An image from my third 365 project, taken in 2012. Photo: Abby Ferguson

Every photographer inevitably goes through periods where they hit a wall. That wall can come from all kinds of things, including a lack of inspiration, growth stagnation or both. But either way, it often leads to not wanting to pick up a camera. While just like exercise, there are times when rest is best (pardon the rhyme), there are also times you're better off pushing through those feelings of apathy.

While I've yet to find a consistent one-size-fits-all fix for the countless times I've been in a creative drought, there's one method I frequently fall back on: tackling various types of photography projects. For me, those projects have taken the form of five separate 365 projects (a photo a day for a year) and three 52-week projects (a photo a week for a year).

Why specific projects help with stagnation

My first 365 (from 2010/2011) challenged me to take photos I wouldn't have otherwise thought of or tried. Photo: Abby Ferguson

No matter the structure, these projects all have the same goal: to give me a reason to pick up my camera when I least feel like it. If I feel like I've plateaued in terms of my skills, leaving the camera on the shelf isn't going to help me move past that. Instead, I'm better off finding ways to challenge myself with my camera. Likewise, if I find I'm lacking inspiration, ignoring my camera often isn’t the way to go. Sometimes forcing myself to pay more attention to what's around me on a daily basis can be just what I need to find that inspiration and feel like myself as a photographer again.

Designing a sustainable project

If the goal is to pick up your camera with some consistency, it's important to plan a project that you think will be sustainable for you and your life. Just like going to the gym, you won't be much better off if you only stick to your plan for a few months and then revert to your old habits.

Luckily, there are essentially endless ways to structure a project so that it's more likely you'll be able to stick to it. But putting some thought into it ahead of time is useful, so you aren't completely winging it during the project (which I've also done). That's not to say rules and guidelines can't shift over time, but having some expectations and guardrails in place will help in getting more out of the project.

Time span and cadence

First, you'll want to decide on how long the project should be and how often you'll want to take pictures. You could decide on a year-long project, such as a 365, 52-week project, or 12-month structure. Or maybe something shorter, like a photo every day for a month, is better for you.

"I won't sugarcoat it: year-long projects, especially 365s, are hard."

I won't sugarcoat it: year-long projects, especially 365s, are hard. That can be even more true if you opt for specific rules, such as requiring the use of your dedicated camera and editing the images on the same day. Such projects can involve a lot of time. Real life doesn't stop when tackling a project like this, and it can feel like a grind at times. Be as realistic as possible (a lot can change in a year) when deciding how long you want the project to last and how often you want to create images.

Open-ended or themed

This image is from a 52-week project I completed in 2010, which was entirely dedicated to taking a self-portrait once a week for a year. Photo: Abby Ferguson

You also have options when it comes to the theme or topic of your project. My 365s have been completely open-ended with no topics or themes to stick to, whereas my 52-week projects always have more structure, such as a self-portrait once a week or a weekly hike with a video and photos for each one.

A more structured project could be beneficial if you have specific skills you want to work on. For example, if you want to improve your lighting, maybe a project that's focused on using artificial light for every image would be best. Or, if you want to improve your portraiture, taking a portrait every day for a year could be a good challenge. The structure could also relate to an area of your portfolio you want to develop more, if you’re trying to find work in a certain niche or genre. The key, as with any goal, is to find something that challenges you, but is still attainable.

Additional boundaries to consider

My last project, completed last year, started as a hiking project to get outside with my dog more, but ended up being a photography and videography project as well, as I set a requirement of creating a Reel for Instagram for every hike. Photo: Abby Ferguson

There are countless boundaries you can put in place to add more challenge or make it easier. For my most recent 365 project, completed in 2020, I allowed myself to use my phone for photos, rather than requiring polished images taken with my dedicated camera every day. Additionally, you could decide to use only unedited images to save yourself some time and effort.

Considering where or how you will share the project is also worthwhile. It may be something just for you, and you might not want to share the photos or videos anywhere. You could plan on combining all of the images into a book when you are done. Or maybe you want to start a blog or share on social media to help keep yourself accountable. There are also many groups specific to these types of projects (including in our forums), and joining one could be a good way to stay motivated, find inspiration, and hold yourself accountable.

Getting through mid‑project slumps

When I was in a slump during my 365s, I would sometimes try a new technique or process to spark some creativity. In this case, I had a single giraffe that I took many individual shots of and then edited together. This was taken during my third 365 in 2012. Photo: Abby Ferguson

For each of the eight year-long projects I've tackled, there have inevitably been mid-project slumps. During every single one, I've debated quitting or found myself off track for various reasons. Whether due to a vacation mid-project, life struggles or just busy times at work, I've inevitably missed days here and there. It may seem counterproductive to have feelings of apathy about a project aimed at addressing apathy, but it's all part of the process in my experience.

As a result, it's important to just keep going. Getting off track for a day or two doesn't mean you need to abandon the whole project and give up. This is where those boundaries you set up (or establish mid-project) can come in handy. Maybe you decide that editing a photo from another day that you hadn't touched yet counts. Or, just move forward, and the project will take a little longer than you originally planned. The important thing is to keep working at it and not let a few missteps derail the entire thing.

Looking back: what a project can change

I recently started a project with a friend, based on prompts that we alternate in choosing to try to overcome my most recent creative slump. This was for a black and white week. Photo: Abby Ferguson

To be honest, tackling a specific project is unlikely to be a dramatic, life-changing experience that will prevent you from ever struggling with your photography. However, it can be a driver of growth and help you learn a great deal about yourself and your photography.

Each of my projects helped me understand more about what inspires me, which is useful even when I'm not tackling a long-term project. Picking up my camera on a regular basis also inevitably improved my skills. And while far from every photograph from these projects was excellent (or even good, for that matter), I did produce a lot of images that I'm very proud of. Plus, they helped me identify subjects and genres I enjoy, guiding my photography over the years. At the risk of being cheesy and motivational, growth is growth, no matter how small.

I came across this sign in a park in St. Petersburg, Russia, many years ago. It says, "Attention! Keep an eye on your things." While the message is serious and a good reminder to tourists, I always thought the illustration was creative and amusing. Photo: Dale Baskin

Our January Editors' photo challenge theme is "Silly Signs."

