đ¸ The Magazine For Photographers
Welcome to a brand new Issue of my Magazine. Another amazing one, enjoy the read ;)
In this weekâs Issue:
Budget Fujifilm Cameras?
Get your Photos featured in this magazine for FREE
Interview with visualtale
Is your iPhone going to replace your Camera?
$7 LED Light?
Kodak Film Processing Kit is coming to Europe
Photography Tip of the Week
Photographer of the Week
Ideogram 2.0 a dangerous Image Generator?
SupaDupa - The THICK one
Premium Version is now available for Everyone!
Budget Fujifilm Cameras?
Fujifilm Marks 90 Years with Limited Edition Instax Mini Evo
Fujifilm is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a special edition of the Instax Mini Evo hybrid instant camera, along with the new Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer. The standout feature of this celebration is the limited-edition Instax Mini Evo.
To commemorate its milestone, Fujifilm has introduced the Instax Mini Evo in two exclusive colors: dark silver and titanium gold. The anniversary bundle includes premium accessories like a limited-edition strap, lens cap, and case. The dark silver model comes with gray accents, while the titanium gold version features gold-trimmed accessories. Both models proudly display Fujifilmâs original 1934 logo, a nod to the companyâs storied past.
Functionality and Features
Despite its special status, the Instax Mini Evo offers the same functionality as the standard version. This hybrid camera lets you capture digital photos and instantly print them on Instax Mini film. It offers 10 lens effects and 10 film effects, resulting in 100 possible combinations. Users can select these effects using retro-style dials: one for film effects, one for lens effects, and a lever for immediate printing. A 3-inch LCD screen on the back helps you preview and choose your prints.
Technical Details
The Instax Mini Evo features a fixed 28mm (equivalent) f/2 lens with a minimum focusing distance of about four inches. It uses a Type 1/5 CMOS image sensor, specifically designed for instant film. The cameraâs rechargeable battery supports up to 100 prints per charge and charges via USB. It has internal memory for 45 images and includes a microSD card slot for additional storage. You can also print photos wirelessly from your smartphone.
Pricing and Availability
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo 90th Anniversary Limited Edition is available for preorder at $229.95, with shipments starting on October 25th. The standard Instax Mini Evo, which doesnât include the anniversary accessories or special branding, is priced at $199. Honestly you might want to pick this up for this price tag, I am seriously thinking about it myself hahah.
Image credits: Fujifilm
Get your Photos featured in this Magazine for Free
I am currently testing a new feature, where everyone can get a completely free chance to be featured in my magazine and get seen by thousands of fellow photography enthusiasts.
How it works: Every Week there will be either a Newsletter to subscribe to or an Advertisement. Everyone who clicks gets a chance to be selected, I will randomly select one or two ââwinnersââ and their photos/Instagram/website/portfolio will be published here in this magazine completely for free.
So do not hesitate make sure to take this chance on getting featured in the next issue next Sunday. (winner/winners will be notified by email)
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Interview with visualtale
I few days ago I had the great pleasure to interview the amazing photographer Samsul Alam Al-Majidi.
He is a great inspiration to many photographers all around the globe and his pictures always tell a story, which is what in my opinion, photography, especially street-photography is all about - storytelling.
You can find him on instagram as: @visualtale
Enjoy this amazing interview ;)
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Samsul Alam Al-Majidi, originally from Bangladesh. I moved to Sweden in 2017 to pursue a masterâs degree at JĂśnkĂśping University. However, I initially faced cultural shock, making it difficult to settle in this new environment, especially coming from Dhaka, one of the most populated cities in the world. After some adjustment, I moved to Stockholm, where I completed my masterâs in Leadership for Sustainable Development. Throughout this journey, photography remained a constant passion.
How did you get into photography?
I began my photography journey in 2015-2016 with a Nikon D7200 as my first camera. My interest sparked after discovering Instagram, where I saw captivating photos of various styles. I was inspired by the talent I saw and decided to give it a try. A close friend, who is also a photographer, guided me through the basics of street photography and taught me how to overcome the challenges of shooting in public spaces.
What role does composition play in your photos?
