All video tutorials included
Photo magazine of the year! Issue 39 • November 2014 www.nphotomag.com
nikon d750 The verdict is in!
FUND YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY!
MAKE CA$H With YOUR
EXPERT ADVICE
SUPER ZOOMS
Get the low down on the best Nikon-fit all-rounders
Learn what you can do THIS WEEKEND to start selling your images and cover the cost of accessories, lenses and more!
WEEKEND PROJECT
BIG BANG!
Discover how to photograph an exploding water balloon
CREATIVE SKILLS
The brain inside your camera is tiny compared to brain behind your eyes. If you can’t come up with some better ideas than an automatic camera, you’ll just end up being a bloke with a bag of cameras Ken Lennox, photographer and picture editor p82
NIKON SKILLS
Capture eye-catching macro images p48
LIGHTBOX
Be inspired by a true wildlife legend p20
FRESH IDEAS FOR AUTUMN 6 must-try techniques for stunning images
GREAT GLASS! The best new lenses for your Nikon p108
5
ways to GET even more OUT OF N-PHOTO
Welcome to issue 39 of…
1 Online… Catch up with Nikon news, get inspired & learn new skills
www.nphotomag.com
2 Facebook… Join 160,000 Nikon nuts who ‘Like’ us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/nphotomag
3 Twitter… Follow our tweets & keep up to date with all things #Nikon
www.twitter.com/nphotomag
4 Google+ Hang out with us by putting N-Photo in your Circle
plus.google.com/+Nphotomagazine
5 Flickr... Showcase your shots and see work by other Nikon users
www.flickr.com/nphotomag
ABOUT THE COVER
Title The Old 50mm Photographer Jay, aka The Photo Fiend Camera Nikon D800 Lens Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI Exposure 1/1000 sec, f/5.6, ISO200 Description This was shot on a 1977-1980 era 50mm f/1.4 AI lens (hence the title) using natural light at sunset, in an industrial area of Calgary. It was a lot of fun shooting into the sun with vintage Nikon glass. Managing lens flare was challenging, but I think it really adds to the mood of the shot. Really slowing down is something I love about manual focus, so I shoot fully manual for all of my portraits. Website https://500px.com/thephotofiend
www.nphotomag.com
■ Hello, and a very warm welcome to this, my first issue as editor of N-Photo. And what a time to join the magazine: with all of the exciting gear that’s been launched over the last few weeks, it’s hard to know where to begin, but of course the biggest news for Nikon lovers was the launch of the eagerly-awaited (and much-hyped) D750. If the comments on our Facebook page are anything to go by, some of you felt that it didn’t live up to the hype – you can find out whether we agree in our review on page 92. Less controversial was the launch of Sigma’s lustworthy 150-600mm f/4.5-6.3 Sport lens. At £1600/$1999 it’s not cheap, but as we all know, quality never is. We’ll be bringing you a full review as soon as we can lay our hands on one, but in the meantime, you can find more details in our round-up of new lenses on page 108. And if that all sounds more bucket-list than budget-list, our comprehensive group test of Nikon-fit superzooms might be just the ticket. Covering lenses in the 16-300mm zoom range, it explores how much bang you can get for your hard-earned buck, and whether a do-anything, go-anywhere lens is a compromise too far. And speaking of hard-earned bucks, if all that camera candy has left you feeling dangerously frivolous, you won’t want to miss our feature on how to fund your passion for photography by selling your work. Follow our top tips and you could start making cash this weekend…
Paul Grogan, Editor paul.grogan@futurenet.com
Get your issues in order!
■ Keep your copies of N-Photo neat and tidy with our bespoke
binder. Each stores a year’s worth of your favourite photo magazine – and costs from £9.99! Order yours today at… http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/n-photo-binder
For more contents listings go to page 5
Issue 39 November 2014
84 08
26
Cover feature
Make cash with your Nikon
What can your photos earn in a day, a week, even a year? We explore the ways your hobby can pay for itself
Nikon Skills Fall for autumn 44 The eyes have it… 48 50 Find your Levels Go out with a bang 52 54 Explore your dark side 56 Prepare for impact! 58 Get popping
Nikopedia
Cover feature
72
Discover six ways to capture the rich colours and golden light of the season
Cover feature
Cover feature
Improve a digital negative (.dng) with our best-practice RAW editing guide Don’t neglect your pop-up flash; we’ve got ways to improve its performance
4
November 2014
The latest inspirational images from photographers around the world
Missed an issue of N-Photo? All our back issues are available in digital form
Try two ways to improve tones in Elements: automatically and manually
Set up flashguns to shoot a spooky portrait, then add mist in post-processing
Cover feature
It’s easy to subscribe to N-Photo on all sorts of gadgets. Never miss an issue!
