BREAKING NEWS: Photography

Our year in photos: Dale's most memorable shot of 2024

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

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Pedestrians with umbrellas wander down a rainy alley in Yokohama's Chinatown.

Panasonic S5IIX + Panasonic S 28-200mm F4-7.1 | F7 | 1/125 sec | ISO 1600
Photo: Dale Baskin

Japan is one of my favorite places to travel. I'm captivated by its culture, cuisine, and the warmth of its people. It's also a photographer's paradise, offering endless possibilities, from serene temples and bustling markets to breathtaking landscapes.

My favorite type of photography when traveling in Japan is street photography, especially at night. I never tire of exploring the vibrant cityscapes, from the iconic Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo to the atmospheric alleys of Yokohama's Chinatown.

However, there's a twist: I seek out rainy conditions. While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical. The umbrellas emerge, the city lights reflect off the wet pavement, and colors take on a vibrant intensity.

I was fortunate to visit Japan twice this year, and it rained both times. What some might consider lousy weather, I welcome as luck. Both my camera and I were thoroughly drenched during several nights of shooting, underscoring the value of weather-sealed equipment. (For the record, despite being so wet they were dripping with water, neither camera nor lens ever missed a beat.)

"While most travelers might not embrace a downpour, I find that rain transforms nighttime street photography into something magical."

Unsurprisingly, some of my most memorable photos of 2024 were captured during these rain-soaked adventures. It's challenging to select just one favorite because, as many of you will surely understand, how we remember the value of an image is often intertwined with the experience of capturing it.

The photo at the top of this page is one of my favorites from these trips, captured in Yokohama's Chinatown. Off the main street, the area is full of narrow alleys, many decorated with traditional lanterns, creating small, intimate spaces. I spied these two pedestrians with similar coats and umbrellas turn into one of these alleys and instantly knew there was a potential photo around the corner.

I managed to fire off two shots before the scene lost its magic, but that's all I needed. I love that you can't see the main subjects' faces. They remain anonymous, allowing the viewer to focus on the place rather than the person.

Actor Mathew Horne looks back: ‘Gavin and Stacey was a big turning point in my life. People would confuse me with Gavin in real life’

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:00:18 +0000

The comedian and actor on his Cure obsession, surviving a press storm, and being heckled by Robbie Williams

Born in Nottinghamshire in 1978, Mathew Horne is a comedian and actor. He studied drama at Manchester University, where he and Bruce Mackinnon formed Mat and Mackinnon – a duo who would be headhunted by Catherine Tate in the early 00s. Horne has since appeared in TV shows such as Teachers, Bad Education, Gavin and Stacey, and Inside No 9. On stage, he has starred in Entertaining Mr Sloane, The Homecoming and Rain Man. Gavin and Stacey: The Finale airs on Christmas Day on BBC One and iPlayer. He lives in London with his wife and son.

This photo was taken on mufti day at primary school. We didn’t have to wear school uniform, and as I was very interested in Captain Pugwash I went dressed as him. I was also very into the Cure; they were an important band to me, even as an eight-year-old. That drawing in the background, the gold cobweb on black paper, is a homage to their song Lullaby. I was a happy kid, but given my artistic inclination, there was clearly a bittersweet goth in me too. In hindsight, it would have been cooler if I had dressed as Robert Smith.

Journey With a Camera: @fishmonkeycow on Their Generation Blending Canon EOS Kiss 7

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Lomographer @fishmonkeycow talks about their generation blending go-to camera, the Canon EOS Kiss 7, and how it helped them start their film photography journey.

elin o’Hara slavick: Art + Science Competition Honorable Mention

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 11:00:39 +0000

Artist and educator elin O’Hara slavick is currently an Artist-in-Residence at the University of California, Irvine. In 2022, while she was the Huntington Research and Art Fellow at CalTech, she created the project There Have Been 528 Atmospheric Nuclear Tests to Date. Working from nuclear detonation test photographs that have been seared into her mind’s

View the rest of elin o’Hara slavick: Art + Science Competition Honorable Mention on LENSCRATCH.

‘They were on an eight-mile pub crawl – hence their slight disarray’: Fiona Duncan’s best phone shot

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 10:00:13 +0000

While shopping in Yorkshire one December, the photographer came across a group of very merry Santas

The heritage steam train that runs from Grosmont to Pickering, in the North York Moors, was stalling Fiona Duncan’s busy morning. It was a few days before Christmas, back in 2018, and Duncan was dashing around Grosmont town centre, picking up last-minute essentials.

“I was slightly cursing the gates being closed,” she says. “But then all these guys sauntered up and casually formed a line along the level-crossing barrier.”

The god illusion: why the pope is so popular as a deepfake image

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 09:57:26 +0000

Experts explain the pontiff’s appeal as the most recent AI images of Francis, with the singer Madonna, go viral

For the pope, it was the wrong kind of madonna.

The pop legend, she of the 80’s anthem Like a Prayer, has stirred controversy in recent weeks by posting deepfake images on social media which show the pontiff embracing her. It has fanned the flames of a debate which is already raging over the creation of AI art in which Pope Francis plays a symbolic, and unwilling, role.

Layton Williams: ‘How often do I have sex? Often. In my 20s I was a rampant rabbit’

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 09:30:12 +0000

The actor, singer and dancer on his odd-shaped big toe, his secret betting history and falling flat on his face on stage

Born in Greater Manchester, Layton Williams, 30, began his career at the age of 12, in the West End production of Billy Elliot. He went on to appear in TV shows Bad Education and I Hate Suzie and was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. His films include Rocketman and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie; the latter role he also played on stage. Earlier this year he appeared in Cabaret and he is currently in Titanique at the Criterion theatre in London. He lives in the capital.

What is your greatest fear?
Dying: I’m too iconic to go.

A Year in Sunsets

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:52:14 +0000

A Year in Sunsets

The Long Night Moon

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 06:52:14 +0000

On the night of December 15, the

Warriors, water and a white horse: Photos of the week

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:23:51 +0000

A selection of news photographs from around the world.

Guardian Australia’s best photos of 2024 – in pictures

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:00:00 +0000

From break dancing to nude bathers and the country’s best mullets, here’s a selection of our photographers’ finest work

Godox releases V100, a 100Ws fast rechargeable flash

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 21:24:00 +0000

Image: Godox

Godox has announced the V100, a 100Ws version of its round-headed V1 on/off camera flashgun. The V100 can deliver up to 100 Watt Seconds of power in manual mode and can shoot over 70 consecutive bursts of light at full power. Recycle times of under 1 sec are possible when used with an external power source (1.7 sec with the internal battery).

Like the existing V1 and V1Pro, the V100 is available in versions compatible with the proprietary TTL flash metering systems of Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm or Olympus/OM System, each of which comes with a small secondary flash that can be used to provide a little 'fill.' It also has a 2W LED modeling lamp, to help you understand how its light is going to fall.

Godox says it's able to sync with the global shutter of Sony's a9 III, up to shutter speeds of 1/80,000, though the company also says the V100's minimum flash duration is 1/20,000, so presumably 1/80,000 sec shutter speeds would only experience a fraction of that output.

Image: Godox

The V100 is powered by a rechargeable Li-Ion battery that can be charged directly using a USB-C cable or in an optional multi-battery charger if you need to prepare multiple batteries before a shoot.

It's compatible with the company's 2.4Ghz radio frequency off-camera communication protocol either as a transmitter or receiver.

Buy now:

V100 for Canon at B&H

V100 for Sony at B&H

V100 for Nikon at B&H

No details have been given about price or availability but it's listed as "Coming Soon" on B&H Photo's website with a price of $349. B&H is also listing a Pentax-compatible version, not listed on Godox's website.

Godox V100 C/N/S/F/O

Power Beyond Limits, 100Ws at Hand

Introducing the epic 100Ws TTL Li-ion Round Head Camera Flash V100. The Godox V100 redefines the standards for flagship on-camera flashes, brining an era of 100Ws power to handheld lighting. This groundbreaking flash delivers global shutter sync, a vibrant 2.3-inch color touchscreen, an intuitive menu, and one-tap syn operations. It combine cutting-edge features and professional-grade performance to provide an ultimate solution for professional lighting.

100Ws, Beyond Limits

The V100 sets a new benchmark for on-camera flashes by offering an unprecedented 100Ws power at its maximum output (M mode). With adjustable power steps from 1/1 to 1/256 or from 2.0 to 10, it covers the spectrum from subtle fill light to robust lighting for diverse scenarios, pushing the boundaries of creativity in flash photography.

Intuitive Touchscreen, Effortless Control

Equipped with a 2.3'' full-color, high-sensitivity touchscreen, the V100 offers a smooth and responsive interface. Paired with an intuitive menu design and logical control layout, it allows photographers to quickly adjust power levels, activate high-speed sync, switch between TTL/M modes, and pair devices with a single tap, significantly improving workflow efficiency.

