As preparations continue for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, thousands of media professionals worldwide have sought accreditation to cover what is expected to be one of the largest sporting events in history.

FIFA’s accreditation process for photographers, journalists and news agencies highlighted the immense demand for access to the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Due to limited pitch-side positions and venue capacity, photographer accreditation was managed through a quota-based system, with allocations distributed through FIFA member associations and recognised media organisations.

The World Cup remains one of the most prestigious assignments in sports photography, offering photographers the opportunity to capture defining moments from the world’s biggest football tournament. From dramatic match-winning goals to emotional celebrations and fan culture, World Cup imagery plays a crucial role in documenting the event for audiences around the globe.

Industry experts anticipate that the 2026 tournament will generate millions of editorial images across digital, print and broadcast platforms. Advances in camera technology, remote shooting systems and image transmission workflows are expected to help photographers deliver near real-time coverage from stadiums throughout North America.

The growing scale of international sporting events continues to highlight the importance of professional photography in storytelling, preserving iconic sporting moments and providing audiences with authentic visual coverage.

With the tournament drawing ever closer, photographers selected for accreditation are already preparing equipment, travel logistics and workflow strategies for what promises to be one of the most photographed sporting events in history.

About the FIFA World Cup 2026™

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first World Cup to feature 48 national teams and the first tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries.

The post FIFA World Cup 2026 Draws Global Interest from Professional Photographers appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

492 images were entered in to May’s competition, 15 photographs were awarded a Gold Award and 63 images achieved a Highly Commended.

Please follow https://thesocieties.net/benefits/monthly-image-competition/2026-monthly-image-competition-results/ to view all Gold Awards and Highly Commended results.

Congratulations to Arne Bivrin from Stockholm, Sweden on achieving the Judges Choice Award.

Did you get a Gold or Highly Commended? Don’t forget to get your awards logo/badge here:
https://thesocieties.net/forum/index.php/topic,37960.0.html

Not a member but want to enter?
Check out this great joining offer here https://thesocieties.net/membership-offer/

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Combining Argentina-inspired design with reliable performance, the Elite Legends Series offers fans, creators, and professionals portable storage built for the moments worth keeping.

Lexar, a leading global brand in memory and storage solutions, today launched its official AFA co-branded storage collection, created in partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

As the official partner of the Argentine National Football Team, Lexar developed the new Elite Legends Series to celebrate a shared commitment to performance, resilience, and excellence under pressure. Inspired by Argentina’s championship legacy, the collection brings together football passion and Lexar’s 30 years of storage expertise in a lineup built to capture, move, and protect every important moment.

Officially licensed by AFA, the collection features a custom design inspired by Argentina’s iconic blue-and-white colors and the legendary number 10. Select products also come in premium co-branded packaging with a curated bundle that includes a custom portable SSD, a USB-C to C cable with a USB-C to USB-A adapter, and a collectible card.

The new lineup includes the Lexar SL500 Portable SSD Elite Legends Series, Lexar Air Portable SSD Elite Legends Series, and Lexar Solid State Dual Drive D500 USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Elite Legends Series.

· The SL500 Portable SSD Elite Legends Series combines read speeds of up to 2000MB/s and write speeds of up to 1800MB/s¹ with a slim, durable metal design, making it well suited for videographers, creators, and fans capturing fast-moving football moments. Support for iPhone ProRes, mirrorless video recording and mobile backup through the Lexar App also make it a practical option for saving match-day footage and content on the go.

·The Air Portable SSD Elite Legends Series offers large capacities in an ultra-lightweight design, with speeds up to 400MB/s, automatic mobile backup, 2-meter drop protection, and thermal control for reliable everyday use. It is designed for users who want an easy way to store photos, videos, and travel memories from every match and every trip.

· The Dual Drive D500 Elite Legends Seriesfeatures both USB-A and USB-C connectors for easy use across devices, along with speeds up to 400MB/s and a compact metal design for convenient everyday backup and file transfer. For users sharing photos, clips, and football content between phones, tablets, and laptops, it offers a simple and flexible storage solution.

The launch marks Lexar’s 30th anniversary, honoring three decades of innovation defined by performance, reliability, and trust. Since 1996, Lexar has supported photographers, videographers, creators, and everyday users with storage solutions designed to protect what matters most, even in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.

Those values closely align with the spirit of football and the legacy of AFA. Excellence is earned through consistency, resilience, and performance under pressure-qualities that define both champions on the pitch and the technology trusted to preserve their most important moments. That is what makes this collection especially meaningful.

