Photography For Beginners Issue 44 - 2014 UK

You might also like

Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
You are on page 1of 100

Plain English award winner Jargon-free photo magazine

Find us on

share your shots!

Essential guides for Cameraphone | Compact | DSLR | Compact System Camera | iPad
SHOOT THE
NIGHT SKY
Discover how to capture the
moon, Milky Way and more

4 STEPS TO BETTER

Black
&White
 Shootingadvice  Strikingcompositions
 Monochromestyles  Editwithease
SAMSUNG
CAMERA W
300
ORTH

10 PROJECTS FOR INCREDIBLE


OUTDOOR SHOTS
LOWLIGHTTRICKS FREEPHOTOEDITS CAMERASRATED
Makegrainycameraphone Gettogrips with Picasa and Discover our verdict onthe
ISSUE 44
snapsathing ofthepast enhanceimages on a budget latest kit to be released
WELCOME
Issue 44

Capture
this shot on
Page 31

Welcome
5 essential skills Black and white photography is fantastic for capturing
you will learn the world in a unique way. Turn to page 18 to nd
in this issue out how to shoot without colour and re-create
artistic monochrome styles for your shots.
01 MONOCHROME TIPS On page 28, learn more creative photo
Shoot and edit your best-ever techniques and be inspired by our 10 outdoor
black and white photos on p18 projects, with something to try every season.
02 OUTDOOR PROJECTS To keep discovering our top photo tips and
Go outside and try our creative projects, make sure you subscribe to our digital
photo techniques on p28 editions. Photography For Beginners will now be
03 CREATE A FLIPBOOK a digital-only magazine, available to download
Find out how to bring your onto your Apple and Android devices each
action shots to life on p38 month. Visit www.greatdigitalmags.com to
04 SHOOT THE NIGHT SKY subscribe today.
On p56, learn how to shoot the
moon and stars in easy steps Dan Hutchinson
05 EDIT FOR FREE
Turn to p62 and master free Editor in chief
photo-editing program Picasa Follow us at @PFBMag

For more great photo tips, head to photoforbeginners.com


Get in touch with us Ask questions, leave feedback on the magazine or share your shots via the following social sites

@PFBMag PFBMag PFB Magazine pfbteam@imagine-publishing.co.uk photoforbeginners.com

Photography for Beginners 3


Issue 44
Contents
ESSENTIALS
84
Cameras
on test
Samsung NX3000
and more reviewed

06 Your photos
A gallery of our talented readers photos
10 Win PhotoStory Deluxe
Enter our latest competition to win
12 How to share your photos
The best ways to share your shots with us
14 Cameraphone innovations
and all the latest photography news
17 Win a Samsung NX mini
And memory cards for three runners-up
46 50% off Digital Photographer
Fantastic offers when you subscribe to DP
78 Your questions answered
Your photo problems solved by the team
82 Get to know your camera
Quick start guide to using your camera

18
84 Latest cameras reviewed
Which one is right for you?
94 Flash accessories
Clever gadgets for attering lighting
96 Canvas printing services

Steps to better
Display your best photos in style
98 Panning cheat sheet
Capture creative motion blur for impact

Master
56 black & white
Shoot and edit a monochrome masterpiece
astrophotography
Get to grips with the basics
of this fascinating genre
48
Retro still life
Add a vintage effect to your shots

WHAT THE ICONS MEAN Your quick-start guide to all the icons youll see in Photography for Beginners
Cameraphone: Compact:Small, DSLR: Usually more Compactsystem Shutterspeed:The Aperture: The depth
Smartphonesthat low-costandeasy- expensive, but camera:Goodimage timeyourshutteris of field of an image,
arealwayswithyou to-usecameras good image quality quality,lightweight openfor,inseconds as an f-number

4 Photography for Beginners


SUBSCRIBE TO... NTENTS

46 TM
GET MONE
OFF ISSU
ssue 44

28
10 outdoor
SHOOT
18 Better black and white
Easy steps to striking monochrome shots
28 Outdoor projects
10 ideas to kickstart your imagination
projects to 36 Improve indoor images
tryInspiring
today! ideas for
5 tips for working with tricky lighting
38 Make a fun photo ipbook
practising fun and Capture the action and bring it back to life
creative techniques
42 Write your name with light
Set up and shoot oating text
44 Story behind the shot
Creative indoor portrait secrets revealed
48 Still life with a theme
Give your photos some character
50 Low light smartphone tricks
Prevent blurry and grainy shots at night
54 App of the month
Add retro effects with the Afterlight app
Use natural light Capture reections Create symmetry
on p31 on p31 on p35
56 Master astrophotography
Shoot stunning images of the night sky

EDIT
62 Complete guide to Picasa
Enhance your shots with free software
70 Remove blemishes

50
Perfect your portraits with simple tools

Tips for low-light SHARE


72 Display a photo slideshow
photography Project a photo story from iPad to TV
Shoot after
dark on your 74 Create photo playing cards
cameraphone Turn shots into a game for all the family
76 Give your images as gifts
Turn your photos into special presents

Take low-light
..

portraits on p50
on m t.
ag .co a
BM rs s
PF ne t
or in o

...
h f eg sh

For back issues & more go to


arc rb r
se fo u
Or oto yo
are
ph
Sh
READERS GALLERY

Your photos
Take inspiration from some of our
favourite photos sent in by our
readers this month

Reader: Jason Harrison


Bedruthan Steps
I took this at Bedruthan
Steps in Cornwall. As I was
leaving, I saw the sun set in
just the right place, so I
quickly grabbed my camera.
Shot on: Panasonic LUMIX
DMC-FT5, ISO 160, f3.3,
1/800sec

6 Photography for Beginners


YOUR PHOTOS
Readers gallery

WIN!
A Sams
memoung 32GB
Every is
Sams sue, one w
ry card
ung inne
card o 32GB EVO S r will receiv
r e
www.sa prize of eqDHC memory a
Full te amsung
ual valu
rms .com e
availa and conditio /uk
ble on
line ns

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 7


YOUR PHOTOS
Readers gallery

Reader:
Sian Humphrey Reader: Des O'Connor
Stunt Bike Tree Sparrow
This was taken at "This was captured along the
Bournemouth Wheels East Coast near Flamborough,
Festival. This jumper was Yorkshire.
about 30ft off the ground. Shot on: Canon EOS 60D,
Shot on: Canon EOS 350D, 100-400mm lens @ 400mm,
ISO 320, f8, 1/1000sec ISO 320, f7.1, 1/100sec

Reader: Reader:
Karen Rich Simon Millward
Tiny Frog Sunset At Bournemouth Beach
I found this little guy in my This was taken looking
backyard and hurried to towards Bournemouth beach
capture a shot before he from Boscombe using a tripod
could leap away. and ND graduated lters.
Shot on: Pentax K-30, Shot on: Nikon D3200,
18-55mm lens @ 55mm, ISO 18-55mm lens @ 18mm,
200, f7.1, 1/100sec ISO 200, f22, 1/8sec

Reader: Phil Grey


Seagull
This was taken while on a
family day out to Dartmouth. I
was clicking away when the
gull suddenly dropped his
crab.
Shot on: Nikon D90,
18-105mm lens @ 105mm,
ISO 200, f5.6, 1/1000sec

8 Photography for Beginners


Win cameraphone
Send us your cameraphone shots and you could win a Manfrot
KLYP kit worth 95/approx $150. For more info head to www.
manfrotto.co.uk. Full terms and conditions available online.
Reader: Joe Ashton
Title: One Last Sunset ENTER NOW: Send your shots to pfbteam@imagine-publishing.co.uk
In Mauritius

Reader: Paul Sayer


Chesterton Windmill
This is a shot I took of Chesterton Windmill in
Warwickshire just before a fabulous sunset.
Shot on: Samsung Galaxy S4

Reader: Emily Hunwicks


Title: Sky Blush Reader: George Diakodimitris
Title: Wedding In Parga

Reader: Jan Zawada


Reader: Martin Dale Title: Canmore
Title: Stokesay Castle, North Tower

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 9


READERS' CHALLENGE
Stunning sunsets

WE CHALLENGED, YOU DELIVERED


Stunning sunsets Sunrises and sunsets are hugely popular to engaging as possible by including something in the
photograph, as they instantly bathe any scene in a foreground. In Issue 43 of Photography For
beautiful golden glow. However, they can also Beginners, we showed you all of the essential tips
present a few problems for photographers. As the you need for taking
sun is low in the sky, conditions can be quite dark,
making it difcult to produce well-exposed shots.
Some cameras have a sunset scene mode that will
stunning photos at
dawn and dusk. We
then challenged you PhotoStory
WIN!
Discover more about capturing the help you, or you could practise with manual modes, to send in your best Del uxe software
Send us your shots for a chance to win a copy
golden hours in PFB Issue 43. Find giving you more control over your shots. Whichever shots, and you of MAGIX PhotoStory 2014 Deluxe, courtesy
www.magix.com. This software, which allows
of
this issue and more at you to turn your photos into fantastic
mode you use, think carefully about the certainly slideshows, is worth 70/$70.

composition of your shot and try to make it as delivered

Reader: Caine Phillips


Faireld Church At Sunset
Faireld Church is a beautiful abandoned
church in Kent. This shot is three images
combined to make an HDR image.
Shot on: Nikon D5300, 18-55mm lens
@18mm, ISO 100, f8, 1/13sec

10 Photography for Beginners


READERS' CHALLENGE
Stunning sunsets

Reader: Marie Savage


Title: Sunset Silhouette

Sh
Reader: Neil Piper
your shaore
ts at Reader: Silvia Li
Title: Golden Horizon pho toforbeg Title: Framed

or search inners.com
PFBMag o
n

Reader: Christine Speck Reader: Damien Harrow


Title: Cuban Sunset Title: Folkestone Warren

Reader: Simone Torkington Reader: Kerry Riley


Title: Sunset Balloon Title: Summer Sunset

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 11


SHARE YOUR SHOTS
Heres how to show us your stunning snaps
Share on our social sites Join the Facebook, Twitter and Flickr communities
PFBMag @PFBMag PFB Magazine
Search for PFBMag and click the tab. On our Click the Compose New Tweet box and select Hit Upload to add images. Click on the image
page, hit Photo/Video, then Upload Photo/ Add An Image. Find your shot and click Open. you want to share, then click Share>Grab the
Video. Browse for your image, write a message Write some text, include @PFBMag, then click link. Email it to pfbteam@imagine-publishing.
and click Post for it to appear on our wall! Tweet and we will see your photo! co.uk or post it to us on Facebook or Twitter.

Also share on our website Head to www.photoforbeginners.com now


Create a gallery Be inspired Become our favourite! ALSO ONLINE
You can showcase your favourite Browse through all the different We pick our favourite shots to
images by creating your own categories to be inspired by highlight in our Featured Image The best of the rest
gallery page on our website. Its other readers photos and get section. This could be you soon, on our great website
quick and simple to set up. ideas of your own. so get uploading!
Competitions
Head to www.photoforbeginners.com and
enter our weekly competitions to win some
really fantastic prizes!
Enter the
Face-Off
Your shots are
entered into our
Face-Off
section and
pitted against
other peoples
have fun
watching your Tips and tutorials
Our website is piled high with step-by-step
score rise! tutorials and useful tips to help you take
better photos of any subject.

News and debate


We help you keep up-to-date with the latest
industry news and releases. You can also
get stuck into hot topics with our debates!

12 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


NEED TO KNOW
A snapshot of whats exciting us this month

Add full-sized lenses


to your cameraphone
Sony invents new interchangeable lens system
Sony is on a mission to improve the exibility and connect the two with the supplied clip if you wish,
quality of cameraphone photography, launching a or you can operate them independently to frame Introducing
new device that lets you use standard camera
lenses with your smartphone. It follows on from
photos from creative angles. In addition, the
device can shoot in the RAW le format, giving you
the QX30
the launch of the QX range in 2012, which includes much more control when editing your photos, plus Sony has also launched
a series of lens-style cameras that connect it features a pop-up ash that is designed to be the QX30, a lens-style
wirelessly to your phone. However, now Sony has more powerful and attering than your phones camera with a 30x
introduced the QX1, a lens mount that is built-in ash. To operate the device, you can use optical zoom. It has a
compatible with any Sony E-mount lens and the free Sony PlayMemories Mobile app, which versatile focal range of
contains a 20.1-megapixel sensor for producing features manual modes to give you plenty of 24-720mm and also
better-quality photos than your phone can. The control over your photography. The Sony ILCE-QX1
contains a 20.4MP
sensor. The QX30 is
QX1 connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and can be used with an iOS, Android or Windows
available for an RRP of
NFC, allowing you to use it as the viewnder for device and is available for an RRP of 249/$400. 249/$350.
framing your shots. You can also physically For more information, please visit www.sony.co.uk.

Instant connection
Near Field Communication
(NFC) lets you wirelessly
connect the two devices by
simply tapping them together.

Power supply
The QX1 contains its own
battery, capable of taking up to
400 shots, so it wont drain
your phones power.

Choose your zoom


Attach any of Sonys E-mount
lenses to the QX1 for more
control over your
cameraphones focal range.

Extra support Attach to your phone


The QX1 has a tripod mount on The supplied smartphone
the bottom, so you can keep it attachment adjusts to t any
steady and shoot completely device, so you can attach it to
hands-free. almost any cameraphone.

14 Photography for Beginners


NEED TO KNOW
News

Thismonthonphotoforbeginners.com
Create a fun self-portrait How to shoot backlit macro PLUS ALL THIS
Instead of the traditional pose and Almost anything can serve as a great How to photograph a
pout sele, get creative and produce photo subject, even your leftover fruit miniature scene
something unique. Follow our guide and veg from the kitchen. We will Tips for starting a
and discover clever editing tricks to show you how lighting your subject photo project
make it look as though you are really from behind can help you bring out Exciting competitions
colouring yourself in. more detail for stunning close-ups. and the latest news

The latest camera launches


with innovative new features

Product: Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GM5


Product: Nikon COOLPIX S6900 Product: Canon PowerShot SX60 HS Price: 769 (with 12-32mm lens)/$900
Price: 200/approx $327 Price: 450/$550 (with 12-35mm lens)
This new compact camera features a ip-out Canons new superzoom has an incredible Billed as the smallest interchangeable lens
LCD screen and built-in stand so you can 65x reach, stretching past many of its camera with a viewnder, the GM5 will easily
shoot hands-free seles with ease. You can competitors, plus a Zoom Framing Assist slip into your pocket and makes framing
even take a shot simply by waving your hand, mode that helps you keep your subject in shots in bright sunlight easy. You can also
or you can use the touch screen. Then the frame. It also has a ip-out screen for use the three-inch touch screen to navigate
retouch your photo in-camera and share it shooting from creative angles, and built-in through manual controls and activate RAW
online thanks to Wi-Fi and NFC. Wi-Fi for sharing your shots on the go. shooting, then share your shots via Wi-Fi.

Discover fun
photo projects
Take incredible photos in just ve minutes
Finding the time to practise your striking action shots. By following our
photography skills can be difcult, so practical advice and step-by-step
many cameras are often left to collect tutorials, you can produce your
dust in the corner instead of being put best-ever images in minutes.
to good use. To help you juggle your The 5 Minute Practical Projects book
daily life and learn new photo is available to download now onto your
techniques, we have put together the iOS device for just 1.99/$2.99. First,
5 Minute Practical Projects book. download the free Photography For
Inside, you will discover quick and easy Beginners app and then simply
guides for taking fantastic photos, purchase this new special edition
from vivid landscapes and stunning within it. For more information, visit
still life, to perfect portraits and www.greatdigitalmags.com.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 15


NEED TO KNOW
Join the debate

JOIN THE DEBATE THINGS WE LOVE


#PFBLoves

Do you visit camera 01 Nikon


SB-500

stores or shop online?


In recent years there has been a denite decline and-mortar camera retailers, or are the bargain Web: www.europe-nikon.com
in the number of camera stores on our high deals online just too good to resist? Join our debate Price: 200/approx $250
streets and in our shopping malls, with many and let us know your thoughts on the future of Nikons new compact ashgun
also features a built-in LED light
consumers now looking on the internet to nd the camera stores. Here's what our other readers and for providing extra illumination. It
best deals. But is there still a place for the bricks- our senior staff writer think. tilts and rotates to allow you to
angle the light how you want.

02 YouCam
Perfect app

Web: www.cyberlink.com
Price: Free
This Android and iOS app from
CyberLink aims to help you
shoot and edit the perfect sele.
Smooth skin, add frames and
lters and even apply make-up.

03 Eye
Cloud

OUR SENIOR STAFF WRITER JO STASS SAYS: Web: www.eye.com


Price: 35/approx $50 per year
It is very sad to see local camera stores staff on the shop oor. This is particularly useful if you Eyes cloud storage service is
closing down, as it is great to be able to are buying second-hand, as you can carefully check to designed to keep your photos
safe and secure, and let you
see and touch the latest cameras make sure the camera isnt damaged before you part access them from any device at
before you decide to buy. Getting with your cash. Unfortunately though, many retailers any time, even ofine.
hands-on gives you a real feel for the cant compete with the bargain prices online, leaving
camera, enabling you to properly judge the size and
build quality for yourself, as well as get advice from the
many photographers to rely on reviews to help them
decide which kit to buy.
04 QDOS
Q-PIC

What Photography For Beginners readers have to say


Rich Waine James Leason Julie Groat Wright @mystic_dan
I think people's personal I visit camera stores I don't know if camera I tend to buy lenses and
nances inuence where because you can have a stores have a future, but I small accessories online, Web: www.qdossound.com
they shop. I prefer to go to play with the kit and speak sure hope so. I like to see but cameras, bags & Price: 20/approx $33
shops because I like to see to experts. I'm not a fan of & hold camera equipment tripods in store so I can This Bluetooth remote control
for Apple and Android devices
the product I am buying. online shopping. before buying it. try them out rst. helps you shoot seles hands-
free. It comes in a range of
Sent in via Facebook Sent in via Facebook Sent in via Facebook Sent in via Twitter bright colours.

