Discover My New Fine Art Photography Shop

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my new online Fine Art Photography Shop, now live at fineartpics.co.uk! This shop offers a selection of my best fine art images, available for purchase and display in your own home. Here, you’ll find evocative black-and-white landscapes and more, that capture the rugged beauty and serene moments of the natural world, including a range of scenes from the Scottish Highlands. Wall Art – Dramatic Black and White Landscapes The Dramatic Landscapes collection features striking images with high contrasts and bold Art Print compositions. These images showcase nature’s powerful moods, like Coastal Wave—a dramatic capture of the Scottish coastline, with waves crashing beneathRead More →

film vs digital

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 I take pictures, but how I see the world, film vs digital. In this film vs digital post, I want to share my personal journey with both film and digital photography. Each has its own charm, strengths, and challenges, and they both continue to play significant roles in my work,Read More →

A Day Trip to the North Norfolk Railway: 10 Reasons Why the Canon EOS 5DS R is Still a Fantastic Camera in 2024

Canon EOS 5DS R There’s something deeply nostalgic about a day trip to the North Norfolk Railway, a stretch of heritage line that breathes life into the golden era of steam. The rhythmic clatter of the tracks, the hiss of steam, and the evocative smell of coal burning all transport you back in time. As I stood on the platform, camera in hand, I felt a strong connection between this historic setting and my choice of gear for the day—the Canon EOS 5DS R. In an age dominated by mirrorless innovations and rapid technological advancements, you might question the relevance of a DSLR from 2015.Read More →

Camera History Timeline from Early 1800s to the Digital Age

Camera History Camera History and the evolution of camera technology from the early 1800s to the present day is a fascinating journey that mirrors the rapid advancements in science, art, and technology. Beginning with the primitive camera obscura and the first permanent photographs, cameras have undergone a remarkable transformation, from the intricate and time-consuming processes of early daguerreotypes and calotypes to the instant gratification of Polaroids, and ultimately to the digital and smartphone cameras that define photography today. Each innovation not only made photography more accessible and versatile but also changed the way we capture and perceive the world around us. This timeline highlights theRead More →

Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses

The Zenza Bronica ETR series was a line of medium format cameras produced by Zenza Bronica, a Japanese camera manufacturer known for high-quality, professional cameras. The Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses series includes several models, such as the ETR, ETRC, ETRS, and ETRSi, and they all use a 6×4.5 cm film format. These cameras were widely used in the 1970s through the 1990s, particularly by professional photographers who needed the quality of medium format but preferred a more compact and portable system compared to 6×6 or 6×7 cameras. Zenza Bronica ETR Lens Overview The lenses for the Zenza Bronica ETR were designed by Bronica and producedRead More →

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM SPORT Review

Recently, I embarked on an exciting trip to Ladle Hill, eager to photograph the RAF Parachute Display Team as they made a spectacular drop at the Highclere Castle Show. Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, I was determined to test the limits of my Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM SPORT lens on my trusty Canon 5DS R. With its class-leading 50.6MP image resolution, my Canon, despite its age, still holds its ground as a formidable camera, even in challenging situations. It’s worth noting here that I was approximately 3 to 4 miles away from Highclere Castle! Battling the Elements The journey to Ladle Hill beganRead More →

Bronica Cable Release woes

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 that seemed to have no precedent on the vast landscape of the internet. NOTE: The following Cable Release ‘Fix’ is worth considering for other makes of camera that use a mechanical cable release system. The Cable Release was found to be the root cause for the issue and not theRead More →

Journey Through Time: Glastonbury's Mystical Tapestry Captured on Vintage Slides

Glastonbury Abbey Vintage Slides Continuing on the delightful journey of digitising my old vintage slides, I recently uncovered a trove of mesmerising old pictures from Glastonbury Abbey and Tor, frozen in time from the late 80s. These relics of the past, captured on film, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the mystique and charm of one of England’s most enchanting locales. This is a continuation for my old photographs uk. Glastonbury Abbey The first set of images unveils the majestic Glastonbury Abbey, shrouded in an ethereal ambiance. The weathered stones of the abbey, steeped in centuries of history, seem to whisper tales of monks, knights, andRead More →

