#1 Long Lens & Additional Lenses
If you’re hiking long distances, you don’t want to miss a stunning sunset or sublime macro shot, and almost every Alta Sky slows you to carry additional lenses.

#2 Easy Access
All models include a long compartment with solid dividers and an extra wide top access so it’s easy to pack and remove your camera.

#3 Protection
The Alta Sky is designed to be tough with a 1000D polyester exterior and outstanding padding to protect your valuable kit.

#4 Comfort
The harness system is designed to carry large loads in comfort over extended hikes, keeping you as fresh as possible for your photoshoot.

This means offering a range of sizes to match the lenses available, from a smaller APSC lens like the SONY 100-400mm F4.5 GM OOS to a monster CANON RF 1200mm F8L IS USM and Vanguard now offers six options:

Alta Sky 42 – RRP: £180

• IATA hand luggage compatible
• Camera/Lens up to 47cm long
• Camera/Lens up to 15cm deep
• Up to 4 additional lenses
• Full size tripod holde
• Fits a 13” tablet
• Click here to go to product

NEW | Alta Sky 52 – RRP: £210

• • IATA hand luggage compatible
• • Camera/Lens up to 48cm long
• • Camera/Lens up to 15cm deep
• • Up to 5 additional lenses
• • Full size tripod holder
• • Fits a 16” laptop
• • Click here to go to product

Alta Sky 62 – RRP: £250

• • Camera/Lens up to 51.5cm long
• • Camera/Lens up to 16.5cm deep
• • Up to 7 additional lenses
• • Full size tripod holder
• • Fits a 16” laptop
• • Click here to go to product

Alta Sky 66 – RRP: £250

• • Camera/Lens up to 56cm long
• • Camera/Lens up to 24cm deep
• • No additional lenses
• • Full size tripod holder
• • Fits a 11” tablet
• • Click here to go to product

Alta Sky 68 – RRP: £280

• • Camera/Lens up to 56cm long
• • Camera/Lens up to 18cm deep
• • Up to 7 additional lenses
• • Full size tripod holder
• • Fits a 16” laptop
• • Click here to go to product

NEW | Alta Sky 69 – RRP: £300

• • Camera/Lens up to 65cm long
• • Camera/Lens up to 20cm deep
• • Up to 8 additional lenses
• • Full size tripod holder
• • Fits a 17” laptop
• • Click here to go to product

So if you have a long lens, you need a bag that’s designed for that. With an interior designed specifically for long lenses (and additional lenses), extra wide and easy access, protection that is second to none and a comfortable harness system for the most arduous trek, Vanguard’s Alta Sky Series should definitely be on your radar.

Buy from any authorized dealer before 30th June 2026 and claim a FREE Alta Pouch (RRP £15) to organize your accessories in your new Alta Sky.

Check it out at one of Vanguard’s Authorised Dealers, or on vanguardworld.co.uk

The post VANGUARD ALTA SKY Now fits up to a 1200mm f/8 lens appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Leading the awards, the Sony Alpha 7 V was named Best Full Frame Expert Camera, praised for its outstanding performance, versatility, and advanced imaging capabilities.

In the lens category, Sony achieved further success with the Sony FE 50-150mm F2 GM, which received the award for Best Full Frame Telephoto Zoom Lens, recognised for its exceptional optical quality and professional-grade performance. The Sony FE TIPA WORLD AWARDS 2026100mm F2.8 Macro GM OSS was also honoured as Best Macro Lens, celebrated for its precision, sharpness, and innovative design.

Additionally, the Sony RX1R III was awarded Best Professional Fixed Lens Camera, reinforcing Sony’s strength in premium compact full-frame solutions.

The TIPA World Awards are among the most respected accolades in the global imaging industry, judged by a panel of expert editors from leading photography publications worldwide.

These awards further underline Sony’s commitment to developing cutting-edge tools that empower photographers and content creators at every level.

The post Sony Celebrates Multiple Wins at TIPA World Awards 2026 appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Introducing a limited-edition range of luxury camera bags, celebrating craftsmanship, heritage, and the art of photography

Oberwerth, a German luxury leather goods manufacturer, announces an exclusive partnership with Fujifilm.  Together, the two brands introduce limited-edition camera bags designed for photographers, creatives, and travelers who value exceptional quality, timeless design, and authentic craftsmanship.

FUJIFILM and German luxury leather goods manufacturer, Oberworth announce an exclusive partnership.  Together, the two brands introduce limited-edition camera bags designed for photographers, creatives, and travelers who value exceptional quality, timeless design, and authentic craftsmanship.

Oberwerth has long stood for uncompromising quality, traditional craftsmanship, and refined elegance. Handcrafted in Germany from the finest materials, each bag is designed to become a lifelong companion. These values align seamlessly with Fujifilm’s heritage of iconic design, technological excellence, and passion for photography.

