N-Photo: the Nikon magazine August 2021

Andrew Mason PAGE 6 Wildlife photographer extraordinaire Andrew takes a lucky N-Photo reader on a one-on-one seabird workshop. Joel Marklund PAGE 26 Sports pro Joel shares his amazing catalogue of action images and his top tips for how you can capture similar shots. Daisy Gilardini PAGE 62 Arctic and Antarctic animal photographer Daisy comes out from the cold to sit in this month’s interview hotseat. Pawel Zygmunt PAGE 70 Keen landscape photographer Pawel tells his tale of two very different trips to the magical Faroe Islands. Neil Freeman PAGE 80 This issue Neil tackles metering – what it is, how it works, and why you’re better off sticking to Matrix most of the time… Matthew Richards PAGE 104 Matthew puts a selection of eight light-but-sturdy tripods that are ideal for travel through their paces in our Big Test.…

By the time you read this, the Euro football championships will be approaching the quarterfinals, Wimbledon will have served its opening matches and the Olympics will be on the horizon – so with that in mind, this issue’s lead feature comes from a photographer who’s shot all three. Nikon Ambassador Joel Marklund helps you apply his pro sports know-how to shooting your own lower-league events. Our Apprentice, meanwhile, heads out on a quest to photograph what must be Britain’s best-loved bird, the picturesque puffin. We put travel tripods to the test in our Big Test, but if even these svelte three-legged supports are too unwieldy for your liking, we also explain the pros and cons of no less then 10 monopods. In Nikopedia, we demystify metering, and explain just how your Nikon ‘sees’…

THE PRO NAME: Andrew Mason CAMERA: Nikon D850 Andrew developed a penchant for the great outdoors at a young age, but a successful career as a lawyer stifled his connection with nature. A move to the countryside rekindled his passion. He started to photograph local wildlife and within a few years turned pro. He’s since supplied images for clients including the RSPB and a wide range of publications. He also leads photo tours and teaches one-to-one workshops. See more of his work: www.andrewmasonphoto.com THE APPRENTICE NAME: Tamás Mez? CAMERA: Nikon D850 Self-employed masseur Tom moved to England from his native Hungary to start a new life in London, but has since settled for a quieter life in Yorkshire – where he’s much closer to nature. He took up photography when he received his first film camera at…

HALF AND HALF Andrew says… I shoot in Manual mode but use Auto ISO. This provides a halfway house between Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority because I have full control over my aperture and shutter speed, while my ISO is left to automatically compensate for changing lighting conditions. AUTOFOCUS Andrew says… I use AF-C with either Single-point AF or Dynamic-area AF (D9, with nine AF points). The latter is easier to use as the increased number of focus points allows you more room for error. But the more you practise the more you will gravitate towards Single-point AF as it’s more accurate. FIRE A BURST Andrew says… I use Continuous-high (CH) drive mode so I can capture as many frames as possible when photographing birds in flight. This is because the position of the wings…

Andrew says… I use a Wimberley Head Version II gimbal head atop a Gitzo tripod to support my heavy AF-S 600mm f/4E FL ED VR. This setup combines the fluidity of a monopod with the stability of a tripod. It allows me to shoot at slower shutter speeds without having to worry about camera shake and takes the weight off of what is close to a 4kg lens. I will still use a monopod on challenging hikes for its small and light form factor, though. It’s particularly useful if I’m shooting on uneven terrain where its small footprint is helpful in a pinch.…

Andrew says… Research and observation is crucial. You’ll need to research suitable locations. Birdwatchers, hikers and other photographers are a great resource, but don’t be offended if they won’t disclose anything useful. Sometimes it’s necessary to withhold information to protect the wildlife or prevent onlookers from hampering a project – I will never disclose a location when I’ve obtained permission to operate on private land. Observation helps you learn about your subject and develop a sixth sense for behaviours that make great photos.…