Global Shutter Flash Sync

The V100 is seamlessly compatible with cameras featuring global shutter like Sony a9 III. Supporting shutter speeds up to 1/80,000 seconds and offering TTL functionality, it delivers outstanding high-speed continuous shooting with effortless precision. This makes it an ideal choice for sports photography, outdoor bright light, and other fast-paced shooting scenarios.

70 Full-Power Consecutive Flashes

Thanks to its advanced cooling system, the V100 delivers 70 to 100 consecutive flashes at 100Ws without compromising performance. This ensures enhanced shooting efficiency and flexibility, allowing you to handle complex scenarios with ease and capture every brilliant moment of your creative vision.

Zoom range (mm)	28mm	35mm	50mm	70mm	80mm	105mm
Continuous flashes (100Ws)	75	75	80	90	100	100

Detachable Sub Flash

The V100 continues the highly praised detachable sub flash (SU-1) design from the V1 Pro. This versatile feature enables dual-light setups with a single flash, offering creative lighting solutions for portrait photography.

Wireless Sync, Streamlined Workflow

With the built-in Godox 2.4G Wireless X System, the V100 functions as both a master and receiver unit. Its one-tap pairing capability seamlessly integrates with the X3 trigger or other Godox wireless flash units, streamlining multi-flash setups and boosting productivity.

Powerful Battery, Convenient Charging

Powered by the same high-performance lithium battery as the V1 Pro, the V100 ensures uninterrupted shooting. The Type-C charging port and compatibility with the VC26T Multi-Battery Charger make recharging quick and convenient.

Enhanced Recycling with External Power

The V100 includes a port for the PB960 Lithium-Ion Flash Power Pack, reducing full-power recycling time to as fast as 0.8 seconds. This feature supports demanding, high-intensity shooting scenarios, ensuring peak performance.

Built-In LED Modeling Lamp

A 2W LED modeling lamp with 10 adjustable levels provides flexible options for previewing light effects or serving as a fill light. The lamp supports continuous or interrupt modes, catering to different creative needs.

Comprehensive Accessory Ecosystem

The V100 is compatible with a broad range of Godox accessories, including the AK-R1 Accessory Kit for Round Flash Heads, AK-R21 Projection Attachment, AK-R22 Collapsible Diffusion Dome, and the S2 Speedlite Bracket for Bowens, among others. Whether you're fine-tuning light, exploring creative effects, or expanding functionality, the V100 is designed to meet every need.

Fujifilm's updating even more cameras with autofocus improvements

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:49:00 +0000

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When Fujifilm announced that it was releasing a firmware update to help improve the X-H2 and GFX 100 II's autofocus performance in October, the community's response was near-unanimous: what about the X-T5? The camera's autofocus performance has been a sore spot in recent months, with some users complaining that their cameras were noticeably less accurate after a previous firmware update.

This week, Fujifilm answered. It's released firmware updates for its flagship APS-C camera, as well as the GFX 100S II, X-T50, X-S20 and X100VI, promising that its "AF algorithm has been partially revised to improve focusing accuracy and subject tracking performance." According to the release notes, the updates, which you can download using the links above, are solely dedicated to the autofocus improvements.

This is far from the first X-T5 update that promises to improve its autofocusing capabilities, so we'll likely have to wait for owners to chime in on whether it brings the performance up to a level that they're happy with. For now, though, it appears that Fujifilm has at least heard the complaints, and is working on addressing them.

The week around the world in 20 pictures

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:41:56 +0000

Russian missiles hit Kyiv, the aftermath of the fall of Assad, Cyclone Chido in Mayotte and the Maasai Olympics: the past seven days as captured by the world’s leading photojournalists

Great global photos from 2024: These images delighted us, touched us, dazzled us

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:01:16 +0000

People love looking at photos. (Just ask Instagram.) This year, we published a number of photo-driven posts that resonated deeply with our audience. Here are some of our favorites.

(Image credit: Ben de la Cruz/NPR)

Our year in photos: Richard's most memorable shot of 2024

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:00:00 +0000

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Beyer-Garratt 143 passes through Nantmor halt, southbound on the Welsh Highland Railway

Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 LM WR II @ 19.3mm | F6.4 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 5000
Photo: Richard Butler

After a frankly overwhelming 2023, this year has been one that's helped me re-connect with my love of photography.

A couple of trips back to the UK have certainly helped with this. Despite nominally being on vacation, it's always tempting to use trips home as a means of building up 'real-world' time on a camera, or take the literal change of scenery as a way to add variety to our sample galleries. It was still something of a surprise to notice that none of the images I narrowed my choice down to were taken in Seattle.

My final choice was as much about the experience of shooting it as the image itself. It was taken during a five-day hike across North Wales, because that seemed like a sensible thing to do in late October.

"It was taken on day three of a five-day hike across North Wales"

Day three of the trip had included the first serious downpour and our spirits were a little overcast as we stopped for lunch. Our break was interrupted by the distant sound of a steam train's whistle, and suddenly I made the connection to the stream of smoke we'd seen trailing across the Glaslyn valley, from a high vantage point earlier in the day.

Another hour's walk and our route finally crossed the hilariously narrow-gauge tracks of the Welsh Highland Railway, at Nantmor halt. A search of the station showed no sign of a timetable, and roaming data wasn't in any hurry to convey the information but eventually we found that a southbound train was due at the station just north of us in about ten minutes' time.

This gave my companion a chance to rest his legs and me enough time to set up the camera for the train's arrival. Could I possibly take both a video and a photo of a train that wasn't necessarily going to stop? I'd need to change the camera settings pretty rapidly to achieve both.

Thankfully I knew that 'Movie Optimized Control' mode on the X-T5 would ensure that none of the exposure settings would carry across from video mode to stills, so that I didn't try to capture a photo of a moving train at 1/48 seconds or shoot video at 1/1000th.

Fleeting patches of sunshine meant five minutes of anxiously adjusting the vari ND on the front of the lens, but also meant there was a decent level of contrast when the train finally appeared.

I captured some 22 seconds of video of the train's arrival before hitting stop and frantically unscrewing the ND filter from the front of the lens. I then managed about three backward steps and to quickly zoom the lens out before hitting the shutter.

The result is a surprisingly decent shot of the Manchester-built, ex South African Railways 2-6-2+2-6-2T Garratt loco. Or a train that "looks like a sad one-eyed monster" as a friend described it.

Richard's also-rans

I always find it hard to judge my own photos. Here are the others that didn't quite make the cut, with descriptions of why I picked them:

Sample gallery

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Community Gallery: It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like the Holidays

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

The Holiday season is here! In this community gallery, we're sharing a few festive images from our community members to reminisce about all the good feelings this season offers.

She's Cosmic: Aimée Wilder Customizes the La Sardina DIY (NSFW)

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

We recently had the opportunity to connect with multidisciplinary artist Aimée Wilder to create a playful, one-of-a-kind La Sardina DIY 35mm camera. Check out the final design for this magical custom camera!

A hunger crisis in Gaza and Macron in Mayotte: Photos of the day – Friday

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:42:38 +0000

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world

Photos of the Week: Relic Crown, Floating Village, Ice Harvest (35 photos)

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

A Christmas fair in Romania, an enormous indoor ice rink in Paris, a surfing Santa Claus in Australia, a sunset camel safari in India, a cyclo-cross race in Belgium, holiday lights in Japan and France, and much more

To receive an email notification every time new photo stories are published, sign up here.

A drone flies a guard figure past a 12-meter-tall statue of Young-hee, the infamous doll from Netflix's South Korean TV series "Squid Game," standing on a barge in front of Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand, ahead of the launch of Season 2, on December 19, 2024. ( Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP / Getty)

Pirates invade Falmouth, camels trek London and Aus goes gaga for Kusama – the week in art

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 12:00:46 +0000

Yayoi lands in Melbourne, the Silk Road runs through the British Museum and corsairs real and fictional dock in Cornwall – all in your weekly dispatch

Silk Roads
This camel journey through China, Tibet, Byzantium and more, seeing endless marvels until you reach Anglo-Saxon England, is like a complex, absorbing holiday board game.
• British Museum, London, until 23 February

The Best Photography Books to Gift This Holiday Season

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 11:59:11 +0000

Cone of Shame ©Winnie Au

We think photography books make thoughtful and unique gifts, especially for that person on your list who seems to have everything. Photography books offer a meaningful way to connect with a recipient’s interests and personality while being something they likely don’t already own. Even people who prefer minimalism often have a few cherished photography books lying around their space! We are excited to showcase these crowd-pleasers to suit various interests—from skateboarding to dogs, Alpine travel, sand dunes and more.

Cone of Shame by Winnie Au

Cone of Shame ©Winnie Au

“The hard plastic post-surgery cone is every dog’s worst nightmare. But in this stunning collection by celebrated photographer Winnie Au and designer Marie-Yan Morvan, it becomes an iconic statement of personality and visual wit. Each dog featured in this book models a bespoke cone made from unique materials—everything from eggshells to repurposed pool noodles to luxe suede and silk flowers.”

