The Power of Limitation in Photography:

Embracing the No-Sky Challenge

In the vast realm of photography, it might seem strange to intentionally impose creative restrictions. However, sometimes limitations can be a catalyst for unleashing boundless artistic expression and pushing your creative boundaries. A perfect example of this is the practice of excluding the sky from landscape photographs. By willingly embracing this restriction, you can tap into a range of unique benefits and create captivating visuals that leave a lasting impression. In this blog post, we'll delve into the positives and advantages of restricting yourself in photography, using the example of shooting a roll of film without including the sky.

Fostering Creativity:

Limiting yourself in photography compels you to explore beyond the obvious and discover new ways to capture a scene. When I chose to exclude the sky from my landscape compositions in the below images, I was challenged to shift focus to other elements like foreground details, textures, or the interplay of light and shadows. This limitation encouraged experimentation with different perspectives, compositions, and techniques, leading to fresh and innovative outcomes.

By deliberately leaving out the sky, you create an intimate and focused atmosphere within the landscape. The absence of the sky draws the viewer deeper into the scene, directing their attention to the remaining elements. This intensifies the emotional impact, establishing a stronger connection between the audience and the subject matter, while highlighting the inherent beauty of the land itself.

Restricting my photographs from including the sky encouraged simplicity in the compositions. By removing a vast expanse of potentially featureless space, I was left with a more concentrated and distilled image. This simplification enhances the visual impact, emphasizing the essential elements and creating a sense of visual harmony.

Restricting yourself in photography, like excluding the sky from landscape compositions, may initially seem counterintuitive, but it holds tremendous creative potential. Embracing limitations allows you to foster creativity, create visually impactful images, and simplify and distil your compositions. So, challenge yourself, embrace restrictions, and explore the incredible possibilities waiting to be discovered within the art of limitation in photography. Remember, sometimes less truly is more.

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Self-Promotion. It’s not for me….

I'm a photographer who loves taking pictures, but I hate talking about myself.**

I know. It's kind of a weird contradiction. I love creating art with my camera, but I get really uncomfortable when I have to talk about my work. I feel like I'm bragging, or like I'm coming across as arrogant.

But I also know that self-promotion is important for any photographer/artist who wants their work to be seen by a larger audience.

So I'm trying to find ways to promote myself without feeling like I'm saying “me, me ,me”. Here are a few things I have identified as self-promotion without the cringe factor of talking about myself.

Sharing on social media is the most obvious and the most distant. I'm conscious of not writing too much blurb as social media is such a quick fix for images that no one really pauses to read a paragraph long description of the thoughts and feelings behind every photo. The technical side and the planning of the photo can be covered through my YouTube videos. This seems to be more natural and informative and less promoting.

This.. Writing about photography on my blog. When I share my thoughts on different photography techniques, trends, and challenges. I feel like I'm opening up about my thoughts on photography. Not just mine but other photographers as well.

One thing I have not done but see the benefit in is spending time with other photographers. Maybe doing some group get togethers like a photo-walk where you can get to know other photographers, learning from them and making friends.

I know I’m not the best at self-promotion, but I'm getting better at it and I'm learning to be more comfortable talking about my work. Using these above options to promote myself feels more natural and authentic to me.

If you're a photographer who hates self-promotion, I know how you feel. But I tell myself that self-promotion is not about bragging. It's about sharing your work with the world and letting people know what you have to offer. So don't be afraid to put yourself out there!

Getting lost in a place I know well.

Wandering around Edinburgh

The day was bright with just the occasional cloud that would drift by. There were new places I wanted to explore and I had all day.

Coffee sipping on the shore of Leith, looking out over the cobbled streets through the giant doors of the old customs house.

Red letter box, red door and pink curb-side bin.

Back in the hub of Edinburgh it was all hustling tourists venturing far from their homes but not far from their trusted Starbucks mocha creamy coffee.

Moving away from the pulsing city centre to the quiet side streets that every tourist comes to Edinburgh for but rarely find. I wanted simple images, balanced images. Shunning the folk on the streets for the items on the walls.

Edinburgh can seem like a labyrinth when you enter the quiet hidden worlds of the old town’s alleyways, searching for a way out, a place to climb and surface to see a cityscape that is once again familiar.

Some recent images, taken with my Contax 139Q on Cinestill 400D

Mixing things up

A change in approach and hopefully, a change in the outcome.