This month, we're celebrating the silly and strange world of signage that tells an interesting story. Whether you're traveling across the country or just around the corner, show us a photo of a sign with a unique story to tell. It could be a massive billboard along a highway or a quirky notice in your local pub. We can't wait to see what you discover!

Photos can be submitted between Sunday, January 18, and Saturday, January 24 (GMT). The challenge is open to photos captured at any time.

Important: Images MUST include a title and a description of at least 25 words to be eligible. We need to be able to share the story behind your photo. We will consider both photos and captions when selecting our winners, so make sure to tell us that story!

Visit the challenge page to read the full rules and to submit your photos for consideration as soon as the challenge opens.

Visit the challenge page to see the full rules

A new Fujifilm X Half white edition camera was launched overseas:

Here are the Fujifilm X Half camera basic specifications:

• 1-inch 3:4 vertical CMOS sensor
• 17.74 million effective pixels
• Equivalent 32mm F2.8 lens
• Weighs only 240g
• 2-in-1 creative collage photos & videos
• Film camera mode for the fun of blind shooting
• 13 film simulations
• 19 creative filters
• Film advance lever unlocks various creative possibilities

Fujifilm X-Half camera accessories from SmallRig

The post Fujifilm X Half white edition camera launched overseas appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Here is what else is new:

Nikon begins construction of new buildings in Tochigi

Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 Pro APS-C lens for Nikon Z-mount now available

Additional information on the upcoming Light Lens Lab 75mm f/2 SP II lens for Leica M-mount

The new Leica M Safari and glossy black lenses are now shipping

Another Voigtlander Bessa digital rangefinder camera concept

In 2026, OM SYSTEM will celebrate its 90th anniversary of camera manufacturing, dating back to the days of the Olympus Imaging Business

The current OM SYSTEM rebates are ending tomorrow

OM SYSTEM at the 2026 CP+ show

OM-D E-M10 Mark IV camera listed as discontinued in Japan

Ricoh will hold the exhibition “Monochrome” at GR SPACE TOKYO

Pentax D-BG7 battery grip discontinued

Fujifilm X Half Firmware 1.30 Fixes Multiple Frustrating Bugs

New “instax mini Link+ ” Smartphone Printer Announced

OWC Substantial Memory Prices Increasing Coming January 8th

The post What else is new? appeared first on Photo Rumors.

The Khongor Sand Dunes in Mongolia, partially covered by snow and ice. DJI Mavic 2 Pro | ISO 100 | 1/200 sec | F8 Photo: Erez Marom

Today, I'd like to talk about my experience shooting landscapes and wildlife in Mongolia. Known for its remote location and as the world's least densely populated country, Mongolia encompasses some very interesting landscapes and wildlife. While hot in summer, in winter it goes into a deep freeze. Temperatures plummet, and as a result, both landscapes and wildlife change dramatically. It's definitely a whole different place in winter when it comes to photography.

My first visit to wintery Mongolia was in early 2020. A friend and I set out to spend a couple of weeks shooting both the Khongor dunes and the frozen Khuvsgul Lake, but after a week, we had to flee the country since Covid had just begun spreading uncontrollably. As our guides put it, it was either get on the next flight or settle in, set up a ger tent and find a nice Mongolian wife. The second visit, which took place in January 2025, was far better and more fruitful. I will share my images from both these trips in this article and the next.

The first location I visited in Mongolia was the Khongor Sand Dunes. Known as the "Singing Sands," It lies within the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park, extending up to the foot of the high Altai Mountain range. The dunes "sing" (produce a humming sound upon the movement of the sand) mainly in summer. In winter, the dunes are saturated with moisture from falling snow and become something else entirely.

Other than a few snowy patches, I had to settle for ordinary-looking dune shots, without any winter characteristics. Canon 5D IV | Canon 70-300mm Focus stack from 2 shots taken at 182mm | ISO 100 | F16

Another aerial image of the dunes. DJI Mavic 2 Pro | ISO 100 | 1/240 sec | F9 Photos: Erez Marom

Our goal was to shoot the dunes with snow and ice, which proved difficult. There isn't much precipitation in the area, so it's a big gamble, which we didn't really win. There were patches of snow, but it was mainly just dunes. The positive part was that the dunes had gigantic snowy mountains behind them, which is something that you rarely see. This combination really said "Mongolia," which is something I wanted to achieve.

Snowy dunes at the foot of snowy mountains – quite a unique sight. Canon 5D Mark IV | Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM | ISO 100 | 1/250 sec | F9

The next location was one I was supposed to visit back in 2020 but couldn't: Khuvsgul Lake. Khuvsgul is an ancient lake (more than 2 million years old) in northern Mongolia, located near the Russian border and adjacent to the similarly ancient Baikal Lake. As it is with Baikal, Khuvsgul's surface freezes in winter, forming an ice layer thick enough to drive a car on most of its surface. The wind's drag (and to a lesser degree the currents underneath) push parts of the frozen surface against each other, creating a myriad of cracks and shapes which are beautifully visible and shootable using a drone.

These cracks were so nice and symmetrical that they basically dictated the composition, leaving me with very little thinking work. DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/240 sec | F6.3

The lake has several rocky islands, and the movement of the surface pushes ice toward the banks, where it shatters and creates piles of icy debris, perfect for both near-far landscape compositions and abstract photography.

Ice slabs, pushed into a vertical position, created a natural foreground for this shot. Canon R5 Mark II | Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM | ISO 200 | 1/320 sec | F14

An abstract of shapes and light. Canon EOS R5 Mark II | Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM | ISO 100 | 1/100 sec | F11

Large pieces of ice get pushed up onto the lake's banks, adding color and interest to the foreground. Canon R5 Mark II | Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM | ISO 100 | 1/125 sec | F14

I particularly enjoyed shooting aerial abstracts of the lake's surface. The options are endless, plus the ice changes every winter, turning Khuvsgul into a truly infinite source of compositions.

