DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS FROM ePHOTOzine

 

At this time of year, there is a high possibility that you might get caught out by rain showers when you're out exploring. If you do experience some rain, even if you're at home nice and dry when it begins, here are some ways that you can capture rain creatively. 

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1. Macro Raindrops

Shooting the raindrops as they gather on the window can make some really pretty abstract shots. Fit a macro lens to enable you to get really up close to your subject. Take into account the background of the image as although it will be blurred by the wide aperture you use, any obvious shapes could still take away from the image. Use some card to shield any glare and reflections that may appear. You could also have a go at refraction - where a smaller version of the world outside appears in the drop.
 

2. Raindrops on flowers and plants 

After the rain shower, head outside to shoot the raindrops on the flowers and plants in the garden or at your local park. Saturated, glistening leaves on plants will be really photogenic, producing vibrant images. Shoot abstract, macro images from different angles to emphasise the water drops. 

 

 

3. Reflections

Rainfall provides an excellent opportunity for you to photograph reflections where usually there wouldn't be an opportunity. Use reflection to photograph textures of building in small puddles or symmetry images in larger ones. Puddles near flowers will allow you to capture them from a different angle, looking upwards towards the sky. Longer shutter speeds will help to create a smoother-looking puddle if it's windy.

 

4. Splashes

Using a faster shutter speed will enable you to capture the splashes from puddles as cars and bikes ride through them, or people walk through them. This might be better captured through a zoom lens to avoid splashes landing on your equipment. It might also be an idea to use a continuous shutter mode, allowing you to take several shots at once and choose the best one. 
 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

 

Skylum, the creator behind the award-winning AI photo editor Luminar Neo, has introduced a new feature called AI Assistant that makes photo editing fast, smarter and more intuitive. Released in December 2025 as part of the Luminar Neo update, photographers can now use the AI Assistant to type simple text commands and get tailored editing suggestions to enhance their photos and speed up their workflow.

 

Edit Smarter Through Text Commands

Available in both Presets and Edit tabs, the AI Assistant works by analysing your image’s composition, colours, and objects, then recommends edits that fit the image. Photographers can type requests or prompts such as “Enhance this photo” or “Turn this photo black and white” to instantly see up to three suggested edits, each with previews and short descriptions. 

Once a suggestion is applied, you can fine-tune the results in the Edit tab. This cuts down on guesswork and gives you a clear starting point. The best part? You're never limited. You can keep asking for fresh suggestions as many times as you like, experimenting until you find the look that feels just right.

 

Explore Tools With Guided Assistance

The AI Assistant is not only about quick fixes. For guidance-type queries, the AI Assistant highlights the most effective tools and provides direct access to them. This makes it easier to explore Luminar Neo’s features while you’re actively editing, helping you learn the software step by step without interrupting your workflow.

 

 

Enhance and Create With AI Suggestions

AI Assistant can suggest general enhancements, help boost colours, adjust white balance, and apply toning styles directly to your photo. It also provides guidance for edits like brightening, adjusting contrast, dehazing, or using tools for creative effects such as sky replacement, adding a sunset, perspective fixes and background replacement. These suggestions help you choose the right tools and approach for each image, whether you want subtle improvements or bold transformations.

 

Integrated With Luminar Neo’s Features

AI Assistant works seamlessly with Luminar Neo’s existing tools such as Relight AI, Sky Replacement and Portrait Background Removal. This integration means you can combine automated suggestions with advanced manual controls, creating a complete editing workflow inside one platform.

 

Try Luminar Neo and AI Assistant Today

Luminar Neo’s AI Assistant is available now for all users with version 1.26.0 or later. Download the software to streamline your workflow and enjoy faster, smarter editing.

Special Offer: Use code EPHOTOZINE at checkout for 10% off and explore the entire range of Luminar Neo features today.

Get Luminar Neo Now

 

 

London Camera Exchange has announced that entries for its Photographer of the Year 2026 competition will close on 21 January 2026. Now in its third year, the contest offers a £10,000 prize fund across 14 categories, including the popular Emerging Talent section, and welcomes submissions from photographers of all levels.

All entries will appear in the official online gallery, with the public able to vote in the People’s Choice category, while other sections are judged by a panel of industry experts. Shortlisted work will be showcased at The Photography & Video Show at the NEC in Birmingham this March, where winners will receive trophies and prizes including £2,500 in LCE vouchers for the overall champion.

 

From London Camera Exchange

The deadline for the 2026 LCE Photographer of the Year competition is fast approaching. Now in its third year, the national photography contest will close at midnight on 21 January. Photographers of all levels of experience are welcome to submit their work, with 14 varied categories to choose from, and a substantial total prize fund of £10,000.

Every entry will be featured in the LCE POTY 2026 online gallery, and will be open to public voting in the ‘People’s Choice’ category. All other categories are judged by an expert panel.

Last year’s ‘Emerging Talent’ student category was won by Martina Aguirre Torres, with her stunning image entitled ‘Abigail’ (above), shot during British indie rock band The Last Dinner Party’s 2024 tour. Two £500 prizes are granted in this category – one to the photography student and one to their photography course – providing resources to support the growth of up-and-coming photographers in the future.

Judges for the 2026 contest include SheClicks founder and journalist Angela Nicholson, Chris George, content director at Future Publishing, professional portrait and travel documentary photographer Jimmy Cheng, and Lee Harasyn, managing director of LCE. Some helpful advice from the judging panel for potential entrants to this year’s competition can be found below:

 

 

Angela Nicholson commented, “As a judge, I’m drawn to images that reflect the photographer’s interpretation of a scene and their connection with the subject. I’m looking for a creative vision, thoughtful use of light, technique and composition, and photographs that feel personal, expressive and intentional.”

 

 

Jimmy Cheng remarked, “Aside from technical brilliance, I will be looking for images that express emotions and creative presentation.”

 

 

Chris George added, "It was winning a photo competition that spurred my interest in photography and then taking it up as a career, so I love the chance to judge contests myself. I am always on the lookout for a shot I haven't seen before – or an image taken way better than similar ones I have seen in the past.”

 

 

Lee Harasyn said, “I’m naturally drawn to great technique, but sometimes a photographer can capture an image so powerful that this becomes irrelevant. The best photos connect with the viewer – and that’s what I’m hoping to find.”

