Photography News

For decades, I have struggled with retouching my headshot images. I deal with a variety of problems, ranging from fixing crooked neckties to removing flyaways. The biggest problem for me, however, is evening out skin tones, or more specifically, reducing redness in the skin. A new Color Variance slider in Lightroom may help anyone dealing with this issue.

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AI models in Photoshop are starting to do something that used to take hours of careful cloning and healing: bring cracked, faded family photos back to life while still looking real. Those images are often the only visual record of parents, grandparents, and whole branches of a family, and AI is starting to emerge as a legitimate option.

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Fujifilm’s X-T30 III takes a body a lot of people already know and pushes it with smarter autofocus, better film simulations, and upgraded video options. If you spend a lot of time juggling stills, clips, and travel, this kind of small camera can change what you carry and when you leave bigger gear at home.

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Win 1 of 10 Zoner Studio yearly licenses!

Zoner Studio: The All-in-One photo editor designed for photographers

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complicated photo editing software - or frustrated by high subscription costs - Zoner Studio is the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. Created for beginners, hobby photographers, and anyone who wants to take their photo editing to the next level at half the cost of the main players. Zoner Studio delivers professional-grade tools in a clean, intuitive interface that makes the entire workflow faster, simpler, and genuinely enjoyable.

What makes Zoner Studio different is its rare combination of power and approachability. You don’t need to be a retouching expert to get great results, and you don’t need to fight your way through endless menus to find basic tools. Everything you need - importing, organizing, editing, retouching, layers, masks, video editing, and exporting - is right where you expect it. Whether you’re editing your first RAW file or batch-processing a full wedding shoot, Zoner Studio guides you from first steps to polished final images effortlessly.

A proper strength is its freedom of workflow. Unlike many well-known editors, Zoner Studio doesn’t force you into a catalog-only system. You can choose the method that works best for you: use the catalog for fast searching and organization, or edit directly from folders without importing anything at all. And here’s an even bigger advantage: your photo library stays fully accessible even after your subscription ends. No lock-ins, no disappearing edits, no unpleasant surprises. Your photos remain yours.

And whether you’re learning the craft or looking for inspiration, Zoner Studio is packed with helpful tutorials, tooltips, guided modules, and educational content that helps you progress. You’ll never be lost or stuck wondering what to do next.

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Today's Prize Win 1 of 10 Zoner Studio yearly licenses!

If you want a photo editor that respects your time, your budget, and your creativity, Zoner Studio is the perfect place to start - and the ideal companion as your skills grow. Whether you’re editing once a month or every day, it’s everything you need in one beautifully designed package.

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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]7006[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

 

Christmas is a great time of year to try out some macro photography, with loads of trinkets and brightly coloured objects to shoot. Here are some tips for festive macro photography.

  Subjects

As mentioned above, there are many decorative items that appear at Christmas that are ideal subjects for macro photography. Think baubles on the tree, festive garlands, centrepieces and ornaments, like candle holders, tea lights and reindeer statues. Think about the lighting too – if you're going for a festive look, then firelight, fairy lights and candles are the way to go. Look for interesting decorations that have plenty of colour and detail. Don't forget the other decorations that can be found around the house either. Snow globes, bowls of sweets and Poinsettias are all worth a quick photo.

Many ornaments are quite reflective so do check them to make sure your reflection isn't showing in them. This does mean you'll have to adjust your position or move the ornament if you do find your face to be in the shot.

If you're shooting with fairy lights in the background, they will create great bokeh for your image. Alternatively, use the lights as an abstract subject, turning them into circles of colour against dark backgrounds.

  Settings

If your camera has a specific macro setting, then that will be a good starting point. Those using interchangeable lenses should switch to a close-up or specific macro lens to shoot their photographs.

Do check your white balance as photos taken indoors can sometimes have a warm, orange tint to them. If you find this to be a problem switch from auto white balance to one of the other presets or you can manually set your white balance.
 

 

Support

You might need to use a tripod, or a gorillapod to achieve stability in a small space, especially if you are shooting in low light, such as firelight or candlelight for effectiveness.
 

Get Creative

Try setting up your own scene to shoot, rather than just shooting the objects where they are positioned. For example, if your tree is really too full you can take a few decorations off it to create a Christmas still life. The Nativity scene will make a really interesting macro shot too.
 

