. Set yourself the challenge to get some great shots though by embracing the dark shadows cast by the stronger light.
Use depth of field Sharpen shots Use the Unsharp Mask tool for global adjustments or the Sharpen tool for control over select areas in your image.
Landscape photography isn’t generally associated with wide apertures. However, try experimenting with a shallow depth of field effect to challenge the way you compose a vista.
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Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com
How do cameras geotag images? We take a closer look at the technology behind geotagging and discover how it tags the location of you and your shots Brought to you by… How It Works magazine, on sale now from all good newsagents
Global Positioning Systems, otherwise known as GPS, can now be found in a range of consumer products including digital cameras. It’s designed to help you record the exact location that an image was taken in, which is known to photographers as geotagging. Geotagging only works if your camera has a built-in GPS receiver. This receiver is able to establish the camera’s location on Earth thanks to GPS satellites, which orbit the planet and transmit signals. The light-fast signals help the camera to determine its location based on the distance between it and the orbiting satellites. The data is then embedded within the metadata of your image. In the same way your camera is able to tell you the time that your image
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was taken, it’s also now able to tell you the longitude, latitude and altitude coordinates that it was taken at. In order for GPS to work effectively, you need a full battery charge, accurate time settings in your camera and a clear view of the sky. With this technology, you’re able to keep track of your travels and organise your images easily on photo-sharing sites like Flickr, which use location tags to filter image searches. GPS is still a relatively new kind of camera feature, and although it was first popular in compacts, it’s now beginning to be incorporated within DSLR systems too. It’ll be interesting to see how this technology develops and what impact it’ll have on cameras in the future.
East Lulworth
orth Co v ulw e
L
West Lulworth
YOU ARE HERE Geotagging captures your location coordinates and embeds them into the metadata of your images so that you know exactly where in the world it was taken
Cameras for logging locations… Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40
Nikon Coolpix AW110
Canon PowerShot S110
Pentax WG-3 GPS
www.panasonic.co.uk £329/$400
www.europe-nikon.com £330/$350
www.canon.co.uk £430/$450
www.pentaximaging.com £330/$350
Panasonic’s TZ40 comes with built-in GPS and GLONASS, which enhances the camera’s accuracy to pinpoint exact locations. Your images can also be displayed on a featured Google Earth application within the camera.
On top of its in-built GPS system, the Coolpix AW110 has a world map display so you can see where you took your images or view saved routes in a GPS log. You can also record the altitude you took a shot at and measure your water depth.
The Canon S110 is a high-performance compact camera that offers GPS capabilities, but by connecting to your mobile and using that devices’s GPS. You can synchronise it with your camera using Wi-Fi to add this data to your shots.
This tough compact is waterproof up to 45 feet while it tracks your position and adjusts the built-in clock accordingly. You can also check your direction, altitude and water depth with the on-board compass.
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Editing Perfect Photo Suite 7
Improve images with Perfect Photo Suite 7 Make easy edits and quickly apply creative effects to your photographs with this great image-editing software package What you’ll need… Mac or PC
We used…
Perfect Photo Suite 7 from onOne Software
You could use… Exposure 4
What you’ll learn…
Edit photos using five of the seven programs within Perfect Photo Suite 7
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Jargon buster What is a ‘Plug-in’? As well as being a standalone program, the Premium edition of Perfect Photo Suite can work as a Photoshop plug-in. You can make edits here then return to Photoshop for further adjustments.
Editing Perfect Photo Suite 7
Easy retouches with Perfect Portrait Corrections with a few clicks
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Define the edit areas
Smooth the skin
Bring back detail
Open your image and click the Portrait tab. Pick the Face Edit tool and use Ctrl/ Cmd and + to zoom in. Click and drag on the points to follow the shape of the eyes and mouth. Don’t worry if it isn’t exact.
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Skip to the right-hand panel and access the Skin Retouching area. Tick the Face Only box and slide the Smoothing slider to the right. Increase the Texture value to prevent a super-smooth effect.
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Retouch tool
Enhance eyes
Sparkly teeth
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Click the Retouch tool icon. You just need to click and drag this over an area for some digital magic to happen. We used it to wipe over the worst of the deep lines to get rid of them. Again, use the top bar to control the brush size.
Click back on the Face Edit tool. As is the case with many photos, the eyes in our image are a touch dull. This is fixed with a trip to the Mouth & Eyes area. Increase the Whitening slider to 91 and Detail to 75. This is a good start for most images.
This might smooth other areas, such as eyebrows. With the Face Edit tool selected, move the cursor over the eyebrows and click and drag to remove areas from the edit. Ensure the Mode is Not Skin.
Most people have a yellowy cast to their teeth. Sort this out by using the Mouth section of Mouth & Eyes. Switch Whitening up to 75 and Vibrance to 60. The trick is to whiten without making them glow! Click Apply and then Save to exit.
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Editing Perfect Photo Suite 7
Quickly resize images Use Perfect Resize to prep an image for print
Resize preset
Select the print area
Extra options
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Open your image and click the Resize tab. This program is excellent for resizing an image for set print dimensions. Go to the Preset drop-down menu and then select Photographic> 24 x 36. A crop box will appear.
The crop box signifies the print area. Click and drag over your image to select the area that you want to print. Because the original photo is much smaller than the 24 x 36 ratio, it has to be enlarged for it to work.
Use the Sharpening options if your image is a bit soft; simply increase the Amount and Radius sliders. If you’re printing to canvas, enable the Gallery wrap option to allow for the image to wrap around the canvas.
Create effortless black & white Make high-impact monochrome edits
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Pick a preset
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Open your image and click the B&W tab. As with many of the other programs in the suite, there are a range of presets to get you started. Go to the Effects panel on the left and pick True Film> 400 Kodak TRI-X.
Adjust tone
Add a filter
Increase the grain
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To get the exact look you want, use the panel on the right to adjust the preset. In the Tone area, set Brightness to 6, Blacks to 21, Whites to 16 and Detail to 19. Slide the sliders or type the number into the box.
On-camera filters are often used to enhance areas of a shot. The Color Response section does this with a range of filters affecting different parts of the image. For a general contrast boost, hit Infrared.
We want to emphasise the grain in the image. Go down to Film Grain and click where it says Off to turn it on. Increase the Amount to 92 and the Size to 153. Click Apply and then Save to exit.
Editing Perfect Photo Suite 7
Apply a retro effect Use Perfect Effects to transport an image back in time
Add the first filter
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Pick the Effects tab and click the All arrow. You will see all of the filters applied to your image. By viewing all filters, you can see exactly what’s on offer. For a retro vibe, the Holga Cross Process option is ideal.