These cracks shot top-down looked like a neural network! DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/100 sec | F6.3

This composition is nice because it shows the huge ice slabs with large cracks between them, the snowy patches dotting the surface, and the smaller cracks filling the ice. Can you spot our car? DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/200 sec | F6.3

I know it doesn't seem like it, but this is 100% natural. As is often the case with abstract photography, it's a bit challenging to perceive the scale of things. Is this a frozen lake or a petri dish? I like the combination of rough surface ice with large cracks, opposed by clear ice with smaller, finer cracks. DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/80 sec | F6.3

These cracks looked just like man-made roads. I was fascinated by the shapes and textures in the ice. DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/100 sec | F6.3 Photos: Erez Marom

Different parts of the lake have different depths and thus different colors. When shooting close to the banks, where the water is shallow, the ice has a more turquoise color. When shooting at the center, where it's deeper, the color is a deep shade of blue.

The larger and smaller cracks combined to create both the foreground and texture of this image. The contour of the bank and the mountains in the background completed the composition. DJI Mavic 3 Classic | ISO 100 | 1/160 sec | F7.1

In the second part of this article, I will talk about shooting landscape in the Jargant River and wildlife in the vast Mongolian Steppe.

Erez Marom is a professional nature photographer, guide and traveller. You can follow Erez's work on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to his mailing list for updates.

If you'd like to experience and shoot some of the world's most fascinating landscapes and wildlife with Erez as your guide, take a look at his unique photography workshops in Zambia, Colombia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Ethiopia and more.

Erez has recently published his first e-book, Solving the Puzzle, thoroughly explaining his views about composition in landscape photography and beyond.

Selected Articles by Erez Marom:

• Lava Frenzy: Shooting Fagradalsfjall Volcano
• Behind the Shot: Tambora Sandwich
• Parallelism in Landscape Photography
• Black Hole Sun: Shooting the Total Solar Eclipse in Argentina
• Winds of Change: Shooting Changing landscapes
• Demon of the Deep: Shooting Kawah Ijen Volcano
• Shooting Kīlauea Volcano, Part 1: How to Melt a Drone
• Whatever It Doesn't Take

More practically, the camera is also $200 off at most retailers, too. Photo: Richard Butler

Sometimes, sales don't make a ton of sense, but are all the more intriguing for it. That's certainly the case with one Adorama is running right now: if you buy a Fujifilm X-T5 with a 16-80mm F4 lens, you'll not only get $100 off the normal price of the kit, but you'll also receive... a free X half?

Seriously. If you go to the US retailer's page for the X-T5, select that kit lens and set the kit style to "base," you'll see a pop-up saying it comes with a "free gift" valued at $649; a black X half camera. Add it to your cart, and they both show up.

While I haven't fully gone through the checkout process, as far as I can tell this deal is real.

Currently, this deal seems relegated to Adorama. While the X-T5 is on sale at other retailers for the same price, no other stores that we found were throwing in an X half with it.

If we're being honest, it seems like a bit of an odd pairing to us. When we reviewed the X half, we found that it was a fun camera as long as you didn't try to treat it like a serious photography tool. While that might make it seem like a good complement to the X-T5, which is a serious piece of equipment, it's also easy to imagine that the type of person looking to buy an X-T camera might quickly get annoyed by the X half.*

Still, there's probably enough overlap between the two markets that at least a few of our readers will be excited by this news. Adorama doesn't say how long the offer will last, or whether supplies or limited, so if you're in the market for a X-T5 and were curious about the X half, it may be better to act sooner, rather than later.

Also worth noting: the X half has been selling for less than its original MSRP of $850, with several retailers offering it for $649.

* - Though, to overanalyze it further, would that kind of buyer really go for the 16-80mm F4?

Thanks to Jonikon for posting about the deal in our forums.

Image: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)

Today marks the end of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the annual trade show that showcases innovative technology and devices. While photography once played a more prominent role at the event, many major camera companies no longer participate, and headlines now tend to focus on flashy TVs and odd gadgets instead. That doesn't mean there wasn't anything for photographers and videographers, though. We’ve rounded up some of the most interesting photography and videography-related gear unveiled this week so you can see what's new.

Storage

Computers are a core component of CES, so it makes sense that new storage devices are also fairly common throughout the show. This year was no different, with multiple brands unveiling new products.

Other World Computing (OWC)

Image: OWC

OWC made a few announcements at CES this year. First, the ThunderBlade X12 RAID SSD, which was announced last year, is now available with a capacity of 192TB. That's double the capacity of the original device. For video professionals, that much storage isn't out of the realm of reasonable, as Raw video files can be exceptionally large.

The drive is also fast, with promised speeds of up to 6600MB/s peak and 5990MB/s sustained write speeds thanks to its Thunderbolt 5 technology. OWC says it is the first and only Thunderbolt 5 RAID shuttle drive with this capacity in a compact form factor. The drive won't be available until "mid-2026" and no pricing information is available yet. However, the 96TB model costs $16,800, so be prepared for an eye-watering price to match the eye-watering amount of storage.

Image: OWC

OWC also announced a slightly more consumer-friendly product as an extension of its Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD lineup. The company's portable SSD is now available in an 8TB capacity, joining the existing 2TB and 4TB options. OWC says it is the first Thunderbolt 5 bus-powered 8TB drive. It promises speeds of over 6000MB/s with a large amount of storage for professionals on the go. It's also crushproof, dustproof and waterproof, with an IP67 rating. It's still not cheap by any means, with a $1700 price tag, but it is available for purchase now.

Lexar

Image: Lexar

This year marks Lexar's 30th anniversary of being in business, and the brand is celebrating at CES with a range of new flagship products. That includes the Lexar Professional Silver Plus microSDXC UHS-I card, with capacity up to 2TB. Lexar promises 255MB/s read and 180MB/s write speeds, but the V30 rating only guarantees the ability to sustain 30MB/s read/write.

Images: Lexar

The company also showed off the Lexar Air Portable SSD. It's a highly compact SSD that weighs just 17g (0.6oz) and features a carabiner loop, making it easier to keep on hand. It comes in light blue or black, so you can pick one that fits your vibe. Lexar promises speeds up to 400MB/s, and says it offers two-meter drop protection. It's available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities.

