Photography News

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Win £500 to spend with MPB

Win MPB Vouchers Worth up to £1,000 this Christmas

This festive season, MPB is giving creators the chance to upgrade their gear in a way that’s simple, secure, and sustainable. We’re sponsoring three special ePHOTOzine prize draws, with MPB vouchers worth up to £1,000 up for grabs. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden-hour light or a filmmaker capturing winter stories, this is your moment to unwrap something amazing.

The Prizes

• Day 1: A £1,000 MPB voucher to spend on the camera or lens you’ve been dreaming about
• Day 3: A £500 MPB voucher to help you step up your creative game
• Day 9: A £250 MPB voucher that’s perfect for adding the finishing touch to your setup

Used Gear, Done Better

At MPB, we believe used doesn’t mean second-best. It means smarter. We make buying, selling, and trading photo and video gear simple, secure, and sustainable. Every week, thousands of creators trade in their old gear and upgrade to something new-to-them.

• Buy better: Save money and shop gear that’s been checked by experts and backed by warranty
• Sell smarter: Get an instant quote, ship for free, and get paid quickly with no hidden fees or hassle
• Shoot sustainably: Give great gear a second life and help reduce waste in the creative industry

Find out how to sell your gear or start exploring our latest arrivals at mpb.com.

Creativity for Every Kind of Creator

Whether you’re a professional with a packed kit bag or just starting out, MPB is built for you. Our platform connects photographers and videographers across the world, creating a community that values creativity and sustainability in equal measure.

We’re passionate about helping people find the right tools the right way. Gear that inspires creativity, captures stories, and makes a difference. Because when your tools fit your vision, your ideas come to life.

Visit MPB

Today's Prize Join the Giveaway

Don’t miss your chance to win an MPB voucher worth up to £1,000 this Christmas. Enter the ePHOTOzine/MPB giveaway to start the new year with your dream setup.

Shop used. Shoot better. Win big with MPB.

Visit MPB

As a thanks to all of you who support the site by purchasing Plus Membership, you will receive 2 entries per draw.

Also, a huge thank you to all of our members, old and new, Plus and Free, for being part of our amazing community and to those clients who have supported us this year, through continuing tough economic circumstances. It's certainly been another challenging year, so thanks - we couldn't have made it through 2025 without you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s hoping 2026 will be healthy and happy all round. The ePHOTOzine Team.

[PRIZE_ENTRY]7003[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

 

Photo by Emma Kay

 

 

What better excuse do we need as photographers than a blanket of snow for wonderful photographic opportunities? When photographing snowy landscapes it's important to get a few techniques right to ensure you capture everything at its best.
 

Let's start with the ideal conditions, a snowy landscape and blue skies – perfect, but can you get anything wrong on days like this?
 

Adjust your white balance accordingly

Firstly, metering – "intelligent" camera metering systems (matrix, evaluative) are getting better at coping with bright (or dark) scenes, but most will still lead to a degree of underexposure, leaving your whites looking dull but more importantly, your shadow details blocked up.

Keep a close eye on your histogram and expect to have to adjust your camera's meter reading. Ideally, your histogram should end just at the right-hand axis, anything less than this will indicate underexposure.
 

Consider a tripod for steady shots

Secondly, tripods – although on a bright sunny snowy day, high shutter speeds are easier to attain, when going for great depth of field, particularly early or late in the day, shutter speeds can drop slightly and cold hands are not good at holding cameras still. If you're using a carbon fibre tripod, they don't get as cold to the touch as aluminium, but if you're using an aluminium tripod, try wrapping the legs in pipe insulation to give a warmer surface to the touch, or better still, go to a sports shop and get either racing bike handlebar tape, or tennis racquet grip tape; either will give you a warm grip with much less bulk.

 

Look for good leading lines

Thirdly, how to shoot – I know this sounds a bit basic, but sometimes the most obvious things are overlooked. With the ground often covered in a plain white layer, try looking for good “lead lines” - things that will take your eye into the picture; in the Lakes, dry stone walls, or lake edges are ideal. Now – an important point – if you walk up to a wall, or lake edge to take a photo in one direction, then you walk along it's length and turn round to take a photo back the other way, you will have spoiled the “return” view with your own footprints! So I tend to look carefully from a distance, approach to my first photo point, after taking the picture, I retrace my steps and take a wide route around to my second viewpoint, so the view back remains pristine. Obviously, this only applies when the show is fresh, so the other important point is – when it snows, get out as soon as you can, before it's covered in other people's footprints.

