Stephen Paul Young Photography
Stephen Paul Young Photography
Every photograph has a story behind it — a moment of inspiration, a challenge in the field, or a memory captured forever. This section is dedicated to those behind-the-scenes stories that add depth and meaning to photography.
Here you’ll find personal reflections from time spent on location, tales of unexpected encounters, and narratives that reveal the process behind the image. Sometimes it’s about the patience of waiting for the perfect light, other times it’s about embracing mistakes that lead to something unexpected. These stories go beyond technical details, offering a glimpse into the mindset and emotions that shape the work.
Photography is not just about the final image, but about the journey of creating it. If you enjoy travel, exploration, or simply hearing how others approach their craft, this section is for you. Let these stories inspire your own adventures and remind you why photography is such a rewarding pursuit.
Introduction The Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) is a majestic, large woodland owl known for its soulful dark eyes and pale facial disc, creating an unmistakable presence in European forests. Capturing this elusive bird through your lens is both a technical challenge and…
The Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) is one of Britain’s most iconic nocturnal birds, known for its deep, resonant “twit-twoo” call echoing through woodlands at dusk. Tawny Owl Photography gives challenges and rewards wildlife photographers, offering opportunities for atmospheric portraits and storytelling images…
Introduction The Yellow-Billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius) is a striking raptor known for its graceful, buoyant flight and characteristic yellow beak. Yet one of the most captivating moments for any wildlife photographer is capturing these birds as chicks, where vulnerability, curiosity, and emerging character…
Introduction The Chilean Blue Buzzard-Eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), also known as the Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, is a striking raptor of the South American highlands, famed for its imposing wingspan and distinctive slate-grey plumage. Photographing this powerful eagle at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire offers UK photographers…
Gyrfalcon Photography (Falco rusticolus), the world’s largest falcon, is a true marvel of the Arctic skies, blending brute power with graceful agility. Having the chance to photograph this formidable predator at Millets Falconry Centre in Oxfordshire provided a rare opportunity to study…
A Day Behind the Lens: Vintage Car Photography at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 I still feel the smell of petrol and freshly cut grass when I close my eyes. That’s the magic of the Goodwood Festival of Speed —…
Few birds capture the spirit of flight like the Lanner Falcon. With its keen eyes, tapered wings, and breath-snatching stoops, it embodies the wild freedom we often seek to capture in our wildlife photography. Recently, I had the chance for Lanner…
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to document a Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course delivered by AT Outdoor Coaching , led by founder and lead instructor Aaron, on the scenic River Thames at Pangbourne. This commercial photography session focused on capturing the dynamic,…
A Journey into the Mystical Heart of Wiltshire There are landscapes in Britain where time seems thin — where history isn’t buried beneath layers of modern life but walks beside you. Avebury stone circle , in the heart of Wiltshire’s Marlborough Downs,…
Photographing Aldermaston Wharf with the Bronica ETRSi and Kentmere Pan 100 – Medium Format Photography There is something quietly timeless about England’s canal network, particularly on a still Sunday morning. The soft reflections, moored narrowboats, distant bird calls, and the…
Horse and Trap Photographed with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Kentmere Pan 100 Film There’s something magical about stepping into a moment that feels like it’s been lifted from the pages of history. While walking along the peaceful towpath of…
A Quiet Encounter with the Wild Some mornings seem stitched together by something quieter than luck — 5 Roe Deer Photos stitched by patience, stillness, and the simple act of being there.This spring, in the soft woodland light of Ashford Hill Nature…
There’s something quietly exciting about trying out new gear in familiar places—especially when that gear is as classic and simple as yellow filter photography. A few weeks ago, I finally got around to testing a Pig Iron Yellow Filter I’d picked…
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…
Walking through the rolling hills of Hampshire, the sun beating down on my shoulders (Early Spring 2025), I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of tranquility. The charm of these Photos from Watership Down , near Kingsclere, is undeniable —…
The Stillness Before Dawn There’s a special kind of silence that exists before dawn, just before the world wakes up. It’s the hush of expectation, the moment when everything stands still, waiting for the first light to break the darkness.…
Ashford Hill Nature Reserve, located in the picturesque countryside of Hampshire, offers a dynamic blend of ancient woodlands, wetlands, and meadows teeming with life. This year, I’m thrilled to immerse myself in the beauty of the reserve, capturing its seasonal…
I find there’s something magical about stepping out into the countryside on a crisp February morning for a photography walk. The cool air, tinged with the fresh scent of damp earth, combined with a serene blue sky, creates a perfect…
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…