The collaboration results in two exclusive special editions, available to purchase exclusively from FUJIFILM’s House of Photography in Covent Garden and online at Fujifilm’s online store.

Product overview

Fujifilm x Oberwerth Weekender Nelson M – £1049 This weekender combines sporty elegance with luxurious leather and functional versatility. Crafted from full-grain leather in deep navy blue and embossed with the historic original ‘Fuji’ logo, it reflects modern travel culture and photographic passion.

Fujifilm x Oberwerth Momentum L – £699

The messenger bag reinterprets a classic silhouette, combining intelligent organization with distinctive craftsmanship. The subtle historic original ‘Fuji’ logo embossed in the leather highlights the shared photographic heritage of both brands.

This partnership reflects shared values: craftsmanship, heritage, and a passion for photography. Two brands, one vision – creating products with soul that tell their own story and connect people to the moment.

Pricing:
Fujifilm x Oberwerth Momentum L – £699
Fujifilm x Oberwerth Weekender Nelson M – £1049

Both bags are available to purchase now:

In store at the Fujifilm House of Photography in Covent Garden:
 FUJIFILM House of Photography | Covent Garden London
Online at the Fujifilm Shop: FUJIFILM x Oberwerth Camera Bags

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Grant submitted his panel and was recently awarded a Licentiate qualification by our fantastic team of qualified judges LSWPP

Learn about our photography qualifications.

Grant Burchill LSWPP

The post Grant Burchill qualifies with Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Gina submitted her panel and was recently awarded a Licentiate qualification by our fantastic team of qualified judges LSISEP

Learn about our photography qualifications.

The post Gina Mees qualifies with The Society of International School and Event Photographers appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

Today, Nikon is delighted to announce its success at this year’s TIPA World Awards, securing top honours across three distinguished categories.

Leading the accolades was the Nikon Z5II, crowned ‘Best Advanced Full Frame Camera’. Meanwhile, the Nikon ZR earned the prestigious title of “Best Advanced Compact Cinema Camera”, recognised for its “outstanding innovation, reliability, and performance in professional video production.” Nikon’s success continued in the lens categories, with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II named the ‘Best Full Frame Standard Zoom Lens”.

The TIPA jury praised the Nikon Z5II for offering “flagship-level capabilities in a more affordable entry-level full-frame camera system”, highlighting its appeal to photographers and hybrid creators seeking high image quality and advanced autofocus performance. The Nikon ZR was equally celebrated for redefining creative possibilities and setting “a new benchmark for video camera performance in visual storytelling.”

The “newly designed” NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II lens was also commended for its ability to deliver “exceptional optical performance and professional versatility.” The jury applauded the lens for its “outstanding sharpness, edge-to-edge clarity, and beautiful background separation across the entire zoom range.”

The three awards shine a light on Nikon’s unwavering commitment to producing innovative equipment that combines advanced technology and superior performance to empower photographers to push creative boundaries.

TIPA comments on the Nikon Z5II, winner of the ‘Best Advanced Full Frame Camera’

This full-frame mirrorless camera is designed for photographers and hybrid creators seeking high image quality and advanced autofocus performance. It features a 24.5-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, enabling faster autofocus, improved subject detection, and better low-light performance. The camera includes in-body image stabilisation, 4K video recording, and continuous shooting speeds up to 30 frames per second. It also supports advanced features such as deep-learning subject detection and 3D tracking autofocus. Overall, the Z5II offers many flagship-level capabilities in a more affordable entry-level full-frame camera system.

TIPA comments on the Nikon ZR, winner of the ‘Best Advanced Compact Cinema Camera’

The Nikon ZR sets high standards with its outstanding innovation, reliability, and performance in professional video production. It represents a significant advancement in imaging technology, delivering exceptional 6K video resolution, 15+ stops of dynamic range in video, and versatility for filmmakers and content creators. Its thoughtful design, robust engineering, and seamless integration of advanced features empower users to capture cinematic footage with precision and confidence. Featuring full control over ISO, exposure, and colour in post via its R3D NE RAW format, built-in image stabilisation to 7.5 stops, and acceptance of the wide range of Z mount lenses and adaptability to many different mounts, the ZR redefines creative possibilities and sets a new benchmark for video camera performance in visual storytelling.

