Photography News

Your primary camera body fails during a paid shoot. Maybe the shutter mechanism seizes, the sensor starts showing hot pixels, or the battery door won't close properly. In that moment, your backup camera becomes the difference between delivering the work you promised and refunding thousands of dollars while explaining to a disappointed client why you couldn't finish the job. Yet most photographers approach backup camera selection with a strategy that ranges from expensive overkill to dangerously inadequate, missing the sweet spot where smart preparation meets practical economics.

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Some portraits pull you in without warning. They hold a quiet force that lingers, a kind of truth that has nothing to do with technical perfection or fancy lighting. You’ve seen portraits that look great but feel hollow, while others stay in your mind for days. The difference lies in what the image says beyond the surface, the story that seeps through the smallest details.

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War photography is not for the faint of heart. Beyond having technical expertise in your equipment, there’s a whole other level of engaging with people and resilience that comes into play. While that last part takes years of experience and training to learn, here’s a peek into what one war photographer uses to shoot with on the battlefield—and his gear will definitely surprise you.

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The Laowa 200mm f/2 FF AF Dreamer autofocus lens has been released. Let’s have a look.

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You’ve likely wondered whether a fixed-lens, full frame camera could actually replace a more flexible kit. This video confronts that question head-on using Sony’s premium compact model and shows whether convenience kills compromise or not.

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Landscape photography often brings a big questions: what focal length to use. This choice shapes how a scene feels: its depth, focus, and emotion. Picking the right lens isn’t about numbers on a barrel. It’s about how you want the viewer to see.

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We can't let October pass without mentioning a close-up photography subject many photographers shoot spectacular images of at this time of year and that's fungi.

So, if you're venturing into the world of fungi photography for the first time or just want a quick reminder on what kit you'll need, have a read of our guide on photographing mushrooms, toadstools and fungi.
 

1. Pick the right season

The reason why this technique is something that's mentioned at this time of year is that fungi tend to like Autumn and Winter when it's cooler and wetter. You might even find them establishing themselves on your lawn if conditions are right. 

 

2. Head somewhere dark and damp

Think dark, damp places such as dense woodland areas where not much sunlight can get through. Search under piles of leaves and look around the base of trees. After a spell of particularly wet weather, they will start to show themselves in more places than you might expect!

 

3. Use a macro lens

A good macro lens is a must as fungi aren't the largest of subjects and your shots will have more impact by getting in close.

 

4. Stabilise your kit

Low light means longer shutter speeds so you're going to need a support for your camera. Some tripods can be adjusted so they sit low to the ground but you could just use a beanbag if your tripod isn't so flexible. Consider using a remote / cable release so you don't introduce shake at the start of the exposure but if you don't own one just use your camera's self-timer.

 

 

5. Pack a polarising filter

On particularly damp days shine can be a problem and mushroom tops can end up overexposed. To combat this, fit a polarising filter to the end of your lens which will reduce the shine. You may be wondering why you couldn't just head out on a dry day and there's no reason why you can't, however as David Pritchard explained a blog post: "There’s no better time for photographing mushrooms than after (or during) rain. The colours strengthen, and everything adopts a lovely sheen." 

 

6. Tidy the surroundings

It's sometimes worth cleaning the specimen up that you're photographing before you take your shots. Have a look at what's in the back of the frame, too to see if there's twigs or anything else that could prove to be distracting in the final shot. Please don't pull plants out of the ground or damage parts of a tree for the sake of a photo, though. It's important that you leave things as you found them once you've finished taking your images. Of course, you may prefer the natural look which means you won't have to brush any dirt off the mushroom at all.

 

 

7. Shoot down low

Fungi like the floor which we know isn't the most comfortable angle to work from but it does mean viewers of your images will be drawn into the fungi's world much more successfully if you shoot from low down. The fungi will also have a three-dimensional feel to them as they'll have more height, plus you'll be able to capture shots of the underbelly, too.

 

8. Think about your composition

As mentioned in the above point, once you've got your position on the ground, you'll be able to not only photograph the top of the mushroom's dome but underneath it too. This gives you the chance to capture some of the textures and colour the mushroom has to offer as well as exaggerate the height of it. Try to capture mushrooms in a group, as a variety of sizes will add interest of the piece. Odd groups are more pleasing to the eye than pairs but if you have one particular good specimen, don't overlook shooting it standing on its own. If you include the background and how much distance you put between you and the mushroom will change every time so do take some time to assess the scene before hitting the shutter button. 