Another SSD on display was the TouchLock Portable SSD. It offers a dual-encryption system with an integrated NFC chip and 128-bit AES hardware encryption. Each drive has a unique ID, allowing access only through a registered smartphone that you tap to unlock. It's highly compact (only 7mm thick and 40g) and magnetic, so it can attach to the back of your iPhone. Like the Air mentioned above, it's available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities.

Lexar didn't provide pricing or availability information for the new products, so we'll have to wait to see how those shake out.

Hohem

Image: Hohem

Hohem is best known for its budget-friendly gimbals and mics, but now, it's entering a new market: SSDs. The company announced its first SSD, aptly named the SSD-01. It's a smartphone-focused drive with a tiny form factor and a flip-up USB-C plug so you can more easily attach it to your phone for ProRes Raw and Open Gate recording on supported iPhones.

The drive comes in 1TB and 2TB capacities, and Hohem promises 2000MB/s read and 1800MB/s write speeds. It also offers two extra USB-C ports so you can charge devices or plug in accessories like mics. Hohem hasn't said when it will be available, but the 1TB will cost $219 and the 2TB drive will be $339.

Audio

There were also some new microphones on display at CES this week, aimed at creators using either phones or dedicated cameras.

Shure

The updated MV88 now features a USB-C connector for Android phones and modern iPhones. Image: Shure

This year, Shure is updating the MV88, a small, stereo microphone made to plug in to the bottom of your phone via USB-C as an upgrade to your phone's internal microphones. It features an all-metal construction, and has the ability to both swivel and rotate, making it easier to point it at the audio source, no matter which way you're holding your phone.

As with most gadgets these days, there's a corresponding app to give you access to features like auto-leveling, denoising, and the ability to switch the microphone's pickup pattern.

The MV88 works with Android, iOS and most computer operating systems, and will be available later this month for $159.

SmallRig

SmallRig is continuing to push into the wireless microphone space with its new S70 system, which includes two transmitters with built-in lavaliere mics, a receiver made to mount on a camera's hotshoe and plug in via a 3.5mm cable, a receiver designed to plug into a USB-C device and a charging case to keep it all running and in once place.

While the set may not have every feature under the sun – it doesn't support 32-bit float backup recording like the DJI Mic 3 – it's also only $90. The company says it starts to shipping orders to the US on January 12th, and to other regions three days later.

Cameras

Image: Dreame

While there were plenty of robots with cameras and security camera-type devices at CES, there weren't any major camera releases from familiar brands. However, we did see an action camera from a company best known for its robot vacuums: Dreame.

The Dreame Leaptic Cube looks remarkably like the DJI Osmo Nano, which itself is very similar to the Insta360 Go series. Like those, it's a modular camera that can magnetically attach to a pod with a screen, or be worn on its own. However, the Leaptic Cube offers 8K video in 10-bit with 50MP photo resolution and a Type 1/1.3 sensor. Dreame also says the camera offers gyro AI image stabilization and 13.5 stops of dynamic range. It promises 200 minutes of runtime with the pod, pre-recording, wireless control from the pod and gesture control.

There are also other AI features built in, including AI Scene Optimization, which Dream says will recognize scenes such as city nights and fireworks and then enhance vibrance, clarity and depth depending on the scene. It can also automatically edit portraits to "enhance your beauty" while leaving the background untouched.

It certainly looks promising for such a tiny camera. Pricing and availability still haven't been announced, but you can find out more at the Leaptic website.

Gimbals

Hohem

The Hohem iSteady M3 gimbals have built-in cameras for tracking subjects. Image: Hohem

Hohem also introduced two new additions to its gimbal lineup, the iSteady MT3 and MT3 Pro. Both are designed to be used with mirrorless systems with 1.4kg (3.1lbs) and
2.5kg (5.5lbs) payload capacities, respectively, and feature an integrated fill light, but their big trick comes from their built-in cameras. They're not used to capture footage; rather, they allow the gimbal to track a selected subject, letting you focus on just moving the camera, rather than also having to control where the camera is pointed.

The iSteady MT3 can track humans, while the MT3 Pro is also capable of automatically moving the camera to follow pets, vehicles and arbitrary objects as well. The Pro also comes with a detachable remote that wirelessly shows you (or a camera operator) a live feed, while also allowing you to control the gimbal's settings and movements, if you'd rather not leave it up to AI.

Both models include a quick release plate and base, which lets you easily change your camera's orientation from horizontal to vertical, depending on what platform you're shooting video for. They'll be available for pre-order in the US starting on January 20th, with the standard iSteady MT3 going for $329 and the Pro model running $449.

The previously rumored Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II lens for EF/F/Z/E mount is now officially announced:

• US: B&H Photo
• Worldwide: Meike store

Additional information:

The post Announced: new Meike AF 85mm f/1.8 SE Mark II lens (EF/F/Z/E) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

 
Godox has updated their smallest/pocket AD100 Pro series flash to Mark II (pre-order here). Additional information:

• Compact 100Ws outdoor flash, up to 490 full-power flashes
• Up to 100 consecutive full-power flashes @ 85mm
• Natural, even output with Godox Optical System
• 16-color group indicators for fast identification
• TTL auto flash & 1/8000s HSS
• Fast sync with X3Pro & X3 triggers
• Godox 2.4GHz Wireless X System (433MHz supported)
• USB-C rechargeable battery
• Compatible with AK-R1 round-head accessories
• Supports Bowens-mount modifiers with optional S3 bracket

New Godox XR TTL wireless receiver for Canon, Nikon, and Sony

Godox announced a new AD300Pro II all-in-one outdoor flash

The post Godox has updated their smallest/pocket AD100 Pro series flash to Mark II appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Bull elk take shelter in a morning fog while grazing the Grass Flat Tank meadow. Nikon Z9 + Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 VR S | F6.3 | 1/25 sec | ISO 12800 Photo: Bill Ferris

Editor's note: This article launches a new series highlighting DPReview community members, their photography, and the gear they depend on. If you'd like to be featured in a future installment, please use the submission link at the bottom of this page.

DPReview community member and volunteer moderator Bill Ferris loves wildlife and the outdoors. A lot. By his own estimate, he spends about 150 days each year in the field, trading the comforts of home for pre-dawn conditions in the Arizona high country. The result of his dedication is a portfolio of spectacular images born of persistence and patience.