Search for #PFBLoves on


THE POLL RESULT ISIT STOR P ONLINE Y! Twitter to see what we love

16 Photography for Beginners


Join the debate at... Search for PFBMag on...

photoforbeginners.com
IN!
W A Samsung
NX mini
Plus three lucky runners-up will each get a
Samsung 16GB EVO microSD memory car
PLUS!
A 16G
SamsunBg
memory
card

Samsungs NX mini is an ultra-slim MobileLink allows you to share HOW TO ENTER:


and stylish compact system photos and albums with up to four Send your name, contact details and your
camera that will easily slip into friends with the tap of a button. best shot to us by 13 November 2014.
your pocket. The handy ip-up LCD For a chance to win this fantastic Email: pfbteam@imagine-publishing.co.uk
screen is perfect for framing seles camera, enter our competition now! Website: www.photoforbeginners.com
with ease, and Wink Shot mode will The winner and runners-up will also
automatically take the picture a few receive one of Samsungs brand
seconds after it detects you winking new 16GB EVO microSD cards that Terms and conditions
at the camera. can store thousands of photos, and This competition is open to residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Imagine Publishing has the right to substitute the prize with a similar
Tag & Go connectivity lets you boasts ultra-high-speed item of equal or higher value. Camera colours may vary. Employees of
Imagine Publishing (including freelancers), Samsung, their relatives or
wirelessly connect the NX mini to performance for capturing images any agents are not eligible to enter. The editors decision is nal and no
correspondence will be entered into. Prizes cannot be exchanged for
your smartphone, instantly and transferring them to PC quickly. cash. Full terms and conditions are available on request. From time to
time, Imagine Publishing or its agents may send you related material or
transferring shots to your device for To nd out more, visit www. special offers. If you do not wish to receive this, please state clearly on
samsung.com. your competition entry.
online sharing. Meanwhile,

Photography for Beginners 17


SHOOTING
Black & white

18 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Black & white
Texture's
Textured
best
su
in black rfaces look gre
an at
help to c d white, as they
re
interest. ate depth and
Wh
vista, inc en shooting a
lude
the fore some in
ground

Ultimate guide to black


& white photography
Create your best-ever monochrome masterpiece with our simple
steps for shooting and editing your captures
Photography is a fantastic way to capture landscapes look more dramatic. Of Creating stunning black and white
scenes in unique and creative ways, and course, back in the early days of film photos really is a lot easier than it looks,
one of the most popular techniques for photography, you had no choice other and over the next few pages, we will show
this is to remove colour from your shots. than to capture the scene in black and you exactly how. Discover the simple
Black and white photography gives you an white. But now that we are used to steps to shooting perfect images that will
entirely new perspective on the world, as glorious technicolour, it can be tricky to go look even better without colour, learn
without colour you are encouraged to pay back to a world without colour. Luckily, the what to look for in a striking black and
attention to the textures, details and wonders of todays image editing white scene, and master artistic
patterns that you may have otherwise software make it easier than ever to monochrome styles to produce truly
overlooked. It can also help to enhance convert your photos to black and white, creative shots. Finally, we will show you
the scene, softening skin tones for with some programs allowing you to the best way to transform your colour
flattering portraits and making cloudy remove the colour with just one click. snaps into a black and white masterpiece.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 19


SHOOTING
Black & white

Simple steps to black and white


Set up and shoot an image t for monochrome
When shooting an image to convert to black and white, you perfect shot. However, for more control over your images,
should follow the same rules that you would for taking a use a manual or semi-manual mode. Aperture Priority mode
regular image. Make sure that the exposure is correct, with is a good place to start as it will take care of the shutter
plenty of detail throughout, and that your subject appears speed for you. All you have to do is set a wide aperture
perfectly pin-sharp. If your camera doesnt have manual (small f-number) if you want to blur the background, eg for
modes, or if youre not confident enough to use them, then portraits, or a narrow aperture (large f-number) to keep
stick to auto or explore your scene modes to take the everything in focus, eg for landscapes.

SHOOT IN RAW

01 If your camera will let you shoot in the RAW le


format, use it so that you will have lots more
control when editing your shot and converting it to
black and white.

20 Photography for Beginners


Instant effects Control grain
02 Most digital cameras have built-in black and white lters that
allow you to shoot without colour. These are great for
previewing the monochrome effect to see what your shot will look like,
03 When shooting in manual and semi-manual modes, you will
have full control over your cameras ISO settings. This lets you
adjust the image sensors sensitivity to light, with a higher value
but make sure that you take your nal shot in colour. This will allow you increasing the sensitivity for brighter shots. However, high ISOs also
to have much more control when you convert your shot later, plus youll reduce the quality of your images, creating a grainy effect. This can look
have a coloured version as a backup, just in case you decide that you quite effective if you want monochrome images with a grittier or
dont like it in black and white. Some cameras will let you take a old-style look, but for crisp, detailed shots, try to keep your ISO as low
coloured and monochrome version simultaneously, so youll have one as possible.
thats ready to share straight away, and one that you can take time
editing yourself.
GRAINY SHOTS
High ISO values will make
your images appear noisy,
with digital grain that can
sometimes look stylish in
black and white.

SMOOTH QUALITY
For the best quality
shots, set your ISO to
the lowest value
possible to avoid any
digital grain.

Correct exposure
04 Achieving the perfect
exposure is particularly
important for black and white
images. Dark shadows and
blown-out highlights will be even
more obvious when the colour is
removed, appearing as
featureless areas of plain black or
bright white in your photos. In
auto and semi-manual modes FIX OVEREXPOSED
your camera will expose your PHOTOS
shots for you, but if youre not Setting your exposure compensation to a
happy with the results then there negative value will allow you to rescue
is an easy way to override it. overexposed images with missing detail.
Exposure compensation lets you
easily brighten up or darken your
shot with a simple scale for
instant results.

PERFECT EXPOSURE CORRECT UNDEREXPOSED


A well-exposed image should SHOTS
have plenty of detail throughout, To brighten up photos with detail lost in
but dont avoid shadows dark shadows, set your exposure
completely as they will add compensation to a positive value to
contrast and depth to your shots. brighten it.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 21


SHOOTING
Black & white

Capture striking scenes


Create monochrome images with plenty of impact
Considering the composition of your photos is
even more important when shooting for black
and white. Without colour to grab peoples DULL VISTAS
attention, you will need to use other methods to
make your shot more engaging. Firstly, you need
to think about what you are including in the
frame, as certain subjects wont work
particularly well for black and white. Then you
also need to decide how to position your
subject within your photo to make it as
interesting as possible. Look for natural lines
that guide the viewer through your shot, and
position your main subject a third of the way
into the frame for more impact. Youll also need Avoid shooting plain blue or bright overcast
to consider colour tones to control the look of skies, as they will just appear as a large
your images. expanse of grey or white in your shots

Choosing
monochrome
subjects
What to look for when
deciding what to shoot
You can produce brilliant black and white
shots with almost any genre of photography,
from landscapes and portraits to wildlife and Look for contrast Find patterns
still life. However, there are certain things you Contrast between shadows and highlights and the Striking patterns will look just as engaging without
different colour tones in your image will help to colour as they will naturally feature contrasting
should look for to ensure your captures look separate the different parts of your image when colours and shapes. Look for patterns that catch
truly striking without colour there is no colour, creating a more interesting image. your eye and see what they look like in monochrome.

22 Photography for Beginners


STORMY SKIES
Consider your
Cloudy skies look really effective in black colour tones
and white as they have plenty of contrast,
which makes for a more dramatic image.
Work with colour for
brilliant black & whites

Colour adjustments
Enhance specic tones in your shot by
attaching coloured lters to your camera,
or by adjusting the tones individually
when you convert with editing software.

Green lter
To darken red and blue tones in your
image and boost the contrast between
the green hues in your photo, increase
the greens with a lter or when editing.

Blue lter
An increase in the blue tones in your
photo will make reds and greens appear
darker but also brighten up the blues,
leaving cloudy blue skies lacking contrast.

Search for textures Keep it simple


Red lter
Boosting the red tones in your shot will
Smooth, at surfaces can look quite dull without Simplicity is usually key for black and white shots, as
colour, so look for textured surfaces with a bit more cluttered scenes will make it difcult to pick out your not only lighten any red subjects, but it
depth. Animal fur, tree bark and rope all make great main subject when they are not highlighted by colour. will also darken blue and green tones for
monochrome subjects for this very reason. Less is more, so dont include too much in the frame. more contrast in the land and sky.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 23


SHOOTING
Black & white

Monochrome styles
Achieve classic black and white
effects for artistic images
There is a lot more to black and white
photography than simply removing the colour
from your shots. The genre has its own set of
creative styles that can each give your images
an entirely new look. Re-creating these effects
can really help to enhance your images and
complement your subject, adding more impact
to make your photo really stand out from the
crowd. There are lots of different monochrome
styles to experiment with, but here we will show
you some of the most popular. Some can be
achieved in-camera, but others will require a
bit of editing to achieve perfect results. So
grab your camera and computer and try out
some of our creative projects.

STUNNING HIGH-KEY
High-key photos are generally very bright, with
plain white backdrops and very few areas of
shadow. This style of image is not reserved for
black and white photography, but due to the
abundance of white in the frame, it looks
particularly effective without any colour at all.
Typically used for shooting portraits and still
life, high-key photography requires you to
overexpose the background of your shot.
Position your subject against a bright
background with the light behind them, then
switch to Aperture Priority mode and use a
small f-number to ensure that your camera
captures as much light as possible. If the
background of your shot still doesnt look
completely overexposed, set your exposure
compensation to a positive value to brighten it
up even more.

24 Photography for Beginners


Dramatic low-key Old-fashioned feel
Low-key involves shooting against a dark backdrop with lots of shadows As well as creating stylish and modern monochrome images, black and
in your images. It can help you produce some really dramatic and white also lends itself to producing photos with an old-fashioned feel,
moody-looking portrait and still-life shots, and works well for black and just like those taken with early lm cameras. To achieve this look, dont
white images. Youll need to shoot in a dark environment, either be afraid to shoot with a high ISO value to create a grainy effect and
outdoors at night or in a dark room, and use a single light source to then slightly reduce the contrast in your image when removing the
illuminate your subject. Experiment with the position of the light source colour for a faded look. To really re-create the appearance of an old
to create striking shadows across your subject. Lighting from the side photo print, add a sepia effect and apply a vignette by darkening the
typically works quite well, as it will leave half of your subject in darkness. outer edges of your shot.

APPLY A SEPIA EFFECT


Many editing programs and apps have retro
effects that you can apply instantly, or you
can adjust the colour tones to do it yourself. ORIGINAL

Add some colour


You dont have to completely remove the colour from your photos to
produce a striking image. Colouring one subject back in, or bringing
back one colour tone in your shot can look really creative and allow you
to draw attention to a particular part of your shot. Some cameras have
built-in selective or partial colour creative modes to achieve the effect
in-camera, but editing your images yourself will give you the best
results. You could select everything apart from your subject and then
remove the colour, but for more intricate subjects there is a much more
effective method.

Duplicate
the layer
01 Open your
image and go
to Layer>Duplicate
Layer. Convert the
top layer to black
and white and then
add a layer mask in
the Layers panel.

Colour it in
02 Select the
Brush tool
then set the colour
to black and the
Opacity to 100%. You
can now paint over
your subject to
reveal the coloured
layer underneath.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 25


SHOOTING
Black & white

Convert coloured
captures to black
and white
Edit tricks for creating
your best-ever
monochrome images
If you have taken your photo in colour, then
you can really take your time with your black
and white conversion to ensure that your
image has as much impact as possible. You
can also fix exposure to make sure your ORIGINAL
shots wont be left with any bright white or
black patches, and apply some sharpening
to make sure as much detail as possible is have o
visible. However, if youre in a hurry or just Alternatively, you could use an app on your
dont fancy spending lots of time in front of smartphone or tablet that will allow you to
your computer, then most editing programs apply instant monochrome effects.

Remove the colour


Transform your shot with Photoshop Elements

Convert to black and white Adjust the levels Control the curves
01 To remove the colour from your photo,
go to Enhance>Convert to Black and
White. Select the style that best suits your
02 To adjust the tones in your photo
some more, go to Enhance>Adjust
Lighting>Levels. Move the arrows underneath
03 Next go to Enhance>Adjust Color>
Adjust Color Curves and set the style
to Default. Boost the Midtone Contrast slider
shot, then experiment with adjusting the the histogram graph until you see a bit more to add some denition to your shot, and use
colour tones and contrast until you are happy. detail appear in the shadows and highlights. the other sliders to x any exposure issues.

Bring back detail Add some grain Apply a vignette


04 Any bright highlights and dark shadows
will be white or black patches in your
shot. To x these areas, use the Dodge and
05 To add a bit of character to your photo,
give it a subtle grainy texture. Go to
Filter>Artistic>Film Grain, then apply a small
06 Give your photo a bit more depth by
moving to the Guided tab in Elements
and selecting Vignette Effect from the Photo
Burn tools. Set the Exposure to 60%, then amount of grain and keep the intensity of the Effects menu. Apply a black vignette and
Dodge to brighten and Burn to darken. effect low so it is not overpowering. adjust the intensity to darken the edges.

26 Photography for Beginners


THE STORIES, STRATEGIES, HEROES & MACHINES
www.historyofwar.co.uk

Available
from all good
newsagents and
supermarkets

ON SALE NOW
> Lincoln vs the South > Northern Ireland erupts > Victory at Agincourt > World War I
GREAT BATTLES MILITARY MACHINES HEROES OF WAR SECRETS & INSIGHT INCREDIBLE PHOTOS

BUY YOUR ISSUE TODAY


Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com
Available on the following platforms

facebook.com/HistoryofWarMag twitter.com/@HistoryofWarMag
SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

10 outdoor
Natures colours
Any landscape will make a
great subject for this project,
but including a tree in your
composition will help you
show the changing colour of

projects to
the leaves.

try today
Get outside and capture creative
images of any scene with our
practical projects
The great outdoors is a wonderful scenes with creative motion blur.
source of inspiration for your Discover how to capture stunning
photography. There is so much to photos of the local wildlife, and
see and shoot that you will never fantastic action shots in the open
run out of opportunities to practise air. Theres also top advice for
your skills and produce stunning photographing water creatively, plus
shots. Better still, the outside world a step-by-step guide for making your
is constantly changing, from year to portrait subject look as through they
year, season to season, and even are floating in mid-air.
day to day, so you can revisit the First though, prepare for your
same spot again and again yet outdoor adventures with our top tips
always produce a different shot. for planning ahead and making sure
With so many potential photo you make the most of each outing.
subjects available, it can be difficult Then we will kick off the outdoor
to decide exactly what to shoot, so projects by showing you how to
we have put together a few photo capture the changing seasons with
project suggestions for you to try. a spectacular photomontage. If
No matter what time of year it is, youre struggling to get motivated,
there will be something fun and you could even challenge yourself to
creative in these pages for you to complete all ten in a set period of
have a go at. We will show you how time, ticking them off as you go. So
to take atmospheric portraits in low pick up your camera, head outside,
light, using lens flare to your and start capturing your best-ever
advantage, and shoot striking street images today.

Outdoor photography tips


Find a spot Check conditions Protect your gear Consider lighting Pack your bag Start a project
Do some research to Before heading out, take If youre going to be Natural light will have a Think carefully about the To narrow down your
nd great photo spots to a look at the weather shooting in wet or cold big effect on the look of kit you will need before overwhelming choice of
visit in your local area, forecast to nd out what conditions, then make your shots, so it may you go out on your shoot. subjects, start a
such as zoos, public conditions you can sure you and your impact the time of day A tripod will help you photography project to
parks or picturesque expect. Bright midday camera are protected. you shoot. Dawn and keep your camera steady re up your imagination.
countryside. sun is not always best for Consider placing your dusk will provide the in low light, while lters For example, look for
Alternatively, you could landscapes, especially if camera in a clear plastic softest light for your will allow you to control letters or shapes in
stay even closer to home youre looking for cloud bag to keep the rain off photos as the sun will be the light for creative nature, shoot only one
and nd plants and birds interest, and overcast and ensure the battery lower in the sky, and cast effects. A waterproof colour, or look for a
to shoot in your own days are more attering stays warm for optimum a lovely golden glow over case will also come in subject for each letter
back garden. for portraits. performance. your subject. handy in a downpour. of the alphabet.

28 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

Set a
re
To help yo
m inder
u remember to
each ph take
oto
reminde graph, set up
r on you a
prompt r phone
you whe to
season n th
changes e

1. Record
the seasons
Create a photomontage of the
ever-changing landscape
As the seasons change, so does the landscape,
with each spectacular vista looking completely
different from one month to the next. To show this
change, take a photo from the same spot every
three months. Once you have four photos, compile
them into a collage or photomontage to show the
seasons changing in one fascinating image. Many
editing programs have handy functions for
combining your shots automatically, or you could
use an app on your smartphone or tablet to make it
even simpler. Alternatively, you could take your Precise composition previous
When you take a new shot, bring the
photos more regularly and turn them into a you so that you can line it up exactly
one with
the same. A tripod will help with this.
time-lapse video using movie editing software or an
app. This will allow you to speed up the change to
show a whole year in just a few seconds.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 29


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

2. Get close-up Keep an


w
Natures
onders

with nature
eye ou t for inte
patterns resting
, tex
that will tures and details
show up
photogra in your
phs
may have but others
missed

Reveal the hidden details in the


world around you
When you are out with your camera, dont just
admire the wider view. Look closely at the smaller
things around you too, as they can be just as
fascinating to include in your photos. Natural
subjects such as flowers and leaves are particularly
interesting, as they have lots of intricate details
that will look great when photographed up close for
stunning macro shots. Man-made objects make
great macro shots too though, so pay attention to
the details of nearby buildings, fences, vehicles and
other structures.
You can take close-up snaps with any camera,
but if you want to get really close to your subject
then it is worth investing in a macro lens, extension
tubes or close-up filters.

Shoot macro Take a close-up shot in three easy steps

Set your mode Focus manually Check the shot


Use Macro mode, or if you want more Your camera may have a macro focus Once you have taken your photo, bring
control, switch to Aperture Priority mode. If it doesnt, see if your camera it up on your camera screen and zoom
mode and use a wide aperture (small will allow you to manually focus, or use in to check that it is sharp. If it looks a
f-number) to blur the background. Selective Autofocus. little soft, re-focus and shoot again.

30 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

3. Shoot an
atmospheric
portrait
Use natural light to create
a dreamy photo
Natural light is often the most flattering for
portraits, but certain times of day are better for
shooting than others. For example, the hours just
before sunset and just after sunrise are ideal. As
the sun is low in the sky, it casts a
lovely soft light across the scene Pick your settings
To capture plenty of light and
that can improve almost any
blur the background, use Portrait
outdoor photo. Position your portrait Bright an mode or switch to Aperture
subject so that the sun is behind beautifu d Priority and pick a small f-number.
them to prevent them from If your s l
dark, re ubject appears
your as to
squinting in your shots, but try to light, or h to ll in o
use a re the
bounce it ec tor
include the sun in the background back into to
their fac
of your photo. This will cause some e
creative lens flare and reduce the
contrast in your photo, giving it an
atmospheric, dreamy quality and
naturally softening their skin.

4. Include
reections
Use water and windows to
enhance your shots
If youre taking photos near still water, buildings with
windows or any other shiny surface, look to see if
there is anything reflected in it. This can present you
with fantastic photo opportunities for producing
creative shots. For example, a landscape reflected in
a lake will allow you to duplicate the scene and make
your photo twice as great, while a window-covered
building means that you can capture more of your
surroundings in one shot. You could even take a
portrait of someone reflected in a window, or capture
a mirror image in a puddle on the ground.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 31


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

5. Capture a striking
street scene
Control blur to record the hustle and
bustle of urban life
Even busy towns and cities make great
places to practise your photography
skills. As well as shooting the local
architecture, you can also capture
people going about their everyday lives
or pluck up the courage to ask a
stranger to pose for you. There are
several different techniques you can try
out in urban areas, including flexing your
black and white photo skills with help
from our guide on page 18. If you want
to take some candid street shots, then
you will need to master the art of
shooting undetected and be able to
control the appearance of blur in your
photos. Follow our guide to find out how.

Snap on the street Record the busy world around you

Set the speed Adjust the screen Use the zoom


To take a shot with no blur, set a fast If you dont want to make it obvious To get great close-ups of people
shutter speed of 1/125sec or faster. that youre taking photos, shoot from without them noticing your camera,
To create a sense of movement, slow the hip and use your cameras LCD make use of your zoom to get closer
it down to capture some motion blur. screen to frame your shots. while still keeping your distance.