Don't forget details too, a few blades of grass can be just as effective as a simple image as a whole vista, so be careful not to overlook the minimalistic approach. Splashes of colour in a monochromatic view can add enormous impact, too. Also remember, that even in snowy weather, communities keep working, so look out for farming activity in fields too, to add a human – or livestock scale to the picture.
 

What if the weather's a bit bleak?

So – what if the weather's not so ideal? I was once out in blizzard conditions just below Watendlath, the same rules of exposure, composition etc. all apply, but you will find that as the background – as well as the sky will simply disappear in a haze of white, strong, graphic foreground shapes can produce striking pictures – often more effective in black & white, almost creating the effect of a pen-and-ink drawing. Keep a very close eye on how strong foreground elements react with each other – try to prevent too much overlap, which will otherwise tend to confuse the composition.
 

Make sure you dress appropriately

Most important of all, look after yourself, photography isn't the most active of winter pastimes, so wear plenty of layers to trap air and keep you warm, a hat is essential – 33% of body heat escapes through the head, and although gloves are a pain while photographing, reach a compromise that works for you – either fingerless, or gloves that you only take off while you frame and take the shot. I discovered hunting gloves a few years back, which have a slot in the forefinger and thumb of the right glove, allowing them to be pulled back for access to the shutter and control dials, without the rest of your fingers freezing. If you're planning a long spell, hot drinks are worth taking with you.

Article by John Gravett - www.lakelandphotohols.com
 

Now that you have your new Nikon ZR in hand, you’re probably already thinking about ways to dress it up. Well, if I were you, here are the first three accessories I would add to my shopping cart.

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If you've ever photographed a fast-moving propeller and watched it turn into a series of curved boomerangs, or captured a golf swing where the club looks like overcooked spaghetti, you've met rolling shutter. It's one of the most misunderstood phenomena in digital photography, but don't worry, I'm here to teach you what you need to know.

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The latest winner of our popular daily photography theme which takes place in our forums have been chosen and congratulations go to altitude50 (Day 23 - HDR)

 

Daily Theme Runners-Up

If you didn't win this time, keep uploading your images to the daily competition forum for another chance to win! If you're new to the Daily Theme, you can find out more about it in the Daily Theme Q&A. 

Well done to our latest runners-up, too, whose images you can take a look at below.

  Day 24

Still Life Photography

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  Day 25

Abstract Landscapes

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Day 26

Children

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Day 27

Groups

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  Day 28

Low Light Photos

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Day 29

Indoor Portraits

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Day 30

Christmas Markets

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You’ll find the Daily Themes, along with other great photo competitions, over in our Forum. Take a look to see the latest daily photo contests. Open to all levels of photographer, you’re sure to find a photography competition to enter. Why not share details of competitions with our community? Join the camaraderie and upload an image to our Gallery.

For landscape photographers, one of the most crucial purchasing decisions is not always the camera gear, but the backpack you stow it in. Will the WANDRD FERNWEH 50L tick all the boxes? Or is it just another backpack among thousands of other choices available today? Let's find out.

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For most of us, storage is an unavoidable part of the workflow. Many creatives don’t see having a NAS as a luxury, but rather as a necessity. Small studios and teams rely on having a server to be able to access shared files fast and on the go. Having an SSD-powered NAS can be the heart of a small production, but can it handle what is needed from a modern team? I tested it out.

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One of the year’s most awaited cameras is finally here, and it comes with major upgrades that users of the previous generation will love. The Sony a7 V may look almost the same, but the internal hardware and handling have a lot to offer.

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Long wildlife zooms usually force you to choose between reach, speed, and weight, and you often end up sacrificing at least one. The OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm f/2.8 IS PRO lens is built to pull off a 100–400mm full frame equivalent range while still being something you can actually carry around a bird park for hours.

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Lighting a background with a single light sounds simple until you see the ugly gradient running from one side to the other. If you shoot portraits or products against seamless paper, getting that background clean and even can save time, keep your images consistent, and give you more control over how everything looks in camera.

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AI editing is no longer a side feature you occasionally test and forget. It is now a core part of how you clean, build, and style images in Photoshop, and it changes how much time you spend behind the computer.

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Choosing an all-in-one zoom for a Sony full frame body is a big commitment, because that lens often lives on the camera for trips, family events, and everyday shooting. This video looks at three very different takes on the 20-200mm class and digs into which one is right for you.

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Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

Day 2: Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit  - Plus Winter Savings Bonus!