Winners will receive a share of the £10,000 prize pot and an impressive trophy, presented at The Photography & Video Show at the NEC in Birmingham (March 2026). The overall winner will be awarded £2,500 in LCE vouchers to spend on products of their choice. All shortlisted images will be displayed in a prominent exhibition space at the NEC and included in a special edition commemorative book.

LCE POTY 2026 is supported by leading photo industry brands including headline sponsors Canon, Fujifilm and OM System, as well as partners Lexar, Nikon and Sony, and affiliates Cewe and Sigma.

The competition is open to photographers aged 18 and over. Entries will be accepted from photographers worldwide, however, prizes will only be awarded to UK residents. 

 

LCE Photographer of the Year 2026 categories:

• Action
• After Dark
• Birds
• Creative
• Emerging Talent
• Events
• Landscape
• Macro
• People’s Choice
• Pets
• Portrait
• Street
• Travel
• Wildlife

 

Entries can be submitted online or in person at any of the 26 London Camera Exchange stores.

For full details, including terms, conditions, rules and FAQs, please visit the competition website.

 

 

                                                                                                                           

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Therese Asplund winning image.

 

The Society of Photographers is thrilled to reveal the winners of the prestigious 2025 Photographer of the Year awards, proudly sponsored by Loxley Colour.

Therese Asplund has been crowned Photographer of the Year, an accolade that celebrates outstanding photographic talent and creativity.

The 2025 Monthly Image Competition attracted an impressive 5,725 submissions across 28 categories, showcasing the remarkable diversity and skill of our talented membership. Gold Award-winning images from each category were shortlisted, with the best of the best selected for this year’s top honours.

 

Judges’ Comments

“Demonstrating outstanding skill, narrative depth, and execution, this bold and distinctive image emerged as a clear standout and generated animated discussion among the judges.”

 

For full details on The Society of Photographers - Photographer of the Year Awards please check out the website: https://thesocieties.net/the-society-of-photographers-photographer-of-the-year-2025/

 

2nd Place Photographer of the Year 2025 was awarded to Cecile Stuedal Norway from Finnmark, Norway.

 

3rd Place Photographer of the Year 2025 was awarded to Terry Donnelly from England, UK.

 

Colin Jones, The Society of Photographers’ CEO and Terrie Jones The Society of Photographers’ Personal Development Manager presenting Therese the Photographer of the Year Award.

 

For more information, please visit the The Society of Photographers' website.

 

People and cultures category winner and overall winner: ‘Kartika Vrata’ by Tanveer Rohan

 

The winners of the 2025/2026 Penda Travel Photography Competition have been announced, showcasing exceptional images from photographers around the world. The winning entries feature colorful cultural portraits, dramatic wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes that capture the beauty and diversity of our planet. Judges selected images that tell compelling visual stories, with the overall winner earning a place on a Botswana Photo Safari. This year's competition highlights the power of travel photography to inspire wanderlust and forge connections between people, places, and nature.

 

From Penda Photo Tours

London, UK & Cape Town, South Africa — The winners of the 2025/2026 Penda Travel Photography Competition have been announced — showcasing breathtaking imagery that captures the heart of travel, culture, wildlife and landscapes from around the world. The annual competition attracted entries from talented photographers across the globe, with judges selecting standout images that tell powerful visual stories of place, people and nature.

 

Top Honours and Standout Winners

 

Overall & People & Cultures Category Winner
‘Kartika Vrata’ by Tanveer Rohan — A dynamic and richly composed image that immerses viewers in vibrant colours and cultural expression. Tanveer’s work also secured the overall competition title, earning a coveted place on the Botswana Photo Safari.

 

2nd Place — People & Cultures
‘Circles of Life’ by Pranab Basak — Celebrated for its compelling narrative and visual harmony.

 

Wildlife category winner: ‘Lioness Eyes Behind Birds’ by Willem Kruger

 

Wildlife Category Winner
‘Lioness Eyes Behind Birds’ by Willem Kruger — A layered and evocative capture combining wildlife behavior with artistic depth.

 

2nd Place — Wildlife
‘Life Hangs by a Thread’ by Xiaoping Lin — Recognised for its remarkable moment and technical skill.

 

Landscape Category Winner
‘Money Tree’ by Xu Zhang — Praised for its unique viewpoint and visual balance.

 

Landscape category second place: ‘Bozzhira’ by Galip Cetiner

 

2nd Place — Landscape
‘Bozzhira’ by Galip Cetiner — Awarded for its dramatic light and colour composition.

 

Celebrating Visual Storytelling that Transcends Borders

The judging panel, comprising leading professional photographers and visual storytellers, chose winners based on creative strength, technical excellence, and the ability of each image to communicate a unique travel story. These powerful photographs reflect both diverse cultures and spectacular natural environments, reinforcing the role of photography in inspiring exploration and connection to places beyond our own.

The overall competition winner now joins a select group of photographers for an exclusive Botswana Photo Safari, an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes.

 

About the Penda Travel Photography Competition

The Penda Travel Photography Competition celebrates visual storytelling from around the world and welcomes entries from photographers of all backgrounds. Through multiple categories:  People & Cultures, Wildlife and Landscape, Penda supports creative expression and invites photographers to share their vision of the world’s beauty and diversity.

For more information and to view the winning images, visit: https://www.pendaphototours.com/blog/meet-the-winners-of-our-travel-photography-competition/

 

About Penda Photo Tours

Penda Photo Tours creates photography-focused travel experiences designed by photographers for photographers. Their trips are built around photography excellence, guiding participants to the right place at the right time with small, expert-led groups and professional photographic instruction. From wildlife safaris to cultural explorations and landscape workshops, Penda trips blend travel expertise with artistic growth, all grounded in ethical and respectful engagement with people, wildlife and environments. Penda Photo Tours is part of the Impact Travel Group.

 

 

This step-by-step guide will give you a great basic introduction to the world of still life photography so if you're new to the subject, or are short on time, this could be the perfect place to start. 

 

1. Backgrounds

Keep it simple! Plain, crease-free backgrounds are a good place to start then you can always add a few extra bits of fabric or scarves, draping them over the background or table if necessary. White or coloured card/paper make good backgrounds or you could even use a plain wall. 
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2. Composition

Don't rush setting the scene, take your time to make sure it looks right, moving objects around until you can get the best composition you can. Think about it in terms of a triangle that are higher at one end and taper off. Use items that differ in size, colour and add different textures to your shot. Try moving your camera around too as just moving it a few inches to either side might make all the difference to the shot. Don't forget the photographic basics such as the rule of thirds, using negative space and guiding the eye.

