Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer is the world’s oldest weekly photographic magazine, established in 1884. It is the respected authority for news and reviews, with detailed tests and investigations on the latest equipment. The weekly contents include interviews and columns from many of the world’s leading photographers and practical technique to inspire and enthuse the devoted readership, to whom taking photos is far more than just a hobby. Essential reading for those interested in buying photographic equipment or wanting advice about improving their picture taking. Amateur Photographer is published 51 times a year. Subscribe now and save money on the retail price.

Welcome

THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS

Major events planned for photography’s 200th birthday

Astronomy Photographer of the Year now open

Last call for night photography contest

Fujifilm boosting Instax film production

The art of still

Quality photography is dead, says Instagram chief • Blurry photos and shaky videos are the future, says Adam Mosseri. Nigel Atherton begs to differ

Helen Levitt edited by Joshua Chuang • An important study of street photography’s subtle master, says Peter Dench

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

Liminal Presence (A Street Photography Experiment) • Lincoln Museum, Usher Gallery, Danes Terrace, Lincoln, LN2 1LP until Sunday 15 February 2026, open Thursday to Monday from 10m to 4pm. Free entry

Defense Language • RRP £45, GOST, 192 pages, Hardback, ISBN: 9781915423986

Amateur Photographer

Inbox • Write to the Editor at ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk and include your full postal address. Please don’t send letters in the post as there is no one in the office to receive them. Replies are from the Editor unless otherwise stated

THIS WEEK WE ASKED... • What are your photography goals for 2026?

Minimalist master • Minimalism isn’t emptiness, it’s intention. Antony Zacharias explores how clarity, space and careful composition can transform everyday scenes into compelling photographs

Nightclubbing • The epitome of androgynous cool, the effortlessly stylish cover of Nightclubbing helped to catapult singer Grace Jones to superstardom, writes Steve Fairclough

London: a photo trip back in time • A remarkable new book features over 300 expertly restored photographs of London, taken from 1870 to 1945. Geoff Harris meets the author

Nikon ZR • Nikon’s RED-branded cinema camera offers 6K RAW recording and a 4-inch screen at an entry-level price. Richard Sibley discovers what it means for creators

Canon RF 75-300mm F4-5.6 • Getting close to your wildlife subjects doesn’t mean you have to spend big. Matty Graham tests a Canon RF telezoom that won’t weigh down you or your wallet

Neewer AS600B • With 600W of power, the AS600B is the brightest LED light in Neewer’s range, and probably the most flexible, says Damien Demolder

Peak Design Form Rope Crossbody Strap • Andy Westlake tries out a neatly designed, minimalist cross-body camera strap

Tony Kemplen on the … Zeiss Ikon Baby Ikonta • Dating from the 1930s, and the smallest model in a series of classic folding cameras

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

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

Join the Club • WDPS in Walthamstow has engaging activities and a friendly WhatsApp group

Harry Williams • Harry is a rising star who loves observing wildlife behaviour and feels privileged to photograph them

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