Composition is essential in my photography. I always shoot vertically, focusing on capturing the moment, especially emphasizing light and shadow on sunny days. My goal is to create visually pleasing images that tell a story, which is a central aspect of my work.
What do you think sets your work apart from others in the industry?
My work stands out due to my emphasis on storytelling and attention to detail. I strive to capture not just a scene, but the feeling and essence of the moment, which resonates deeply with viewers.
How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue creating new and unique photographs?
Every day offers something new, even in familiar places. The world is our stage, and my camera is my tool for capturing these ever-changing moments. This perspective keeps me motivated to continue creating, whether itâs a sunny day, a rainy day, or even a snowstorm.
What are some of the most important qualities for a great photographer to have, in your opinion?
Consistency and a willingness to learn from mistakes are crucial. Great photographers continuously take photos and explore different styles to refine their craft. Itâs important to challenge oneself and improve in every aspect possible.
What gear do you use?
I currently use a Sony A7IV with a Sony 85mm 1.8 lens for winter and autumn due to its excellent low-light performance. However, my primary setup now is a Fujifilm XT-5 with a Fujinon 33mm 1.4 lens.
What is your editing software of choice and how much time do you spend editing?
I prefer using Lightroom for editing. I tend to be a bit lazy when it comes to editing, so I mostly use the mobile version on my iPhone rather than the desktop version.
How did you find your signature photography/editing style?
I wouldnât say I have a fixed signature style. My approach to photography and editing evolves from year to year and season to season. When I find a style that resonates with me, I tend to stick with it for that season.
Reels or photos? And why?
I usually capture reels only when I feel that a moment would be better conveyed through video, which is quite rare. I prefer taking photos, enjoying the moment afterward, and moving on to explore more.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography represents happiness to me. Itâs my way of seeing and understanding the world around me. As a foreigner living in Stockholm, itâs also a means of documenting life and capturing its essence to tell a story.
How would you describe your photography style in a few words?
I would describe my style as narrative-driven, though it varies depending on the weather.
Do you prefer shooting alone or with company?
I used to prefer shooting with company, but Iâve found that to capture authentic moments without distraction, itâs better to shoot alone. However, I do enjoy company from time to time.
What are your thoughts on AI in photography?
AI can be very helpful, particularly in product, event, and wedding photography, where it can reduce editing time. However, for street photography, those who want to maintain authenticity should avoid using AI in their editing process.
Any tips for beginners?
My advice for beginners is to avoid overthinking. Donât hesitate to take the shotâif someone asks you to delete the picture later and you think itâs ethical, then do so. But otherwise, just keep shooting and learning from each experience.
What is your dream equipment?
The rest, 7 more questions, of this Interview are for Premium subscribers only.
Is your iPhone going to replace your Camera?
Halide, the popular iPhone camera app, just dropped a significant update that shakes up the usual photo processing with its new feature, Process Zero. This innovative update strips away the typical iPhone image processing, offering a more raw and authentic photo experience.
Whatâs New with Process Zero?
The new Process Zero pipeline in Halide removes all standard image processing, including artificial intelligence and computational photography. Lux Optics, the developer behind Halide, describes Process Zero as a way to give photographers an alternative to the increasingly AI-driven processing found in many smartphones. Rather than relying on complex algorithms, Process Zero captures a straightforward 12-megapixel image along with a RAW DNG file, which allows for flexible editing. The process is incredibly fast, up to 25 times quicker than ProRAW captures.
Process Zero aims to replicate the look of classic digital cameras. The images can have natural sensor grain and slight color aberrations, giving them a nostalgic feel reminiscent of older cameras. It's not just a filter but a complete bypass of typical iPhone image enhancements, offering raw data directly from the sensor.
How It Compares
In practice, Process Zero photos are less saturated and grainier than standard iPhone shots. Theyâre particularly suited for daytime or mixed lighting conditions but can struggle in low light, where noise and limited dynamic range become more noticeable. This approach mirrors the charm of film photography, offering a unique alternative to the polished look of modern digital images.
Shot on Halide
shot on standard iPhone
Shot on Halide
Shot normally with an iPhone
Whatâs Still Available?