You may find it easier to start out photographing just one object and avoid shiny items such as glass and metal to start as these can be trickier to capture. After a while, try introducing more items and as mentioned above, play around with different textures, colours and items to see what interesting set-ups you can create. Don't be afraid to experiment; just because plenty of other people photograph flowers etc. doesn't necessarily mean you have to.  
 

3. Support

A tripod is good - especially if you're using slower shutter speeds, however, it's not always an essential piece of kit. Having said that, putting a camera on a tripod does keep your hands free to adjust your set-up and to also control the light with a reflector. If you do use a tripod, don't forget to adjust its position from time-to-time. Lower it, raise it up and move it to one side just to see if you can capture a better shot. 

 

4. Lighting

If you want to keep things simple, just use one light. A studio light is fine but a high-powered standard energy-saving bulb in a lamp is great too as it produces a soft light.  Experiment with the position of your light as moving it just a little can add extra depth and interest to your shots. 

A tip that came from an ePHOTOzine member is to 'remove the lampshade, cut a hole in the side of a Pringles tube - imagine you're cutting doors in the tube – cut a T-shape and then fold back the 'doors' which help direct the light. Pop that over the top and you get nice directional light (cut a hole in the Pringles tube lid and attach that to the light fitting)'.

You can use a reflector (try making one out of foil if you don't own one) to bounce extra light into the shot if needs be.

If you don't want to use artificial light just set-up near a window and use a reflector to light the side of your subject the natural light doesn't reach. If you find the light's a little too strong you can use blinds as diffusers (so long as they're not coloured at this will create a colour cast) or simply pin a sheet up. 

  5. Focus

Stopping down the lens will increase the depth of field in your shot to get everything in focus but this may result in slower shutter speeds so have your tripod to hand. Take a few images with different focus points too. Invariably just one shot is fine but it's handy to have the others in case you want to combine the best bits from each. Ensure your images are sharp and as your subjects won't be moving or get bored, there's no real excuse for capturing blurry images. Take your time, check the set-up, check the frame and always check your shot on screen after you've captured it.    

 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

 

Lens manufacturer Meike has announced the release of the SE Series 85mm f/1.8 Mark II full-frame autofocus STM lens for Canon EF mount, priced at $229.99 USD.

The new lens improves on the earlier Mark I version with reduced chromatic aberration, faster autofocus, enhanced image quality, and a closer minimum focusing distance of 0.65m.

 

Meike SE Series 85mm f/1.8 Mark II Specs:

• Model: EF 85mmF1.8 STM SE II
• Focal Length: 85mm
• Format: Full Frame
• Aperture Range: F1.8–F16
• Filter Thread: 62mm
• Diaphragm Blades: 11
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.65m
• Lens Construction: 11 elements in 7 groups
• Angle of View (Full Frame): Diagonal 27.8°, Horizontal 23.4°, Vertical 10.8°
• Angle of View (APS-C): Diagonal 18.67°, Horizontal 15.53°, Vertical 10.38°
• Weight: about 346g

For more information, visit the Meike website where the lens is now available to purchase.

 

  1. Do Your Research

Knowing what wildlife will appear where and when will save you time and stop you walking around for a shot you may never find. Knowing what they eat is also important as, for example, it can mean you end up capturing a shot of a Blackbird rather than a Blue Tit in your garden.

 

Make sure you know how your camera and any other gear you have out with you works before you're outside in your hide. It may sound like a daft statement but knowing how to quickly adjust a setting can make all the difference when you only have a few seconds to take a shot.

2. Feed The Birds

Winter can be hard work for wildlife as they have to work harder to find food sources, but this can make them slightly easier to track down. In nature reserves, look for places you can set up near hedgerows used for feeding and back home you can set up your own feeders to attract birds who are still around for the winter months. Don't just suddenly start feeding them then stop once you have your images though.

Shots of birds on feeders are good but for more natural-looking images try placing perches such as branches or even a spade near the feeder which they can land on before going for the food. You can also put nuts, berries, seeds and fat balls in holes and cracks in trees to attract them to land.
 

3. Be Patient And Ready

Animals and birds scare easy so don't think you can just head outside, get your camera out and start shooting. Nature reserves usually have hides dotted around you can use and when you're out in the field or in your own garden, set up a portable hide. Once your hide is up, be prepared to wait a while before any wildlife comes your way as it'll take them some time to realise you're not a threat. Although in nature reserves and parks where wildlife is more used to human contact you probably won't have to wait quite as long. Don't make any sudden movements and take some time to just look at the scene around you instead of getting your camera out straight away. By doing so your subject is more likely to return and you don't have to spend as much time out in the cold.

If you're working at home and have a window you can shoot from, set up inside and either shoot through the glass (make sure you're close up to the windowpane to cut down on reflections) or open up the window if you can. You can then stay warm with the heating on and still get the wildlife shots you're looking for.
 

4. Gear Choices 

Longer lenses (400mm is a good place to start) are generally a must, however, you can use slightly shorter lenses it just means you have to work harder at getting closer to your subject. When using longer lenses and sitting, waiting for long periods of time you don't want to be holding your camera so take your tripod out with you. If you're out walking a monopod is a worthwhile consideration as they're easier to manoeuvre, however, a tripod will work just fine if you don't own one. Of course, if you can remotely trigger your camera via your Smart Phone or other trigger devices, you won't need a lens that's quite as long. 

 

5. Be Quick

Wildlife doesn't hang around for long and some, such as hares, move quickly so quick shutter speeds are needed to freeze movement and to capture skittish behaviour. If your shutter speed is too low there's a chance your shot will have blur in it as they move quicker than you think, especially birds who quickly turn their heads into different positions. To get the quicker shutter speeds you'll most likely need to crank up the ISO but as most digital cameras now cope with ISOs up and beyond 800 without noise becoming too much of an issue, you shouldn't have any problems with doing that.

6. Backgrounds And Composition

No matter where you're shooting your wildlife shots you need to have a good look around the viewfinder to make sure there's nothing in the background that will distract the viewer. Throwing the background out of focus can look great, however, this can cause parts of your subject, particularly when working with small subjects such as birds, to also go out of focus. If this happens try using a slightly smaller aperture as getting the subject sharp is what's more important.

You may have to work quickly but this doesn't mean you should forget about composition altogether. Do give your subject space and try not to capture them when looking out of frame as your viewer will follow their gaze and move their eyes out of shot. Do shoot while they're in different positions too as you may find a side profile shot works much better than one where they are head-on, for example.
 

