A simple eye-catching vignette can often transform a good photograph into a great one by accentuating the main subject or object within the frame, whether you’re capturing landscapes, wildlife images, or environmental portraits. Today’s comprehensive guide from Eastern Shore Photo Instruction walks you through a simple step-by-step process for getting the job done with precision.

Simply put, a vignette is nothing more that a gradual darkening (or lightening) that creates a fade to the center of an image that can be easily introduced during post-processing to add a subtle artistic flare and guide the viewer’s eyes through the scene.

Our soft-spoken instructor Mickey describes his foolproof technique like this: “By using Lightroom’s post-crop vignette tool in combination with a radial or linear gradient you can creatively add contrast to an image and introduce a light pathway that’s easy to follow. He demonstrates how to make vignettes even more compelling by adding additional features like spotlights or intersecting masks.

Mickey says he takes advantage of this effect for enhancing almost ever image he edits, and he explains why he prefers natural-looking vignettes rather than “hammering in home” with an overwhelming heavy-handed approach that just doesn’t appear realistic.

He begins with a basic, practical use of Lightroom’s post-crop vignetting tool that can often produce effective results but does have a few limitations as compared to more advanced methods. When pulling up this panel you’ll notice three simple Style options: Highlight, Color, and Paint Overlay.

Once you master these simple enhancements (and it doesn’t take long) you’ll be prepared to tackle sophisticated techniques that provide far more control. Mickey provides three demonstrations that will take your effects to the next level. One possibility is the use of radial gradient vignetting, another is what he calls “reflective gradient vignettes,” and  the third involves combining a radial gradient vignette with an intersecting linear gradient.

The lesson concludes with a striking example of employing the radial gradient vignette at Blue Hour for beautiful shadow enhancement. There’s much more you can learn about a variety of photographic techniques by visiting the Eastern Shore Photo Instruction YouTube channel.

And be sure you don’t miss our earlier tutorial with another post-processing specialist who demonstrates how to use Lightroom’s powerful Point Color tool to gain full control of the colors in your nature, landscape and travel photographs.

We are excited to reveal the winners of the GuruShots’ Macro Wonders photo challenge, where incredible detail and hidden beauty come to life through the lens. These talented photographers have masterfully captured the tiny worlds often overlooked, unveiling nature’s intricate textures, colors, and forms in stunning close-up shots. Join us in celebrating their exceptional work that invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

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Are you finally ready to give astrophotography a try and capture some spectacular  images of the sparkling nighttime sky? Whether you’re new to the game or just looking for few quick tricks, this beginners guide will prepare you for challenge.

Instructor Mallory Davis is an expert whose YouTube channel offers insightful shooting advice for inexperienced travel and adventure photographers, along with personal recommendations for epic destinations to visit.

Here’s how she introduces today’s straightforward eight-minute primer: “In this video I share the gear, camera settings, and helpful tips and tricks I use to make astrophotography outings a breeze.” Best yet, it’s likely that you already own the equipment needed to get started, and there’s a list of Mallory’s preferred cameras, lenses, and accessories in the description beneath the video.

So eactly what gear is required? First you need a DSLR or mirrorless camera that enables you to shoot in Manual, and it’s necessary to understand the basics of using this essential exposure setting. A sturdy tripod is also a must because “the name of the game is keeping your camera as steady as possible as possible during the slow shutter speeds you’ll employ.”

Lens choice is simple: You want to pull a wide-angle out of you bag, and Mallory says the wider it is the better. The best option is a fast lens that offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster. Mallory notes that a slower kit lens will suffice if that’s all you have, as long as you follow her advice.

You’ll be out in the field after dark, so a small headlamp can be super helpful for safely navigating the terrain, digging through your bag, and reading camera and lens controls. Mallory also recommends using an affordable remote shutter that will further protect against camera movement at the moment of capture.

As the lesson proceeds Mallory provides a detailed description of all the appropriate settings, and she explains when and how to employ them for maximum effect. Then there are those aforementioned shooting tips and techniques that will help you create images that are a sparkling success.

Mallory’s instructional YouTube channel is a great source of information for photographers who want to expand their repertoire and skills.

We also recommend watching a recent tutorial we featured with another travel photography pro who explains the artistic concept of “bokeh” and demonstrates how to capture spellbinding outdoor photographs with perfect out-of-focus backgrounds.