Despite the focus on Process Zero, Halide 2.15 still supports traditional iPhone image processing methods. Users can choose between ProRAW, standard processing, reduced processing, and Process Zero. This flexibility allows photographers to select the processing style that best suits their needs.
Introducing Image Lab
Alongside Process Zero, Halide introduces Image Lab, a tool designed to work with the new digital negatives from Process Zero. Image Lab is a straightforward editing solution that lets users adjust exposure but doesnât offer color or contrast adjustments. It serves as the initial step in processing Process Zero photos before moving to other editing apps if desired.
Looking Ahead: Halide III
Exciting news doesnât stop here. Lux Optics is also working on Halide Mark III, which was originally planned to include Process Zero. However, they decided to release Process Zero early rather than wait for the major update.
Pricing and Availability
Halide 2.15 is available now with a special offer: new memberships are 65% off for the first week, dropping the price to $11.99 per year. After this period, the price will return to the regular $19.99 annual fee. Thereâs also a one-week free trial for new users. For those interested in a lifetime license, Halide is available for a one-time purchase of $59.99, and this will include future updates like Halide Mark III.
Image credits: Halide/Lux optics
$7 LED Photography Light?
TTArtisan has introduced a quirky new accessory thatâs bound to be a hit with photographers and film enthusiasts: the Mini LED Light, designed to look like a tiny canister of 35mm film. Priced at just $7, this pocket-sized light is poised to be a popular stocking stuffer this holiday season.
Vintage Aesthetic with Modern Features
The Mini LED Light isnât just about its charming design. It comes with a magnetic cold shoe mount, making it easy to attach to your camera or other surfaces. The light offers three adjustable color temperaturesâ3,000K, 4,500K, and 6,000Kâallowing users to tweak the warmth or coolness of the light depending on their needs. Itâs powered by a built-in battery that charges via USB-C and can last between 80 to 160 minutes on a single charge. Plus, it features a lanyard loop, so you can wear it around your neck or attach it to your keychain for easy access.
Performance: Manage Your Expectations
At just 250 lumens, the Mini LED Light isnât going to replace your studio lights, but it can add a subtle glow for selfies or close-up shots. It has a rotation range from 0 to 100 degrees, offering some flexibility in how you use it. For context, a bright smartphone screen can emit anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 lumens, so while the Mini LED Light wonât drastically change your lighting setup, itâs a fun and handy tool for quick, low-light situations.
A Nostalgic Touch for Film Lovers
What the Mini LED Light lacks in power, it makes up for in nostalgia. The design is a playful nod to the days of analog photography, when film canisters were a must-have accessory for any photographer. The retro look is sure to resonate with those who miss the tactile experience of shooting on film. It also pairs perfectly with retro-inspired digital cameras, like the Nikon Zf or the Fujifilm Instax Evo, making it a delightful addition to any photographerâs kit.
Conclusion: A Fun, Affordable Gadget
While the TTArtisan Mini LED Light may not be a game-changer in terms of lighting power, its unique design and affordable price make it a fun accessory for photography enthusiasts. Whether youâre looking to add a touch of nostalgia to your setup or simply want a cute, functional gadget, this $7 light is a great little buy.
Image credits: TTArtisan
Kodak Film Processing Kit will be available to Europeans
Great news for European film photographers: Dupli, the distributor for Kodak-branded photo chemicals, has announced that the Kodak Color Negative C-41 Film Processing Kit is now available across Europe.
Whatâs in the Kit?
The Kodak Color Negative C-41 Film Processing Kit is designed for processing any color negative film that uses the standard C-41 process, including both color negative and black-and-white chromogenic films. The kit comes with liquid concentrates for Developer, Bleach, Fixer, and Final Rinse, making the whole process simpler and more straightforward. Itâs meant for "one-shot use," allowing you to mix either 2.5 liters or 5 liters of working solution without any complicated calculations.
A New Option for Film Lovers
Dupli is confident that the Kodak Color Negative C-41 Kit will meet the needs of photography enthusiasts and professionals who are looking for high-quality, reliable film processing solutions. They see it as a way to elevate the film processing experience and help photographers bring their creative visions to life.