63 Layer up
Paper texture
Try out a border
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You may find that the effect is all you need, but it is possible to combine multiple effects. Move over to the right-hand area and look in Effects Stack. Click the Add button to add another layer.
Now head back to the Effects list. Click the arrow next to All to close up the list. We can be more specific about the types of effects to pick. Go to Textures and then Paper. Click the Recycled Paper option to apply.
Make macro-style blur Using Perfect Focal Point
Each effect layer has an Amount slider to control the intensity. This is not needed here but if you do want to add another layer, click Add again. To add a frame, go to Borders – Film and pick 35 Contact Sheet.
Edit for free You don’t have to spend the earth on expensive software to make great tweaks to your images. The makers of Perfect Photo Suite 7 have also bought you Perfect Effects 4 Free, which gives you 70 effects for no cost at all. You can combine multiple effects and blend them with masks and more. It’s a great tool set for those on a budget.
Here you have multiple effects at your fingertips
Pick the blur effect
Control the bug
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Open your image and click the Focus tab. A good place to start is the Lens option in the Blur section. This replicates the look of camera lenses. For our task here, the Canon 100 2.8 Macro at 2.8 is perfect.
Control the effect with the FocusBug. Drag the middle area to where you want the central focus to be. Each spindle is a different control. Hover the cursor to see what they control. Move out or in to set the effect.
You can stack effects for extra enhancement
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Editing Quick tips
5 tips for giving dull shots more impact Boost colours and exposure with these quick editing tips
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When you review your shots and a photograph seems a little lacklustre, don’t despair because all is not lost. With a little bit of know-how and a few small tweaks, it’s easy to rescue your image. Use the following tips to turn a dull photo into a standout capture in no time at all.
Boost brightness
Add contrast
Sometimes all a shot needs is brightening up a little bit. Simply move the Brightness slider to the right, but don’t overdo it and blow out the highlight areas of your capture. You could also try the Exposure slider too.
The Contrast slider expands or shrinks the tonal range of the image. Increase contrast using the slider and you’ll add extra depth to the tones in your shot. You can also use the Levels and Curves tools to help here.
Lift colours
Sharpen up
Use a filter
Use the Vibrancy or Saturation sliders in editing software to give your colours some punch. Move them in small increments, as you don’t want to overdo this and end up with unrealistic hues.
Use the Unsharp Mask tool to add extra definition to your subject. Be sure not to go too far or you may start to see grain appear in your image. A good starting point is 90%, a Radius of 1.8 and Threshold of 2.
Adding filters and effects can be a great way to spice up a dull shot. Filters such as Snapseed’s Drama filter can also increase the contrast and brighten up shots at the same time, with just one tap.
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Editing Add colour casts Photoshop Elements
How to...
Available on: Mac/PC Price: £60/$90
Add creative colour tones Add a vintage effect to your photos with a retro-inspired colour cast What you’ll need… A start photo One or more of our featured editing programs
01
Go to File> Open and select your start image. Go to Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Hue/ Saturation, name it ‘colour cast’ and hit OK. Click the new adjustment layer in the Layers palette and see the features dialog box.
GIMP
We used…
Available on: Mac/PC Price: Free
Photoshop Elements
You could use… GIMP Filterstorm Photoshop CS
What you’ll learn…
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How to add in a colour cast Light-boosting editing effects Masks Layers
01
Vintage-style the vintage Join craze with these easy editing techniques for a retro effect
Vintage and retro styling is very popular of late and one of the best ways to show this effect off is in your photos. Usually a colour cast is considered a negative flaw, something that can ruin not transform a great shot. However, there are times when the effect can be really striking and effective, and adding in a colour cast is far easier than removing one! We are using Photoshop Elements to create our final retro effect, and are utilising Adjustment Layers and the Layers palette. Other programs host almost identical features, which we will cover within the mini tutorials. If Adjustment layers aren’t available then just make sure each effect applied is on a separate layer in the Layers palette. Doing this will ensure that each layer is easily editable and the overall impact of the effect can be as subtle or strong as desired, allowing you total control over the end result. Once the colour cast has been applied, finish your photograph off by boosting light levels to complete the vintage transformation.
3 of the best… Apps to add a vintage colour tint
With the program open, go to File> Open and select your start photo. Ensure your Layers palette is visible, if not go to Windows> Dockable Dialogs> Layers. Press the Duplicate Layer button at the base of the Layers palette.
Filterstorm Available on: iOS devices Price: £2.49/$3.99
Fotor iOS: £1.99/$2.99 , Android: Free Available on all devices, this app allows you to shoot and edit, adding on some vintage effects and colour tints before sharing your final shot.
Instagram Free One of the biggest photo-editing apps available worldwide and it’s perfect for adding on those vintage colour effects. The best thing about it is that it’s free!
Adobe Photoshop Express Free Add a Tint, play with Hue, Saturation, Contrast, Brightness, Temperature and more when you’re on the go in this Photoshop-based program.
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Press Load Photo, from the right menu hit Photo Library and choose your start photo. On the right side of the screen press Layers, hit the plus button to duplicate the background layer. Press the top photo thumbnail to edit.
Editing Add colour casts
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Check the Colorize option, your image will now be fully coloured. Reduce the adjustment layer’s Opacity in the top of the Layers palette to 60% so you can see the underlying colours through. Return to the Hue/ Saturation palette.
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Move the Hue slider to select the colour of your colour cast. Tweak the Saturation slider, controlling the strength of the effect. Moving the bottom Lightness slider will change the overall light levels. Go to Layer> New Adjustment Layer> Levels.
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Move the middle and right-side sliders to add a vintage feel. If the effects are too strong on either adjustment layer, then lower Opacity. To edit the effects at any time, simply click onto the layer in question, bringing up the palette controls.
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Click onto the top layer in the Layers palette, go to Colors in the top bar and select Colorize. Move the Hue slider left to select a sepia tone, reduce the Saturation levels and boost the overall Lightness, then hit OK when you’re done.
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Return to the Layers palette and lower the top layer’s opacity to 70%, lightening the overall effect. Still working on the top layer go to Colors> BrightnessContrast, increase both sliders, hit OK when happy. Go to Layer> Mask> Add Layer Mask.
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A new menu will appear on the right. Select Hue/Saturation. Using your fingers, move the individual sliders to add a colour cast, lower the Saturation levels too. Hit the tick button when happy. Press the top photo thumbnail to edit once more.
This time, select Curves. Move the line in the diagram upwards to give the highlights a boost and then press the tick button when you’re done. Back in the Layers window, press the top-left mini slider icon on the top layer visible.
Select White, the Mask will show on the top layer in the Layers palette. Select the Brush tool, soft edged, 50% Opacity, at least 300 in size. Set foreground/ background colours to black/white. Paint over the image to bring back some colour.