Imagine stepping into the new year with a camera that’s built to unlock your creative spirit - the Nikon Z50 II is the perfect way to start. We’re thrilled to offer this as today’s special prize: a compact, powerful mirrorless camera kit that’s ideal for photography, vlogging, travel, and everyday creativity.

What makes the Nikon Z50 II so great:

• Compact & travel-ready — thanks to its DX-format 20.9 MP CMOS sensor and Z-mount design, the Z50 II delivers DSLR-quality images in a light, portable body.  
• Fast, sharp & versatile — EXPEED 7 processor brings impressive speed: shoot up to 30 fps (electronic shutter) or 11 fps (mechanical). Perfect for action, wildlife, or capturing fleeting moments.  
• Excellent autofocus & subject tracking — hybrid autofocus with subject detection makes it easier to nail focus even with moving people, pets or unpredictable lighting.  
• 4K video, vlogging & live-stream ready — ideal for video projects, social media content or behind-the-scenes storytelling.  
• Creative control on the go — the wide-angle 16-50 mm VR lens and in-lens Vibration Reduction help deliver crisp, shake-free photos whether you’re doing portraits, landscapes, or street photography.  

And - right now, this Z50 II + 16-50mm kit is included in the Nikon Winter Instant Savings promotion! 

Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

Today's Prize Win a Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit Lens

Follow your inspiration with the Z50II standard zoom kit! Includes the Z50II camera and the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR zoom lens. This wide-angle zoom lens captures vibrant wide-angle to portrait views and boasts in-lens Vibration Reduction image stabilisation for shake-free photos and movies. It’s a great walkaround lens that retracts when not in use for easy portability.

Nikon Z50 II + 16-50mm Kit

As a thanks to all of you who support the site by purchasing Plus Membership, you will receive 2 entries per draw.

Also, a huge thank you to all of our members, old and new, Plus and Free, for being part of our amazing community and to those clients who have supported us this year, through continuing tough economic circumstances. It's certainly been another challenging year, so thanks - we couldn't have made it through 2025 without you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas and here’s hoping 2026 will be healthy and happy all round. The ePHOTOzine Team.

[PRIZE_ENTRY]7002[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

Photo by Pete.
As Christmas markets are now decorating our towns and cities alongside them you'll occasionally find the odd ride or two which make great photographic subjects after the sun has set.    What kit is best?

When it comes to equipment, a wide-angle lens will mean you can capture shots of rides and surrounding details but do consider taking a zoom as it'll help you focus on people riding the rides, food, prizes and other items found at fairs. Your tripod is the second most important bit of kit you'll take with you as when slow shutter speeds are in use working hand-held is hard work. A remote shutter release will help eliminate the risk of blur caused by camera movement and don't forget to wrap up warm!

 

What time of the day should I head out?

If you want to shoot general wide shots of the fair then head out just as the lights are coming on when there's still a touch of colour in the sky. That way you'll be able to get the lights, stalls and other foreground interest of the fair set against a deep blue sky. Leave the flash at home though as it can kill the atmosphere you're trying to create.

For more abstract images, wait until the sky's a little darker and turn the rides into streams of light patterns. Look for rides that spin quickly or are bursting with colour as these tend to produce the better results. To do this simply have a play around with slow shutter speeds. Better still, if your camera has it, use the Bulb setting as exposures above and beyond thirty seconds will really blur the movement of the ride and also help remove anyone who happens to be walking through your shot. Just make sure auto ISO is off and that you're using the lowest setting you have. You'll also need to manually focus as auto focus will be searching around in the dark for quite a while then simply use a small aperture to get the maximum depth of field to compensate for any inaccuracies using manual focus may throw your way.

Do take the time to watch the rides to see which angle will give you the best image and do check there's nothing in the foreground that'll spoil your shot. It's also worth keeping an eye on your camera's histogram to check the exposure and consider shooting in RAW so you have the option to tweak the white balance etc. once back home. 

   

© MPB

 

Rising costs, a lack of role models and contacts, and the growing influence of AI are making it harder for young people to build creative careers, according to new research from MPB and the digital arts charity Lighthouse. A survey of 1,000 people aged 16 to 24 found that most face financial barriers, limited industry connections, and serious worries about how AI could affect future jobs. In response, MPB and Lighthouse are strengthening their partnership to offer affordable equipment, mentoring, skills training, and youth led pathways, including Lighthouse’s new national Pathways Not Projects programme, to help young people shape and succeed in the creative industries.

