FREE Michael Freeman eBOOK worth £8.99! Issue 41 • January 2015 www.digitalcameraworld.com
FREE BOOK! Get Michael Freeman’s Perfect Exposure inside
Gear of The Year SPECIAL!
GO BEYOND THE MANUAL!
Practical tips to transform your photos Setting up Focusing Exposing Customising Troubleshooting BIG TEST
SUB-£1000 SHOWDOWN!
Nikopedia
THE ULTIMATE CREATIVE TOOL? Nikon expert Michael Freeman explores
Every DX-format Nikon reviewed and rated
how to make the most of depth of field
ESSENTIAL techniqueS
The moment you’re on land you’re vulnerable. If a hippo attacks you’re in danger – no photo is worth someone’s life Lou Coetzer, wildlife photographer p80
BE INSPIRED
Behold the year’s best landscapes! p20
FILTER FILTER The six best filter kits compared p114
Holiday
projectS
Quick and easy group shots, champagne abstracts and fantastic fireworks photos!
CHILD’S PLAY Discover the keys to candids of kids p52
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ways to GET even more OUT OF N-PHOTO
Welcome to issue 41 of…
1 Online… Catch up with Nikon news, get inspired & learn new skills
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ABOUT THE COVER
Title A winter morning at Abraham Lake Photographer Kevin McNeal Description Abraham Lake is known for its unusual patterns found in winter caused by the colder temperatures. You can access it for most of the winter and walk around to find interesting compositions such as ice bubbles and ice patterns. I liked the way the ice patterns formed an S-curve leading to the subject. The stunning blues in the foreground complemented the nice warmer tones in the sky. To accentuate the S-curve I got as low as possible to exaggerate size and really pull the viewer into the image. Website www.kevinmcnealphotography.com
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■ There’s no such thing as a free lunch, right? Well, maybe not. But there is such a thing as a free book. To celebrate the festive season, and to say a massive thank you for your support and custom over the last year, we’re giving away a digital edition of Michael Freeman’s superb, bestselling guide to exposure. You can find out more on page 74. If you prefer your nuggets of wisdom to be bite-sized, don’t miss Rod Lawton’s fantastic feature on 101 Nikon Secrets – even if you think you know your Nikon inside out, I guarantee there’ll be things here you didn’t know. In fact, consider it a challenge! And last but not least, we celebrate the best cameras and accessories of 2014 with our annual Gear of the Year Special – turn to page 107 to learn which camera took top honours. And speaking of top honours, thanks to you we recently bagged the coveted Pixel Trade Award for Photography Magazine of the Year for the third year running, which made for a nice early Christmas present. Thanks again, and happy holidays from us all!
Paul Grogan, Editor paul.grogan@futurenet.com
Start 2015 in style!
■ Got a new Nikon for Christmas, or an upgrade, and looking
for some inspiration? UK readers can now get print and digital editions of the magazine bundled together for one great low price. And we’ll even throw in a fantastic Manfrotto camera bag worth £69.99! For more details turn to page 40 or visit www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/NPHSUBS
Issue 41
For more contents listings go to page 5
January 2015
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80
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Cover feature
101 Nikon Secrets
Quick and easy ways to get more from your Nikon, whatever your level of expertise or favourite subject!
Nikon Skills Capture a cracker 44 Reach for the stars 48 50 Sharpen details Stitch up your kids 52 Feel festive with fizz 54 56 Create a bigger bang 58 Pass the drive test
Nikopedia 70
Cover feature
Take great festive group shots of your friends and family this Christmas
Cover feature
Cover feature
Set up a basic studio in your front room and create a fun photostitch
Cover feature
Take a seasonal picture with a difference: through a glass of bubbly!
One or two fireworks not enough? Create a composite image in minutes
Discover the drive modes available on your Nikon, and when to use each one
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January 2015
Cover feature
Winning images from the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2014 competition
Subscribe to N-Photo’s print or digital edition, or snap up a brilliant bargain bundle!