Within this menu, lower the layer’s opacity, adding an aged effect. Press the back arrow at the top of this menu to return to the Layers palette. To Save the image press the top-right arrow within the square icon.
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Editing 5 minute project What you’ll need… Smartphone or tablet device Editing app Photos
We used…
iPhone 3G Facebook app
You could use…
Any compatible portable device
What you’ll learn…
How to edit images using just the app
Edit shots with the Facebook app five minute project
Shoot, edit and share shots straight away using just your smartphone
Touch to edit
just a few With taps on your
phone, you can edit and share in the same app
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Technical tip Swipe left or right to bring up the next image in your camera roll. As usual you can pinch to zoom in on iPhones.
Editing 5 minute project
Pixel-perfect pics
Make your photos look their best
3 of the best… Apps for editing and uploading Twitpic Free Share your photos on Twitter from your phone with this app that, like its Facebook rival, also allows you to edit them first before displaying to the world.
Viddy Free This is a really great app if you like to shoot videos as well as stills. Viddy allows users to edit and share their movies and it’s ideal because it’s all for free.
Select your photo
Crop the shot
Load up the app and select the Photo button. You’ll be taken to your Camera Roll. Select a shot and it will appear with the editing options beneath.
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Add art effects
Tag it
Upload and go
There’s a whole host of effects to try via the magic-wand icon. Simply tap one to see the effect on the photo. We like the retro-film effect created by Boost.
You can apply a name tag to your image. Just click on the screen and a list of your contacts will appear. Scroll through and choose the right name.
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Select the Crop tool. Crop marks will appear on the edges of your photo. Drag these in to better compose your shot and use the ‘tick’ icon to confirm.
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Touchnote postcards Free Share your photos, but with a super twist. This cool little app turns your photos into amazing digital postcards before you hit share!
When you’ve finished editing, click the notepad icon to be taken to your Facebook photo-status page. Tag the location, write a message, then upload!
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Editing App of the month
+App of the month +
Shoot and edit great shots with Camera MX Give your smartphone captures a new lease of life thanks to the Camera MX app available for Android Available on: Android Price: Free What you’ll need… Android phone Images
We used…
Camera MX
You could use… Snapseed PicsArt Pixlr Express
What you’ll learn…
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To enhance your images and make them stand out
Shooting options are plenty of There great shooting modes available, including self-timer and real-time photo effects
Over the past few years, the built-in cameras found in smartphones have improved dramatically, as have the tools that allow people to edit and enhance their images directly on their device. Even with the top-end smartphones, though, it can be difficult to capture that perfect shot. If you really want to get the most out of your images, you’ll need to look to third-party apps. Android users are fortunate enough to have the Play Store at their fingertips, and with just a few taps a wealth of photo-editing apps are at your disposal. One of the best of these is Camera MX. Upon opening the app, you’re greeted with a simple interface. Tapping the central camera button will open up the app’s viewfinder, allowing you to capture shots in an instant. From here there are a number of basic options, including a selftimer, zoom, flash and the ability to record video. Tap the FX button and you can add real-time effects, overlays and frames to any images you take. Back at the main interface, the Media Manager option is where the app really comes into its own. Select any image you’ve taken with the app, or that’s stored on your device, and add effects such as Lomo and Kaleidoscope, or build your own effect preset to apply. Selecting the paintbrush icon opens up an array of editing options, from cropping and rotating to white balance and sharpening. Once you’re happy with your edits, you can share your image or upload it to your online album. On top of all this you can create an animated slideshow of your images as well as trim and edit video clips. And if that wasn’t enough, for an extra £0.79/$0.99, you can unlock a of extra effects, frames and After wealth overlays to enhance your shots.
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Tap the paintbrush icon to bring up options including Brightness, Contrast and Saturation. Use the slider to tweak the effect.
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The app has a range of one-touch effects. From Lomo and Drawing to 8-bit and Pop Art, there’s plenty here to transform pics.
In the FX menu you’ll find overlays such as Vignette Black and Scratches. Choose one and use the slider to make it subtle or prominent.
Add a frame then share your image with the world. There are seven basic frames, but for £0.79/$0.99 you can unlock plenty more.
Editing App of the month Delete
Be random
Store online
Share
If you wish to delete an image you’ve taken or have stored within the Media Manager, tap this button and then confirm
If you’re feeling adventurous and wish to apply a random effect to your image, tap here and see what happens
Once you’ve signed up for an online album with Camera MX, you can upload your images to store and share
Select the scale you wish to use, then you’re free to share your shot via Bluetooth, Gmail, and all the social-media platforms
3 of the best… Free apps to enhance images
Snapseed Free Offering both basic image adjustments and fun, creative enhancements, this popular app can transform your dull and boring photos in seconds.
PicsArt Free The PicsArt app allows you to apply effects, filters and masks, add annotations and stickers and much more to create standout images.
Pixlr Express Free Whether you want one-touch fixes or more in-depth editing options, this is a great app for beginners to tinker around with and see what editing options are available.
Apps for iOS Adobe Photoshop Express Free
A trimmed-down version of the desktop photoediting suite, this free app offers plenty of essential edits and effects including removing red eye, cropping, adding borders and onetouch enhancements. Extra camera packs, effects and borders can also be purchased from within the app to give images a boost.
Add effects
Start editing
The FX button is where you’ll find the range of effects, overlays and frames, and where you can build your own preset
Tapping the paintbrush icon brings up ten editing options which you can use to improve and enhance your image
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Sharing Tech focus
Stream media to your TV with the nScreen Upload and share your favourite photos and movies quickly Tech focus
and easily using nScreen Deluxe, your iPad and the free app What you’ll need… nScreen Deluxe TV Wi-Fi connection iPad nScreen app iTunes/iMac
You could use… Wi-Fi projector PC
What you’ll learn… Streaming shots from iPad to TV
74
nScreen Deluxe device plugs This into your TV and you can then link it to your iPad or computer
Digital photographers are always looking for new and exciting ways to share images. With this in mind it’s worth checking out Honestech’s nScreen Deluxe. The nScreen Deluxe operates using the nScreenBOX (available for £130/£150) which you plug into a screen, such as a TV or projector. You can then link up this box to a variety of devices and control it remotely to display and share that device’s media contents. Setting up is simple, and then you can instantly share photos and other media content with friends on multiple types of display. The advantages of nScreen Deluxe are determined by the type of display used, and limited only by the reaches
of your Wi-Fi connection. If you want to display shots at home, you can plug the nScreen Deluxe into your TV or projector then stream content from a desktop, laptop or mobile device, which is great for showing off slideshows of your photos. The most useful element of this technology is that it is compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android systems. A free app means that there’s no further expense and lets you stream photos, movies and music from your mobile device to any of the previously mentioned screen types. We will showcase this great product by showing how to set up and stream from an iPad to share shots instantly.