Buy Cone of Shame here.

Last Days of Summer by Hugh Holland

“Explore the captivating world of 1970s California skateboarding through Hugh Holland’s lens in Last Days of Summer. This complete archive, enriched with many never-before-seen images, an introduction by acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, and extensive interviews, unveils the evolution of a legendary subculture and the photographer who documented it all.”

Buy Last Days of Summer here.

What the Bees See by Craig P. Burrows

“Discover the magical world of the honeybee with this deluxe book, featuring 70 stunning images shot with ultraviolet technology.

“A comprehensive look into the amazing science of bees, this book collects mesmerizing ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UVIVF) photography of flowers and nature and offers fascinating research that explores every aspect of our relationship with honeybees. Learn about the history of beekeeping, current environmental impacts affecting bees, and the rise of bee products in medical and wellness spaces. As you travel through the world of bees, you’ll discover a diverse range of flora showcased in a whole new light through the ultraviolet spectrum, from orchids and anemones to manuka and cactus blossoms.

“A gorgeous gift for environmentalists and photography fans alike, this in-depth photography books invites us to reimagine the world from a bee’s point of view and better understand its importance to the future of all life on earth.”

Buy What the Bees See here.

Queer Power Couples by Hannah Murphy Winter & Billie Winter

“This photographic celebration of queer love and excellence gathers fourteen LGBTQ+ power couples, offering a glimpse into the journeys that led to their meaningful relationships and thriving careers.

“From designer Debbie Millman’s ardent courtship of writer Roxane Gay to the romantic and creative relationship forged between Perfume Genius bandmates Mike Hadreas and Alan Wyffels on stage during their first world tour, this beautiful book offers a closer look into the lives of fourteen inspiring LGBTQ+ couples and the meet-cutes, success stories, and personal reflections that made them the role models they are today. These icons come from a range of backgrounds—they are trailblazers who lead research labs, kitchens, and news organizations; create life-giving art and music; and tell queer stories in award-winning books, films, and television shows.

“With in-depth original interviews by journalist Hannah Murphy Winter and intimate photography by their wife, Billie Winter, this diverse collection is a jubilant celebration of queer love and an empowering reminder to younger LGBTQ+ generations of their limitless possibilities.”

Buy Queer Power Couples here.

Camo by Thandiwe Muriu

Camo, by photographer Thandiwe Muriu, is the first publication to chronicle the work of this international artist, celebrating the vibrant portraits she creates that combine cultural textiles and beauty ideologies. Muriu takes us on a colorful, reflective journey through her world as a woman living in modern Kenya as she reinterprets contemporary African portraiture.

As the sole woman operating in the male-dominated advertising photography industry in Kenya, Thandiwe Muriu has repeatedly confronted questions around the role of women in society, the place of tradition, and her own self-perception. These experiences inspired her personal project of cultural reflection: the Camo series. Camo was the catalyst for her to push new boundaries in her photography, leading her into a deeply personal artistic journey.

Buy Camo here.

One Year on a Bike by Martijn Doolaard

“From Amsterdam to Singapore. Martijn Doolaard traded the convenience of a car and the distractions of daily life for a cross-continental cycling journey: a biped adventure that would take him from Amsterdam to Singapore. Leaving behind repetitive routines, One Year on a Bike indulges in slow travel, the subtlety of a gradually changing landscape, and the lessons learned through traveling.

Venturing through Eastern European fields of yellow rapeseed to the intimate hosting culture and community in Iran, One Year on a Bike is a vivid chronicle of what can happen when the norm is pointedly replaced by exceptional self-discoveries and beautiful sceneries. Doolaard shares the gear and knowledge that made his trip possible alongside the passionate curiosities that served as his impetus.”

Buy One Year on a Bike here.

Wanderlust Alps

“Stretching from France all the way down to Slovenia, Europe’s most majestic mountain range encompasses eight countries. Wanderlust Alps charts the region’s most treasured routes and guides the reader every step of the way. Aimed at those with an appetite for adventure, this book offers a rich mix of treks for hikers who wish to brave the elements.

“Through enlightening maps, first-hand tips, and breathtaking photography, Wanderlust Alps illustrates why the range’s craggy peaks and verdant plains make it an outdoor playground in any season. Expect dazzling content to inspire hikers of any experience and skill level, stunning landscape photography, and helpful hints and information on how best to enjoy more than 50 epic trails.”

Buy Wanderlust Alps here. Also in this series are photography books Hiking Legendary Trails and Wanderlust Europe.

Oceano by Lana Z Caplan

“These are the dunes of Edward Weston’s iconic photos; of Cecil B. DeMille’s 1923 buried movie set for The Ten Commandments; of the Dunites— the artists, poets, nudists, and mystics who lived in dune shacks from the 1920s to the 40s—hosts to Weston during shooting trips; and fundamentally, of the native Chumash. These dunes now host a landscape of ATVs, inciting a decade-long legal battle with nearby residents over air quality. Lana Z Caplan attended Air Pollution Control District hearings, met with historians, scoured archives, and collaborated withyak tit?u tit?u yak ti?hini Northern Chumash tribal leadership to excavate these histories in images. Ultimately, Oceano questions the legacies of colonization, photographic history, utopian ideology, and the future for the politically charged and environmentally threatened Oceano Dunes.”

Buy Oceano here.

American Bedroom by Barbara Peacock

“American Bedroom is an unfiltered poetic photographic journey viewing Americans in their most intimate dwelling: the bedroom. The nature of the project is unguarded portraits of individuals, couples, and families that reveal the depth of their character, truth, and spirit. The images are paired with quotes from each subject and are full of subtle details that invite us to contemplate the idiosyncrasies of each enigmatic life.”

Buy American Bedroom here.

Great Bars of New York City by James and Karla Murray

Messier 2

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:44:38 +0000

Messier 2

Low Light Photography Tips

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 23:23:36 +0000

Relevant reminder: only a little while left for this Photo Editor Holiday Sale

Low light photography is something that we all must deal with as photographers. Whether you’re taking photos with a point and shoot during an evening out, shooting a wedding party or capturing a landscape at dusk it’s important to understand the basics of shooting with low light. Photography is all about light. Low light photography is no different, and it offers new challenges and opportunities for creativity. Here is a helpful infographic on the subject:

Low Light Photography Infographic

Information provided courtesy of Snapsort

Additional Low Light Photography Tips:

1. Crank up the ISO. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive the camera’s sensor is to the light that is reaching it. The additional noise that is generated by using a high ISO can be filtered out somewhat in post-processing. Sometimes the extra grain adds a little something special to the shot. Shooting in RAW format allows for the most flexibility in post-processing.

2. Use a larger aperture. The larger the aperture, the more light is entering the lens. Shooting at f/5.6 lets in more light than shooting at f/18 (remember, the lower the number, the larger the aperture).

3. Slow down the shutter speed. More light is captured the longer the shutter remains open. Keep in mind that a good rule of thumb for clear hand-held shots is no slower than 1/60 of a second. Use a tripod if you’re shooting at anything slower than that, though I have had success at slower hand-held shots using lenses with image stabilization.

4. If you do have to use a flash, try to avoid the on-camera pop-up. It tends to flatten the appearance of the image because the light is hitting the subject directly. Invest in an off-camera flash, angle light so that it is not directly in front of the subject, and use reflective surfaces and diffusers to soften the light. Strategically placed constant light (such as tungsten lamps using soft white bulbs) work excellently for providing additional ambient light without sacrificing the atmosphere of the setting.

5. Use your camera’s exposure compensation capabilities. The scale on many of today’s DSLR’s allow from -3 to +3 stops in 1/3 stop increments (my 7D is +/-5). Dial the exposure compensation to the positive side to purposefully overexpose the photograph.

For Help Editing Low Light Photos:

This photo editing company just kicked off their Holiday Sale, so currently you can get their best-selling Image Quality editors at huge markdowns if you’re interested.

Found here: Topaz Photo Editors Holiday Offer

“For the photos where exceptional quality matters.”

Image Quality Editors

The best part: You can choose the programs you don’t own already. The more you choose the more you save. See everything possible in the holiday offer here.

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This post Low Light Photography Tips appeared on PictureCorrect.

Laugh out loud: The 2024 Nikon Comedy Wildlife Awards showcase hilarious animal antics

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:26:00 +0000

Nikon Comedy Wildlife Award winners for 2024

The Nikon Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards has announced the winners of its annual competition. For 2024, the contest received more than 9,000 entries from photographers worldwide, which judges whittled down to 10 category winners and 10 highly commended winners. Top winners received prizes ranging from a Kenyan safari to Nikon gear, including cameras and lenses.