Capture sharp, perfectly-exposed photographs of exploding fireworks
Sharpen images in Camera Raw without bringing out unflattering details
Essentials Lightbox 20 40 Subscriptions offer 60 Over to You The N-Photo Interview 80 90 International print subscriptions 121 Next issue 122 My Best Shot
70
Cover feature
Nikon Know-how
Michael Freeman takes an in-depth look at depth of field: how you can control it, and how to use it more creatively
Your free book! 74 76 Nikon Software 78 Ask Rod Cover feature
Find out how to download your free copy of Michael Freeman’s Perfect Exposure
Explore Capture NX-D’s tools for converting RAW files singly and in batches Can’t choose a lens? Flash causing you problems? Whatever your question, Rod Lawton is the man with the answer!
Three photo stories packed with brilliant shots, plus all your rants and raves
Cover feature
Wildlife pro Lou Coetzer talks lenses, cameras and the hazards of shooting hippos!
If you live outside the UK you can make a big saving on the cover price here
The good stuff doesn’t end with this issue – here’s something to look forward to
Discover the poignant image that is travel pro Steve Davey’s favourite shot
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expert HANDS-ON video guideS When you see Whenever youthis see button this button, use press itthis to web see the link… accompanying http://bit.ly/NPhoto41 video, or click to view onour theonline play buttons videos below
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Cover feature Feast your eyes on shots from 2014’s Landscape Photographer of the Year competition
107
Take great group shots of friends and family over the holidays
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03
Sharpen an image in Camera Raw without adding artefacts
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Set up a studio in your front room and get the kids to pose!
05
Take an unusual party photograph through a glass of fizz
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Capture all the excitement and colour of fireworks
Cover feature Our pick of the finest Nikon-fit camera kit and accessories from the past year
Test Team Big Test 92 Cover feature
Nikon’s DX-format cameras include its most affordable SLRs, and some of its newest. We explore, rate and compare all five of the company’s current DX offerings
107 Gear of the Year
Our pick of the very best Nikon-fit camera equipment from 2014 – and it was a great year to be a Nikon user!
114
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Cover feature
Mini Test
From budget offerings to pro-quality with price to match, we’ve got the filter system to suit you in our roundup
www.digitalcameraworld.com
92
Get a bigger bang by making a firework composite in Photoshop
107 114 Discover your Nikon’s Convert your RAW range of drive modes, files to JPEGs for THE VIDEOS ANDto INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS DISCmuch ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND NOT and when use them wider compatibility ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY NIKON CORPORATION OR ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
January 2015
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The team posed together for a photo this issue – so what are their top tips for group shots?
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
Make sure you have a freshlyformatted memory card in your camera to begin with: you’ll take a lot of photos, and it’ll be useful if they’re all on one card.
Andrew Leung Art Editor | D5100
andrew.leung@futurenet.com
Try to get everyone wearing a limited selection of colours. With so many faces to look at, you don’t need lots of colours adding to the confusion.
Angela Nicholson Head of Testing | D7100 angela.nicholson@futurenet.com
Tripods and small children don’t mix! Never leave your camera unaccompanied on a stand when there are small people running around the place.
Miriam McDonald Operations Editor | D3100 miriam.mcdonald@futurenet.com
Wait until everyone’s had time to relax a bit and chat. If you start taking photos straight away, they’ll be less at ease and pose more rigidly.
Ali Jennings Lab manager | D800 ali.jennings@futurenet.com
You have to be bossy, or people will ‘organise’ themselves into all sorts of awkward groups. Make sure the shorter ones come to the front for the picture!
Rod Lawton Nikon Expert | D300s rod.lawton@futurenet.com
There are all sorts of lights in homes – yellowy bulbs in particular – and if you shoot in RAW you’ll be able to change the white balance later.