For fans, the Elite Legends Series offers a secure and stylish way to keep photos, videos, and memories from every match and every journey. For creators, it supports faster mobile workflows and easier backup on the go. And for sports photographers and media professionals, dependable storage remains essential to capturing and protecting the moments that define the game.

With the new AFA co-branded Elite Legends Series, Lexar brings together football passion and trusted storage technology in a collection shaped by shared values-not only to celebrate championship glory, but to help users keep every winning moment safe.

For more information, please visit lexar.com

The post Lexar Celebrates Global Football Fandom with Official AFA Elite Legends Series appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Leica Camera has announced the Chicago Edition 17, a special limited-edition version of the Leica M11‑P created to celebrate the opening of Leica’s new flagship store and gallery in Chicago. Designed exclusively for this milestone, the camera combines Leica’s renowned precision engineering with a distinctive aesthetic inspired by the city’s rich architectural and cultural history.

The Chicago Edition 17 features a refined silver-chrome finish paired with a distinctive boysenberry leatherette, offering a bold yet elegant look that reflects Chicago’s creative spirit. The edition name references 1917, the year the historic building housing the new Leica store was originally constructed, connecting the camera to the city’s long-standing artistic legacy.

Built on the advanced platform of the Leica M11-P, the Chicago Edition 17 maintains Leica’s signature rangefinder design, delivering exceptional image quality, durability, and the timeless shooting experience cherished by photographers around the world.

This collector’s edition will be available exclusively at the Leica Store & Gallery Chicago, released in conjunction with the store’s grand opening celebration. With extremely limited availability, the Chicago Edition 17 is expected to become a coveted piece for both photographers and Leica enthusiasts.

For more information, visit Leica Camera’s official channels or the Leica Store & Gallery Chicago.

leica-camera.com

The post Leica Introduces Chicago Edition 17: A Limited-Edition Tribute to the City’s Photographic Heritage appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

569 images were entered in to March’s competition, 25 photographs were awarded a Gold Award and 71 images achieved a Highly Commended.

Please follow https://thesocieties.net/benefits/monthly-image-competition/2026-monthly-image-competition-results/ to view all Gold Awards and Highly Commended results.

Congratulations to Anna Almen from Vetlanda, Sweden on achieving the Judges Choice Award.

Did you get a Gold or Highly Commended? Don’t forget to get your awards logo/badge here:
https://thesocieties.net/forum/index.php/topic,37960.0.html

Not a member but want to enter?
Check out this great joining offer here https://thesocieties.net/membership-offer/

The post March 2026 Monthly Image Competition Results appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

LK Samyang, a global leader in optical innovation, proudly announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers.

The latest addition to the Prima Series builds on the momentum established with the launch of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, followed by the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025.

Guided by a commitment to portability, practicality, and ease of use, the Prima Series is designed to meet the needs of modern creators. Each lens in the lineup combines a compact, lightweight form factor with dependable optical performance, making them well-suited for both photography and video applications.

Continuing this vision, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE delivers a versatile, everyday shooting solution—offering an ideal balance of image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.

A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday Creativity
The 35mm focal length is widely valued for its natural perspective and versatility, making it ideal for everything from street and travel photography to portraits and cinematic content.

The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens, combining a bright aperture with a compact, lightweight design and reliable autofocus performance.

Offering a more portable alternative to the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE, it delivers an excellent balance of image quality and mobility – perfect for creators on the go.

Key Features
Compact and Lightweight Design Designed for everyday carry, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features a compact form with a 62mm filter size, pairing seamlessly with lightweight full-frame cameras for travel, street, and hybrid shooting.

Bright F1.8 Aperture
A fast F1.8 aperture delivers strong low-light performance and smooth, natural bokeh, making it ideal for both photography and video.

Advanced Optical Performance
A 10-element design, including aspherical and XHR elements, ensures sharp resolution and reduced aberrations in a compact build.

Enhanced Coating Technology
UMC II coating minimizes flare and ghosting, delivering improved contrast and clarity in challenging lighting conditions.

Fast, Quiet Autofocus
Powered by Linear STM II, the lens offers quick, precise, and silent autofocus for both stills and video.

www.holdan.co.uk

The post LK SAMYANG Expands Prima Series with New AF 35mm F1.8 P FE Lens appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

LK SAMYANG, a global optical solutions company with more than 50 years of expertise in optical technology and innovation, 

today announces the launch of the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE, a new addition to the Prima Series designed for hybrid creators and everyday photographers.

