PHOTOGRAPHY 4 BEGINNERS Issue# 36

SHOOTING
Cameraphone vistas

RECOMMEND APP

Sun Seeker £4.99/$6.99

(iOS), £3.79/$5.99 (Android)
Find out the exact
sunrise and sunset
times at your chosen

landscape location using the
Sun Seeker app, which is
available for both iOS and
Android devices.

rWigahitt floigrhtthe

As with any landscape shoot, the hour after
sunrise and the hour before sunset will give
you the best light. At these times of day, the
sun is low in the sky and so will project a lovely
soft and golden light across your scene. It
might even give you the chance to capture
some of the fantastic vibrant colours in the
sky. However, if you don’t manage to catch the
sunrise or sunset, you can still get great
shots. Bright blue and even moody, cloudy
skies will still look great in your images, and
you can always rescue dull shots by adding
instant creative effects using the thousands
of editing apps available.

Avoid lens flare or embrace it

Lens flare can occur when using any camera, haze or series of coloured spots in your shots. you are not shooting into the sun, or you could

but smartphone cameras seem to be Typically, it appears when you are pointing try shielding the lens with your hand. However,

especially prone to the problem. It is caused your camera in the direction of a bright light, lens flare is sometimes used deliberately to

by light reflecting internally off of the elements and particularly when you are including the enhance photos, as the haze it creates can

inside the camera’s lens and onto the image light source in your image. The simplest way add a dreamy quality. You can even download

sensor, and usually appears as a coloured to avoid it is to change your position so that apps that add lens flare to your shots.

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

SHOOTING
Cameraphone vistas

Set up your shot

Choose the best settings for shooting a landscape

Switch on HDR

Most cameraphones have an HDR (High
Dynamic Range) function which will let
you take a photo with added contrast.
This is useful for landscape photography
as it will prevent your photos from
looking flat and dull and prevent blow-out
skies. If your phone does not have this
function, then you can download an app
to re-create it.

RECOMMEND APP

Pro HDR £1.49/$1.99 (iOS),

£1.28/$1.99 (Android)
Create stunning HDR
shots that are full of
colour and detail on

your iOS or Android device
using the Pro HDR app. This is
available from Google Play and
the App Store now.

Turn the flash off Pick a scene mode Select a metering mode

Your flash won’t be of much use when shooting a Some phones will give you a selection of scene You might be able to adjust the metering
landscape, as the light won’t be powerful enough to modes to choose from that will pick the best mode, which controls how it measures the
illuminate the entire scene. If you’re shooting in low settings for you. Use the Landscape mode to available light. Set it to Matrix/Evaluative
light or at night-time, switch it off to prevent it from keep everything in focus and boost the blues and so that it reads the light for the entire
firing automatically. greens in the scene. scene and picks the settings accordingly.

Adjust the white balance

If your cameraphone allows you to
change your white balance setting,
switch it to daylight, cloudy or
shade, depending on the lighting
conditions. This will prevent colour
casts and ensure the colours in
your photo appear true-to-life.

52 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
Cameraphone vistas

Get creative

Take your photography further with panoramas and accessories

Find Panorama mode RECOMMEND APP
Many cameraphones have a Some will even let you create vertical
panorama function that will panoramas as well as horizontal 360 Panorama
automatically stitch several photos ones. If this option isn’t available,
together to create one long image. there are plenty of apps to help you. £0.69/$0.99 (iOS), £0.62/$0.99
(Android)

If your camera does
not have a built-in
panorama function,
download the 360 Panorama
app and start shooting
seamless vistas in an instant.

Swivel smoothly Avoid moving subjects Take a step back

Start by pointing the camera at the If someone is walking through the If you take your photo while standing
edge of the scene, and then slowly scene you are shooting, they will too close to the scene you are
swivel your body around as smoothly appear several times throughout the
as possible until you have captured photo. Wait until they are out of the shooting, then any straight lines in your
everything. Using a tripod will create a way before you take your shot to vista may appear curved in your
more seamless image. prevent this happening.
panorama. It is best to shoot from a
distance if you can.

Add an accessory Landscape photography accessories for your cameraphone

olloclip 4-in-1 iPhone Lens JOBY GripTight GorillaPod Holga iPhone Lens Daylight Viewfinder

Price £60/$70 Price £25/approx $41 Price From £16/$27 Price Approx £18/$30

Clip this gadget onto your iPhone and This mini tripod is flexible so that you Clip on this case and use the rotating Reflections on your iPhone screen on
use the wide-angle lens to capture the can stand it on and wrap it around a disk to choose from nine different a bright day can make it difficult to
whole view. You can also use the variety of surfaces. The attachment is lens filters to enhance your shots. see. This viewfinder fixes to the
fish-eye lens to really extend the field adjustable so it can hold any There are coloured filters, vignettes, screen to make things clearer. Attach
of view and take close-ups with the smartphone model, even if it has a multi-image lenses and more, plus it with the screw-on suction pad and
10x and 15x macro lenses too. case attached. you can preview the effect on screen. download the free app.

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

SHOOTING
App of the month

APP OF THE MONTH

Creatively edit photos
with Handy Photo
Move objects, add filters, make precise adjustments and
retouch any photo Available on: iOS and Android Price: £1.49/$1.99 (iOS), £1.32/$1.99 (Android)

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… There are countless photo-editing apps background to offer the illusion of them never having been
iPhone, iPad or Android available for mobile devices today, but there. You can make changes to one part of an image and
device few are as intuitive and as effective for leave the rest alone, and you can even move objects to
Handy Photo app beginners as Handy Photo. You are make them look as if they are in a different location. Even
offered contextual help as you explore better, you can move objects to new photos and the
WE USED… every feature, and there is always a fail-safe in that you can results are almost always exceptionally realistic.
iPad easily step back to remove any changes you have made.
Every single part of the interface has been designed to Throughout the editing process you are shown the
YOU COULD USE… take full advantage of the touch-centric nature of iOS and changes as they happen in real-time, so you will always
iPhone Android devices, and with the ability to zoom in and know if they are working or if you need to step back. Much
Android device specifically change levels precisely, you can spend as care has been taken in the creation of this app, and it has
much time as you need creating the perfect result. There resulted in a solution that will suit beginners and the more
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… are also quick changes available such as filters and experienced in equal measure. The more you delve into the
How to enhance your textures, which can add personality to a snap, but it is in features, the more you will get out of Handy Photo, and it’s
photos using just touch the more advanced tools that the app truly shines. actually very hard to put down.
Unwanted objects can be removed by simply scrubbing
them out, and they will be replaced with a perfect To give you a head-start, below we have provided you
with a simple editing tutorial. Download the app and follow
along to get standout photos in a flash.

Edit your photos Improve and adjust snaps in Handy Photo

Locate the tools Highlight the subject Remove unwanted objects

01 Open the app and you will see three 02 Very few landscapes have perfect 03 If you have objects that you would
options on the front screen. Either positioning of the subject matter. prefer not to be there, tap the
choose to take a new photo or locate one Scroll the tool wheel and select the ‘Magic ‘Retouch’ option and then the centre icon in
from your camera roll. Once it has been Touch’ option. You can now drag the corners the bottom-left wheel. Now scrub your finger
loaded, you can now tap the top right-hand to crop the image, but try to keep as much over the unwanted object and tap the screen
icon to bring up the main tools. necessary content as possible. to remove it.

54 Photography for Beginners

SHOOTING
App of the month

Extra features Going back The circular key A real view

Many of the main features include It's easy to overdo edits with the This icon will take you to all of the At every point of the process, the
further adjustable icons for making host of features on offer. The most important functions within the photo you are editing will dominate
tiny changes to any part of a photo. upper-left clock icon lets you see a app. When it is tapped, they will the view. This means that you will
Select one and move your finger list of changes made; just select appear in a surrounding wheel see everything in great detail and
over the screen for precise edits any point to jump back in time ready for spinning and selection you can also pinch to zoom right in

APPS FOR ANDROID

Handy Photo

£1.32/$1.99

Handy Photo is also
available on Android
and offers all of the
same tools and a near-identical
interface to the iOS version.
The tool icons do look slightly
different, but the placement is
the same so you can easily
jump between the two and
know exactly what to do. For
similar editing on a Mac, try
ADVA's TouchRetouch app.

Add some texture Experiment with filters Help is useful

04 Selecting ‘Textures’ from the tool 05Tapping ‘Filters’ in the tool wheel will 06There are many tools included in
wheel will present a new wheel with once again pop up a series of options. Handy Photo, and most include extra
multiple textures to choose from. Try You will want to experiment carefully with options, so tap the ‘?’ icon at the top to see
experimenting with each and when happy, tap these because many filters can make shots help that corresponds to whatever feature you
the left icon and then adjust each part of the look unrealistic. This, however, can are currently using. With this handy addition, it
texture if necessary. sometimes produce fantastic results. will all make sense in time.

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

EDITING

RAWGwetittohgrips
Discover how to start shooting more detailed images in
RAW and learn the benefits of using this file format

If you’ve ever looked through your camera’s photo can then be viewed on a computer, uploaded
settings, you may have come across the option to to the internet or printed straight from the camera
choose between shooting in RAW or JPEG. But without any further processing needed.
what’s the difference? Well, it’s first important to
know that each time you take a photo, your camera Shooting in RAW, on the other hand, tells the
has to decide how it processes the information it camera not to make any adjustments and instead
has captured. It has the choice to output the data in keeps all of the unprocessed (or RAW) data that the
two different file formats – RAW or JPEG. When your camera captured. Unlike JPEGs, RAW files can’t be
camera is set to shoot in JPEG, it will automatically viewed initially without using specialised software,
make subtle enhancements to the image in-camera, like Adobe Photoshop, though once you’ve finished
like sharpening and adjusting contrast, before editing your RAWs they can be converted to a JPEG
crunching the data down into a JPEG. The resulting so that you can print or upload your shots straight to
the internet.

When shooting photos in JPEG,
your camera will automatically
apply subtle sharpness, contrast
and colour enhancements

56 Photography for Beginners

EDITING
RAW

“RAW files retain more
data than a JPEG, so

you have more control
during editing”

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

EDITING
RAW

Why switch to RAW?