32 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

Stre
portraeitts
If you wa
6. Track wild
creatures
portrait nt to take a p
o ose
ask their f a stranger, polit d
permiss ely
offer to ion a
send the nd then
photo as m the
a thank
you

Photograph amazing
animals in the wild
With their unpredictable and wary nature, wild animals are
notoriously difficult to capture on camera. However, this is what
makes it so rewarding when you do manage to get a great shot.
There are a few tricks that you can keep up your sleeve
to improve your chances too. Planning ahead and
researching your subject will help you be in the
right place at the right time, and you can
always entice them into view with some
Avoid
For sharp
blur
food. Use your zoom to get great close-ups shots, u
scene se an ac
ti
from a distance and also make sure that camera mode or set yo on
to Shutt ur
er Priority a
you keep as still and quiet as possible so as use a sh
utte nd
1/250se r speed of
not to scare them off. c or faste
r

Shoot handheld
When taking photos on the
street, stay clear of using a
tripod so that you can move
around easily and avoid
getting in peoples way.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 33


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

7. Make your
subject oat
Take a creative portrait
with a difference
There are all sorts of fun ideas you can use to spice
up your portrait shots, plus it will help to keep your
subject entertained during the shoot. You could do
something simple such as introduce props, for
example flowers or a hat, or try wacky poses like
jumping in the air. However, if you want to get really
creative then you can employ some editing tricks
too. In just a few clever steps, its easy to make
your subject appear as though they are floating in
mid-air. All you need is a stool for them to sit or
stand on, and some editing software for removing
the support later. You could even get your subject
to hold balloons or an umbrella to really enhance
the floating effect.

Keep it
s
If the ba
imple
c
photo is kground of your
should o really simple, yo
nly u
shot and need to take o
rem ne
in editin ove the stool
g softwa
re

Create a levitating effect Shoot and edit your magical photo

Take the rst shot now capture the second Then remove the stool
Find a simple backdrop for your shot. Next, stay where you are but get your Open the background image in editing
Set your camera on a tripod or sturdy model to move out of the frame and software, then place the other photo
surface and take a photo of your take the stool with them. Now take a on top. Add a layer mask then brush
subject sitting or standing on a stool. photo of the empty backdrop. over the stool with a black brush.

34 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
10 outdoor projects

8. Smooth To avoid
Keep it
sharp
jogging the

moving water
and cau camera
sing
the shutt blur when you
er, use a re
shutter remote
re
activate lease or
self-time
r

Take stunning shots of


seascapes and waterfalls
When photographing moving water, there is a simple trick
you can use to make your shots even more impressive. Set
your camera on a tripod or sturdy surface and switch it to
Shutter Priority mode. Now set a slow shutter speed,
anything slower then one second, and take a photo of the
water. The long exposure will have recorded the movement
of the water as blur, smoothing it out. To blur it more, simply
use a slower shutter speed that will keep the shutter open
for a longer period of time. The tripod is essential for keeping
the camera steady and ensuring that the water is the only
thing blurred in your shot, and you will need to attach an ND
filter for really slow shutter speeds on bright days.

9. Look for
symmetry
Line it up for a pleasing photo
10. Take
A really easy way to create an engaging photo is to make it
symmetrical. Of course, this requires you to find a subject or scene
with perfect symmetry, but that is much easier than you might
an action
shot
think. Examples of symmetry can regularly be found in
architecture, as structures are typically built with perfect
proportions. However, you could also look out for symmetrical
subjects in nature too, as examples can sometimes be found in
flowers and plants. When composing your shot, position your
subject in the centre for maximum impact, switching on your
Freeze movement for
cameras gridline display if you need help lining things up. striking split-second shots
Photography is great for revealing things that we
might otherwise miss with the naked eye, and
action shots are a perfect example. By using an
action scene mode or a fast shutter speed in
Shutter Priority mode, you can freeze any
movement within the frame to record a split-
second of action too quick for you to register. To
practise this technique, try photographing a
sporting event or even a vehicle in motion.
Alternatively, you could take an action portrait,
getting your subject to jump or run around or
throw some leaves in the air.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 35


SHOOTING
Quick tips

5 tips for working


with indoor lighting
Take better shots indoors and under difcult light
Shooting indoors can be tricky due to a lack
of light and odd colours appearing in your Use window light Set white balance
shots. Some light bulbs can wreak havoc on If youre photographing indoors during the Prevent colour casts by changing your
your images, and create orange or purple day, try to make as much use of natural cameras white balance setting to suit the
colour casts that are hard to remove in light as possible. Position the subject next source of light. For warm incandescent
editing. There are, however, a few steps to a brightly lit window and use a reector light, select the light bulb icon in the white
that you can take to improve them to bounce light into the shadow areas. balance menu, which will cool down shots.

Open the aperture Increase the ISO Work with ash


Select Aperture Priority mode on your ISO determines how sensitive the cameras If theres a lack of light indoors, use a
camera and set a wide aperture (small sensor is to light. The higher the ISO value, ashgun to illuminate your subject. Always
f-number). This will expand the opening the brighter your shots will appear. Select remember to adjust the ash head so that
inside the lens so that more light is let in, higher values if youre struggling the ash light bounces off the wall or ceiling
which is useful if its dark indoors. to get a good exposure. rst, which will give a more attering effect.

Prevent colour
casts from
appearing in
your shots by
changing your
cameras white
balance setting
36 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com
WATCH

NOW

I N S P IR IN G P OR TRA ITS
Learning lighting can be an inspiring
experience when you have the right
lights...and the right teacher.

Building dramatic portrait


lighting one light at a time...
by Tony Corbell.

;VUKV\[OV^[OPZPTHNL^HZ
lit watch the video online.

TeamBOWENS.com

%RZHQVFRXN
SHOOTING
Create a ipbook

Bring action shots to


life with a ipbook
Flick through your photos to re-create a precious memory

Control
the burslett you
Some cameras
nt burst
choose dif fere
e one that
speeds. Pick th
pace of
best suits the
are
the action you
shooting

38 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Create a ipbook

Your camera is a fantastic tool for capturing motion with your static action shots. If you take a WHAT YOULL NEED
eeting moments so that you can preserve them burst of images showing the change of position of Digital camera
Editing software
forever. Whether its your childs rst steps, a your subject, you can then display them in a Internet connection
runner crossing the nish line or a skateboarder ipbook to replay the moment. As you quickly ick
mid-jump, you can control the shutter speed to through the pages of your book, youll see a sort of WE USED
Nikon D3200
freeze them in the frame and snap a split-second stop-motion animation sequence of the action as Photoshop Elements
of action that you may even have missed with your it happened. Of course, you could always create an Snapsh.co.uk
own eyes. The only problem with action shots is actual animation from your photos, using video
YOU COULD USE
that although they look impressive, they can also editing software or one of our recommended apps Any digital camera
appear a little static, not really conveying the over the page to quickly play one shot after the GIMP
Vistaprint.co.uk
speed and movement of your subject. You could other and create a fun movie from your shots. Printer
overcome this by using a slightly slower shutter Over the next few pages, we will show you how
speed that records some motion blur, showing to shoot a series of dynamic action shots and edit WHAT YOULL LEARN
How to shoot a series of
that there was indeed some movement in front of them with Photoshop Elements. You can then action shots
the lens, or even employ the panning technique in follow our guide to turn your sequence of images How to x common
photo problems
which you swivel the camera with your subject to into a fun ipbook with help from Snapsh. How to create your own
create some directional background blur. However, However, if youre feeling crafty, well also show you photo ipbook
there is a way that you can re-create a sense of how to make it yourself at home.

Shoot Take striking action shots

Set the speed Adjust the sensitivity Keep it sharp


01 To ensure that your action shots are
crisp and blur-free, you will need to use
a fast shutter speed of 1/125sec or faster to
02 If youre shooting outdoors on a bright
day, keep your ISO at its lowest setting
for high-quality shots. However, if your images
03 Using Continuous Autofocus mode
(known as AI Servo on Canon and AF-C
on Nikon) will get your camera to refocus the
freeze them in the frame. Switch to Shutter appear too dark, boost the ISO to increase the shot each time your subject moves, helping
Priority mode or use an action scene mode. sensitivity and brighten them up. you to keep them perfectly sharp.

Control the colours Shoot a burst Find your angle


04 Different light sources have different
colour temperatures, and this can give
your shots unusual colour casts. To avoid this,
05 Rather than having to continuously
re-press the shutter to create all of
your photos, switch to Burst mode to
06 Experiment with different shooting
positions to nd the best angle to
capture the action from. Zoom in to get a little
set your white balance to suit your lighting, eg automatically re off a series of shots in quick closer, but make sure there is enough space
set it to Cloudy if its an overcast day. succession by holding down the shutter. around your subject to t them in every frame.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 39


SHOOTING
Create a ipbook

Make a Edit Enhance your photos with Photoshop Elements


ipbook
at home

Print your shots


Start by printing all of your photos, making sure
each print is the same size and on the same type
of paper. It helps to print them in order, otherwise
Edit multiple shots Apply auto edits
you will have to rearrange them.
01 To x all of your photos at once, put
them in one folder and go to File>
Process Multiple Files. Set your folder as the
02 Now tick all of the Quick Fix options
and click OK. Your photos will then be
edited and saved into your destination folder.
Source and choose a Destination folder or tick If you want to make more advanced edits, you
Same As Source to replace the originals. will need to adjust each shot individually.

Fix them together


Gather all of your prints in order then fasten them
together on one side using some bulldog clips. If
you only have a few prints, you could staple them
or use a hole-punch and string instead.

Enhance the sky Add your gradient


03 To turn an overcast sky blue, use the
Quick Selection tool to select it and
then click on the Gradient tool. Click the Edit
04 After adjusting the smoothness of your
gradient, click OK and then draw a line
from the top of your selection down to just
Flick through the book
With your prints securely xed together, hold your button and pick a Foreground to Transparent below the horizon. The length of the line you
book at the spine and use your thumb to quickly
ick through the pages. Youll then see your gradient and set the colour to sky blue. draw will affect the look of your gradient.
subject move through the frame.

3 OF THE BEST
Time-lapse
apps
Hyperlapse Free (iOS)
This app from the makers of
Instagram lets you lm the action and
then speed up your video to condense
it down into just a few seconds.

Lapse It Free (iOS/Android)


Shoot a series of photos and then
compile them into a short video that
you can even add lter effects and Use the Clone Stamp Remove distractions
background music to.

Stop Motion Studio Free (iOS)


Turn photos into a stop motion
05 If there are any distractions in the
background of your shot that you just
couldnt avoid, select the Clone Stamp tool.
06 With a plain area copied, click on the
distraction to paste it over the top.
You will need to repeat the process to remove
animation, and you can even use Set the Opacity to 100% and then click on a the whole thing, and copy an area right next to
green screen mode to change the
background. plain section of your shot while holding Opt/Alt. it for an exact match.

40 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Create a ipbook

Share Create a ipbook with Snapsh

Upload your photos Choose a book Select your photos


01 Visit www.snapsh.com and create an
account or log in to an existing one.
Click the Upload button, then name your new
02 Once your photos have uploaded, click
Create your book or select the Photo
Books tab on the home page. Choose one of
03 Now select the album containing your
photos and then click on the ones you
would like to include in your book. You can use
photo album and choose your preferences the ipbook options and select a style. You from one to 45 images to create your ipbook,
before selecting photos to upload. can choose a coloured border or keep it plain. but try to use a minimum of ten.

Fast or slow Give as a gift Frame up Take care


You can use your Flipbooks make great Position your When editing your
ipbook to replay gifts so why not subject away from shots, make sure
fast-paced action, photograph a loved the far-left, as this they look consistent
or speed up slow one and give it to a area isnt as visible so that your ipbook
movement family member? when youre ipping ows nicely

Set the order


04 You can now adjust the order of your
photos to decide how they appear in
your ipbook. Make sure they are in the order
that you took them, so that your ipbook will
ow nicely and replay the action.

Add captions
05 Rotate your images and add captions,
or you can tick the I dont want
captions box. When you click continue, you
will be able to preview your ipbook before
adding it to your cart and ordering it.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 41


SHOOTING
Write with light

Learn to write
five WHAT YOULL NEED
minute Camera with manual
project controls
Light source

with light
WE USED
Canon EOS 5D III with
24-70mm
Sparkler
Tripod

YOU COULD USE


Any manual camera

Master the art of light painting with our A torch or LED light

quick and easy step-by-step guide


WHAT YOULL LEARN
How to write your name
with a light source

42 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Write with light

Painting with light is a popular photographic


technique that works by using a slow shutter
are moved well out of the way before trying
this technique.
3 OF THE BEST
speed (usually a few seconds) in a dark
location and then moving a bright light source
Its also worth noting that this project can
be done in one of two ways; either by yourself,
Light painting
(in this case a sparkler) across the frame to
paint patterns or shapes in the image. The
or by asking a friend to lend a hand. The latter
of these two options is arguably the easiest
tools
great thing about this technique is that its and quickest option, so in the step-by-step
very easy to master and can be used in a below well be showing you how to do it with a
number of clever ways for creative effect. For friends help. However, if you wanted to
this project, though, well just be dipping our attempt it by yourself, simply follow the steps
toes in the water and discovering how you can as listed, but for the nal step, activate the
write your name with a sparkler. cameras self-timer mode. Light the sparkler,
Before you get started, youll need access press the shutter button, and then run into
to a dark location to shoot in preferably one the shot. Wait for the shutter to open and
Sparklers
that has enough space for you to write with start to write your name. Whichever option Sparklers are arguably the best choice for this
kind of project as they emit a bright and beautiful
your sparkler. It really goes without saying, but you go for, you should always remember to light with attractive sparks ying off them for a
as youll be moving a lit sparkler through the write your name backwards, as this will ensure more eye-catching result.

air during your photo, its important to rst that it appears the correct way around in the
make sure that all nearby ammable objects nal image.

Write your name Shoot your own image

LED light
If you cant get hold of any sparkers, another
alternative you can always try is using a bright LED
light, just like the ones that are found on the back
of most smartphones.

Use a tripod Dial in the settings


01 Start off by extending your tripod so
that its head height and attach your
camera to it. Then, switch the camera over to
02 Adjust the ISO value to the lowest
possible setting (usually 100), then set
the aperture to f8. Next, increase the shutter
Torch
In theory, just about any bright light source can be
used to paint with light; a small torch will also
Full Manual mode by turning the mode dial to speed to 10sec so that you have a long enough work well, though you may nd that larger torches
M to allow you to have ultimate control. exposure with plenty of time to write your name. produce too much light.

Set white balance Lock the focus Take the shot


03 Access your cameras white balance
setting (either via the settings menu
or by pressing a WB button on the camera
04 Look through the viewnder and frame
up your shot. If the scene is too dark,
use a torch to illuminate your subject. Now,
05 Ask your subject to light the sparkler.
Once its lit, press the shutter button
and signal them to start writing. When they
body), and set it to Tungsten to ensure the focus on your subject and switch the camera have nished writing, ask them to hold the
sparkler appears a gold colour in the photo. to MF using the switch on the lens barrel. sparkler still until the exposure has ended.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 43


SHOOTING
Story behind the shot

Story
behind
the shot
Photographer James Sheppard tells
us the story behind his creative
indoor portrait
How did this lovely photo How did you set up
come about? the photograph?
I had just bought a new gadget for my This was taken in my living room at
camera called a Ring Flash and I really home. I wanted to take a simple and
wanted to try it out. It attaches to your understated portrait, so I attached a
cameras flashgun and produces a big piece of black card to the wall to
nice, even coverage of light to serve as a backdrop. This helped me
eliminate the unflattering shadows avoid capturing any distracting clutter
typically caused by direct flash, making that would have drawn attention away
it ideal for portraits. I asked my good from my subject. As the ring flash is
friend Jackie if she would pose for me quite powerful, I didnt need any
and we spent a fun afternoon taking additional lighting, which was useful as
lots of really cool shots. the room was quite dark.

Did you use any other What do you like most


techniques for this result? about this shot?
As I was shooting a close-up portrait I was really pleased with the effect
with Jackie looking right down the lens, of the ring flash, as it has created a
I wanted to make sure that her eyes lovely, soft light that highlights
were perfectly sharp in the shot. My Jackies wonderful skin. I also really
cameras autofocus struggled a little like the circular catchlights it has
as the room was quite dark, so I had created in her eyes, as I think that
to use manual focus mode instead, they really bring the portrait to life.
making sure that I focused in on her Jackie was a wonderful model, and
eyes. I then tried shooting from a talking to her throughout the shoot
variety of different angles, but I found helped me to evoke a natural smile
that the high-angle photographs that makes for a simple and relaxed
looked the best. portrait photo.

44 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Story behind the shot

What settings did you use


to produce this photo?
I used my Nikon D800 and a 50mm
lens, which is great for portraits as it
doesnt cause the unflattering
distortion you get with shorter focal
lengths. I shot in Manual and used a
fast shutter speed of 1/125sec to
prevent blur and set the aperture to
f10. Although smaller f-numbers are
typically used for portraits to blur the
background, I didnt need to do this as
my backdrop was quite plain anyway.

Do you have any tips for


beginners wanting to take
perfect portraits?
If you dont have a ring flash then you
can still produce really flattering
photos with your standard flash.
Instead of firing it directly at your
subject, bounce the light off of a piece
of white card to soften the results. If
you have a flashgun, then you can
usually angle the head to bounce it off
of a wall or ceiling instead.
Alternatively, diffuse the light with
some tracing paper.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 45


ES! I would like to subscribe to Digital Photographer
Your details
Title First name
Surname
Address

Postcode Country
Telephone number
Mobile number
Email address
Please complete your email address to receive news and special offers from us

Direct Debit payment


Q UK Direct Debit payment
I will pay only 15 for 6 issues (saving 50%*)

Instruction to your Bank or


Building Society to pay by Direct Debit
Please fill in the form and send it to: Imagine Publishing Limited, 800 Guillat Avenue, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 8GU

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society Originators Identification Number

5 0 1 8 8 4
To: The Manager Bank/Building Society

Address

Reference Number

Postcode Instructions to your Bank or Building Society


Please pay Imagine Publishing Limited Direct Debits from the account detailed in this
instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit guarantee. I understand
Name(s) of account holder(s) that this instruction may remain with Imagine Publishing Limited and, if so, details will be
passed on electronically to my Bank/Building Society

Signature(s)
Branch sort code

Bank/Building Society account number

Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account A6 instruction form

Payment details 13-ISSUE SUBSCRIPTION ONLY


Q UK 52.00 (Save 20%) Q Europe 70.00 Q World 80.00
Cheque

Q I enclose a cheque for


(made payable to Imagine Publishing Ltd)

Credit/Debit Card
Q Visa Q Mastercard Q Amex Q Maestro
Card number Expiry date

Signed

Date

Now
Call 4
Code: PAL143Q

4
08 407
Please tick if you do not wish to receive any promotional material from Imagine Publishing Ltd by post Q by telephone Q via email Q

Please tick if you do not wish to receive any promotional material from other companies by post Q by telephone Q

Please tick if you DO wish to receive such information via email Q

8 8
Terms & conditions: Pricing will revert to our standard offer of 21 every 6 issues on the third payment made. Subscribers can

84or subslicnreibe
cancel this subscription at any time. New subscriptions will start from the next available issue. Offer code PAL143Q must be
quoted to receive this special subscription price. Details of the direct debit guarantee are available on request. Offer expires
31st January 2015. Imagine Publishing reserves the right to limit this type of offer to one per household.