Capture the reflection of a landmark in the eyes of a model with a macro lens
Learn how easy it is to photograph an exploding water balloon
Essentials Lightbox 20 38 Subscriptions 40 Back issues 60 Over to You The N-Photo Interview 82 121 Next issue 122 My Best Shot
72 Nikon Know-how 76 Nikon Software
Enjoy part two of Michael Freeman’s comprehensive guide to lenses
Diagnose exposure problems and improve the dynamic range of your images using Nikon Capture NX-D
78 Ask Chris
Got a burning Nikon-related problem? Chris is here with all the answers!
Three photo stories packed with brilliant shots, plus all your rants and raves
Cover feature
Legendary press pro Ken Lennox talks about his 50 years in the business The good stuff doesn’t end with this issue – here’s something to look forward to A chance encounter with ‘Brother Wolf’ led to Jim Brandenburg’s best photo
www.nphotomag.com
expert HANDS-ON video guideS When you see this button use this web link… http://bit.ly/NPhoto38 to view our online videos
20 96
Cover feature Inspiring shots from Nikon users worldwide, including wildlife specialist Lou Coetzer
Cover feature
01
Six ways to capture the glowing colours and light of Autumn
02
03
Discover two ways to control tones in your images using Elements
04
05
Shoot a spookylooking portrait with well-placed flash
06
07
08
Use your macro lens to shoot landmarks reflected in eyes
Eight of the best superzooms for DX Nikons: they’ll get you closer to the action
Test Team 92 Nikon D750
From its flip-out screen to superb detail, find out what we love about Nikon’s new full-frame camera for enthusiasts
96 108
Cover feature
xxx 92
Big Test
Trigger your shutter using the sound of a balloon bursting
Edit your .dng files using our definitive RAW-editing walkthrough
We take an in-depth look at eight superzooms for DX-format cameras
Cover feature
New Gear
The hot new releases on show at Photokina, including a pair of Sigma 150600mm ultrazooms, an update to Nikon’s 20mm wide-angle, fantastic new filter and tripod designs, and plenty more!
114
Mini Test
We test six premium 32GB SD cards to see if they really can deliver the speed you need in a rugged form
www.nphotomag.com
108 114
Learn how to get Improve the dynamic better results from range of your shots THE VIDEOS AND INFORMATION ARE 100% INDEPENDENT ANDNX-D NOT your pop-up flash PROVIDED ON THIS DISCusing Nikon Capture ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY NIKON CORPORATION OR ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
November 2014
5
Paul shot a landmark reflected in a model’s eye (page 48). What places would the team shoot?
Print 23,929 Digital 6,767 The ABC combined print, digital and digital publication circulation for Jan-Dec 2013 is
30,696
A member of the Audited Bureau of Circulations
Paul Grogan Editor | D800
paul.grogan@futurenet.com
If money were no object, I’d repeat the tutorial at the Taj Mahal! It’s an iconic building, and its shape is graphic enough to really stand out in a pupil.
Andrew Leung Art Editor | D5100
andrew.leung@futurenet.com
I’ve just been to New York, and had a great time photographing skyscrapers. The steep angles you have to shoot at make for interesting images.
Angela Nicholson Head of Testing | D7100 angela.nicholson@futurenet.com
I regularly head up to the famous White Horse at Uffington to test kit. Ironically, from the hill-top I get great views of everything but the landmark itself!
Miriam McDonald Operations Editor | D3100 miriam.mcdonald@futurenet.com
I’ve got old family photographs from Egypt during the war, so I’d love to get my own ones of the Pyramids and Sphinx to compare with them.
Ali Jennings Lab manager | D800 ali.jennings@futurenet.com
It’d be exciting to have a go at Stonehenge, because it’s been photographed so often that using a new approach would be a really good challenge.
