Technology Explained, Practice
Daniela Bowker
Resolution and pixels and image quality! Oh my! ...

When you hear the term 'high-res' thrown about with such abandon when it comes to images for web use, have you ever stopped to think just how big or how high quality and image meant for the web needs to be?

Resolution and pixels and image quality! Oh my! Saving images for the web
Feature Articles, Photography Theory
Haje Jan Kamps
Low-contrast photographs don't have to be boring

There's an assumption that high-contrast images are more dynamic, more compelling, more inviting. Have a go at some low-contrast photography. You might surprise yourself with the results.

Low-contrast photographs don't have to be boring
Feature Articles, Theory
Daniela Bowker
Seeking balance in your photos

Balance doesn't mean symmetry; it means an internal consistency and tension within your photos. And it's a vital element of composition. 

Seeking balance in your photos
Feature Articles, Photography Theory
Haje Jan Kamps
Training your photographic luck

Great photos might be down to a little bit of luck, but most of that 'luck' you make yourself. Don't believe us? Read on...

Training your photographic luck
Feature Articles, Practice
Daniela Bowker
The ups and downs and ins and outs of ...

Photographing buildings doesn't have to mean wide-angle lenses and fretting about correcting for the keystone effect. Any lens, and angle. Don't believe us? Let us show you!

The ups and downs and ins and outs of photographing buildings

m series

Bigger gifts for the photographer in your life


Leica's M-Series and Magnum Photographer calendar

Earlier this week, I made a few suggestions for photography-inspired gifts that came in sub-£25 ($40) and would make ideal stocking-fillers or Chanukah treats for, well, people like us. But what if there's a bit more in the budget? How about gifts for photographers that come in between £25 ($40) and £100 ($150)? Never fear! I've been scouring the Intergoogles and wracking my brain and have the following suggestions.

Calendar

I'm on of these scary people who manages to keep her calendar stored in her head. (And has an online one as a backup. Just in case.) But I don't think that I'd sniff at one of these limited edition calendars produced by Leica. The images have all been shot with M-series cameras by Magnum photographers. Gorgeous.

Leica M-Calendar 2012: €45 from the Leica shop

Lenses

I wouldn't normally recommend buying a lens for someone without her or him being there to direct operations. They're far too personal things. But if you happen to know that your Canon or Nikon-using photographer-loved-one is 50mm prime-less, then drop everything right now and go buy one.

Canon 50mm f/1.8: £70 on Amazon UK; $105 on Amazon US
Nikon 50mm f/1.8: £95 on Amazon UK; $140 on Amazon US

Negative scanner

If you've suitcases of negatives stashed away in your attic and would love to be able to digitise them, then a scanner is what you need.

Veho USB deluxe negative scanner: £79.99 or $125 from Firebox

Remote camera trigger

If you've not already signed-up for a super-awesome Triggertrap - a universal camera trigger for time-lapses, that can be programmed to release your camera shutter when a doorbell rings, or can be used for high-speed photography (and heaps more beside) - then you really should.

Triggertrap: $125 from the Triggertrap store

Tripods

There are a heap of tripods on the market that are excellent value for money, but if you're looking for a light-ish weight one, the Velbon 347GB is a good place to start. Already got a standard tripod? How about a go-anywhere Gorillapod? 

Velbon 347GB: £68 on Amazon UK; $125 from B&H
Gorillapod for a DSLR: £30 on Amazon UK; $35 on Amazon US

Vintage Camera Clock

I'm completely taken by these gorgeous clocks that have been handmade from recycled vintage cameras. As they're recycled, you won't know which camera you'll be getting, either. It all adds to the surprise.

Vintage Camera Clock: $99 from Uncommon Goods