Digital Photographer 194 (Sampler) by Future PLC

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Issue 194

Learn the art of

LOW LIGHT

LANDSCAPES

Canon EOS 6D Mark II How does this full-frame model perform?

Shoot by moonlight Capture constellations Adapt to different locations

Master

shoot food in the studio

PORTRAITS ON THE RUN Get great results when time is limited

the pros & cons of switching systems Work with user defined settings Create consistent colour online

Maximise your

image quality Pro steps to enhance your imagery

Issue 194

welcome

“Low-light landscapes are a stunning subject matter for any lover of scenic photography” Welcome to the latest issue of Digital Photographer magazine. Low-light landscapes, captured after the sun has disappeared and the night sky is on display, are a stunning subject matter for any lover of scenic photography to explore. The ability to capture atmospheric images in these conditions is an art form in itself, and requires a whole host of different techniques. In this issue, Stephen Banks has put together a guide to creating stunning images, using his impressive set of skills and experiences. Turn to p30 to begin reading it. There’s also a guide to capturing portraits on the run, from

pro photographer Holly Wren. She explains how to get great pictures of people when time is limited, working in both natural light and with flash. Turn to p42 to read it. Elsewhere this issue, we’ve got a guide to maximising your image quality, from shooting to editing. Head over to p54 to check it out. As always, we’ve got plenty of industry news, product reviews and tutorials to help you expand your knowledge and take your photography to the next level. We’d really love to see your own images, so don’t forget to upload them to dphotographer.co.uk. Until next time, enjoy your photography! Matt Bennett, Editor matthew.bennett@futurenet.com

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Editorial

Editor Matt Bennett

matthew.bennett@futurenet.com 01202 586286

Senior Designer Jo Smolaga Production Editor Rachel Terzian Staff Writer Peter Fenech Senior Art Editor Rebecca Shaw Group Editor in Chief Chris George Photographer James Sheppard Contributors Kevin Carter, Stephen Banks, Holly Wren, Double Exposure Photographic, Rebecca Greig, Matthew Richards, Angela Nicholson, Lauren Scott, Tom Barnes, Philippa Grafton Cover images © Steve Schwindt (main), Holly Wren, Mads Peter Iversen, Double Exposure Photographic Advertising Digital or printed media packs are available on request. Commercial Sales Director Clare Dove Senior Advertising Manager Amanda Burns +44 (0)1225 687286 amanda.burns@futurenet.com Account Manager Matt Bailey +44 (0)1225 687511 matt.bailey@futurenet.com Senior Sales Executive Claire Harris +44 (0)1225 687221 claire.harris@futurenet.com

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International Digital Photographer is available for licensing. Contact the International department to discuss partnership opportunities. International Licensing Director Matt Ellis +44 (0)1225 442244 matt.ellis@futurenet.com

Subscriptions For all subscription enquiries: digitalphotographer@servicehelpline.co.uk 0844 848 8407 Overseas +44 (0)1795 592 862 www.imaginesubs.co.uk Head of subscriptions Sharon Todd © Holly Wren (p54)

Holly Wren

Stephen Banks

Portrait photographer Holly Wren is an expert when it comes to taking captivating people pictures, and this issue she has given us an in-depth guide on how to capture your best images when under a strict time schedule. Read her advice in our Portraits on the Run feature over on page 54 of the magazine.

Stephen is an astrophotographer who especially loves to capture the beautiful night skies of Dorset. Over on page 30, he has put together a jam-packed feature filled with some amazing images from his portfolio, featuring his top tips for successfully capturing landscapes in challenging low-light conditions.

Website:

Double Exposure Photographic

www.hollywren.com

Angela Nicholson

dorsetscouser.com

Matthew Richards

The team at Double Exposure Photographic have taken their hand to food photography this issue, and over on page 68 of the magazine you can find out their step-by-step process to successfully capturing and editing a delicious image of luxury chocolate in the studio with flash.

Freelance photographer, journalist and regular contributor to the mag Angela Nicholson has taken the Canon EOS 6D Mark II out for a test run this issue, to find out whether or not it’s a worthy upgrade to the 6D. Read her verdict on the camera and its upgraded features over on page 96.

Matthew Richards has given us his expert verdict on two speedy camera models this issue, the Canon 1D X II and the Sony a99 II. Both can help you satisfy your need for speed, but which one comes out on top when it comes to successfully shooting fast-paced action? Find out on page 88.