We asked Bill to take us into his world, including his beginnings in photography, his photographic process, and what gear he relies on to get the job done.

Getting started

Like many of us, Bill's obsession with photography was sparked by family members and the work of other photographers.

"My father used to present slide shows from his backpacking trips. His photos took me to places and revealed experiences I dreamed of. He passed away too early in 1981."

"I recall the day I saw "Afghan Girl" on the cover of National Geographic magazine. I looked at and studied that face for hours. Those eyes."

Three bald eagles enjoy the sunrise while perched near northern Arizona's Lower Lake Mary. Nikon D500 + Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E VR | F8 | 1/2000 sec | ISO 640 Photo: Bill Ferris

"My interest in photography took a back seat to college and work until 1993. That was when I bought my first camera, a used Nikon F3 film body. I remember how it felt in my hands in the camera store. It had brassing, nicks and scratches. She was rough around the edges, but perfect. I imagined the F3 had been used by a photojournalist to cover wars. I used that camera and a small collection of lenses to do photography on vacations and a little night sky photography."

Shooting in the Arizona high country

Based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Bill has turned the surrounding high country into his personal studio, focusing on wildlife, including large mammals and raptors.

"I spend a lot of time driving Lake Mary Rd. It's a two-lane asphalt that cuts a path through the Coconino National Forest, heading southeast from Flagstaff past Lower and Upper Lake Mary to Mormon Lake and beyond."

"My subjects include elk, pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes and other mammals. When it comes to birds, my favorite subjects are raptors. Mormon Lake overlook is home to a wide variety of species: bald and golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, northern harriers, ferruginous and rough-legged hawks, peregrine and prairie falcons, American kestrels, and turkey vultures."

Photographing these subjects requires more than just a long lens. It means getting up early and being familiar with his subjects.

"Photographing these subjects requires more than just a long lens. It means getting up early and being familiar with his subjects."

"Lower Lake Mary is usually a dry lakebed and a favorite grazing spot for the area elk and pronghorn. From May through September, I'll leave the house a couple of hours before sunrise, drive to a gravel pullout along Lake Mary Rd, park and walk in darkness across the lakebed to set up at the edge of the forest. Often, I'll sit with my back against a juniper tree, concealed beneath a LensCoat fabric photo hide with my camera on a gimbal head tripod."

A Red-tailed hawk soars past Bill's lens. Nikon D610 + Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E VR | F5.6 | 1/2000 sec | ISO 1100 Photo: Bill Ferris

"Whether photographing wildlife or birds, I prefer locations where the Sun will be at my back and with water nearby. Food and water meet the animals' needs. Open fields address my preference for clean surroundings and backgrounds."

Beyond camera skills, Bill attributes his success to a keen understanding of his subjects' behavior, gained through years of observation.

"Beyond camera skills, Bill attributes his success to a keen understanding of his subjects' behavior, gained through years of observation."

"I've learned over the last decade that raptors like to ride the prevailing winds out of the west and southwest, soaring along the rim to hunt the dry lakebed below. While red-tailed and most other hawk species like to survey their hunting grounds from high above, northern harriers like to fly just above the tall grass of a field, looking and listening for the sounds of their prey."

"Harriers are a special favorite. They're wary of humans and, if you can get close, have such beautiful plumage and expressive faces."

What's in your bag?

Bill's photography kit is surprisingly lean, optimized for reach, mobility and blending in so as not to spook his subjects.

"From 2018 to 2024, my main wildlife and bird kit was a Nikon D500 paired with a Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E VR. In May 2024, I treated myself to a retirement gift: an upgrade to a Nikon Z9 paired with a Nikkor 800mm F6.3 VR S prime lens."

Bill's camera bag is is the padded bag Nikon provided with his Nikkor 800mm F6.3 VR S prime lens. Other essential items in his kit include tripod, camp chair, blind and toiletry supplies for when nature calls. Photo: Bill Ferris

"I chose this mirrorless system for a few reasons. Over the years, I've come to appreciate that photography is all about the glass. It's the lens that forms the image captured by the camera. The Nikkor 800mm PF is a unicorn. It's a long focal length prime lens that's handholdable and great in low light."

"When deciding what to upgrade to, I reviewed the best photos I'd made with the D500 and 200-500mm lens and found that 85% were made with the zoom at 450mm or greater focal length. Given that I routinely crop my photos, I concluded that 90% or more of my favorite images were made using a 750mm full-frame equivalent angle of view."

In addition to camera and lens, Bill carries a few key accessories, but keeps his kit mobile.

"I bring a Benro TMA38CL Mach3 carbon fiber tripod with a GH2 aluminum gimbal head for camera/lens support. That's in the left hand. In the right, I carry a Tragopan V6 photo blind. Atop that bag is a Coleman folding camp chair. I pack a LensCoat fabric photo hide inside the hide bag."

A mountain lion leaps over deadfall while evading a curious photographer in the Coconino National Forest. Bill captured this photo when the cougar suddenly emerged from the forest righ in front of him, raising his camera and firing off 15 exposures in two seconds. He admits it's not the greatest photo, but says it means a lot to him as it documents a close encounter with an apex predator. Nikon D500 + Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E VR | F8 | 1/2000 sec | ISO 2000 Photo: Bill Ferris

"I keep camera accessories to a minimum. I stow a spare battery, Peak Design Slide camera strap, body and lens rear cap in the side pockets. I rarely use any of it, but it's nice to have just in case."

Bill also reminds us that sometimes the most critical piece of gear isn't a camera or a lens.

"Bill also reminds us that sometimes the most critical piece of gear isn't a camera or a lens."

"The most useful and essential accessory I bring – and I'll admit, we're entering the too much information zone with this one – is a quart ziplock bag containing four snack-size ziplocks. The snack-size ziplocks each contain four sheets of facial tissue," he tells us. "I'm often out from an hour or two before sunrise until 10 or 11 am. Nature is going to call, and one must be prepared. I bury the solid waste and pack home any used tissues for proper disposal."

Finally, Bill proves that sometimes, the best bag for carrying your camera is the one in the box.

