Tech for Less: 9 Black Friday Bargains for Digital Creatives
It’s that time of year again, when retailers compete for pre-holiday spending with some tempting offers across a range of great products. Whether you’re just beginning your creative journey or looking to upgrade the tools you already rely on, with prices dropping across a wide range of gear, now is the perfect opportunity to pick up what you need for less.
[ Read More ]
Black Friday Deals We Think You Should Know About
Black Friday is fast approaching, and hopefully your hearts and wallets are ready. A lot of sales are already ongoing, so let’s talk about some of our favorites.
[ Read More ]
Timelapse and Aerial: The Next Frontier in Storytelling
Storytelling, at its core, is the art of creating meaning through a sequence of events that evoke emotion, connection, and transformation. For centuries, visual stories have sought to blur the lines between lyricism and realism. Yet, the evolution of technology has at times constrained cinematographers in that pursuit. Artificial intelligence, if trained well, may someday bridge this gap, but until then, creators continue to seek their own rhythm to express their visual narratives.
[ Read More ]
Canon R6 Mark III Review: Are Hybrid Cameras Finally “Solved”?
Canon’s EOS R6 Mark III lands as a 7K hybrid body that tries to merge Canon’s cinema and photo lines into one camera you can carry every day. If you juggle stills, long-form video, and higher-end work, the way this body borrows from the EOS C50 and EOS R5 Mark II changes how you think about what a “B camera” or even main camera needs to do.
[ Read More ]
How to Easily Transform Boring Skies in Photoshop
Sky replacement changes how your images feel in a split second. When a great shot is held back by a flat gray sky, knowing how to swap it cleanly keeps more of your work out of the trash and in your portfolio.
[ Read More ]
How to Use High ISO Without Ruining Your Photos
High ISO still feels risky if you grew up treating ISO 800 as the danger zone and anything higher as a last resort. That fear quietly limits what you can shoot, but you maybe you shouldn't be afraid.
[ Read More ]
How to Use Softness and Glow for Dreamlike Photos
Dreamy-looking photos feel loose and imperfect, but they rely on deliberate choices about gear, light, and editing. If you want images that feel like actual dreams instead of another crisp, sharp frame from a city walk, this approach can shift how you shoot.
[ Read More ]
Creative Child Portraits On A Budget
Just because you don't have an expensive lighting set-up or a studio doesn't mean you can't shoot interesting portraits of your children. To help you out, we've put together a list of quick tips made up of low-cost techniques to help the beginner out.
Smaller, pocketable cameras right up to bigger DSLRs can be used to shoot portraits.
You can even use a less-expensive toy camera which may produce low-quality images but the levels of saturation and strong vignetting some produce can create interesting effects. As the shot below, taken with a VistaQuest VQ1015 camera, demonstrates:
Commercial photographers, such as those who shoot in schools, tend to use lighting they can move and position around a room, making flash less harsh when fired. If you're working with a camera that has a built-in flash, however, you don't have this luxury and if you hit the shutter with the flash switched on, the light from it tends to be too harsh.
So, What Should I Do?
Your best and easiest option is to turn the flash off and use the light around you. This could mean using your household lights but keep an eye on your white balance if you do this as shots tend to look a little warmer and have an orange tone to them when shot under household lights. Easier still, set up near a window or patio door if you have one and use natural light. Sidelight works well but don't be afraid to experiment with different positions. Shooting with the window to their back so you can shoot straight on, for example, can create silhouettes. Don't overlook shooting on cloudy days either as clouds act as a giant softbox, diffusing light.
A support, ideally a tripod, should be kept in reach for times when your camera needs to use longer shutter speeds due to low light levels. If you try and shoot hand-held it can result in shake which will spoil your shot. You can try setting a slightly higher ISO to increase your camera's shutter speed but with some cameras, this can result in noise appearing in your shots. This isn't always a bad thing though as you could try enhancing the noise further so it appears like old film grain, similar to this shot below:
The time of day and where your window is positioned will effect light falling through it. At this time of year the sun is quite low in the sky for most of the day, however, midday is still when the sun is at its highest so avoid shooting then if possible. The golden hours, early morning and early evening, tend to give you softer light but you can further diffuse light with tissue paper, or a thin curtain/piece of material. If you do this, try to avoid using coloured material/paper as this can create a colour cast in your images.
