Our Featured Articles Area for July

We are in the middle of festival season, so if you fancy your chances as a music photographer get yourself to the front of the crowds and use a long lens to ensure you fill the frame with the artists. Despite the number of people using mobile phones they're unlikely to get good shots you need to get close up or 300mm telephoto lens.

It's hard to believe, but we should be in the season of good weather too! Mid day shots are probably best avoided unless you really want harsh shadows and extreme contrast, and sunrise is a problem for all but those who have trouble sleeping, as sunrise is around 4:00am.

The countryside is lush with colourful shades of vivid green and waterfalls or streams often have canopies of ferns nearby. Stick an ND filter (or polariser) on to gain motion blur in the water while maintaining a brilliant contrast with the beautiful greens.

It's also air show time with displays up and down the country and re-enactments for entertaining shots. Get there early to avoid crowds, and wander round speaking to organisers first to ensure a good spot when the activities begin.

If you're travelling to hot countries check out our guide to shooting in dust and heat and our feature on holiday photography.

We also have tips for those who've been invited to a wedding. And you should find fields with poppies in the first half of the month so have a look at our guide before you venture out to shoot these spectacular fields of red.