Turn Your Photos Into Cards

It's a little late for this year, however macro shots you take this Christmas can be used on cards you send out next year. 

 

 

We have here an exciting combination, the fine, energetic Korean lens manufacturer working alongside one of the legendary West German optical giants. LK Samyang have been building their reputation and excelling as they have moved into AF lenses. Schneider Kreuznach are one of the world's most respected high class optical manufacturers. Bringing the two together looks like a challenge to the best of current lenses. Let's see if the magic is there, coupling up the new LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE lens with the 42MP Sony A7R III camera body. Let the sparks fly...

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Handling and Features

First off, it looks good, well finished, relatively compact at 102mm x 126mm and weighing in at a very manageable 494g. There is a supplied petal lens hood that clips smoothly and positively into place. There is no locking catch, nor is there a need for one. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a conventional 72mm filter thread.

The core of the lens is an Aluminium barrel. The high quality plastic exterior is treated with a water and oil repellent coating called “Hydro Shield”, in addition to the Fluorine coating on the front element. There are various seals throughout the lens, giving weather sealing against water droplets, light rain, snow and dust. This does at least give some indication of the degree of sealing; there is the usual caveat that it does not extend to being waterproof. Dust protection is however quantified as IP-5 and this equates to “dust protected”.

 

 

Our tour of the lens controls starts with the control ring. This is by default the focusing ring. Unfortunately, the A7R III does not support changing the function. The zoom ring is clearly marked at 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 60mm. These settings are accurate. The focusing ring is electronic and as smooth as expected. The zoom ring does extend the lens but balance does not seem to be unduly altered and the action is much smoother than most competitors.

There is one innovative feature, a USB-C socket that can be used to transfer data and therefore update the firmware of the lens without having to use a docking station. A clever idea.

 

 

Focusing is down to 0.18m (0.59') at 24mm, for a maximum magnification of 0.27x, or 1:3.73. This becomes 0.32m (1.05') at 60mm, for a maximum magnification of 0.25x, or 1:4.01. This close focusing is extremely versatile, approaching macro distances. AF is provided via a stepping motor, which is fast, accurate and virtually silent. There is an AF/MF selector switch. There is also a single button that locks AF position. With some bodies this may enable access to other functions. 

Optical construction is 14 elements in 11 groups, including 3 Aspherical, 3 HR (High Refractive Incidence) and 2 ED (Extra Low Dispersion). The diaphragm comprises 9 blades, producing a rounded aperture. Finally, we have Samyang's impressive UMC multi-coating.

It is a great lens to use, a bit of bulk being saved by restricting the telephoto end. Most standard zooms of similar specification will extend to 70mm, but the reduction in size and weight may well be preferred by many photographers. There is no IS built in, thus relying on the IBIS of the camera body. This works very well and does help to keep the size of the lens down.

 

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Performance

At 24mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 through to f/11, rising to outstanding at f/4. It is still very good at f/16 and f/22. The edges are good at f/2.8, very good from f/4 to f/11, good at f/16 and fair at f/22.

At 35mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22. The edges are good at f/2.8, very good from f/4 through to f/16 and good at f/22.

At 60mm, central sharpness is good at f/2.8, excellent from f/4 to f/11, very good at f/16 and good at f/22. The edges are fair from f/2.8 to f/8, very good at f/11 and f/16 and good at f/22.

This is a very creditable performance and the images look satisfyingly sharp and crisp.

Distortion is handled extremely well, measuring -0.55% barrel at 24mm, -0.33% barrel at 35mm and -0.12% barrel at 60mm. 

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE MTF Charts Previous Next

How to read our MTF charts

The blue column represents readings from the centre of the picture frame at the various apertures and the green is from the edges.

For this review, the lens was tested on a Sony A7R IIII body using Imatest. Want to know more about how we review lenses?

 

CA is tightly controlled in the centre and although there is a higher reading at the edges, for most subjects colour fringing is not obtrusive. Further correction could be made in software if required.

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Chromatic Aberration Charts Previous Next

How to read our CA charts

Chromatic aberration (CA) is the lens' inability to focus on the sensor or film all colours of visible light at the same point. Severe chromatic aberration gives a noticeable fringing or a halo effect around sharp edges within the picture. It can be cured in software.

Apochromatic lenses have special lens elements (aspheric, extra-low dispersion etc) to minimize the problem, hence they usually cost more.

