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Spring 2015 Issue 99
! y l n o s o e r u o y r o f
Canon 24 Canon tips declassified Unlock your SLR’s potential Shortcuts to better shots
100% CANON paddling for gold!
Shoot the rapids with the Olympic GB Team
shoot through the looking glass! Create an optical-illusion portrait with our magical mirror montage techniques
take creative sunset shots How to merge multiple landscape images
brighten your portraits up! Eight great home studio lighting kits tried and tested
3 free gifts!
A warm welcome to...
Master Macro pu llo + new pop-out D- ut guide Photoshop video SLR and 28-page Practical lessons + Photos digital magazine hop See page 5
Canon Edition
THE NO.1 CANON D-SLR PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE!
T n We’re the only magazine in the newsagent that’s 100% dedicated to Canon D-SLRs – making us 100% relevant to your needs. n We’re 100% independent. We don’t answer to Canon and don’t rely on them for advertising – if Canon brings out a new camera or lens and it’s rubbish, we’ll say so! n We’re all Canon D-SLR enthusiasts and between us we’ve got 200 years of photography experience. We’re excited about passing on what we’ve learned – even from our mistakes! n We don’t assume you’re a millionaire. We focus on the Canon D-SLRs most people buy, and feature software and accessories within the average person’s budget.
here’s nothing like the satisfaction of a photograph well taken. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, well-timed wildlife shot or cracking portrait, I love it when I’ve bagged a top shot. The secret to knowing your Canon D-SLR – and what settings work for what shot – takes experience, but sometimes it’s just takes one special tip to make the difference. In this issue’s undercover guide For Your EOS Only – Top Canon Secrets we provide 24 such tips. It’s your licence to shoot, and I hope you enjoy all the James Bond puns as much as I do! See page 30. This issue we also show you have to shoot fast-action sports with the Team GB Olympic slalom paddling team (p8), we have some fantastic new camera and Photoshop projects (p41), plus we test macro alternatives (p90) and eight lighting kits (p96). Your three gifts include your free streamed videos with new D-SLR projects and Photoshop Elements guides, a free Master Macro pullout guide, and a free 28-page Practical Photoshop digital magazine to download. See page 5. Next month we’ll be celebrating our 100th issue! I’ve worked on the past 99 issues, and I’ve never been more excited, as issue 100 will see the start of a new-look, bigger and better magazine. As well as a full makeover, we’ll be known as PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, and we’ll have even more great tips, techniques and inspiration from the world’s best pros, all to help you become a better Canon D-SLR photographer. Details below!
Peter Travers Editor
peter.travers@futurenet.com
n Our Video Disc has an unrivalled collection of D-SLR technique and Photoshop videos – which can be viewed via our digital editions too! n We are proud to feature some of the best writers and photographers in the business. Turn to page six to meet them all now!
We’re about to get bigger and better!
see page 84 for more details!
As of next issue we’ll be called PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine. We’ll be bigger, at 148 pages, and have even better content – including Canon pro interviews, more in-depth tests, a comprehensive buyers’ guide, and new Canonpedia technical advice. Our Video Disc (or digital download) will have more skills videos, plus there’s a free A4 Portrait Posing guide each issue – and all at the same £5.49 price, making the magazine even better value! And to kick things off, we have a massive £5,000 photo gear giveaway!
Issue #99 Spring 2015
The Apprentice................. 8 We enlist the help of Team GB Olympians to help our Apprentice shoot water sports
Your Letters.....................18 Another mailbag bursting at the seams…
Subscribe today..............20
Don’t leave it to chance – subscribe and save!
