With the grand opening of Epic Universe scheduled for 2025, speculation continues to escalate on the attractions and rides which will be featured in each of the five lands at Universal Orlando‘s third major theme park.

To date, Universal has only unveiled details about one of five lands. Last month, more renderings were published to preview How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk. Thanks to advancements in aerial photography, a closer glimpse was provided into construction and development of Dark Universe, which is expected to feature rides and shows based on Universal’s “classic monsters” films, including Frankenstein, Wolfman, the Mummy, and others.

Scaffolding was recently removed from several projects in the acres that will be home to Dark Universe. Photos were posted by X (Formerly known as Twitter) user “Bioreconstruct.” You can see posts featuring the photographs, below.

Aerial photo showing that scaffolding was recently removed from the windmill tower at Burning Blade Tavern in Dark Universe. pic.twitter.com/7HpQw1jUEJ

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 20, 2024

Aerial look at current construction in the village at Dark Universe.
📸Apr 18 pic.twitter.com/Hzrf895Ple

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) April 20, 2024

The allure of a new camera often lies in its technical specifications and the promise of enhanced capabilities. However, the true measure of a camera’s value rests in its ability to seamlessly integrate into a photographer’s individual approach and empower their creative vision. This exploration of the Fujifilm X100VI offers valuable insights into this nuanced relationship between photographer and tool.

In the video, photographer James Popsys looks into his experience with the Fujifilm X100VI, offering a candid assessment of the camera’s strengths and weaknesses. Despite initial reservations and acknowledging the camera’s near-universal praise, Popsys embarked on a journey to understand if the X100V could truly align with his needs and preferences. Popsys highlights several key features that impressed him:

• Exceptional Image Quality: The X100VI’s sensor and lens combination deliver stunning image quality, meeting the high standards of professional photographers. 
• Versatile Viewfinder: The hybrid viewfinder, offering both optical and electronic options, provides flexibility and caters to diverse shooting scenarios.
• Built-in ND Filter: The integrated ND filter expands creative possibilities, especially in bright conditions, without requiring additional accessories.

However, Popsys also identifies areas where the X100VI falls short of expectations:

• Battery Life: The camera’s battery life proves to be a limitation, particularly during extended shoots or when using power-hungry features.
• Menu Design: Popsys finds the menu system to be less intuitive than desired, potentially hindering quick adjustments and efficient operation.

Popsys’ experience with the X100V underscores a crucial point for photographers: Choosing the right gear goes beyond specifications and reviews. Aligning your equipment with your individual workflow, shooting style, and preferences is paramount. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Recently I was lucky enough to spend a couple of days wandering the streets of Spain’s capital, Madrid. Street photography is such an easy genre to get out and shoot – it’s free, you don’t need much kit, and it is great to explore the world with a different view. Although it’s easy to go out and shoot, it is a little harder to master. With a few simple tricks and tips though you can start to take your street shots to the next level. 

• The best camera for street photography

When I first started out I would look for evenly lit shaded areas, they were easy to photograph but lacked depth and tone. Our planet Earth being the three-dimensional beautiful spinning rock that it is needs to be captured in such a way we can show our viewers as much detail as possible through our lens. I like to travel light, and certain airlines aren’t a fan of you bringing any luggage with you so on this trip I was walking around with my small beaten-up Fujifilm X-T2 and Fujinon 35mm f/2 R XF WR lens. For me, a 35mm or 50mm field of view is ideal for street photography.

Super tips for shooting the street

1. Use automatic shutter speed 

In street photography moments can be fleeting and gone before you’ve even had time to raise your camera to your eye. I shoot with auto shutter speed to avoid missing a shot. Some people dislike any automatic settings but you can exploit them for an advantage in tricky shooting conditions.

2. Use automatic ISO

Each camera will vary slightly, but on my Fujifilm camera I have three auto ISO settings. Number one for street photography is set to use anything within 100-1600 ISO. I then tell my camera not to lower the shutter speed below 1/125sec while automatic ISO is enabled. ISO setting number two will be 1600-6400, and number three is 6400-128,000 – both of these will always make sure my shutter is at least 1/125sec.

3. Experiment with your aperture 

I tend to shoot wide open most of the time, which means my shutter speed is increased and I get a short sharp shot. Sometimes a shallow focus isn’t the best setting for a scene, you may want a deeper focus to incorporate more of the background. So try using anything from f/1.4 (if your lens allows) to f/9 for different aesthetics.

4. Shoot the street with confidence

By using the automatic settings from above, you’re now free to explore the streets and concentrate on the action. You don’t need to rush around too much, you can just park yourself on a bench and wait for people to walk into your frame. Make sure you expose for the brighter section of the image, this will give you far better contrast. I find using the LCD screen and shooting from the hip can be a good way to stay incognito, most camera screens are fully articulating now so make them work to your advantage. Try not to review your images, and concentrate on what’s in front of you.

Check out Street photography: how to remove distracting elements with long exposures, be sure to see our top 35mm prime lenses rated