Overall winner and mammals category winner

Photographer: Milko Marchetti (Italy)

Title: Stuck Squirrel

Location: Parco Podere Pantaleone, Italy

Caption: The photo was taken in the “Podere Pantaleone” park in Bagnacavallo, Ravenna, Italy. It is a park open to the public and schools, but from October to March, it is closed to visitors, and I am allowed (in exchange for photographs for educational and promotional purposes) to use a fixed photographic hide to photograph passerines, woodpeckers, hawks, and even 3-4 squirrels that come to visit the photographic set consisting of a small lake, and the surrounding vegetation. Generally, in Italy, especially in the area where I live, in the Po Delta Regional Park, it is very difficult to see and photograph squirrels (they are very rare), but here in the park, they are quite confident.

A few meters from the hide, an old cut tree has a hole (an old woodpecker's nest), and here, the squirrels (two years ago, there were four specimens) sometimes come out of curiosity to check out the old hollow tree. I have taken several photos of squirrels in many situations, but the shot I chose to participate in the Nikon Comedy Wildlife immediately struck me for the strange position assumed by the squirrel that seems to be stuck halfway in the hole in the tree, but in reality, it is the moment in which it is detaching the support on its hind legs and enters the hole.

This photo had an effect on me and made me smile a lot in the moment that I clicked the button, and during my evenings of slideshows and nature videos that I often hold at photography clubs and theaters, the audience always explodes in energetic laughter when I show this photo. I knew I had to enter it into the competition.

© Milko Marchetti / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Insect category winner

Photographer: Jose Miguel Gallego Molina (Spain)

Title: Mantis Flamenca

Location: Onda, Spain

Caption: On my way back from my photo walk in a swamp near my town (Pantano el Sitjar), I suddenly stopped my car on the road when I saw someone ordering me to stop. This was when I saw my friend, the Flemish Mantis, for the first time. You can imagine the faces of the other cars passing by, seeing a car with the indicators on and the door open, stopped on the roadside, and a madman lying on the ground with his camera in his hand.

© Jose Miguel Gallego Molina / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Reptile category winner

Photographer: Eberhard Ehmke (Germany)

Title: Frog in a Balloon

Location: Bergwinkel, Germany

Caption: During a photo shoot at the pond, I discovered this frog with its head in a bubble. This resembles a tree bell.

© Eberhard Ehmke / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Bird category winner

Photographer: Damyan Petkov (Bulgaria)

Title: Whiskered Tern crash on landing

Location: Svishtov, Bulgaria

Caption: Whiskered tern head hit the rock when trying to land

© Damyan Petkov / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Fish and other aquatic animals category winner

Photographer: Przemyslaw Jakubczyk (Poland)

Title: Unexpected Role Swap

Location: Szczecin Lagoon, Poland

Caption: Every annoyed and overtired fish needs to de-stress by hunting for a bald eagle

© Przemyslaw Jakubczyk / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Nikon junior category winner (16 years and under)

Photographer: Sarthak Ranganadhan (India)

Title: Smooching owlets

Location: Gurgaon, India

Caption: Our parents always find a way to embarrass us; I guess that's also true in the case of spotted owlets. It was truly a funny sight to see two owlets trying to get some privacy as their little offspring stood next to them with a grin and shut eyes.

© Sarthak Ranganadhan / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Nikon young photographer category winner (25 years and younger)

Photographer: Kingston Tam (Hong Kong)

Title: Awkward Smiley Frog

Location: Queensland, Australia

Caption: In 2022, I moved to Australia from Hong Kong to study wildlife science, and my friends got me into ‘herping’ (looking for reptiles and amphibians in the wild) and through that, I met a bunch of amazing photographers who specialize in taking photos of these critters, and I started doing it as well. And that’s how I ended up photographing critters.

My goal for my images is to bring attention to our scaly or moist friends, showing that not only fluffy animals can be cute and beautiful. Ultimately, I wish my work could bring more conservation awareness to these amazing reptiles and amphibians, and that’s been my motivation to keep doing what I’m doing.

© Kingston Tam / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

People's Choice category winner

Photographer: Tapani Linnanmäki (Finland)

Title: Shake Ruffle Rattle and Roll

Location: Kustavi Finland

Caption: In the picture, a white-tailed eagle is ruffling its feathers. The picture was taken with the Nikon Z9's auto-capture feature. The camera is placed on top of the sea ice on top of a bag of nuts at the level of the ice. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this picture. There were more than ten funny poses and expressions in the photo series.

© Tapani Linnanmäki / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Portfolio category winner

The portfolio category was presented to a photographer for a set of images. The photo above comes from a series of photos of a squirrel in a variety of comedic poses.

Photographer: Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb (British, aged 10)

Title: Rock guitar

Location: Southampton, UK

Caption: I first heard of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Award when my mum showed me last year's winner of a kangaroo playing air guitar. I thought it was quite funny. I got into photography when my mum gave me her Nikon D3000 camera when I was 5 years old. I have been using a Nikon camera ever since.

I love taking photos of all kinds of animals: birds, foxes, spiders, butterflies, squirrels. Anything that catches my eyes. Anything that is beautiful. I won my first ever award, coming third place in the Bird Photography Of The Year (BPOTY) competition for the Under Eight category when I was 6 years old with my Perching Seagull. I went on to win the RSPCA Mobile Phone under 12 category in 2023 with my Weaving Spider.

© Flynn Thaitanunde-Lobb / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Highly commended winner

Photographer: Artur Stankiewicz (Poland)

Title: I'm too sexy for my love

Location: Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe

Caption: On one of the 'lazy' mornings, we decided to stop by the pool with hippos while in Mana Pools NP. My idea was to try and catch fighting hippos, yet they all were quite peaceful. I positioned on the bank, safely away from the potential charge and waited. Some of them raised their heads in curiosity or when proximity to the other individuals was too close. Then I got this idea to catch the portrait with water plants decorating his head; It looked like the guy just got out of the hairdresser with a big smile on his face :)

© Artur Stankiewicz / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Highly commended winner

Photographer: Randy Herman (USA)

Title: You're not my mother

Location: Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio, USA

Caption: This female Red-bellied Woodpecker had been investigating this Screech Owl nest for a couple of days; perhaps it was her nest last year? This little owlet was definitely startled and didn't seem to know what to make of this intruder. The woodpecker moved on, and the owlet fledged with its two siblings about an hour later.

© Randy Herman / Nikon Comedy Wildlife

Highly commended winner

Photographer: Ralph Robinson (British)

Title: Gang of Four

Location: Pebble Island, Falkland Islands

Caption: On the penguin highway, these rockhoppers are moving into town, and this town ain't big enough for all of them! I set up my camera a good distance from this ridge, where rockhopper penguins were returning from feeding in the southern Atlantic Ocean in the Falkland Islands. The long lens pulled them into the frame without disturbing their return to nests on the hill. I love photographing penguins after they've been in the water, as

Guardian US’s best photos of 2024 – in pictures

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:00:51 +0000

In a year marked by political instability, Americans faced challenges like gun violence, threats to bodily autonomy and the climate crisis with creativity, tenacity and resolve

The devastating toll of gun violence across the nation, the struggle for bodily autonomy and the efforts to slow the climate crisis were among the many affecting themes photographers documented for the Guardian US this year. The images below show stories of pain, joy and resilience, offering a poignant reflection of the diverse realities of the United States in 2024.

K Monica Kelly traveled to Florida with her husband for an abortion after her fetus was diagnosed with trisomy 13. She is now part of a group suing their home state of Tennessee for being denied medically necessary abortions.

Fujifilm X-M5 In-Depth Review: a camera for the content age

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:18:00 +0000

When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.

Sample gallery

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84%

Overall score

Jump to conclusion

Product Photos by Mitchell Clark/Dale Baskin

The Fujifilm X-M5 is the company's latest APS-C mirrorless camera and comes in as the lowest-end entry in its current lineup. It uses the company's last-generation 26MP X-Trans sensor, the same one found in cameras like the X-T4 and X-100V, but comes equipped with its latest processor, giving it access to Fujifilm's AI-powered subject detection autofocus.

Key features:

26MP X-Trans BSI CMOS sensor
X-Processor 5 with AI-powered subject detection AF
On-sensor phase detection
Fully articulated 3", 1.04M-dot LCD
20 Film Simulation modes, including Reala ACE
Continuous shooting up to 8fps (30fps with E-shutter and 1.25x crop)
6.2K 3:2 video up to 30p, 4K up to 60p with crop
External mic and 3.5mm headphone socket
Single UHS-I card slot
Battery life rated up to 330 frames (440 frames in Eco) per charge

The X-M5 is available in silver at a body-only price of $799. A black version is coming in April 2025. Fujifilm is also selling a kit with the X-M5 and its XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ lens for $899. Optically, it's not our favorite lens, but its size and price make it an obvious pairing with this camera.

Buy now:

$899 w/ 15-45 at Amazon.com

$799 at Adorama

$799 at B&H Photo

Index:

What's new

The X-M5 is a return to a relatively old form factor, as the last time we saw a camera with the X-M label was the X-M1 from 2013, the third camera to feature the then-new X-mount, though the X-A series carried on until much more recently. It's broadly made up of parts we've seen before, put together with a few new tricks.