For this review, the lens was tested on a Sony A7R III body using Imatest.

 

Bokeh is pleasantly smooth and this holds true even with quite “busy” backgrounds. This is helpful in portraiture and with flower shots, with a sharp central core and a lovely out of focus background with gentle gradation.

Flare is rather impressively banished, with only the slightest sign of artefacts even under very severe lighting challenges. UMC multi-coating has always delivered the necessary flare suppression.

Vignetting results are better than average for this type of lens and are summarised in the following table.

 

Aperture 24mm 35mm 60mm f/2.8 -1.9 -1 -1.3 f/4 -1.8 -0.9 -1.2 f/5.6 -1.8 -0.8 -1.1 f/8 -1.7 -0.8 -1.1 f/11 -1.7 -0.8 -1 f/16 -1.4 -0.7 -1 f/22 -1.3 -0.7 -1

 

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Sample Photos Previous Next

 

Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Aperture range Previous Next

You can view additional images in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own reviews, photos and product ratings.

 

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Value For Money

The SK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE lens is priced at £475.00

Alternatives for Sony FE might be:

• [AMUK]Samyang AF 24-70mm f/2.8|Samyang+AF+24-70mm+f/2.8[/AMUK], £618
• [AMUK]Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II|Sony+FE+24-70mm+f/2.8+GM+II[/AMUK], £1669
• [AMUK]Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM|Sony+FE+24-70mm+f/2.8+GM[/AMUK], £1535

Although not usable on Sony FE mount, users of Lumix cameras have a similarly specified lens:

• [AMUK]Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm f/2.8|Panasonic+Lumix+S+24-60mm+f/2.8[/AMUK], £899

Overall, the new lens has a very attractive price and is great VFM.

 

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Verdict

Jointly designed by LK Samyang and Schneider Kreuznach, the synergy of the two skill sets results in a very fine lens at a very attractive price point. Lenses from the Samyang stable have been impressive for many years, first with manual focus lenses that extended the repertoire from the basic marque offerings, then with a new range of AF lenses that took quality levels up a distinct step. Performance is excellent. It is true that sharpness falls off at 60mm, but even here, the use of smaller apertures will give critical sharpness right across the frame.

The slight trimming of the tele end to 60mm, as opposed to the more common 70mm, does keep the bulk of the lens down and for travel this could be a very good thing. The smooth bokeh will give an attractive backdrop to portraiture. The close focusing that approaches macro distances is a huge boon, adding to the versatility of the lens for general use. For document copying, the low distortion means straight edges remain straight, and the results here are very satisfactory for any lens, especially so for a zoom.

In summary, a versatile and excellent lens and an Editor's Choice.

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Pros

• Excellent central sharpness
• Modest vignetting
• Weather resistance
• Low flare levels
• Smooth bokeh
• Close focusing
• Excellent construction standards
• Great VFM

 

LK Samyang AF 24-60mm f/2.8 FE Cons

• Lower edge sharpness at 60mm
• Some edge CA

 

[REVIEW_FOOTER]R_features=4.5|R_handling=5|R_performance=4.5|R_value=5|R_overall=5|A_level=5|A_text=Editor's Choice – A versatile, high quality standard zoom at a very attractive price.|E_id=8027[/REVIEW_FOOTER]

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This is not a guide, but a way to think about abstraction as one way for photographers to regain control and meaning when technology learns every technique.

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The Society of Photographers is delighted to announce that voting is now officially open for the 2025 Photographic Trade Awards - a celebration of the innovation, quality and creativity that continue to drive the photographic industry forward.
 

Each year, these prestigious awards recognise the products, brands and services that have made a significant impact on photographers across the globe. From cutting-edge cameras and lenses to state-of-the-art software, professional labs, lighting, accessories and more, the awards highlight the companies who go above and beyond to support photographers at every level.
 

Photographers Invited to Have Their Say

Photographers of all genres and experience levels are invited to cast their votes and champion the industry leaders they feel deserve recognition. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, groundbreaking technology or consistent product excellence, this is the opportunity to acknowledge those who have made a real difference throughout 2025.

Win a Full 4-Day Masterclass Pass

Everyone who submits a completed voting form will be entered into a prize draw to win a Full 4-Day Masterclass Pass to the 2026 London Photo Convention, worth up to £300.

The winner will be announced shortly after 1 January 2026.
 