Sharing Tech focus
Display shots Stream content from an iPad to a TV
Mirror your desktop
01
Start by plugging in the nScreen Deluxe then select nScreenBOX on your Mac. Launch the Honestech nScreen driver and run installation. This takes no more than a minute.
Install the app
Sync to iTunes
01
02
The first step to sharing photos is a simple one and that’s plugging the nScreen Deluxe into your TV set and switching it on. Now fire up the iTunes App Store, type ‘Honestech nScreen’, and install it. You can also get the app from Google Play for Android.
Sync your iPad to your desktop/laptop iTunes account. Simply pair the two devices and wait for iTunes to recognise the portable device. Click iPad> Sync. Activate the Apps tab in the iTunes interface and scroll down to the File Sharing menu.
02
You will need at least 16MB of space to install the driver. You’ll be prompted for a product key. Once entered, a Honestech nScreen dialog box will appear automatically.
03
You’ll know if everything worked correctly, as the dialog box will say ‘Ready to project Mac screen’. Simply click the Play button to launch mirroring in your TV set.
75
Upload to the app
Sync the files
03
04
You’ll see the nScreen app appear in your list. Activate this and click the Add option to browse your computer and upload your media content instantly. Here you can drop in photo files, video files including MKV files and even music files.
Streaming online content
One you’ve uploaded your media files in iTunes, hit Sync once more, making sure your devices are still paired. You shouldn’t have to wait long. Now open the nScreen app in your iPad and find your content in the related folder waiting for you.
01
Start by activating nScreenBOX from your wireless connection options. Now enter http://192.168.55.1/ in your web browser. This will activate the nScreen web console.
02
Enter the password then set Network Type to Wi-Fi Client. Apply your Wi-Fi account (SSID) name and password. Click the tick button to save changes.
Connect to Wi-Fi
Operate the app
05
06
To pair your iPad to the nScreen Deluxe, activate Settings on your iPad and click Wi-Fi> On. Give it a few seconds then select Choose a Network> nScreenBOX. This means that what you select from your nScreen app interface will be displayed on your TV.
The nScreen app interface is easy to use. Press the option related to the media you want to share – in our case Photo. Press and select (tick) the images to share then hit play. Scroll through, stop and play images like you would using a remote control.
03
All you now have to do is activate your home Wi-Fi, which nScreen has been added to. You can now browse and stream online from a local wireless network .
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Sharing Quick tips
5 tips for sharing photos with apps Let the world, or just family and friends, see your snaps Cameraphone photography is becoming more and more popular. One reason for this is that these devices make it so quick and easy to share your photos with others. There are thousands of apps that you can download for sharing your shots, and they each have really useful extra features.
Technical tip Some apps are available that let you easily share and sync your photos with your other devices for free, such as Dropbox and Google Drive.
76
Showcase albums Some apps, such as Share.Pho.to and PictShare, allow you to share entire albums of photos with just a few taps of your finger. This saves you having to upload each of your shots individually.
Edit and display There are lots of apps that you can use to edit your photos, as well as share them. Even Facebook and Twitter are introducing editing options to their apps so you can perfect your shots before others see them.
Tagging images Tagging your shots with words, people or places makes your photos even easier to find by others. Apps such as Twitter and Instagram implement this so that followers can search for specific types of shots.
Capture and share You’ll see that the Flickr, Facebook and Instagram apps include cameras as part of the app. This means that you can take your shot and then share it instantly, with just a few easy steps.
Get creative Many apps allow you to get really creative with your photos before you share them, turning them into collages, slideshows or even drawing all over them in the case of Pics Play Pro.
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Sharing Nikon Image Space
Share and store photos with Nikon Image Space Save, store and share your favourite photographs using Nikon Image Space from your computer or mobile device What you’ll need… Computer or mobile device Images
We used…
Nikon Image Space
You could use…
Flickr Picasa Photoshop.com
What you’ll learn… How to use Nikon Image Space to store and share your images
78
Backing up your precious photos onto an external hard drive is a great way to ensure your pictures are kept safe regardless of whether your computer is stolen or breaks down. However, an external hard drive could also be misplaced, stolen or broken. Because of this, many photographers are choosing to back up images online. Saving images online keeps files safe and secure with a third party, and they are always just a few clicks away. This means you can download your photos from anywhere in the world at any time. Many of these sites also allow users to share their albums with friends through email or social networks. Most websites will offer these services at a fee, but one place that doesn’t charge is Nikon Image Space (nikonimagespace.com),
which offers users a generous basic account with 2GB of online storage space for free. You don’t even need to own a Nikon camera to become a member. If you are an owner of Nikon camera however, you can upgrade your membership and get a titanic 20GB of free storage space, plus you will qualify for extra benefits such as being able to upload a maximum of 2,000 photos simultaneously, hold 10,000 albums, share original and high-resolution files with friends, and even share albums with a specific password. Unlike a few of the websites out there that offer a similar service, there are no image-editing tools available on this site, but with a vast volume of free upload space available that’s not likely to put many people off.
“Saving images online keeps files safe and secure with a third party, and just a few clicks away”
Sharing Nikon Image Space
Store and share
Keep images safe and share online
Sign up
Upload your photos
Display your images
01
02
03
As with most websites, you need to sign up and become a member first. On the opening page of nikonimagespace.com hit the Sign Up button that can be found at the top of the page. Once you’ve completed the registration process you are ready to begin.
Hit the Upload button at the bottom-left of the screen. When prompted, find the images on your computer that you wish to upload to the website. A progress panel will appear and once an image is safely uploaded to the site a green tick will appear.
Your frames will be displayed using a default grid formation. You can alter this to a carousel or list view at the left of the image. You can also increase the thumbnail size, change the interface colour and show aspects like ratings within the Settings box.
7 of the best… Apps for looking after your shots SmugMug Free
Organise your images
Share your album via email
04
05
By right-clicking on an image you can access handy options such as Add to album, Slideshow, Share, Rotate image, Enter name and Delete. There is a drop-down menu on the right-hand side that allows you to sort your files by date, name, size, type or rating.
When you would like to share an album or image, select Share, which is at the bottom and in the centre of the web page. A pop-up panel will allow you to send an album as an email or issue it as a URL that your recipient can simply click on to access.
Acting as an all-in-one service, users can take photos using the app, store them online with SmugMug and share them with friends or networks.