A tiny design

The X-M5 is very lightweight and compact – even with the power zoom kit lens attached, it comes in under 500g (17.6oz) and is small enough to fit in a small bag or jacket pockets. Anyone who buys one will be hard-pressed to come up with an excuse not to take it with them when they leave the house.

It also helps that, subjectively, it's a very good-looking camera; Fujifilm's retro aesthetic with modern functionality continues to serve it well. More on that later.

The camera also features the film simulation dial found on the X-T50, which lets users play around with Fujifilm's color profiles to get the look they want without requiring them to dive into the menu. It may seem like a small thing given that Film Simulations have long been one of Fujifilm's main selling points, but putting them front and center like this strongly encourages people to experiment with them, even if they're averse to spending too much time in the menus.

4K LP video

The Fujifilm X-M5 has 4K and 1080p 'Long Play' modes that crop in on the sensor, letting you record for longer before the camera overheats. The 4K LP mode has a 1.18x crop and is available in 23.98p, 24p, 25p, and 30p. The FHD LP mode, meanwhile, is only available in 50p and 60p and comes with a 1.29x crop. The company says you can record for over an hour at 4K when using the LP mode in temperatures of 25°C (77°F) and around 20 minutes at 40°C (104°F).

The X-M5 also has two new low-bitrate options, letting you capture footage at 25Mbps and 8Mbps. This lets you sacrifice image quality for small file sizes in scenarios when you want to get footage out quickly and will only be using it on social media, where it'll already be heavily compressed.

If you want to shoot with heavier codecs, the X-M5 is compatible with Fujifilm's optional cooling fan, which can help extend record times without using the LP modes and the cropping and loss of quality that come with them.

Three-microphone system

Fujifilm has added an extra microphone to the camera to help distinguish between the audio you're trying to capture and ambient noise. Its UI lets you select whether you want it to let everything in, focus on audio from in front of the camera, behind the camera, or both. The last option could be useful if you're filming someone and talking to them from behind the camera.

The company also says the camera has improved wind reduction and added a new "Steady-State noise reduction" mode meant to make constant noises like air conditioners less noticeable.

If you'd rather plug in an external microphone, the X-M5 has cleverly placed the 3.5mm mic jack on the back of the camera, so the plug and cable won't block the screen when you're vlogging with it. The jack's cover is connected to the camera's body, so you don't have to keep track of a tiny piece of rubber when you're on the go.

Updated vlogging UI

Vlog mode isn't entirely new to Fujifilm's lineup: it appeared on the X-S20 as well, but the company has updated it for the X-M5, making it even easier to control the most important settings via the touchscreen.

Vlog mode has its own UI separate from the standard video recording interface. When you've selected Vlog on the control dial, the camera puts relatively large buttons on the touchscreen that allow you to control focus, access playback mode and start and stop recording.

The vlog mode UI has a clean layout with easy-to-press buttons for the most important functions.

There's also a menu button that brings up controls for other settings, letting you control eye autofocus, electronic image stabilization, 'Portrait Enhancer' mode, background defocus mode, product priority mode, and more without flipping the camera around.

Pressing the Menu button gives you access to most of the options you'd need to control while vlogging. From left to right:

Top: Shooting mode, focus mode, image stabilization mode, Face/Eye Detection setting, Portrait enhancer

Bottom: Background defocus mode, Product priority mode, high-speed recording, self-timer, 9:16 short movie mode

While you'll still have to use the physical buttons on the back of the camera to change things like which codec, bitrate, or resolution you're recording in, vlog mode does a good job of putting most of the controls you'll need on the touchscreen without being overwhelming to newcomers.

9:16 short video mode

The camera also gains a 9:16 short video mode, which records vertical video by taking a 1080 x 1920 crop from the middle of the frame, rather than requiring you to physically turn the camera into portrait orientation. When you're shooting in this mode, the display will show you the full 16:9 image but darkens the frame outside what's being recorded. You can choose whether you want your clip to be 15, 30, or 60 seconds long.

9:16 short video mode shows you the entire preview, which could help if you want to move the camera while recording.

The resulting videos will be small and quick to transfer to your phone for posting; by default the camera records them at an 8Mbps bitrate, though you can bump this up to 25Mbps. These bitrates, new for the X-M5, are also available across the camera's other video modes as well. File sizes will vary depending on what you're filming, but you can expect 60 second second clips shot at 8Mbps to usually be under 100 megabytes, or under 250MB if you shoot at 25Mbps.

The 15, 30 and 60-second record limits are upper boundaries, but you can stop recording before you hit the time limit; it's easy to imagine a worse version of this mode locking up your camera until the timer hits zero. If you want to record for longer than 60 seconds, you'll have to dig into the menus to switch to the 9:16 resolution mode, which also gives you control over codec and bitrate.

USB-to-smartphone transfer

Fujiifilm also says you'll be able to use XApp transfer files from the X-M5 to your phone using a USB cable, which should be appreciably faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi. That's especially true given that the camera only supports an older Wi-Fi standard, not the faster 5Ghz standard.

In our tests, transferring a two-minute 4K video took around 28 seconds using a USB 4 cable and 11 minutes and 14 seconds using the camera's built-in Wi-Fi, so if you're someone who wants to capture something and post it right away, you'll definitely want to keep a cable within reach. That may be slightly annoying if you have an older iPhone, as you'll need a slightly more specialized USB-C to Lightning cable, but that should be less of a problem in the future as more and more people upgrade to phones with USB-C.

How it compares

The X-M5 is far from the first small interchangeable lens camera pitched as a hybrid vlogging and photography tool.

This time, Fujifilm is using size, price, and convenience to make its offering more appealing to people who are used to shooting on their phones. While it's certainly bigger than a modern smartphone, it costs about as much as buying the latest iPhone outright, even with the kit lens, and its litany of vlogging features should make it easier to get professional-looking video.

Fujifilm's also leaning on design; it's a safe bet that many creators know what its cameras look like now, ever since the X100V went viral. From its film simulation dial to the mic jack that's apparently inspired by the look of tiny viewfinders on vintage cameras, the X-M5's design screams, "this is a camera you want to be seen with."

	Fujifilm X-M5	Sony ZV-E10 II	Sony a6100	Canon EOS R50	Fujifilm X-T30 II
MSRP	$799, $899 with 15-45mm	$999, $1099 w/ 16-50mm OSS II	$750, $850 w/ 16-50mm	$679, $799 with 18-45mm	$899, $999 with 15-45mm
Pixel count	26 MP	26 MP	24 MP	24 MP	26 MP
Mech shutter	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Top plate command dials	2	1	1	1	2
Max burst rate	8 fps (mechanical) 30 fps (e-shutter)	11 fps	11 fps	12 fps 15 fps (elec)	8 fps (mechanical) 30 fps (e-shutter)
Rear screen	1.04M-dot fully articulated	1.04M dots fully articulated	921K dots tilting	1.62M dots fully articulated	1.04M dot fully articulated
EVF	No	No	1.44M dots, 0.71x magnification	2.36M dots, 0.59x magnification	2.36M dots, 0.62x magnification
Video capabilities	6.2K/24p (3:2) 4K/60p (1.18x) 4K/30p, 24p no crop 10-bit	4K/60p (1.1x) 4K/30p, 24p no crop 10-bit	4K/30p 1.23x crop 4K/24p no crop 8-bit	4K/30p no crop 4K/30p no crop 10-bit HDR mode	4K/30p no crop 8-bit
Log video	F-Log / F-Log 2	S-Log 3 / S-Log 3 Cine Gamut	No	No	F-Log
Mic / Headphone sockets?	Yes / Yes	Yes / Yes	Yes / No	Yes / No	Yes / No
Battery life (LCD)	440 frames	610 frames	420 frames	370 frames	380 frames
Card slot	1x UHS-I	1x UHS-II	1x UHS-I	1x UHS-1	1x UHS-1
Dimensions	112 x 67 x 38 mm	121 x 68 x 54mm	120 x 67 x 59mm	116 x 86 x 69 mm	118 x 83 x 47 mm
Weight	355g	377g	396g	375g	378g

The Sony ZV-E10 II is the most similar competitor to the X-M5. It, too, features a three-capsule microphone (though it comes with a handy wind cover for it), has background defocus and product showcase modes, and a microphone and headphone jack. It's arguably even more focused on video, with 10-bit internal recording and 4K/60p recording – though that focus comes at a cost for photography, as it lacks an EVF, just like the X-M5. Fujifilm's offering does at least include a mechanical shutter. Sony's autofocus tracking is also substantially stickier, especially in video.

Sony's a6100 can't quite match the X-M5's video specs, given its lack of a headphone port, 8-bit video, and crop in 4K/30p mode. However, its EVF will make it more enticing to people who want photography capabilities first and video second.