Discover the benefits of shooting in RAW over JPEG

A RAW file retains a greater amount of data particularly useful when shooting things like restricted to taking fewer photos and will
compared to that of a JPEG. The benefit of this landscapes that feature large amounts of detail experience slower burst rates. However, the
comes when editing your images, as a RAW file or require more complex adjustments. benefits of shooting in RAW heavily outweigh
allows for greater flexibility when making the downsides. Take a closer look below at how
adjustments during post-processing. This is The downside is that RAW files take up more RAW and JPEG really compare.
memory compared to JPEG images, so you’ll be

RAW VS JPEG

RAW files are larger in size, resulting JPEGs are smaller in size and lower
in bigger and better quality images in quality but take up less memory

As an uncompressed file, images JPEGs are compressed in camera,
will feature more colour and detail so they lack as much detail as RAW

Higher dynamic range means you Files are processed in-camera, so
can adjust exposures in editing editing options are greatly limited

More data is available, so you can Images will lose data and reduce in
edit and fix your images freely quality every time you edit a JPEG

It’s possible to batch edit images If you edit and save over a JPEG you
and retain all of the original file info can’t go back to it’s original state

58 Photography for Beginners

EDITING
RAW

Processing RAW files

What you need to edit a RAW image and how it works

Editing a RAW file requires specialised software (like Photoshop or GIMP) handy if you ever want to go back and re-edit an image. Another positive
that’s able to read RAW files. It’s important to know that when editing a to shooting in RAW is that it’s possible to batch edit a number of files at
RAW file, any adjustments made to the image using a RAW editor will the same time using RAW editing software. To do this in Photoshop
never actually alter the original file; instead, the alterations you make are Camera Raw, simply open up the files together, click the Select All
simply stored as a separate .xmp file. Working in this way means that it’s button and make your adjustments using the sliders shown below. The
always possible to refer back to the original image at any time, which is changes will then be applied to all of the images simultaneously.

HOW DOES BIT DEPTH WORK? Blacks and Shadows and Contrast Sharpening and
Every digital image is made up of whites highlights noise reduction
red, green and blue, and the bit As the name suggests,
depth determines how many The Blacks slider The Shadows slider the Contrast slider Clicking this tab will
shades of these colours it has to controls the darkest lets you darken or allows you to either grant access to the
create the image’s colour tones in the image, brighten the shadowy increase or decrease Sharpening and Noise
palette. A JPEG that is an 8-bit letting you lighten or tones within an image, the amount of Reduction sliders,
image has a choice of roughly darken them, while while the Highlights contrast within an letting you increase
16.8 million individual colours. the Whites slider slider lets you darken image, for a more the sharpness of your
RAW files dedicate more bits to manipulates the or brighten the striking or subtle image and remove
each pixel, meaning most have a brightest tones photo’s lighter tones colour range any signs of noise
bit depth of between 12 and 16.

Clarity White
balance
The Clarity slider allows
you to control the amount The Temperature
of contrast that appears and Tint sliders are
around any of the edges in used to control the
your image. This in turn colour temperature
increases or decreases
the perception of clarity of an image, as
well as to remove
Colour
enhancement tools any unwanted
colour casts
The Vibrance and
Saturation options are Exposure
used to either intensify or
completely remove the The Exposure slider
colours from an image, is arguably the
turning it black and white
most important of
the main options
as it allows you to
adjust the overall

exposure of the
image, correcting
signs of under or

overexposure

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

EDITING
RAW

cImioimnnpatRrrgoAaevWsest
Add some punch
to your shots
using the Basic
sliders in Adobe
Camera Raw

WHAT YOU’LL NEED…
Editing software
RAW image

WE USED…
Photoshop CS6

YOU COULD USE…
Photoshop Elements
Lightroom
GIMP

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN…
How to enhance the
contrast and colours of
your RAW images

60 Photography for Beginners

When deciding to start shooting in RAW file contrast is a sure-fire way to make your image EDITING
formats, it’s important to remember that the leap from your computer screen or print, and RAW
images you’ll receive will have been left it’s also incredibly quick and easy to do. To
completely untouched by the camera. This learn how, just follow along with our simple How to boost
means that the camera has simply provided tutorial below, and discover first-hand some of the contrast
you with the unprocessed – or RAW – data it the benefits of shooting and editing in RAW. using GIMP
captured without performing any further
enhancements. This is unlike shooting in JPEG, Before we get started, though, in order to Brighten up
where the camera will automatically make make any adjustments to your RAW files, you’re
subtle adjustments to your images for you, going to need to have access to compatible With your chosen RAW file opened up in GIMP,
such as sharpening, boosting contrast and editing software that’s able to understand this start by clicking and dragging the Exposure
enhancing colours. Although the resulting RAW file format. For this tutorial we’ve used the Compensation slider to the right in order to
images may look a little flat and lifeless at first, Camera Raw plug-in in Adobe Photoshop CS6, brighten up the image.
the advantage of this is that it allows you to though there are plenty of other options
take the reins and have full creative control available, such as Photoshop Elements, Add contrast
over how your image is processed. Lightroom and GIMP. No matter which piece of
software you decide to use, the basic Under the Exposure Compensation slider, click on
Arguably one of the easiest and most principles remain the same, and most share the ‘Correct Luminosity, Saturation’ tab to reveal
rewarding adjustments you can make to your similarly named adjustment sliders, so you’ll a new set of options. Click and drag the Contrast
images is adding a hit of contrast. Adding have little problem following along. slider to the right in order to boost the contrast.

Contrast and colour Easily improve RAW shots

Brighten the image Boost the contrast Tone curve

01 With your RAW image opened in the 02 Head to the Contrast slider next and Finally, head down to the Linear Curve and, using
Adobe Camera Raw interface, start by click and drag it to the right to subtly your mouse, click and drag out a shallow ‘S-curve’
brightening the image slightly by clicking and intensify the contrast within the image. Be (like the one shown in the image below). This will
dragging the Exposure slider to the right – a careful not to be too heavy-handed here brighten the highlights and darken the shadows.
value of +0.30 was just enough for our shot. though; a value of +25 worked for us.

Increase the whites Darken the blacks Add clarity

03 Making your way down the list, locate 04 Locate the Blacks slider, then click and 05Towards the very bottom of the list
the Whites slider. Slowly start to drag drag it to the left in order to intensify you’ll find the Clarity slider – gently
the slider to the right to brighten the lightest the darkest tones within the image. Don’t move this slider to the right to inject a final
tones within the image, being careful not to push the slider too far here, as the image can dose of contrast into the image. A value of
burn out any detail in the brightest areas. lose fine details in the darkest areas. around +30 worked well for our own image.

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

EDITING
RAW

EunsihnagnCceamexepraosRuarwes

Discover how to correct exposures and improve colours

It’s fair to say that on occasion, even professional photographers will been completely lost. This is particularly handy when it comes to trying
mess up the exposure of a shot. If the image was captured in JPEG then to fix an under or overexposed image, as you’ll see from this tutorial.
unfortunately there’s not much that can be done to fix it. However, if the
shot was taken in RAW then you may just be able to save it from the Although shooting in RAW offers far more flexibility, it’s important to
rubbish bin! RAW files retain a greater amount of data than a JPEG; this remember that it’s not a complete miracle cure, and there’s a limit as to
means that when it comes to editing, they’re also a lot more forgiving, how far your can push a RAW image before it starts to break up. It’s for
and you’ll be able to restore some details that would have otherwise this reason that it’s always sensible to try and get the exposure as near
to perfect in-camera rather than relying on fixing it in Photoshop later on.

Exposure and colour Enhance shots in Photoshop’s Camera Raw

Correct the exposure Brighten the whites Darken the blacks

01 If your photo is underexposed and 02 Locate the Whites slider and move it 03 Next, click and drag the Blacks slider
appears too dark, drag the Exposure to the right to start brightening up the to the left to start darkening the
slider to the right to brighten the image. lightest tones. Keep an eye on the image as deepest tones within the photo. Be careful not
Alternatively, if your photo is overexposed and you do this to make sure that you don’t to push the slider too far as this will over-
too bright, move the slider left to darken it. over-brighten any areas and lose fine details. darken the shadows, turning them pure black.

Fix the highlights Adjust the shadows Add vibrancy

04Take a look around your image to see if 05 Similar to the previous step, if there 06 Working down the list of sliders, find
there are any highlights that appear are any shadows in your image that the Vibrance slider and start to move
too bright. If so, you can fix this by simply appear to be too dark, lighten them slightly by it to the right to boost the colours. Be careful
moving the Highlights slider to the left to gently moving the Shadows slider to the not to push this slider too much though or the
darken them slightly and bring back details. right-hand side. image will start to break up.

62 Photography for Beginners

EDITING
RAW

WHAT YOU’LL NEED…
Editing software
RAW image

WE USED…
Photoshop CS6

YOU COULD USE…
Photoshop Elements
Lightroom
GIMP

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN…
How to correct the
exposure of your RAW
images

Increase saturation Boost the sky Add a grad

07 Now, locate the Saturation slider and 08 Click the Graduated Filter tool, then 09 With the Graduated Filter tool still
start to move it to the right to further move the Exposure slider left to a selected, click at the top of the photo
intensify the colours. Just like the Vibrance, value of -0.30 and the Contrast slider right to and drag down the image, only releasing when
be careful not to push this slider too far, +50. Don’t worry if you can’t see the effects it reaches the horizon. This will apply the
otherwise the colours will start to look fake. yet as this will become clear in the next step. effects we set in the previous step to the sky.

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

EDITING WHAT YOU’LL NEED…
RAW Editing software
RAW image
iCbwnaohRlrairtAneeWccet
WE USED…
Correct the colour Photoshop CS6
temperature of
your RAW shots YOU COULD USE…
using Photoshop Photoshop Elements
Lightroom
GIMP

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN…
How to correct the
colour balance in your
RAW photographs

64 Photography for Beginners

Have you ever taken what you thought was a fact incredibly easy to do and will take just a EDITING
great photo, only to look at the back of your few minutes to master. What’s more, once you RAW
camera and find that the results appear to know how it’s done, the edit will take less than
have adopted either a blue or orange hue? This a minute to perform and you will have your How to adjust
is most likely caused by your camera being set images looking just how you intended them to white balance
to the incorrect white balance setting for the appear in an instant. in GIMP
colour temperature of lighting in the scene. The
bad news is that if you shot the image in JPEG To find out how to perform this potentially Use presets
then it’s almost impossible to restore the shot-saving technique, simply follow along with
photo to the correct colour, even with the help our five-step guide below and discover Under the White Balance tab, click the White
of very sophisticated post-processing software first-hand just how easy it really is. It’s a vital Balance preset (where it says Camera WB) to
like Photoshop. technique that all budding photographers reveal the list of presets. Scroll through and
should add to their arsenal, as you never know choose the one that’s best suited to your image.
However, if you’ve shot the image in RAW when you’ll need it to get you out of a bind.
then you’re in luck. As RAW files are able to Although we’ll be using Photoshop’s Camera White Balance tool
retain a greater amount of data than a JPEG, Raw plug-in for this tutorial, this process can be
it’s possible to manually adjust the white repeated using virtually any RAW processing Locate and click on a grey area of your photo,
balance of an image later on using specialist software, including Photoshop Elements, then click the Eyedropper tool (located right of the
tools in post-processing. Although this process Lightroom and even GIMP. See our quick Temperature slider) to automatically adjust the
may sound rather complicated at first, it’s in tutorial on the right to learn how. white balance to suit the selected region.