Categories Open for Voting

Voters may participate in as many categories as they wish:

• Best Professional Lighting 2025
• Best Professional Lab 2025
• Best Professional Album 2025
• Best Professional Paper 2025
• Best Professional Camera 2025
• Best Professional Lens 2025
• Best Professional Photographic Training 2025
• Best Professional Service 2025
• Best Professional Accessory 2025
• Best Professional Software 2025

Cast your vote here: https://thesocieties.net/trade-awards/

Award Announcements

The winners of the 2025 Photographic Trade Awards will be revealed during the Awards Presentation Evening at the 2026 London Photo Convention, alongside the Society’s renowned Photographer of the Year announcements.

Deadline

Voting closes at midnight on 31 December 2025.

 

Cast your votes now!

 

Smartphone photography is miraculous, but it isn't for everyone. There is no shutter click and no mechanical dial. If you miss the feeling of making a photograph rather than tapping a screen, these 10 cameras are your antidote.

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Film photography has quiet weeks where the news feels like a half-used roll you forgot in a drawer. This wasn’t one of those weeks.

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Instant cameras live or die on small design choices, and the instax mini Evo and instax mini LiPlay+ put almost all of those decisions in different places. You get the same prints and similar prices, so the real question is how you want to shoot, share, and handle your camera.

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Brutal little mistakes creep into your shooting routine and quietly wreck images that should have been keepers. This video walks through specific slip-ups that cost real photos, from motion blur in windy woods to storage choices that decide whether your work is actually safe.

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AI masking gives you a fast way to separate subjects, backgrounds, skies, and landscapes without fighting with manual selections. If you care about controlled lighting, clean focus on a subject, and efficient editing inside Photoshop, this is one of the tools that changes how you work.

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Limiting yourself on a photo session sounds backward when you want as many options as possible, yet it can change how you see, shoot, and learn. The tension between going in with every option open or locking yourself into a strict plan forces you to choose what kind of images you actually want to make.

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 Win a SIGMA 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art: the world's only F1.8 zoom for crop-sensor mirrorless systems

The Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art for L-Mount, Sony E-mount, Canon RF Mount and Fujifilm X Mount cameras combines the flexibility of a zoom with the speed of a prime, making it one of the most versatile mirrorless lenses on the market. Its class-leading optical performance, exceptional build quality and fast aperture offer photographers and film-makers a unique balance of creative freedom and portability that delivers truly professional results. The lens is ideal for landscapes, street photography, interiors, portraits, documentary and video work, and is a true hybrid option for image-makers who like to shoot both stills and video.

Building on the ground-breaking Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art - the world's first F1.8 zoom for DSLRs – the all-new 17-40mm achieves not only superior optical performance and added functionality, but also a wider zoom range, a more compact body, and a 30% lighter weight.

The fast, constant F1.8 aperture ensures beautifully blurred backgrounds, and combined with its smooth and attractive bokeh, it helps to isolate an in-focus subject from its surroundings. It also allows faster shutter speeds for shake-free shooting in low light, reducing the need for a tripod.

As with all Art-line lenses, the 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art offers a range of professional-grade features, including Sigma's HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) motor for ultra-fast, precise and near-silent autofocus performance. This enables smooth, responsive tracking when shooting video. Other features include an internal zoom and focus mechanism, ideal for gimbal use, and minimal focus breathing for professional-quality focus pulls. The lens also includes two customisable AFL buttons, a manual aperture ring that can be de-clicked and locked in position, a lockable lens hood and a 67mm filter thread for added convenience.

The 17-40mm's robust yet lightweight construction combines Sigma's Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) material with precision-machined metal components. The zoom and focus rings provide smooth, consistent torque, while a dust and splash-resistant structure ensures reliability for outdoor shooting in challenging conditions.

Every Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art lens is designed, manufactured, and assembled at Sigma's sole production facility in Aizu, Japan. This complete in-house process guarantees the highest levels of quality control and craftsmanship, from the precision polishing of glass elements to the final inspection of every lens that leaves the factory.

Discover more about the world's only F1.8 zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras - the Sigma 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art - at sigmauk.com.

Available in L-Mount, Sony E-mount, Canon RF Mount and Fujifilm X Mount.

Visit Sigma

Today's Prize Win a SIGMA 17-40mm F1.8 DC Art

The lens is ideal for landscapes, street photography, interiors, portraits, documentary and video work, and is a true hybrid option for image-makers who like to shoot both stills and video.