According to Dupli, this launch is more than just a new productâitâs a significant step forward for the film photography community in Europe. Kodakâs C-41 chemistry is already well-regarded for its quality, and now that itâs more accessible, itâs expected to become a go-to option for many.
When and Where You Can Get It
The Kodak Color Negative C-41 Film Processing Kit will be available in Europe starting in September, with prices starting at ÂŁ60. This is an exciting development for anyone whoâs serious about film photography, offering a reliable, easy-to-use solution for processing film at home.
Photography Tip of the Week
The weekly photography tip is only accessible to Premium Subscribers of The Magazine For Photographers.
Photographer of the Week
Photographer of the week goes to: Nikos Valakitis
Congratulations on your luck:)
You can find him on Instagram as @nikos_valakitis
A few photos of his:
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Ideogram 2.0 - the most advanced image generator? Possibly dangerous?
The recent launch of Ideogram 2.0, an AI image generator by a Canadian startup, is sparking serious concerns. With $16.5 million in funding, this model can create photorealistic images that are so realistic they could easily be mistaken for actual photos. While this is impressive, the lack of safeguards is alarming, especially given the potential for misuse.
What Makes Ideogram 2.0 Different?
Unlike most AI tools, which include restrictions to prevent harmful content, Ideogram 2.0 seems to have few, if any, limitations. The model can generate images with incredibly lifelike details, making it possible to create fake images of real people in misleading situations. This has already caused controversy, like the AI-generated âSwifties for Trumpâ t-shirts that went viral after Donald Trump shared them online, suggesting support from Taylor Swift and her fans.
A Major Concern Ahead of the Elections
With the U.S. presidential elections around the corner, the release of such unregulated technology is particularly concerning. The risk of bad actors using Ideogram 2.0 to spread misinformation is a serious threat. Unlike other AI tools, which have been toned down after their initial launches (Grok - by X/Elon Musk), Ideogram openly advertises its ability to create images that âconvincingly pass as real photos,â seemingly ignoring the potential for abuse.
The Need for Responsible AI Development
The worries around Ideogram 2.0 arenât unique. Recently, similar issues were highlighted with Googleâs Pixel 9 Pro, where AI tools allow users to manipulate real photos without clear indicators that AI was involved.
These situations show a pressing need for the AI industry to adopt more responsible and transparent practices. As AI continues to advance, itâs crucial that developers include safeguards to prevent misuse. Without these measures, tools like Ideogram 2.0 could easily be exploited to spread misinformation and harm individuals, which is a risk we canât afford to take.
Benroâs SupaDupa 72 - the THICK one
Benro has just released the SupaDupa 72 Carbon Fiber Monopod, and itâs built to handle the rough and tumble of sports and wildlife photography. This monopod is designed to be both strong and portable, making it ideal for photographers who need a reliable support system in fast-moving or unpredictable environments.
What you need to know:
Height and Load Capacity: The SupaDupa 72 can extend up to 72 inches (1.8 meters) and supports a hefty 17.6 pounds (eight kilograms). This means it can easily handle large lenses, like the Canon RF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM, which weighs just under seven pounds.
Lightweight and Compact: Despite its impressive size and strength, the monopod is surprisingly light at just under two pounds (0.9 kilograms). It collapses down to 19 inches (49 centimeters) for easier transport, and it even comes with a carrying case.
Easy Adjustments: It features a six-section leg system with five adjustable points. The height adjustments are managed with a combination of flip and twist locks, which are designed to be easy to use with one hand. This is great for quickly adjusting while keeping your camera steady. The monopod also has a padded grip for extra comfort during long shoots.
Tilt Head: The SupaDupa 72 comes with an Arca-Swiss compatible tilt head that allows for 60 degrees of backward tilt and 90 degrees of forward tilt. This makes it easier to track moving subjects. The tilt head has repositionable knobs that help avoid any interference during use.
Versatile Foot Options: The monopod includes a rubber foot with ball bearings for smooth panning and a spike foot option for better stability on uneven or slippery terrain.
The Benro SupaDupa 72 Carbon Fiber Monopod is priced at $299.95 (ÂŁ265). It comes with a carrying case to protect and transport it. If youâre interested in more flexibility, you can also buy the optional tilt head separately for $139.95, which can be used with other monopods as well.