Fix white balance Control colour in Photoshop

Choose your method Use the presets Manual adjustments

01There are a handful of ways to adjust 02 One of the quickest ways is by using Click and drag the Temperature slider to make
the colour temperature of your RAW the automated presets. Simply click manual adjustments to the colour temperature of
images in Photoshop. Each method can either on the White Balance option and choose a the image. Moving the slider left will cool it down,
be used on its own, or combined together to preset. If you’re not sure, click through the list while moving it to the right will warm it up.
successfully correct white balance. until you find one that looks right.

White Balance tool Adjust the temperature Control the tint

03The second method is to use the 04The third way is to make manual 05 Finally there’s the Tint slider, which can
White Balance tool, located in the top adjustments using the Temperature be found under the Temperature slider,
toolbar. With this selected, simply click on a slider. Moving the slider to the left will cool and is used to combat colour casts within your
grey area of your photo and Photoshop will down the image, making it blue, while moving image. Move the slider left to add a green hue
automatically make correcting adjustments. it to the right will warm it, taking on red tones. or move it right to add magenta.

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

EDITING Photoshop Elements 12
Light leak
Available on: Mac/PC Price: £78/$100
Aledadkatoligshhot ts
01 Begin by opening your chosen
Inject character into your photos by start photo by going to File>
creating this retro light effect Open. Click on the Expert in the top
panel to make the Gradient tool available in
the toolbar on the left. Select it and tool
options will appear at the base of your window.

GIMP

Available on: Mac/PC Price: Free

The finished result 01Go to File>Open and select
your start photo. Go to
Adding in a stunning Windows>Layers – Brushes, making
vintage lighting effect your Layers palette visible. Press the Create a
will transform your New Layer button at the bottom, choose the
photos, making them Transparency option and hit OK.
burst with atmosphere!
Snapseed
WHAT YOU’LL NEED… In this tutorial you will learn 3 OF THE BEST…
A suitable start image how to add a digital light leak Available on: iOS/Android Price: Free
Apps for
One or more of the effect to your treasured adding a light
programs covered photos, giving them a lovely leak effect

WE USED… retro feel. A light leak is a
Photoshop Elements 12 photographic term used when a
GIMP small hole has appeared in the
Snapseed

YOU COULD USE… body of the camera, allowing iLeaker Free (iOS)
light to seep in where it Create artistic light-leak images with the
Photoshop CS6 or wouldn’t normally reach, free effects in this app. Once your
earlier appetite has been whet, more creative
effects can be purchased in-app.
Pixelmator flooding the sensor with extra
XnLight Effect Bokeh & Leak
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… light. Some would consider it a Free (Android)
Choose between a variety of traditional
How to add a light leak problem, but this effect can light effects in this app. Experiment with
effect to your images also give your photos great light leaks, bokeh, shapes and colours.

character and enhance the end shot. XnRetro £1.49/$1.99 (iOS), Free (Android) 01Open up Snapseed and click
Traditional photographic effects at a on the Open button, then
Adding a light leak in digitally means you can touch of a button, plus other photo select your start photo. Down the
editing adjustments are available. Easy left-hand side you will see all the adjustments
control the effect, colours and the amount of light to use on all devices and quick to share. available to you, and there is a huge amount
to experiment with. For this task, pick Retrolux.
entering your image. It is a timeless technique that

can be created in a variety of programs, regardless of

your skill level, device or budget. Read on to see how.

66 Photography for Beginners

EDITING
Light leak

02Click on the Edit button, opening the 03To add another Color Stop, click directly 04 Return to the Gradient tool options at
Gradient Editor window. Select the under the checkered line and repeat the base of your screen. Select Pin
Foreground to Transparent blend. Under this, the process, altering the colour to yellow. Hit Light from the drop-down Mode menu,
on the long, checkered line, click on the black OK. Go to the Layers palette on the right and Reflected Gradient from the five options
stopper shown in the image. Click on the Color press the Create a New Layer button at the available and 50% Opacity. Draw from the
box under this and select a bright orange. top of the palette, adding a transparent layer. bottom-left corner to the centre of your photo.

02 Click on your newly added layer. Go to 03Click the Background coloured square 04 With the yellow added into the blend,
the Toolbox located on the left of your and select yellow. In the tool options, click on your photo window. Drag your
screen and select the Blend tool. Under the click on the coloured gradient and select FG to cursor from the bottom-left corner up to the
Toolbox, you'll see a Tool options palette filled Transparent. Click the pad and pencil icon to centre. Now go to the Layers palette and
with Blend options. Click on the Foreground bring up the Gradient Editor. Drag and drop select Screen from the Mode drop-down
square in the Toolbox and select orange. the Background square into this window. menu, finishing off the effect.

02To choose an effect at random, press 03 Try out the styles, select one you like 04 Move your finger left or right on screen,
the Shuffle button. To access the best, then press the Properties button. altering the strength of the light leak.
menu of effects, scroll up or down the touch Here you can choose how strong the effect is To see how much your image has changed,
screen. Select Brightness to begin with and and alter the direction of the light leak. Tap press Compare, allowing you to view your
move your finger left to right, increasing the the screen and scroll upwards, then select image in its original state. When complete,
overall levels. Press the Style button. Light Leaks from the menu. press Apply and then Save.

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

EDITING
History palette

The History Palette
Keep track of your edits and undo bad adjustments

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… Editing your photos to turn them into stunning works of art can take time,
Editing software so the last thing you want to do is start all over again every time you make
an editing mistake. This is where the History palette comes in very useful.
WE USED… This handy function can be found in most editing programs, and will list all
Photoshop of the adjustments you make in chronological
Elements 11 order. Then, if you decide that you want
to go back to a certain stage of
YOU COULD USE… the editing process, you can.
Photoshop CS In Photoshop Elements,
GIMP choose the number
of edits it records
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… in ‘Preferences’.
How to use the
History palette to
undo edits

Rewrite the past Learn how to use the History palette in Photoshop Elements

Open the History palette Check the before and after Remove an adjustment

01To open the History palette, go to 02 Clicking on the original thumbnail lets 03 If you select an earlier adjustment and
Window and select History. A you compare the before and after of then apply another edit to your shot,
thumbnail of your original image will appear at your photo, while selecting one of your edits this will override your following edits. You can
the top of the palette and then any edits you lets you temporarily remove any of the also remove any adjustments by opening the
make will be listed underneath in the order subsequent adjustments you have made, to History palette menu and clicking Delete,
they were applied. check that you are happy with the changes. which will also remove edits that came after.

68 Photography for Beginners

Learn to inspire
www.dphotographer.com

Available
from all good
newsagents and
supermarkets

ON SALE NOW
> Astrophotography > Filters for landscapes > Portrait retouching

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

SHARING

Cshtooorasginegsaercvloicued
We put three of the best sites to the test to see
what each of them has to offer

Get started Backup Sharing Saving

Set up your own Losing your photos Want to show off your Many cloud storage
account on a cloud doesn’t bear thinking new arrival or recent sites offer a free
storage service and about; cloud storage holiday shots? Ping a service for limited
you can then access offers a way to keep share link to selected space – saves you
your images on any them safe, should the recipients and they having to purchase an
device with internet worst happen can do the rest external hard drive

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… JARGON BUSTER
Photos Sync
Email address
Internet connection Syncing occurs when files saved on
each synced device are the same. So
WE USED…
Dropbox editing a photo and saving it to the
SkyDrive cloud means the most recent version
Box will be accessible from whatever device

YOU COULD USE… you’re using.
SugarSync
Livedrive
Google Drive

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN…
Transferring: moving
files from your
smartphone to the cloud
Sharing: sending photos
to family and friends
Organising: renaming
files and folders

70 Photography for Beginners

SHARING
Cloud storage

Dropbox Discover what this free storage service can do for
you and how you can use it on the go
URL: www.dropbox.com

THE PROS & CONS Dropbox is one of the most Photo browser
well-known storage sites out
There’s the opportunity there, letting you keep all your Click on the Photos
to boost your initial storage tab to browse through
your snaps and select
allocation through referrals photos, videos and documents
safe. Its updated Photos view files to share
Has free iPhone, iPad enables you to browse through all
and Android apps for truly Quick sync
mobile data transfer
Sharing enables you to
When you first install the your photos and share them via see exactly which folders
app, there’s no option to email, Facebook or Twitter. You you have access to. This
select shots to back up can also invite friends to look at
syncs to your computer
The referrals can seem a automatically

bit ‘spammy’ to your friends specific files or folders via a link.
and family While your initial 2GB of storage is

free, you can pay to upgrade to a Pro account – prices

for which start at approx £6/$10 per month.

VERDICT Dropbox is super-simple and easy
to use, as well as kind on your
pockets. The free Apple and Android apps enable file
sharing and syncing from any device anywhere in the
world. We're not keen on the referral scheme, though.

Mobile Dropbox All you need is a Wi-Fi connection to get started

Download Dropbox Start storing Backing up and sharing
shots has never been easier
01 Download the Dropbox 02 One of the first screens
app to your smart device. you’ll see gives you the
Register for an account if you option to save your photos
don’t have one already. If you do, directly to Dropbox. Click on
log in to access the files already Enable Camera Upload to start
stored and shared on the cloud. the process.

Other settings Share shots Favourite images Up your storage

03 Use Cellular Data lets you 04 Share photos via text, 05 Favourites are a way to 06Increase your storage by
control uploads during email or social networks. save the latest version of inviting friends and family
times when you’re out of Wi-Fi Select your image, click on the a photo for offline use. Simply to sign up to the site. Each one
areas. Meanwhile, Background arrow and you’ll be presented click on your image, press the generates 500MB of extra space
Uploading continues file transfers with a number of options. Print, star icon and it’ll appear in the (up to 16GB). In Settings, select
when you’re not in the app. copy or save from this screen too. Favourites page. ‘Tell Friends About Dropbox’.