 

 

9. Shed some light on the image

Fungi may like dark conditions but it's not something that's easy to work with as a photographer. The most interesting part of the mushroom is the underbelly and to highlight the textures, shapes and colours you're going to have to bounce light into the scene. You can use your camera's built-in flash but this will often result in a harsh light that doesn't really add anything to the photograph. Instead, use off-camera flash and bounce the light off other objects. You can also play around with backlight which should create a halo around the mushroom's top. If you don't have a flashgun experiment with a torch or use a reflector to bounce light onto the underbelly of the mushroom.

 

10. Use a shallow depth of field

Throwing the background out of focus will not only help isolate your subject but it can also hide unwanted clutter. Add a bit of backlight and your subject will pop from the frame.

This is my 20-year journey from corporate life to full-time photography, sharing practical strategies for creators who dream of turning their passion into their profession. This article provides the roadmap I followed for transitioning from employee to creative entrepreneur.

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MPB, the largest global platform for buying and selling secondhand photography and video equipment, has today unveiled a refreshed brand identity that reflects its belief that every creator should have access to the right tools, in the right way. The new identity injects fresh energy into the brand and reinforces MPB’s commitment to make buying and selling used gear smarter, simpler and more accessible. 

Founded in 2011 and with headquarters in Brighton, MPB operates across the UK, US and Europe, recirculating over 615,000 cameras and lenses a year. Every item is bought directly from photographers and filmmakers, then carefully checked, graded and guaranteed by MPB’s in-house experts. It’s a simple, transparent process that gives creators complete confidence when buying, selling or trading gear.

London-based creative brand agency The Clearing has designed a visual and verbal identity system that will bring MPB’s brand story to life. The new look frames MPB as the smarter, more sustainable and more accessible way to buy, sell and trade camera gear, so that creators can spend less time worrying about their kit and more time creating.

 

Brand elements

The brightened and emboldened logo now standing on its own and without the “.com” places the MPB name front and centre for impact and stand out. 

A boldly simple and attitude-driven tone of voice instantly positions MPB as a disruptor - cutting through the marketing clutter and jargon that dominates the market. Instead of speaking like an instruction manual or a sales person, the new voice is confident, concise and provocative, bringing clarity to complexity and allowing the brand to speak with a relaxed and reassured authority. It uses attitude to connect with people whether they see themselves as creators or consumers, transforming a transactional experience into a personal one. This tone doesn't just sell cameras, it sells MPB's mindset: that theirs is the right way to buy, sell or trade secondhand gear.

Paired with a vibrant colour palette that leads with a distinctive Pink and secondary use of Midnight Blue, it aims to inject energy and stand out in a monotone category.

The typeface, Suisse Intl, was chosen to support the bold expression conveyed through their tone of voice – it allows them to present themselves as a straight-talking brand with a voice that aims to get people’s attention. 

The brand introduces a fresh product photography style, where cameras can be viewed from all angles – up close, in situ or within dynamic layouts imbued with movement. This allows MPB to highlight products when using them in listings, and in content. Content and storytelling shots feature real creators shot in a reportage style that tells a story about the shots they’re taking in the environment that they’re working in. At times, it’s combined with the brand’s new graphic device – inspired by the focus ring of a camera – creating a flexible visual tool that can be used across print and digital. 

A set of hand-drawn icons have been designed to bring a human touch to the brand, adding warmth to the platform and reinforcing MPB’s personality. Dotted throughout MPB’s platform, social media and other marketing channels, the icons are set in the new bold Pink.

Jonathan Hubbard, creative director and founder, The Clearing, says, “Every time you pick up your camera, it’s to create something. So having an easily decipherable platform to buy and sell gear is important to keep creatives doing what they do best. Positioning MPB as a circular alternative to buying new can resonate with consumers who want to reduce their environmental impact but still get high-performance products.”

“The Clearing understood that this was about more than just design, it marks the next evolution of the MPB brand story,” said Sophie Collins, CMO, MPB. “Our purpose remains, but the new tone and visual identity better reflect who we are today: bold, smart and upbeat - a brand built for creators who want to do things the right way.  

“As the need for high-quality content continues to rise, so does the expectation for smarter, more sustainable ways to access the gear to create it. This refresh reflects what creators are looking for: quality, value and responsibility. It reinforces MPB’s commitment to make it easier for every creator to keep creating.”

For more information, please visit the MPB website.

 

As the weather's getting cooler and trees are losing their green tint to shades which are much warmer we thought it would be a good idea to bring ten of our popular autumn photography tutorials together in one place. That way when you're planning a day of autumn photography you don't have to go all over the web searching for ideas and suggestions.
 

1. Autumn Macro Tips With A Compact Camera

Just because you're using a compact camera doesn't mean you can't shoot some interesting, autumn-themed macro shots. Here are some tips and hints to help compact users perfect their technique.