It's much the same story with the Fujifilm X-T30 II and the Canon EOS R50, though the latter distinguishes itself by being notably cheaper t

Pelicot trial concludes and Palestinians queue for bread: photos of the day – Thursday

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:54:39 +0000

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world

Our year in photos: Mitchell's most memorable shot of 2024

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

Kenyon climbing Bolt Gun, 5.11b – we thought we were setting the rope up on a much easier 5.10a.

Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 RF @ 18mm | F2.8 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 100

Photo: Mitchell Clark

As a new member of the DPReview team, I got a lot of chances to push my photography this year. Part of that involved finding a wide array of subjects to take pictures of while testing cameras and lenses; an essential process to make sure we really know the gear inside and out, and that we're not boring our readers – or ourselves – to death with the same old photos over and over.

I was assigned to take a sample gallery with the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 for Canon RF mount shortly before a weekend rock climbing trip I'd planned, so it seemed obvious that I should take the lens with me and try to get some interesting shots.

It wasn't exactly my first attempt at climbing photography: I've taken many pictures of friends climbing cool routes. However, they usually turn out rather uninspiring because I take them from the ground. My goal this time was to get an angle that actually captured the experience. If I could do that without dashing the camera and lens against the rock or falling to my death, all the better.

This was my first time rigging anything, so I went overkill on attaching myself to the wall: I clipped into a bolt with my personal anchor, clove-hitched into a quickdraw, and had my rope tied off to a tree.

Photo: Tom Steeber

While I had a blast getting set up and actually taking the pictures, I don't think Jimmy Chin has to start worrying about his job anytime soon. There are plenty of shots where either my hand or my foot snuck into frame, ruining what would otherwise be a good photo.

It can be difficult to judge your own work objectively. When choosing this picture – and the runners-up included in the gallery below – I often found myself wondering whether I liked a photo because it was actually good or if I just wanted to pick it because I had good memories surrounding it or had simply taken a photo of a cool thing that I like looking at.

Undoubtedly, the photo I've chosen for this article is a mix of all three to some extent – of course, I'm going to have fond memories of a weekend spent doing a hobby that I've replaced a large chunk of my personality with. However, I do think it stands up on its own, and I plan on doing more climbing photography in the future with the hopes of increasing the percentage of keepers.

And besides, if I were picking my favorite photo of the year based purely on what made me the happiest, you'd just be getting a gallery full of pictures of my cats.

I'm not joking.

You can see a few more photos that I'm quite proud of from this year in the gallery below. If you want to play a fun game, make sure the details panel is collapsed and try to guess which two were taken with a cell phone instead of a full-fledged camera.

Sample gallery

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Review recap: What we put to the test in 2024 (so far)

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Photo: Richard Butler

We're coming up on the end of the year, but are hard at work on getting a few more reviews done by 2025. In case you missed a thing or two here and there, here's a recap of the reviews and testing we've done this year so far!

December

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.4: Sample Gallery

Nikon's latest F1.4 lens doesn't focus on clinical levels of sharpness like the F1.8 S models do, but instead has a bit of character. Whether you like that or not will depend a lot on your tastes, but hopefully our sample gallery will give you a good idea of what the images from it look like.

We also put it head-to-head with Nikon's DSLR-era 50mm F1.4G, which was its highest-end 50mm lens for a few years. The results were a bit surprising.

Click to see the sample gallery

Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD for RF: sample gallery

The Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 for APS-C bodies isn't a new lens, but the company recently made it available for Canon's RF mount, making it Tamron's first RF lens. We shot a sample gallery with it to see what Canon owners could expect from it.

Click to see the sample gallery

Fujifilm X-M5: Review

Photo: Mitchell Clark

We put Fujifilm's X-M5 through its paces to see how it performs as a stills and vlogging camera aimed towards beginner content creators.

You can also view the sample gallery we shot with the X-M5.

Read the review

Buy now:

$899 w/ 15-45 at Amazon.com

$799 at Adorama

$799 at B&H Photo

November

Nikon Z50II: Initial Review

Photo: Nikon

The Nikon Z50II is an update to 2019's Z50, adding Nikon's 3D Tracking autofocus, 4K 60p recording with a crop and a fully articulating touchscreen. It also adds a heavy focus on Nikon's 'Picture Control' color profiles; there's now a button dedicated to them, and you can add customized ones or pre-made ones from creators via Nikon's Imaging Cloud service.

Read the initial review

Panasonic S9: Review

Photo: Dale Baskin / Mitchell Clark

The Panasonic S9 is a camera focused on creators who want the shorted path between shooting photos and videos and posting them to social media. We put it through its paces.

Read the review

Buy now:

$1799 w/ 18-40mm at Amazon.com

$1498 at Adorama

$1798 w/ 18-40mm at B&H Photo

Sony a1 II: Initial Review

Photo: Mitchell Clark

The Sony a1 II is an update to the company's flagship camera aimed at professional photojournalists who need to capture high-resolution images of fast-moving subjects. The changes are relatively subtle – it uses the same sensor as its predecessor – but it comes with the company's latest industrial design and autofocusing system.

We were also able to use it to shoot part of a football game in New York City; you can see the photos in our sample gallery. It also made for a great initial impressions video, which you can watch below.

Read the initial review here

Sony 28-70mm F2 GM sample gallery

We got a bit of hands-on time with Sony's latest and brightest zoom lens, the 28-70mm F2 GM. We shot portraits with it on the High Line in New York City and took it to Florida, so there's plenty of variety there.

Click to see the Sample Gallery

October

Sony ZV-E10 II: Review

Sony's ZV-E10 II is a stripped-down version of its APS-C flagship, the a6700, with a focus on vlogging. As such, our review mainly takes the form of a video, which you can watch above.

Read the review

Buy now:

$998 at Amazon.com

$1098 w/ 16-50 at Adorama

$1098 w/ 16-50 at B&H Photo

Nikon Z6III: Review

Photo: Richard Butler

Throughout our tests, the Nikon Z6III proved to be an incredibly capable camera at its price point. Its 24MP 'partially-stacked' sensor provided plenty of detail while also reading data out at a much higher speed, allowing for fast burst rates and video shooting with little risk of rolling shutter. We also appreciated its honed ergonomics and bright, high-resolution viewfinder.

Be sure to check out our Z6III sample gallery as well.

Buy now:

Panasonic 18-40mm F4.5-6.3: Sample gallery

Photo: Mitchell Clark

Panasonic's 18-40mm F4.5-6.3 collapsable lens is meant to be an ultra-lightweight and compact companion to the company's S9 camera and is now being sold as a kit with the creator-focused offering.

See the sample gallery

Buy now:

$499 at Amazon.com

$499 at Adorama

$497 at B&H Photo

Fujifilm XF16-55mm F2.8 II: Sample gallery

Photo: Richard Butler

Another product Fujifilm launched in October was a second-generation of the company's 16-55mm F2.8 lens. It's essentially an APS-C version of the venerable 24-70, but unlike the first generation, the XF16-55mm F2.8 II is actually around 1/3 lighter than many of its full-frame counterparts. Its smaller size and weight convinced editor Richard Butler to take a preproduction copy with him on vacation to the UK, which gave him the opportunity to capture an incredible sample gallery.

See the samp

Rock 'N' Roll in the American South with Jeff Howlett and Lomography Film

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Documenting the 2024 editions of Muddy Roots and Hopscotch Music Festivals, Jeff Howlett shares his work from the fields and photo pits, using our Lady Grey ISO 400 and Color Negative ISO 800 film.

8 Tips For Better Smartphone Photography

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:41:30 +0000

Whilst there is still some snobbery around smartphone photography, many photographers today openly embrace the power of a camera that resides in your pocket. Smartphone cameras are truly incredible pieces of kit. Multiple focal lengths, decent resolution, outstanding video plus you can call home to ask your partner to put the kettle on when you […]

The post 8 Tips For Better Smartphone Photography appeared first on Light Stalking.

Macau: a city of contrasts – in pictures

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:08 +0000

Macau is marking the 25th anniversary of its handover to China. It was administered by the Portuguese until 20December 1999 and was the last outpost under European rule in Asia. Photographer Eduardo Leal documents a city that has gone through enormous development

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:14:49 +0000

What kind of strange galaxy is this?

Outsider art: the unique vision of Yasuhiro Ishimoto – in pictures

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:00:09 +0000

Interned after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese photographer eventually developed his singular style on the streets of Chicago – before taking it back to his native country

Laowa announces 55mm and 100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro lenses

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 19:31:00 +0000

The Laowa 55mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro on a Canon RF-mount full-frame camera.

Image: Laowa

Laowa has expanded its lens lineup with the introduction of two tilt-shift lenses designed for full-frame camera systems: the 55mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro and the 100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro. Laowa says the lenses produce an image circle large enough to also be compatible with digital medium format cameras. The company suggests the lenses are suitable for a variety of applications, including product, architectural, landscape, and macro photography.

Optically, the 55mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, while the 100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro comprises 13 elements in 10 groups. As the names suggest, both lenses offer a maximum magnification ratio of 1:1. The 55mm lens has a close focusing distance of 27cm (10.6"), and the 100mm lens focuses as close as 32cm (12.6").