Inspirations gallery........22 We asked for your shots with the theme of ‘journey’ – this is how you responded…
Top Canon Secrets............30
24 Canon D-SLR tips declassified and secret shortcuts to instantly improve your shots
PhotoPlus Skills.................41 Improve your photography and editing skills
Master Macro....................55 Take brilliant big shots of little things – our eight-page pullout has three fun projects
PhotoPlus Workshop......72 Learn to use all the Canon metering modes
Dream Team................... 76 Our team of boffins answer your questions
Paddling for gold! Our Apprentice gets ‘rapid’ tuition in the art of shooting white-water kayaking
Super test! Studio lights
Page 8
New projects! segmented scenic shots
Your Photos....................80 We tell you how you can improve your shots
Next issue.......................84
Find out about our new, bigger & better mag!
Gear Update ..................88 Shiny new Canon-fit goodies revealed!
Help me buy...................90 Can’t stretch to a pricey macro lens? Here are five low-cost alternatives to consider
Super Test.......................96 Let there be light! Eight studio kits tested
Back issues....................106
Page 96
My Favourite Shot....... 114
Your Questions answered…
Page 48
Missed an issue? Get it in print or digital
An aerial ace on his abstract landscape shot 4 | PhotoPlus Spring 2015
Can I balance flash and daylight? p76
Great new subscription savings! Page 20
for your eos only!
Unlock the potential of your EOS D-SLR with our secret skills Page 30
3 free gifts!
new projects macro guide
Try your hand at our three fabulous close-up projects, using everyday household items, in our eight-page pullout See page 55
Gift 1
New Video tutorials
New Canon D-SLR and Photoshop projects
Gift 3
To view our videos, click on the ‘Watch the Video’ badges that appear alongside the watch tutorials. Click the video on the badge http://bit.ly/PP_99 to the right to see what videos are in store this issue… See page 41
How do I shoot over crowds? p78
Free 28-page digital mag! Become a Photoshop wizard with our free-to-download 28-page digital magazine http://downloads.photo plusmag.com/practical.pdf (Be patient, it may take a few seconds to download!)
How do I set Custom mode? p79
Which super-telephoto lens? p79 PhotoPlus Spring 2015 | 5
Meet the team
Meet the
PhotoPlus, Future Publishing Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA Editorial +44 (0)1225 442244 photoplus@futurenet.com The PhotoPlus team
Who we are, what we do and our standout moments from the past 99 issues… Peter Travers Editor • EOS 5D Mk III
Adam Waring Operations editor • EOS 7D
“It’s our 99th issue! I’ve worked on every one since issue 1, and it’s been a real pleasure. One of my favourite past memories is shooting skiers in the Alps, then sledging down after!”
“I’m normally tied to the desk doing all the hard work, so I love escaping the office on Apprentice shoots. My favourite? Shooting a bikini-clad model in sunny Cyprus, of course!”
peter.travers@futurenet.com
Peter Travers Editor Adam Waring Operations editor Hollie Latham Technique editor Martin Parfitt Art editor Shona Cutt Deputy art editor Angela Nicholson Head of testing Matthew Richards Technical writer Shutterstock Cover photo
adam.waring@futurenet.com
Our contributors Simon Butterworth, George Cairns, Antony Edmonds, Adam Gasson, Claire Gillo, Peter Gray, Marcus Hawkins, Ali Jennings, Adam Lee, Mike McNally, Victoria Palframan, James Paterson, Tom Welsh
Advertising & Marketing
Angela Nicholson Head of testing • EOS 5D Mk III
Matt Richards Technical writer • EOS 70D
“It’s been great testing all the latest Canon D-SLRs over the years, but I’m really excited that our future tests are going to be even more comprehensive from next issue.”
“Doing the PhotoPlus Super Tests gives me plenty of standout moments every issue. I love testing the latest lenses and accessories, and I get to play with kit I could only dream about owning.”
Hollie Latham Technique editor • EOS 60D
Martin Parfitt Art editor • EOS 600D
angela.nicholson@futurenet.com
photoplus@futurenet.com
martin.parfitt@futurenet.com
hollie.latham@futurenet.com
“My standout memory is staggering bleary-eyed up a tor in Dartmoor at 5am to capture dawn for a feature. I whined all the way, but the stunning sunrise made it all worthwhile.”