This issue’s special contributors… Claire Gillo
■ Claire got the team in order for this issue’s tutorial on taking group shots. A career catherding awaits! Page 44
Chris Rutter
■ Single shot or burst? Chris helps you work out which of your Nikon’s drive modes will best suit your subject. Page 58
George Cairns
■ George’s guide to sharpening a shot in Camera Raw will help you bring out the detail in your images. Page 50
James Paterson
■ Now that chimney sweeping’s not an option, James has had to put his children to work posing for photos… Page 52
Sarah J Thomas
■ Getting fantastic shots of kids is tricky. Expert Sarah shows this issue’s Apprentice the ropes. Page 8
Keith Wilson
■ Keith meets Lou Coetzer to discuss working on the veldt, and reveals Steve Davey’s best shot. Page 122
January 2015
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 Claire Harris Account Manager Marketing & circulation Charlotte Lloyd-Williams Direct Marketing Executive Michelle Brock Trade Marketing Manager 0207 429 3683 Print & production Vivienne Calvert Production Controller Mark Constance Production Manager International & licensing Regina Erak International Director regina.erak@futurenet.com, +44 (0)1225 442244 Management Nial Ferguson Content and Marketing Director Matthew Pierce Head of Content & Marketing: Photography, Creative & Design Chris George Group Editor-in-Chief Simon Middleweek Acting Group Art Director
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Maddick Non-executive chairman Peter Allen Chief financial officer Richard Haley
Lou Coetzer
■ He’s worked as a sports and studio pro, but wildlife photography is Lou’s true passion. Find out all about it on page 80.
Matthew Richards
■ Small is beautiful in Matthew’s world, as he looks at the complete current range of DX-format Nikons. Page 92
Our contributors Ben Andrews, Jeremy Barrett, Simon Blakesley, David Caudery, Steve Davey, Jerry Day, Marc Elliott, Michael Freeman, Mirek Galagus, Derek Gould, Ross Hoddinott, Simon Jauncey, Simon Lees, Mark Littlejohn, Harvey Lloyd-Thomas, Nuala Mahon, Bob Martin, Mike McNally, John Robinson Special thanks to… Art Pad, Bath & North-East Somerset Council
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N-Photo Magazine, Future Publishing Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, UK, BA1 1UA Editorial mail@nphotomag.com +44 (0)1225 442244 Subscriptions and back issues (UK) 0844 848 2852 (overseas) +44 (0)1604 251045 Subscriptions nphoto@myfavouritemagazines.co.uk Or go to www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/nphoto
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. Overseas distribution by Seymour International.
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. © Future Publishing Limited 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price and other details of products or services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any changes or updates to them. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Future a licence to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine, including licensed editions worldwide and in any physical or digital format throughout the world. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although every care is taken, neither Future nor its employees, agents or subcontractors shall be liable for loss or damage.
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).
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THE
Name Sarah J Thomas Cameras Nikon D810 ■ Sarah, who’s from Penarth, near Cardiff, specialises in shooting natural portraits of children on location. She established her photography business in 2007, but has over 25 years’ photography experience. As well as being a full-time child portrait photographer, Sarah also runs small group workshops to help aspiring or established photographers build on their skills. To find out more go to www.sarahjthomas.com
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January 2015
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Child photography masterclass
Name Mandi McCabe Cameras Nikon D3100 ■ Charity admin manager Mandi McCabe invested in her Nikon D3100 15 months ago and has never looked back. Being a mother of three with three grandchildren, Mandi wanted to learn how to take better portraits of her family. Mandi’s interest in photography began back in the 1970s at school when she would develop her own rolls of film. Although her interest in digital photography is relatively new, Mandi has a great grasp of the basics of photography.
The secret to getting natural-looking shots of kids, says child photographer Sarah J Thomas, is having fun, as she explains to this month’s Apprentice Mandi McCabe www.digitalcameraworld.com
January 2015
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Hot Shot #01
EXPOSURE 1/60 sec, f/5.6, ISO500 LENS Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
Columns and posing
Here, Sarah positions Lily against a column. Not only is the light good from this point but it also means Lily won’t move around too much from the spot. If you give a child something to lean against they’re more likely to stay in position for longer (although this is not guaranteed!).