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

SHARING
Cloud storage

SkyDrive We take a closer look at Microsoft’s cloud storage
service and the features it offers
URL: www.skydrive.live.com

THE PROS & CONS SkyDrive is a cloud storage option Preview
from Microsoft. It offers 7GB of
Users get 7GB of free free space to its users, with an SkyDrive displays
storage when you sign up, key information
about your
which is great for amateurs extra 20GB available if you
subscribe to its Office 247 photographs in its
You can download the package. You can also upgrade for preview mode
SkyDrive app for Apple and
Android devices Easy sharing

You need to have a an annual fee (an extra 50GB is Sharing functions and
Microsoft account to £16 per year). Much like Dropbox, tagging is built into
access it SkyDrive’s interface is easy to use
the interface, making
There isn’t an option for it easy to connect your

background uploading, so it and can be accessed wherever favourite photos with
takes up a lot of your time you are on a variety of devices your favourite people

using its SkyDrive app, which has plenty of helpful

features to really make it stand out from the rest.

VERDICT SkyDrive offers a decent amount of
storage and its apps enable you to
customise folders and edit documents on the go. We
particularly liked that recipients of shared images didn’t
necessarily need a Microsoft account to access files.

Send your shots Say goodbye to bulky emails with SkyDrive’s app

Add your images Send out invites Cloud storage offers back-up
and sharing solutions in one
01 Download the app and in 02Tap on Share to invite
Files>Photos, tap on the contacts, type a message,
three dots. Hit Add Items>Create decide if you want your recipients
a Folder, enter a name and tap to view or edit shots and then
Create. Tap the three dots again tick if they need a Microsoft
and press Choose Existing. account to access them.

SkyDrive extra features It’s not just storage on offer here

Get a link Tag someone Change folders Make it app-y
01 02SkyDrive gives you the Even when everything’s
03 SkyDrive also lets you option to tag people within filed away, you have the 03 SkyDrive works alongside
generate a link that can smart device apps. Cool
be copied and pasted into an your photos. You can also add a chance to switch folder types to Iris lets you display your photos
email, blog or web page. Tweak creatively to share with friends.
the settings to allow or prevent caption here too. reorganise. Handy, eh?
editing and tap Create Link.

72 Photography for Beginners

SHARING
Cloud storage

Box You get oodles of features and bags of storage with this high-spec
storage site and app
URL: www.box.com

THE PROS & CONS At first glance, the Box interface Easy upload
might seem a bit daunting and
The 10GB of free technical. However, get past its Uploading files is simple
storage on offer will be and easy to do. Simply
click on the Upload
ample for most people rather corporate-looking button to get started
homepage and there’s a wealth of
It has a great app that is options on offer here. It’s simple Collaborators
well designed and very easy
to use Want people to add to
this folder? No problem.
The website’s interface to use too. What’s more, its Press this button to send
looks a bit daunting at first, smartphone app is superb – it’s an invite to friends, family
but you soon get used to it quick to get to grips with and
and colleagues
Although fantastic for file

sharing, there are not as welcomes customisation and
many back-up tools on offer organisation, including the option

to sort by name, date or size, or even to completely

rename files and folders.

VERDICT We were really impressed with
Box. It goes beyond the usual cloud
storage fare to really offer you the chance to edit and
organise your data. You also get 10GB of free space at
the sign-up stage.

Organise your folders Use Box’s smartphone app to keep your files in order

Register an account Create a folder If your phone or tablet is
stolen, Box will ease the pain
01 Sign up for an account on 02 Click on the ‘+’ symbol.
Box.com. Next, go to the Choose a file name that’ll
App Store, or the Android help you remember what’s stored
equivalent, and search for Box. inside. We chose ‘Holiday Snaps’,
Download, install and sign into but if you travel a lot it's a good
your Box account on your device. idea to put the location and year.

Upload files Pop-up options Rename photos Further tweaks

03 Select the ‘+’ symbol 04 Once you’ve created the 05 When you’ve got a lot of 06The folder icon lets you
again, but this time press folder, swipe to the left shots, automatically do further housekeeping
‘Choose from Library’ if you would and choose whether to share, generated filenames such as on the cloud, like organisisng files
like to transfer files stored on rename or delete the folder. You ‘IMG_5006.JPG’ just don’t cut the by name, size or date. You can
your phone. Select the shots you can also enable offline access to mustard. Tap the page icon and also copy, move or rename this
want to add and tap Upload. edit or view these files on the go. select ‘Rename this file’ to alter it. folder within this menu too.

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

SHARING
Elements Organizer

SEloermt beyntloscOartgioanniwzeitrh
Find out how you can assign images to locations and view
all snaps from one place easily Available on: Mac/PC Price: £78/$100

WHAT YOU’LL NEED… Photoshop Elements makes it easy to view and sort wading through lots of images, before deciding which
Photoshop Elements your photos using its handy Organizer program. The location you want to view in more detail.
Organizer ability to sort photos by location is not new, but with
Photos from a range of more and more cameras having GPS built in, it is It's easy to assign a location to a photo. If your camera
locations becoming a more popular way to view your snaps. captures GPS data, then you will find that your photos
can be viewed on a map in the Places view instantly. If
WE USED… In Elements 12, you can now view your images from the data is wrong, it's easy to change the location by
Photoshop Elements every location that you have images assigned to in a dragging the pin to a new place. If your camera doesn't
12 Organizer handy stack view. This collects together all of your have location data, then we'll be showing you how to
photos from one location and 'stacks' them on top of manually add a location in this tutorial. We'll then give
YOU COULD USE… each other to keep them together. The advantage is that you a quick tour of what you can do once you have
Earlier versions of you can browse all of your locations in one go, without multiple places stacked together.
Elements (with Places,
but not the stack view) Sort by place

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN… The Places tab
How to assign and edit enables you to add
locations to photos
How to view all images images to a
from one location location or edit
How to see your photos where shots have
in Places stack view been assigned

Swap views

Use this toggle to
view either the
Media (ie all of
your photos) or
Places, the latter
of which gives you
the Stack view

Location pins

A location that has
photos assigned

to it will have a red
pin with the

number of images
in that stack

74 Photography for Beginners

SHARING
Elements Organizer

Places Stack view View your photos by location

Add Places Choose a location Change a location

01 If your camera has GPS data, then your 02 In the new dialog that opens, use the 03 If you want to change the location, you
images will already have a place Search bar to type in the name of the can simply pick up the pin and move it
assigned to them. If not, select a folder of location that you want to assign to your to a new place. You can also assign a location
images from one location and then hit the Add images. They will all be added and you will by dragging and dropping the photos to a
Places button at the bottom of the window. need to tick to confirm. precise location.

3 OF THE BEST…

Additional
features

Browse by location See your stacks Slideshow

04 Now you can view your images by 05 In order to use the stack view, you will Ctrl/right-click on any stack to view a slideshow.
location. At the top of the main need to change the little slider above You can alter the theme and the settings to get a
window, choose the Places tab. You will see the window with your images in from Media to bespoke display – great for showing friends.
the currently selected images displayed on Places. You will now see stacks for every
the left, and a map of locations on the right. assigned location.

View selected images Edit options Quick edit

06If you want to only view images taken 07 If you Ctrl/right-click on any of the While you are in Slideshow view, the pop-out
in one particular place, then you can stacks, you can choose to edit the boxes on the left enable you to quickly edit your
click on the pin in the map. An option to Show location of the images, remove the assigned photos, or add keywords, while in full screen.
Media will pop up. Click on this and you will location, or view a quick slideshow of all
only see the photos from that location. images in that stack. Change your map

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com You can view your map in a number of different
views including Hybrid (shown here), Light and
Dark. Plus you can turn Terrain on and off.

Photography for Beginners 75

SHARING
Quick tips

5 tips for printing your
photos Create copies to share and enjoy

Thanks to digital photography and the every once in a while, as they make
internet, we can now share our photos with fantastic presents for loved ones and look
the whole world in a matter of seconds. great on your living room wall. Here are our
However, it’s still nice to create actual prints top tips for creating high-quality prints…

DIY or order online Pick the paper Create a book

If you have a printer at home, you can Printing on high-quality paper will help you A great way to display your prints is in a
create your own prints as and when you create high-quality prints, so get the best photobook. You could cut and stick them
please. However, there are lots of websites paper that you can afford. Choose between yourself to create your own scrapbook, or
that will do all the hard work for you, and a range of finishes including glossy or order a ready-made photobook online full of
you can get discounts for ordering in bulk. matte, depending on the effect you prefer. your digital images.

Set the resolution Crop and resize Preview the print

When printing, your images should ideally Work out the size of the print you want and Make sure that you preview your prints
have a resolution of around 300dpi (dots then resize your shot. Crop your image in before actually printing them to check that
per inch). The resolution will depend on the editing software if you want to change its important parts of your shot won’t be
megapixel count of your sensor, but choose shape, but constrain the proportions if you cropped off. If they are then you will need to
the highest quality setting on your camera. want to keep the original aspect ratio. resize the image again.

76 Photography for Beginners

«clikpic»

Websites for photographers

Great websites for only £40 pa ( )includes
ecommerce

Clikpic is an award-winning service for any photographer who Amazing value!
wants a great website without the cost and hassle of setting one
up. With minimal expertise required, you can use our online admin • Update or change your site whenever
system, a variety of beautifully designed templates and a vast array you want and have as many pages as
of additional functionality, to create your own website quickly, you like in a variety of formats.
easily and very cost-effectively.
• Full ecommerce facilities.
You can do it! • Dozens of options to present images

Minimal technical expertise is required. Just go to in a stylish way, including slideshows,
www.clikpic.com and sign up for a free 14 day trial. carousels, image watermarking, etc.
Download our Easy Start User Guide and follow the simple
instructions. You can have a site up and running in no time! • Add a blog, take enquiries through a
‘Contact’ form, add a guestbook and/or
“I recommend Clikpic to any a user comments facility, news pages,
Photographer thinking of a calendar - even an events diary.
building a website.”
• Huge range of styling and customisation
- Amateur Photographer magazine options – change font, font size, text
colours, text alignment, etc.

• Add your own graphics.
• Search engine friendly.
• Use an existing domain name if you

already have one or buy one
through us for as little as £6.50 pa.

Group Test Aug 2010

Visit www.clikpic.com for a FREE 14 day trial







%" (&!". &/ )". /0. , #+. ,"+,(" The complete system for...
3%+ % 0" )". /0. ,/ %&/ .&((& *0
/0. , #" 01."/ ("2". ."(" /" /4/0") Camera Handling, Tripod Mounting, Camera Carrying
0% 0 !"(&2"./ 4+1. )". /0. &$%0 &*0+
4+1. % *!/ 0 / 0%" / )" -1& ' ."(" /" Hand>>> Tripod>>> Belt>>>

/4/0") #+1*! +* (( +0%". .&, Hand Strap Tripod Adaptor Travel Kit
,.+!1 0/ (&!". #+.)/ , .0 +#
1*&-1" 2"./ 0&(" *! +)#+.0 (" + Stylish, ergonomic stand + Fits securely to any + Mount your B-Grip Evo
..4&*$ /4/0") 0% 0 * /1&0 4+1. alone hand strap. tripod head or QR plate. Belt System onto your
backpack strap.*
*""!/ 3% 0"2". 0%" /&01 0&+* + Click instantly onto your + Instantly click your
tripod with B-Grip tripod camera with B-Grip + Quick Fit waterproof
Wyhoyuscliadnegwlhidene adaptor. Hand Strap onto tripod. camera cover.