“I’ve enjoyed every mag I’ve designed since issue 13, but I’m really excited about our new-look mag which you’ll see from our special 100th issue next month!”
Matt Bailey Account director 01225 687511 matt.bailey@futurenet.com Claire Harris Account manager 01225 687221 claire.harris@futurenet.com Charlotte Lloyd-Williams Campaign Manager
Production & distribution Vivienne Calvert Production controller Mark Constance Production manager Michelle Brock Trade Marketing Manager 0207 429 3683 Printed in the UK by: William Gibbons & Sons Ltd on behalf of Future Distributed by: Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT, Tel: 0207 429 4000 Overseas distribution by: Seymour International
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Management Nial Ferguson Content & marketing director Matthew Pierce Head of content & marketing, photography Chris George Group editor in chief Rodney Dive Group art director
This issue’s contributors…
Future is an award-winning international media group and leading digital business. We reach more than 49 million international consumers a month and create world-class content and advertising solutions for passionate consumers online, on tablet & smartphone and in print.
Antony Edmonds
James Paterson
Marcus Hawkins
Simon Butterworth
Pro sports photographer Antony coaches our Apprentice in the art of shooting kayakers – with a little help from the Team GB Olympians… Page 8.
Our resident Photoshop magician makes a woman disappear into thin air with his magical mirror trick. See how easy it is to master the illusion yourself… Page 66.
The name’s Hawkins, Marcus Hawkins, and he has a licence to thrill – as he reveals 24 top-secret tips that every photographer ought to know. Page 30.
Landscape photographer Simon explains the story behind his award-winning abstract aerial shot of salt pans, taken in Western Australia. Page 114.
Join our interactive online communities…
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Print: 20,240 Digital: 4,289 Combined print and digital circulation for Jan-Dec 2014 is 24,529 All information contained in this magazine is for informational purposes only and is, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of going to press. Future Publishing Limited cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies that occur. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers direct with regard to pricing.
PhotoPlus is an independent publication and is not in any way authorised, affiliated, nor sponsored by Canon. All the opinions expressed herein are those of the magazine and not that of Canon. ‘EOS’ and all associated trademarks are the property of Canon. All submissions to PhotoPlus magazine are made on the basis of a licence to publish the submission in PhotoPlus magazine, its licensed editions worldwide and photographyrelated websites. Any material submitted is sent at the owner’s risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future Publishing Limited nor its agents shall be liable for loss or damage.
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The PhotoPlus Apprentice
Paddling forgold!
World’s best white-water pro teaches our Apprentice how to capture action shots of fast-paced slalom paddling‌ Words Hollie Latham Location shots Adam Gasson
8 | PhotoPlus Spring 2015
Your chance to shoot with a pro
THE PRO... Name: Antony Edmonds Camera: Canon EOS-1D X Sports photographer Antony is based in Guildford and is one of the world’s leading photographers in the field of paddlesports. He is the official photographer of the British Canoeing team at national championships, international selections, World Cups and World and European Championships, and photographed the British sprint and slalom canoeing events at the 2012 Olympic Games. For more on Antony’s work see his website: www.aephotos.co.uk
THE APPRENTICE… Name: Mick Child Camera: Canon EOS 7D
Mick, 49, is a railway overhead line engineer from Bedford, and is the founder and events organiser for Paddle for Good, a fundraising organisation that raises money for a range of charities through kayaking and canoeing challenges. As a member of Viking Kayak Club in Bedford, Mick often shoots stills and makes short films of fellow kayakers. With a passion for paddling and photography, he was eager to learn some top pro tips!
PhotoPlus Spring 2015 | 9
The PhotoPlus Apprentice
Antony’s TIP
Raw power
PhotoPlus Technique assessment
It’s sink or swim time!