Available in L-Mount, Sony E-mount, Canon RF Mount and Fujifilm X Mount.

Visit Sigma

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]7005[/PRIZE_ENTRY]

The party season has well and truly arrived and if you're planning on taking your camera along with you, here are a few party photography tips for you to remember:

 

Arrive Early

It might be uncool in some circles to arrive first at a party but by doing so you'll have chance to capture shots of the decorated room and smaller details such as gifts, glasses lined up on tables, food and clean, set tables before the room gets destroyed by fellow party goers. When you're shooting your detail shots, get in close and fill the frame with your subject for more impact.

 

Photo by davidburleson

 

If you are meeting up with family and friends to exchange gifts at your party, take a few shots of them first before they are opened on Christmas day. 

  Photograph The Group First

Just after people arrive at a party is usually when they look their best so grab them on the way in and get your group shot in the bag. If you don't, after a few drinks, a lot of dancing and general chit-chatting, you'll tend to find people are less co-operative. Don't be afraid to shout instructions out either as after all, you're the one behind the camera so know if people need to move closer together or if they need to switch places with someone.
 

Avoid Red Eye

Red eye's caused by the flash illuminating blood vessels in the eye and when the light bounces back, you get red eyes. Some people are more likely to get red eye than others and there are a few things you can do to try and stop them getting it. Many cameras feature red eye reduction or you can ask your subject to not look directly at the flash but this can mean it looks like they're no longer looking in your direction. If you get home and find some of your portraits have red eyes you can fix them in editing software such as Photoshop rather easily too. For more on red eye, take a look at this previous article: Red Eye
 

White Balance

Sometimes, auto white balance can be fooled when shooting under artificial lighting indoors and your images can end up with a colour tinge. If you arrive early you'll be able to fire off a couple of test shots to check if you need to use one of the other white balance presets available or go the whole hog and manually set the white balance yourself.
 

Lighting

Most parties, particularly at this time of year, happen indoors and unless you're shooting in the day time in a room that's well lit with natural light, lighting your shots can be a bit tricky. You can increase your ISO setting to quicken your shutter speeds but most of the time, you'll probably need some flash to light your scene. Flash guns which you can adjust the position of are better than your camera's built-in flash which can be a little harsh. If you do have to use it, try diffusing it so the effect isn't as strong.

Shoot Candids

People soon get bored of you posing so you can take their photo so take a candid approach instead. Not only will this keep everyone in a better mood but it will also give you shots which are more interesting and more dynamic.

Vary Your View

Changing your focal lengths and varying your angle will give you a collection of shots that are far more interesting to look at. If you're working with a large group of people see if there are any stairs you can claim so you can shoot down over the group. For candids, fill the frame with faces as well as shooting full length portraits that tell a story. Using other people as frames to focus attention on one person works particularly well too, even more so if you throw the other people slightly out of focus.

  Shoot The Aftermath

If you've not had one drink too many, photograph the room once the last persons left. It can make an interesting comparison when sat against the shot which shows how the scene originally looked.

Finally, don't forget to enjoy yourself too and do spend a little time without your camera in your hands!

They say nothing good happens after midnight—clearly, they’ve never tried photographing it. When the world goes quiet and city lights hum against the dark, something magical awakens. The night becomes your studio, the stars your light source, and the silence your companion. While others sleep, photographers step into an open world alive with mystery, color, and adventure.

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You paid for 100% of the camera, so why are you only using 20% of it? Most photographers ignore the deep menu settings, but these five hidden tools will instantly make your shooting faster, sharper, and safer.

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At a certain point in your career, you inevitably decide that it’s time to show your portfolio online. An Instagram grid simply does not cut it. What you need is a professional website builder that can showcase your work in the best way possible. A website is one of the things that clients expect you to have when they look for a photographer. Bonus points go to those whose websites load quickly, have clean navigation, and a dedicated domain.

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Every year, holiday gift guides for creators, especially photographers, tend to circle around the same checklist: the latest camera body, new lenses, or even faster cards. But with how expensive and increasingly complex camera gear has become, it is now harder than ever for someone with little technical knowledge to pick the “right” piece. The risk is real, as you might end up spending a significant amount on something that doesn’t fit the creator’s needs, ends up underused, or quietly collects dust on a shelf.

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