 

From MPB:

 

BRIGHTON, United Kingdom, 1 December 2025: The high cost of entry, a lack of role models and representation, and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) could see the UK economy lose a generation of young creative talent, according to new research.

The research, commissioned by MPB, the leading global platform for buying, selling, and trading used photography and videography equipment, and digital arts charity Lighthouse, surveyed 1,000 16–24 year olds interested in or pursuing careers in the creative industries.

 

It has revealed stark challenges facing the next generation of talent:

• Financial barriers at the forefront: 85% of young people said the cost of equipment has prevented them from exploring a creative career, while seven in 10 (70%) worry about long-term income security.
• Lack of connections and representation: 87% fear a lack of industry contacts will hold them back, with 78% highlighting the shortage of representative role models.
• AI: a threat and an opportunity: More than half (52%) felt AI has reduced their confidence in pursuing a creative career, while 86% are concerned about its impact on jobs and the devaluation of human skills. However, many see AI’s potential as a powerful creative tool — if young people are given the chance to shape how it is used.

 

Despite these challenges, nearly half (44%) of respondents still aspire to turn their creative passion into a profession. However, fewer than one in four (22%) feel confident they can succeed — highlighting the urgent need for more accessible pathways.

 

MPB and Lighthouse partnership

Young people need access to affordable equipment, training, and mentorship to build viable careers in the creative sector. They also need guidance on how to harness emerging technologies such as AI and overcome the structural barriers of cost, connections, and representation.

To help address this, MPB has forged a partnership with Lighthouse, the digital arts charity, to empower young creatives.

Through this long-term collaboration, MPB provides access to professional photography and video kit, while Lighthouse delivers mentorship, skills development, and youth leadership opportunities. Together, they are creating sustainable pathways for underrepresented young people to overcome barriers and thrive in creative careers.

Looking ahead, Lighthouse has announced a new national initiative - Pathways Not Projects - which will establish youth steering groups within creative and arts organisations across the UK. These youth-led hubs will ensure young people themselves shape the future of the creative industries, influencing governance, budgeting, curatorship, and exploring alternative economic and creative models. They will lead sector-wide debates on AI, technology, representation, and inclusion, ensuring that new technologies strengthen rather than diminish opportunities for the next generation of talent.

 

Matt Barker, Founder and CEO of MPB, said:

"We believe creativity should be an accessible career for all, not the privileged few. This research confirms what many of us in the industry already suspect: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

“At MPB, we’re committed to lowering the barrier to entry for young people, firstly by providing reliable access to more affordable equipment, and secondly via partnerships with critical organisations like Lighthouse, who support young people with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to shape the future of the creative industries."

 

Bobby, Creative Communities Producer, Lighthouse, said:

“Lighthouse exists to build pathways, community and opportunity, not just one-off projects. We pair access with agency: accessible kit (via MPB), work opportunities and youth leadership. The next generation doesn’t just want to enter the creative sector, they want to shape it. Our Future Creative Leaders programme proved this, creating governance roles and paid opportunities for young people to lead, rooted in place, community and purpose.

“At a time of AI, rising costs and shrinking opportunities, we’re doubling down on civic space and youth-led engagement. Progress is proudest when it has soil under its nails, and we’ve felt this most when giving young people real power in the room. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is concentrated. Lighthouse offers practical support so young people can build creative lives in, and for, their own communities.”

For more information, please visit the MPB website.

 

As night photographers, we sometimes have different needs than a lot of everyday photographers out there. I thought I’d make a gift guide that has us night photographers squarely in mind.

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You are taught early to fill the frame, pack every corner with mountains, clouds, and texture until nothing feels empty. The video above argues that if you never leave room around your subject, your landscapes can start to feel crowded, noisy and harder for viewers to read at a glance.

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The right focal length decides whether a scene feels flat or alive. It is a key choice for photographers who want clear subjects instead of cluttered, distant chaos.

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If you've tried to buy a Fujifilm X100VI or Ricoh GR IV in the past year, you already know the frustration. These cameras aren't just hard to find; they're nearly impossible to buy at retail price without waiting months or entering lotteries. The X100VI has been plagued by shortages since its launch, and the GR IV, officially launched on August 20, 2025, immediately followed the same pattern despite its significantly higher price tag.

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When I am out and about doing street and urban photography—and even a lot of travel photography—my preference is to have minimal gear with me. So the ideal bag to hold what little I carry is a small shoulder bag. But there are plenty of times when I need something a little larger to carry a second camera or action camera and audio equipment for vlogging.

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