TIPA comments on the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, winner of the ‘Best Full Frame Standard Zoom Lens’

This newly designed lens delivers exceptional optical performance and professional versatility. Its internal zoom design pays off with improved resistance to adverse weather conditions, while an 11-bladed diaphragm provides gorgeous bokeh effects, enhanced by the 0.33 m close focusing distance at the 70mm setting (0.24 m at 24mm). The first Nikon zoom to incorporate Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor, improvements include 5X faster focus acquisition and a 60% boost in focus tracking. Overall, the lens provides outstanding sharpness, edge-to-edge clarity, and beautiful background separation across the entire zoom range. Its robust weather-sealed construction, fast and quiet autofocus, and customizable control ring make it equally suitable for still photography and video production. The TIPA World Awards is universally recognised as celebrating top-class companies and the highest quality products in the industry. It also serves to provide an important benchmark and guide for consumers when making their purchasing decisions.

Please visit the TIPA website for more information: www.tipa.com

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Following its release earlier this year, the Transmitter Pro X brings a refined approach to on-camera flash control, designed to streamline workflows for both studio and location photographers.

Building on the established Transmitter Pro, the new Pro X focuses on faster operation, clearer feedback, and greater control over increasingly complex lighting setups. Rather than acting as a simple trigger, it serves as a central control hub, allowing photographers to adjust and monitor multiple lights directly from the camera position.

Intuitive touchscreen control

A key upgrade is the introduction of a modern colour touchscreen interface. Designed for clarity and ease of use, the display presents flash groups using Elinchrom’s colour-coded system, making it easy to identify and adjust individual lights at a glance.

Power levels, modelling lamps, and group settings are all accessible through a clean, straightforward layout, reducing the need to navigate deeper menu structures during a shoot.

Real-time communication and control

The Transmitter Pro X benefits from two-way communication, enabling real-time adjustments and feedback between the transmitter and connected flash units. This ensures photographers can maintain full visibility of their lighting setup without interrupting their workflow.

High-performance sync and exposure flexibility

In terms of performance, the unit supports both High Speed Sync and Hi-Sync, enabling shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 sec (depending on camera and flash compatibility). This provides added flexibility when working in bright conditions or when freezing fast motion.

TTL functionality is also included, offering automatic exposure control for fast-paced environments such as weddings, events, and reportage. Photographers can then switch seamlessly into manual mode for fine-tuning once a base exposure has been established.

Improved handling and workflow integration

Handling has been refined with improved navigation and quicker access to group and unit controls. The interface mirrors the colour coding found on Elinchrom’s latest flash heads, helping create a more consistent and intuitive user experience across the system.

Range, connectivity, and reliability

The Transmitter Pro X offers a working range of up to 200m outdoors and 60m indoors, providing reliable performance across a variety of shooting environments.

It features a secure metal hotshoe, runs on AA batteries, and supports firmware updates via USB-C. Built-in Bluetooth connectivity also points towards future system enhancements.

Broad camera compatibility

The system is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm cameras, integrating seamlessly with Elinchrom’s wider lighting ecosystem. This makes it suitable for both studio-based production and fast-moving on-location work.

Summary

With its combination of visual control, responsive handling, and advanced sync options, the Transmitter Pro X positions itself as a practical upgrade for photographers looking to simplify and refine their lighting workflow.

For more information, visit: elinchrom.co.uk/remotes/transmitter-pro-x

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The Spring 2026 issue of Professional Imagemaker magazine is now live!

This 88-page edition is packed with expert insights, practical tutorials, and creative inspiration to help photographers at every level grow their skills and elevate their craft.

Inside This Issue:

• Photographer of the Year 2025
• Angela Adams talks to Bea Butjar-Barath
• The Search Revolution – Jeff Brown
• A Marriage Made in Heaven – Stuart Wood
• Taking the Wide View – Peter Li
• Photographing Volunteers – Christopher Hall
• Butterflies, Cake, and Catchlights – Dave Montizambert
• Affinity V3
• Unlocking Success – Adrian & Bergit Barnett
• Digital Brushes – Mike McNamee
• Is It the Death of Photographic Truth? – John Nassari
• Jennifer Stitt – Fellowship
• Terry Donnelly – Fellowship
• Competition September 2025
• Competition October 2025
• Competition November 2025
• Insurance for Photographers

The cover photograph is by Therese Asplund – Photographer of the Year 2025.

Also in This Issue

Alongside the features in this edition, members will also find:

• Exclusive discounts from leading imaging partners, including PortraitPro, Zno, and Evoto
• Trade-in opportunities with Park Cameras
• Details of upcoming photography events, including the Wales and West Photography Show

Continuing to Evolve

Professional Imagemaker has long been a key part of your membership, delivering inspiration, education, and industry insight to photographers around the world, both in print and digitally.

As the way we all consume content continues to evolve, we want to ensure the magazine evolves with it.

While the digital edition has been available for several years, it has become clear that this is now the preferred and most practical way for the majority of members to access the magazine, reflecting a wider shift in how content is consumed.

With that in mind, Professional Imagemaker will now continue as a fully digital publication, available via the Members’ Dashboard and online archive.

