Amateur Photographer

Published by Time Inc. (UK) Ltd Amateur Photographer is the world's oldest weekly magazine for photography enthusiasts. With its unique weekly format, it is the first for news and events, plus features on techniques, equipment tests and darkroom advice. It appeals to those interested in buying and learning about digital and film photographic equipment, wanting advice on improving their technique, and learning about the greats in photography. Regular features on reader portfolios, darkroom, digital, black & white and photographer profiles ensure all areas of photography are covered. With an audience of dedicated photography enthusiasts.

A week in photography

This week in 1966 • TREASURES FROM THE HULTON ARCHIVE

#appicof the week Win

It’good to share • Our favourite photos posted by readers on our social media channels this week

New calendar supports the homeless

Canon reveals 5.2mm f/2.8 VR fisheye lens

New Rotolights offer world firsts

Wildlife POTY winners revealed

Range of new products from Manfrotto

Rewarding great customer service

Books • The latest and best books from the world of photography

From the archive • Nigel Atherton looks back at past AP issues

Close-up and macro 30 common mistakes and how to avoid them • From overlooking familiar subjects to misunderstanding technical terms and being afraid of blur, Tracy Calder – co-founder of Close-up Photographer of the Year – describes 30 of the most common close-up challenges and how to overcome them

Harry Benson

Win!

Amateur Photographer

Inbox

Chemical attraction • When it comes to close-ups, Yogendra Joshi’s beautiful photographs really do take it to the extreme. Here he tells Amy Davies more

Amateur Photographer of the Year • Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Eight, Travel, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

Round Eight Travel

ROUND EIGHT WINNER, YOUNG APOY

Winning kit from MPB • The gear our winners used can be found at MPB

CAMERA CLUB COMPETITION

The 2021 leaderboards

Behind the print • Claire Gillo tells us how she tidied up, toned and sharpened her butterfly image ready for print

Claire Gillo

PREPARING FOR PRINTING

Claire’s tips

WhiteWall recommends

Share the wonder • Entrants to Close-up Photographer of the Year 03, supported by Affinity Photo, share the stories and techniques behind their pictures with competition co-founder Tracy Calder

Ross Hoddinott

30 tips for pin-sharp pictures • At high magnifications depth of field is extremely limited and precise focusing is crucial. Here, top pros share their tips and tricks with Tracy Calder

Mark James Ford

Barry Webb

Beaks By Bence Máté • Peter Dench discovers how wildlife photographer Bence Máté took this unusual image, which was a finalist at the 2021 Close-up Photographer of the Year contest

Editing software for close-up and macro photography • From dust removal to focus stacking and noise reduction, most digital files require a little TLC straight out of the camera. Tracy Calder looks at some of the editing software favoured by entrants to Close-up Photographer of the Year

KIT LIST

Lighting up the small stage • Quality, direction and temperature of light have a profound effect on how a subject appears, says Tracy Calder. Knowing how to analyse light and use it to your advantage will take your close-up photography on to the next level

Top tips for working the light • Whether you’re using artificial light or natural light, the strength and direction of this source can be altered or modified to suit your needs

Inner space...