DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

  1. What's A Catchlight?

A catchlight is simply a light's highlight reflected off the surface of your subject's eyes. They subtly breathe life into portraits by adding a little more depth to the eyes and are something that painters were using in portraits long before photography was a popular pastime.

 

2. How Do I Create Them?

What light source you're using, how strong it is and how far it is from your subject will change the shape and size of the catchlight. The larger the light source, the bigger the catchlight will be and if you have multiple light sources, you can end up with more than one catchlight appearing on the eyes.

You can use artificial or natural light to create catchlights, just remember that direct flash will produce a much smaller catchlight than flash that's reflected off a brolly and if you're working outside, the catchlights can have a slight blue tint to them. When working indoors with fill-in light as well as a key / main light source, your additional, fill-in light may create an additional set of catchlights in your subject's eyes. Some people like the effect so if you're one of these, just make sure one is dimmer than the other so they're not too distracting. You can always try removing one set in your editing software too, but it's always easier to get it right in-camera first rather than relying on Photoshop.

 

 

3. Where To Position The Catchlights?

If you look at the eye as if it was a clock you should try and get the catchlight to sit, ideally, at 10 or 12 o'clock but anywhere between a quarter to and quarter past should work just as well. Of course, this isn't set in stone and you may prefer to use a lower position. Placing your light source above your subject's head will also help you get the positioning of the catchlights right.

 

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Waterfalls, the pools of water in front of them and streams will always be popular photographic subjects but just because everyone's taking photos of these photogenic landscape spots doesn't mean all of your shots have to be the same as the next photographer who comes along. With this in mind, let us share a few tips with you on how to shoot waterfall shots that have a bit of a twist. 

 

1. Capture More Close-Up Shots

 

Instead of capturing the whole scene why not focus on a small area of the waterfall. Focus on movement and colour rather than a landscape as a whole or use rocks that cause smaller cascades further downstream to fill your images with sharp shapes that contrast well against the smooth flow of water.  

 

2. Use Fast Shutter Speeds

 

When you think of waterfall images the shot of silky water cascading down rocks probably springs to-mind but there's no reason why you can't switch this around and capture a sense of motion and power. If you're working in aperture priority you can set a wide aperture (f/2.8 - 4) to get the quicker shutter speeds you need. You can also bump up your ISO to gain a faster shutter speed. To freeze movement you have to set a fast enough shutter speed to prevent the subject’s movement blurring as it moves across the sensor. What shutter speed you need will change depending on how fast the water is moving so experimentation is key but keeping the speed under one second should be a good starting point.

 

3. Go Abstract - Shoot Bubbles

 

At the foot of the waterfall or even further downstream you'll find water bubbles that can be captured and turned into abstract pieces for your wall. Please take care on slippery rocks and obviously take care of your kit. Remember to wipe it down after use and unless you are using a camera which is weather-resistant try not to stand in a spot where the spray will be a problem. Shoot plenty with fast shutter speeds and focus manually. For more tips on this subject, have a read of this: Why And How To Shoot Creative Abstract Photos Of Water Bubbles

Further downstream the currents of bubbles can be turned into spirals that decorate the surface of the water when shot with longer shutter speeds but try to not make the shutter speed too long as this will add too much blur and you'll lose definition. 

 

4. Head Out On 'Bad' Weather Days

 

Most of us aren't fans of rain and cloudy days but after a shower, foliage appears more vibrant and it'll help your image to really 'pop'. The contrast will be lower too which makes it easier to get the shot you want without having to worry about bracketing. Later in the year when frost and ice begin to make an appearance, you'll be able to capture shots with icicles decorating banks and if it's really cold, the waterfall may be frozen all together giving you the opportunity to capture a waterfall shot that's certainly different from the norm. Just remember to be careful when walking at the side of streams and rivers as surfaces will be slippery. 

 

5. Do A Black & White Conversion 

 

If you think your shot is lacking punch, apply a black & white conversion and you may be surprised with the results. The cascade of water will really stand out against darker, wet rocks and foliage, plus a black and white conversion can often add mood to a waterfall shot that wasn't there in the colour version. 

 

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Ulanzi, a global provider of photography accessories, ranked No.1 by Sales Volume of Photography Accessories in the World, announces the release of its latest tripod models, the GlideGo JJ06 and JJ05. Designed to meet the practical needs of videographers and photographers working across varied scenarios, both models offer a stable, lightweight build and enhanced cinematic camera movements for more dynamic shot composition.

 

Visit the Ulanzi official website for GlideGo JJ05/JJ06: bit.ly/40AerQv. There is a 4-year warranty for purchases on the Ulanzi official website!

Visit B&H Photo Video for GlideGo JJ05/JJ06: https://bit.ly/46lyl5x

JJ05: https://amzn.to/3GOFCAs

JJ06: https://amzn.to/45gPoo8

Ulanzi is offering $30 off for 2 weeks from July 28th for these two products!