7. Be At Their Angle

A low position gets you down to the animal's level and can help avoid messy backgrounds. Out in the field, this could mean laying on the ground to get a shot of a squirrel foresting for food and in your garden, you could end up placing feeders lower than you first thought so your lens lines up with them more easily.
 

 

 

8. Shoot When It Snow

Not that many places in the UK have had much snow as of yet but when a bit of the white stuff does fall it gives photographers the chance to shoot against clutter-free backgrounds that really create the essence of winter. Snow also gives you the chance to find tracks wildlife have left so find a well-trodden path and set up nearby. Dawn and dusk are good times to be out but do wrap up warm and take a head torch with you so you can see what you're doing. Pay attention to where the wind is blowing too as wildlife are good at picking up scents.

Do be aware that snow can confuse your camera and you can end up with shots that are underexposed. Keep checking your histogram to make sure the exposure's OK and use exposure compensation if needs be to brighten your shot.

9. Popular Areas

There are places in the UK and right around the world that are more popular than others for wildlife photography. There's nothing wrong with visiting these popular places but please respect the wildlife and don't overcrowd them. You may also want to spend some time finding places you can shoot in closer to home as not only do they stand the chance of not being as popular, you don't have as far to travel which means you can spend longer brushing up on your technique rather than travelling.

 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

Photo by Joshua Waller

 

The nights are still rather long at the moment in the UK and with the sun setting so early, now's the perfect time to try your hand at night photography as you don't have to be out that late to capture some cracking images. Plus, if you time it with rush-hour, you can use long exposures to shoot some cracking light trails. 

 

1. Get The Right Accessories

As we are dealing with longer shutter speeds, a tripod is an essential piece of equipment if we want our images to be sharp. Do remember that traffic can cause a small amount of movement and don't forget to turn off the image stabilisation function as when using longer exposure times and a tripod, this function can actually cause shake which will result in a blurry image. A cable or wireless (IR) remote is useful but you can also use your camera's self-timer to start the exposure to reduce shake.
 

2. Camera & Lens Options 

The type of camera you use isn't all that important as it's your own creativity that'll create a good image. However, a DSLR or other type of camera that offers manual control will make the task easier. The type of lenses you use for night photography will change depending on what you want to capture. If you like pictures of street views, use a wide-angle lens, however, if you want to focus on just parts/details of the street use a zoom lens between 28 - 200mm. Having said that, you'll probably find a wide-angle lens to be most useful. 
 

3. Metering & Exposure Time Tips 

Exposure times aren't set in stone and it's worth trying different shutters speeds. Shooting with spot metering can help exposure levels and I find working in manual tends to produce better results. If you have the time, photograph the same scene with various exposure times and look through them to see which has produced the best results. 

 

Photo by Joshua Waller

 

4. Composition Is Key

Consider changing to a portrait orientation to help exaggerate the height of buildings and do take your time when composing your shots at night as it can be harder to see small details through the viewfinder due to the lower light levels. 

 

5. Panning With Traffic 

Traffic is a popular subject at night as it gives photographers the chance to be particularly creative when combined with a bit of panning. When panning, try to follow the subject with your camera/eye then hit the shutter button in the middle of the pan and continue the smooth movement through to the other side. It's similar to swinging a baseball bat, hitting the ball at the middle of the swing and following through.

Although you can pan hand-held a tripod can be very useful when panning at night as the low light levels mean you can experiment with slower shutter speeds. If you want a little more of the shot to be sharp you can add a 'pop' of flash to freeze the movement of your subject.

   

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

Top Gear and Preparation Tips for Starting Out in Travel Photography

 

 

Embarking on a journey into travel photography is more than just taking pictures in exotic locations—it's about capturing stories, understanding cultures, and being equipped with the right tools and mindset. When exploring vibrant markets, remote landscapes, and bustling cities, having the best gear for travel photography and being well-prepared can significantly impact your results.

In this guide, we'll cover essential travel photography gear, practical tips for beginners, and tricks to maintain your equipment while on the move.

 

 

Explore DepositPhotos for licensed travel photos for your creative projects

 

How to prepare for a travel photography job as a beginner creator

 

Landing your first travel photography job can be both exciting and overwhelming. The key lies in preparation, consistency, and adaptability.

 

Research your destination

Before heading to popular travel photography hotspots, learn about the local culture, climate, and accessibility. Understand the best times for natural lighting and golden hour shots, and what locations might be sensitive to photography.

Consider these aspects:

• Seasonal light patterns' impact on landscapes;
• Local festivals showcasing vibrant traditions;
• Off-the-beaten-path locations for authentic storytelling;
• Cultural taboos to respect while photographing people;
• Optimal times for capturing iconic landmarks;
• Local markets and their unique visual elements.

 

Build a shot list

A shot list will guide your creative process and show professionalism, especially if you're handling commissioned travel photography jobs. Consider these categories to enhance your visual storytelling:

• Dawn patrol. Early morning cityscapes;
• Local artisans. Traditional craftsmanship;
• Hidden gems. Lesser-known locations;
• Night scenes. Vibrant after-dark moments;
• Architectural contrasts. Old meets new;
• Cultural rituals. Unique local traditions;
• Street food. Culinary experiences.

A well-planned list serves as your visual roadmap, ensuring you capture key moments while allocating time for spontaneity.

 

Check your legal and logistical needs

Ensure you have travel documents, photography permits, and insurance coverage for health and travel photography gear. Investigate permit requirements for protected areas and landmarks. Secure necessary visas, especially for commercial work. Familiarize yourself with local photography laws and cultural sensitivities. Consider these crucial aspects:

• Research drone regulations and no-fly zones;
• Obtain model releases for portrait subjects;
• Respect copyright laws for artwork and performances;
• Review customs regulations for equipment transport;
• Understand privacy laws in public spaces;
• Check restrictions on tripod use in crowded areas;
• Be aware of photography bans in religious sites.

 

 

The best gear for travel photography

 

Choosing the best gear for travel photography means balancing performance, durability, and portability. Here's a breakdown of what you should consider packing as a beginner:

 

Best cameras for travel photography

Compact mirrorless cameras are now a top choice among professional and beginner photographers. They offer compact size without sacrificing professional features. Here are a few standout options:

1. Fujifilm X-T5. Lightweight with excellent image quality and film simulation features.
2. Sony Alpha a7 IV. A full-frame powerhouse with advanced autofocus and video capabilities.
3. Canon EOS R8. A strong entry-level full-frame option for high-resolution travel shots.