Chris George Nikon expert | D200 & D800 chris.george@futurenet.com
Give me something modern to shoot, like Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Bilbao. There’s so much potential there for abstract images…
This issue’s special contributors… Claire Gillo
■ Don’t be fooled by the smile – Claire’s showing you how to set up a spooky gothic portrait this issue. Page 54
Chris Rutter
■ If you’ve ever despaired of the results you get from your Nikon’s pop-up flash, Chris will help you improve them. Page 58
George Cairns
■ George shares two ways to boost the tones in your images, so you can choose the right method for you. Page 50
James Paterson
■ Inspired by autumn colour but don’t know where to start? James and Claire reveal six fun ways to snap the season. Page 44
Julian Claxton
■ A classroom
full of children enjoying a spontaneous song made the perfect subject for Julian’s photograph. Page 22
Keith Wilson
■ This month, Keith talks to legendary photographer and picture editor Ken Lennox about his 50-year career. Page 82
Lou Coetzer
■ Awardwinning wildlife photographer Lou shares two brilliant images from the African plains. Page 24
Matthew Richards
■ Get in closer with Matthew’s comprehensive round-up of the best DX superzooms on the market. Page 96
Our contributors Ben Andrews, Sean Batten, Jim Brandenburg, Amy Davies, Alison Denyer, Lörincz Ferenc, Michael Freeman, Marcus Hawkins, Stian Klo, Rod Lawton, Ken Lennox, Andy McLaughlin, Mike McNally, Carl Milligan, John Nicoloff Special thanks to… Beck Hamp, Liz Hare, Hollie Latham, Zoe Poulter and Gerden, Bath & North-East Somerset Council, Bath Preservation Trust, Westonbirt Arboretum
6
November 2014
N-Photo Magazine, Future Publishing Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA www.nphotomag.com Editorial mail@nphotomag.com +44 (0)1225 442244 Subscriptions and back issues +44 (0)1604 251045 Or go to www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/nphoto Paul Grogan Editor Andrew Leung Art Editor Shona Cutt Deputy Art Editor Miriam McDonald Operations Editor Angela Nicholson Head of Testing Ali Jennings Imaging Lab Manager Jeff Meyer Web Editor Video production Pete Gray Producer Adam Lee Videographer Advertising Matt Bailey Senior Sales Executive matt.bailey@futurenet.com, 01225 687511 Circulation & marketing Charlotte Lloyd-Williams Direct Marketing Executive James Whitaker Head of Trade Marketing Print & production Vivienne Turner Production Co-ordinator Mark Constance Production Manager Rob Fletcher PreMedia Technician International & licensing Regina Erak Licensing & Syndication Director Richard Jefferies Head of International Newsstand Senior management Matthew Pierce Head of Content & Marketing: Photography, Creative & Design Chris George Group Editor-in-Chief Simon Middleweek Group Art Director Nial Ferguson Director of Content and Marketing If you would like to purchase images featured in N-Photo, email mediastore@futurenet.com
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Maddick Non-executive chairman Peter Allen Chief financial officer Richard Haley Tel +44 (0)207 042 4000 (London) Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244 (Bath)
Printed in the UK by William Gibbons and Sons Ltd, on behalf of Future. Distributed by Seymour Distribution Ltd, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London EC1A 9PT. Tel 020 7429 4000. Printed in England. 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.
N-Photo is an independent publication and is not in any way authorised, affiliated, nor sponsored by Nikon. All the opinions expressed herein are those of the magazine and not that of Nikon. Nikon, NIKKOR and all associated trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation. All submissions to N-Photo magazine are made on the basis of a licence to publish the submission in N-Photo magazine, its licensed editions worldwide and photography-related 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. © Future Publishing Limited 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from well managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. Future Publishing and its paper suppliers have been independently certified in accordance with the rules of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).
www.nphotomag.com
THE
Name John Harwood Camera D300, D4s ■ John works as a manager for BT and loves to combine his two favourite hobbies – horses and photography. He has been into photography since he was about four years old, when his Dad made him a pinhole camera. His Nikon D-SLR career started in 2004 with a D70, which he then upgraded to a D300 in 2009. He bought his Nikon 14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm lenses in anticipation of moving up to full-frame, and has just bought a Nikon D4s. He’d dabbled with horse photography, but wanted to move on from action shots to more intimate, personal images.