Evo Belt System + Click instantly onto + Instantly click your + Compatible with all
B-Grip Belt Holder or camera with B-Grip Evo B-Grip accessories.
*&-1" 2"./ 0&(" )". /1,,+.0 B-Glider. Belt system or B-Glider
/4/0") .&, ((+3/ 0%" onto tripod.
,%+0+$. ,%". 0+ ..4 0%"&. )".
+* 0%"&. 3 &/0 +. 3%"."2". * Requires B-Grip Patent Pending.
+ Carry your camera on your waist or wherever. Evo Belt System
+ Safe and secure, instant access to your camera.
+ Works great on its own or with B-Grip Hand Strap.
+ Instant click onto tripod with

B-Grip Tripod Adaptor.

1/0 0! %" (! %+, ++' 3&*!+*
5 333 )". (" * + 1' 5 / ("/ )". (" * + 1' 5 "(
E&OE

Asktheteamquestionsat Hayley Paterek

photoforbeginners.com PFB’s deputy editor
Hayley is here to help
Post questions to the PFBMag out with our readers’
group at www.facebook.com shooting concerns
Tweet any quick questions or tips you
may have to @PFBMag James Sheppard
Upload your problem pics to our Flickr
pool at www.flickr.com/pfbmag Photographer and
Photoshop whizz James
Questions & answers, is on hand to solve any
tips & photo-fixes editing issues

Jo Stass

PFB’s staff writer Jo
is at the ready to
answer your camera
tech questions

How can I fix a grey sky?

I recently took this photo of A B
my favourite statue in my C
local town, but the grey sky Dark details
makes it look a little dull and The statue looks a little dark
gloomy. Is there any way that I A against the sky in this photo,
can enhance the sky to make
it look a little brighter? and so a lot of its details are

Jane Hawks, via Email lost in shadow

Unfortunately you can’t do much Dull sky
about the weather, and so
sometimes you just have to B The grey sky looks very dull
work with what you’re given. You and drab, reducing the impact
could convert your image to
black and white to make a of an otherwise well-
cloudy sky look more dramatic,
or use a filter to adjust the composed shot
exposure. However, there are
also some simple ways to
improve dull weather shots
using editing software. Let us
show you how to turn a grey sky
bright blue.

Flat image
There is also a lack of detail in
Photo needs rescuing? C the clouds, making the image

Email it to our experts look relatively uninteresting
[email protected]
and flat
Enhance dull skies Alter the look of bad weather skies in Photoshop Elements

01 Select your subject 02 Brighten it up 03 Improve the sky 04Add some colour
Use the Quick Selection tool Now go to Enhance>Adjust Next, go to Select>Inverse to Go to Filter>Adjustments>
to select your main subject so that Lighting>Brightness/Contrast and select the sky, then go back to Photo Filter, select a cooling filter
you can edit it independently from increase the Brightness to bring out Enhance>Adjust Lighting>Brightness/ and increase the Density slider until
the sky. The Add and Subtract tools detail in your subject. You can also Contrast and increase the Contrast the sky turns bright blue, or use a
can be used to neaten it up. boost the Contrast to add texture. to bring out more detail in the clouds. warming filter to create a golden sky.

78 Photography for Beginners

4 OF THE BEST… Ask the team questions at photoforbeginners.com

Tricks for Aperture Priority
capturing is a great mode
perfect skies
for beginners
looking to get

out of Auto

Shoot in the golden hours

To capture really colourful skies, shoot during the
golden hours, which are just after sunrise and
just before sunset. At these times of day, the sun
is low in the sky and creates a lovely, golden light
in your photos.

Use a filter How do I master Aperture Priority?

A neutral density graduated filter will allow you to I have had my camera for a while but Aperture Priority mode is a great first step into
block some of the light from the sky to prevent it have been too scared to use any of the manual shooting. It lets you choose the aperture
from becoming overexposed. A polarising filter is manual modes, so all of my photos have for your shot but takes care of the shutter speed
better for increasing contrast and boosting been taken in Auto. I think it’s time to for you, so you don’t have to worry too much
colours in your photo. start progressing my skills though, and about exposure. Aperture controls the size of
I’ve heard that Aperture Priority is a good the opening in your lens, with a small f-number
Meter correctly place to start. Do you have any advice for creating a large hole and a large f-number creating
a complete novice taking their first steps a smaller hole. Therefore a small f-number will
If you switch to Spot Metering mode, your into manual shooting, and how to go about capture lots of light, while a large f-number will
camera will measure the light for wherever you choosing the right settings? capture less. Aperture also controls depth of field,
set your focus point. Therefore, if you focus on determining how much of your shot is in focus.
the sky, it will pick the right settings to make Bill Norman, via Facebook
sure that it appears well exposed.
How to use Aperture Priority Take the next step with this semi-automatic mode

Change your angle Decide on depth of field Set the f-number Pick an ISO

Avoid pointing your camera in the direction of the To blur the background of your photo, Aperture is measured in ‘f-stops’. For If you’re shooting in well-lit
sun as this will create washed-out photos with use a large aperture to create a a large aperture, choose a small conditions, keep your ISO low, but if
glare. You will also capture richer colours and shallow depth of field. To keep f-number between f1.8 and f5.6. For a your shots appear too dark, try
better contrast in your shots if the clouds are lit everything in focus from back to small aperture, pick a larger f-number increasing it to around 400. Watch
from an angle. front, use a small aperture. between f8 and f22. out for noise appearing, though.

Photography for Beginners 79

LikeThis month we Knowing the
right settings
Post your photo to to use will help
our Facebook page you capture
and we’ll share it perfect party
with the world pictures
Search for ‘PFBMag’

Jason Day

Water is a fascinating photography subject,
particularly for taking great action shots.

How do I photograph an indoor event?

Lee Wintrip I’m going to a friend’s party soon and I to come away with blurry and unflattering shots of
want to take some photos to preserve my your friends that you’ll want to delete straight
A slow shutter speed lets you blur car memories of the night and give to my friends away. However, there are a few simple ways to
headlights to create light trails. as gifts. Have you got any advice for taking take fantastic shots, and it’s usually about knowing
great shots? It’s going to be taking place in a the best camera settings to use. If your camera
Michael Davey dark room. does not have manual controls, then you could try
using a low light or indoor scene mode so that it
The lovely, golden light projected across Rachel Carr, via Facebook can pick the right settings for you. It also helps if
this scene gives it extra warmth and depth. your camera has a good zoom, as you can capture
Taking photos at an indoor event when there isn’t great, candid shots of partygoers from a distance.
much available light is always tricky. It’s very easy

Take great party shots Get flattering shots in low-light conditions

Ruth Holt Set your aperture Raise your ISO Control your flash

Lighting subjects from behind can reveal Use a large aperture (small f-number) Increasing your ISO will make your Bouncing your flash off of a piece of
hidden textures and patterns. to make sure plenty of light reaches sensor more sensitive to the light and white paper will create a more
your sensor. It will also blur the therefore brighten up your shot. It flattering effect, while Slow Sync
80 Photography for Beginners background of your shots to remove can make your photos grainy if you mode will let you use a slow shutter
any distractions. raise it too high though. speed to capture background detail.

Twitpics Sdtroarmmaytwicepahthoetorsis@idMeaclinfotgr 1taking tBoryigohutrflsohwotesrs@aNddatahBdraasyhsohfacwolour
The best photos
tweeted to us ySohuooatuinngiqfuroempearspplaencetiwveind@oCwG6gi9v1e9s  mTeoxntuorcehraonmdecosnhtortasst@mdaakfyedfdosrngerelliantg
@pfbmag

LET US RECOMMEND

Canvas printing services
Display your photos on canvas as a stunning work of art

I have recently taken some lovely landscape shots of my local Getting your photos printed on canvas is a great way to display them
coastline at sunset, using my new photography skills learnt in your home as your very own work of art, or give your shots to
from Photography For Beginners. I think my shots would look friends and family as gifts. It has become increasingly more
fantastic displayed on my living room wall, so I would like to get affordable to get your shots printed on canvas too, with lots of
them printed on canvas. Can you recommend any websites companies offering very reasonable prices. All you have to do is
where I can order canvas prints of my photos? I want to upload your shots online, place your order, and then your canvas
display my images in great quality, but I am also on a budget, print will be delivered straight to your door. Once it arrives, all that’s
so I’d like some affordable options please. left to do is decide which wall to hang it on. Here are a few
recommendations for printing services to use…
Lily Jones, via Email

PhotoBox One Vision Albelli

From £25/approx $41 From £27/approx $45 From £24/approx $40

Options range from the cheaper Canvas Lite, One Vision’s InkJet Canvas Wrap is their With Albelli you can only order one standard
where your photo is printed on polyester budget option, created using a Large type of canvas print, but it is available in a
canvas and machine-stretched, to Premium Format InkJet Printer, but you can get their range of different shapes and sizes. Prices
Canvas, where your photo is printed on 100 higher quality two-inch and three-inch are very reasonable though, and ordering
per cent cotton canvas and hand-stretched. canvas wraps if you pay a bit more. can be done in three simple steps.

What’s good about it… What’s good about it… What’s good about it…

Choose from rectangular, square and panoramic One Vision specialises in high-quality printing, Albelli has a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
canvases in a range of different sizes so you know you’ll get a great product policy, so you can get a refund if unhappy
All canvases come ready to hang, so you just
You can choose to have your photo wrapped right An extensive range of canvas sizes is available to need to find a space on the wall
around the edges of the canvas suit any photo and hanging space
What could be better…
What could be better… What could be better…
They only offer portrait, landscape and square
A wall hanging kit is available, but you have to Your canvas will take seven working days to canvases. There is no panoramic option
pay extra for it produce, but the quality will be worth it The number of canvas sizes is also a little limited,
but they should suit most needs
The prices are very reasonable, but keep in mind Prices rise quite rapidly for premium canvases,
that standard postage costs £7.50 but there’s a big improvement in quality too

Photography for Beginners 81

QUICK START GUIDE
Get to know your camera

cGaemt teorakninow5 myoinuurtes

Your quick start guide to help you master your kit now

Shutter release Mode dial Hotshoe CAMERA ICONS EXPLAINED

This button is used to Change the settings The hotshoe allows you Choose the correct setting with this guide
take the picture. On on the camera using to attach external
most cameras, pressing If you’re using a compact camera, then most of your controls
it halfway in Auto will the mode dial accessories, such as a will be on the back. A DSLR or Compact System Camera will
focus the image more powerful flash, to usually have a mode dial on top. Either way, the icons for
setting the camera to shoot in different conditions and for
the camera basic operation such as deleting images are usually universal.