Return this form to: Digital Photographer Subscriptions, 800 Guillat


Avenue, Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8GU or email it to
digitalphotographer@servicehelpline.co.uk.

To manage your subscriber account on


visit www.imaginesubs.co.uk &
enter your subscriber ID
Complete your collection
BACK ISSUES
Complete your collection for only 5.00 per issue
by calling 01202 586200 or shop direct online at
our eShop at: www.imagineshop.co.uk

Subscribe&
SAVE
5O%
Exclusive subscriber benefits
Save 50% on the cover price
Free resources every issue
Delivered to your door

THREE EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE


1. Online 3. Post or email
www.imaginesubs.co.uk/dph Please complete and post the form to:
and enter code PAL143Q Digital Photographer Subscriptions
800 Guillat Avenue
2. Telephone Kent Science Park
Sittingbourne

0844 848 8407


Overseas: +44 (0) 1795 592 862
ME9 8GU
Alternatively, you can scan and email the form to:
and quote code PAL143Q digitalphotographer@servicehelpline.co.uk
SHOOTING
Themed still life

Themed still life


Give your shots some style with our top tips
01 Find a subject 02 Perfect lighting
Decide on a theme for your photo, eg vintage, If youre shooting indoors, it is best to use
and then find subjects that suit it. Try to stick natural light for your shot. Find a bright room
to no more than three objects to prevent a and set up near a big window for soft and
cluttered photo. even lighting.

03 Depth of eld 04 Adjust sensitivity


To keep only a small section of your photo in If you are shooting outdoors on a sunny day,
focus, use a wide aperture setting (small then keep your ISO value low. However, if
f-number) to create a shallow depth of field and conditions are a little dull, raise it to brighten
blur the background. up your shots.

05 Use shadows 06 Focus the shot


To create a photograph with a moodier feel, Use Selective Autofocus and position your
light your subject from an angle using a single focus point over your subject to keep it
light source, such as window light or a desk pin-sharp. Alternatively, take the time to
lamp. This will produce a darker image with practise using manual focus, twisting the
dramatic shadows. focus ring until your subject is sharp.

WHAT YOULL NEED


Digital camera
Editing software
Still-life subject

WE USED
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Photoshop Elements

YOU COULD USE


Any camera
GIMP
Picasa

WHAT YOULL LEARN


How to shoot and edit
still life with a theme

Use a wide aperture to


blur the background
48 Photography for Beginners
SHOOTING
Themed still life

Photographing static subjects gives you the


perfect opportunity to practise using Manual
mode, as you can take your time picking the
perfect settings for a well-exposed photo.

Dont just snap one shot and then pack your


camera away. Keep moving your subjects around
and shooting from different angles to produce a
variety of shots and nd the best composition.

Editing your photo can help convey your chosen


theme. For example, applying a warming lter and
reducing the contrast will create a vintage feel, or
OUR SETTINGS: APERTURE: F5.6 ISO: 400 SHUTTER SPEED: 1/125SEC you could add some grain for a grittier image.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 49


SHOOTING
Night photography

Perfect night shots on


your cameraphone
Avoid blurry, underexposed photos with our top tips
Cameraphone technology is getting better to consider is how you can improve the impact. You may alternatively want to look
and better, with most models now packing lighting available to you, and the second out for city lights reflected in water and
around 8MP sensors and some even thing is how to keep your camera stable to frame it so the horizon is in the middle to
coming with better-quality zooms, but their avoid blur. add a sense of symmetry. If your night-time
low-light capabilities are still an area most Once you've mastered these things using subject is moving, such as fireworks or a
are lacking in. Facebook and other social our tips in this feature, it's time to have lit-up boat moving along a river, you might
sites are littered with blurry images taken at some fun with your night-time subjects and want to try Burst mode to increase your
night, or ones taken with harsh, unflattering compositions. When composing shots at chances of freezing the movement
flash. So what can you do to solve the night, look for lit-up areas that will make an effectively. Whatever subject you're
problem? In this feature, we will give you interesting focal point, such as a floodlit shooting, try out the editing tips on p53 to
some top tips and tricks for improving your building or bridge, and try to compose to brighten up and
chances of a great shot at night, whether draw the eye towards this brightest part. sharpen those
that's a low-light portrait, city lights, friends Use lines to lead the eye towards it and night-time
at a party or more. The most important thing position it off-centre for the most visual captures.

Move your subject


closer to sources of
light to get the best
shots at night-time

Using Burst mode on


night-time portraits will
take a rapid burst of
images at once,
increasing your chances
of getting one free from
blur and blinking

50 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Night photography

Move your
subject away
from the Lighting tips
cameraphone
slightly to
decrease the
and tricks
harshness of its
ash. You can How to make more of
always crop in
slightly later if light for night-time shots
needed
Obviously the biggest challenge when
shooting at night is the lack of light, and it's
this that causes shots to be blurry. The
cameraphone will try to compensate for the
low light by using a slower shutter speed,
which leaves the shutter open longer and
allows the sensor to capture more light. This
means any movement in the scene will
cause blur, though. Clearly the best way to
avoid this is to create more light, meaning
the shutter speed can be faster. This can be
as simple as moving your subject into a
better-lit area, such as underneath a street
lamp, or nearer to a floodlit building. Your
Using an accessory such as this Nova camera's flash can also be useful here, but
wireless ash can increase your phone's note that it won't be powerful enough to
ash ability, and can even be used help illuminate far-away subjects and it can
off-camera to help you control the direction
and intensity of the light
be a little harsh up close. You could try
putting a piece of paper in front of it to
soften it a little, or a very useful accessory is
an attachable LED light. These are much
more flattering and can be controlled more
with adjustable power to suit the situation.

Using a higher ISO will force the camera to pick a faster


shutter speed, meaning it is easier to get sharp shots if Keep stable
you have to handhold the cameraphone
Avoid blur by keeping your
camera and your subject still
If it's not possible to add more light, or your flash isn't having an
effect on the scene (it's pretty redundant for landscapes), your
solution is to keep stable. Put your cameraphone on a tripod
designed for a phone and avoid holding onto it when you take the
shot to avoid knocking it. Placing the tripod on firm
Keep your cameraphone
stable using a tripod and you'll ground will also help stability.
keep elements of your image If you haven't got a tripod, try propping the phone
sharp and free from camera up on a hard surface, such as leaning it against a wall.
shake Use self-timer to avoid touching the phone when you
take the photo too. If this isn't possible and you need
to handhold the cameraphone, tuck in your elbows
and take a firm stance to keep your body as still as
possible, and keep your breathing steady too.
If you're shooting a night-time portrait, tell your
model to keep as still as they can to avoid their
movement appearing as blur as well.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 51


SHOOTING
Night photography

Set up for night captures


The essential settings you need
Night scene mode Use ash Consider the white
A lot of cameraphones will have Flash can be useful in some situations, so balance
specic scene modes available try turning it on and using it for your scene The white balance dictates
to you that tailor the settings to to see if it helps. It can be useful for the colours and if its wrong
the scene. Select Night scene portraits when there's little available light it can cause odd casts. If
mode to help brighten up and you can move into, but it can sometimes you are shooting indoors,
sharpen the shot, or you might look a little harsh. It won't be useful for set it to Tungsten or
want to use a rework setting if landscapes, though. Fluorescent to avoid orange
that's what you are shooting. casts, or if you're using your
ash then set it to Flash
white balance to avoid a
blue cast.

Increase the ISO


Higher ISO numbers make the sensor more
sensitive to the light, resulting in brighter
captures, but this can also increase the
amount of noise (speckled dots) in the
image. Try using something like ISO 800 to
start with, but experiment to see how far
you can push your phone before noise
starts to become a problem.

Set the self-timer Set the focus


If your subject is static, In low light, cameras
such as a landscape, often struggle to focus,
use a tripod or rest your so help it out by
camera on a hard selecting the focus
surface and then set point for it. Touch the
self-timer mode. Some screen on the area you
phones will have options want in focus; most
of two or ten seconds phones will also use
two will give you plenty this as the area you
of time to move your want it to meter for
hand away from the the exposure, but
camera. there are apps
such as Camera+
that let you set
this separately.

52 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Night photography

Enhance your images


Brighten up and sharpen captures in Photoshop Express Free (iOS/Android)
Adjust
exposure
Remove
colour casts
Night-
01 Open your
02 Tap the time
image and tap
on the sliders icon at
Temperature
icon and move the apps
the bottom. Select slider to get the right
Exposure and move it colours. Move to the
Shoot better
to the right a little. Tap right to get rid of blue night images
Shadows and move it casts caused by ash
Night Camera (iOS)
to the right to bring or to the left to get rid 0.69/$0.99 (iOS)
For sharp images you
out dark areas. Tap of orange tones need to keep steady;
Highlights and move caused by tungsten using its accelerometer,
this app will only take the
to the left if the areas lighting. The auto shot when it detects you are holding
still. It comes with seven other
hit by ash in your option does a good job shooting modes, including a timer
image are too bright. here too. and a sound-activated trigger.

Night Modes
Remove Sharpen 1.49/$1.99 (iOS)
This app could extend
red-eye
04 Back in the your camerapones
exposure time up to one
sliders icon,
03 Tap on the second, letting you
capture brighter images more easily.
eye icon at select Sharpen and it Please note, however, that some
will zoom in on your phones only let you take up to
the bottom, select half-second exposures.
People or Pets picture. In portraits,
depending on your you want the eyes in Night Camera (Android)
Free (Android)
subject, and then particular to be sharp, An app that reduces
noise and minimises blur
select Red Eye Auto so move the image for great night-time
Detect & Correct. If until you can see captures, Night Camera
for Android works based on taking
this doesnt nd the them clearly. Move multiple exposures and combining
them. It comes with 11 different
red-eye in your the slider to the right shooting modes to try.

picture, tap on the to sharpen but dont


eyes to tell the app overdo it or you will
where to target. notice haloing.

Cameraphone accessories Kit for great night shots

Manfrotto KLYP+ The Keyprop Camalapse Mobile Ten-Digit Touchscreen


Price 70/$73 Price Approx 8/$13 Price Approx 24/40 Gloves
You can add extra illumination that You need to keep stable for night Night-time makes for great timelapse Price Approx 18/$30
isnt as harsh as your ash using LED shots, but you may not always have a videos, with the city lights changing It can get pretty cold when out
lights, and the continuous light means tripod to hand. This teeny Keyprop can and headlights whizzing by. The shooting night landscapes. These
eyes adjust so you dont get red-eye. be kept on your keychain at all times, Camalapse, a stand your phone gloves are made of conductive bre,
Get the KLYP app and you can also and it plugs into your audio jack or attaches to, rotates 360 in 60 so will let you use your touch screen,
take the shot by clapping your hands. Lightning port for iPhone 5 users. minutes and will mount on a tripod. and they have grips on the palm too.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 53


SHOOTING
Afterlight app

+APP OF THE MONTH +

Apply retro effects to


your photos Available on: iOS/Android Price: 0.69/$0.99 (iOS),
0.59/$0.99 (Android)

Create standout cameraphone captures using Afterlight


WHAT YOULL NEED Want your cameraphone captures to Alternatively, you can apply one of the 59 unique lters that
iPhone stand out from the Instagram crowd? are already built in, and even ne-tune its effect on your
Start image
Then download the fantastic Afterlight app photo. There are also 66 fantastic textures you can apply
WE USED from the App or Google Play stores today, to your image, including dust and light leaks, which help to
iPhone 5 and discover how you can enhance your give your shots a real retro-lm feel. And thats not all; its
YOU COULD USE images with a fantastic range of built-in lters and effects, also easy to crop shots and even create a double-exposure
Any iPhone all of which can be tailored to suit your style. effect by layering two images on top of one another. Once
Android phone youre done editing, you can then apply one of the 128
With the Afterlight app, its possible to shoot images
WHAT YOULL LEARN using the accessible camera feature or select one you customisable frames to your photos, which range from
How to add retro effects have taken previously within your Camera Roll to edit. Once shapes, silhouettes, types and even instant lm borders.
to your cameraphone
captures in the edit mode, you can take complete creative control The app itself is fantastic value for money, and most of
over basic enhancements, which includes improving the effects are instantly accessible, but you can also make
exposure, correcting colour, sharpening shots or creating in-app purchases to extend the amount of lters and
your own lter effects by adding colour tones at varying effects that are available. On a whole, Afterlight is a must
strengths to the highlights, midtones and shadows. for any keen cameraphone user who loves to apply lters.

Retro effects Apply unique lters and effects to your photos

Select an image Basic edits Apply a lter Customise effects


01 Load Afterlight. You can
now opt to shoot directly
through the app via the camera
02 Select the sliders icon,
choose brightness,
contrast, saturation or sharpness,
03 To apply a lter, select the
circular lter symbol and
explore the options within Original,
04 You can stack lters and
record this process to
create your own unique lter to
icon or select the image icon and then adjust the bottom slider to Guest and Symbol. Click one and use again. To do this, follow the
choose an image from an album. control its strength. use the slider to control its effect. instructions within Fusion.

54 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Afterlight app

Select another shot Save and share ALTERNATIVE APPS


If you want to edit a different You can opt to save and
image, click back in the share your shot at any point VSCO Cam
top-left, which will take you to by selecting Done in the Free (iOS/Android)
the home screen. Here you top-right corner. You can then VSCO Cam is another
can select either the camera choose which resolution you great app for retro
or image icon to shoot a new want to save your image at image effects. You
photo or choose another in and select how you want to
can apply lters easily and
the Camera Roll. share your shot online.
adjust their strength as well as
enhance exposure, colour, crop
and sharpen. Theres even a
way to compare before and
Enhance your image after results.
Apply lter
Select the slider icon to make There are 59 fantastic lters
basic enhancements to your Vintage Camera Pro
to choose from within the Free (iOS)
photo. Here you can improve lter menu. Scroll through The free Vintage
its brightness, contrast, the options within Original,
increase colour saturation, Camera app is easy
Guest and Seasons. You can
add colour casts, faded to use and comes
even apply more than one to
effects, vignettes and your image. In Fusion, you with a fantastic array of lter
sharpen your shot. can create and record your effects. Theres a built-in
own lter too. camera function thats styled
like a retro lm camera, and
images you create appear in a
roll of lm within the gallery.
Revert back Vintage lm effects 8mm Vintage Camera
To go back to your original Add dust, scratches and light 1.49/$1.99 (iOS)
image and undo all of the leaks to your shots by This app was used by
effects youve applied to your selecting the lm roll icon. director Malik
shot, simply click on the You can control the strength
Bendjelloul in his
revert image icon and select of each effect using the
Revert. You can then start sliders on screen. Its also Oscar-winning lm, Searching
editing again from scratch. possible to add retro photo For Sugar Man. With it, you can
frames via the frame icon. record 720 HD video and apply
effects such as ickering, dust
and scratches, frame shakes,
light leaks and retro colours.

Add dust Create light leaks Apply a frame Save and share
05 Add dust effects by
selecting the lm icon at
the bottom and Dusty. You can
06 Create retro light-leak
effects by scrolling
through the options and selecting
07 Add a frame by selecting
the frame icon and
choosing a style. Use the slider to
08 Now select Done and
choose a resolution to
save at. You can opt to save your
customise its effect using the one. You can tailor it by changing control the size and change the image to your Camera Roll or
slider and tabs along the top. colours and adjusting its position. frame colour at the top. share it via social media.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 55


SHOOTING
Astrophotography

Master the basics of


astrophotography
Learn how to create night-time landscape
images you never thought were possible!
Shooting at night is fun, exciting, pictures; the right balance between high ISO
challenging, but above all, addictive! Once sensitivities to capture the best detail in the
you start photographing the stars, the moon, Milky Way, for instance, and keeping grain in
constellations or deep-sky objects, youll your images to the minimum; and of course,
probably become dedicated to capturing the right balance between making do with
them in greater detail, in better or different the equipment youve got, and spending your
conditions, or with improved equipment. In lifes savings on a top-of-the-range
this feature, we will share with you some professional DSLR camera and set of lenses!
basic tips that will help you get well on the Astrophotography doesnt have to be
way to becoming a skilled and determined expensive. If, for example, you want to start
astrophotographer it doesn't have to be photographing the moon, all you need is a
restricted to the pros! camera that can zoom in a fair distance,
Modern cameras can capture a staggering with settings that go some way to control
amount of detail in the night sky, if you know the final image. The features of even the
how to set them up right. You will need to most basic compact cameras on the market
find the right balance between long today are advancing at a fantastic rate, and
exposure times and the earths rotation, night-time photography is being opened up
causing stars to move and smudge in your to a whole new audience of photographers.

Pick an iconic landmark


Look for landscapes near to you that people
can easily recognise. Your images have great
impact if people can recognise elements
within them, but see them in a completely
different light.

The Milky Way above the iconic rock


archway of Durdle Door in Dorset.
Using a relatively long exposure,
high ISO and wide aperture (low
f-number), you can capture great
detail in the Milky Way.

56 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Astrophotography

Perseve
Always g
o
rance!
the wea out, no matter
ther. wha
changes Even the slighte t
produce in conditions c st
dra an
more oft matic images. T
en yo he
the more u head out,
lik
are to ge ely you
t gre
results! at

Shoot summer nights


The Milky Way is most visible in the summer
months, although it can be seen as early as
April or as late as October. Look for good,
clear nights.

Choose your settings


The basic settings to use are slow shutter
speeds (up to 30 seconds) and wide
apertures (low f- numbers). Also, use as
wide-angle a lens as possible!

Essential kit Get your camera gear sorted

Camera with manual A light but sturdy tripod Remote shutter release
Look for a camera that has manual You will need a tripod that is sturdy A remote shutter release will let you
modes so you can set shutter speed enough to withstand a fair breeze, but open the shutter without touching the
and aperture. A DSLR or CSC gives you light enough so that its not dangerous camera. It also allows you to achieve
more control than a compact. to lug around on dark nights! longer-duration exposures.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 57


SHOOTING
Astrophotography

Shoot the stars


Push your camera to its limits and
capture stunning shots of the night sky
Shooting landscapes at night is a very simple rules to follow. Firstly, switch your camera to long exposures, low f-numbers
different experience to shooting in the camera to Manual (M) mode so you have numbers and high sensitivities as this is how
daytime. During the day, the camera can precise control over shutter speeds, some of the best astrophotographs
cope with figuring out exposure times and aperture values and sensitivity, which is (photographs of the stars) are created, and
aperture values on its own. When its dark, it essential for shooting at night. Then turn off aim to shoot in locations away from sources
needs a little help. When youre autofocus and use manual focus to focus as of light pollution, such as motorways, or
photographing the night sky, you basically far-off into the distance as possible. This will street lighting from towns and cities. Follow
need to tell the camera exactly what to do. ensure your stars are as perfectly sharp in these basic principals and you should be
But dont be daunted there are a few your images. Dont be afraid to set your getting good results in no time!

Wide-angle lens
When photographing an astroscape, or
landscape astrophotograph, try to use a very
wide lens/short focal length to fit in as much
of the sky and the stars as possible.

Visit during the day Set up your shot Pick your settings Shoot your frames
A preliminary trip to your location Find the best place from which to Use slow shutter speeds (up to Dont settle with just one angle or
during the day is worthwhile. It helps photograph your location. Look at the 30sec) and wide apertures (f2.8 or position constantly be on the
you plan your night-time shot and alignment of elements in the sky, such less) to capture detail in the stars. lookout for better compositions of the
identify any potential hazards. as the Milky Way. Use high ISO sensitivities if needed. foreground and the night sky.