Mitakon, the lens brand from Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics), opens a window into the fascinating world of “ultra macro.” The image of an object is recorded on the camera’s sensor up to 5X its actual size.

ZY Optics just announced the Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens and Shutterbug had the opportunity to take the lens for a spin a few weeks before introduction. It focuses from life-size (1:1 reproduction ratio) to a whopping 5X (5:1), provides full-frame coverage and a fast f/2.8 aperture. It does not focus to infinity, same as others of its ilk.

The Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens is available in mounts compatible with Sony FE, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Fujifilm X, L-mount and medium-format Fujifilm GFX & Hasselblad XCD. The lens is strictly manual-manual (manual focus and manual aperture) and, like all extreme closeup systems, requires a sturdy tripod and steady hand. The mere thought of five-times macro is compelling. Using a 5X macro lens successfully is another matter.

Features & Specifications
55mm f/2.8 Macro
Minimum aperture f/22
Includes tripod mount
Includes screw-in LED ring light & cable
Manual focus
Manual aperture
Lens mounts as listed above
Optical construction comprises 13 elements in 8 groups

Features & Specifications (cont.)
Number of diaphragm blades = 9
58mm filter thread
Magnification 1X to 5X
Angle of view 5.6º at 5X, 13.7º at 1X
Minimum focusing distance at 5X = 10.7 inches (272mm)
Minimum focusing distance at 1X = 11 inches (279mm)
Minimum working distance at 5X = 2.55 inches (65mm)
Minimum working distance at 1X = 5.9 inches (150mm)
Dimensions at 5X = 2.64 x 6.38 inches (67 x 162mm)
Dimensions at 1X = 2.64 x 3.43 inches (67 x 87mm)
Weight = 24.3 ounces (690g) (1.5lbs)
Price is $399 with LED ring light and tripod mount

Performance Summary
Because of the extremely limited depth-of-field that plagues all manners of closeup photography, capturing objects at life-size (1:1) is very difficult. Since d-o-f decreases as the distance to the subject decreases, 5X macro can be frustratingly unforgiving. The struggle is exacerbated by the longer shutter speeds necessitated by the small apertures that are customarily used to maximize the d-o-f.

Focus Stacking improves outcomes, but for this review I decided to use the lens the way I think the majority of Shutterbug readers might; i.e., one shot at a time on a rock-solid tripod. I used the camera’s self-timer to trip the shutter so my clumsy hands wouldn’t transmit disruptive vibrations.

To learn more about Focus Stacking, check Ron Leach’s story: Use Focus Bracketing & Stacking for Sharp Macro, Nature & Landscape Photos (VIDEO).

It’s nearly impossible to use the focusing ring to achieve focus. Please understand this is not a criticism of the Mitakon lens. This is true with any system that gets you into the 4X to 5X region. Instead, select the macro ratio desired and focus by moving the subject in very tiny increments.

You could move the tripod instead, but that method is far less precise. The better way, all told, is to use a focusing track, perhaps one like the Oben Macro Focusing Rail which is available from B&H for $99. The camera slides smoothly to adjust the distance to the subject.

With all of these excuses as the backdrop, I was still able to produce acceptable results doing everything the hard way. The professional images provided by ZY Optics are much, much better and, frankly, inspiring. Enjoy the 6-image gallery below this story.

Conclusion
Priced at just $399 and capable of 5X macro performance, the Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens is a worthwhile purchase. Potential buyers, be forewarned that this realm of ultra-macro photography requires patience and more patience. If you’re going to become serious about it, buy a focusing rail and practice Focus Stacking.

Price & Availability
The Mitakon 55mm f/2.8 1-5X Macro Lens is available now for $399 with ring light and tripod mount.

About Zhongyi Mitakon
Established in 1984 as a joint venture with a Japanese investor, Shenyang Zhongyi Optical & Electronic Co., Ltd. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial optical solutions in China. Zhongyi offers optical elements for industrial applications and distributes its lens products under the Zhongyi and Mitakon brands worldwide. This year, the company expanded its distribution network to over 30 countries.

Similar Products
Mitakon Zhongyi Creator 85mm f/2.8 1-5x Super Macro Lens
AstrHori 25mm f/2.8 2-5x Ultra Macro Lens
Venus Optics Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro Lens

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Gallery of Copyrighted Images [Provided by Zhongyi/Mitakon]