A pronghorn and two fawns. Nikon Z9 + Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 VR S | F6.3 | 1/200 sec | ISO 3200 Photo: Bill Ferris

"I use the padded nylon bag Nikon shipped with the 800mm F6.3 VR S as my camera bag. The Z9 with 800 PF attached fits in the bag. The strap slings over my head and across the opposite shoulder. I like it because it's the smallest, lightest option I have for carrying this gear, and it was free... with the $6K lens."

Bill's advice for other photographers

"Get out with your camera as often as possible. You'll never make a great photo unless you're out trying to make a great photo."

Would you like to be featured in a future installment of 'What's in your bag?' Tell us a bit about yourself and your photography by filling out this form. If you're selected for a feature, we'll be in touch with next steps.

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Vietnam - Mamiya 7 - Fuji Provia 100F. Photo: Community member MyReality

In last week's Question of the week, our community eagerly awaited the arrival of 2026 with a healthy list of New Year's resolutions, ranging from committing to a better understanding of current gear to rethinking old habits. Many of you also said, "I need to slow down!" when preparing for that perfect shot. While a great opportunity doesn't always wait for us, it was clear from your resolutions that you felt it would help to take more time setting up the shot when possible.

Sharing your resolutions

For the resolutions quoted below, we aimed to showcase a variety of experiences and interesting stories. I was especially impressed with SJSNIKON's commitment to their photo collection of 60,000 images dedicated to Dutch cultural heritage. Nice work! And great job faunagraphy for capturing a great shot of that tiger without it capturing you first :-).

For the photos shared, we were able to include nearly all of the submissions. Thank you for including a photo with your responses when possible. It makes it a lot more fun when we can share them with your comments.

Read on for a spotlight selection of contributions, and then join our forum community to share your great photos and the stories they tell.

DaveZSmitty: I recently bought a refurbished D7500, and I'm getting used to using the back LCD to make my changes, unlike my D7000, which had a top screen behind the shutter button. So, I'm training my muscle memory for the new camera in 2026.

Minibike: I'm a primes guy, but I'm going to do the opposite and use zooms as my main lenses, with the goal of getting better at seeing compositions within a bigger scene and zooming in to isolate them. Also, be aggressive in deleting pointless photos. I think it was HCB who said something like, There is no salvage, there is only yes or no. If I stick to that philosophy, I'll have about five keepers in 2026 :).

Hike Pics: To sell/donate a LOT of my cameras, at least half of them. They are taking up way too much space in my studio. Funny thing is, I said the same exact thing early this year!

Click here to see everyone's resolutions

A wild opportunity to capture a great photo with a tiger. Photo: Community member faunagraphy

faunagraphy: My New Year's resolution is to try to be less of a technical perfectionist. This goes against my nature - often, I am out in nature experiencing things that would be the envy of many people, and yet, I return home unhappy because my photos fall short of my idea of perfection. They could always be more detailed or sharper; perhaps the shutter speed was too low or too high, or perhaps my compositions should have been wider or tighter. If a photo is slightly out of focus, or slightly blurry, or without the max possible amount of detail, it's a "lost opportunity" - no matter how compelling a story it tells.

Satyaa: Figure out how to get good value from using my gear, without buying more gear that I "want" (not need).

RJSNIKON: Happy New Year, everybody! My New Year's resolution in the photographic field is to prepare my 60,000+ photo collection on Dutch cultural heritage for transfer into the collection of the cultural heritage organization where I work when I retire (in a few years).

Keith Cooper: Two related things - print more and print bigger, and produce at least one large print that stops people, makes them look, and prompts them to wonder how I did it. By large, I mean needing at least 64" roll paper.

A lonely tree on a grassy hill-top with the sun shining through. Photo: Community member DuckShots

DuckShots: Funny you should ask, because I had just made a list. Tired of my wall hangings, which need a bit of freshening up with recent photos. I need to be more disciplined in shooting and filing self-portraits, something I do to maintain my skills in light of the absence of people who will sit for a portrait. I shoot every day, a practice I will maintain, but these shoots should include more exploration. No more books. I need to go back and review what I have.

dollarslice: Think about what else I can do with existing photography versus constantly feeling the need to go shoot more. Last year I put together a small book of black and white photos I've made, next I want to make one of my color work. I also desperately need to back up and organize all my files.

AfzalKhanVisuals: From 2026, I am planning to change a few things in my photography. These ideas are not entirely new, but they feel necessary. One thing is to push photography further into storytelling, not just images, but the art of stories. Stories of human behavior, fleeting moments, nature, and the quiet truth of being human.

Sam Bennett: I want to leave a more substantial "paper trail." So much of what I do is for social media - whether it's for myself or the venues that I work for. That's all well and good, but as I get older, I want to ensure that what I do is available in a tangible form. So I've started printing more - even if it's these tiny Instax prints. When I photograph bands, I typically finish processing the "quick picks" for the marketing team, so it's easy to print these out and hand them to the band.

Taken as a whole, these resolutions show that you are thinking strategically about what you want from your photography this year. There’s less emphasis on chasing perfection or new gear, and more on printing work, telling better stories, editing with purpose, and creating something that we can all admire.

Keep watch for the next Question of the week every other Wednesday to participate in this series. New questions are posted here on the homepage and in the forums. We can't wait to read and share your stories!

What are your resolutions for this year? Click here to join the discussion!

Image: Fujifilm

Fujifilm has announced a surprising addition to its popular Instax camera line: the Instax Mini Evo Cinema. The camera builds on Fujifilm's existing Evo lineup, which focuses on a hybrid of digital and instant film, adding the ability to record video. It offers a handful of unexpected features, including an "Eras Dial."

The Mini Evo Cinema features a design vaguely reminiscent of the Fujica Single-8 camcorder from the 1960s. It shares the vertical orientation and a trigger for recording video. You won't be recording feature-length films with it, though, as it's only capable of 15-second clips. You can view videos instantly on the small rear display, and then choose individual scenes to print to Instax film. The Instax prints also feature a QR code that allows you to play the video, though Fujifilm notes that it will only store videos on its servers for two years, so you'll want to be sure to download them before that time runs out.

When you print a still from a video, a QR code is added. Image: Fujifilm

Should you want to make the camera look even more retro, there's an optional viewfinder attachment that converts the small screen into an electronic viewfinder. There's also an attachment to make the grip more prominent, and a dedicated case.