58 Photography for Beginners


Stitch to
A series
o
gether
stitched f exposures ca
to nb
as Adob gether in tools s e
eP uc
you get hotoshop. Ensu h
yo re
then pho ur settings righ
tograp t,
rotating h the scene,
the
head for tripod
each

Careful composition Plan


your
When you get to your location, consider how
the foreground and sky interact. The focus of
this image is in the centre, and the Milky Way
surrounds and balances it.

shoot
Get the place
and time right
A great deal of a successful night photo shoot relies on
planning ahead. Research your location to see how far
away it is from a potential source of light pollution, such
as a town or city, road or even a floodlit event, then
check the weather forecast throughout the day of your
visit. Its important that if youre going for the clearest
night skies, there cannot be any clouds or haze present.
The best clear nights are in the winter, but bear in mind
that the best time to photograph the Milky Way is at the
height of summer, as it fades away from skies in around
October. Unless you want to shoot the moon itself, avoid
nights when it is present in the sky, as it casts a huge
Shoot panoramas glow in the sky and makes it difficult to observe most
This image comprises of six portrait-
orientation shots, stitched together in Adobe stars. And remember to pack a torch!
Photoshop. The result is a single image
covering over 180 degrees of view.
3 of the best Apps for
astrophotography
PhotoPills iOS (6.99/$9.99)
PhotoPills is a relatively new app on the market, but has just about everything
a landscape photographer could possibly need, particularly for
astrophotography. This includes a moon calendar and a star trails mode.

Star Walk iOS (1.99/$2.99), Android (1.79/$2.99)


Star Walk is a fantastic app that helps you pick out certain stars and
constellations in the night sky. Launch the app and point your iPhone upwards
The Milky Way above Portland Bill and you'll see them in their proper place from your location.
Lighthouse in Dorset. This
photograph captures a 180-degree Moonrise iOS (Free)
This moon planner allows you to see moon rising and setting times, as well as
view of our galaxy in some of the its phase, for anywhere on Earth and on any date. And the great thing is that
darkest skies in the UK. you don't have to access the internet to use it.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 59


SHOOTING
Astrophotography

Capture the moon


Photographing the moon can be your rst venture into
long lens and deep-space astrophotography
Photographing the moon is relatively simple, lenses with extenders and you can use the
can be very rewarding and produce fantastic resolution of your camera to crop into single
images with relatively basic kit. A compact or features on the moon in extraordinary detail.
bridge camera with a large zoom, coupled A lot of your success will depend on nailing
with a tripod, can get great pictures of the the focus. You need to focus the lens as far
moon with relatively little cost. A DSLR with a off into the distance as possible. This is
telephoto lens can get closer, capturing fine usually best done by trial and error, setting
details in the shadows cast by craters on your camera to manual focus, and tweaking
the moons surface. Start coupling these the focus slightly with each shot.

Lock focus
Use your cameras autofocus to lock onto the
moon. If you have it available on your camera,
use Live View to fine-tune the focus.

Fast shutter speed


When youre fully zoomed in, the moon can
move in the sky quite quickly. You will want to
use a fast shutter speed to eliminate any blur.

Get set up Switch to Live View Zoom in Focus the shot


When shooting just the moon, you If your camera has a Live View mode Zoom into the image displayed on the Make tiny alterations on your lens. It
shouldnt require slow shutter speeds (common on modern DSLRs with live view to ne-tune your focus. Its helps to have a lens that has a focus
and wide apertures. Keep your ISO video recording capabilities), activate important to get the moon as sharp read dial. Aim to get as close to innity
sensitivity relatively low to avoid grain. it and use it to compose your shot. as possible before shooting. as possible.

60 Photography for Beginners


SHOOTING
Astrophotography

Use live
DSLRs th
at
view
video will are able to sho
Use a
telescope
h ot
mode, m ave a Live View
picture, eaning th
throu e live
sensor, gh the camera
is sh s
screen. own on the
Zo
check yo om in to
ur focus

For those serious about


astrophotography
If you want to start capturing constellations, gas clouds,
nebulae and single objects in the night sky, its time to
invest in a telescope. Although they can be expensive,
these pieces of kit are specifically designed to get a
much clearer, closer image of the night sky.
Some come with an adapter in order to mount a DSLR
or interchangeable lens camera, to help you capture
what you see through the telescope. These are a good
starting point, because even if you come to upgrade your
camera kit, the telescope will still be able to work with
your new gear.
The next level up is purchasing a tripod with a
motorised tracker. When enabled, this will very slowly
rotate, matching the rotation speed of the earth to
ensure stars dont appear smudged in the final image.
Some are so advanced that you can even lock onto one
star, constellation or other deep-space object, and it will
spin around and track that for you!

Upgrade your
astrophotography kit
Telescope
If you want to capture
deep space and planets
in lots of detail, a
telescope is a
worthwhile investment.
They come in all shorts
of shapes and sizes to
suit any budget, but
look for one that can
support a camera.

T-mount
A T-mount adapter will
allow you to attach your
camera to your
telescope. Simply screw
it into where the lens
usually goes and then
x the eye-piece to it.
You'll need a T-mount
that ts your specic
camera model.

Filters
Capture detail There are all sorts of
Get your camera settings right and lters available for
you can quickly capture fantastic telescopes that can
help enhance your astro
detail of craters on the moon, or shots. Some are
the shadows cast by different designed to help cut out
moon phases. light pollution, while
coloured lters can
draw out hidden colours
in nebulas and galaxies.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 61


EDITING

Photo editing
with Picasa
Edit, store and share your photos with this free
and easy-to-use program from Google
WHAT YOULL NEED Import and sort Edit palette Access the Sharing
An image library Import images from All the editing tools editing tools Upload your photos to
Internet external sources or are here, divided up To access the editing social networks and
Picasa downloaded and folders by pressing between ve tabs. part of Picasa, blogs, email, print or
running www.picasa. this button. From the Access these by double-click on an export by pressing any
google.com
Mac or PC
drop-down menu, double-clicking on an image in the main one of these buttons,
choose how to sort image in the main library area, visible found under the main
WHAT YOULL LEARN through your images library window when rst opened display area
How to edit and improve
images
Creative effects
Sharing images online
Best bits from Picasa
EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Picasa's best bits


Must-know features laid bare

Before and after display Multiple viewing Batch Edit


01 To see how your image is progressing
when editing, click on the 'AA' icon at
the top of the display window in edit mode.
02 View more than one image full-size by
clicking the 'AB' icon at the top of the
display window. Press the icon far-right of
03 If you need to apply the same effect to
several images, then use the Batch
Edit feature. To do this, Cmd/Ctrl-click multiple
Your already-open image will be displayed these icons to switch the view from horizontal images in the Library window, go to Picture in
twice. Click on one, make an edit and then to vertical. Click on an image to edit or switch the top bar, select Batch Edit and then choose
compare with the original next to it. to another photo using the arrows. your effect.

Batch Upload Folder Manager Key word searching


04 If you have a Google account set up
and want to use the free 1GB of
storage available, then this is the fastest way
05 Set specic folders for Picasa to nd
images from by going to Tools>Folder
Manager. Doing this means Picasa will only
06 Search for images using the search
bar in the main library. Type in
keywords, themes or colours and Picasa will
to upload entire folders. Go to Tools>Batch show the documents, folders and les you instantly show you all images relevant, in set
Upload, check the folders to upload, then really need. If you don't do this, Picasa will categories and locations. You can then edit,
follow the instructions. scan and display all folders on your computer. upload, share or create at the click of a button.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 63


EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Improve Perfect portraits Instant photo edits with Picasa


composition

Straighten up
01 With the edit palette visible, click
Straighten. A grid will appear on
top of your photo to use as a reference
guide. Move the slider at the base of your
photo until you are happy with the
positioning, then hit Apply.

Creative cropping Locate and view full screen Red-eye correction


02 Click on Crop to bring up lots of
tool options. Click on the drop-
down menu to display a whole host of 01 Locate your start photo from the folder
and photo options on the left-hand 02 Click on the Red Eye button to repair
red-tinted eyes. To delete the edit,
preset sizes available. Choose one, then side of the library screen. Double-click on the simply click on a green square. To reapply,
test out the supplied options below the photo to edit, increasing it to full screen. Youll draw a new square, press Apply to make the
drop-down menu. see edit options appear on the left. change and return to the edit palette.

Manual adjustment
Retouch tool Soft Focus
03 Move shapes around to nd the
best composition. To resize a
shape, hover over an edge or corner, drag 03 Select Retouch. Click on the blemish
you wish to cover, then click on an 04 Really make your portrait stand out by
applying a Soft Focus effect. Click on
then release. Create a bespoke shape by area to use as a sample patch. This sampled the third tab Fun and useful image
selecting Manual from the drop-down section will then be copied onto where you processing. Choose Soft Focus and use the
menu and drawing onto the photo. initially clicked, hiding any aws. sliders to create a subtle effect.

64 Photography for Beginners


EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Landscape edits Add depth and impact easily Creative colour


adjustments

Tab number three


01 Double-click on your start image in
the Picasa library window, visible
when rst opened. Click on the third tab
in the edit palette 'Fun and useful image
processing'. Here you will nd some great,
one-click colour-editing functions.

Navigate your way around Remove colour casts Add a tint


01 Double-click on your landscape,
bringing up the edit palette. Use the 02 Move the sliders to enhance the
overall balance of your image. If you
02 Add a colour cast effect with the
Tint button. Choose the colour of
your tint by pressing the coloured square,
Zoom slider bottom-right to ll the display wish to revert back to the original state, press
move the slider to select the strength of
window with your photo. Click on the second the Undo button. Fix minor colour casts by
the overall effect and hit Apply. To undo
tab 'Finely-tuned lighting and color xes'. moving the Color Temperature slider.
the effect, simply select Undo Tint.

Saturation
Add a splash of colour Experimentation
03 Switch to the third tab 'Fun and
useful image processing'. To add 04 Within this tab, experiment with the
Sharpen and Saturation options. Next,
03 Control the overall vibrancy of your
image by pressing the Saturation
button in the 'Fun and useful image
colour into our bland sky, select Graduated try the HDR option within the next tab 'More processing' tab. Move the slider right to
Tint. Click on Pick Color, select, then move the fun and useful image processing'. This effect boost colours and left to tone them down.
sliders to create a bespoke effect. works best with simpler landscapes. Small movements is all they need.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 65


EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Creative colour Retro lm effects Add vintage styling to shots


conversions

Convert to monochrome
01 Convert your image to black and
white with one simple click.
Double-click on your chosen image in the
main library section, then in the edit
window choose the third tab 'Fun and
useful image processing'. Select B&W.

Enhancing your image Add some Film Grain texture Rockin' the 60s
02 Try out the Sepia or Tint features
for more basic colour effects, or if
you want to further enhance the image, 01 Click 'Fun and useful image processing'.
Begin by adding texture with the Film 02 To take the effect further, move onto
the fourth tab More fun and useful
go to the second tab 'Finely-tuned Grain feature, check the Lighten box and move image processing'. Select 1960s, choose if
lighting and color xes'. Move the the slider to suit. Hit Apply, then from the you want to add rounded corners, then move
Highlights and Shadows sliders. options select Warmify (Sepia will also work). the slider enhancing the colours and hit Apply.

Selective colouring
Light adjustments Vignette effect
03 If you want to add some creative
colouring, try out the Focal B&W
feature. Start with your fully coloured 03 Click on the second tab Finely-tuned
lighting and color xes and use the 04 For a classic retro nish, add on a
Vignette, found in the fth tab Even
image, go to the third tab 'Fun and Fill Light slider to add on a bleached-out effect. more fun and useful image processing'. Click
useful image processing' choose Focal Take the styling further if desired with the on the coloured square to select the colouring.
B&W and move the sliders to suit. other sliders. Move the sliders to alter the effect.

66 Photography for Beginners


EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Comic capers Create character art easily Add text to


images

Text settings
01 With your image open and full size
(use the Zoom slider), click on the
Text button in the rst open tab. Click on
the text displayed on your image and
write. Alter font, size, colour and even
transparency in the left-hand menu.

Comic Book function Ka-pow Position and tweak


01 Double-click on your chosen image in
the main library section of Picasa to 02 Move the sliders for an eye-catching
effect. The amount you move them
02 To reposition the text, click on the
grey border around the text, then
drag and drop within your image. Make it
display it full size in the edit section. Click on will depend on your image. Hit Apply, then click
even more personal by selecting the fth
the fth tab 'Even more fun and useful on the fourth tab 'More fun and useful
tab 'Even more fun and useful image
image processing' then click on Comic Book. processing'. This time, select Posterize.
processing'. Choose Polaroid.

Frame to nish
Posterize effects Create and save
03 The Posterize effect will simplify the
colours in your image into key blocks 04 Tweak the other two sliders to suit
your image, resulting in an individual,
03 With the border applied, you may
need to move the text again. To do
this, simply click on the type, wait for the
of colour. Move the top slider to add more or creative piece of art. When saving your image, grey border to appear and the text edit
less colour detail into your photo. Again, this make sure you go to File>Save a Copy or Save options, then move and tweak the
value will differ greatly. As, always leaving the original le untouched. settings to suit.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 67


EDITING
Photo editing with Picasa

Share your Select multiple images Choose your theme


collages 01 In the main library section of Picasa,
Cmd/Ctrl-click on the images you wish 02 The Collage window will appear. More
images can be added if you click on
to feature in your collage. When your photos the Clips tab on the left and select Get More.
Create then share are selected, go to Create, up in the top To choose your design template, go to the
bespoke designs toolbar, and select Create Collage. Settings tab and click on the drop-down menu.

Bespoke designs Further options available Share or print


03 All templates can be tweaked by
clicking on a photo then dragging and
moving. To rotate or resize your image, click
04 Once processed, your collage will open
in the edit section of Picasa. Here you
can re-edit, apply further changes, share your
05 Sharing with Google+ requires you to
have signed up and logged in. Once
this is done, the image is stored on your
on the rotate symbol, visible when the image design or print. Share and print options are Google+ account, ready to post on social
is selected. When happy, hit Create Collage. located at the base of the edit screen. media sites or send via email with one click.

68 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


Learn to inspire
www.dphotographer.com

E FRE
SU E
Available
VERY IS

RE

from all good


SOURC

newsagents and
DE

E supermarkets
DO LOA
WN
ON SALE NOW
> Posing tips > Perfect any scene > Creative shooting projects
LANDSCAPE TIPS SHOOTING ADVICE WILDLIFE PHOTOS PORTRAIT GUIDES CAMERA REVIEWS

BUY YOUR ISSUE TODAY


Print edition available at www.imagineshop.co.uk
Digital edition available at www.greatdigitalmags.com
Available on the following platforms

facebook.com/DigitalPhotographerUK twitter.com/DPhotographer
EDITING
Achieve spotless skin

Achieve five
minute
project

spotless skin
WHAT YOULL NEED
Photo-editing program
A portrait image
Learn the tricks behind using the Spot
WE USED
Photoshop Elements 12
Healing Brush for retouching a portrait
YOU COULD USE
Photoshop CS2+
Previous Elements

WHAT YOULL LEARN


How to improve your
subjects complexion

BEFORE AFTER

70 Photography for Beginners


EDITING
Achieve spotless skin

When having your photograph taken, its only


natural to want to look your best. But
improving the complexion of a persons face,
these harmless edits can quickly be taken too Remove
sometimes you can be caught off guard, and
the results dont always come out looking
far, as is the nature of editing in a creative
application such as Photoshop. The result is
shadows with
quite the way you might have hoped. Thats
where the retouching tools in Photoshop
someone coming out looking too retouched,
and youll notice that the skin starts to lose its
the Brush
Elements come into play, with their instant natural texture and tone.
xes for rescuing us from embarrassing photos In these steps, well show you how you can
that we dont want to be shared countless get the most out of using the Spot Healing
times on social networking sites! Brush tool to reduce spots while maintaining a
Photoshop Elements has a number of useful realistic look. Then well take you through using
tools for retouching portraits. Whether youre Photoshop Elements Brush tool to make
looking to restore tones, lighten shadows, or simple but effective improvements to
remove spots and blemishes, all the tools are complexion, to produce better tones, reduce
New blend mode
there and are easy to use once you know how. redness in cheeks and remove eye shadows. To lighten darker patches such as under the eyes
or around the nose, select the Brush tool [B]. Add
The important thing to remember when All in all, your portraits will end up looking a new layer and change its blend mode from
retouching someones face is not to go too far spotless! Give it a try and let us know how you Normal to Screen.

with it. Although what were essentially doing is get on.

Say bye to spots! Use the Spot Healing brush

Pick a tone
Sample a light skin tone colour from the face by
holding [I] (to activate the Eyedropper tool). Make
sure youre using a soft brush, with its Size set to
around 300px to cover larger areas of the face.

Locate the tool Set up the brush


01 Load up your image in Photoshop
Elements. The program has three
modes (Quick, Guided and Expert). Make sure
02 Create a new layer to work on. For the
Spot Healing Brush, in the Tool Options
tick the Sample All Layers button and set the
Apply your brush
By applying the Brush over the patchy areas of
skin, you can lighten them to create a more even
the Expert mode is active. Press [J] to locate tool to Proximity Match and choose a soft skin tone overall. This usually goes hand in hand
the Spot Healing Brush tool quickly. round brush. with spot removal and other retouch techniques.

Get a good view Remove spots Retouch the image


03 Zoom into your image so the persons
head ts the interface, and use the
square brackets keys to resize the brush tip
04 With the Spot Healing Brush, click
once over the area. This will remove
the spot using the surrounding pixels as
05 Because all our edits are on a
separate layer, reduce the opacity of
that layer, or using the Eraser tool, you can
to t over a spot or blemish. Resize the tip so reference. Work your way around the face, edit out any parts of the image that dont look
it covers the area with room to spare. resizing your brush as you go. quite right. Save out the image as a PSD le.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 71


SHARING

Create a wireless
photo slideshow
Share a photo slideshow with Apple TV from your iPad
One of the best things about the iPhone and iPad is photos you want to show on your TV using the touch
WHAT YOULL NEED that theyre great tools for snapping photos while on screen of your iPhone or iPad, then instantly beam them
iPad
Apple TV the go. And with options like iCloud Photo Stream, all onto your TV in the form of a slideshow. And because
your photos are available to view on all your devices, no the Photos app on the iPad is so powerful, you can even
WE USED
iPad Air matter which one you used to shoot it. But whats the customise the transitions between all of your photos so
point of taking great photos if you never get to show that they look exactly how you want them. Plus, you can
YOU COULD USE them off? With an iPad and an Apple TV, you have the add music from your iPads own Music app.
iPad 2/mini
perfect tools for sharing your photos with friends and Its the perfect way to show off your shots and make
WHAT YOULL LEARN family, on a big screen at beautiful full resolution. sure they look great, so lets get started and nd out
How to show off a
slideshow to friends
Because the Apple TV box connects to your home exactly how you can create a photo slideshow for your
Wi-Fi network, you can quickly and easily select the Apple TV.