Web Albums £2.49/$3.99 Doing exactly what it says in its title, this neat little app brings you quick and easy access to your Picasa online library for safe shot storage.
Phanfare Free This handy app allows subscribers to gain instant access and upload images directly to their Phanfare albums, plus it can play musical slideshows.
Zenfolio Free Marketed at serious shooters as ‘the elegant photo host’, Zenfolio, when used with a subscriber account, allows photographers to upload new images directly.
Photobucket Free Photobucket (or Photobucket Mobile for Android users) extends to users the opportunity to shoot, store and share with an online gallery account.
Share via a social network
Download your files
06
07
When you select a thumbnail on your display page, two small blue icons will appear. One is for Facebook and the other for Twitter. Simply select which network you wish to publish the photo on, then complete a short message and post it.
Right-click on the image or album that you wish to download and select Download from the list of options. You can access the images at the original size right down to a lower resolution of 320 x 240, perfect for blogs and uploading to the web.
Instagram Free Over 80 million users love this retro imaging app for capturing, storing and sharing shots. There’s no limit and you can use creative filters to enhance your photos.
Shuerfly Free Here users aren’t just treated to free web storage and the ability to share frames with friends, there’s also the facility to order photo gifts and prints.
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79
Sharing Animate your stills
Create an animated sequence from stills No need for expert coding knowledge, Moquu gives you the tools to create amazing animated GIFs on your iPad Moquu is an animation created using the free iOS app of the same name. By using up to ten images taken via your camera or using the Camera Roll on your iPad, you can use the combination of shots it creates as an animated GIF. By merging them into a short sequence, they give the appearance of movement. With a bit of patience and some creativity you can create and edit some amazing moving images. To help take away much of the strain, Moquu comes complete with some handy Timelapse and Burst
80
features. The former lets you lay down a set time limit between shots and then takes each image automatically. The Burst feature records a continuous, set number of images. Once these images have been taken, you can begin to edit them. There are built-in filters which add many effects and you can also speed up or slow down the animation to suit. The good thing is that effects can be applied to one or more frames, or across the board. And when you have finished, you can save it as a GIF and share it on social media or even embed it within your own website.
What you’ll need… iPad Moquu app A selection of starting images
We used… Moquu
You could use…
GifBoom Cinemagram Camera GIF creator Gifture
What you’ll learn…
How to create your own animated GIF images using your photographs and your iPad
Shoot images Capture stills and get started
Find a subject
Use your images
Manipulate the animation
01
02
03
Line up a subject and press the camera icon. This is where you can set up Moquu to take a series of stills. Press the button beneath the camera icon to select the shooting mode, including Timelapse.
Once you have taken a series of images You can change the speed of the using the camera, tap Use in the top-right animation by using the Speed scroll bar. corner. You can now begin to edit your GIF file. By pressing Play to the right, you can start the Here we can see our frames. You can have up to animation. The number of the frame you are ten separate shots. viewing is displayed.
Sharing Animate your stills
Edit the sequence Bring your captures to life
Add in effects
Adjust the strength
Shuffle the frames
04
05
06
Press the Effects tab. You can cycle through a host of different effects from Sugar to Sunspots. Each alters the image according to the one you tap. Tapping Normal reverts to the original picture.
When you select the effects, you can also see a new slider appear, this time for strength. It enables you to alter the intensity of the image you want to use for your animated GIF.
Tap the Frames tab. Press and hold the frame you wish to change. Press the ‘x’ button to delete the frame or tap the arrow to move the frame left or right, repositioning it in the timeline.
81
Share your GIF Show your work to the world
Share the image
Upload to social media
View your GIFs
07
08
09
The Save & Share option in the top right-hand corner of the screen lets you share just the frame you are on, or in our case the project we are working on, as a GIF file. Tap Animgif to do this.
It is possible to upload to Moquu’s servers. You can also upload to Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. There is an embed code option and the ability to send by email. Select one and hit Share.
Your Moquu projects appear on the main page together with a tutorial and some other GIFs from which to draw inspiration. You can create a new folder and place GIFs within it.
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NEW AT MIFSUD
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Reviews Canon EOS 6D
Canon EOS 6D
£1,799/$2,099 | 20.2MP full-frame sensor | Built-in Wi-Fi options | Weather-sealed body
BUYF… I S I H Tu think it’s tiamlitey
yo high-qu for a long-term and stment inve
84
The info… Megapixels | 20.2MP A high value of megapixels means you can make larger, high-quality prints
Zoom | By lens Compatible with Canon EF lenses, we used the 24-70mm kit lens
Shutter speeds | 30-1/4000sec A great range for shooting both long exposures and quick action shots
ISO sensitivity | 100-25600 (expandable 50-102,400) A massive range, ideal for shooting high-quality low-light photographs
Exp. modes | Seven scene modes, plus P, M, AP, SP, Scene Intelligent Auto, Creative Auto and Bulb Great auto settings and plenty of manual options to get stuck in with Aperture............... By lens Flash modes .... N/A Weight .................... 755g (with battery) Dimensions....... 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm Batteries.............. Lithium-ion Storage.................. SD / SDHC / SDXC Screen .................... 3 inches
Reviews Canon EOS 6D
Is this high-quality, high-end camera worth the weighty investment for beginner photographers? The Canon EOS 6D is an extremely high-quality product with a 20.2MP full-frame sensor. This type of sensor is normally reserved for the pros, with high asking prices and often without any auto settings. The 6D, however, is a much more affordable full-frame model with some starter features, making it much more beginner friendly. It’s still priced high when compared to beginner DSLRs but it’s a long-term investment that will take you from beginner to pro without the need for an upgrade. For the money you get a huge range of features; as well as being able to capture at 4.5fps for fast shooting, a great ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50102400) for shooting in low light, and 1080p full-HD video, there are also plenty of modes to choose from. Manual modes will help you progress, but you also have seven scene modes and a Creative Auto mode that lets you control how blurry the background is. As well as RAW shooting and GPS, you can also link the camera to your smartphone to control it remotely, which is great for not
We answer your questions… How good is the 6D’s focusing ability? It may take a while to get used to using the AF-On button to focus in manual, but in auto you still half-press the shutter. The 6D uses 11 points to focus, which is less than its smaller-sensor brethren the 7D, but it’s quick to find focus and accurate too.
jogging the camera during long exposures. The Wi-Fi on board can connect you to your computer or a printer for instant sharing. However, there’s no built-in flash on this model and the LCD screen is fixed too. The menus are easy to navigate, but the many buttons on the back may confuse beginners until they get used to it. You can, of course, pop it in auto and ignore these options for now. The build quality is high, with its tough, weather-sealed body fitting nicely into your hands. Shots are sharp and detailed and it handles noise well, with it only starting to appear at ISO 6400. So for fantastic image quality and a wealth of features to discover as you progress, the Canon 6D is a great long-term investment that won’t disappoint.