Landscape Program Apperirotruirtey

Boosts the saturation in Easily customise things like Select the aperture while
blues and greens for ISO and white balance in the camera picks the
really vivid outdoor Program mode shutter speed for you
photographs

P

Lens AUTO S
A
The light enters the Auto
camera here. Lenses Flash Lens release Sphriuotrtietyr
can be changed on If all else fails, Select the
some camera models If your camera has an Press this button to shutter speed and
on-board flash, press remove the lens from let your camera the camera will
this button to use it do the hard work change the aperture
your camera for you by using
automatic mode
JARGON BUSTER

Aperture Focal lengths Megapixels Sports Portrait Manual

Affects the amount of your Wide-angle – a wider angle of Number of pixels on the Uses a fast shutter speed For super-flattering shots of Take control in this mode
image that is in focus – the view than normal, eg 28mm sensor, in millions to capture movement your friends and family and pick your own shutter
‘depth of field’ Telephoto – a magnified view without blur with blurry backgrounds
of subjects in the distance, Noise speed and aperture
CSC eg 200mm
Refers to the visible digital Delete – found Drive modes Self-timer for
Compact system camera Focus grain in a photo on all cameras including Burst self-portraits etc

DSLR Autofocus means your Shutter speed Playback – use Metering Image
camera focuses for you; to review photos modes stabilisation
Digital single lens reflex Manual puts you in control Fast speeds freeze action
camera while longer ones blur W FnFlash – choose
ISO any motion
Drive mode to switch on/off
Refers to how sensitive your Viewfinder Zooms lens out Function button
Continuous or Burst mode, camera’s sensor is to light for wide angles – for shortcuts
single shot and self-timer and affects the visible grain Optical – shows you the view
or ‘noise’ in a photo through the camera lens and Flash off – the T Zooms lens in Ø Diameter of lens
Dynamic range is good for accurate framing flash won’t fire for close-ups – found on barrel
LCD Electronic – shows the view
The term used to refer to the on an LCD in the viewfinder + Zoom in on +– Exposure Macro or close-
amount of detail in the The display screen on the your photos compensation up modes
highlights and shadows rear of the camera used to White balance
compose images – Zoom out of Video mode on Night-time/
Exposure Affected by the ambient your photos stills cameras low-light scenes
Live view light, the white balance can
A balanced exposure has be altered to ensure a
detail in light and shadow An electronic view of the natural colour result
areas alike scene in front of the lens
Zoom
Exposure Metering
compensation Optical – the magnification
Refers to the way the camera provided by the camera lens
Adjusts the tonal range of reads the light in the scene Digital – a camera crop factor
your photo, lighter or darker

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

CREATE THE IMPOSSIBLE
w w w. p h o t o s h o p c r e a t i v e . c o . u k

Available
from all good
newsagents and
supermarkets

ON SALE NOW
Striking imagery Step-by-step guides Essential tutorials

PHOTO EDITING DIGITAL PAINTING PHOTO ART TOOL GUIDES BEGINNER TIPS

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/PhotoshopCreative twitter.com/PshopCreative

UPGRADE

Nikon D5300

With tons of features, this will tempt first-time DSLR users

£730/$800 (body only) | 3.2”, 1037k-dot vari-angle TFT | 24.2MP DX-format CMOS sensor | 5fps high-res RAW shooting

yloogTouokHainerDegnBISStafhULonuRrIsYoaFinaf…is-rtsthte-

WHY DOESN’T IT HAVE A
LOW-PASS FILTER?

Optical low-pass or anti-aliasing (AA)
filters decrease high frequencies that
create distortion when photographing
patterns. The problem with the filter,
though, is it decreases the light travelling
through the lens, resulting in softening.
84 Photography for Beginners

UPGRADE
Nikon D5300

Below Without the optical low-pass filter diffusing light before it reaches the
sensor, images leave the camera superbly crisp and rich in detail

The 39-point TECHNICAL INFO
autofocus system
handles smoothly Megapixels 24.2MP
and quickly
when using the Capable of producing extremely large
viewfinder, but prints, with A2 and larger pictures
the pace slows presenting razor-sharp detail
down when using
LiveView mode Zoom Lens dependent

Set to appeal to adventurous first-time DSLR-users, only real feature lacking an outer-shell shortcut is A selection of lenses are available
the Nikon D5300 neatly slips in above the Nikon ISO, but a Function button is within reach to provide
D5200 to become the brand’s most feature-heavy, a link to commonly used settings like sensitivity. Shutter speed 30-1/4000sec
entry-level shooter. The camera is fully equipped to Shutter response and write times are snappy and
suit improvers and also provides the full range of the 39-point autofocus system, when using the Will please both those seeking lengthy
automatic modes to appease those a little less viewfinder, is well paced and accurate, but this is exposures and lightning-quick speeds
experienced. Topping the bill of features is a 24.2MP noticeably slower when using LiveView, especially in
DX-format CMOS sensor that has been stripped of low light or when the subject is travelling. ISO sensitivity 100-12800
its optical low-pass filter for enhanced definition.
The unit, which is available in black, grey or red, also The absence of the optical low-pass filter results This superb range means that you
provides a top sensitivity of ISO 25600, built-in Wi-Fi in sharper images, and colours are reproduced could shoot in low light without a tripod
and GPS, and a maximum burst rate of 5fps. realistically and bright with a wide tonal scale. The
camera’s meter is on-point, generating balanced Exp. modes 16 scenes, plus Auto,
At 530g, the D5300 is significantly lighter and exposures and a broad dynamic range even in
smaller than its predecessor and much of its high-contrast frames. We begin to see telltale signs Program, Manual, AP and SP
competition in the entry-level market, yet it retains of noise nibbling away at quality from ISO 1600- Plenty of modes to support both
durability. The 3.2-inch screen is bigger than the 3200, which is very favourable, and pictures are novices and step-up shooters
average camera and offers a higher resolution too. arguably still usable right up to ISO 12800.
Occasionally direct sunlight is a problem, but the Aperture Lens dependent
screen is viewable from most angles and is Offering great value for money, the D5300 brings Flash modes A, RE, SS, SS+RE, Fill,
vari-angle, delivering greater scope for composition. high-end specs to the entry-level market; delivering
streamlined handling and strong image quality. RC+SS, RC, Fon, Foff
Both newcomers and those with some DSLR or
CSC experience should find the D5300 accessible VERDICT Weight 530g with battery
thanks to its wide range of shooting options. The Dimensions 125 x 98 x 76mm
Batteries Rechargeable Lithium-ion
Storage SD, SDHC, SDXC
Screen 3.2 inches

HOW GOOD IS IT FOR…

Landscapes

No optical low-pass filter means richer
details – perfect for landscapes

Portraits

The D5300 offers RAW shooting, ideal if
users intend to tweak skin tone colours

Sports

Sports enthusiasts can take advantage
of its high ISO and 5fps Burst mode

Low light

Handheld night shots are possible with
the RAW option and a high ISO setting

Macro

The camera sports a handy and
effective close-up mode

THE PROS & CONS

Vari-angle screen that is larger than
most and offers a higher resolution

Capable of fantastic image quality at
a very reasonable price

The lack of shortcut commands may
irk more advanced users

No optical low-pass filter means
some patterns might appear distorted

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

UPGRADE
Sony DSC-RX10

Sony DSC-RX10

Can this camera’s performance justify its high price tag?

£1079/$1300 | 20.2MP back-lit sensor | 24-200mm Carl Zeiss zoom lens | Tiltable 1,229k dot screen

eYTnotHuhb’turBiogIesSbUmiaaunsaYdItteFgcwae…higtthera

WHY IS IT BETTER THAN
THE AVERAGE BRIDGE?

The RX10 shares its family’s one-inch,
back-illuminated sensor, which is four
times bigger than those found on average
bridge cameras. This means the 20.2MP
resolution isn’t compromised by lack of
space, resulting in stronger detailing.
86 Photography for Beginners

UPGRADE
Sony DSC-RX10

Below Colours, metering and dynamic range reach a level far exceeding that of its
nearest bridge competitor, with quality more akin to that of an entry-level DSLR

The RX10 is TECHNICAL INFO
light yet strong
thanks to its Megapixels 20.2MP
magnesium-
alloy body, The camera lets users capture images
which is dust at a selection of sizes, from 3.7MP for
and moisture sharing online, to 20MP for large prints
resistant
Zoom 8.3x optical, 4x digital
DSLRs and CSCs aren’t for everyone; they can be the eyepiece when shooting from beneath eye-level.
tricky to handle and there’s the additional expense Handling the camera is straightforward thanks to The Carl Zeiss lens provides a very
of lenses and accessories. Compacts are ideal for the range of auto and semi-auto modes, but there versatile focal range of 24-200mm
beginners, but there aren’t many that are capable of are also manual options including operating the lens
stunning detail because their sensors are so small. ring, which lets users fine-tune focus as well as Shutter speed 30-1/3200sec
The new Sony bridge camera, the DSC-RX10, is an focal range. The autofocus is slick and effective
advanced compact with a hefty zoom that attempts regardless of light or whether the subject is moving. With an incredibly fast shutter speed,
to offer enthusiasts the best of both worlds: ease of the RX10 will suit sports enthusiasts
handling in one all-encompassing unit and exquisite For a camera of this price, we’d expect the image
detailing thanks to its one-inch 20.2MP sensor. quality to be of a very high standard, and the Sony ISO sensitivity 125-12800
didn’t disappoint. As expected, noise was held at
The build quality of the light and compact RX10 is bay for the majority of the native ISO range, with the The reach makes sharp, handheld
reassuringly rugged, plus it looks as impressive as first signs of damage appearing at ISO 3200, but low-light images a real possibility
any contemporary CSC or entry-level DSLR. It the image quality achieved at its highest extendable
features a multi-interface shoe for accessories like setting of ISO 25600 is still usable, making shooting Exp. modes 9 scenes, plus Auto,
external flashes and stereo microphones, which is handheld in low light a realistic venture. Colours are
rare for a bridge camera, and more unusual still is also accurate, metering is spot-on and the dynamic Program, Manual, AP and SP
the adoption of a richly detailed (1,440k dots) OLED range is incredibly high for a bridge camera. All the necessary scene modes as well
Tru-Finder offering 100 per cent coverage. For those as advanced shooting options
not wishing to use the Tru-Finder, there is a tiltable Proving its worth tenfold, the RX10 is a high-end yet
1,229k dot LCD screen that moves downwards 45 easy-to-use bridge camera that is ideal for effectively Aperture f2.8-f16
degrees and up 84 degrees. While the screen can capturing a wide range of photography genres. Flash modes A, Fill, SS, RS, Foff
be seen in direct sunlight and from a wider than Weight 813g with battery
average range of angles, views can be blocked by VERDICT Dimensions 129.0 x 88.1 x 102.2mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Storage SD, SDHC, SDXC
Screen 3 inches