These are among the best cameras for travel photography because they offer superior image quality while remaining compact enough for daily travel.

 

Versatile lenses

For beginners, a versatile 24–70 mm f/2.8 zoom covers everything from wide-angle vistas to portraits, while a fast 35 mm f/1.8 prime excels in low-light and street scenes. As your skills (and itinerary) expand, build a travel-ready lens kit that balances scope and portability: a 16–35 mm wide-angle for landscapes and architecture, the trusty 24–70 mm for everyday flexibility, and a 70–200 mm telephoto zoom to bring distant wildlife or compressed cityscapes closer.

To round out your creative arsenal, you might also pack:

• Ultra-wide fisheye—dramatic, curving distortions for unique perspectives;
• Macro lens—crisp, close-up detail of flora, food, or textures;
• Tilt-shift lens—perspective correction and miniature effects in urban settings;
• Fast prime—wide aperture for atmospheric, low-light street shots;
• All-in-one zoom (18–300 mm)—space-saving versatility when you can carry only one lens.

 

Accessories to enhance workflow

Enhance your travel photography workflow with these essential accessories:

• Versatile camera bag. Protect gear and organize efficiently;
• Lightweight tripod. Ensure stability for sharp images;
• High-capacity memory cards. Capture more without interruption;
• Spare batteries. Extend shooting time in remote locations;
• Portable hard drive. Backup photos securely on-the-go;
• Remote shutter release. Minimize camera shake for crisp shots;
• Polarizing filter. Reduce glare and enhance colors;
• Cleaning kit. Maintain equipment for optimal performance.

 

 

How to take care of your travel photography gear during trips

 

Protecting your investment in travel photography gear is essential, especially when facing varied climates and rugged terrains.

 

Weatherproof your equipment

Protect your gear from the elements with quality rain covers and dust-proof cases. While weather-sealed cameras like the Canon 5D Mark IV offer protection, caution is still necessary. Consider these tips:

• Use silica gel packets to combat humidity;
• Wrap gear in microfiber cloths for added protection;
• Acclimate equipment gradually in temperature extremes;
• Keep spare dry bags for sudden weather changes;
• Invest in waterproof camera straps for added security.

 

Routine cleaning

Maintaining your travel photography gear requires a consistent cleaning routine. Implement these techniques for optimal performance:

• Use microfiber cloths to gently remove smudges from lenses;
• Dislodge dust from sensors with a rocket blower;
• Clean camera bodies carefully, avoiding buttons;
• Apply lens cleaner sparingly for stubborn marks;
• Inspect and clean lens contacts for reliable connections.

 

Smart packing and transport

Invest in a padded camera bag to shield your gear from impacts. Always carry essential equipment as hand luggage when flying. Avoid exposing gear to extreme temperatures and use hotel safes for secure storage during exploration.

 

Conclusion

Starting a career or hobby in travel photography demands more than a love for travel and visuals—it requires the right gear, thoughtful preparation, and ongoing care. From choosing the best cameras for travel photography to discovering new travel photography hotspots, every step of your journey adds to your visual storytelling toolbox. As you land more travel photography jobs, this article's foundational habits will continue to support your success.

 

 

The low position of the sun in winter makes it a perfect time to shoot silhouettes. You just need to find a bright background (the sky's perfect) and the right subject to give you a shot with series impact.

 

1. Pick A Subject

As there are no textures or tones to grab people's attention strong subjects that are instantly recognisable work the best. In winter, wildlife (deer in particular) work well. Even more so if you're shooting on a cold morning when the breath can be seen in the air. The bare, skeletal-like trees that cover our landscape at this time of year also work well as subjects for winter silhouettes. Higher up, turn rolling hillsides into dark shapes that curve across your shot. Fog can help add interest and contrast to the shot and exposing for the lighter, foggy parts of the shot will give you the silhouetted hillsides you're looking for.
 

2. Adjust Your Exposure

You need a bright background for this technique to work and the sky, particularly when there's a colourful sunrise, works particularly well. You can also use a large expanse of water if you live near a lake or the coast too.

To create a silhouette, expose for the brighter background rather than your subject as by doing so your subject will underexpose, appearing very dark if not fully black. Using the spot or centre-weight light measurement modes on your camera should give you the results you're looking for or you can use exposure compensation and select -1 or -2 to deliberately underexpose your shot.

If you're using a compact camera simply point the camera at the brightest part of the scene you're photographing, press the shutter half way down and don't let go of it. Next, re-frame the shot then press the shutter button the rest of the way to take your shot. This should fool the camera into giving you the exposure you want, but you may have to try exposing from different parts of the image to create the silhouette you're looking for.

3. Focusing Tips

You might want to meter from your background, but you don't want this to be your main point of focus. So, to ensure your main subject is sharp, use a smaller aperture to maximise depth of field. You can also try pre-focusing your shot before you set your exposure or switch to manual focus. If you're using a compact camera try using Landscape mode as this will let the camera know you want to use a small aperture so your shot has front to back sharpness.

 

4. The Sun's Position

Try to position your subject in front of the sun when you're framing up as you should never look through the camera directly at the sun as you can permanently damage your eyes. If you want the sun to be in frame, use the Live View feature so you can frame up safely.

  5. Turn Flash Off

If your flash is set to go off automatically make sure you switch it off otherwise it'll light up your subject and you won't get the silhouette you're looking for.

 

6. Framing Advice 

Don't think you have to fill your frame with your subject as a little space around them will leave room for the brighter, colourful background to show, giving your shot more interest and impact. This is where a wider lens comes in handy as you'll be able to get more of your background in shot. Of course, getting close to a shy animal with a wide-angle lens is easier said than done but you could try putting your camera on a tripod and use a remote release to fire the shutter button. Just remember to focus the camera on a fixed spot before you go into hiding. Having said that, if you're using a long telephoto lens to capture your winter wildlife from a distance you should still have plenty of room around your subject for the lighter background anyway.

If you were given a camera as a gift at Christmas or have just decided to treat yourself so you can learn a new skill, you're probably wondering where to start with your new kit. One of the best ways to improve and learn how to use your new camera is to actually get out and use it but we thought it would also be helpful to have a page where photography beginners can find all of our introductory tutorials in one place. So, below you'll find all our beginner photography tutorials written to-date but do also keep an eye on our techniques and features sections as new tutorials are added regularly. 