As a photographer, I have often found myself disillusioned with my work and the current photo trends found everywhere on social media. It seems that every other photographer out there is following the same formula, churning out the same types of images and saturating the market with clichéd concepts and styles. It's easy to get lost in this sea of sameness, but I believe that there is still room for artistic photography that is different from the norm.

To create artistic photography that stands out is to break away from the mould. Not being afraid to experiment with new techniques, styles, and concepts. I will try shooting in unconventional ways, using unusual angles or lighting to create unique images. Not being afraid to push the boundaries of what is considered "normal" in photography.

Another important aspect of creating artistic photography is to focus on storytelling. I do struggle with this. Simply because when I see a photo/image/artwork I like, it is because I like what I see and have no interest in the story the art or/and artist is trying to convey. I don't gravitate to the story so for me to base my photography around storytelling will be a real challenge. I will try to think about what message or emotion I want to convey, a narrative thread that ties images together.

What I am reminding myself to look at is the details. Instead of capturing the entire scene, zoom in on small details that might be missed by others. This can create a sense of intimacy and intrigue in an image. Following this is the abstract approach to photography. I want to draw the viewer in and make them feel like they are discovering something new.

Finally, I will ignore, and push back on 'photography rules' and not be afraid to break the rules. Photography has long been governed by certain rules and guidelines. I use to be a member of a local photography club which entered into competitions with other clubs. The judging of the photographs was very systematic and rule-based, creating and very obvious group of winners at every competition. To me, sometimes the most powerful images are the ones that break those rules.

In conclusion, creating artistic photography that is different from the norm requires a willingness to break away from the mould, try to focus on storytelling, pay attention to details, and take risks. By doing so, creating images that are truly unique and thought-provoking, and that stand out in an overcrowded market will naturally happen.

Colour or Black and White Film?

What to consider when choosing a film to put into your camera.

In my previous blog post, I discussed the importance of choosing the right camera for your photography needs. In this post, I want to talk about another important decision that photographers face: whether to use colour film or black and white film.

The choice between colour and black and white film can have a big impact on the overall mood and feel of your images. Colour film can add depth and vibrancy, while black and white film can simplify a scene and draw attention to the composition and form of the subject.

So, how do I decide which type of film is right? Here are the two things I consider:

**Subject matter:** What am I photographing? If I'm shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, colour film can be a great way to capture the beauty of the natural world or the character of the subjects. However, looking at abstract or fine art photography, black and white film is more commonly used and can be a more effective way to create a mood or atmosphere.

**Lighting:** The type of lighting available can also influence your decision. If shooting in bright sunlight, colour film will/could capture the vibrant colours of the scene. However, if the weather is drab or it is getting late in the day and shooting in low light, black and white film would usually be my choice, as it is more forgiving of exposure errors.

Ultimately, the decision of whether I use colour or black and white film is a very personal one depending on what I have described above but also how I am feeling that day. Like all artistic choices, there is no right or wrong answer, and the best way to decide for me is to experiment with both types of film so I know what type of photograph I would like to produce that day.

If you are looking at getting into film photography and wondering what film, black and white or colour, you are wanting to use, below are a few additional tips for choosing the right film for your photography needs:

**Consider your budget:** Color film can be more expensive than black and white film, so if you're on a tight budget, black and white film may be a better option.

**Think about your workflow:** If you plan on developing your film, black and white film is generally easier to process than colour film.

**Experiment with different types of film:** The best way to decide which type of film is right for you is to experiment with different types and see what you like best.

Old Cameras..... Why?

I get asked when out shooting why I'm using an old film camera instead of digital. (Note: I still do take photos using my Sony A7III).

I usually keep the answer short to something like, "I like the challenge and the required thought process when using film. It makes me slow down and really think about each shot". Which is all true, but there is more to consider.

Using old cameras can have several benefits, depending on the type of camera and the intended use.

Here is a list of what is important and what stands out to me when I think of the potential advantages when using old film cameras:

Simplicity: Older cameras may be simpler to operate than modern cameras, which can be loaded with features and settings. This simplicity can be an advantage if you prefer to focus on the basics of photography and don't want to be overwhelmed with options. This is important for learning and feeling like ‘you’ are operating the camera rather than circuits and chips doing all the calculations for you.

Following on in the learning experience: Using an old camera can be a great way to learn the fundamentals of photography. Because these cameras often have manual controls and require more thought and effort, developing a deeper understanding of exposure, aperture, shutter speed, and other key concepts.

