Readers take centre stage in the latest issue of Practical Photography, as we devote more pages to your photos than ever before!
First up is How to be photo fit, a feature custom-built to get you and your photography up to speed for the New Year. Follow our ten steps to photo fitness and test every area of your body for the complete workout!
Elsewhere, find out how to create light trail figures, join PP and a quartet of DSLR Skills course winners in Slovakia, and climb aboard HMS Illustrious to see how our Royal Navy comp winner got on.
And, if off-camera flash is your thing, check out the first part of our total guide. All this and much more in the January issue, on sale 2 December…
Photo fit
Sharpen up for 2010! Improve your handholding technique, find the best viewpoint every time, learn to compose swiftly and intuitively, master aperture and depth-of-field, combine your skills for cleaner backgrounds… complete all ten challenges and come spring you’ll be a photo ninja!
Slovakia and Royal Navy challenges
Slovakia experienced its earliest snow for ages this year, just days before four intrepid DSLR Skills Course winners braved the icy climes of the truly epic Tatra Mountains. PP was on hand to dish out Mission Impossible-style photo challenges. Braving the equally icy waters of the English Channel, Royal Navy comp winner Helen Geering spent 24 hours aboard HMS Illustrious to document life on the ocean waves. Check out the results.
A step-by-step guide to off-camera flash
If you enjoy shooting portraits and are ready to jump to the next level, the first instalment of our off-camera flash guide will provide you with all the technique advice you’ll need to transform your flash gun into a portable studio. Get the lowdown on the essential kit, follow our three steps to perfect flash exposures, and learn how to best position your lights for creative results. Part two next month…
Gear guide
Photobooks are the latest craze to rock the photography world. PP takes a comprehensive look at 12 of the most affordable options and reviews ease of use, print quality and finish. Check out which photobook gets our Best Buy award. Also, the Canon G11, Sony A550 and Fuji F70EXR are all reviewed and rated.