What’s good about it…
The image quality is exceptionally high, with vivid colours and detail The EOS 6D is great in low light, with only slight noise at ISO 6400
How good is it for… Portraits You can create nice soft backgrounds in Creative Auto mode Landscapes Vivid colours and long exposures make for amazing vistas Sports Quick focusing and 4.5fps shooting is great for freezing movement Low light The camera handle noise well, even when shooting at high ISOs
Macro You’ll need a macro lens to get close but images are detailed and sharp
What could be better…
There’s no built-in flash so you’ll have to purchase and carry one separately It might seem a bit intimidating, but there’s plenty of modes for beginners
Great image quality and a range of features makes this a fantastic Features............................................................. +++++ camera. It’s not cheap but it will Design and handling.. +++++ stay with you as you progress so Build quality........................................ +++++ it’s a great investment
Our final verdict
Image quality................................... +++++ Value for money....................... +++++
+++++
Hands-on… The pronounced, textured grip makes it easy to grasp and it’s currently Canon’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera, meaning it’s fine to hold for longer shoots compared to others of this type.
Above Images have an amazing amount of detail, saturated colours and are well exposed straight out of the camera
Have you used this camera? Share your shots at photoforbeginners.com
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85
Reviews Sony NEX-6
Sony NEX-6 £829/$1,000 | 16MP | 11 art effects | Built-in Wi-Fi & apps
BUYF… I S I H T u’re looking ftosr yo C with lo a CS sy-to-use of ea tures fea
86
The info… Megapixels | 16.1MP Enough megapixels for printing your favourite images at larger sizes
Zoom | By lens A variety of lenses are available – we tested the 16-50mm kit lens
Shutter speeds | 30-1/4000sec Great for shooting action images and creative long-exposure shots
ISO sensitivity | 100-25600 An impressive sensitivity range that is good for low-light shooting
Exp. modes | Nine scene modes, plus A, A+, P, M, AP and SP Excellent modes for both beginners and those who want more control Aperture............... By lens Flash modes .... A, Foff, Fon, FF, SS, RS Weight .................... 287g without battery Dimensions....... 119.9 x 66.9 x 42.6mm Batteries.............. Lithium-ion Storage.................. SD / SDHC / SDXC / MS Screen .................... 3 inches
Reviews Sony NEX-6
Sony’s new CSC has lots of features in a small body, but is it a good model for beginners? The CSC market is rapidly expanding with a whole host of exciting new models released already this year. Sony’s offering manages to pack a lot into its compact casing, making it a fantastically portable option for beginners looking to advance their skills. The NEX-6 is very easy to use, with two auto modes – Intelligent Auto and Superior Auto, which reduces blurring and noise – and two control wheels for changing manual settings. The button for popping up the flash can be a little fiddly, but apart from that, it handles smoothly. Both auto modes perform well, and users can opt to view which exposure settings the camera selects before it takes the shot, which is a helpful feature for beginners who want to learn more. The NEX-6 has only the basic scene modes but has an extensive array of creative options that can be previewed instantly. The body of the camera looks quite boxy and plain, but feels well-made and sturdy. If shooting in bright light, a simple button allows you to switch to using the
We answer your questions… Is it good for a night out with friends? The NEX-6 performs really well in low light, with a powerful flash that doesn’t produce red-eye. It has Face Detection and Smile Shutter that takes a shot when a smile is detected. Then you can instantly share shots on Facebook with the built-in Wi-Fi.
viewfinder to frame your shots, and you can tilt the LCD screen horizontally to aid creative compositions. The image quality produced by the 16MP sensor is excellent, with bright, vivid colours and noise only appearing at ISO 1600. When shooting moving subjects, the autofocus sometimes struggles to cope, but mostly shots appear sharp. Sharing your images via your smartphone or tablet is possible thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi capability. You can also download apps to open up your shooting options even further. Although the price tag is quite hefty, the NEX-6 gives you a lot for your money and is ideal for those looking for a more portable alternative to a DSLR.
What’s good about it…
It is easy to navigate through the menus and change settings quickly The ability to download apps improves the already great range of features
How good is it for… Portraits There’s a scene mode and plenty of other settings for flattering results Landscapes There’s a vista mode and an on-screen spirit level for straight horizons Sports There’s continuous shooting mode but it struggles to focus on fast subjects Low light Handles noise well up to ISO 1600 for clear night-time shots
Macro The kit lens struggles focus at close range but other lenses are available
What could be better…
The camera’s slow autofocus could cause you to miss a great shot More scene modes tailored to certain situations would be useful for beginners
Sony’s NEX-6 is a CSC that is very simple to use and produces great Features............................................................. +++++ image quality. With a range of Design and handling.. +++++ features on offer, it will suit a Build quality........................................ +++++ beginner shooter perfectly
Our final verdict
Image quality................................... +++++ Value for money....................... +++++
+++++
Hands-on… A grip on the front and thumb grip on the back mean this camera is comfortable to hold. The buttons are well placed but a little plasticky and the flash button is a bit fiddly.
Above Colours appear bright, vibrant and true to life and a great range of creative effects allow you to produce some unique shots
Have you used this camera? Share your shots at photoforbeginners.com
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87
Reviews Nikon Coolpix P7700
Nikon Coolpix P7700 £450/$500 | Full manual control | 3” vari-angle LCD | Bright & fast f2-4 lens
BUYF… I S I H Tu want manuaal yo rom f s e d mo ketable poc era cam
88
The info… Megapixels | 12.2MP A good amount for the size of the sensor – a high value isn’t always best
Zoom | 7.1x optical, 4x digital The lens-shift vibration reduction is great over the 28-200mm range
Shutter speeds | 60-1/4000sec The extremes of this range are only accessible shooting in manual mode
ISO sensitivity | 80-6400 Without the Hi 1 feature, the camera is limited to a top setting of 1600
Exp. modes | 19 scene modes, plus A, P, M, AP and SP All of this, as well as auto scene selection and special effects Aperture............... f2-4 Flash modes .... A, RE, M, RC, SS, Commander Weight .................... 392g with battery Dimensions....... 118 x 72 x 50mm Batteries.............. Lithium-ion Storage.................. SD / SDHC / SDXC Screen .................... 3 inches
Reviews Nikon Coolpix P7700
A pro compact with a fast f2 lens that’s capable of stunning images. Is the P7700 too good to be true? For so long, manufacturers have tried to lure consumers with more and more megapixels. With the new Nikon Coolpix P7700 however, the selling point has clearly been focused on the lens. The bright f2-4 glass is ideal for portraits, macro and low-light work as wide apertures let in more light and create pleasing background blur. The flexible zoom range of 28-300mm will also be useful in landscapes, distance and in fact almost any scenario. The P7700 is heavier and bigger than most compacts, but that is due to all that it packs on board. Aimed at beginners and more advanced users, the Nikon offers a full range of automatic, scene and manual controls. There’s also a selection of Effects to sink your teeth into. The screen is clear and bright, even on sunny days and the range of buttons make it quick to alter settings, with oft-used options all given their own quick-access points. Start up takes a few seconds, though. Images straight out of the camera are clean, crisp and with great colour reproduction. The on-screen spirit level
We answer your questions… Can I get creative with the P7700? The Special Effects menu gives you the option of applying arty effects in-camera. The Creative Mono setting adds a nice grain, perfect for overcast days, while the Zoom Exposure and Defocus modes add the look of a creative lens effect
means that wonky horizons are a thing of the past. You can switch this, the histogram (again a useful addition) and the thirds lines on and off, depending on your needs. We used the camera on some bright days, and the exposure compensation dial proved invaluable, not having to access the menus to alter this setting. The plethora of on board dials and buttons means the menu system is clean and uncluttered. All of this does come at a price though. At just under £500, the Nikon Coolpix P7700 doesn’t come cheap. But, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and with the P7700, what you’re paying for is a featurepacked compact that’s capable of producing some stunning images.
