About Popular Photography - December 2009 (US):
Shoot pictures like a professional photographer! Popular Photography & Imaging magazine helps you improve your technique and creativity with illustrated, detailed articles. Every issue of Popular Photography & Imaging brings you expert tips from the pros, detailed product reviews, step-by-step guidance and much more. Popular Photography & Imaging is like having your own photo instructor!

Content issue:
52 into the fog When the landscape is blanketed in mist, use these tricks to make gorgeous pictures. By Ian S. Frazier 58 faMily ties Show off your family’s true personality. Amateurs and pros alike share their best portrait tips. By Peter Kolonia 62 the 2009 pop aWarDs We agonized and argued until we picked the 30 best of the best this year. Plus: Camera of the year fi nalists revealed. By the Editors 15 We Want this The white-hot Pentax K-x 16 just out New gear we couldn’t resist 18 closer look Nikon’s D3S smashes ISO 100,000 20 state of the art Sony’s clever noise-reduction system 22 the guts What’s inside Panasonic’s little GF1 share 25 photo challenge Critter close-up inspired by our pages 26 My project Heirloom cameras captured on film 28 letters A reader improves Software Workshop 30 tech support The truth about Delta E, APS, and more 32 your best shot Our contest’s sharp, graphic winners how 39 creative thinking Pro John Loomis captures action 40 fix it fast Move an element for greater impact 41 tips & tricks Edit fast, bounce flash, flatter subjects 42 lighting Use ring light for a mysterious eye view 44 softWare Workshop Convert a RAW file twice and combine 48 you can Do it Take your camera on the road, literally lab 71 Dslr test: sony alpha 850 The least expensive full-frame camera ever lives up to its potential—with just a few minor compromises 79 caMera test: leica M9 We check out the world’s smallest full-framer—is this digital rangefinder really worth its $7,000 street price? 86 lens tests: nikon 10–24mm vs. sigma 10–20mm Two hot new ultrawide-angle zooms face off in our lab shootout 90 softWare revieW: adobe photoshop elements & premiere elements 8 These new editors offer lots of fun features—maybe too many? Don’t Miss . . . 8 eDitor’s letter 10 shoWcase 93 the guiDe 118 tiMe exposure 132 backstory