HOW GOOD IS IT FOR…

Landscapes

The lens offers a flexible 24-200mm
focal range – ideal for landscapes

Portraits

The autofocus is fast and accurate,
making it easy to capture subjects

Sports

The fast shutter speed and ability to
add a flash will excite sports shooters

Low light

The camera’s large sensor means noise
is controlled even at higher sensitivities

Macro

You can use the lens ring to fine-tune
focus – a boon for macro photography

THE PROS & CONS

Large sensor resulting in low noise,
higher dynamic range and rich detailing

Lens with wide focal range and T*
coating to reduce ghosting and flare

Priced at over £1000, it is one of the
most expensive bridge cameras ever

When shooting beneath eye-level,
the eyepiece can block part of the LCD

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

UPGRADE
Fujifilm X-A1

Fujifilm X-A1

We find out if the X-M1’s budget brother can compete

£529/$600 | 16MP APS-C sensor | Tilting LCD | Wi-Fi

yCocTuSoHCmwBatpIqhnSrUuaotatmaYldIitFbiosyu…eedsognne’tt

CAN I SHARE STRAIGHT
FROM CAMERA?

The X-A1 can send shots to your phone or
tablet using Wi-Fi, as well to friends using
the Photo Receiver app. This was easy to
set up and use and you can also back up
images to your home PC, but you can’t
control the camera from your phone.
88 Photography for Beginners

UPGRADE
Fujifilm X-A1

Below Colours were vibrant in the shots we took and the camera metered well.
Image quality is excellent, despite a small amount of softness

There is a small TECHNICAL INFO
thumbgrip on the
back and a grip Megapixels 16.3MP
at the front. It’s
nice and light too, A good size on a large sensor
making it okay to
hold with just Zoom By lens
one hand
Compatible with a range of XF and XC
The X-A1 continues Fujifilm’s retro trend with its This model doesn’t skimp on shooting options, lenses, from wide angle to zooms
appealing rangefinder-esque looks, and enters the however, with an Advanced SR Auto mode that
market as one of the company’s budget options. It’s detects 58 scenes as well as various manual Shutter speed 30-1/4000sec
affordable, but no less desirable, as it packs some controls, fun filters, and film simulation modes.
great features worth your contemplation. There’s even a double exposure mode that merges Great for long exposures and freezing
two shots in-camera. Alongside RAW files, Wi-Fi, action in its tracks
Available in black, blue or red with a textured 5.6fps high-speed continuous shooting to capture
faux-leather front that helps with grip, the X-A1 has action and 1080p video mode, you have plenty of ISO sensitivity 200-6400
plastic buttons but the build is sturdy. It handles well options to get creative with.
too, with settings being easy to access using twin (extendable to 100-25600)
command dials. ISO is hidden in the menu, but you One feature it excels at is low-light performance. A large range and it handles noise well
can assign a setting to the Fn button and there’s a With a wide ISO range that’s extendable to a
Quick Menu to access the most used settings. massive 25600, the X-A1 handles noise very well, Exp. modes 13 scenes, plus Auto,
with only a very small amount appearing at ISO
Fujifilm’s latest camera is similar to the X-M1 1600. The shots were a little soft, but for such an Advanced SR Auto, Program, Manual,
(reviewed in Issue 30) but with a slightly lower grade affordable camera, the general image quality and AP, SP, Advanced Filter
sensor so images won’t be as sharp. It’s still APS-C features on offer here make this one of the best Sport, Landscape and Portrait modes
sized though, which is larger compared to its Micro budget CSCs on the market. are on the dial, with manual modes too
Four Thirds competitors.
The X-A1 is missing one or two features, but at this Aperture By lens
As an affordable entry-level model, we’ll forgive the price it isn’t enough to detract from what is an Flash modes Auto, Fon, Foff, SS, RS,
lack of viewfinder, but this would have been nice for easy-to-use camera with great image quality.
composing on bright, sunny days. The bright and Commander, RE
clear 920k dot, three-inch tilting LCD screen is useful VERDICT
for awkward angles, but it’s a shame it doesn’t flip Weight 330g with battery
out and it’s not a touch screen. Dimensions 116.9 x 66.5 x 39.0mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com Storage SD, SDHC, SDXC
Screen 3 inches

HOW GOOD IS IT FOR…

Landscapes

Select Velvia film simulation for bright
and vibrant vistas

Portraits

Skin tones are flattering and
backgrounds nicely blurred in

Sports

Tracking focus doesn’t always keep up
in Burst mode

Low light

Excellent ISO performance, and there’s
30sec exposures

Macro

A dedicated macro lens is needed to get
in really close

THE PROS & CONS

Excellent low-light performance, with
a good handling of noise at higher ISOs

Easy handling with twin control dials
and a useful Quick Menu

It would be useful to have a touch
screen LCD that flipped out

You can’t control it remotely from a
smartphone like some competitors

Photography for Beginners 89

UPGRADE
Olympus STYLUS 1

HOW EASY IS IT TO
SHARE PHOTOS?

Wirelessly connecting the camera to your
smartphone is quick and simple. Just
download the free Olympus Image Share
app, tap the Wi-Fi option on the camera
screen and then scan the QR code that
appears on the display with your phone.

fyTuonHupcoBtwIicoSaUknneattYIlaiDFtby…SleinLRa

body

Olympus STYLUS 1

Does this chunky compact from Olympus pack a punch?

£550/$700 | 28-300mm f2.8 lens | Wi-Fi connectivity | Electronic viewfinder & tilting touch screen

90 Photography for Beginners

UPGRADE
Olympus STYLUS 1

Below Colours can appear a little over-saturated, but images are otherwise vibrant
and true-to-life. They also have plenty of detail, even in low light

The camera is comfortable TECHNICAL INFO
to hold and easy to use,
although the dials Megapixels 12MP
are quite far
forward A decent number of megapixels for
producing high-resolution photos
The STYLUS 1 from Olympus has lots of features the lens can be used to quickly change your
that you wouldn’t normally find on a compact exposure settings or be assigned with your favourite Zoom 10.7x optical, 21.4x digital
camera. Firstly, there’s the electronic viewfinder for controls, and the touch screen enables you to focus
easily framing shots in bright, sunny conditions, as and take your shot with just a couple of taps of your The 28-300mm focal range is very
well as the hotshoe for attaching a flashgun or other finger. For those taking their first steps into impressive for a compact camera
accessory. Then there’s the tiltable LCD screen that photography, Auto mode gives you simple control
can be used to compose your shots from high or over depth of field and freezing or blurring motion, Shutter speed 60-1/2000sec
low angles, and the ability to shoot in RAW so you as well as basic shooting tips for capturing various
have more control over the editing process. All of different scenes. Great for shooting fast-paced action as
these additions, combined with the full manual well as low-light scenes
control, make this a great camera for beginners The mostly metal camera body is stylish,
looking to advance their skills but who don’t want to pocketable and sturdy, and although a little heavy, it ISO sensitivity 100-12800
carry around a bulky DSLR and additional lenses. is comfortable to hold thanks to the front and back
grips. The image quality is high, producing photos An extensive range for taking sharp
The lens of the STYLUS 1 is particularly versatile, that are detailed and vibrant, if a little over- shots while shooting handheld at night
and is protected behind a clever screw-on lens cap saturated at times. Digital noise does creep in at
that automatically folds back when the camera is ISO 800 though, making the constant f2.8 aperture Exp. modes 12 scenes plus Auto,
switched on. The 28-300mm focal range is useful particularly useful for shooting handheld at night.
for most shooting situations and it also has a Program, Manual, AP and SP
constant aperture of f2.8, so that you can capture You get a quality camera with plenty of useful A great range for both beginners taking
blurry backgrounds and plenty of light throughout features for a reasonable price, and you can take it their first steps into photography and
the zoom range. everywhere thanks to its compact size. more advanced shooters

Despite its advanced functionality, the camera is VERDICT Aperture f2.8
actually very easy to use. The control ring around Flash modes A, RE, Fon, Foff, SS, M
Weight 402g with battery
Dimensions 116.2 x 87.0 x 56.5mm
Batteries Lithium-ion
Storage SD, SDHC, SDXC, UHS-I
Screen 3 inches

HOW GOOD IS IT FOR…

Landscapes

The built-in ND filter will let you shoot
long exposure landscapes in the day

Portraits

E-Portrait mode automatically retouches
your people shots for you

Sports

7fps continuous shooting increases
your chances of taking great shots

Low light

The ISO performance is decent, but the
f2.8 helps for shooting handheld

Macro

Super Macro mode allows you to get
really close up to your subject

THE PROS & CONS

Advanced features are packed into a
camera that will fit in a large pocket

It has a lot to offer both beginners
and more experienced shooters

The ISO performance is a little
disappointing for an advanced camera

It is quite heavy for a compact, but
does feel sturdy and robust

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

ACCESSORIES pyfhouaTounntHwopingaaIsBrnnSatoatpUrnthaoItYsFmt…ianake
Ricoh Theta

Ricoh Theta

Capture a full 360-degree panorama
image in a push of a button

The Ricoh Theta is a camera that’s different to anything you
have used before, but it feels well made and sturdy in the
hand, and comes with a nice, soft protective case for
throwing in your bag. This is the ideal camera if you want to
capture immersive 360-degree panorama photos of your
surroundings in an instant.

There is no space for a memory card, but you do get enough
memory built in for around 1200 photos before you need to
download them onto your computer to make room. Charging is
done with the supplied micro-USB cable and once charged,
you can take around 200 photos before needing to find a
charging point – more than enough for a weekend away.

It’s super simple to use too; just turn it on and press the
button to capture the panorama, and a little beeping sound
tells you when it’s complete. If you have an iOS device, you
can also download an app and trigger the camera remotely,
which lets you move out of the picture if you don’t want your
hand to be in the photograph. There is also a tripod mount on
the bottom of the camera to facilitate getting the best image
quality, which will also enable you to prevent your hand from
appearing in the photograph too.