What’s good about it…
There are manual modes to grow into and automatic modes while you learn On-body dials and buttons means you don’t have to dip in to menu systems
How good is it for… Portraits The colour reproduction suits skin tones, and eyes are sharp and bright Landscapes Blue skies are accurate and exposure compensation comes in handy Sports Use the dedicated scenes or even Auto for good results of fast subjects Low light That bright lens is perfect for low-light, although a tripod is a must
Macro Macro mode is good, the close-focusing distance without it is 50cm though
What could be better…
Start up could be slightly quicker, though it’s by no means poor An on-camera viewfinder would help this appeal to more photographers
It may be pricier than some models, but the range of features for Features............................................................. +++++ beginners and advanced shooters, Design and handling.. +++++ as well as the image quality, means Build quality........................................ +++++ the P7700 scores top marks
Our final verdict
Image quality................................... +++++ Value for money....................... +++++
+++++
Hands-on… The camera takes a few seconds to start but after that it is quick and intuitive to use, with all the key features having their own button or dial position. For any that don’t there’s the user-customisable Fn buttons.
Above In bright light, the camera copes well with colours, although there is some fringing at the edges in high-contrast areas
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Reviews Panasonic DMC-TZ35
Panasonic DMC-TZ35 £300/$300 | 20x optical zoom | 16.1MP sensor | Creative panorama function
90
The info… Megapixels | 16.1MP File sizes are large so you can print big images without losing any detail
Zoom | 20x optical, 4x digital This model has a focal range of 24-480mm (35mm equivalent)
Shutter speeds | 30-1/2000sec The Starry Sky mode offers a maximum exposure time of 30sec
ISO sensitivity | 100-3200 The ISO can be extended to 6400 using the High Sensitivity mode
Exp. modes | 18 scene modes, plus A, P, M, AP and SP Aperture............... f3.3-6.4 Flash modes .... A, A/RE, On, Off, SS/RE Weight .................... 171g without battery Dimensions....... 104.9 x 58.9 x 28.7mm Batteries.............. Lithium-ion Storage.................. 90MB built-in / SD / SDHC / SDHX Screen .................... 3 inches
BUY THIS IF… you’re loo kin
a large se g for of art filtelection your shors for ts
“The new Creative Panorama function gifts photographers with 12 stunning filters”
Reviews Panasonic DMC-TZ35
Hands-on… Like most Panasonic compacts, the TZ35 handles intuitively. In-camera menus are accessible and comprehensive, while on-body controls are straightforward to master.
Left There are plenty of creative options with this Panasonic compact, such as this Impressive Art filter which adds extra contrast for a striking look
Sporting a 20x optical zoom, this shiny new shooter looks dressed to impress, but what else is on offer? If you’ve been looking for a camera that does all of the work so you don’t have to, then you’re in luck. The Panasonic DMC-TZ35 could well be the camera you need. Although this new compact model does offer manual and semi-manual features for those wanting to adapt their skill set down the line, the TZ35 is also crammed full of enhanced automatic shooting DNA. For example, pictures taken with the exciting iAuto mode are sure to impress. Other highlight areas of the camera are contained within its creative palette. In particular, the new Creative Panorama function gifts photographers with a kaleidoscope of 12 stunning filters that can be applied to distinctive horizontal and vertical panoramic pictures. What is also nice here, which consumers won’t find tucked away in camera menus everywhere, is that the Panasonic compact provides in-camera editing. You can shoot with filters as well as apply digital effects to stills after the picture has been taken. Thanks to its impressive 20x optical zoom function, the camera is perhaps a little chunkier than the svelte and pocket-friendly compacts that we became used to seeing a few years ago. However, the TZ35’s feature set more than makes up for the little extra weight and girth. It feels solid and reliable in the hand, while a well-
We answer your questions… How good is the camera’s LCD screen? The screen is relatively good at 7.5cm (3”) with 460k dots, however most other LCDs are double this resolution. That’s not to say the monitor isn’t clear, in fact captures are presented well but on occasion users may have to zoom in to better inspect the finer detailing.
proportioned grip on the right aids comfort and accuracy when shooting. On-camera dials and buttons are kept to a minimum, but all the necessary commands and actions have been catered for, making streamlined shooting a breeze. Without having to delve into fiddly menu systems, all you need to focus on is your subject. The quality of the DMC-TZ35’s images when shooting in iAuto mode is relatively solid. Although, we would have liked to have seen stronger contrast in images and perhaps punchier colours too. This would have culminated in a more honest interpretation of the scene. The images snapped at both ends of the focal range presented a little softening and in high-contrast scenes there was evidence of chromatic aberration, but that’s typical of a camera of this calibre and can easily be corrected in image-editing software. While there are cheaper units out there putting in a similar standard of performance, the TZ35 still has a lot of clout when it comes to creative features. These will no doubt appeal to beginners and advanced users alike.