 

Learn what basic camera settings can help you freeze movement. 

  Digital Camera Settings 

• The Absolute Beginner Guide To Camera Preset Shooting Modes
• What Are Drive Modes?
• Beginner's Guide To Geotagging
• Beginner's Guide To White Balance Mode
• Introduction To Metering Modes
• Quick Beginner Tips About Focus Lock
• Digital Zoom: A Beginner's Guide

 

Learn the basics of aperture. 

  Understanding Exposure

• Creative Aperture / Depth Of Field
• Beginner's Tips: How To Make A Manual Exposure
• Beginner's Introduction To Depth Of Field
• Beginner's Tips: Shutters and Apertures Anyone?
• Beginner's Tips: How To Use ISO
• Beginner's Guide To DSLR Photography: Creative Apertures

 

 

  Taking The Shot

• Essential Beginner Photography Tips: Think About Your Focus
• Creative Children Portraits On A Budget
• Panoramas For Beginners
• Beginner's Tips - How To Capture Motion In Your Images
• How To Make Sure Your Subject Is The Main Point Of Interest
• 5 Tips For Someone New To Portrait Photography
• Beginner's Guide To Sunrise Photography
• Ten Top Tips To Teach Photography Newbies
• Beginner Wildlife Photography Tips
• Beginner Street Photography Tips
• Beginner's Guide On Photographing Children
• Beginner's Guide To Photo Composition
• Understanding Lenses And Focal Lengths

 

 

Seasonal Tutorials 

• Snow Photography Tips For Beginners
• Beginner's Tips For Christmas Photography
• Tips On Using Your Compact Camera At Christmas

 

Learn the basics of lighting objects.

Basic Lighting Tips

• Beginner's Guide to Light Part One
• Beginner's Guide To Light - Part Two
• Beginner's Introduction To Built-In Flash

   

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

ePHOTOzine is delighted to confirm that Samsung will once again support the much-loved Photo of the Week award, celebrating an impressive 11th year of this successful partnership.

Thanks to Samsung’s ongoing commitment, this long-standing collaboration continues to recognise outstanding photography, shining a light on creativity, technical excellence and artistic flair across our community. We’re excited to welcome another year filled with inspiring images.

Samsung continues to inspire the world and shape the future through innovative ideas and cutting-edge technology, and ePHOTOzine is proud to welcome the global electronics brand back as supporter of our prestigious Photo of the Week accolade for the eleventh consecutive year.

We’re pleased to announce that throughout 2026, Samsung will once again reward our Photo of the Week (POTW) winners with its reliable, high-performance memory products. Each weekly winner will receive a Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card with SD Adapter, providing fast, dependable storage suitable for a wide range of devices.

The Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card, complete with a full-size SD adapter, is ideal for use with cameras, laptops and more. Compatible with Android smartphones, tablets, action cameras, drones and gaming consoles, PRO Plus is designed to help you capture more, faster and without compromise. With impressive U3, Class 10 read/write speeds of up to 180/130MB/s, transferring and storing large volumes of images is seamless. UHS-I, V30 support ensures smooth 4K video recording, while six-proof protection guards against water, extreme temperatures, X-rays, magnets, drops and wear. The card is backed by a 10-year limited warranty. Further details are available on the Samsung website.

Photo of the Week is selected every week by the ePHOTOzine team. To be in with a chance of winning, simply upload your images to the Gallery.

All 52 weekly winners will then have their images showcased in our POTW forum. In January 2027, the community will be invited to vote by hitting the ‘like’ button on their favourite shots. The ePHOTOzine team will tally the votes and crown the overall Photo of the Year winner, who will take home the top prize: a rugged, ultra-fast 1TB Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield.

Best of luck to everyone taking part, we look forward to seeing the diverse and inspiring images submitted by our community of photographers each week. Our sincere thanks go to Samsung for its continued and valued support.

 

 

“Photo North festival has something magical - this may sound like a cliche but it's different to other photography festivals. There is an atmosphere of equality, informality and mutual support and of course, a great programme of exhibitions and talks.” Visitor

 

Credit: Anne Worthington/Photo North Festival

From the series, Young Skins

 

Photo North Festival is back.

 

World renowned and emerging artists prepare to exhibit at Photo North Festival #7 13-15 March 2026 The Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Leeds UK.

 

As the winter ebbs away, the photography industry prepares to shine on the historically proud and culturally vibrant city of Leeds for the seventh edition of Photo North Festival.

Exhibitions by legends of the profession will be on display alongside up and coming photographers against a backdrop of talks, competitions, portfolio reviews, workshops, networking, screenings, book singings, food & drink and more…

 

EXHIBITIONS AND ARTISTS HIGHLIGHTS

 

The Leeds International African Arts Festival (LIAAF)

Guest curators LIAAF are bringing their vibrant celebration of African photography to the festival with an exhibition themed Earthwise- An Exhibition of Creativity, Community Reflections and Renewal, featuring multiple photographic artists including Arteh Odjidja, Tobi Dosumu and Ruth Agbolade.

 

Credit: Soulla Petrou/Photo North Festival

Sophie Ellis-Bextor

 

REWIND by Soulla Petrou

Rewind is a photobook by award-winning photographer Soulla Petrou, showcasing 15 years of work in the UK music scene from 1994 to 2009. Shot mainly on film, it captures the raw energy of a defining era in club and youth culture. ?? images will be exhibited from the book including a pre-famous Gerri Halliwel, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Damon Albarn.

 

Jaywick Sands Happy Club by David J Shaw

Jaywick, Essex, is a village that sits within the constituency of the leader of Reform UK MP Nigel Farage, and will be heavily affected by climate change-related sea level rise. The village has an infamous reputation as ‘Britain’s most deprived area’ with many journalists and YouTuber content creators regularly coming to the village to continue this portrayal.  Made closely with the people the images represent, Jaywick Sands Happy Club aims to reframe the narrative of the village by providing a balanced view of a community in the UK that faces challenges that are echoed internationally.

 

This is Also Motherhood by Carolyn Mendelsohn and the Maternal Mental Health Alliance

Portraits of Mental Health, Strength and Survival. This exhibition reveals the often-hidden realities of motherhood and maternal mental health through portrait photography, still life, and audio. Created by artist Carolyn Mendelsohn in collaboration with 10 women with lived experience. It invites us to look, listen and understand.