Image quality is pretty good for such a small camera, and
outdoors it does very well. When shooting inside in low light,
noise is visible in the image but it still gives a good result. The
images produced are 3584 x 1792px in size (about 6.4MP) and
you can upload them to the Ricoh Theta website via the
included software for Mac and PC.

A great, fun little camera that is small enough to take THE INFO
anywhere and get completely different pictures to
those that other cameras would produce. The Price £330/$400
question is, is it enough? External dimension

VERDICT 42 x 129 x 22.8mm

92 Photography for Beginners Shots per charge 200
Storage capacity Approx 1200
Weight 95g
Colours White

THE PROS & CONS

Allows a full 360-degrees in one
button press, making it easy to use

Can be controlled by a smartphone
to get you out of the picture

Image quality isn’t brilliant in low
light but it’s good in outdoor conditions

Using the button, your hand and
body are in the picture



ACCESSORIES
Cameraphones

Cameraphones
The latest smartphones for snapping shots on the go

2 iPhone 5S Price From £549/$649 cropping in Instagram later. The Panorama
and HDR functions are still available, but
The latest version of the iPhone (www. there is very little else in the way of manual
apple.com) has a slightly larger sensor and control. However, you can add filters in
brighter lens than its predecessor, real-time and choose from a wide range of
producing impressively high-quality images editing and sharing apps available on the
for such a small and slim phone. ‘True Tone’ App Store.
LED flash is another new addition, adjusting
the colour and intensity of the light for a
slightly more flattering effect, plus you can
shoot in a square format to save you

1 Samsung Galaxy S4 02
Zoom Price From £399/$499

The S4 Zoom (www.samsung.com)
is the perfect example of
smartphone meets compact
camera, yet it doesn’t do a great job
of being either. It’s quite chunky and
heavy for a smartphone, and the
camera’s image quality is a little
disappointing for a compact. It does
have a 10x optical zoom, however,
which sets it apart from your
standard digital zoom-only
smartphone. It also has a shutter
button, plus the dial around the
protruding lens lets you control the
zoom and gives you quick access to
your shooting modes. In the camera
app you can use Auto, Program and
Manual too.

01

94 Photography for Beginners

ACCESSORIES
Cameraphones

3 Nokia Lumia 1020 Price £520/$610

The 41MP sensor of this Nokia (www. even produce a 38MP and 5MP image
nokia.com) smartphone provides a at the same time, so you can print one
solution to its lack of optical zoom, as and easily share the smaller one online.
once you’ve taken an image, you can The built-in Nokia Pro Camera app
simply zoom in or crop your shots includes a Manual mode to control your
without losing much detail. The overall shutter speed, ISO, white balance and
image quality is impressive, and the exposure compensation.
camera performs well in low light
thanks to its bright f2.2 lens. It can

03 4 Sony Xperia Z1
Price £479/$600

Sony’s (www.sony.co.uk)
smartphone is the largest on
test, but still manages to look
sleek and stylish. The image
quality is good, although lacks
detail in low light, and the
operation of the camera app is
quite slow and unresponsive,
which can be frustrating. As
well as Auto, you can control
some manual functions such
as exposure compensation,
ISO, metering and white
balance, but other exposure
settings cannot be adjusted.
There are handy scene modes
to choose from, and Timeshift
Burst mode takes a series of
shots in a split second so you
can choose the best one. Fun
creative options are also
available, and like the
Samsung, the Xperia Z1 is also
an Android phone with access
to thousands of apps.

04

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

ACCESSORIES
Budget landscape kit

Budget landscape
kit Affordable accessories to help you shoot

stunning, pin-sharp vistas

03
04

01

02

96 Photography for Beginners

1 HOYA CIR-PL filter Price From £39/approx $65 Imagine Publishing Ltd
Richmond House, 33 Richmond Hill,
A polarising filter will increase contrast and then twist the outer section of the filter Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6EZ
boost the colours in your landscape shot, around until you achieve the desired effect. It
which is particularly useful when shooting does also block out a bit of light though, so +44 (0)1202 586200
cloudy blue skies. It will also help to remove you may need to increase your exposure Web: www.photoforbeginners.com
any reflections if you are including water or compensation value to prevent your shots
glass in your scene. This one from HOYA from becoming too dark. While they are www.greatdigitalmags.com
(www.hoyafilter.com) is very lightweight, yet it available in a range of sizes to suit different
is also a quality and effective product. You lenses, be aware that the price does increase Magazine team
simply screw it onto the end of your lens and with the size of the filter.
Deputy Editor Hayley Paterek
BEST FOR: BOOSTING COLOURS AND CONTRAST
[email protected]
01202 586276

Designer Moe Hezwani
Staff Writer Joanna Stass
Sub Editor Alicea Francis
Editor in Chief Dan Hutchinson
Photographer James Sheppard
Senior Art Editor Duncan Crook
Head of Publishing Aaron Asadi
Head of Design Ross Andrews

2 Phottix Wired Remote XS Price £16/approx $27 Contributors

To avoid causing camera shake when you shot, and if you wish to take a long exposure Shaun McGill, Thomas Calton, Dani Dixon, Julie Bassett,
press the shutter button, you can use the you can press and slide the button upwards to Greg Thurtle, Sarah Gane
Phottix (www.phottix.co.uk) remote shutter lock it into the depressed position, which will
release. It’s incredibly tiny – no bigger than keep your shutter open. You can’t shoot from Advertising
your finger – so you can easily take it with you much of a distance (approximately 1 metre)
in your bag or pocket wherever you go. All you and you can’t use it to control any of your Digital or printed media packs are available on request.
have to do is plug the wire into your camera other camera settings, but for this price, you Advertising Director Matthew Balch
and press the button to trigger the shutter. can’t really go wrong with this simple,
Half-pressing the button will also focus your must-have accessory. 01202 586437
Head of Sales Hang Deretz
BEST FOR: PREVENTING CAMERA SHAKE
01202 586442
3 SLIK Compact II tripod Price £30/$40 Advertising Manager Alex Carnegie

This very reasonably priced tripod from SLIK cheap and flimsy, the legs are still quite sturdy 01202 586430
(www.slik.com) will help you keep your camera and have a secure locking system to prevent [email protected]
steady and free from camera shake, allowing them collapsing. The maximum height is a
you to use slow shutters speeds in low light or lower-than-average 990mm, so you may have International
to capture creative motion blur. Carrying it to to crouch to frame your shots, but the pan and
your landscape location is easy as it is very tilt head will help you to get the right angle. Photography for Beginners is available for licensing.
lightweight, weighing just 570g, and it folds The attached bubble spirit level will ensure Contact the International department to discuss
down to just 360mm long. It even comes with your shots are straight, making wonky horizons partnership opportunities.
a handy carrying bag. Although parts of it feel a thing of the past. Head of International Licensing Cathy Blackman

BEST FOR: STEADYING YOUR CAMERA +44 (0)1202 586401
[email protected]

Subscriptions

Head of Subscriptions Gill Lambert
[email protected]
For all subscription enquiries
Email: [email protected]

(UK) 0844 245 6957
(Overseas) +44 (0)1795 592 815
13-issue subscription (UK) – £52
13-issue subscription (Europe) – £70
13-issue subscription (ROW) – £80

Circulation

Head of Circulation Darren Pearce
01202 586200

Production

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 by Seymour Distribution, 2 East
Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT 0207 429 4000
Distributed in Australia by Gordon & Gotch Corporate Centre,
26 Rodborough Road, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086

+ 61 2 9972 8800
Distributed in the Rest of the World by Marketforce, Blue Fin
Building, 110 Southwark Street, London, SE1 0SU

0203 148 8105

4 Lowepro Photo Traveler 150 bag Price £49/approx $81 Disclaimer

Lowepro’s (www.lowepro.com) ultra-compact to protect your kit, and the outer bag is made The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material
Photo Traveler backpack has enough space to from high-quality material that should lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of
store a DSLR, plus a couple of additional withstand any bad weather. The pockets are Imagine Publishing Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced
lenses and extra accessories, so you can take secured with zips, allowing for quick access in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All
everything you’ll need on your shoot. It also should that unexpected photo opportunity copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of
has a front pocket for storing a small tablet arise. The adjustable and padded straps make criticism and review. Although the magazine has endeavoured to
device and a quick-access side pouch that can this bag comfortable to carry for long periods ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability
hold a water bottle. The main compartment of time, and the loops on the side can be used may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in
has padded dividers that you can customise to attach further kit, such as a small tripod. 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

BEST FOR: CARRYING YOUR KIT

Share your shots at: photoforbeginners.com

CHEAT SHEET
Architecture

PHOTO CHEAT SHEET Fresh perspective
Experiment with
Architecture
composition on an
architectural shoot
and find new angles
and perspectives for

stronger images

Practical advice for shooting
stunning architecture

There are lots of incredible man-made Although there are specialist lenses
structures to shoot in local towns and for architectural photography, known as
cities; even rural locations feature tilt and shift lenses, which ensure
stunning architecture. Perspective is structures appear straight and accurate,
the key to getting great shots of any they are costly. Wide-angle lenses will
building, be it a modern skyscraper or distort straight lines but they are
rural church. Experiment with the angle fantastic for fitting more in the frame,
you shoot from; low angles are great for so don’t be afraid to explore your lens’s
emphasising the size of a structure, but focal lengths for more original results.
if you want straight vertical lines, you’ll You can use our cut-out-and-keep guide
need to shoot face on from a distance. below to help you get great shots, too.

ESSENTIAL ARCHITECTURE KNOW-HOW

Aperture f11-22
Shutter speed 1/125sec or below
ISO
Focus mode 200
Drive mode Multi-point AF
Lens
Helpful kit Single
12-50mm
Tripod, polarising filter

To light the shot… Bright sunny days will

offer brilliant blue skies as a backdrop. Experiment
during sunset and sunrise too for a softer, warm light

Top Tip… If you’re shooting glass-fronted

structures, attach a polarising filter to the end of
your camera lens to reduce the appearance of
reflections on the glass

98 Photography for Beginners

MOVE INTO A NEW WORLD

The new OM-D E-M10 interchangeable lens camera will transform your photography. The latest addition to the
award-winning OM-D series, the E-M10 is a super-slim lightweight camera loaded with features for capturing
the important moments in your life in brilliant quality. Its unique design complements the high-grade build to
provide an extraordinary shooting experience and amazing performance. Welcome to a New World.

Ask your local dealer or visit us online at olympus.co.uk/e-m10