The Laowa 100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro mounted on a Fujifilm GFX-mount medium format camera.

Image: Laowa

The lenses provide ±10° of tilt and ±12mm of shift for full-frame cameras. When used with medium format cameras, this range is reduced to ±10mm tilt and ±8mm shift, as the edge of the imaging circle will encroach on the sensor sooner. Both lenses incorporate two rotation mechanisms: one enabling the tilt function to be rotated by 90° and another allowing for shift direction adjustment in 15° increments.

Both lenses are equipped with an Arca-Swiss compatible tripod foot and a 77mm front filter thread.

The 55mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro and 100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift 1X Macro are available now for E, Z, RF, L, and GFX-mount cameras. Each lens has a suggested retail price of $1249.

Buy now:

55mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift $1249 at B&H

100mm F2.8 Tilt-Shift $1249 at B&H

Viltrox's latest APS-C lens is a 35mm F1.7 for Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 18:33:00 +0000

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Image: Viltrox

Viltrox has announced a new APS-C lens, the 35mm (53mm equiv.) F1.7 'Air' lens, which is available for Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount and Nikon Z-mount. The company says it aimed to make the lens "compact" with a "highly competitive price."

The lens' optical formula includes 11 elements in 9 groups, with 1 ED lens, 1 aspherical lens, and 2 high-refractive lenses. It also features nano-coating, and the aperture has nine blades. While Viltrox makes no claims of weather resistance, the front element does have a coating to resist oils and liquids.

An example image provided by Viltrox, shot on a Fujifilm X-T5.

Photo: Viltrox

The lens uses a stepper motor for autofocusing, and has a minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13"). The E-mount version of the lens weighs around 170 grams, and it's 56mm long. The lens is compatible with 52mm filters.

At an MSRP of $180, the lens is definitely a budget option, but it's hard to complain about there being another affordable prime available for these systems, especially in such a classic focal length. While manufacturers like Sony and Fujifilm have similar lenses with extra features like optical stabilization or weather resistance, they also come in at a much higher price.

Buy Now:

E-mount

Z-mount

X-mount

Viltrox AF 35mm F1.7 Air Specifications:

Principal specifications
Lens type	Prime lens
Max Format size	APS-C / DX
Focal length	35 mm
Lens mount	Fujifilm X, Nikon Z, Sony E
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F1.7–16
Minimum aperture	F1.7–16
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Optics
Elements	11
Groups	9
Special elements / coatings	1 ED, 1 aspherical, 2 high-refractive
Focus
Minimum focus	0.33 m (12.99″)
Maximum magnification	0.13×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Physical
Weight	180 g (0.40 lb)
Diameter	64 mm (2.52″)
Length	56 mm (2.2″)
Sealing	No
Filter thread	52 mm
Hood supplied	Yes
Tripod collar	No

Images of Krampus—Saint Nick’s Dark Companion (18 photos)

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:59:00 +0000

Tales of Saint Nicholas might feature him bringing gifts to good boys and girls, but ancient folklore in Europe’s Alpine region also speaks of Krampus, a frightening demon-like creature who emerges during the Yule season, looking for naughty children to punish in horrible ways—or possibly to drag back to his lair in a sack. In the dark, winter months, Krampus associations in villages hold parades, playfully frightening onlookers on Krampusnacht, chasing them and hitting them with sticks during a run through the streets.

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A person dressed as a frightening demon-like "perchten" figure performs before a crowd in the town of Trebesing, Austria. ( Kurt Kracher / ImageBroker / Getty)

A joyful moment on the isle of Jura: Hannah Maule-ffinch’s best photograph

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:25:06 +0000

‘Grace has just jumped off the swing and her hair is all over the place but she doesn’t care. It’s a moment that encapsulates everything freeing about living on the island’

Wherever I am, I always take particular interest in the way people relate to each other and their surroundings. Last spring, having just returned from Ukraine, I wanted to start a personal project a little closer to home and explore the lives of people who had done something different and come up against challenges. I looked at a few options before remembering Hugh, who employed me as a graphic designer when I was just starting out, before I got into photography.

Many years after I’d moved on, Hugh moved with his dog to the isle of Jura in the Inner Hebrides, where he’d spent holidays as a kid in a tiny stone cottage rented by his family. Back then, the cottage had just been a summer retreat – there was no power and they’d boil up water on the little stove. Hugh bought the place and stayed there while he did it up. He’s been living there ever since.

New York blues and a great catch – readers’ best photos

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:00:03 +0000

Click here to submit a picture for publication in these online galleries and/or on the Guardian letters page

Best fixed prime lens cameras in 2024

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:45:00 +0000

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Updated December 18 2024

Fixed lens cameras may be a bit niche, but there's a reason they're so popular amongst photographers. They often come with some of the best lenses on the market, in a variety of focal lengths, matched to sensors ranging from APS-C to full-frame to give you the perfect field of view for your style of shooting.

Our picks range from pocketable models to larger cameras that you'll have to you'll have to consciously decide to take with you. They also cover a wide range of prices; while there sadly aren't any budget options, some come with much higher price tags than others, reaching well into the thousands of dollars.

Our picks:

Best fixed lens camera for patient people: Fujifilm X100VI

40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor | 35mm equiv F2 lens | Hybrid viewfinder

Image: Richard Butler

Buy now:

$2199 at Amazon.com

$1599 at Adorama

$1599 at B&H Photo

What we like:

Excellent build quality
Subject-detection autofocus
Now with in-body image stabilization

What we don't:

Lens not especially fast to focus
Hard to find in stock

Updated with in-body image stabilization rated at up to 6EV of correction and a 40MP BSI CMOS APS-C X-Trans sensor, the X100VI is a significant upgrade over its predecessor despite looking virtually identical. It features the same 35mm equivalent F2 lens and a hybrid viewfinder that lets you use it as a traditional rangefinder – with some digital augmentation if you want it – or as a modern, fully electronic viewfinder.

The addition of subject-recognition autofocus has given the X100VI the ability to recognize animals, birds, automobiles, motorcycles and bikes, airplanes, and trains. However, human (face/eye) detection is a separate mode. The lens is not the fastest to autofocus, prioritizing sharpness over speed, though that's not necessarily unique in this category.

The elephant in the room is that the X100VI has essentially been sold out since its initial release. However, if you're patient enough to sign up for waitlist notifications from a variety of sites, you may be able to get one in time.

It's probably worth the wait. While the X100VI has more dials and functions than previous versions, it still offers one of the most engaging photographic experiences out there. It's easy to see why it became so frustratingly unobtainable: It's an even better follow-up to a camera that was already popular with photographers of all kinds, and that had already sold out after going viral.

Click here to read our review of the Fujifilm X100VI

Click here to see the Fujifilm X100VI studio scene

Sample gallery

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Best pocketable fixed lens camera: Ricoh GR III

24MP APS-C sensor | 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth

Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Adorama

Buy at B&H Photo

What we like:

Excellent image quality
Good controls and ergonomics
Truly pocketable

What we don't:

Short battery life
No built-in flash
Sluggish AF in low light

The Ricoh GR III is a compact camera with a 24MP APS-C sensors and a a very sharp 28mm equivalent F2.8 lens in an incredibly small yet well-built body.

The GR III is the lightest and most compact camera on this list by a long shot, thanks to its retracting lens and lack of a viewfinder. If size is a major concern for you, it's definitely the fixed lens option to look at.

The GR III's image quality is excellent, especially in Raw (we found the JPEG color to be a little drab). The lens is impressively sharp, and in-body image stabilization means you can confidently shoot down to around 1/10 sec. The built-in stabilizer can attempt to shake off dust particles that find their way to the sensor.

"Offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera"

The GR III handles well, despite its size, thanks to well-placed controls, flexible customization options and a responsive touchscreen. The grip is just the right size for easy one-handed operation.

The Ricoh GR III offers direct control and excellent image quality in a pocketable camera. Its short battery life and fixed focal length lens mean this camera certainly isn't for everyone, but it's a compelling offering for travel, street and casual photographers alike.

Click here to read our review of the Ricoh GR III

Click here to see the Ricoh GR III studio scene

Sample gallery

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A different perspective

Ricoh also sells the GR IIIx, which is the same great camera as the standard GR III but with a 40mm equiv. lens instead. If you prefer the 'normal' field of view to a wider one, be sure to pick the IIIx up instead.

Sample gallery

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Buy now:

Buy at Amazon.com

Buy at Adorama

Buy at B&H Photo

The Rolls Royce of fixed lens cameras: Leica Q3 43

43mm F2 stabilized lens | 60MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor | 5.76M dot OLED EVF

Photo: Richard Butler

Buy now:

Buy at Adorama

Buy at B&H Photo

Buy at Leica

What we like:

Excellent image quality
Fast, dependable autofocus
Good video support tools

What we don't:

Subject recognition system could be better
Auto white balance can be aggressively neutral/cool
Significant price premium for the Leica name

The Leica Q3 43 is a variant of the company's full-frame prime lens compact, with a 43mm F2 lens mounted in front of a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor.