 

2. Photographing Reflections During Autumn

With such bold colours on offer, autumn's the perfect season for capturing reflections. We have tips on capturing a mirror-like reflection as well as advice on shooting more abstract style shots.

  3. Autumn Garden Photography Tips

Your garden is full of autumn photography subjects which means you can stay close to home and still capture the season with your camera and lens.

 

4. Tips On Shooting Autumn Landscapes

Capture the autumn season with your wide-angle lens and you'll soon have a collection of autumn landscapes that really pack some punch.

 

5. Autumn Shooting at Arboretums

Here are a few tips on photography in an Arboretum. With trees all around and wildlife and flowers abundant, there's no excuse not to break the camera out!   

Removing dark circles without destroying texture sounds like magic, but it’s really about control. The goal isn’t to blur or hide, but to separate tone from texture and work on each precisely. This technique helps you clean up portraits without losing the skin’s natural feel, especially when retouching close-up shots.

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Last Tuesday, your Instagram Reels were getting 5,000 views each. This Tuesday, you're lucky to break 300. Nothing changed in your content quality, posting schedule, or hashtag strategy. Instagram just decided your work wasn't worth showing anymore. If you're a photographer trying to build an audience in 2025, this frustration probably feels familiar.

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The fixed-lens compact that actually changes how you shoot day to day is under the microscope. If speed and color straight out of camera, you’ll see where the Fujifilm X100VI helps and where it gets in the way.

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This might be the most reliable desktop camera arm you can get, especially if you shoot tabletop products or content.

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Sony’s latest 100mm macro lens introduces a level of detail and flexibility that makes even seasoned shooters rethink what a macro lens can do. Here's a look at what you can expect.

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Tilt-shift lets you fix leaning buildings and control depth of field with precision, and a true 17mm field of view opens spaces you couldn’t cover with 24mm. If you work in tight city streets or interiors where you can’t back up, this focal length changes what you can deliver to clients.

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After summer ends and the chips, candy floss and plastic buckets have long left the seafront, the British seaside resort morphs into a place that's desolated and full of photographic potential. 

 

1. Gear Suggestions

A zoom lens will give you the flexibility of both wide and telephoto options in one lens which is good news for the photographer who doesn't want to be carrying too much kit on their seaside walk. Plus, you don't really want to be changing lenses when there's a strong breeze blowing sand and salt which could damage your equipment. A tripod will help you steady your camera while the strong coastal breeze blows around you.

  2. Be Prepared

A bonus with this time of year is that parking's a doddle and accommodation should be cheaper if you're planning a full weekend of photography. 

Don't forget to check the all-important weather forecast and make sure you note down what time the tide will be on its way back in. If you don't,  you could find yourself paddling through saltwater with your camera gear if you do head for the beach. 

 

3. Light And Feel

Low-angled light will give colourful beach huts more punch while a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds will add a bit of life to what can be drab looking shops and piers. 

If you find that Mother Nature has realised you're at the coast and as a result predictably turns the sky grey don't be too down-hearted as a storm brewing over the sea will always look good. To give the sky more detail fit an ND filter to your lens but if it's still too dull and flat, shoot the scene anyway and try converting it to mono when you're back in front of your computer. If all else fails, there's always the option to shoot some macro detail of nets, ropes and wet pebbles on the beach. Just remember to fill the frame to give your shots more impact. 

 

  4. Photograph People

The ice-cream seller may be long gone but you will get the odd resident, brave surfer and fishermen still walking around the empty seaside towns. Even though it's always polite to ask before you take your shot, sometimes candids, where you snap a couple of shots without them knowing you're doing so, do work better. Many people won't mind you taking their photograph if you ask politely enough though so don't be afraid to approach someone with your camera and a pleasant smile. Try getting in close if they have a strong face that will make a good character portrait then stand back to give the shot more context. This can work well with a lonely surfer stood on a damp, deserted beach or with a café owner clearing tables in an empty shop. 

5. Life's A Beach

The pier is a photographic opportunity not to be missed at this time of year as you won't have tourists walking into your shot and morning fog can be found circling the supports, making them an eerie photographic opportunity. Go wide, shooting from the beach if possible or shoot from the top, using the pier as a leading line into your image.

Perfect weather and golden hour are training wheels. Real growth happens when you're forced to shoot in harsh midday sun, overcast gloom, freezing rain, or extreme heat: conditions that expose every weakness in your technical knowledge and creative problem-solving.

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I've spent the last week going out three times a day with some serious glass, and I'm about to tell you something that might save you over ten grand.

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A tripod isn’t just a mount for your camera—it directly affects image quality, efficiency, and workflow.

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