đ¸ The Magazine For Photographers
A New Sunday means a brand new Issue of my Magazine. Another wonderful one enjoy the read :)
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In this Week's Issue
The New Zeapon Micro4 Slider
A slider can totally change the game for storytellers, adding that smooth, cinematic motion that takes a shot from "meh" to magic. CineD recently spotlighted Zeapon, a company thatâs been making waves in the slider world. Their latest release, the Micro4 Series, takes things up a notch.
If youâre new to sliders, hereâs the deal: they let your camera glide smoothly along a track, turning static shots into dynamic, eye-catching footage. The Micro4 is extra clever, with a double-distance sliding system that offers twice the range of movement compared to its size. Perfect for cramped spaces or on-the-go shoots.
This new series builds on Zeaponâs previous hits, like the Micro3 in 2022 and Axis in 2023, but with some serious upgrades. The star of the show? A newly designed motor thatâs whisper-quiet, ideal for interviews or any shoot where clear audio is a must. Plus, the touchscreen interface means no need for clunky extra apps or gadgets.
Speed-wise, the Micro4 is super versatileâit can crawl at 0.18 mm/s for those ultra-detailed macro shots or zoom up to 178 mm/s for more dramatic moves. Adjusting speed in real time should be a breeze, thanks to a handy dial.
Itâs also surprisingly strong, handling up to 26.5 pounds (12 kg) horizontally or 9.9 pounds (4.5 kg) vertically. Whether youâre working with a lightweight mirrorless setup or a heavier cinema rig this should be good to go.
Power options are flexible too. You can use Sony NP-F batteries or plug in a USB-C power bank for longer shoots. Zeapon claims an NP-F970 battery can keep things running for up to 17 hours at standard speeds.
The Micro4 Series comes in six models, split between manual and motorized versions. They vary in size and range, so you can pick what works best for you. The compact M500, for instance, offers 23 inches of travel, while the M1000 extends up to 42 inches for those wide, sweeping shots.
If youâre a filmmaker or photographer looking to up your game, the Micro4 Series is a could be a solid choice. Right now it is available to preorder on their website.
Image Credits: Weapon
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Interview with Riks Le Grand
This weekâs Interview with a street photography legend: Riks Le Grand, I was so happy to finally have gotten the chance to interview him.
You can find him on Instagram as:
Enjoy the amazing Interview ;)
Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello, My name is Ricardo I go by Riks, I was born in Mexico City and moved to NYC at a very young age, chaos and big cities are a big part of my daily life.
How did your photography journey start?
Right after High School I picked up a Nikon D5000 to just shoot family trips and small gatherings with friends and what not, but it wasnât until 2016 That I decided to get a better camera and really learn more about lighting, composition and editing.
At first I started by shooting mainly landscape and architecture photography, being in NYC is almost inevitable to go try and get a nice snap of the Empire State Building or the Chrysler building or the Flat Iron Building.
How did you find your signature photography/editing style?
Watching some films such as ( Bladerunner 2049, The Joker , The Dark Knight & American Gangster, I picked up the aesthetic of a darker more cinematic style of photography editing, the harsh weather conditions such as rain, blizzards, foggy nights is where I tend to find the most interesting moments.
What do you do when you get the feeling that thereâs nothing new to shoot?
Usually try to go back to older photos and either find a new way to frame it or maybe a new colour grading, sometimes when I go over older photos I get new ideas and that pushes me to go back out there and shoot from a different angle different perspective perhaps a different time of the day or season.
How do you stay inspired and motivated as a photographer, and what do you do when you feel creatively blocked?
Definitely get inspired by other great photographers, I had the pleasure of shooting alongside some of the greatest photographers (In my opinion) and as you go you learn new things from them and adapt them to your own style.
Sometimes stepping out of the comfort zone could be challenging but itâs part of the creative growth so I remind myself that anytime I get a creative block.
What gear do you use?
Just recently got the Sony A74 , previously to that I had the A7R3 but busted it when I arrived to Japan early April this year.
What edition software do you use and how much time do you spend editing?
I only use Lightroom, Im not really into changing too much of whats comes out of the camera so just a retouch of colors and lighting in Lightroom usually does it for me.
How do you approach shooting in low light situations, and what equipment do you use to achieve the best results?
Definitely use a prime lens as it lets you shoot wide open at apertures such as f/1.4- F/1.8. Donât be afraid of the ISO, Crank it up to 1000-2000 if necessary and keep that shutter at around 1/200
What are your favourite shooting conditions? (rain, night, foggy, etc)
Definitely Snow, Blizzards, foggy nights, heavy rain provides the best atmosphere.
Have you got any tips for beginners?
Best advice I can give any beginners is to be consistent in anything you do, Learn your camera settings and how lighting and composition can make your photos better, there are many great tutorials on YouTube and many books available, never stop just because your photos donât look like something you see on IG or a magazine. Your craft will take some time to master so be consistent and be patient with your development.
How can you convey a specific mood or emotions through a photograph?
The conditions, aesthetics, and lighting are some factors that can help convey specific moods and emotions. Also finding the right scene and framing for what you are trying to express can add certain elements to the image.
How do you use storytelling in your photography, and what do you think are the most important elements of a successful visual narrative?
The rest, 4 more questions, of this Interview are for Premium subscribers only.
The H&Y Revoring VND + CPL Mk II Filter
The H&Y Revoring just got an upgrade, and itâs a big win for anyone who uses filters regularly. The second-generation VND + CPL version brings better controls and works with even more accessories, making it an even more versatile tool for photographers and filmmakers.