While we've chosen the Q3 43 for its excellent control layout that puts photography first, the camera is also available with a 28mm F1.7 lens. There are minor cosmetic differences between the two Q3 models, such as the color of the leatherette wrap, but they're otherwise the same camera. There's also a price difference, with the 43 coming at a $600 premium.

Image quality is superb, with a lens that's very sharp and with high cross-frame consistency even at wide apertures. The light luminance noise reduction helps preserve detail at high ISOs.

The Leica Q3 43 is a beautiful piece of engineering and design, and a welcome addition to the range.

The controls are minimal, but help focus your attention on the fundamental settings of photography. It has the build quality that you'd expect of a luxury product.

Autofocus is swift and precise, though the subject recognition system doesn't let you specify an AF point to pre-select a subject and can jump from one subject to another if there are multiple options in a scene.

The Q3 43 is an impressive photographic tool, and manages to feel like a first-rate camera, not just a desirable object.

Click here to read our review of the Leica Q3 43

Click here to see the Leica Q3 43 studio scene

Sample gallery

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The other full-frame option

Despite the fact that the RX1R II is almost a decade old at this point, you can still buy Sony's last compact full-frame fixed-lens camera. Unsurprisingly, as a nine-year-old camera, it's rather showing its age. Its autofocus and menu systems are significantly more primitive than we've subsequently become used to, but focus speed isn't exactly a strength for any of the cameras in its class. Its 35mm F2 lens is excellent, and its sensor still delivers excellent image quality. Battery life is atrocious, though, and we considered its performance sluggish even by 2016 standards.

We can't wholeheartedly recommend it after all this time, but if you've already made the seemingly irrational decision of buying an expensive camera with a single, fixed focal length that doesn't really even fit in your pocket, you might be the sort of person that gets some enjoyment out of opting for the slow, awkward, oddball choice.

Buy Now:

$3,298 at Amazon

$3,298 at B&H

$3,298 at Adorama

Why should you trust us?

Our Buying Guides are based on extensive use and testing of the cameras included. We only recommend cameras once we know how they compare to their peers in a variety of shooting situations. All selections are made solely by our editorial and video teams and are the models we'd buy or recommend to friends and family. We gain no financial advantage from recommending one camera over another, either as individuals or as a business.

First Impressions of the LomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissed 35 mm Film by Clare Marie Bailey

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000

UK photographer and film maker Clare Marie Bailey tested out the new LomoChrome Color '92 Sun-kissed 35 mm Film and talked to us about about the look, feel, and smell of this new color film.

A cyclone, ice skating and historic lamps: photos of the day – Wednesday

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:53:54 +0000

The Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world

Direct action! Buy a print from the Jane Bown archive

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:10:24 +0000

A new gallery looks back at some of the strike action covered by Jane Bown over the last 60 years. The series has been selected from the Jane Bown archive and the book Jane Bown: A Lifetime of Looking, edited by Luke Dodd. The book celebrates the late Observer photographer’s powerful reportage work, revealing the faces, conflicts and changes of British social history across six decades

The prints are 30x40cm size, priced at £300. Buy your exclusive print here

Dutch Streets Captured on Analogue - Dutch Street Magazine

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Dutch Street Magazine is a project started by Dutch photographer Dennis and driven by his passion to build a platform for creators. We teamed up to create an analogue-only edition of the magazine!

First Impressions of the Lomo'Instant Wide Glass with George Devereux

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

UK-based portrait photographer and LomoAmigo George Devereux tested out the new Lomo'Instant Wide Glass camera and talked to us about his results.

How to Know the Best Beginner Film Camera for You

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:53:00 +0000

Dipping your toes into film photography for the first time? In this tipster, we're sharing a few recommendations for finding the perfect beginner film camera for you, taking into consideration functions, personality, and of course, budget!

‘I smile to keep from crying’: Americans without homes – in pictures

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 07:00:40 +0000

Photographer Tony Dočekal spent six years speaking to those on society’s margins. She heard tales of robbery, rejection and survival

Photographing the Keyhole Arch During Winter Solstice

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:39:46 +0000

Nestled along the rugged California coastline, the Keyhole Arch stands as a natural wonder that has captivated the hearts of photographers around the world. This magnificent geological formation, carved meticulously by the forces of nature, is not just a testament to the earth’s artistry but also a celestial calendar of sorts, revealing a unique spectacle at a specific time each year.

Quick reminder: this photo editing company just kicked off their Holiday Sale, so currently you can get their best-selling Image Quality editors at huge markdowns if you’re interested. They are excellent for sharpening and enhancing image resolution for prints.

Photo captured by Joel Protasio

The Keyhole Arch

Located in the famed landscape, the Keyhole Arch is an iconic sea arch known for its picturesque beauty. Formed over millennia, the arch’s perfect alignment with the horizon creates a rare phenomenon. What makes it truly exceptional is the way it interacts with light during a particular time of the year.

Photographic Significance

As winter solstice approaches, photographers flock to this site, their lenses aimed at capturing a fleeting, yet breathtaking moment. For a few days around the solstice, the setting sun aligns perfectly through the arch’s aperture. This alignment creates an ethereal glow that illuminates the archway, turning it into a golden portal, much to the delight of photographers.

This event draws crowds not just for its visual spectacle but also for the challenge it poses. Capturing the perfect shot requires precision, patience, and a bit of luck with the weather. The play of light and shadow, along with the unpredictable ocean waves, makes each photograph a unique piece of art.

Photographing the Keyhole Arch during the winter solstice presents a unique opportunity to capture a stunning natural event. Here are some tips to help you get the best shots:

Understand the Timing: The alignment of the sun through the Keyhole Arch during the winter solstice is a brief event. Research the exact dates and times for the solstice alignment, as they can vary slightly each year. Arriving a few days early can help you scout the location and be prepared.
Scout the Location: Visit the site in advance to find the best angles and compositions. Consider the position of the sun and how it will align with the arch. Look for unique foreground elements to add depth to your composition.
Use the Right Gear: A tripod is essential for stability, especially in low light conditions. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the arch and its surroundings, while a telephoto lens can be useful for close-up shots of the sun aligning with the arch. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards.
Check the Weather: The weather can greatly affect your photography. Clear skies are ideal for capturing the sun, but clouds can also add drama to your shots. Be prepared for changing conditions.
Arrive Early: This event attracts many photographers and spectators. Arriving early ensures you secure a good spot and set up your equipment without rushing.
Use Filters: A graduated neutral density filter can help balance the exposure between the sky and the landscape. This is especially useful during sunrise or sunset when the light contrast is high.
Experiment with Settings: Use a low ISO to reduce noise and a small aperture (high f-number) to ensure the entire scene is in focus. Adjust the shutter speed according to the light. Bracket your exposures to capture the full dynamic range of the scene.
Capture Different Phases: Don’t just focus on the moment of perfect alignment. The changing light before and after the event can provide beautiful, unique shots.

Photo captured by jms

Respect the Environment: Stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the natural environment. Remember to pack out everything you bring in.
Be Patient and Enjoy the Experience: The beauty of nature photography lies in the experience itself. Be patient, and enjoy the moment, even if the conditions aren’t perfect.
Play with Composition: Try different compositions to make your photos stand out. Use leading lines, rule of thirds, and framing techniques. The arch itself can be a powerful framing device for the solstice sun.
Capture the Crowd and Atmosphere: Including people in your shots can add a sense of scale and show the popularity of the event. It also captures the atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.
Focus on Details: Along with the grand landscape, focus on the smaller details around the arch – the texture of the rocks, the play of light on the water, and the flora and fauna.

Photo captured by Cedric Letsch

Cultural and Historical Significance

Beyond its photographic allure, the Keyhole Arch holds cultural and historical significance. Local legends often speak of it as a gateway to another realm, a symbol of nature’s power and mystery. Its enduring presence has witnessed the passage of time, from the days of indigenous tribes to the present.

Environmental Considerations

As the popularity of the Keyhole Arch grows among photographers and tourists, environmental concerns have come to the forefront. It is essential to approach this natural wonder with respect and responsibility, ensuring that our pursuit of beauty does not harm its fragile ecosystem.

Conclusion

The Keyhole Arch is more than just a geological formation; it’s a celestial spectacle, a photographer’s dream, and a reminder of our connection to the natural world. Its annual alignment with the setting sun is not just a moment of photographic triumph but a celebration of the earth’s wonders. As we capture its beauty through our lenses, it’s vital to remember the responsibility we hold towards preserving such natural treasures for future generations.

For Further Training:

For help remembering the camera settings for difficult situations like this, a set of Photography Adventure Cheat Sheets are designed to help. They are currently 80% off for a Christmas Sale which ends soon if you want to check them out.

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