Linked up
Your iPad will show
a black screen
when playing your
photos on the
Apple TV, but a tap
will end the
slideshow

Remote control Quality display


You can use your Apple Your photos will
TVs included remote to appear at full 1080p
control your slideshow with HD resolution on your
pause, skip and menu television over your
controls local Wi-Fi connection

72 Photography for Beginners


SHARING
Photo slideshow

Share a slideshow Create an Apple TV slideshow

Select your photos Create an album Give it a name


01 First, open up the Photos app and
navigate to the photos you want to add
to your slideshow. Tap Select in the top-right
02 Tap the Add To button in the top-left
while the images are selected. From
here you can either add the photos to an
03 Before you can create your slideshow,
youll need to give your album a name.
When youre done, tap the Save button and
and tap on the desired shots so they show existing album, or create a new album for your youll see that all your shots have been added
checked boxes in the corner. slideshow. For now, do the latter. to your newly created album.

3 OF THE BEST
Slideshow
transitions

Select the slideshow Choose transitions


04 In the album, youll see that there are
new options in the top bar. The one
you want is the Slideshow button in the
05 Tap the Transitions option and youll
be able to choose the animation used
as the slideshow icks between each shot.
Origami
This beautiful animation makes your photos look
like theyre printed on paper, which folds away to
reveal more shots underneath.
top-right tap it to open up a menu dedicated Some show multiple shots at once, so
to creating a slideshow. experiment to nd one that works for you.

Dissolve
This simple transition is the default option. It
offers classy, simple animations between your
shots to keep the focus on the photos.

Pick music AirPlay and go


06 Slide the switch next to the Play Music
option to the on position and youll
be able to pick a track from your iPads Music
07 Once youre happy with your settings
and youve played the slideshow
through in test form, tap the Apple TV option Wipe Down
app to play over the top of your slideshow as it in the slideshow menu to beam it to your TV, The Wipe transitions carry out a similar animation
to when youre just swiping through your shots,
appears on your TV. then sit back and enjoy the show. but the Down option makes it look fresh.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 73


SHARING
Photo playing cards

Photo playing cards


Create your own pack of personalised playing cards for a
fun way to share your snaps with friends and family
Theres nothing quite like a good get-together with of your own shots. There are a few online services out
WHAT YOULL NEED
Computer with internet
family and friends. Its a great way to catch up and there that offer playing card photo gifts, but in this
connection share recent photos with those you love, or even tutorial, well show you how to create your own using
55 images
look back at pictures from the past. So why not Snapajack (www.snapajack.com). Snapajack offers four
WE USED add some fun to the photo-sharing different customisable card ideas that start from as little
Snapajack proceedings by creating your very own as 9.97.
YOU COULD USE
pack of personalised playing cards? Join us and well show you how to create your own
Pixum You can even add a different unique deck, which is sure to be a talking point during
SnappyGifts image to each card, which your next game night in or group holiday. Simply get 55
WHAT YOULL LEARN means its possible to shots together that you would like to share on your
How to create your own create a complete playing cards. Bear in mind that one will decorate the
pack of unique photo
playing cards
deck that back of every card, 52 will appear on the front of every
showcases playing card and two will be printed on the jokers of the
up to 55 deck. Once youre ready, follow our seven-step tutorial.

Plenty of options
You can create a deck that has the
same image on the back of every
card or have different shots on the
front and back

Add a message
Add your favourite photos to the front of each card
and you can even personalise them with text

Cheap as
Add some fun to poker chips
Prices start from
as little as 9.97

the photo-sharing and you can get


next-day delivery,
which is great if

proceedings youre ordering


as a gift

74 Photography for Beginners


SHARING
Photo playing cards

Create an account Select a deck Access your images


01 Go to the Snapajack website, www.
snapajack.com. Start by selecting the
Register/Log in at the top of the screen. Once
02 Now click on the Our Products tab and
select Playing Cards. We chose
Personalised Fronts and Back (using 55
03 Start by customising the image on the
back of your cards. Simply click on the
card to bring up the search box. You can add
the page loads, input your details in order to images). Click Buy Product and input the images that are stored on your computer or
create an account. amount of packs you want to order. on your Facebook or Instagram account.

How to add text


Customise your cards
with messages

Upload from Facebook Crop your shots Select a font


04 If you want to add images direct from
your Facebook or Instagram account,
click on the appropriate tab and log in, which
05 Once the le loads, it will appear within
a cropping box. Move the selection
around to determine how much of the image
01 Click the Text tab and type your message
within the text box. Select Font Name and
scroll through the options to select a font.

will give Snapajack access to your albums. You will appear on the card. The preview box to the
can then locate the image you want. right will give you a good indication.

Adjust size and colour


02 Adjust the font size and choose a colour by
selecting one from the palette box. Change
the text alignment so it appears top-centre.

Customise your card Save and complete


06 The image will appear on the card. Be
mindful of the trim area, which will be 07 Now scroll through the deck and start
adding other images to your cards. Reposition text
cropped off to ensure nothing important
appears within it. You can then add text to the
Save as you go by selecting the shopping cart
at the top and pressing Save. Once your cards
03 Now click and drag the text box down to
where you want it to appear on the card. You
can also adjust its opacity if you wish.
card if you wish by selecting the Text tab. are complete, click Approve.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 75


SHARING
Quick tips

5 ideas for creating


a photo gift
Surprise a loved one with a personalised present
Photos make fantastic gifts as they have a
personal touch that really shows you have Create a card Send a slideshow
put some thought into the present. Better Whether its Christmas or a friends If youre on a tight budget, then you can
still, theyre a great budget gift idea and birthday, create your own cards from your make and send a gift for free. Create an
your friends and family will have something photos. Shoot something that suits the online slideshow of photos that your friend
to cherish forever. Here are some ways that theme, such as balloons or a winter scene, will love, or turn a shot into a personalised
you can turn your photos into gifts. then create your card online or at home. e-card by adding some text.

Print on gifts Frame a photo Make a book


Websites such as Photobox and Snapsh If there is a particular photo you would like Print a selection of photos of yourself and a
let you turn your photos into all sorts of fun to give to a loved one, put it in a frame to friend, then stick them into an album to
gifts, from T-shirts and mugs to jigsaws and make it an extra special gift. You could create a fun scrapbook. Get really creative
phone cases. You can even get your photo even place several shots in one frame to by adding stickers and other mementos, or
printed on a cuddly toy. create a photo collage. you could create your book online.

If youre on a
tight budget,
then you can
make and
send a photo
gift for free

76 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


CANON PRO & MANFROTTO IN-STORE DAY- SAT 29th NOV, 9am-5.30pm - Free admission
Expert Demos & Great Deals on all the latest EOS Kit, Lenses & Accessories including the amazing new EOS 7D Mk II!
Plus PiXMA A3+ Printers & the new PowerShot Compacts including the G7 X, SX60HS and G1X Mk II. Call for more info...Dont Miss it!

ASK THE EXPERTS


EOS 7D Mk II

Southampton
BODY ONLY
Amazing 20MP
APS-C sensor,
10fps semi-pro
design. First
stocks Nov.

+ UP TO

NEW 25 ACK 0

DigitalSuperstore CASHB NOW /15)


ds 7/2
ses (en
ed len
on select DER to
.99 PRE-forOR
1599 WofIN
a chance
16 00
ories
access

11 CIVIC CENTRE RD, SOUTHAMPTON SO14 7FJ


TOP DSLR DEALS CANON EOS 6D TOP LENSES CANON
BODY ONLY NEW! EF 16-35MM EOS 1200D PHONE
FOR
CANON EOS 100D F/4L IS USM Phone & 18-55MM IS II LENS T
LATESS!
& 18-55MM IS STM
1299.99 FREE
+ +FREE MONOPOD!*
EF 16-35MM
349
.99
SRP 1199.99
DEAL

469.99 trade-up

1070
only...
MANF
ROTTO
D OR T!
+HEATA BLE
COMCanon UK,
F/2.8L II USM
+FREE MONOPOD! *
1199.99 EOS 7D
BODY ONLY 799
.99
PHONE
380
trade-up WA(fr EF 17-40MM Limited Stocks!
om
.99
619
) .14
for only... FOR & EOS 60D body til 28.10
F/4L USM
T
LATESS! +FREE MONOPOD!* EF-S LENS DEALS!
& 450D +18-55 IS
DEAL
EF 24-70MM EF-S 10-22MM .99
CANON EOS 700D CANON EOS 5D Mk III F/4 L IS USM 889.99 F/3.5-4.5 USM 449
+FREE MONOPOD!*
& 18-55MM STM IS LENS BODY ONLY EF-S 10-18MM
EF 24-70MM F/4-5.6 IS STM .99
.99 .99 1549.99 249
549 2299
+ NEW!
CANON EOS PRO F/2.8L USM

HIRE available FAR EETO 5D I


+FREE MONOPOD!*
EF-S 17-55MM
PHONE NFROT EF 70-200MM 629
.99
M
K IIKIT 1699.99 F/2.8 IS USM
460
trade-up
phone or call in for D OR
M
1749
for only... FOR trade-up
+HEMATABLE, T! F/2.8L IS II USM
T
LATESS! only...
CO Canon UK
WA(fr 24-105 .99 +FREE MONOPOD!*
POWERSHOT DEALS!
latest stock/price & 450D +18-55 IS DEAL om )
til 28.10
.14
+
2899 +
& your 5D Mk II Body
EF 100MM NEW G1X MkII Phone* * FSPRAREEE
details. F/2.8L IS USM MACRO 699.99 ERY OR
NEW CANON EOS 70D NEW CANON EOS 1D-X +FREE MONOPOD!*
G1X MkII 799.99*!
BATTFR OTTO
MAN PACT
BODY ONLY BODY ONLY COM OD!
EF 70-300MM + Viewfinder & Case Bundle TRIP
WE PAY CASH +
1069.99 (til 28.10
.14)

4849 .99 B4ON0U0S


F/4-5.6L IS USM
.99
for good quality
camera equipment
809 +
0D
7 5MM
+18-13TM PHONE

TR AFDE IN 2INYTEEA RS
REST
+ +FREE MONOPOD!*
*Free Manfrotto 679B Monopod worth 45
from Canon UK (til 28.10.14)
NEW G7 X
(1 20.2MP SENSOR)
579.99
3975
trade-up

700
trade-up RLR! s, 449.99
visit your local only... IS S W
O
FOR
T
only... OFlectedEDS EDtuIT
E CtoRsta
FREbje s, HUGE CANON LENS, NEW SX60
LCE store now! KIT- N 99 LATESS! (on se 31.12.14)
til (su
ct ) .14 (65X OPTICAL ZOOM)
& EOS 40D body
1079. DEAL & your EOS-1D Mk III (inc. Bonus Trade-In) til 31.12
ACCESSORY & PRINTER G16
RANGE IN STOCK! NOW ONLY 399.99
NIKON D610 TOP LENSES
+

TOP DSLR DEALS BODY ONLY NEW NIKON Df FRINEGHEAM


16.2MP FX sensor (from D4) BILL
NIKON D5300 NEW 18-300MM Retro design & latest
BAG!
1349.99
+ digital technology. .14)
F/3.5-6.3 VR AF-S (til 28.10
& 18-140MM VR LENS GREATE
VALU IT!
FREPENDR
COKIN &
ED DX 629.99 Black or Chrome.
BODY & NEW

799.99 1130 FILTE 50MM F/1.8


trade-up
K 2470MM AF-S
r LENS for
GR A D OD
IK TRIP !
SL TH 123 F/2.8G ED 1249.99 AF-S NIKKOR
only... R .10.14)
WO(til
SRP 2749.99 Phone
680
trade-up & your D7000 body 28
70200MM AF-S
for only...
F/2.8G ED VR II 1599.99 NIKON
& your D5000 +18-55mm VR NEW NIKON D750 D5200
BODY ONLY 70200MM AF-S & 18-55MM
NIKON D7000 Latest 24.3 FX design, compact
mag-alloy & carbon fibre body, +
M
F/4 VR SRP 1172.99 969.99 VR LENS
BODY
D700050MM 24-85RM 499 .99
2 YEAR .99 + 18-1
3.2 tilt LCD, 6.5fps, EXPEED 4
Processor, 51200 max ISO
VR O M24-
VR
18-300MM AF-S
669.99

NEW NIKON
599
F/3.5-5.6 VR
VR DLVY SRP 1799.99
M
WARRANTY ON 9! 120 KIT
739.9 LENS BLE D4s BODY
on all Nikon DSLR bodies,
DSLR kit lenses
trade-up
for only...
470 Phone AVAIL
A 80-400MM AF-S
F/4.5-5.6 VR NEW! 1899.99 Latest 16.2MP FX
Pro DSLR
PHONE
FOR
T
LATESS!
& CoolPix compacts 200-400MM SRP 5199.99
DEAL
(requires registration).
& your Nikon D90 body
NEW NIKON D810 F/4 VRII AF-S ED G 4899.99 Phone
NIKON D7100 BODY ONLY
D7-310000MM
Latest 36.3MP FX Pro design,
LEASE RENTAL BODY ONLY up to 7fps, 51200 max ISO with BUY NOW PAY LATER! NEW NIKON
now available on many + 18R F/6.3 0% deferred finance
+ reduced noise, HD 1080/60p
D3300
809.99
V NLY
items to Pros/Businesses.
FREE KIT9O9.99! Movie, EXPEED 4 processor & (on many items if balance paid
& 18-55MM
2 or 3 year terms+final P ND 11 Picture Control v2.0.
e
within 12 months!) Subject to
VR II LENS
PRhLAoTnEST
IN
COK ILTER & SRP 2699.99 status, 20% min. deposit, 29
retention option, see:
690
trade-up F
GR AD IPOD 00OCK .99
for only... TR 23! FO ALS & + D8ST settlement fee payable. Phone for
429
photolease.co.uk
& your D3100+18-55mm VR
SLIK TH
R .101
WO(til 28 .14
)
Phone DE RS!
OFFE
LIMITED
Phon
e details (in-store customers only).
D3200 +18-55MM VR II- 339.99
+FREE NIKON CAMERA BAG
X-T1
NEW! TE,

NEW
GRAPHIMM &
50-140 APD-
NEW X100T, X30 56MM NE!
PHO NEW DMC-GX7 LUMIX
LX100
99
X-T1 GRAPHITE Pr7e-9Or9de. r NEW +
e
Phstodenals on
& 14-42MM OIS ZOOM RIP
FREE G 0
Phone NEW - GX7 & 14-42MM
Now
for late OM-D & 1B5ACK!

NE3W ! X1009T A 7 R CASH
9 .99 A7 & RAME E-M1 ed
99 .9 r 599
select
0-
NEW!
on es
Latest XF range deals, X FULL-F
s Lens
47ST .99
9 KS rde RLESS Olympu9.1.15

A77 II
Pre-Or FREE MIRRO OM-D E-M1 BODY til

Phone
OC
FIRSTTOBER! Now fo
OC Case O
ffer! GX7+20MM F/1.7 II- 699.99
g spec
Amazin stock!
, no w
FREE GRIP!
SRP 1299.99 1049.99
DSLR Studio Zone in BODY + 12-40MM F/2.8 D/ZUIKO
NEW DMC-GH4 Phon
e FREE GRIP!
SRP 1949 99 1699.99
NEW 150-600mm BODY ONLY
Studio Flash kits, Alpha 99 body

Phone NEW
Backdrops, Reflectors etc. f/5-6.3 VC USD ! 0 mm New! Alpha 77 II + 16-50mm F/2.8 NEW
Wide range stocked. NE0W
0 mm 70-30USD A65 + 18-55/55-300mm 599.99 LOW !
.99 VC LY OM-D
949 16-3 PZD
VC LY
ON 9
529.9 )
ON9.99
3 4 y
(with anLR
Latest weather-proof
16MP Pro-spec design
+14-14
0MM 50mm f/1.8 - 349.99 GH4
Alpha 58+18-55mm & FREE
E-M10 PRICE
HIGH 18-270MM VC PZD Di II (Can/N
ik fit new DS featuring 4K Movie
P H ON E New! A5000+16-50mm 299.99 Ultra-compact yet fast & powerful
16MP CSC + 14-42mm .99
QUALITY
f/3.5-6.3 SuperZoom 329.99
+ALL TAMRON LENSES INCLUDE A 5 YEAR WARRANTY!
capability.
SRP 1299.99
New! A6000+16-50mm 599.99
NEX-5T+16-50mm PZ
EZ Zoom.
OM-D E-M5 & PEN E-P5 - PHONE
659
+ LUMIX G LENSES AVAILABLE PHONE FOR PRICES
USED +
RX100/RX100 II/RX100 III
Cybershot HX400 NEW 40-150MM
F/2.8 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITA
EQUIPMENT NEW 150-600MM NE W
Cybershot RX10 Phone Pro-level optics, spec & build
+
x & 2x PHONE FOR ALL compact size, fast AF, dust, LE
Use our Secondhand NEW! MT190XPRO3 LEGS WITH BUNDH
THE NEW X-PRO 3-WAY HEAD BIG OF
F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM ZOOM 1.4
LECON
VERTER
S
THE LATEST DEALS
splash & freeze-proof. WIT 4x
E W 1. R
Search Tool online at: E Latest Super-Tele design,
ONE! .99 N

www.LCEgroup.co.uk
R ANGROTTO
MANFPORTS high-grade optics, fast AF.
TE
- PH & PRICES! 1299 CO N V E
1499.
RTE
99
.99
239 SUP AGS
& B CK!
IN STO
2 versions available:
Contemporary (Compact Size)- 999.99
LCE 10 High St, Southampton SO14 2 H
+5 YEAR WARRANTY
(REGISTRATION REQUIRED) Sports (Weatherproof, improved
Anti-Shake, Custom options)- 1599.99
Call 02380 335363
FAST COURIER MAIL ORDER Next day delivery available from all LCE branches. Postage & Insurance 4.99 for most items.

MAIL ORDER HOTLINE: 023 8063 2629


e-mail: southampton.civic@LCEgroup.co.uk www.LCEgroup.co.uk Open 9am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday
Manager Matthew Sanders - BA (Hons) Photography
E & O E. Subject to availability. Some images are for illustrative purposes only. Trade-Up deals are examples only and assume equipment part-exchanged in very good condition, full working order, etc. & including all standard accessories.
Amy Squibb
Ask the team questions at Digital Photographer
editor Amy is here to
photoforbeginners.com help with our readers
shooting concerns
Post questions to the PFBMag
group at www.facebook.com James Sheppard
Photographer and
Tweet any quick questions or tips you Photoshop whizz James
may have to @PFBMag is on hand to solve any
editing issues
Upload your problem pics to our Flickr
pool at www.ickr.com/pfbmag Jo Stass
PFBs senior staff
Questions & answers, writer Jo is ready to
answer your camera
tips & photo-xes tech questions

How can I improve my portrait?


I have been practising
my portrait photography
skills with the help of my
lovely friend Megan. Shes
a fantastic model and I
managed to get some
great shots, but how can I
enhance them further?
Lauren Michaels, Facebook
To take a perfect portrait you
need to consider many different
factors. First, you need to think
C
about the location and lighting,
nding somewhere where you
can capture your subject looking
A Dull teeth and eyes
their best. Then you have to pick
your settings to ensure your A The subjects teeth and eyes
could do with brightening up a
photo looks natural and well bit to make them really sparkle
exposed, before directing your
Skin blemishes
subject into your desired pose.
B Although she already has lovely
Even if you get all of this spot-on,
most portraits can still benet B skin, there are a few
imperfections that can be
smoothed out
from a bit of retouching.
Soft details
C The eyes should be the most
important part of any portrait,
Photo needs rescuing? but unfortunately they look a
Email it to our experts little soft in this image
pfbteam@imagine-publishing.co.uk

Perfect portrait Retouch your people shots with Photoshop Elements

01 Brighten eyes and teeth


Select the Dodge tool from the
Toolbar and set the Exposure to
02 Remove imperfections
Remove skin blemishes or
stray hairs by using the Spot Healing
03 Smooth skin
To make skin look truly
awless, select the Smudge tool and
04 Sharpen details
Add more denition to the
eyes by selecting the Sharpen tool and
around 55%. Now brush smoothly Brush tool. Set it to Proximity Match keep the Strength low, at around setting the Strength to around 80%.
over the teeth and eyes to brighten and simply highlight on the problem 10%. Now gradually brush over the Now brush over the eyes to bring out
them up. area to remove it. skin to smooth it out. more detail.