 

Credit: Joanne Coates/Photo North Festival

From the series, Greenvoe and the Anti-Idyll

 

Greenvoe and the Anti-Idyll by Joanne Coates

This body of work draws deeply from the poetic vision of George Mackay Brown, particularly his novel Greenvoe, exploring the enduring tensions between progress and preservation in rural island life. Through photography, Coates explores the changing landscapes of Orkney—both physical and cultural—by leaning into the notion of the anti-idyll: the disruption of the pastoral dream and the confrontation with modernity on the margins.

Gurushots global community will host their Art of Photography and Street Photographer of the Year photo-challenge winners. 

 

Smoke and Mirrors by Seamus Murphy

Smoke and Mirrors is a powerful photographic exhibition by award-winning photojournalist Seamus Murphy, featuring an extended photo essay centred on the West Bank city of Nablus. Captured over two periods of time, the first in 2004 during the second intifada while working on the acclaimed Palestinian feature film Paradise Now. This commission allowed Murphy to explore how the carefully staged scenes on the film set often echoed the real-life drama and rituals playing out on the streets of Nablus. The second are photographs from spring 2025, connected by stories from 2004  which reflect on the ongoing realities of occupation and the strength and endurance of the Palestinian people. 

 

Credit: Mike Goldwater/Photo North festival

Tombstoning from Ramsgate east pier. From the series, ISLAND

 

ISLAND by Mike Goldwater

ISLAND is a documentary project about the Isle of Thanet, at the eastern tip of Kent. Thanet, once an island cut off from the mainland by the River Wantsum, is a place of deep history, rich ecologies and shifting human tides. The photographs pay tribute to the beauty, challenge and unique character of this special place. The photographs for ISLAND were taken between 2019 and 2024.

 

Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant

A presentation of work by the 2025 recipient of the Ian Parry Grant, Omar Ashtawy, who is living and working in Gaza. The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant supports young and emerging photographers as they embark on their career.

 

FOUNDERS

 

Festival co-founder & curator, Peter Dench, says: ‘We recognise people are passionate about photography. Photo North Festival aims to introduce or advance understanding of the medium through our programme of exhibitions - to inspire and engage debate. We have one perfect venue, with headline events and renowned photographers confirmed and the list is growing. The creativity in planning the festival format, talks and screenings is something unique to offer people in the north of England and beyond.’

Sharon Price, co-founder & curator, says: ‘We’ve chosen thought-provoking works that provide relevant social commentary on some quite hard-hitting issues. We also have the beautiful and the poignant, that will appeal not only to enthusiasts seeking to be challenged, but also to those seeking a feast for the senses.’ 

Sharon and Peter have secured the sensational line up to deliver a thought-provoking, lively and inclusive festival that will appeal to the professional photographer, photo-enthusiast, keen amateur and anyone who wishes to engage with the timeless appeal of the medium.

Once again, Photo North Festival promises to be one of the most exciting and engaging European photo events.

13-15 March 2026 -  The Carriageworks Theatre, Millennium Square, Leeds UK.

 For more information about the Photo North Festival, please visit the event website.

    During the winter months, the sun's low and the sunrise isn't quite as early so you can venture out a little later if you wish. Your local news channel or a quick search online will give you the time of the sunrise. You can just stay in one place, shooting a particular view or scene but taking the time to walk a few steps to find the best angle of your subject is always advised. If you're feeling a little more adventurous plan yourself a route that circles back to where you park your car.

 

1. Kit Requirements

When it comes to kit, a tripod is essential when working with low light levels and make sure you pack the wide-angle lens for capturing sweeping shots of the landscape. A longer zoom won't be out of place either, plus pack a range of filters including grads and a polariser. A graduated neutral density filter would be useful in case you find the sky's a lot lighter than the ground. While a polarising filter will reduce glare and deepen blue skies

If you want to shoot wide vistas with foreground detail use your wide-angle lens while telephotos let you pull in detail and are also excellent at putting objects within their environmental context.

 

 

2. Adapt To Your Conditions

Morning light can be cool sometimes so try using the cloudy or shade white-balance settings on your camera to give the shot a little more warmth. You'll also need longer exposures and this is where your tripod will be useful as you don't want shake spoiling your shots. It will also slow you down, making you stand back and evaluate the scene in front of you.

While you're out early, try capturing a sunrise shot. If the sky was clear the night before there's a good chance you'll be able to capture a cracking sunrise but if a little bit of cloud starts to appear don't worry; it will help diffuse the light. As the sky's bright and the ground's dark your camera may struggle to expose correctly but bracketing can solve this or if you just want to focus on the sun try spot metering. Never look at the sun through the lens, though as there is the risk of eye damage. Instead, make good use of your camera's LiveView feature or just compose with the sun shielded behind something solid.

Photo by Joshua Waller

 

1. Look At The Small Details 

The key to this type of photography is to stop looking at buildings as whole structures and focus on the small pockets of interesting patterns and shapes they're made up of. Don't overlook the ugly looking buildings either as most of the time, once you're zoomed in and focused on one part, you'll find they're perfect subjects when you're on the hunt for architectural patterns. If you can't zoom in or use your feet to help you get a frame-filling shot, capture the image anyway as you may be able to crop out the distractions in your editing software once back home. 

 

2. Look Up 

If you find people or clutter are getting in your way move your feet to find a clearer angle or try taking your eyes away from street level altogether – you'll be surprised at what you see. Just watch your shutter speeds if you're working hand-held and make sure you're focusing accurately as you don't want a blurry shot.

 

 

3. Grey Days Can Be Good Days
 

Don't be afraid of cloudy, damp days as these can give your shots a moody feel while a bright blue sky will contrast well against a strong metal frame.

4. Top Ideas Worth Trying 

• Old vs new – Find points where old architecture meets and merges with the new
• Broken/cracked windows – The shapes formed in the glass make interesting patterns
• Metal structures – Fantastic strong, bold and often symmetrical shapes
• Brickwork – Look for strong colours   

 

You've read the technique now share your related photos for the chance to win prizes: Photo Month Forum Competition  

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The latest winner of our popular daily photography theme which takes place in our forums have been chosen and congratulations go to richmowil (Day 13 - Garden Birds)

 

Daily Theme Runners-Up

If you didn't win this time, keep uploading your images to the daily competition forum for another chance to win! If you're new to the Daily Theme, you can find out more about it in the Daily Theme Q&A. 