More Content, More Value

One of the biggest advantages of this move is the ability to significantly increase the page count and expand what we offer within each issue.

Going forward, this means:

• More features and in-depth articles
• More member spotlights and imagery
• Greater coverage of events, competitions, and industry news
• Additional educational content to support your development

In short, more of what matters to you, without the limitations of print.

Why We’ve Made This Decision

Printing and postage costs have risen considerably over recent years.

Rather than increasing membership fees or reducing the quality of the magazine, we’ve chosen to invest in a format that allows us to deliver more content and greater value, while keeping membership as accessible as possible.

What You Can Expect

The digital edition will continue to offer:

• Instant access from anywhere
• Compatibility across desktop, tablet and mobile
• Full archive access to previous issues

We will also continue to develop and enhance the digital experience over time.

A Note on Print

We know many members have enjoyed receiving a printed copy of the magazine, and we truly appreciate the role it has played over the years.

This change allows us to focus on delivering a stronger, more content-rich publication moving forward, while avoiding passing increased production costs onto members.

Read the Latest Issue

https://thesocieties.net/magazine/

Dive in, explore, and get inspired with the latest photography tips and insights.

The post Professional Imagemaker Spring 2026 Now Available Online appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

FUJIFILM Europe GmbH, Imaging Solutions Division, is thrilled to announce the next big thing in instant memories: instax SPOT™ photobooth and print station (hereafter instax SPOT™). The premium, next generation standalone photobooth & print station is a high-energy hub of creativity designed to turn consumer experiences into tangible memories they can hold. 

As a turnkey solution for high-traffic businesses including movie theaters, museums, amusement parks, and more, instax SPOT™ offers guests a bespoke, high-value souvenir to amplify and better remember their experiences.

“There is such a cultural love for instax™ instant photography, and we wanted to provide a way for businesses to tap into that with their consumers” said Shin Udono, Senior Vice President, Imaging Solutions, FUJIFILM Europe.  “instax SPOT™ turns a corner of a lobby or a museum hall into a social hub. It’s a low-maintenance, high-engagement tool that lets guests walk away with a physical memory of their experience and further endear them to the locations they’re visiting.”

One Machine, Two Ways to Engage
Available in a tabletop and standalone format, instax SPOT™ bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, giving consumers two ways to interact with and engage on-site:

–    The Next-Gen Photobooth Experience: Bringing the traditional photobooth experience to the next level with an open-access AR photobooth and compact footprint, consumers can take and make instax™ photos at the instax SPOT™ station.

–    The Wireless Print Hub: On the instax SPOT™ screen, consumers can scan a QR code with their smartphone and print existing memories from their camera roll onto the iconic instax™ instant film.

Not just a printer; instax SPOT™ is a creativity station with everything consumers love about the instax™ brand. Each photobooth comes pre-loaded with features including:
–    AR (Augmented Reality) Capabilities: Add digital, animated and 3D visual effects to physical photos.
–    Location-Specific Customization: Venues can offer exclusive borders and digital stickers tailored to their specific event or brand.
–    LED Lighting: The lighting features on the top and sides of the screen act as a ring light to enhance the images it captures, giving photobooth vibes.

instax SPOT™ will offer units that print on either instax™ mini instant film or instax™ SQUARE instant film. Instax SPOT™ will be available from May 14th 2026. To learn more visit https://instax.co.uk/instax-spot/. 

The post Fujifilm Introduces the Next Generation of Instant Photo Experiences: instax SPOT™ Photobooth and Print Station appeared first on The Society of Photographers | International Photography Organisation.

F.J. Westcott Co. has announced the S18 Mini Flash, a compact, on-camera manual flash designed to provide an affordable and portable lighting solution for photographers of all skill levels.

Built with simplicity and portability in mind, the S18 delivers essential lighting control in a lightweight form factor, making it suitable for both beginners and working photographers seeking a reliable backup or travel flash.

The S18 Mini Flash features 18Ws of power output, offering a guide number of approximately GN16 (ISO 100), with manual power adjustment across multiple steps for precise exposure control.

Designed for convenience in modern workflows, the flash includes a built-in rechargeable battery with USB-C charging, enabling extended shooting sessions without the need for disposable batteries.

Westcott highlights that the S18 Mini Flash is engineered to provide a balance of affordability and functionality, positioning it as an entry-level tool for photographers who need dependable lighting without the complexity of larger flash systems.

Key Features (from official distributor spec sheet)

• 18Ws output power
• Guide Number: approx. GN16 (ISO 100)
• Manual power control (multi-step adjustment)
• Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
• USB-C charging
• Tilting flash head (-3° to 72°)
• Compact on-camera design

Availability

The S18 Mini Flash is available through authorized Westcott retailers including major photography distributors worldwide.

https://www.fjwestcott.com

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