78 Photography for Beginners


Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com

4 OF THE BEST
Tips for
perfect
portraits

Blur the background


To make your subject really stand out, switch to
Aperture Priority mode and use a wide aperture
(small f-number) to create a shallow depth of
eld and blur the background. Alternatively, use a
portrait scene mode for a similar effect.

Switch on your cameras


gridline display to help
you line up the horizon

Where should I position the horizon?


Focus on the eyes
The eyes should be the most important part of
your photo, so it is important to keep them
I love taking landscape photos and have The rule of thirds is a fantastic technique
sharp. Use Selective Autofocus (One Shot on been trying to develop my creative eye by for composing any photo, but particularly
Canon and AF-S on Nikon) and position the focus
point over the eyes. using some of the rules of composition landscapes. It involves imagining a nine-section
to make my shots more engaging. I am grid over the scene, or you can switch on your
currently getting to grips with the rule of cameras gridline display, and then positioning
thirds, which I know suggests positioning your main focal point on one of the intersecting
the horizon in either the top or bottom third points. You should also position the horizon along
of the frame. However, is there a guideline one of the horizontal lines, and there is a simple
for choosing which one? And are there any rule you can follow to decide which line to use. No
other compositional rules I could try? matter where you position it though, make sure
David Lloyd, via email you keep it straight to avoid a wonky photo.

Meter correctly
Every time you half-press the shutter, your
Move the horizon How to decide where to position it
camera measures the light to set the exposure.
To make sure your subject appears bright, use
Spot metering mode and your camera will read
the light for where you focus.

Towards the top Towards the bottom In the centre


Fill in shadows If the sky is just a wide expanse of If the sky looks spectacular, with If the sky and foreground are equally
Shadows make for an unattering portrait, so blue or grey, and the foreground has uffy white clouds or sunset colours, interesting, or if youre shooting a
bounce the light back into any dark areas using a much more interest, then position but there is not much happening in reection and want to create
reector. Alternatively, ll in the shadows by
ring your ash, but try bouncing it off a ceiling or the horizon in the top third of your the foreground, move the horizon to symmetry, position the horizon in the
wall to make it less harsh. photo for a striking shot. the bottom third of the photo. middle of the composition.

Photography for Beginners 79


Make washed-out skies a
This month we thing of the past with our

Like tips for vibrant details

Post your photo to


our Facebook page
and well share it
with the world
Search for PFBMag

Ann Overhulse
This close-up reveals the fantastic details in
this creatures body and wings.

How can I photograph stunning skies?


Ive been out and about with my camera to be deleted. However, there are a few tricks
Haithem Msahbin a lot recently, but in a lot of my photos I you can use to avoid this. Of course, the weather
Vibrant subjects, like this colourful bird,
make for really eye-catching photos. have noticed that the sky looks very dull or and time of day play a big part, as the sky usually
completely washed out. Do you have any always looks dull on overcast days. Try shooting at
advice for capturing skies with more impact? dawn or dusk when the sky will be alive with golden
Jane Harrison, via Facebook colours, and look for well-dened clouds that will
add contrast and texture to the sky. You can also
When taking photos outdoors, it can be tricky to try using Spot metering mode, half-pressing the
capture the scene exactly as you see it, leaving shutter while pointing the camera at the sky to
you with disappointing shots that are destined ensure it is well exposed.

Spectacular skies Top tips for boosting the backdrop

Helen Holmes
Shooting at dusk or dawn brings landscapes
to life with a golden glow.

Use a filter Try HDR Fix it later


Attaching a graduated neutral density Take two shots, one where you So long as the detail in the sky is not
lter to your lens will block some of expose for the sky and the other completely blown out, you can rescue
the light from the top of the frame to exposed for the foreground, then it by adjusting the shadows and
Sonia Komorowski prevent the sky from being merge them together with editing highlights with editing software. This
Sonia got her focus spot-on to capture this
bird hiding in the tree. overexposed. software to create a HDR image. will create a really striking backdrop.

80 Photography
t gr for Beginners
Be nn
Twitpics
The best photos to sh
t nig
ht to
oot a erNick1
The clo
u
lovely c ds add a bit o
ountry f
scene drama to this
@upad
ch
have on @Ar ay
dont
tweeted to us A sunburst really complements
Get creative with light to produ
ce
You re the m
capt
u
o
amazing images @DomMcDowell
@pfbmag landscape shot @Hardinero
this

LET US RECOMMEND
Editing software
Perfect your shot by purchasing a program
Ive recently started experimenting with editing my photos Although it is best to try to get your photos right in-camera, almost
using free software and apps, just adjusting things like every shot can benet from a bit of post-processing somehow. Whether
exposure and sharpness. However, I would now like to try some its a boost of the colours or a brightening of the shadows, even simple
more advanced editing and maybe even start processing my tweaks can turn your images from average to awesome. There are lots of
own RAW les. Id love to be able try out a few more of the editing programs available for a wide range of prices, but if youre on a
fantastic editing projects in your magazine too. Are there any really tight budget then there are plenty of free programs that will satisfy
editing programs that you can recommend for an editing most of your editing needs. For example, turn to page 62 to discover just
novice like me? Preferably that arent too expensive. what you can do with Picasa.
Joel Green, via Facebook

CyberLink PhotoDirector 6 Adobe Photoshop Elements 13 Serif PhotoStack


50/$60 81/$100 50/$70
The latest update to CyberLinks editing Adobes basic editing software is easy to use PhotoStack is Serifs PC-only photo organiser
software has lots of clever new tools and and packed with lots of one-click xes and and editor, with all of the basic tools you
supports the RAW les of 54 new camera more creative editing options. Plus, this need for xing common photography
models. Its also 20 per cent faster at latest update has even more instant problems, such as red-eye, and getting really
exporting photos than the previous version. effects and smart tools for pro edits. creative with your shots.

Whats good about it Whats good about it Whats good about it


 Smart photo merge tools allow you to easily
swap out faces to create the perfect group shot  It has a Quick, Guided and Expert mode to suit
editors of any skill level  Choose from lots of preset lter effects to
instantly transform your photos into works of art

 The Panorama tool automatically lls in edges to


stitch photos together without need for cropping  It also comes with a photo organiser and has
tools for sharing your shots creatively  There are lots of tools for organising and sharing
your photos, and you can even geotag shots

What could be better What could be better What could be better


 Free CyberLink Cloud storage is only available
with more expensive Ultra and Suite versions  Some of the more advanced tools are a little
confusing to use without instructions to follow  It may take a little getting used to if you are not
an experienced photo editor

 You will have to pay a little more to get the


version that is Mac-compatible  It is the most expensive of the three programs,
even when upgrading from a previous version  It is only available for those with a PC, so Mac
users will have to look elsewhere

Photography for Beginners 81


Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com

Get to know your


camera in 5 minutes
Your quick start guide to help you master your kit now
CAMERA ICONS EXPLAINED Choose the correct setting with this guide
Delete found Drive modes Self-timer for Program Aperture Priority
on all cameras including Burst self-portraits etc Easily customise Select the aperture while
things like ISO and the camera picks the
Playback use Metering Image white balance shutter speed for you
W

to review photos modes stabilisation


Landscape Shutter
Flash choose Zooms lens out Function button
Boosts the saturation Priority
to switch on/off W for wide angles Fn for shortcuts
in blues and greens
for really vivid shots
Select just the shutter
speed in this mode
A TO
Auto Manual
Flash off the
ash wont re T Zooms lens in
for close-ups Diameter of lens
found on barrel Let your camera do
the hard work for you
Take control in this
mode and pick your
in automatic mode own settings
Zoom in on + Exposure Macro or close-
+ your photos compensation up modes
Sports Portrait
Uses a fast shutter For super-attering
Zoom out of Video mode on Night-time/ speed to capture people shots with
your photos stills cameras low-light scenes blur-free movement blurry backgrounds

Mode dial LCD screen Viewnder


Shutter JARGON BUSTER
release Hotshoe Aperture: Affects the amount of your image
Zoom that is in focus the depth of eld
CSC: Compact system camera
DSLR: Digital single lens reex camera
Drive mode: Continuous or Burst mode,
single shot and self-timer
Dynamic range: The term used to refer to
the amount of detail present in the highlights
and shadows

Exposure: A balanced exposure has detail in


light and shadow areas alike

Exposure compensation: Adjusts the


tonal range of your photo, lighter or darker

Focal lengths: Wide-angle a wider angle


of view than normal, eg 28mm. Telephoto a
magnied view of subjects in the distance,

Lens Flash eg 200mm

Focus: Autofocus means your camera focuses


Lens release for you; Manual puts you in control

Menu Controls ISO: Refers to how sensitive your cameras


sensor is to light and affects the visible grain or

Change your lens How to remove and attach lenses noise in a photo

LCD: The display screen on the rear of the


camera used to compose images

Live view: An electronic view of the scene in


front of the lens

Metering: Refers to the way the camera


reads the light in the scene

Megapixels: Number of pixels on the sensor,


in millions

Noise: Refers to the visible digital grain in a


photograph

Shutter speed: Fast speeds freeze action


while longer ones blur any motion

Viewnder: Optical shows you the view


through the camera lens and is good for accurate
framing. Electronic shows the view on an LCD in
Remove the lens Line it up Fix in place the viewnder

White balance: Affected by the ambient

01 Remove the old lens by


pressing the button next to
it and then gently twisting the lens
02 Remove the new lenss rear
cap and then line up the
red or white markings on the lens
03 Once lined up, twist the
lens clockwise until you
hear a click telling you that it has
light, the white balance can be altered to ensure
a natural colour result

Zoom: Optical the magnication provided by


the camera lens. Digital a camera crop factor
anti-clockwise to unscrew it. and camera body. locked into place.

82 Photography for Beginners


SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO

PLAIN
ENGLISH
AWARD
Photography for
WINNER!
Beginners is going
digital! Take advantage
of our great subscription
offer to get top tricks
direct to your device

GO DIGITAL!
GREAT DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS AVAILABLE
FOR ANDROID, MAC, PC, iPHONE & iPAD
order online at
www.greatdigitalmags.com
UPGRADE
Samsung NX3000

Samsung
NX3000
Meet the smart camera that doubles as a baby monitor
349/$530 | 20.3MP | Full HD | 3 LCD screen

BUY ARE THERE MANUAL AND


AUTO MODES?
THIS IF The mode dial is kitted out with manual
you need a modes, as well as an iFunction button on
compact to the lens that acts as a shortcut to key
capture family settings. Theres also a Smart mode with
16 scenes to choose from if youre happy
photos to let the camera take control.

84 Photography for Beginners


UPGRADE
Samsung NX3000

Below The large 20.3-megapixel sensor delivers superb-quality stills with manual
and auto modes, plus full HD video with stereo sound

The menu is one of the most TECHNICAL INFO


straightforward weve encountered.
There are images that Megapixels 20.3MP
A high resolution for sharp shots and
illustrate every Smart large prints

option, and Zoom By lens


The kit lens is 16-50mm, which is
controls are versatile for most subjects
intuitively Shutter speed 30-1/4000sec
laid out A fast shutter speed for capturing the
winning shot

ISO sensitivity 100-25600


A good range of sensitivity settings for
low-light shooting

Exp. modes Auto, Manual, Program,


Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority,
Panorama, Smart
A range of modes to suit every skill level

Aperture By lens
Flash modes External ash only
Weight 230g without battery
Dimensions 117.4 x 65.9 x 39mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Storage microSD, microSDXC,
microSDHC, UHS-1 microSD
The most striking feature about this camera is its phone. The family fun doesnt end there either, as Screen 3 inches
cool, retro design. The compact chassis is coated in the fast shutter speed of 1/4000sec can keep up
a leather-like material with a sophisticated silver-top with fast-moving subjects like children and pets. HOW GOOD IS IT FOR
plate. But dont let the vintage elements fool you into The NX3000 comes with a versatile 16-50mm Landscapes +++++
thinking this isnt as up-to-date as its compact lens that has a power zoom button on the side. This Land and sky are accurately exposed,
with detail in shadows and highlights
system competitors. The ip-up three-inch LCD tends to make zooming a steadier process, so
Portraits +++++
display is perfect for taking self-portraits, bringing videos arent disturbed by jerky movements. The ip-up screen is great for seles,
and skin tones are attering
the camera to life as soon as you move it. Get into Speaking of video, it records at full HD and the
position and give the camera a wink and, two results like the still images are sharp with Sports +++++
It freezes the action with a fast shutter
seconds later, the shot will be captured without you excellent colour rendition. This is thanks to the large, speed and the option to shoot 5fps
having to lift a nger. DSLR-sized sensor that creates attractive blurred Low light +++++
Images are clean and sharp all the way
Samsung cameras have become known for their backgrounds in portraits, as well as detailed images up to ISO 1600
connectivity, and the NX3000 continues this trend. in low light. There isnt a ash on board, however, or
Macro +++++
Images can be shared wirelessly via Wi-Fi and NFC an eye-level viewnder. A touch screen interface A macro lens would be recommended
to focus a little closer
connectivity, and you can even turn your smartphone would have been welcome too, but at this relatively
into a remote viewnder. Frame the shot and adjust low price point, we cant grumble. The NX3000
THE PROS & CONS
settings like shutter speed and exposure all from would make a great addition to any family.
Wireless connectivity lets you
your phone, which enables you to be a part of family control the camera from your phone
group shots more easily. It seems that family is the This camera will let you know when your child stirs, Low-light performance is impressive,
producing detailed images
operative word, as this camera also comes with a capture a photo with a wink, and create stunning
A viewfinder and a flash would
built-in baby monitor. Just download the Home shots for the album all for a reasonable price. enhance usability

VERDICT +++++
Monitor+ app and if your little one wakes up and The flip screen could be improved
with touch screen capability
cries, the NX3000 will send a notication to your

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 85


UPGRADE
Canon IXUS 265 HS

Canon IXUS
265 HS
A sleek compact thats bursting
with creative modes
190/$200 | 16MP | Full HD | 3 LCD screen

BUY WHAT IS HYBRID AUTO?


THIS IF Hybrid Auto provides you with a movie
summary of your day, without you having
yo ure after a to hit record. This mode lets you take
stylish, everyday photos with Smart Auto but also captures
a four-second lm clip before each shot.
compact The camera then combines them all to
camera create a HD movie.

86 Photography for Beginners


UPGRADE
Canon IXUS 265 HS

Below Canon doesnt disappoint, capturing images that are sharp and true-to-life.
Creative Shot enables you to experiment with different lters

Despite its small stature, it feels assuredly weighty in TECHNICAL INFO


our hands. The three-way switch on top allows you to
toggle through auto settings quickly and easily Megapixels 16MP
A good number of megapixels for
printing large images for your walls

Zoom 12x optical, 4x digital


A focal range of 25-300mm lends itself
to every subject, ZoomPlus offers 24x

Shutter speed 15-1/2,000 sec


The in-built Image Stabiliser does a
good job of preventing camera shake

ISO sensitivity 100-3200


Program mode enables you to alter ISO
for low-light shooting

Exp. modes Smart Auto, Hybrid


Auto, Creative Shot, Program, 32 modes
A largely automatic range of modes is
perfect for beginners

Aperture f3.6 f7.0


Flash modes Auto, Fon, Foff, SS
Weight 147g with battery
Dimensions 99.7 x 57.6 x 22.4mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Storage SD, SDXC, SDHC
Screen 3 inches
The quality of compact cameras has come on leaps lters like the retro Toy Camera. You wont advance
and bounds in recent years, but Canon has always your manual skills, but youll still feel creatively in
been ahead of the curve. Its IXUS range has always control with such a wide range of scene modes. HOW GOOD IS IT FOR
impressed with its stylish packaging and top-notch Finished photos dont disappoint, either. The Landscapes +++++
features, making it the go-to brand for the everyday colours are sumptuously bright straight from the Wide-angle shots showed good detail in
the shadows and highlights
compact. Small enough to squeeze into trouser camera, but you can also adjust how they look in the
Portraits +++++
pockets despite boasting a 12x zoom, the 265 is no MyColors menu ideal for capturing in black and Smart Shutter and Portrait modes are
great for capturing attering seles
exception. Once powered up, the lens concertinas white or for boosting contrast. Optical Image
outwards and youre ready to go. Stabilisation ensures scenes are sharp, even when Sports +++++
The High-speed Burst mode delivers
Its so simple to use just slide the switch on top using the zoom or shooting in low light. The sharp shots of fast-moving subjects
of the camera to one of three automatic settings to 16-megapixel pictures are impressively detailed all Low light +++++
Noise is kept to a minimum up to ISO
start shooting. Theres automatic Creative Shot, the way up to ISO 800, producing natural-looking 800, when images start losing detail
which takes ve shots with different lters, and photos without a ash. Whats more is that the 265
Macro +++++
Hybrid Auto that enables you to capture photos with is brought bang up-to-date with Wi-Fi and NFC Focus as close as 1cm away from the
subject for punchy pics with impact
Smart Auto and also records a four-second movie connectivity for online sharing or remote shooting.
clip before each picture combining them to create Affordable and easy-to-use, this is a great option for
THE PROS & CONS
a HD movie. holidays and everyday adventures.
The design is sleek and small
While shooting in automatic mode, you also have enough to take everywhere with you
the choice between relinquishing full control to the Theres no excuse not to have a camera with you at Built-in Wi-Fi lets you share your shots
with your smart device or photo apps
camera, or pressing the function button to shoot in all times thanks to this pocketable compact that
The large LCD could be improved with
Program mode, Portrait, Smart Shutter (takes a shot captures impressive pictures. a touch screen for quicker adjustments

VERDICT +++++
when a face is detected), High-speed Burst, There are no manual modes or RAW
shooting capability on-board
Handheld Night Scene, Low Light and even digital

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 87


UPGRADE

Fujilm you w
BUY
THIS IF
ant a camera
thatll survive your

FinePix XP70
Cheap and cheerful, the Fujilm FinePix XP70 threatens
extreme taste for
adventure

to shake up the tough-compact market


170/$230 | Waterproof to 10m | 28mm wide-angle, 5x optical zoom lens | 16.4MP CMOS sensor

IS THE XP70 AS TOUGH AS


ITS RIVALS?
The XP70 keeps up with its competitors by
being waterproof down to 10m,
freezeproof to -10C and dustproof.
However, its only shockproof to 1.5m,
while many of its rivals can boast 2m. It
also fails to tout a crushproof rating.

