Buyers’ guide
Buyers’ guide Stuck for gift ideas this year? We’ve got you covered
Christmas gift guide
A bright idea
Lighting
allow the photographer to see how their scene looks in real time. While there are plenty of options out there, we reviewed the Neewer CB200C back in issue 117, finding it to be a great choice. It’s a powerful tool packed with customisation options, and all at a reasonable price.
Are you or your recipient thinking about taking the first steps in studio photography or video? A key element in that area is lighting, so why not make Christmas a little brighter with a continuous LED? Continuous LEDs are the perfect place to start in lighting because they
WORDS BY PETE TOWNSHEND
WHETHER YOU LIKE it or not, Christmas is around the corner. We’re already seeing some TV ads and by the time you read this, Mariah Carey’s voice is likely to be ringing out across the airwaves on repeat, a minor celebrity will be on their way to your local town for the big switch- on and you’ll be thinking you should probably at least get your hair sorted for the work Christmas party. With so much excitement, it’s easy to forget about what makes Christmas so special: the act of giving. Here at PN , we’ve spent more Christmas Eves than we care to admit frantically rushing between shops, sifting through the leftovers. That’s why we’ve put together a Christmas gift guide to ensure that doesn’t happen to you. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, a family member or treating yourself, all the inspiration you need is right here.
Of all the camera accessories out there, the tripod is probably one of the best known, for good reason. The opportunities it presents for photographers from all genres is remarkable – allowing us to use movement for creative effects, shoot in low-light conditions or The solid choice Tripods
capture the awesome beauty of the starry night sky. However, tripods need to strike the right balance between sturdiness, weight, size and looks. Following our First test in PN 113, we think the Benro Cyanbird gets it just right.
Something to treasure Framed prints
There’s nothing like seeing one of your own photos in print. The colour, the detail, the finish – it’s a magical experience. The best bit is you’ll be able to look at it as long as you can see. No devices, software updates or electricity needed. Such longevity and tangibility makes a very special gift for any photographer, so why not get one of their favourite photos printed in all its glory? Better still, get it framed. Whitewall is a processing lab that offers end-to-end services. It prints out photos and also offers a huge range of frames and photo gifts that ensure they’re presented beautifully.
Make it perfect
Software
available for a one-off fee, so once you’ve paid for it, it’s yours. This puts editing software very much back on the table for gifting. Add to that Affinity Photo’s very comprehensive range of features – plus its entire suite of programmes spanning editing, designing and publishing – and you’re bound to make someone very happy.
With most image-editing software requiring a monthly subscription, it doesn’t jump out as the ideal present. No matter how capable the programme is, receiving an ongoing financial commitment for Christmas is probably not what most people have in mind in terms of presents. That’s where Affinity Photo comes in. This capable software is
Issue 118 | Photography News 17
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