Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4+ and Bronica ETRSi

Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4 and Bronica ETRSi, Nestled along the serene coast of North Norfolk, stands as a picturesque testament to the region’s maritime heritage and natural beauty. This quaint harbour village, with its timeless charm and stunning views of the North Sea, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a glimpse into England’s maritime past. What drew me to this enchanting location was not only its historical significance but also its reputation as a haven for photographers seeking to capture the essence of coastal life. For this expedition, I opted to step away from digital convenience and embrace the artistry ofRead More →

Shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 on the North Norfolk Coast

Kodak Ultramax 400 is a versatile colour negative film, known for its vibrant colour reproduction and fine grain. I chose this film for my trip to the North Norfolk Coast because of its ability to handle diverse lighting conditions, making it perfect for capturing the region’s dynamic landscapes. My journey included three picturesque locations: the nostalgic North Norfolk Railway with its vintage steam trains, the bustling seaside town of Cromer with its iconic pier, and the serene Blakeney Quay with its tranquil marshlands. Kodak Ultramax ISO 400 ensured each scene was captured with rich, true-to-life colours, reflecting the vibrant essence of North Norfolk in lateRead More →

Exploring Wells-Next-The-Sea: A Photographer's Journey

Nestled along the serene Norfolk coast lies Wells-Next-The-Sea, a charming town renowned for its picturesque boats and stunning sunsets. Recently, I journeyed to this haven on the North Norfolk coast with my camera, eager to capture its natural beauty. Wells-Next-The-Sea offers a timeless allure—a place where life matches the gentle lapping of waves against the shore. Its narrow streets, lined with quaint cottages and local shops, evoke nostalgia and tranquility, ideal for solace by the sea. The town’s quay is a hub of activity and inspiration, where fishing boats adorned with weathered paint and sturdy ropes sway gently in the tide. Each vessel carries storiesRead 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 →

Ilford FP4 on Watership Down

Spring had finally settled in, and the warmth of the day hinted at the summer ahead. On a recent trip to Watership Down, I decided to bring along my trusty Bronica ETRSi, loaded with a roll of Ilford FP4+ film, to capture the enchanting landscape in black and white. Little did I know, the day would turn into a dramatic showcase of nature’s power and beauty. The Setting: Watership Down Watership Down, a name familiar to many from Richard Adams’ classic novel, is a picturesque hill in Hampshire, England. Known for its rolling fields and stunning vistas, it’s a paradise for photographers. The late springRead More →

Lomography Lady Grey 400: Capturing Witney: A Spring Day Through the Lens

Lomography Lady Grey 400 as the vibrant hues of spring began to bloom across Oxfordshire, I embarked on a delightful journey to Witney, a charming town steeped in history and adorned with picturesque streets. Armed with my trusty Canon EOS 300v and a roll of Lomography Lady Grey 400 film, I set out to capture the essence of this quaint English town through the art of street photography. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly blossomed flowers, while the warmth of the sun danced upon the cobblestone streets. With each click of my camera shutter, I sought toRead More →

Capturing the Charm of Mevagissey, Cornwall: A Photographic Journey with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5 Film

Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Mevagissey stands as a testament to the timeless allure of coastal villages. Its picturesque harbour, lined with colourful fishing boats bobbing gently in the tide, evokes a sense of tranquility that transports visitors to a bygone era. The quaint charm of its narrow streets, adorned with traditional stone cottages and vibrant flower displays, beckons explorers to wander and lose themselves in its enchanting atmosphere. Exploring Cornwall with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5 Film In an age dominated by digital photography, there exists a certain allure to the art of film photography—a nostalgia for the tangible processRead More →

My Photographic Journey in Looe, Cornwall: Shooting Kodak Max 400 on the Canon EOS 300v

Embarking on a journey to explore Looe, Cornwall, was a venture into the heart of natural beauty and coastal allure. As I prepared for this photographic expedition, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me, fueled by the prospect of capturing Looe’s distinctive charm through the lens of my trusty Canon EOS 300v (which I’ll do a separate review soon), loaded with Kodak Max 400 film. Looe, with its rugged cliffs, quaint fishing harbors, and winding streets steeped in history, promised a plethora of photographic opportunities waiting to be discovered. Exploring Looe Through My Lens As I prepared my gear, I pondered over theRead More →

Rollei Ortho 25 Plus - Exploring the Seaside Landscape

In a world of photography, the choice of film type can significantly impact the final outcome of any image. One such film option is Rollei Ortho 25 Plus, a black and white orthochromatic film well known for its rendering great detail and tones. Unlike traditional panchromatic films, orthochromatic films like Rollei Ortho are sensitive to blue and green light, rendering scenes with a unique tonal interpretation. For my recent photographic trip to Milford on Sea, a place nestled along the picturesque South coast of England, I was drawn to Rollei. Intrigued by the prospect of capturing the beauty of this area, I saw this filmRead More →

Watership Down: 5 Black and White Film Images to Calm You

As a photographer, there are moments that transcend the ordinary and beckon you to capture the essence of a place in its raw and unfiltered state. Watership Down near Kingsclere, a location made famous by Richard Adams’ novel, is one such place. In the quiet embrace of February, armed with my trusty Bronica ETRSi and a roll of Ilford PAN F+ film, I set out to explore this iconic landscape through the lens of black and white photography. Camera Gear + Black and White Film Choice Equipped with my Bronica ETRSi, a medium format camera renowned for its sharpness and versatility, I opted for theRead More →

Elevate Your Creativity: 13 Enchanting Photographs from Mottisfont Abbey

As a photographer, every session is an opportunity to weave a visual tapestry that tells a unique story. Today, let me take you on a captivating journey through my lens and photographs, as I ventured into the enchanting Mottisfont Abbey or Mottisfont House in Hampshire, England, on an early January day in 2024. Embracing Mottisfont Abbey Gardens Winter Palette The canvas for my artistry was set against the backdrop of Mottisfont house (Mottisfont Priory), a location steeped in history and natural beauty. Armed with my trusty Bronica ETRSi and the warmth of my creativity, I embarked on a photographic expedition. The film of choice? MyRead 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 →

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 →

low light photography settings

As I sit here in my cosy home in rural North Hampshire, gazing out of the window, I’m reminded that winter is upon us in the United Kingdom. The days are growing shorter, and the familiar scenes of Autumn are slowly fading into the embrace of this enchanting season. The countryside transforms into a winter wonderland, and it’s a magical time for photography enthusiasts like me. I’ve had the privilege of experimenting with various photography techniques and settings, particularly delving into the realm of low light photography settings. Over time, I’ve learned the art of optimising these settings, a crucial skill for any photographer, especiallyRead More →

landscape photography

The Kennet and Avon Canal, Aldermaston Wharf, has always held a special place in my heart as one of England’s most picturesque landscapes, perfect for capturing its natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the stunning countryside, this canal has become my haven as a photography enthusiast, offering breathtaking views throughout the year including canal boats, locks and wildlife. In this comprehensive guide, I invite you to join me on an exploration of the mesmerising natural beauty of the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf. Together, we’ll discover invaluable tips and secrets to help you capture truly exceptional photographs. As for the definition ofRead More →