88 Photography for Beginners


UPGRADE
Fujilm FinePix XP70

Below Although captures could be criticised as being a shade underexposed,


colours and details are successfully translated at the cameras lower sensitivities

Users need to install TECHNICAL INFO


the free Fujilm
Camera Application Megapixels 16.4MP
The sensor owns more than enough
on a receiving megapixels to create large prints

compatible device to Zoom 5x optical, 10x digital


Expands from a 28mm wide angle to an
share captures taken equivalent 140mm telephoto
on the XP70 Shutter speed 4-1/2000sec
Plenty of range for the modest
enthusiast; the XP70 is quick enough for
moderately paced movement

ISO sensitivity 100-6400


A staple ISO range here, escalating to
sufcient sensitivities for low light

Exp. modes Auto, Program


The XP70 is only equipped with basic
shooting modes

Aperture f3.9-4.9
Flash modes A, RE, SS, Fon, Foff
Weight 179g with battery
Dimensions 104.1 x 66.5 x 25.9mm
Fujilms latest four-way-proof compact is set to and evaluate images. Shooting modes are basic, Batteries Lithium-ion
cause a stir in the action-adventure camera market, reected by the minimal button layout and the Storage SD, SDHC, SDXC
not because it offers anything particularly new or simple two-fold menu system; making this camera Screen 2.7 inches
revolutionary, but because it goes on sale at almost chiey aimed at those who just want to point and
half the asking price of its competitors. Whats even shoot on the go. The AF isnt the fastest, but when it HOW GOOD IS IT FOR
more impressive is that it seems Fujilm hasnt had does lock on its usually reliable. The biggest Landscapes +++++
to make any compromises on quality or features. problem we had with the XP70s handling is the A 5x optical lens delivers a more-than-
adequate focal length of 28-140mm
Topping the bill is its proong features including frustrating shutter lag.
Portraits +++++
being waterproof to 10m (see boxout), hotly followed Most importantly perhaps, the XP70 produces a The camera sports a Portrait mode and
correctly reproduces skin tones
by wireless connectivity, a 16.4MP image sensor, level of image quality traditionally reserved for
GPS, HDR, 10fps at full resolution, and full HD movie models beyond this price point. Colours are generally Sports +++++
Not the quickest shutter speed, and
capture with a dedicated on-body shortcut, wind realistic and the details are sharp enough to please. there is a lag when the shot is red
lter setting, lters and in-camera editing tools. The only issue we have here is its slight tendency to Low light +++++
The camera promises success with
Cheerfully decorated thanks to the bright blue, underexpose. Details at low sensitivities are a several low-light and night modes
yellow or orange paint job, the XP70 certainly looks marvel, and as we move up the scale we only begin
Macro +++++
and acts the part, featuring a rubber-coated ridge to see softening and muting to a point beyond Although it can only get as close as
9cm, the results are usually sharp
on the front and raised textured thumb grip on the satisfaction around ISO 3200, which is true of most
reverse. As well as feeling tough, the camera uses compacts at this level.
THE PROS & CONS
a double-lock mechanism to protect the card and
The XP70s shockproof specs match
battery compartment. The lens is positioned on Waterproof, tough enough to withstand most the markets big-sellers
the top-left, which can take a little getting used to, action-adventure pursuits, capable of producing Lots of fun and useful features for
producing excellent video quality
and the LCD is slightly smaller and lower-res than superior image quality, feature-rich and all for a great
The monitor is much smaller and
most, but it does offer an anti-reective coating. price. Whats not to love? lower resolution than most of its rivals

VERDICT +++++
That said, regardless of how many dots it lacked, Most of the images produced during
our review were a shade underexposed
we found it crisp and clear enough to compose

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 89


UPGRADE
Nikon 1 S2

Nikon 1 S2
What can Nikons budget CSC offer beginner shooters?
380/$450 (with 11-27.5mm lens) | 14.2MP | 60fps shooting | Creative modes

BUY
THIS IF
you want
some creative
control and fun
features

WHAT IS NIKONS BEST


MOMENT CAPTURE?
This handy mode shoots several images
in one second, starting even before you
re the shutter, then lets you choose the
best to keep. Alternatively, you can use
Smart Photo Selector to let the camera
automatically choose the best ve
images for you.

90 Photography for Beginners


UPGRADE
Nikon 1 S2

Below Lots of detail is present throughout the shots and the camera handles
noise well until higher ISOs of above 3200, making it great for working in low light

With a smooth TECHNICAL INFO


body and no grip
on the front, Megapixels 14.2MP
A decent number of pixels for producing
youll need to good-quality photo prints

use two hands Zoom By lens


There are 13 different lenses available
to hold the for the Nikon 1 system
camera steady Shutter speed 30-1/16000
An ideal range for freezing movement
and shooting in low light

ISO sensitivity 200-12800


An extensive range for boosting the
sensitivity in dull shooting conditions

Exp. modes Auto, Program, Manual,


AP and SP
No scenes, but Auto performs well and
there are lots of other creative options

Aperture By lens
Flash modes Auto, Fon, Foff, RE, SS, RC
Weight 230g with battery
Dimensions 101.0 x 60.8 x 29.4mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Storage microSD, microSDHC,
microSDXC
Not much bigger than a compact, even with the You can also record full HD movies of the action, Screen 3 inches
interchangeable kit lens attached, the Nikon 1 S2 is with lots of creative movie modes including slow
one of the smallest CSCs around, and its plastic motion video. Auto Image Capture will even snap a HOW GOOD IS IT FOR
body makes it very lightweight too. Despite its small photo while recording when it thinks the conditions Landscapes +++++
size, its kitted out with lots of fun and functional are best, or you can shoot a still image yourself Images have plenty of detail, but
colours are sometimes a little muted
features, including manual modes. However, without during lming. Alternatively, Motion Snapshot will
Portraits +++++
a physical mode dial, changing modes and settings record footage before and after you take a photo, No scene mode, but Silent mode is
perfect for shooting candid portraits
is quite a long and complicated process, so it is combining the image and video into a movie clip
more suited to those who mostly stick to auto. You with background music. Sports +++++
Fast shutter speeds, quick focusing and
can still be creative in auto though, as you have When it comes to still image quality, the 1 S2 speedy continuous shooting
quick and easy control over background blur, motion performs surprisingly well for such a small camera. Low light +++++
Low-light images have a good amount of
blur and brightness. There are also lter effects you Noise doesnt become a major problem in photos detail with minimal grain
can apply to shots, or you can use Creative Palette until ISO 3200 and images are still usable well
Macro +++++
mode, which adjusts the brightness and colours of beyond this value. However, if you want Wi-Fi Focusing distance depends on the lens,
but manual focus is available
your shot as you turn the control dial so you can re connectivity, a touch screen and a more versatile
the shutter when you see the effect you like. kit lens, youll need to pay a fair amount more for
THE PROS & CONS
The Nikon 1 S2 is particularly great for capturing the Nikon 1 J4 model.
Innovative modes make it easy to
action shots, with a super-fast maximum shutter capture clear shots of the action
speed for freezing motion and quick subject-tracking Although the handling isnt intuitive, the Nikon 1 S2 is Theres plenty of scope for beginners
to get creative with their images
autofocus to keep things sharp. You can also shoot compact, reasonably priced and has lots of clever
You need to manually extend the
up to 60 frames per second, or use Best Moment features to help you take great shots. lens before you can start shooting

VERDICT +++++
Capture mode to help you choose the best of The menu is a little long-winded,
making it difficult to adjust settings
several shots.

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 91


ACCESSORIES
XSories Me-Shot Deluxe

XSories
Me-Shot
BUY
Deluxe Capture the perfect
THISanItFh
elp sele, group shot
you w our
with y s and and more
ait
self-portgrle shots
high-an

Including yourself in your photos can be quite tricky, work. It can be used to control any camera app,
and usually involves holding your camera or phone whether you have an iOS, Android or Windows device. THE INFO
awkwardly at arms length. XSories has now set out The remotes buttons will have different functions
Price 48/$80
to solve this problem with their Me-Shot Deluxe kit. It depending on your phone, so it takes a little while to
includes a monopod that can hold a cameraphone work out what they all do, but for most models you
Maximum height
93cm
using the supplied Pholder attachment, or a compact can control volume, go to the home screen, and of Minimum height
camera, and both devices are held safely and course re the shutter. 23cm

securely. You can then easily extend the monopod by Although the remote is very small, the monopod is Weight 105g
pulling the grip downwards to help you move the not particularly compact, so it wont t in your pocket Maximum load 400g
camera further away to t everyone in the photo, or with your phone. It feels lightweight and well made Colours Orange, Pink, Black
shoot from high angles, which is useful for shooting but is still quite expensive, so youll have to be
above the crowds at a concert. To take your shot, you serious about seles to buy one. However, a slightly THE PROS & CONS
can use either self-timer mode or, if youre using a cheaper version is available without the remote.
Frame shots from awkward angles
cameraphone, the supplied remote control. The with ease and shoot from a distance
remote connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and If youre frustrated with framing shots from awkward Works with any camera or phone,
angles, then the Me-Shot Deluxe is a great solution, with control over lots of handy functions
although it is quite straightforward to set up, the
The complete kit wont fit in your
keyboard buttons are a little ddly. However, from but youll need to be willing to carry and pay for it. pocket, so youll need a bag

VERDICT +++++
then on it will connect automatically, and you dont Its quite pricey, but is also a
versatile and well-made product
even need to download a specic app to get it to

92 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


ACCESSORIES
Flash accessories

Flash accessories
Control the light from your ash with these clever devices
1 Lastolite MicroApollo MKII 45 Price 30/approx $49 2 Gary Fong Puffer PLUS
The MicroApollo MKII 45 from the effect of your ash. It is use, it folds down at so that Price Approx 17/$27
Lastolite (www.lastolite.co.uk) very easy to attach, as you you can slip it into your Gary Fongs (www.garyfong.
is a collapsible softbox that simply have to stretch the camera bag, but it is still not com) Puffer PLUS is designed
you can attach to any external elasticated collar over the as compact as many other to soften the light from your
ashgun. It has a front panel head of your ashgun, but it ash diffusers. It also doesnt cameras pop-up ash, helping
made of a translucent plastic certainly doesnt look very feel particularly well made, but to create a more attering
material, which is designed to subtle if youre using it while at least the imsy material is effect for portraits and more.
diffuse the light and soften out and about. When not in very lightweight. It attaches via the hotshoe, so
BEST FOR: DIFFUSING LIGHT FROM YOUR FLASHGUN you will need a camera that
has one of these, and it is very
easy to slot into place. The
design is simple but it feels
01 reasonably sturdy, and once
dismantled it becomes very
portable and compact. It does
look a little odd when attached
to your camera, but it works
effectively and is reasonably
priced for a ash diffuser. You
can also buy a warming shield
to replace the standard white
shield, which will gently warm
the light from your ash.
BEST FOR: DIFFUSING
LIGHT FROM YOUR
POP-UP FLASH

Simply stretch the


elasticated collar over
the head of the ashgun
94 Photography for Beginners
ACCESSORIES
Flash accessories

3 Phottix Ares Flash Trigger Set Price 50/$55 4 Rogue FlashBender Bounce Card Price 25/$25
If you have a ashgun but your ash from up to 200m Bouncing the light from your plastic material to diffuse the
would like to position it away, even if it is not within ash is a great way to soften light before it hits your
off-camera, then Phottixs the line of sight. Its very easy it and prevent a harsh, subject. Alternatively, you can
(www.phottix.co.uk) Ares to use, with clearly labelled unattering result. The Rogue attach a piece of black fabric
Flash Trigger Set lets you do buttons, and comes with a FlashBender Bounce Card over the top to shield the light
just that. All you have to do is handy carrying case to pack (www.expoimaging.com) from your subject instead.
attach the transmitter to the away in your bag. At such a attaches to any ashgun via Most ashguns have an
hotshoe on your camera and reasonable price, its very an adjustable Velcro strap adjustable head that you can
the receiver to your ashgun, useful for if you want to light and features a exible rod to angle to bounce the light off
then coordinate the channels your subject from behind or allow you to bend it into of a wall or ceiling, but this
on both. The transmitter will one side for creative studio- position. The light will then gadget comes in handy when
then emit a radio signal to re style setups. bounce off of the white this is not possible.
BEST FOR: USING YOUR FLASHGUN OFF-CAMERA BEST FOR: BOUNCING LIGHT FROM YOUR FLASHGUN

Bouncing the light from your


ash is a great way to soften it
and prevent a harsh result

02 04

03

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Photography for Beginners 95


ACCESSORIES
Canvas printing services

Canvas printing
services
Turn your photos into wall art you can display at home
1 WhiteWall Price From 25/$38 2 PhotoBox Price From 7/approx $11
WhiteWall (uk.whitewall.com) your canvas is very simple, With 16 shapes and sizes, your photo theres a decent
only has two canvas options plus theres an extensive plus three different range of editing options
to choose from: standard array of photo-editing options thicknesses to choose from, available for perfecting your
and the more expensive available, including lter PhotoBox (www.photobox. shot. You can also preview
textile option that involves effects and retouching tools. co.uk) gives you a good your canvas in 3D and even
your print being vaporised Sadly there is no 3D preview selection of classic canvas see what it will look like on a
onto fabric. Each is available of your canvas before you designs. You can even create wall to help you get the size
in a wide range of sizes, buy it though. The standard collage or framed canvases right. The product itself is of
including square and canvas that we ordered has too. We went for the Classic average quality, with an
panorama options, and three a lovely soft and smooth Canvas Lite with a 1.8cm obvious textured nish and
different thicknesses. You nish and the print was depth, but youll have to pay untidy corners, but the price
can even create a 3D-effect accurate, but the corners extra if you want it thicker. is very cheap and cheerful.
canvas with a slanting frame,
making it look like your photo
and back of the canvas
looked quite messy.
Its available with or without a
wrap, and when positioning +++++
is oating in front of the wall.
The process for designing +++++
01
02 03

96 Photography for Beginners


Imagine Publishing Ltd
3 Snapfish Price From 25/$33 Richmond House, 33 Richmond Hill,
Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EZ
Snapsh (www.snapsh.co.uk) requires you is quite basic, with a few editing options  +44 (0)1202 586200
Web: www.photoforbeginners.com
to create an account or log into an existing including black and white conversions and www.greatdigitalmags.com
one before you can start designing your red-eye xes, and the choice between wrap
Magazine team
canvas. Although there are quite a few and no wrap. You do get a useful 3D preview Editor in Chief Dan Hutchinson
dan.hutchinson@imagine-publishing.co.uk
different options to choose from, including through. The standard canvas we ordered  01202 586276
collages and framed canvases, there are has an impressive, subtle texture and nice Senior Staff Writer Joanna Stass
Production Editor Alicea Francis
disappointingly few sizes and shapes. neat corners, but the equivalent prices are Photographer James Sheppard
However, they do have a clever tool to help much higher than PhotoBox and WhiteWall. Senior Art Editor Duncan Crook
Publishing Director Aaron Asadi
you design an entire wall of canvases if you
want more than one. The designing process +++++ Head of Design Ross Andrews
Contributors
Stephen Ashby, Stephen Banks, Dan Bevan, Tom Calton,
Chris Christoforidis, Natalie Denton, Dani Dixon, Curtis
Fermor-Dunam, Hayley Paterek, Simon Skellon, Amy Squibb,
Ben Stanley, Jodie Tyley, Liam Warr, Charis Webster,
Greg Whitaker

Advertising
4 One Vision Price From 27/approx $44 Digital or printed media packs are available on request.
Head of Sales Hang Deretz
One Vision (www.onevisionimaging.com) designing process is nice and simple.  01202 586442
Advertising Manager Alex Carnegie
specialise in very high-quality photo Theres not much in the way of editing  01202 586430
alex.carnegie@imagine-publishing.co.uk
printing, which is why their prices are much options, as One Vision assumes you will
International
higher. They have a big canvas range, from have done that already, but you can Photography for Beginners is available for licensing.
Contact the International department to discuss
the basic Inkjet Canvas, to what they call preview your canvas on a choice of wall partnership opportunities.
Head of International Licensing Cathy Blackman
the Rolls Royce of canvases, the 2 Canvas colours to check that it will suit the dcor.  +44 (0)1202 586401
licensing@imagine-publishing.co.uk
Wrap. We went for the cheaper Inkjet Even the cheap canvas is excellent quality,
Circulation
option, which is 3mm thick and comes in with a vibrant glossy nish and extremely Head of Circulation Darren Pearce
 01202 586200
an impressive number of shapes and sizes. neat wrap.
Production
You need to create an account before you
can get started, but the step-by-step +++++ Production Director Jane Hawkins
 01202 586200
Founders
Group Managing Director Damian Butt
Group Finance & Commercial Director Steven Boyd

Printing & Distribution


Printed by Wyndeham Heron, The Bentall Complex,
Colchester Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 4NW
Distributed in the UK, Eire & the Rest of the World by:
Marketforce, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street London
SE1 0SU, 0203 148 3300, www.marketforce.co.uk

04 Distributed in Australia by: Network Services (a division of


Bauer Media Group) Level 21 Civic Tower 66-68 Goulburn
Street Sydney New South Wales 2000 Australia,
+61 2 8667 5288
Distributed in the Rest of the World by Marketforce, Blue Fin
Building, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SU
 0203 148 8105
Disclaimer
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material
lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of
Imagine 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 Imagine Publishing via post, email, social network or any other
means, you automatically grant Imagine Publishing an irrevocable,
perpetual, royalty-free license 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 Imagine
products. Any material you submit is sent at your risk and, although
every care is taken, neither Imagine Publishing nor its employees,
agents or subcontractors shall be liable for the loss or damage.

Imagine Publishing Ltd 2014 ISSN 2046-9845

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


CHEAT SHEET
Panning

PHOTO CHEAT SHEET

Panning

Perfect panning A good


panning shot should show
parts of the car in focus
while the rest is blurred
out due to the motion of
the car and the use of a
long shutter speed


Learn how to take impressive ESSENTIAL PANNING KNOW-HOW
action-packed shots of Aperture f16
moving vehicles Shutter speed 1/50sec

Panning is a fantastic photo for you. If your camera offers ISO 200
technique that enables you to add tracking AF, use it! But manual
a sense of motion to shots of focusing is often more accurate.
Focus mode Manual
fast-moving subjects, such as cars, To do this, youll need to pre-focus Drive mode Single
cyclists and pets. The technique your lens on an area you know your
itself relies on the use of a slow subject will pass when you release Lens 18-55mm
shutter speed and smooth the shutter.
shooting motion. Then once your subject comes Helpful kit Monopod
To capture an impressive panning in view, stand with your feet
shot for yourself, youll need to shoulder-width apart and hold your To get the right exposure If youre
select Shutter Priority mode (S/Tv) camera up to your eye with your shooting outside during the day, ensure your ISO
on your camera. Keep your ISO elbows tucked in. Once you release
setting low and input a shutter the shutter, pan with the cars setting is kept low to avoid overexposed shots due
speed of around 1/50sec the movements, using just your hips to slower shutter speeds
camera will determine the aperture for a smooth and steady result.
Top tip Shoot parallel to your subject for the
best results, as it will be easier for you to focus
manually and pan steadily once they come into view

98 Photography for Beginners Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com


L E
TI B
IS
S F E R
RE F
R
I O 18 & 27mm

X-Pro1
GET KITTED OUT
BUY THE X-PRO1
AND YOU WILL GET
2 FREE LENSES
WORTH 879.98

XF18mm

XF27mm

ASK IN STORE FOR DETAILS

NO REDEMPTION NECESSARY.
OFFER AVAILABLE FROM 1ST OCTOBER UNTIL 11TH JANUARY 2015.
FUJIFILM SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES:
XF18MM 479.99 XF27MM 399.99

You might also like