The original Revoring, launched in 2022, was a game-changer. It solved the annoying problem of needing a separate filter for every lens size or using step-up rings. For people who constantly switch lenses and rely on filters, it was a lifesaver.
The new version still comes in five size ranges to fit most lenses, from tiny compact setups to larger ones like Sonyâs 28â70 mm f/2 G Master. It keeps the same 1.5â10 stop ND and circular polarizer combo. The design is almost identical to the first one, with only a slight weight increase thatâs barely noticeable.
The real difference is in the new controls. Thereâs a third pin now, which lets you lock the ND filter, the polarizer, and the size adapter separately. Each pin has a little knob to prevent accidental adjustments, which makes it much easier to dial in your settings and keep them locked while you work. Itâs especially useful when using multiple lenses of the same size or if you want to securely mount the filter.
Another big improvement is its compatibility with more accessories. Like before, it works with H&Yâs magnetic clip-on filters, including extra ND filters, graduated ND filters, and effects filters like mist or streaks. But now, itâs also part of H&Yâs SWIFT system, which adds even more options. You can attach a collapsible lens hood for shooting through glass, a square filter holder for landscapes, or even a matte box for filmmaking. Itâs a one-stop solution for a variety of setups.
At âŹ215,95, the Mark II is a little pricey however it builds on what made the original so popular while adding smarter controls and more flexibility.
Photo Analysis
Welcome to the new part of the Magazine Issue where we take a closer look at a photo and analyse it so that you can learn and better your own photography from it ;)
Photo by: @miromarsik
Letâs Analyse this Photo
Composition
Positives:
The squirrel is perfectly placed in the frameâright where your eyes naturally go. Itâs a great use of the rule of thirds!
The branches and leaves work really well to frame the squirrel.
The blurred leaves in the foreground and background add depth and make the photo feel more three-dimensional.
Negatives:
Some of the leaves in the front overlap the squirrel a bit, which is a little distracting. It wouldâve been even stronger if the subject had a completely clear view.
The frame feels a bit busy overall, with so many leaves fighting for attention. A slight crop or repositioning could help simplify things and keep the focus on the squirrel.
Lighting
Positives:
The golden light is gorgeousâit lights up the squirrelâs fur beautifully and gives it a soft, glowing effect.
The backlighting creates a lovely halo around the squirrel, making it pop against the background.
The mix of light and shadow on the leaves gives the scene a dynamic, natural vibe.
Negatives:
Some parts of the background are a bit overexposed, especially where the light is strongest. It pulls attention away from the squirrel.
The squirrelâs face could use a bit more light to bring out its features and expression better (in animal photography itâs all about the eyes).
Atmosphere
Positives:
This photo very peaceful.
The warm, golden tones and the playful squirrel give it a very cozy feel.
Negatives:
The peaceful atmosphere is slightly interrupted by the busy background. If there were fewer distractions, it would feel even calmer and more focused.
Color Palette
Positives:
The mix of warm golden light and green is stunning. It feels vibrant but still very natural.
The squirrelâs reddish fur adds a nice contrast to the greens and yellows, making it visually interesting and pop.
Negatives:
The squirrelâs color blends into the warm tones of the background a bit too much. Boosting the contrast slightly would help it stand out more.
Timing & Storytelling
Positives:
Capturing the squirrel in the middle of eating adds so much life and personality to the shot.
The timing is spot-onâthe way the light catches the squirrel and the leaves makes the moment feel extra special.
Negatives:
Thereâs no major "action" here, which is fine for this kind of image, but maybe capturing the squirrel mid-jump or with more interaction could make it even more dynamic
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: Brian Scantlebury
You can find him on Instagram as: @briansphotography
A few of his favourite images:
Donât forget to check out the advertisement up top âŹď¸
The Godox Cube-C Wireless Mic
The Godox Cube-C is here to shake up the wireless mic game with a focus on portability, solid audio, and ease of use. Itâs designed for creators and filmmakers.
The Cube-Câs big win is its size. Itâs tinyâless than an inch wide and just seven gramsâperfect for discreet setups like interviews or quick commentary. Its specs are solid: 48kHz/24-bit audio, a signal-to-noise ratio over 70 dB, and a max sound pressure level of 115 dB. Nothing groundbreaking, but it gets the job done.
It also has noise reduction to cut down on background distractions like air conditioners or street noise, which is great for events or busy locations. Just keep in mind, noise reduction can sometimes mess with the audio quality, so test it before relying on it.
Battery life is a strong pointâeach unit lasts up to 10 hours, and the smaller, redesigned charging case holds enough juice for three full recharges. Plenty of runtime to cover a full day of shooting.
Godox claims the Cube-C can transmit up to 300 meters (about 984 feet) under ideal conditions. You probably wonât get that far in real-world settings, but itâs nice to have extra range for more creative setups. The transmitter also doubles as a remote camera shutter, which is a handy bonus.
If youâre working with multiple devices, the Cube Combo includes two transmitters and two receivers. One hooks up to your camera, the other to your phone, so you can record on both at once. Itâs perfect for projects that need behind-the-scenes footage alongside your main content.
The receiver has on-device controls for switching modes, adjusting volume, and toggling noise reduction. It even works as a USB mic when plugged into a computer, making it a solid choice for livestreams or podcasts.
Pricing is at $99, available in black or white.
Image Credits: Godox
The Rest of this Issue is for Premium Subscribers