The new lens expands the Prima Series lineup following the introduction of the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE in 2024, and the AF 16mm F2.8 P FE and AF 85mm F1.8 P FE in 2025.Built on the philosophy of portability, practicality, and usability, the Prima Series offers 

creators compact and lightweight prime lenses capable of delivering reliable optical performance for both photography and video creation.

The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues this vision by providing a versatile everyday lens that balances image quality, portability, and creative flexibility.A Versatile 35mm Lens for Everyday CreativityThe 35mm focal length has long been regarded as one of the most versatile perspectives in photography. Its natural angle of view allows creators to capture a wide variety of subjects including street scenes, travel moments, portraits, and cinematic storytelling.

The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed as a practical everyday lens that combines a bright aperture with a compact form factor and dependable autofocus performance.While the AF 35mm F1.4 P FE focuses on maximum brightness and high-end optical performance, the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE offers a lighter and more compact alternative optimized for everyday shooting, making it an ideal companion for photographers and content creators who prioritize portability without compromising image quality.

Key Features
· Compact and Lightweight Design : Made for Everyday Carry
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE continues the Prima Series philosophy of compact and portable lens design.
With a maximum diameter of Φ69.8mm and a standard 62mm filter size, the lens integrates seamlessly into lightweight shooting setups and is easy to carry throughout the day.
Its compact form pairs particularly well with lightweight full-frame cameras such as the Sony α7C series and ZV-E models, making it an ideal everyday lens for travel, street photography, and hybrid content creation.

· Bright F1.8 Aperture with Natural Bokeh : Balanced Performance for Photo and Video
The bright F1.8 aperture provides excellent flexibility across a wide range of lighting conditions, allowing creators to shoot confidently in both bright daylight and low-light environments.
A 9-blade rounded aperture produces smooth and natural background blur, enabling expressive subject separation for portraits, lifestyle photography, and cinematic video production.
This balance of brightness and portability makes the AF 35mm F1.8 P FE a practical lens for everyday creative work.

· Next-Generation Optical Technology : XHR Element for Higher Performance
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE features an advanced optical construction of 10 elements in 8 groups, including 2 ASP (Aspherical) elements and 2 newly developed XHR elements.
The XHR (Extra High Refractive) lens element is manufactured with higher precision compared to conventional high-refractive index elements, allowing for a more compact optical structure while effectively reducing optical aberrations. By incorporating XHR elements, the lens achieves improved optical performance while maintaining a thinner and lighter design, delivering sharp resolution and consistent image quality across the entire frame.

· Next-Generation Coating Technology : UMC II for Improved Image Clarity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE incorporates UMC II (Ultra Multi Coating II), the next generation of LK SAMYANG’s coating technology.
Compared to the previous coating system, UMC II further suppresses flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and clarity even in challenging lighting environments such as strong backlight or night scenes. This upgraded coating technology helps deliver cleaner and more vibrant images in real-world shooting conditions.

· Fast and Quiet Autofocus : Linear STM II for Hybrid Creators
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is equipped with the next-generation Linear STM II autofocus motor.
Combined with continuously refined firmware algorithms, the Linear STM II system delivers faster, more accurate, and quieter autofocus performance, ensuring smooth focusing transitions for both still photography and video recording. This improved autofocus system allows creators to capture dynamic scenes with greater precision and stability.

· Enhanced Usability for Real-World Shooting : Weather Sealing and USB-C Connectivity
The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE is designed to perform reliably in real-world shooting environments. The lens features weather sealing, helping protect it from light rain, dust, and outdoor shooting conditions.
It also includes a USB-C port, enabling users to easily update firmware and customize lens settings directly without the need for a separate lens station.
This convenient connectivity ensures that users can keep their lens up to date while maintaining optimal performance.

LK SAMYANG representative commented:
“The Prima Series was created to offer lenses that creators reach for first. The AF 35mm F1.8 P FE reflects that philosophy by delivering a balanced combination of portability, optical performance, and everyday usability, making it an ideal lens for both photography and video creation.”

Availability
The LK SAMYANG AF 35mm F1.8 P FE will be available for purchase starting late March 2026, with sales gradually launching across global markets through LK SAMYANG’s distribution network and authorized retailers.

Key Message
• A compact(71.5mm) and lightweight(216g) 35mm F1.8 prime lens designed for everyday photography and hybrid content creation 
• Upgraded optical performance with new XHR optical elements, UMC II coating, and Linear STM II autofocus motor 
• Enhanced usability with weather sealing and a USB-C port for direct firmware updates

Website : www.lksamyang.com 

The post LK SAMYANG Expands Prima Series with the New AF 35mm F1.8 P FE appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

The Society of Photographers is delighted to reveal the winners of the Dog Photography Competition, a celebration of the images that capture the love and happiness that our four legged friends bring us.