Of course, if shooting indoors isn't producing the results you're looking for, there's always the option to get outside, shooting in your garden or at your local park.
Professional photographers use purpose made background rolls or frames on stands but when you're on a budget and working at home, you don't have this luxury.
Shooting at home can mean you have backgrounds full of clutter or distracting wallpaper, even if you do use a larger aperture (or portrait mode on a compact that tells the camera you want to use a larger aperture) to throw it out of focus. To fix this, have a look around your home for items you can use as backgrounds. Black velvet works well, so do plain sheets of material or use a plain wall if you have one.
Most of the time the 'say cheese' approach won't work as you'll just get shots with big grins and squinting eyes. Instead, try talking to the children you're photographing, asking them questions and making them laugh. As a result, you'll soon see them creating expressions and poses that are much more interesting. Try setting your camera on continuous shooting mode to increase your chances of capturing a creative shot. This mode, which is available on many cameras will let you take a burst of images in quick succession which you can then pick out the best from.
Don't think your subject has to always be slap-bang in the middle of your frame. By positioning them slightly off centre you'll create a much more striking composition.
If you want to try photographing your subject so they are looking out of frame do leave some 'looking space' as it creates a more pleasing shot and your subject won't look like they're squashed into a small frame.
If you're shooting on auto and find the balance of highlights and shadows isn't right there are a few things you can do to correct it. If the face is too washed out, set a faster shutter speed or smaller aperture. This could mean switching to sports mode if your compact has one so it knows you want to use a quicker shutter speed. If the detail is too dark set a slower shutter speed or wider aperture.
If your camera has exposure compensation, check your manual if you're unsure, set it to -1 or -2 for shots that are washed out and +1 or +2 for shots that are too dark.
There are a few free pieces of editing software available such as Gimp or you could purchase Photoshop Elements which isn't quite as expensive as the CS range. Cropping, playing with tools such as Dodge & Burn, adding vignettes and turning shots to black & white are all things you can do during post-production to enhance images. Take a look at ePHOTOzine's technique section for more tips and tutorials on this subject.
Quick Product Photography Tips
Shooting images of everyday objects at home is a great way to improve your creativity and to put your imagination to work. But first you need to establish exactly what your photograph's going to be used for. On some occasions just showing what the product looks like, the height, depth etc., will be enough, but most of the time you need to really sell the product. Take a pen for example, you can just put it on a plain background and take a perfectly good shot of it but if you introduce a writing pad and shoot it on an old wooden table you begin to create a story, adding interesting and as a result, the shot will be more attention-grabbing.
You can't take a brilliant photograph if the product looks sub-standard to start with so always ensure your product and any other props you're using are clean and looking their best.
Good lighting is the key to a good product shot so set up in a room that's well lit and avoid harsh, direct flash at all costs. If you have one, a light tent can help soften the light and reduce shadows and reflections but a simple bit of muslin or a net curtain put up against your window will soften the light if you don't. Using a white card or white balancing your shot in-camera will also help your shot but if you shoot in RAW, this can be altered later during post-production.
Here are a few examples to try:
- Book and reading glasses
- Coffee beans spilling out in front of cappuccino cup or from a jar
- A full cup on a table
- Pen and crossword
- Fruit in front of jar of jam
Don't forget to post your creations into the gallery so we can see your hard work!
Why This Black Friday Is the Perfect Time to Upgrade Your Light
Light is one of the most crucial elements of photography. Without it, there can’t be a picture. I never skimp on lighting equipment and have used Profoto equipment since the dawn of my career. This Black Friday, it’s cheaper than ever — here’s why you shouldn’t miss out.
[ Read More ]
OBSBOT Tail 2: The Best Tracking Camera I've Ever Used
As content creators, we're constantly searching for that perfect balance: professional-grade equipment that doesn't require a full production crew to operate. It's a challenge I've faced countless times: wanting cinematic tracking shots, multiple angles, and broadcast-quality footage, but without all the gadgets that require additional camera assistants to run them. The OBSBOT Tail 2 aims to solve exactly that problem, and right now, it's available for $999 (down from $1,199) during its Black Friday promotion running through December 1st.