The camera also features an "Eras Dial" that would make Taylor Swift proud. It offers 10 different settings that change the look of the footage to recreate the feel of each era, spanning from 1930 to 2020. It also adds sounds, such as the whir of film reels, for a more complete experience. Each effect provides 10 levels of adjustment to fine-tune the result.

The "Eras Dial" allows you to change the look and sound of your videos. Image: Fujifilm

On the stills side of things, you trigger a print by using a lever that Fujifilm says is designed to evoke the feel of winding film. Like the other Evo cameras, you can print images you take with the camera like a traditional instant camera, or print photos from your smartphone.

There's a small display on the back of the camera. Image: Fujifilm

The camera is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and connects to the Instax app, which allows you to view photos and videos captured with the device. You can also combine video clips to create videos up to 30 seconds long with cinematic opening and ending templates. There are also poster templates for you to create movie posters by adding text.

The camera is only available in Japan, and is slated to go on sale January 30th. Fujifilm hasn't shared full specs – such as what size or resolution sensor the camera is using or battery life – or a price as of yet. For now, we'll have to wait on details, and to find out if it will be available elsewhere.

Here is an updated list of the latest/upcoming/rumored Viltrox lenses:

• Viltrox 50mm f/1.2 LAB
• Viltrox 85mm f/1.2 LAB

• Viltrox 55mm f/1.8 EVO (E/Z)
• Viltrox 35mm f/1.8 EVO (E/Z)

• Viltrox AF 50mm f/1.4 Pro lens for Nikon Z-mount

• Viltrox AF 16mm f/1.8 for L-mount
• Viltrox AF 28mm f/4.5 for L-mount

• Viltrox tilt-shift lens

• Viltrox lenses for Canon RF mount

• Viltrox AF 35-50mm f/1.4 zoom lens (or similar)

• New Viltrox Chip series pancake lenses

Updated list of latest/upcoming/rumored Chinese lenses

Here is an updated list of photo gear promo codes you can use during this holiday shopping season

The post What’s coming next from Viltrox (updated) appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: Godox

Godox has announced an update to its popular portable strobe, the AD100Pro II. The new model retains many of the well-regarded features of the original, while introducing worthy refinements such as an improved cooling system and updated wireless control.

Like the first iteration, the AD100Pro II delivers 100Ws of power, which can be adjusted in nine steps. However, Godox upgraded the cooling architecture of the flash, and it's now capable of 60 to 100 consecutive full-power flashes without overheating. It also features a higher-capacity 3300mAh battery (up from 2600mAh in the original), rated for up to 490 full-power flashes, and rechargeable via USB-C.

Godox added a group indicator light on the body of the flash, which uses 16 color options to indicate different groups during multi-light setups. The color-coded lights make it much easier to see which group a specific unit is assigned to at a glance, allowing for faster adjustments. A new full-color display on the back makes it easy to see and adjust settings. While the flash still uses the Godox 2.4GHz X wireless system, it now also supports 433 MHz connectivity. Godox also added compatibility with its new X3-series triggers, with quick-sync pairing with the X3 and X3Pro for faster setup time.

Despite the new features and larger battery, it's still very lightweight, coming in at 564g (1.2lbs). It's also still very compact, measuring 122.2 x 76.0 x 76.0mm (4.81 x 2.99 x 2.99"), making it easy to toss in a bag for shoots out of the studio.

Image: Godox

Otherwise, the AD100Pro II offers familiar features. It offers a recycle time that ranges from 0.01-1.5 seconds, depending on flash power. It supports TTL compatibility for automatic exposure, and with high-speed sync, you can shoot at shutter speeds as fast as 1/8000s. It also supports front and rear curtain sync. A built-in magnetic mount enables compatibility with Godox's round-head accessories, allowing for fast and versatile light modification. It offers a transmission range of 100m (328') and a 5W modeling lamp with 10 brightness levels.

The new Godox AD100Pro II is available for preorder now for $299 with an expected shipping date of January 27.

Buy now:

Fujifilm announced a new Instax Mini Evo cinema camera that also shoots video in Japan (check for pricing at B&H Photo). Here are the main features of the Instax Mini Evo cinema camera:

•  Capture videos and hand them over as instax prints with QR codes
• Features various “Eras Dial” effects inspired by different eras
• Design that enhances the shooting experience with a vertical Grip and analog feel
• Dedicated app for viewing and editing captured videos
• Will be available in Japan on January 30, 2026.

Additional information:

The “Evo Series” is a hybrid instant camera that allows users to take pictures with viewing the LCD monitor on the back of the camera and select their favorite shots to print, and enjoy an immersive photography experience with a variety of creative effects.
The mini Evo Cinema can capture both still images and videos. It converts captured video data into a QR code*1 and creates an instax print together with a still image cut out from the video, allowing users to “hand over a video”. By turning videos into instax prints, users can not only preserve memorable moments spent with loved ones in tangible form, but also easily revisit the video anytime via the QR code.
As a new feature, the camera is equipped with the “Eras Dial”, which lets users experience effects inspired by different eras.10 “Eras Dial” effects are available, including “1960” inspired by 8mm film cameras. Each effect has 10 adjustable levels, offering a total of 100 possible expressions. These effects capture the unique flavor of each era, letting users shoot extraordinary, special videos and still images with a sense of time travel.

The camera features a vertical grip design inspired by Fujifilm’s “FUJICA Single-8”, an 8mm camera introduced in 1965. Its meticulously crafted design and analog operation enhance the enjoyment of shooting and printing. The dedicated app*2 allows users to edit videos by combining clips and adding cinematic opening and ending templates, making it possible to create them more special. Furthermore, it features a “Direct Print Function” that lets users turn smartphone images into instax prints. The mini Evo Cinema is a 3-in-1 camera that not only captures videos and still images but also functions as a smartphone printer.

The post Fujifilm announces a new Instax Mini Evo cinema camera that also shoots video in Japan appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Photo: Mitchell Clark

Before the holidays, we put the Sony a7 V in front of our studio test scene to see for ourselves how good its dynamic range performance is. Now that we're fully into the swing of 2026, it's time to take a look at what our studio scene reveals about its image quality.