Well done to our latest runners-up, too, whose images you can take a look at below.

  Day 10

Natural Light Portrait

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Day 11

Creative Focus

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Day 12

Outdoor Paths

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  Day 14

Indoor Flower

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Day 15

'One'

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Day 16

Black & White Architecture

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Day 17

Snow

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You’ll find the Daily Themes, along with other great photo competitions, over in our Forum. Take a look to see the latest daily photo contests. Open to all levels of photographer, you’re sure to find a photography competition to enter. Why not share details of competitions with our community? Join the camaraderie and upload an image to our Gallery.

- Partner Content - 

 

 

From Luminar Neo to the Ecosystem

Luminar Neo has long been loved by photographers for making complex edits simple. Its AI-powered tools, starting with the legendary Sky Replacement, let you bring your vision to life with ease, turning ordinary shots into something extraordinary. And now, the all-new Luminar Ecosystem takes it even further, connecting mobile and desktop editing, streamlining your workflow, and opening up new creative possibilities. With this major upgrade, reviving memories, enhancing flat lighting, and sharing your work has never been easier or more inspiring.

 

Keep Your Creative Flow Going, Anytime Anywhere

The Luminar Ecosystem isn’t just powerful, it’s flexible. With cross-device editing, you can start a project on your phone and finish it on your desktop without any interruptions. Every adjustment, from sliders to masks, syncs automatically across devices, ensuring your work is always up to date.

This workflow is perfect for photographers who are on the move. Capture a stunning scene while travelling, start your edits on your tablet or mobile, and finalise them at your desk, without losing a single tweak.

 

Share Your Stories with Friends and Clients Instantly

Once your photos are edited to perfection, the Spaces feature allows you to turn them into beautiful, shareable web galleries. In a few clicks, curated photo collections can be published online, creating a personal showcase for friends, family, clients, or fans.

Spaces isn’t just a gallery, it’s a storytelling tool. It gives your work context, emotion, and impact, helping you share memories, projects, or professional portfolios without needing design skills or a website. Transform your photos into immersive experiences, making it easier than ever to connect with your audience through the power of imagery.

 

 

Bring Old Photos Back to Life 

One of the standout features of the new Luminar Ecosystem upgrade is Restoration, a tool that makes bringing old or damaged photos back to life completely effortless. In just one click, Restoration can remove deep scratches, restore faded colour, or do both at once.

With Restoration, all you need to do is upload your image, select the type of restoration, and let AI handle the rest. The results are natural, polished, and packed with emotion, turning old snapshots into vibrant, memory-filled images you’ll be proud to share.

You can easily enhance an old family heirloom, a scanned black-and-white image, or a damaged print with Restoration that ensures every photo feels brand new again.

 

 

Add Dimension and Drama with Light 

Another major highlight is Light Depth, a smart enhancement tool designed to give your photos professional-level depth and contrast. Light Depth automatically identifies where your image needs highlights and shadows, sculpting a more dimensional, visually striking result.

It’s especially useful for images that appear flat or under-lit. Instead of manually dodging and burning, which can take 10–15 minutes per photo, Light Depth achieves sculpted lighting in a single click. It draws attention to key subjects, enhances natural contrast, and helps your images truly pop, making it ideal for portraits, landscapes, and fast-paced workflows where time is precious.

 

 

Edit Smarter and Faster with AI suggestions

The Luminar Ecosystem will also introduce AI Assistant soon, an intelligent built-in guide that will help you edit photos with confidence and efficiency. By analysing each image, it will suggest optimal adjustments, from fine-tuning colour and contrast to improving overall balance, allowing you to apply one-click enhancements or use its recommendations as a creative starting point. AI Assistant will also simplify navigation, helping you quickly locate tools such as Develop / Develop Raw, Curves, Colour, and Colour Harmony, making even advanced features more accessible. It will be ideal for speeding up your workflow, understanding the product faster, and unlocking the full potential of every image.

 

Get More Editing Power at Your Fingertips

As mentioned, the Luminar Ecosystem includes a mobile app that brings powerful editing tools directly to your device. With features like Enhance AI, Structure, Sky AI, and advanced portrait tools, you can edit with precision anytime, anywhere. Full RAW support, crop, erase, and curves adjustments give you complete creative control on the move. 

For its convenience and versatility, it was recognised as Best Multi-Device App of 2025 by Google Play. Luminar Mobile is available for iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and ChromeOS, allowing you to edit wherever you are on your preferred device.

 

Seamlessly Integrate Luminar into Your Existing Workflow

Beyond the powerful new features, the Luminar Ecosystem is built to fit effortlessly into the editing setup you already rely on. 

It can function as a standalone editor or as a plugin for Photoshop or Lightroom, allowing you to incorporate its AI tools into your existing workflow without disruption.

Preset collections, advanced masking, and layer support give you creative control, while AI-driven enhancements save time and maintain quality. Whether you’re working on portraits, landscapes, or creative composites, Luminar Ecosystem adapts to your needs—streamlining the editing process while giving you powerful tools to explore new styles and techniques.

  A Few Final Words

The Luminar Ecosystem is more than just an editing suite, it’s a full creative platform. From restoring old memories to sculpting light, editing across devices, and sharing work in beautiful web galleries, these tools help both beginners and professionals simplify complex processes and achieve polished results with ease.

Discover the power of AI-driven editing and transform your workflow today. Your memories, stories, and images deserve it.

Click the link below and use code EPHOTOZINE at checkout for 10% off and experience the full power of Luminar Ecosystem today.

Get Luminar Neo

 

Taken during an early morning visit to Hartlepool Headland, Rolling In by DaveRyder shows the sea pushing towards the shore. The headland sets the location, while the main focus is the movement of the water.

A longer exposure smooths the waves into flowing lines across the scene. Dark clouds sit above softer light in the sky, adding contrast, while wind turbines on the horizon give the image a modern touch. Together, these elements create a strong coastal photograph that reflects the conditions well.

Every Photo of the Week (POTW) winner will be rewarded with a Samsung 128GB PRO Plus microSDXC memory card with SD adapter, providing top-tier storage for all your creative needs across multiple devices. But that's not all! In January 2026, we’ll crown our 2025 Photo of the Year winner, who will take home the ultimate prize of a Samsung Portable 1TB SSD T7 Shield, courtesy of Samsung. It’s time to shoot, submit, and showcase your best work for a chance to win these incredible rewards!