1st Place Winner: Ekko the Bearded Collie

Huge congratulations to Craig Turner-Bullock from Christchurch, New Zealand, who takes the top spot with a stunning environmental portrait of Ekko the Bearded Collie.

Captured on the dramatic black sands of Reynisfjara beach in Iceland, the winning image perfectly showcases the power of embracing the elements to create something truly memorable.

Craig shared the story behind the photograph:

“With a dog like Ekko having long, luscious hair on a windy shoot really only leaves the option of embracing the elements!”

The final image was created from an eight-frame stitch and finished with a striking black-and-white treatment to enhance the atmosphere and drama of the scene.

Camera & Settings

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: RF 70–200mm at 70mm
• Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec
• Aperture: f/5.6
• ISO: 250

Celebrating Creative Pet Photography

The Dog Photography Competition continued to attract talented photographers from around the world, all sharing a passion for capturing personality, movement and emotion in our canine companions.

We would also like to congratulate the photographers Frankie Adamson from Cumbria, England who placed 2nd and Emma Pope from West Sussex, England who placed 3rd and aslo the 15 Highly Commended images, whose work demonstrates the incredible diversity and quality within the competition.

View all entries and full results here https://swpp.co.uk/Dog25/1st.htm

2nd Place – Frankie Adamson

3rd Place – Emma Pope

Competition was Sponsored by That Tog Spot

Not a member but want to enter?
Check out this great joining offer here https://thesocieties.net/digital-offer/

The post Dog Photography Competition – Winner Announced appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Canon today expands its professional RF lens range with two new ultra-wide lenses that invite photographers and filmmakers to unleash their creativity and capture the world in dynamic new ways. With their fast apertures, compact sizes and outstanding optical quality, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM and RF 14mm F1.4L VCM are worlds apart from ordinary wide-angle lenses.

Introducing the world’s first 190° fisheye zoom lens¹

The RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM is a unique ultra-wide RF zoom lens for dramatically different images and video. Paired with a full-frame EOS R System camera, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM delivers two distinctive looks: an ultra-wide 190° circular fisheye image at 7mm and a frame-filling 180° diagonal fisheye image at 14mm. On APS-C cameras, the maximum wide angle can be set to approximately 8.7mm for frame-filling 180° diagonal fisheye images².

Building on the success of the pioneering EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM has a wider, faster, lighter design and enhanced edge-to-edge image quality. An innovative drop-in filter system improves convenience by allowing real-time adjustment of optional circular polarising and variable ND filters, giving photographers and filmmakers precise control over lighting in any situation.

Designed for professionals who want their work to stand out, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM creates a striking look across a wide range of genres – from action sports and astrophotography to landscapes and expressive portraits. Focusing as close as 0.15m, this versatile zoom lens enables even greater exaggeration of creative distortion to set your work apart.

While offering photographers the freedom to explore a bold fisheye perspective in imaginative new ways, image quality remains tightly controlled through an advanced optical design. This includes two replica aspherical elements to suppress spherical aberrations, five UD elements to reduce chromatic aberrations, and ASC coatings to cut ghosting and flare.

Quiet leadscrew-type STM autofocus coupled with focus breathing suppression makes the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM an accomplished lens for creative video as well as stills. Circular fisheye videos captured on a compatible camera can be converted to 2D 180° VR files via EOS VR Utility³, for immersive viewing using a VR headset. With its equidistant projection, the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM keeps image detail consistent from the centre to the periphery. This ensures high resolution throughout, even when the image is stretched for 2D VR – so every view stays clear and captivating.

Key features of the RF 7-14MM F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM:

• World’s first fisheye zoom lens that covers a 190° angle of view¹
• 7mm circular and 14mm diagonal fisheye for two different looks on a full-frame camera
• Circular fisheye with equidistant projection for easy conversion to 2D 180° VR with official Canon app³
• Aspherical and UD elements for high image quality across the frame
• Bright f/2.8-3.5 aperture for action and low-light shooting
• Drop-in filter support
• Durable L-series design with dust- and moisture-resistant construction⁴
• Lightweight at approx. 476g for ultra-portable convenience

RF 14mm F1.4L VCM: Extraordinary speed, exemplary sharpness

The RF 14mm F1.4L VCM sets a new benchmark for wide-angle excellence. Ultra-wide, ultra-fast and ultra-light, this latest addition to Canon’s hybrid prime lens lineup is designed to inspire photography and video production on a grand scale.