[ Read More ]
The Sensor Tech That Separates a $2,000 Camera From a $6,000 One
It's not megapixels, and it's not the autofocus system. The real difference between budget bodies and flagship cameras comes down to three terms you've probably seen but never understood: BSI, stacked, and global shutter.
[ Read More ]
Incredible 2025 Black Friday Deals for Photographers
This is the best time of year to save on the best investments you can make in your photography. ver the next week the best brands in the industry are offering their best prices of the year. Whether you're in the market for new gear, a faster workflow, or want to study a new skill, there's a way to save money on what you need.
[ Read More ]
Why Taylor Swift Looks So Different on Her Album Cover
Taylor Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” bathtub cover looks like a different person compared to the matching moment in the music video, and that has people jumping to conclusions about retouching or AI. Here's a look at why.
[ Read More ]
The Sigma 135mm f/1.4 DG Art: All the Bokeh You Could Ever Want
If heavy blur is your obsession, a 135mm f/1.4 gives you a level of background wipeout that few lenses can touch. It takes the look far enough that even seasoned bokeh chasers start paying attention.
[ Read More ]
A Look at a Lightweight f/2.8 Zoom With a Surprisingly Low Price Tag
A compact 24-70mm style zoom that starts at 24mm but stops at 60mm instead of 70mm is not a common sight, especially with a constant f/2.8 aperture. You get a smaller, lighter lens that still promises bright aperture performance without the usual cost or bulk.
[ Read More ]
Stop Chasing Gimmicks In 2026 And Build A Safer Real Estate Media Business
Real estate media took some hard knocks in 2025, and a lot of comfortable habits got exposed. If you rely on listing work, 2026 is shaping up as a year where trust, realism, and smarter use of AI decide who keeps getting booked.
[ Read More ]
How To Shoot Better Abstract Landscapes Now
What Gear Do I Need?
When it comes to gear choices, your first thoughts might be to pick up a macro lens but shooting with a wide-angle zoom will give you a larger area you can crop into later. You'll also need a tripod as well as an ND and polarising filter.
When Can I Shoot Abstract Landscapes?
If your landscape shooting plans are put on hold by a grey overcast day, still head out as you can shoot some abstract landscapes instead. As shadows, which can help create perspective, aren't something we need in abstract landscapes you can shoot when the sun's hidden by cloud. After it's rained, when the sky's still decorated with grey clouds, is a perfect time to head out as the light will still be even and everything will be damp and drying which means they'll be plenty of different shades to capture.
What Subjects Make A Good Abstract Landscape?
Basically, you need to frame your shot so it removes it from its surroundings, focusing on the patterns, shapes, texture and colours. Here are a few examples:
- Wet, colourful pebbles on a beach.
- The patterns the tide creates in the sand.
- Close-ups of rusty objects.
- Lines found at the bottom of reservoirs after they've dried up.
- Areas where water has pooled, as the rocks and foliage they collect can make an interesting study. (You'll probably need a polarising filter to reduce the amount of glare coming off the water's surface.)
How Should I Position My Camera?
You need to stand parallel to your subject so if you're shooting pebbles on a beach, for example, you need to stand directly above them and shoot down. Just remember to have a look around the viewfinder before you take your shot as the wide-angle view can mean your feet end up creeping in at the edge of the frame.
For front to back sharpness try using an aperture around f/8 which on an overcast day does mean you'll end up with slightly longer exposure times so using a tripod is a must. If the tides coming back in, filling channels it originally cut going out or you're at the side of a stream that's meandering round and over a group of rocks, dial down to a smaller aperture to give you an even slower exposure so you can blur the movement of the water, adding further interest to your shot.
Nikon Z6 III Deal Alert - Save Big on This Pro-Level Full-Frame Mirrorless
Photographers, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
The Nikon Z6 III — Nikon’s latest hybrid mirrorless camera — has just dropped in price on Amazon, and it’s turning heads across the photography community. Whether you shoot landscapes, weddings, wildlife or high-end video, this deal gives you a chance to get a next-generation full-frame camera at one of the lowest prices we’ve seen yet.