At ease
Lily is very shy, and like most children nowadays she is well aware of what a camera is. It can take a little while to get them to relax and start acting and posing more naturally.
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January 2015
www.digitalcameraworld.com
Child photography masterclass
EXPERT INSIGHT Light and positioning Sarah prefers to shoot using natural light as it enhances her organic style out on location. As she’s talking and engaging with the child she’ll be turning them around to see how the light is falling on their face. In this indoor location she places Lily next to the large window and chats to her to make her feel more comfortable and less conscious of her new surroundings.
TECHNIQUE ASSESSMENT Work first, then play!
You can’t hang around when photographing kids. Was Mandi’s camera ready to start the shoot?
RAW vs JPEG
Sarah says… Although Mandi was used to shooting in JPEG, by switching to RAW she’ll get far more from the image file at the editing stage. This includes being able to correct the white balance setting and tweak the exposure. As you have to be fast with kids it pays to shoot in RAW to have that extra flexibility.
Manual control
OUR APPRENTICE says… Our first location at Dyffryn Gardens (www.nationaltrust.org. uk/dyffryn-gardens/) was inside its spectacular Victorian mansion. Large windows lined one side of the room so Sarah showed me how to use them as an effective natural light source. Our first model was three-yearold Lily, who was very shy initially. Sarah used props to grab Lily’s attention and help her overcome her shyness. Lily’s mum had packed a variety of dresses and Sarah asked Lily which one she wanted to wear, making Lily instantly feel more comfortable.
Pro’s Killer Kit #01 Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Sarah says… A versatile zoom lens such as a 24-70mm is a worthwhile investment. When photographing kids outdoors they move around a lot so you need to be fast. Having the f/2.8 setting is essential, as not only does it produce that idyllic softened background effect, it also greatly helps in low light.
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Sarah says… I like to shoot in Manual mode as that way I’m in complete control of my exposure. I also find Auto ISO a very useful feature as I can set my shutter speed and aperture, leaving my camera to balance the ISO (see feature, page 31). This is particularly useful when shooting in changing natural light, where I know what depth of field I want to achieve.
Focus options
Sarah says… When it comes to focusing I switch between the single AF setting and Nikon’s AF-C (Continuous Servo AF) feature. If there’s lots of movement I’ll opt for the latter. That way my camera’s focus is tracking the children as they play. (For more on shooting modes, turn to page 58.)
the pro’s kit
Sarah has lots of treats and goodies hidden inside her kit bag! She uses a range of lenses including a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 and a couple of prime lenses. Sarah recently invested in a Nikon D810, and has a Nikon D700 as a back-up body. Also on hand to help her out are lots of sweets and toys, including a cuddly teddy bear!
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OUR APPRENTICE says… After spending about half an hour inside with Lily we headed outdoors. With young children it helps to move around and change the scenery as they have short attention spans. This time we used the columns in a stone garden setting to our advantage. Lily has a classic look, which goes perfectly with this set-up. The sunlight was positioned behind Lily, catching the top of her hair. Although this can look effective, Lily has very light hair, and Sarah warned me to check I wasn’t blowing the highlights in my image. We moved Lily back a few inches into the shade, and I managed to capture this moment of her looking off into the distance.
Hot Shot #02
Get on their level
Sarah advises Mandi to get down low so she’s shooting at eye level, as this creates a more engaging image. Child photographers spend most of their time on the floor!
Pro’s Killer kit #02 Sweets! Sarah says… Kids love sweets and they’ll respond much better to you if you can bribe them! At the beginning of the shoot I tell them I have a special treat, and if they behave they’ll get a reward. Of course, I always check with parents first if this is okay.
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January 2015
Shoot in the shade Although natural light is the easiest to work with you still have to be aware of a few things. If you place a child in direct sunlight, they ‘ll squint, ruining the shot. Sarah suggests to Mandi to find large areas of shade to work with where the light is much softer.
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