With its expansive 114° diagonal angle of view, the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM is a great choice for capturing sweeping landscapes as well as indoor spaces. An exceptionally bright f/1.4 aperture offers greater flexibility while shooting in low light or when using a shallow depth of field to help isolate your subject.

Despite its ultra-wide design and fast aperture, the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM remains lightweight, making it a highly practical lens for outdoor and travel photography, or working from a drone. Weighing around 578g, it’s built for shooting on the move, and the durable L-series construction ensures it is ready for demanding assignments.

Delivering remarkable image quality from the centre to the corners, even wide open at f/1.4, the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM achieves a level of performance rare for such a wide, fast design, thanks to the extensive use of specialised lens elements and coatings. Three glass-moulded (GMo) aspherical elements suppress sagittal coma flare for finely rendered point light sources such as stars, while Fluorite, BR and UD lenses reduce chromatic aberration. Ghosting and flare are minimised though the use of Canon’s sophisticated SWC and ASC coatings.

The superb edge-to-edge precision at f/1.4 is one reason the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM excels at astrophotography. The large maximum aperture lets you use faster shutter speeds to reduce star trails, while keeping image quality high and ISO levels manageable. Thanks to its ultra-wide angle of view, it is also an ideal lens for professional landscape and architecture photography or for shooting tight interiors. Additionally, the hybrid design of the RF 14mm F1.4L VCM, which incorporates smooth, precise AF tracking capability along with focus breathing suppression, 11-blade circular aperture and dedicated Iris Ring⁶, makes it an outstanding lens for photographers who also need to shoot video.

Key features of the RF 14MM F1.4L VCM:

• High-quality rectilinear ultra-wide hybrid prime lens
• Fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for shallow depth of field and greater freedom in low light
• Outstanding sharpness and image quality right across the frame, with aspheric, UD, BR and Fluorite elements
• Voice Coil Motor⁵ for smooth, quiet and precise autofocus, with focus breathing suppression
• Designed for professional photographers, with added hybrid features for advanced video performance
• 11-blade circular aperture for cinematic bokeh and 22-point starburst effects
• Smooth action Iris Ring⁶, Control Ring and Lens Control button for intuitive manual control
• L-series build quality with dust/moisture resistance⁴
• Compact and lightweight for a 14mm f/1.4 lens, at approx. 578g

For more information about the RF 7-14mm F2.8-3.5L FISHEYE STM and RF 14mm F1.4L VCM, please visit:
https://www.canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-7-14mm-f2-8-3-5l-fisheye-stm/
https://www.canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-14mm-f1-4l-vcm/

The post Ultra-wide and unconventional: two new Canon L-series lenses for uncompromising creative freedom appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Gary Neville from Surrey, England with this striking image of a Dalmatian pelican.

We are incredibly happy to announce the results of the SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 in aid of RSPB

Now in its eighth year, This prestigious competition has grown into a renowned platform for showcasing the beauty and diversity of birdlife through the work of talented photographers from around the world. Since its inception, it has raised nearly £20,000 in support of vital conservation initiatives led by the RSPB.

With over 2,200 photographs submitted from around the globe, the The SINWP Bird Photographer of the Year 2025 competition has revealed a stunning celebration of avian beauty, from kingfishers and bald eagles to owls, flamingos, and countless species beyond. The diversity and quality of the entries have been truly breathtaking.

The winning entry by Gary Neville from Surrey, England.

Gary was at the 2026 Convention to pick up his award and Certificate.

Gary tells us about the image:

”The image was taken in Lake Kerkini in northern Greece. The lake, actually a man-made reservoir, is rich in wildlife and is especially renowned for its Dalmatian Pelicans, a favourite subject among photographers worldwide. I captured this image while leaning over the side of a boat, keeping my camera away from the surface of the water, whist watching the Dalmatian pelicans slowly get closer and closer to the boat in anticipation of a fish from the boatman – the fish are considered low quality and unsuitable for sale, and are instead thrown back to the local wildlife.”

Equipment:
Sony A1
Tamron 70-180 f2.8 at around 95mm
1/400sec at F4, ISO 100

2nd place was awarded to Maggie Bullock from Cheshire, England and 3rd place was awarded to again Gary Neville from Surrey, England.

2nd Place – Maggie Bullock

3rd Place – Gary Neville

1st Place see HERE
2nd Place see HERE
3rd Place see HERE

As the quality this year’s competition was superb, Gold Awards and Highly Commended images and were also awarded.

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