You will save an extra 5% when you use the code “1536.”

 

Features

 

• Dual-Stage No-Remove Horizontal Center Column Design - Both tripods include a foldable, horizontal centre column that transitions smoothly between standard, inverted, and overhead positions. This no-remove design enables cinematic camera movements like pan, tilt or dolly. Also, this design allows the tripod to reach a maximum height of 1.87 meters, allowing users to shoot in more scenes.

 

 

• Dual Panoramic Control - Panoramic heads are located on both the column and tripod head. This feature enables subtle sliding movements and smoother directional control for precise framing.

 

 

• Material & Build - The tripods utilize CNC-machined aluminum alloy paired with 3K twill weave carbon fiber legs. All metal components are precisely crafted using CNC machining, ensuring tighter tolerances and improved part accuracy. This results in greater rigidity and reliability across the entire structure. The total weight remains low at 1.56 kg (3.44 lbs), making the setup portable without compromising strength.

 

• Stability Improvements - Compared with previous models, the GlideGo series improves structural stability by 35%. The leg locks have been upgraded with a quick-flip design, increasing locking force by 28%. This allows for secure height adjustment with faster setup and repositioning, especially in outdoor environments.

 

 

• Quick-Release System - The Uka Quick-Release System replaces traditional knob-style locks with a mechanical clip, allowing faster mounting and dismounting. It is compatible with Uka and F38 quick release plates, enabling seamless transitions between equipment setups while maintaining secure and reliable connections.

 

Pricing & Availability

 

• JJ05 GlideGo Travel Tripod (Ball Head) — $269
• JJ06 GlideGo Video Tripod (Video & Ball Head 2-in-1) — $299

 

Customers who order the Ulanzi GlideGo JJ05 or JJ06 tripod within the first two weeks of release will receive a limited-time launch discount of $30 USD for both models. For more details, visit Ulanzi’s official website.

 

  Key OS Differences Affecting Everyday Use

The battle between iOS and Android continues to define the smartphone landscape. iOS, available only on Apple devices, offers a closed, highly optimised system with deep integration across its own ecosystem. Android, meanwhile, powers a wide variety of handsets from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and others, offering more choice, customisation, and price flexibility.

iOS typically presents a smoother learning curve for users accustomed to simplicity and a polished interface. Android, however, appeals to those who value granular control, with options to personalise everything from the home screen layout to app automation.

 

Photography Tools & Camera Performance

While hardware varies widely across Android models, flagship devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro now compete head-to-head with the latest iPhone 15 Pro in photographic performance.

• Android highlights: Multiple lens setups, higher-resolution sensors, and extensive manual controls in native apps.
• iOS strengths: Apple’s computational photography and ProRAW capabilities offer exceptional results for those editing in post.

For photographers, the availability of professional apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, and Halide on both platforms ensures high-quality editing on the go. However, iOS still holds an edge in third-party app optimisation and smoother workflow integration with macOS devices.

 

Security, Ecosystem, and Smart Features

iPhones are widely seen as the more secure option, thanks to Apple’s strict App Store policies and hardware-level encryption. However, Android has made significant strides with regular security updates and sandboxed app access, especially on Google Pixel devices.

Smart assistant integration also differs. Android leads with Google Assistant’s superior contextual understanding and smart home integration. Siri, though improving, still lags in flexibility and command interpretation.

Photographers using smart displays, voice-activated editing reminders, or cloud storage tools may find Android a more fluid experience, though Apple’s iCloud Photo Library offers seamless syncing across devices.

 

 

App Compatibility and File Management

For those working with RAW files, large image libraries, or cloud-based editing apps, Android's openness offers more flexibility in file handling and storage management. iOS users benefit from more intuitive, app-centric workflows but may find file transfer or cross-platform sharing slightly more restrictive.

That said, both platforms now support RAW editing, 10-bit HDR playback, and integration with cloud platforms like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Adobe Creative Cloud.

 

Price and Upgrade Considerations

Android phones come in a wide range of prices, from entry-level models under £200 to ultra-premium devices exceeding £1,200. iPhones, by contrast, occupy a narrower, more premium range. However, Apple devices retain higher resale value and typically receive OS updates for longer.

For buyers looking to stretch their budget, discount platforms like Discoup.com list promotional codes and offers for both iOS and Android devices across a range of UK retailers, allowing users to access flagship tech at more accessible prices.

 

Final Thoughts

Whether upgrading your smartphone for better photo performance or switching ecosystems entirely, the decision between Android and iOS should go beyond brand loyalty. Consider your photography needs, editing workflow, device compatibility, and long-term value.

For many creatives, the choice comes down to flexibility vs. integration, and both platforms now offer compelling tools for mobile photographers at every level.