8
November 2014
Name Leslie Bliss Camera D700, D610 ■ For Leslie, horses have been a passion since childhood. She started out as dressage rider but injury forced a change of career. She took a journalism course and worked at Horse & Hounds magazine, and decided she wanted to shoot her own pictures to go with her work. Her first Nikon was a D80! She’s a self-taught photographer, and her contacts in the sport have led to being able to photograph the best dressage riders in the world, and interview some major sporting figures. Now the photography has overtaken the journalism and she’s had a busy year shooting at Olympia, Hickstead and Windsor.
www.nphotomag.com
Equine photography masterclass
Taking the reins Each issue we team up one lucky N-Photo reader with a top Nikon professional for a one-to-one masterclass. This month, it’s a case of horses for photographic courses...
www.nphotomag.com
November 2014
9
OUR APPRENTICE says… It was interesting to see the thought and effort that Leslie put into this setup – and how it paid off! The darkness of the unlit stable interior produced a contrasting background for the horse and rider, and the stable door made a great frame. Leslie explained how critical it was to capture the chemistry, interaction and emotion between Gerden, the horse, and the rider, Zoe, so I made sure I shot lots of frames. She also showed me how important it was to get the positioning of horse and rider just right. A small shift forwards into the light or backwards into the stable changed the image considerably.
Hot Shot #01
Standing or sitting
Leslie had two shots in mind for the first photo session in the stable yard. The first was to have Zoe standing alongside the horse, and for the second she was sitting down with Gerden’s head tilting down alongside.
Pro’s Killer kit #01 Milking stool Leslie says… This old wooden milking stool is one of my favourite pieces of equipment. It’s perfect for shots in stable doors. If you’re working with a big horse, it gives its rider something to stand on so that their head is about the right height for the horse’s. Alternatively, for another of my favourite shots, I get the rider to sit on the stool and bring the horse’s head down to their height.
10
November 2014
Raise the ISO
John tends to shoot at low ISOs for best quality, but Leslie told him not to worry about ISO too much and showed him how to use Auto ISO instead. This would give him a minimum shutter speed to cut shake and freeze any slight movements. Leslie explained it was more important to get a sharp shot than to worry about a bit of image noise.
www.nphotomag.com
Equine photography masterclass EXPOSURE 1/1250 sec, f/5.6, ISO4500 LENS Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
TECHNIQUE ASSESSMENT
Did John have the right camera settings? John had previously shot in JPEG format and stuck to low ISOs, but Leslie had other ideas…
Autofocus options Leslie says… John had his camera set to continuous autofocus and auto area AF, but for static subjects like this you need precise focus control. I showed him how to switch his D4s to single-shot and single-point AF mode. This meant he could choose his focus point and then lock it by half-pressing the shutter button.
Auto White Balance
Leslie says… If you’re moving in and out of shadow, and from inside to outdoors, the White Balance can change in an instant and you won’t have time to keep changing it manually. It’s best to shoot with Auto White Balance and change it later if necessary.
Swap to RAW
Distraction techniques
It’s not easy to keep the horse’s attention during a long shooting session, but Liz ,the owner of the stables, had a trick: she brought a plastic bag and rustled it whenever Leslie and John were ready to take a shot. This made the horse prick up its ears and turn to face the sound, presenting its head at a more attractive angle than a straight-on shot.
www.nphotomag.com
Leslie says… John had his camera set up to shoot JPEGs, but in order to be able to change the White Balance later (which can be important for horses with white blazes) you need to shoot in RAW. RAW files also mean you can often recover extra shadow or highlight detail.
pro’s kit bag ■ Nikon D610 ■ Nikon D700 ■ Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 ■ Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ■ Nikon 50mm f/1.8 ■ Nikon 16-35mm f/1.4 ■ Nikon SB-900 Speedlight ■ Gitzo monopod ■ Various reflectors ■ Sigma 90mm f/2.8 macro ■ Nikon 1.4x and 2x teleconverters ■ Polo mints! (see Killer Kit #02) ■ Fingerless cashmere gloves ■ Waterproof rain cover for the camera, as it’s
often wet and cold when I’m working.
November 2014
11
Hot Shot #02
EXPOSURE 1/1250 sec, f/2.8, ISO1800 LENS Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
12
November 2014
www.nphotomag.com