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 →

Stepping Back to Move Forward: The Story Behind ‘In My Own Light: 2024’

Black and White Film Photography As we move through life, especially in a world that’s perpetually buzzing with digital noise, it’s easy to get swept up in the constant chase for instant results. Whether we’re snapping countless photos on our smartphones or rushing through our day-to-day, the world around us often becomes a blur. But for me, the past year has been all about the opposite. I decided to slow down, pick up my old Canon AE-1 Program and my Bronica ETRSi, and immerse myself in the art of traditional black and white film photography. That decision resulted in my first book, In My Own Light:Read More →

Ilford HP5+ Film, Morgaston Woodlands

As the final day of meteorological summer approached, I found myself drawn to the ancient woodlands of Morgaston Wood. The afternoon light was soft, the shadows long, and the air thick with the scent of summer giving way to autumn. It was the perfect time for a photographic exploration, armed with my Bronica ETRSi, loaded with 120 medium format Ilford HP5+ film. There’s something special about medium format photography, particularly with a camera like the Bronica ETRSi. The larger negative size captures incredible detail, and the square format I chose for this series was both a creative decision and a practical one. My camera hasRead More →

The Magic of Sunrise and Sunset Photography: Capturing Nature’s Daily Masterpieces

Sunrise and Sunset Photography, at its essence, is about capturing moments. And what better moments to capture than the ephemeral beauty of sunrises and sunsets? These times of day offer a stunning play of light and colour, presenting unique opportunities for photographers to create captivating images. The following 4 images of Sunrise and Sunset Photography are from my collection taken during the summer of 2024. Sunset Photography at Wells Next The Sea Wells Next The Sea, with its expansive skies and reflective waters, provides an ideal setting for sunset photography (sometimes called Golden Hour). As the sun descends towards the horizon, the sky transforms intoRead More →

Remarkable D-Day 80 Black and White Photos

Black and white photography has a unique allure that transcends time, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal the essence of the subject. Attending the commemorative event at the Control Tower at the former RAF base at Greenham Common presented me with a perfect opportunity to harness the power of black and white photography. This site, rich with historical significance, was once at the heart of pivotal moments during the Cold War. The Control Tower, now a symbol of reflection and remembrance, stands as a testament to the past. Photographing this event in black and white photos not only highlighted the details of theRead More →

Kentmere Film to record a winters day along the Kennet and Avon Canal.

In the delicate dance between vintage film and modern technology, my recent photography session along the tranquil Kennet and Avon Canal near Aldermaston Wharf was a captivating exploration. As a dedicated photographer specialising in capturing life’s fleeting moments, this session marked a significant milestone – the premiere use of the Kentmere Film Pan 400 Film, 120 Medium Format Film. Unveiling Kentmere Film Pan 400 As I embarked on my photographic journey, armed with the Pan 400, I wondered at its ability I’d seen in other photographers images to capture the subtleties of light and shadow. The film’s grain structure ensured that every detail was renderedRead 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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Photography Bliss with the Vintage Zenza Bronica ETRSi (Build Date 1988-2004)

Embarking on a new photographic journey is always a thrill, and my recent acquisition of the Zenza Bronica ETRSi Medium Format Camera has elevated my excitement to new heights. The anticipation of holding this classic piece of photographic equipment in my hands is matched only by the allure of the medium format film photography realm it opens up. A few clicks, a winning bid on eBay, and the package arrived on my doorstep, promising a world of creative possibilities. Winning this camera on eBay felt like claiming a piece of photographic history. The exhilaration of outbidding fellow enthusiasts, coupled with the eagerness to unpack andRead More →

Mastering The Best Settings for Low Light Photography

As the winter season approaches, I find myself drawn to the enchanting world of low light photography. Hi, I’m Steve, and I’m excited to share my insights on navigating the captivating challenges and embracing the wonderful opportunities that the best settings for low light photography conditions present for photographers. Winter brings a unique ambiance, with its early sunsets and cozy indoor festivities. It’s during this time, especially around Christmas, that the allure of capturing moments in subtle lighting becomes irresistible. In this article, I aim to provide a personal perspective on the art of low light photography, offering a guide tailored not just for enthusiastsRead 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 →

winter photography

Soft snowflakes gently fall from the sky, illuminating the picturesque English landscape as the morning sun emerges on the horizon. As a photographer living in rural North Hampshire, with the likes of The Kennet & Avon Canal, Winchester, Morgaston Wood, and Watership Downs on my doorstep, I understand the magic of capturing winter’s beauty. In this Winter Photography tips article, I will share five essential tips to help you prepare and skillfully capture outstanding images of the stunning English countryside in winter. Read on for more winter scenery photography 5 Winter Photography Tips for you to Try Capture the enchanting winter landscapes of the EnglishRead More →