Stephen Paul Young Photography
FineArtPics
Photography Guides & Field Notes brings together practical, experience-led writing drawn from time spent photographing landscapes, wildlife, and working with film.
Rather than quick tips or gear-driven advice, these guides focus on real situations in the field — from choosing locations and understanding light, to slowing down your approach and working with intention. Many posts are shaped by long walks, repeated visits, and quiet observation, offering guidance rooted in practice rather than theory.
This section is intended for photographers who value process, patience, and learning through doing — whether you’re refining your craft, planning a shoot, or simply looking for a calmer way to engage with photography.
Have you ever thought of your camera as more than a tool for capturing pretty landscapes or perfect portraits? Photographic journaling transforms photography into a personal diary—a way to document your life, emotions, and thoughts visually. By using images as a diary, you can practice mindfulness, explore self-reflection, and preserve moments that words sometimes fail…
In this guide, I’ll explore the world of photography jobs and careers, covering salaries, job types, benefits, and the realities of being both employed and freelance. The Allure of a Life Behind the Lens Photography is more than clicking a shutter — it’s a career, a passion, and for many, a lifestyle. Whether you dream…
Where Time Slows Down There are moments in photography when you realise the camera can see what the eye cannot. Clouds drift like painted brushstrokes across the sky. A river turns from rippling motion into smooth, reflective glass. Even the most ordinary scene—an empty pier, a quiet field, a city street after rain—takes on a…
When you’re starting out in photography, the sheer amount of information can feel overwhelming. Do you need a “proper” camera? What’s the difference between RAW and JPEG? How do you get those dreamy blurred backgrounds? The good news: every amateur photographer asks the same questions at some point. Below, you’ll find the ten most common…
Slow the shutter, steady the mind, and see your world anew. The Quiet Call of the Walk & Photography for Mental Health I find the best walks begin in stillness. Before the light has quite arrived, before the robins start their patient rehearsals, I’m already lacing my old boots. The roads that leads out of Tadley,…
Christmas is the perfect time to pull out your camera and capture the magic of the season. Whether you’re photographing twinkling lights, family gatherings, festive still life, or snowy landscapes, there are endless opportunities to create stunning, memorable shots. In this guide, we’ll explore 7 creative Christmas photography tips that will help you elevate your holiday photos…
2026 promises a creative renaissance for photographers. From AI-assisted tools to the revival of film and slow photography, this year will challenge how we see, create, and connect. Here’s what every photographer should expect in the year ahead. What follows isn’t a list of gadgets or rumours from trade shows. It’s a reflection — part…
Street photography is often seen as a chaotic blend of movement, crowds, and energy. But within that chaos lies a hidden art form—minimalist street photography. This approach strips away the clutter and noise, allowing negative space to become the hero of the frame. By learning how to use negative space, photographers can create powerful, thought-provoking images…
Introduction to Social Media Photography If you’re an influencer, content creator, or someone trying to grow a personal brand, you’ve probably realised one thing: great photos make all the difference. Whether it’s an Instagram post, a TikTok thumbnail, or a LinkedIn headshot, the right photo can stop someone from scrolling and make them pay attention. As…
Photography has always been about sharing a moment. Whether it’s the sudden burst of a red kite in flight, the stillness of an early winter canal, or the timeless quality of a black and white film negative, each image captures something that can be felt again and again when viewed on a wall or screen.…
Photography Exhibitions continues to evolve as one of the most dynamic art forms in 2026. In the UK, this year promises a diverse range of exhibitions, festivals, and creative opportunities, catering to professional photographers, enthusiasts, and collectors alike. From celebrated portrait prizes to cutting-edge contemporary shows, the photographic landscape in 2026 reflects a rich interplay…
Mindful Steps Through History and Countryside A Place I Return To Again and Again – Roman Silchester Walk Some walks stay with you. For me, the circular path around the ancient Roman walls of Silchester is one I keep returning to—year after year, season after season. There’s something about the blend of open countryside, deep…
Why Long Exposure Photography Is So Captivating Creative long exposure photography lets you break free from the constraints of “instant” photography. By using longer shutter speeds, you can smooth out motion, stretch time, and create surreal images that tell deeper visual stories. Whether you’re photographing waterfalls, city streets, or starry skies, adding a creative twist…
US Tariffs Disrupt Photography – Reflections from a UK Photographer on Gear Costs, Industry Shifts, and Unexpected Workarounds When Donald Trump declared April 2nd “Liberation Day” and slapped a blanket 10% tariff on all US imports—with some Chinese goods facing over 100% in levies [¹]—the headlines naturally focused on the political fallout. But for photographers…
What is Telephoto Photography? Telephoto photography allows you to capture distant subjects with incredible detail. Using lenses with longer focal lengths, you can bring faraway scenes closer and create stunning images. Table of Telephoto Lens Focal Lengths: Focal Length Range Description Common Uses 70-200mm Moderate telephoto Portraits, wildlife, sports 100-400mm Super telephoto Wildlife, sports, birdwatching…
A journey walking the Thames Path offers a unique perspective on both nature and urban life. This 10-mile stretch from Sonning to Pangbourne, passing through Reading, Caversham, and Mapledurham, captures the essence of the river’s charm. For this walk, I chose to document the experience using my trusty Canon AE-1 Program paired with a 50mm…
Owning a vintage medium format camera is a joy, but every now and then, the quirks of age can present a challenge. Recently, my Bronica ETRSi began to show signs of a problem: a light leak that had started ruining my film rolls. What initially seemed like a minor annoyance grew into an issue I…
As a photographer, I often find myself caught between two worlds—one grounded in the past, with the tactile and intentional experience of shooting on film, and the other looking forward, embracing the speed and versatility of digital photography. For me, both mediums have been integral to my growth as an artist, shaping not just how…
Camera History Each innovation not only made photography more accessible and versatile but also changed the way we capture and perceive the world around us. This camera timeline highlights the key developments in camera technology, showcasing how photography has evolved into a global medium that influences culture, communication, and art. Early 1800s Camera History –…
As photographers, we often find ourselves navigating through the challenges of capturing the perfect shot, and sometimes, unexpected obstacles can emerge. In this blog post, I’ll share a recent experience that left me scratching my head: my Bronica cable release malfunction. Join me on a journey of discovery as I troubleshooted and resolve an issue…