Preserving the Past: A Journey into Film Slide Scanning

Film Slide Scanning at Home In embarking on the journey of scanning my cherished film slides[] from the 1980s and 1990s, I found myself immersed in a home scanning project that transcended mere digitisation or slides to digital. My task was not just about converting some old images; it was a poignant exploration of nostalgia and a commitment to preserving the essence of bygone eras. My project was born out of a profound appreciation for the tangible memories that I’d captured on a variety of Kodachrome and Fuji film slides—pieces of my personal history frozen in time. And of course, finding a digital slide scanningRead More →

Embracing Grandeur: 10 Medium Format Film Cameras for Timeless Photography

In a world dominated by digital marvels, the allure of the medium format film photography and cameras stands tall, capturing moments with unparalleled grandeur. Let’s embark on a journey through 10 medium format cameras that epitomise timeless craftsmanship. The Majestic Medium Format Film Cameras Realm Step into the realm of larger formats and unveil the splendor of medium format photography. Explore the breathtaking details, dynamic range, and artistic depth that set these cameras apart from their 35mm counterparts. The Elegance of Medium Format: 10 Exceptional Cameras 1. Hasselblad 500CM: A Swedish Masterpiece Hasselblad: A Symphony of Swedish Craftsmanship Immerse yourself in the symphony of SwedishRead More →

9 Proven Landscape Photography Tips - How to Elevate Your Photography

Landscape photography is an art that transcends capturing mere images; it’s about freezing moments in time, preserving the grandeur of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting, mastering landscape photography requires a blend of skill, creativity, and an understanding of your surroundings. Here’s my 9 Landscape Photography Tips. The Magic of Golden Hour One of the key secrets to breathtaking landscape shots is harnessing the magic of the golden hour. As the sun gently kisses the horizon during sunrise and sunset, it casts a warm, soft glow, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. Pro Tip: Begin your shooting sessions during these hours for ethereal landscapes.Read More →

35mm Urban Photography

In the fast-paced world of digital photography, there’s an undeniable allure in going back to the roots. Let’s explore the enduring magic of 10 vintage 35mm film cameras, machines that have withstood the test of time, capturing moments with an authenticity that modern technology often struggles to emulate. Unveiling the Essence of Analog Aesthetics In a world obsessed with pixels and filters, delve into the essence of analog aesthetics and the retro 35mm camera. Discover how the vintage 35mm film camera can bring a unique warmth and character to your photographs, transcending the clinical precision of their digital counterparts. The Legends: 10 Time-Tested Vintage 35mmRead More →

Facts about photography

As I envisioned the branding style photographs essential for my website, it was evident that Jason’s fervor for capturing genuine individual essence aligned seamlessly with my requirements. Beyond merely hiring a photographer, approaching Jason meant engaging with a creative collaborator capable of translating my brand vision into visually compelling storytelling. His dedication to photographing people, as evidenced by his mantra, “I’m a photographer of people; it’s my passion,” resonated with my goal of creating images that authentically represented my brand, Jason Reading Photography. Jason’s extensive experience and diverse portfolio, spanning various genres from portraiture to fantasy, assured me that his expertise would bring a uniqueRead More →

The Art of Night Photography: Cologne's Christmas Markets

During my stay in the wonderful German town of Cologne, I was enchanted by the city’s magical Christmas Markets. These markets, with their colourful and playful displays, created a festive experience that was truly extraordinary. Amidst the bustling stalls adorned with twinkling lights, the air was filled with the joyful laughter of families and the enticing aroma of seasonal treats. The markets, a kaleidoscope of festive colours, added a dynamic and lively element to my night photography exploration. In the realm of composition, I found myself drawn to the balance of simplicity and the festive complexity of the markets. Each frame captured the whimsical charmRead More →

Stephen Paul Young

Embarking on a photographic journey is akin to selecting a life companion, and for me, the unwavering choice has been the Canon EOS 5DS R. Throughout the span of several years, this camera has transcended its role as a mere tool, evolving into a true partner, a silent witness to the multitude of moments that have been immortalised in its lens. It has become more than a device capturing pixels; it’s a repository of memories and emotions. From the ethereal glow of a sunrise over a mountain range to the candid expressions of loved ones during significant milestones, the Canon EOS 5DS R has beenRead More →