Today’s Amazon Deal Details-
Current Price: Check live price on Amazon →
-
Savings: Typically retailing at $2,496.95, this model is now significantly discounted.
-
Retailer: Amazon (Official Nikon seller)
-
Availability: Limited stock discounts like this rarely last beyond a few days.
-
Prime Eligible: Fast delivery with free returns for Prime members.
The Nikon Z6 III sits right in the sweet spot between Nikon’s professional Z8/Z9 and the more budget-friendly Z5 or Z50.
It offers an incredible combination of speed, image quality, and cinematic video capability, all packed into a compact, rugged body that’s built for real-world shooting.
For photographers who’ve been waiting to go full-frame without spending flagship money, this deal is the perfect moment to jump in.
Nikon Z6 III Specifications ManufacturerNikon Image Sensor Pixels24.5Mp (Megapixels)Pixels (W)No DataPixels (H)No DataSensor TypeCMOSSensor SizeNo DataSensor Size (width)No DataSensor Size (height)No DataAspect Ratio
- 3:2
- 16:9
- 1:1
- Program
- Aperture-Priority
- Shutter-Priority
- Manual
- A
- Centre-weighted - Average
- Partial
- Spot
- Auto
- Cloudy
- Incandescent
- Fluorescent
- Shade
- Flash
- 1920x1080 FullHD
- 4K
- 6K
- SD
- SDHC
- SDXC
- XQD
- CFexpress (Type B)
- RAW
- JPG
- HEIF
These specs place the Z6 III right at the top of the mid-range full-frame category — it competes directly with the Canon EOS R6 II and Sony A7 IV, yet undercuts both in price when on offer.
Real-World PerformancePhotographers who’ve tested the Z6 III consistently praise its autofocus accuracy and dynamic range.
Thanks to Nikon’s subject-detection algorithms (borrowed from the Z8 and Z9), it locks onto eyes, animals, vehicles, and even birds in flight with stunning precision.
In video, the Z6 III shines with its internal 10-bit N-Log and H.265 recording, giving filmmakers serious flexibility in post-production. Combined with the bright EVF and deep grip, it’s a true hybrid workhorse designed for creators who switch between stills and motion.
“This camera feels like Nikon finally nailed the hybrid formula — it’s powerful, compact, and makes no compromises,” said one early reviewer on ePHOTOzine’s test bench.
Who This Camera Is Perfect ForIf you fit into one of these categories, the Nikon Z6 III deal deserves your attention:
-
Hybrid shooters who record both high-end video and stills.
-
Wildlife or sports photographers who need 120 fps bursts.
-
Landscape photographers looking for excellent dynamic range in a lightweight setup.
-
Upgraders from DSLR — especially Nikon D750 or D780 owners ready for mirrorless performance.
If you already own or have been eyeing the previous-gen Z6 II, here’s what makes the Z6 III worth upgrading to:
Feature Z6 II Z6 III Processor EXPEED 6 EXPEED 7 (Much Faster) Autofocus Good AI-trained subject tracking from Z8/Z9 Burst Rate 14 fps 120 fps (JPEG) Video 4K/60p 6K/60p + 4K/120p + RAW Screen Tilting Vari-angle fully articulating EVF 3.69 M-dot 5.76 M-dot 4000 nits (brighter than Z8)This is a generational leap, not just a refresh — making the current discount even more compelling.
Why Buy from Amazon?-
Official Nikon Seller — full manufacturer warranty applies.
-
30-day returns on most items.
-
Fast, trackable shipping (with free Prime delivery for members).
-
Verified customer reviews to back up your decision.
When buying camera gear online, Amazon remains one of the safest and most convenient platforms, especially when combined with an active Nikon warranty.
Expert Tip from ePHOTOzineIf you’re investing in the Z6 III, don’t forget to check out the Nikkor Z 24–70 mm f/4 S or Nikkor Z 35 mm f/1.8 S — both pair perfectly with this body and are often bundled with discounts. You can also adapt your older F-mount lenses using the FTZ II adapter, which works seamlessly with autofocus and VR.
Don’t Wait Too LongAmazon deals like this rarely stay active for more than a few days — especially on new-release Nikon bodies. If you’ve been holding off, now’s the time to act before prices return to RRP.