Our test scene is designed to simulate a variety of textures, colors, and detail types you'll encounter in the real world. It also has two illumination modes, full even light and low directional light, to see the effect of different lighting conditions.

Comparing processed Raws at base ISO, the a7 V's 33MP sensor provides a similar level of detail to cameras with similar resolutions, such as its predecessor and Canon's EOS R6 III, while offering a bump up from its 24MP competitors. It does appear that Sony has slightly tweaked the formula for the camera's color response compared to the a7 IV, and we've found the JPEGs it puts out to be pleasing.

At high ISOs, the a7 V's Raws show a touch more noise than those of its competition, a trend that continues as you push your ISO higher, but its JPEG engine does a decent job of reducing noise while still retaining details. Its ISO range extends a stop higher than the Canon EOS R6 III's, but in most circumstances, this simply means you have a wider range of settings that provide an unusable image.

Overall, the a7 V's images are very similar to the a7 IV's, but its partially stacked sensor brings better low-ISO dynamic range and burst rates without any noticeable impact on image quality.

The previously rumored NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 standard zoom full-frame mirrorless lens is now officially announced:

• Pre-orders: B&H Photo | Paul’s Photo | Service Photo | WEX Photo | Foto Erhardt | Camera Canada
• Comparing the new NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f 4-7.1 lens with the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
• Additional information
• Press release:

Nikon announced a new Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 standard zoom full-frame mirrorless lens

The post Nikon announced a new Nikkor Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 lens appeared first on Photo Rumors.

Image: Nikon

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 24-105mm F4-7.1, a budget zoom lens for its full frame cameras. It's designed to be lightweight and relatively compact, despite its relatively versatile focal range.

The lens is made up of 12 elements in 10 groups, with one ED element and two aspherical lenses. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.2m (7.9") on the wide end, which increases to 0.28m 11") on the long end, which lets you obtain 0.5x reproduction from 70 to 105mm.

It's a relatively light lens at 350g (12.4oz), and is only 107mm (4.2") long when retracted, so it won't be too hard to carry around with you. It has a 67mm thread for filters. While the company says it's "designed with consideration for dust and drip-resistance," we wouldn't expect it to have the level of weather sealing as the company's more premium lenses.

As most modern budget lenses do, the 24-105mm F4-7.1 uses a stepper motor for autofocusing, which Nikon says will provide "fast and quiet autofocusing" for stills and video shooting. The lens also has a customizable ring, which you can set to control a variety of settings like focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO.

It's an interesting addition to Nikon's lineup, especially considering its availability as a kit option for the company's budget full frame entry, the Z5II. The company's 24-120mm F4 S has been widely lauded and offers slightly more reach, but is more expensive and heavier. The same is true of the 24-200mm F4-6.3, another Z5II kit option that offers even more reach.

The Nikon 24-105mm F4-7.1 will be available starting in "mid January" at a suggested retail price of $550. It'll also be available in a kit with the Z5II for $2200, around $350 more than the camera's standalone retail price.

Manufacturer Samples

Photos provided by Nikon

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-105mm F4-7.1 specifications:

Image: Meike

2026 is kicking off with quite the selection of fast prime lenses for APS-C cameras. First, 7Artisans unveiled a trio of F1.8 lenses. Now, Meike has released the AF 23mm F1.4 lens (35mm equiv.), which is available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts.

Meike's latest lens features autofocus powered by an STM motor, which Meike claims is quiet and responsive. It's compatible with face and eye detection, including during video recording. Meike also says there's minimal distortion and focus breathing. It can focus as close as 0.25m (9.8").

Image: Meike

The optical design comprises 13 elements in 11 groups, and it features a 9-blade aperture. It offers a 58mm filter thread. It's relatively compact and lightweight to feel at home on smaller APS-C bodies, measuring 66.5mm x 81mm (2.6 x 3.2") and weighing 298g (10.5oz) for the E mount model, and 302g (10.6oz) for the Z mount version.

Unlike many budget lenses, the Meike 23mm F1.4 offers some on-lens controls. That includes an aperture ring and an AF/MF switch. It also features a water and oil-repellent coating on the front element and offers a USB-C port for firmware updates. The lens also supports EXIF data.

The Meike AF 23mm F1.4 is available for purchase as of today for E and Z mounts through Meike's website for $290. The product page also has references to an X mount version that doesn't seem to be available yet, but hopefully Fujifilm users don't have to wait long for that addition.

Buy now:

Image: 7Artisans

7Artisans has launched a new series of autofocus lenses for APS-C cameras. The 'Lite' lineup, which is currently only listed on the company's Chinese-language website, consists of 25mm F1.8, 35mm F1.8 and 50mm F1.8 lenses made for Sony E mount and Fujifilm X mount.

The new Lite series, as the name suggests, focuses on compact size and low weight. All three lenses weigh between 178g (6.3oz) and 183g (6.5oz). They share the same dimensions, measuring 67mm by 51mm (2.6 x 2"), and all use a 58mm filter thread. That means users don't need to buy separate filters for each lens, and it makes the trio easier to use with a gimbal as well.

A sample image listed on the 7Artisans website for the new series. Image: 7Artisans

The 25mm lens (37mm equiv.) features an optical design comprised of eight elements in five groups. The 35mm (52mm equiv.) utilizes seven elements in six groups, and the 50mm (75mm equiv.) of six elements in five groups. 7Artisans says that all three lenses use high-refractive-index glass to reduce aberrations while keeping weight minimal. All three lenses feature a nine-blade aperture and an aperture range of F1.8 to F16.

The Lite lineup's autofocus is powered by STM motors, with support for eye detection and tracking. The 25mm lens can focus as close as 0.25m (9.8"), the 35mm at 0.35m (13.8") and the 50mm at 0.55m (21.6"). Aside from a focusing ring and a USB-C port for firmware updates, the lenses lack any additional controls, which isn't surprising given their budget price.

The three lenses aren't yet listed on the 7Artisan's English website. Interestingly, they were initially available for preorder through B&H, but those listings have since been removed. When the pages were up, they were listed at $125 each with an expected shipping date of May 04, 2026.