What’s good about it…
Plenty of features here and great creative options to get creative with The maximum exposure time of 30sec sets it above your regular compact
How good is it for… Portraits The camera offers several handy scene modes for perfecting portraits Landscapes The interesting Panorama Shot includes 12 filters to add Sports The fastest shutter is 1/2000sec and it can shoot 5fps for action and wildlife Low light With a 30sec max exposure time in Starry Sky mode, low light is a joy
Macro There are two macro modes, but the minimum focus distance is 3cm
What could be better…
Macro lovers may be disappointed with a distance of 3cm from their subjects Shots captured at the far reaches of the Extra Optical Zoom won’t be ‘keepers’
On the whole the TZ35 is more than capable of capturing some strong Features............................................................. +++++ stills and even stronger creative Design and handling.. +++++ captures and will appeal to a broad Build quality........................................ +++++ range of photo enthusiasts
Our final verdict
Image quality................................... +++++ Value for money....................... +++++
+++++
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Reviews Kit for action
Kit for action
Never miss a shot with this gear to help you capture fast-paced movement with ease
01
94 1 Scout Shoulder Action Camera Bag Price £49/approx $74 Keeping your camera safe and secure when on the move is important. This camera bag sling from Coordinate Gear can be worn over your shoulder with an strap that goes under your arm to prevent it from slipping off. It can carry your CSC with room for an extra lens, or your compact with room for your wallet and keys. The bag is
well made and lined with 10mm foam for extra protection. There are also pockets for memory cards and you can adjust the removable padded inserts to suit the kit you are carrying. This versatile sling can also attach onto other bags as part of a wider system available from www. coordinategear.com.
Best for: Carrying your camera
2 Canon PowerShot SX50 HS Price £449/$450 Superzooms are excellent for capturing action as you can get close-up shots from a safe distance. The PowerShot SX50 HS has a huge 50x optical zoom, as well as 100x digital zoom (although image quality is reduced using this). The quality when using the optical zoom of this 12.1MP camera is excellent, even at longer
focal lengths, and Image Stabilisation works well to keep shots steady and free from blur. High-speed shooting is great for getting the best shot of the action and the flip-out LCD screen lets you shoot from any angle. The fantastic range of features on this camera make it good value for money for action photographers.
Best for: Action close-ups
02
Reviews Kit for action 3 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR (5.5x) Price £378/$400 Or try: Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III, Tamron AF 55-200mm f/4-5.6 Di II
03
A telephoto lens gives Nikon DSLRs the extra reach needed for getting close-up shots of the action and this well-built yet lightweight and compact lens has a 5.5x zoom for doing just that. The zoom ring is wide and ridged for easy operation and the zoom itself is smooth. Even at long focal lengths,
Vibration Reduction helps to keep shots sharp, and the image quality is impressive with little chromatic aberration. This lens does allow autofocus operation on Nikon DX camera bodies, however it is very slow which is problematic when shooting fast-moving subjects.
Best for: Zooming on a DSLR
4 Induro Alloy 8M AM25 Monopod Price Approx £50/$78 Unlike tripods, monopods make portability and stability possible while shooting fast-moving action, and also allow you to get shots from high angles that you would normally be unable to reach. The Induro AM25 monopod has a max height of 57.9” but can fold down to 16” to fit in your kit bag. Made from aluminium alloy, it
is lightweight and has a grip and strap to allow for secure handling. The AM25 is dust and moisture resistant so that it can be used in all environments and the leg can be quickly extended or retracted by twisting the leg locks. This monopod is suitable for use with DSLRs, but the head is not included.
Best for: Steadying a camera
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“Monopods make portability and stability possible while shooting fastmoving action”
Reviews Remote shuer releases
Remote shutter releases Take control from a distance with these clever devices 1 Phottix TR-90
2 Hama DCCS System Base Wireless Remote Release Price £60/approx $91
Price £35/$52 The TR-90’s shutter release cable is 90cm long so you can still stand a distance away. This remote control can trigger your camera’s shutter at regular timed intervals, which is great for time-lapse photography, and also features self-timer mode. The timer functions can be set from 1
second to 99 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds, giving you plenty of flexibility. This device in incredibly easy to use, and it feels both well made and lightweight, but is quite long so not as portable as it could be.
+++++
This remote release from Hama works using an infrared beam that is passed between the transmitter (in your hand or on a tripod) and receiver (attached to the hotshoe). When the beam is broken, the shutter fires, and you can also adjust shooting modes remotely. This is excellent for
wildlife photography, or for capturing the finishing line of a race. This product is good value, but the adapter cable is available separately. However this means that you wont have to replace the entire system if you get a new camera.
+++++
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3 Hahnel Giga T Pro II Remote Control Price £73/$100 Hahnel’s Giga T Pro II can be used as both a cable or wireless shutter release. Wireless operation works by way of radio frequency, and the signal can travel up to 100m, even through walls. As well as firing the shutter, you can also control plenty of functions and timers with the remote.
This is a quality product, with clever features such as a backlit LCD for shooting in the dark. It is relatively easy to use although you may need to read the instruction manual in order to get to grips with some of the settings.
+++++
4 ioShutter Camera Remote Price £65/$70 ioShutter allows you to control your camera with your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. Connect your iDevice to your camera with the cable, then download the ioShutter app and use it to fire the trigger. The free app allows you to control the shutter, self-timer and bulb mode and can also be used for
Imagine Publishing Ltd Richmond House 33 Richmond Hill Bournemouth Dorset BH2 6EZ +44 (0)1202 586200 Web: www.imagine-publishing.co.uk www.photoforbeginners.com www.greatdigitalmags.com
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time-lapse photography. It also has clever functions such as sound triggering and ShakeToTake. You can unlock even more control with the Pro app for £6.99/$9.99. It’s a very portable product but the price for just a cable is quite high.
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Printing & Distribution Printed by Wyndeham Heron, The Bentall Complex, Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 4NW Distributed in the UK & Eire by Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT 0207 429 4000 Distributed in Australia by Gordon & Gotch, Equinox Centre, 18 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086 + 61 2 9972 8800 Distributed in the Rest of the World by Marketforce, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SU 0203 148 8105
Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of Imagine Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. © Imagine Publishing Ltd 2013
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Using a wide aperture can create nice patterns in the light behind your subject
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Using natural light is often the most flattering way to illuminate your shots. Natural light is also great because it’s free, readily available for you to make the most of and using it in the proper way can result in some stunning images. Follow our tips and then send us your best photos that use natural light. You could be in with a chance of winning an 18x12” Forex print of one of your photos. This print is on a light, rigid foam board and has a matte finish.
Face your model with the sun behind them so they don’t end up squinting in a shot
The hour just before sunset is when natural light is at its best, so time your photo accordingly
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To be in with a chance of winning, send us three of your best shots using natural light by 02/05/13. Winning entries will receive an 18x12” Forex print of one of your photos from Pixum. Check out www.pixum.co.uk for more info. Please note, Imagine Publishing has the right to substitute the prize for a similar item of equal or higher value. Full terms and conditions available on request.
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