“Mick was already shooting in Raw, which was fantastic,” says Antony. “It’s crucial when shooting in inconsistent light conditions, especially where white water is involved, as clipped highlights can be recovered in post-processing. I also suggested Mick set Auto White Balance with the changing weather and light conditions too; by shooting in Raw this can easily be tweaked later, if needs be.”
Antony ensures Mick is on course with his camera settings to ensure he doesn’t find himself up that creek without a paddle!
Av mode
“Shooting fast-moving subjects in Aperture Priority mode (rather than Shutter Priority) may not be the obvious choice but it’s great for keeping a consistent wide aperture (eg f/5.6) to control the depth of field in your images to isolate your subject,” says Antony. “Your camera will then adjust the shutter speed to suit the light conditions but make sure you keep an eye on it, if the shutter speed drops below 1/1000 sec, increase the ISO to achieve a faster shutter speed.”
10 | PhotoPlus Spring 2015
Exposure compensation
“White water in bright sunlight can fool your camera’s light meter, making it almost impossible not to underexpose your shots,” says Antony. “Before the paddler comes, I point my camera at the water to take a quick reading to see how much positive exposure compensation I need. It’s unlikely you’ll capture all the detail in the highlights and shadows, but it’s more important to make sure your subject’s face is correctly exposed as their expression is your main focal point.”
Your chance to shoot with a pro Mick’s TIP
Detail shots
“Antony pointed out that you can get great shots even before the action starts,” says Mick. “We wanted to capture the drama unfolding in front of us, starting with a shot of the athlete and coach surveying the course. As they looked around we waited for the moment for them to look in our direction, in order to capture their intense expressions and body language as the coach pointed out the tricky obstacles. Shooting at 200mm with a wide aperture I was able to isolate them from the background course furniture, to make them stand out while leaving some obvious context.”
Mick’s comment
“Antony suggested taking a shot of part of the course to set the context. A lot of slalom paddling shots are close-ups of the athletes, taken amidst the action, so it’s always good to be able to set the scene and show the complexity of the course. We shot this from a bridge using a wide-angle lens, and I set an aperture of f/8 to add some depth to the scene. Once we knew a paddler was en route, Antony got me to brace my camera using the bridge for support to minimise any movement. I then focused a third of the way up the course and waited in anticipation for the kayaker to come to that focus point before taking the shot to add interest.
Lens: Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM A Exposure: 1/1000 sec at f/8; ISO400
EXPERT INSIGHT
Shutter speed
1/200 sec 1/8000 sec
“To capture sharp, crisp images your shutter speed needs to be at least 1/1000 sec,” says Antony. We were shooting the majority of our images wide open, so with all that light entering the camera, you should get a fairly fast reading. In overcast conditions you may need to increase the ISO in order to achieve a faster shutter speed. Some people are worried about pushing the ISO too high because of image noise, however, reducing grain can be easily done in post-production, whereas a blurry image is no good to anyone!”
PhotoPlus Spring 2015 | 11
The PhotoPlus Apprentice
EXPERT INSIGHT
Know the course as well as the athletes do! “With careful positioning we had the opportunity to capture a variety of shots as the kayakers came down the drop towards this gate. Understanding the sport gives you a great advantage as you’re always one step ahead of your subjects,” says Antony.
“So take the time to study the line the athletes take and the paddle strokes they use (this will be similar among top-class athletes). By anticipating the athlete’s movement you can avoid angles where the paddle or poles are likely to cover the face.”
KILLER KIT OF THE PROS #1
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM “This lens is great for shooting two key images,” says Antony. “The first is to establish the scene and add context (see Hot Shot #1). I also use it for close-up work near the slalom gates to capture the twists and turns the paddlers face getting through the gates without touching them. You really need to ensure you’ve got a really fast shutter speed for these shots, as movement is far more noticeable in wide-angle lenses.”
12 | PhotoPlus Spring 2015
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