Website:

www.dephotographic.com 4

Circulation Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers

This issue, our Staff Writer Peter has put together an in-depth guide packed with top tips and advice for really making the most of your kit to maximise your image quality. Have a read over on page 42. Over on page 100, Peter has also put the Canon EOS 800D to the test to find out its strengths and weaknesses. dphotographer.co.uk

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Production Head of Production US & UK Mark Constance +44 (0)1225 687499 mark.constance@futurenet.com Production Manager Vivienne Calvert vivienne.calvert@futurenet.com

Our contributors Peter Fenech

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angelanicholson.com

www.matthewrichards.uk

Management Managing Director Aaron Asadi Editorial Director Paul Newman Art & Design Director Ross Andrews Head of Art & Design Greg Whittaker Commercial Finance Director Dan Jotcham Printing & Distribution Wyndeham Bicester, Granville Way, Bicester, OX26 4QZ Distributed in the UK, Eire & the Rest of the World by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU 0203 787 9001 www.marketforce.co.uk

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Disclaimer

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of Future Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. If you submit material to Future Publishing via post, email, social network or any other means, you automatically grant Future Publishing an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free licence to use the material across its entire portfolio, in print, online and digital, and to deliver the material to existing and future clients, including but not limited to international licensees for reproduction in international, licensed editions of Future Publishing products. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future Publishing nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be liable for the loss or damage.

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Contents Some of our favourite images from the Digital Photographer website

18 Story Behind the Still Check out Anne Geier’s adorable pet portrait and find out how she achieved this perfectly timed delightful shot

In Focus 20 News

The latest product announcements and industry developments

22 Interview This issue we hear from photographer Serge Ramelli about his photographic journey and inspirations

Print & Share 66 Maintain Consistent Colour Online

Find out how to make sure that your photos look their best when displaying them on online galleries

Go Pro 80 Career Feature Looking to switch camera systems? There’s a lot to consider before making this decision, so read up on our advice before rushing into it 6

The Gallery

Maximise your Image Quality

Portraits on the Run

Techniques

30 L earn the Art of Low Light Landscapes We have enlisted the help of astrophotographer Stephen Banks this issue to give us an in-depth guide to capturing stunning images at night

42 Maximise your Image Quality Learn how to use your kit to its full potential with our tips and tricks to achieving the sharpest imagery possible

10 The Gallery

54 Portraits on the Run How can we successfully shoot topquality portraits when time is limited? Portrait photographer Holly Wren gives us her tips to overcoming these challenges

Shooting Skills 68 Shoot food in the studio with flash

Follow these steps to learn how to effectively capture delicious images of food in the studio with the help of flash

74 W ork with user-defined camera settings Be prepared whenever a photo opportunity presents itself with these camera customisation options

76 Nikon Master Your Camera Nikon Ambassador Helen Sloan talks to us about her time as a unit photographer shooting on the set of Game of Thrones

Your Images

Learn the Art of Low Light Landscapes

Interview

Reviews

88 Head to head

We pit the Canon EOS 1D X II against the Sony a99 II to see how they both fare for action-packed shooting

Shoot food in the studio with flash

Head to head

96 Canon EOS 6D Mark II Angela Nicholson takes an in-depth look at this new upgrade

100 Canon EOS 800D (Rebel T7i) Is this an ideal offering for enthusiasts?

102 Lenses Kevin Carter tests two more lens options this issue

106 Billingham Hadley One Looking for both style, functionality and protection? This could be the camera bag for you

109 Photography portfolio websites We take a look at a selection of websites for displaying your imagery

110 Software Two photo-editing options are put under the spotlight

112 Accessories A roundup of products from photobooks to camera bags

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your images

The Gallery 2x ÂŠ Ceri Jones

Some of the best images from our website Ceri Jones DP Gallery address: CeriDJones Image title: Common European Toad What camera, lens and settings did you use to capture this stunning shot? Canon EOS 6D, Sigma Macro lens 105mm using ISO 320 at f16 and 1/160 sec. Flash lit.

What do you like most about the image? I found the symmetry of the image most pleasing and the clarity of the reflection, which provided almost the same detail as the actual toad image. Did you do much post-processing? A slight increase in saturation and a tweak in the curves to provide greater contrast.

How did you decide on the composition for this image? I wanted to maximise the reflection of the toad and therefore a landscape orientation provided the best symmetry of the toad and its reflection. A clean background was preferred to ensure no distractions from the main subject matter. Side lighting provided good detail on the skin.

Upload your images to our online gallery now for your chance to be printed in the magazine. Go to www.dphotographer.co.uk

Win! Samsung 32GB MICROSDHC PRO PLUS WITH SD ADAPTER Every issue one reader gallery entry wins a 32GB MicroSDHC PRO PLUS memory card with SD adapter worth ÂŁ50.99, boasting blazing-fast read & write speeds of up to 95MB/s & 90MB/s respectively, which is ideal for professional shooting and 4K UHD recording. To find out more information visit samsung. com/memorycards.

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Achintha Dahanayake

DP Gallery address: achinthad Image title: Promise of a new Dawn “This photo was taken in Gintota, Sri Lanka. As soon as I saw this scene I knew what composition I wanted. When I visited to take the photo, I found this extra foreground log, which gave the shot a nice focal point. I’m really happy with the subtle colours in the sky and movement of the tides.”

Robert Smith

DP Gallery address: milkwoodphotography Image title: Tiumpan Head Lighthouse “Off a peninsula on the Isle of Lewis lies this lighthouse, now a cattery. It was awkward to get a decent perspective that reflected how remote this place was. The solution was to scramble down to a rocky outcrop. Two exposures at 69 sec and 1/15 sec were blended to make this final image.”

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