How to create and use Virtual Copies in Lightroom
In Adobe Lightroom Classic, you can easily duplicate a photo with various edits using the Virtual Copy function. Here’s how to use virtual copies in Lightroom: What are Virtual Copies? In Lightroom, a virtual copy allows you to create a duplicate of a photo without actually duplicating the file on your hard drive. This means you can apply different edits, settings, or metadata to the same original image while keeping the original intact and unaltered. Crucially, VCs allow you to visually compare the effect of various edits on what’s essentially the same photo, without the huge file sizes of TIFFs. It’s an essential feature of a parametric editor and critical…
What are the benefits of Virtual Copies in Lightroom?
Virtual copies are commonly used in Adobe Lightroom, although their usage may vary among different photographers and workflows. Here are some reasons why many Lightroom users find virtual copies beneficial: Common Uses of Virtual Copies in Lightroom Experimentation: Photographers often create virtual copies to experiment with different editing styles or techniques without altering the original image. This allows for creative freedom and exploration. Multiple Versions: Users frequently create virtual copies to produce different versions of the same photo, such as: Colour vs. black and white Different crops or aspect ratios Various exposure adjustments or colour grading Client Options: When working with clients, photographers can create virtual copies to present multiple…
Organise photos in Lightroom using Collections
Adobe Lightroom Classic is unique in that it doesn’t use Albums but adopts something similar called Collections. Collections in Adobe Lightroom (both Classic and the cloud-based version) are a great way to organise and manage your photos. Benefits of Using Collections – Non-Destructive Organisation: Collections allow you to organise photos without moving them from their original location in the Catalog. – Multiple Groupings: You can add the same photo to multiple collections, making it easy to categorise images in different ways. – Smart Collections: Automatically gather photos based on specific criteria, saving time and effort in organisation. By using collections effectively, you can streamline your workflow and keep your photo…
Setting up Back-button AF on the Canon EOS R5
By following these steps, you will be able to set up Back-button AF operation on the Canon EOS R5. This guide has been written specifically for the Canon EOS R5; however, the operation will be similar to other EOS R cameras, including the EOS R5 II. Sports photographers often want to customise their cameras for so-called ‘Back-button AF‘ operation; however, it can be a useful option for most photographers. Customising this feature involves deactivating the AF start feature from the shutter button and selecting Servo AF from the camera’s AF menu options, if it is not already enabled. This action effectively switches between Servo AF, One-Shot AF, and manual focusing…
Setting up AF shortcuts on the Canon EOS R5
By following these steps, you will be able to set AF operation shortcuts to customisable buttons on the Canon EOS R5 (this guide has been written specifically for the Canon EOS R5, however, the operation will be similar to other EOS R cameras). Setting autofocus (AF) operation shortcuts to customisable buttons on the Canon EOS R5 (and other EOS R cameras) is an easy way to improve the handling experience by allowing quick access to frequently used functions. The default (factory) setting for the AF-On button at the rear of the camera is to initiate the AF operation, which is fine if you want to check its working before triggering…
Amazon Prime Day deals
Amazon Prime Day always offers some good deals on photography gear, particularly on memory cards and accessories. Links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon UK Lexar SanDisk Nextorage ProGrade Sony Samsung PolarPro Filters SmallRig Tilta Olight (LED Torches) IFOOTAGE (Shark Camera Slider) Apurture (LED Lighting) Other UK retailers with deals: WEX Canon Store Amazon US Lexar SanDisk OWC ProGrade Sony Samsung SmallRig Tilta IFOOTAGE (Shark Slider) Apurture (LED Lighting) DJI
Filter sizes for Leica M lenses
As you might expect, Leica offers its range of UV filters, which are recommended for the protection of the front element in everyday use but also to prevent damage when cleaning. It’s much less worrying to clean a filter than a front element. However, I also recommend B+W (UV or Clear) filters, which, although made by the German brand Schneider-Kreuznach, tend to be slightly cheaper and yet are not considered inferior in any way. The XS-Pro, now replaced by the ‘Master’, features a thin brass frame and a Nano coating to facilitate easier cleaning. More competitively priced offerings include the excellent Breakthrough Photography UV X2 range and the Firecrest series…
Canon UK store sale with 10% off RF lenses
The Canon UK store currently has a sale on RF lenses, with 10% off most, if not all, current RF models, including the vaunted L-series. For example, the extraordinary Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM lens was £3,160 inc VAT but is now £2,884 inc VAT (£316 off). When buying directly, Canon offers a 2-year guarantee and free shipping (when spending above £30). Furthermore, their generous returns policy gives you a 30-day window in which to send your item back (should you need to) free of charge for a full refund. Make your purchase as normal through the Canon Store to save. Offer ends 30/07/2025. Buy now while stocks last.…
Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED tilt shift lens review
Key features +/- 12mm shift and +/- 7.5° tilt movements can be applied in parallel (same axis) or perpendicular 90° rotation left and right in 30° increments, tilt 90° left only with a 45° stop Shift movement operates without having to lock it Three extra-low dispersion elements reduce chromatic aberrations Two aspherical elements minimise coma, distortion and enhance sharpness Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings reduce reflections, lens flare, and ghosting Fluorine coatings protect front and rear elements from water drying marks, fingerprints Electromagnetic aperture mechanism ensures stable and accurate exposure control What is it? The Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm F4E ED is a F-mount retrofocus lens designed specifically to…
Leica celebrates 100th year anniversary with Leica M11 100 special edition
Leica is introducing a special edition of the Leica M11-D to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary since the introduction of the Leica I in 1925. The Leica M11 100 features a black gloss paint finish and silver-chromed control elements with cross knurling, a black cowhide covering, and distinctive details, including a black chrome hot shoe cover, a unique serial number, and a certificate of authenticity. It is available now in German Leica Stores at EUR 9,500.00, including VAT. Check stock and prices [affiliate links] Leica Camera (DE) | Leica Camera (UK) | Leica Camera (US) Press Release: Leica M11 100 Years of Leica “WETZLAR GERMANY” To mark the 100-year…