Tactile Experience: Shooting with an older camera can offer a tactile experience that is lacking with modern digital cameras. The sound of the shutter, the feel of the film advance lever, and the overall weight and heft of the camera can be a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

Quality: While digital cameras have made great strides in image quality, there is still something special about the look and feel of a film photograph. Film can capture a unique range of colours, tones, and textures that can be difficult to replicate with digital.

Cost: Finally, using an old camera can be a cost-effective way to get into photography. Film cameras can often be found for much less than their digital counterparts. There is a caveat here though, film is getting expensive as is the processing, so these do need to be factored in. The improvement of at-home development kits could pivot the scales here. Home development is very popular and there is something magical about following the process from loading the film into your camera, taking some shots and developing that same film at home.

So, while there are certainly benefits to using a modern digital camera, there are also compelling reasons to consider an older film camera. Whether it's the simplicity, tactile experience, unique quality, or cost savings, shooting with film can offer a different and rewarding experience for photographers of all levels.

It's worth noting that there are also some potential downsides to using old cameras. These can include limitations in functionality, reliability issues, and the need for specialised knowledge or equipment. However, for many people, the benefits of using an old camera outweigh the drawbacks

How things change

I find it refreshing, daunting and quite surprising when planning a refresh and realising that there are so many things that the ‘me’ of a few years ago does not impress the ‘me’ of now. That might sound harsh, but I like this realisation. It’s a sign of movement. Not forward, not backward but away from what I was content with. Maybe this is growth, possibly an improvement or it just time and changing of perspective. This is all from reviewing other photographers' websites, their work and reflecting on my website and wanting to give it a refresh. I’m still gathering ideas and laying out a plan of the way I would like it. It will take quite a bit of time but I am excited not only for the new but for clearing out what I think is most definitely the old (me).
 

My favourite things in January.

Music.
I have enjoyed listening to the radio and discovering new music. I find the amount of music on my Apple Music too much sometimes and I like not having to make a decision when I am focusing on another task. I have a very eclectic taste in music and the one radio station that satisfies this is Fip. This is a French station that can be found online and through smart speakers. Some of the artists and groups I have discovered on this station are truly stunning. https://www.radiofrance.fr/fip

Books.
I loved The Electric State by Simon Stalenhag. I guess this can be classed as a graphic novel?? Which is something I have never been interested in. What first struck me when I was browsing the shelves in my local bookshop (yes, we have a local bookshop and it is so lovely to have) was the front page. I know, I know…. But the imagery in this is so vast and draws you in. It makes me think of how I could create similar images with a camera. https://www.simonstalenhag.se/es.html

Things.
I have been reading a lot about how to allow your mind to explore ideas and be free to create, and most importantly, capture these ideas because they will be fleeting. The reoccurring tool for this is a system where you capture this idea/creative thought. This requires something as simple as a pen and paper. The brain is for creating not for storing. This has helped me not only with creative ideas but generally helping me remember ‘things’..It takes a bit of a system to bring it all together so that you can access these ‘things’. I have found that an app that can easily accept a quick note is the most frictionless option. After trying quite a few I landed on ‘Twos’ which is built in such a way that my head can work with it without feeling lost in drop-down lists and an unnatural workflow. This app coupled with Tiago Forte’s Building a Second Brain make for a good system. Twos - https://www.twosapp.com. Building a Second Brain - https://www.buildingasecondbrain.com/

New from me.
At the end of last year we had a few days on the Isle of Skye and obviously I took my camera bag with me and captured some images that I’m really happy with. I also recorded some short vlogs over the course of our holiday. The vlogs are up on YouTube and the Blog is up on my website.

Vlogs:
Day One. 
Day Two

Day Three

The Isle of skye

The Isle of Skye. 4 days in this stunning, extreme and awe inspiring landscape. There are shear cliffs that allow rivers to plummet into the sea below. Rock face spires that shoot to the heavens and eerie glens that hold some kind of mystical allure. All of these attributes make for a fantastic location to visit with a camera..... And everyone who owns a camera knows this.

The Isle of Skye of a few years ago has gone. The landscape remains the same but the car parks and foot paths are new additions to the island. Our choice of exploring in November was intentional, yes there might be clouds laden with rain that refuse to move for our entire week but we would not be faced with the crowds that the asphalt additions have been laid for. We would bring waterproofs, we would bring flask for soup that we would wrap our numb with the cold fingers round. We would have peace and quite. And we did.

The locations I explored with the camera delivered, and I must say, when the weather was challenging the photographs were better. I couldn't do much vlogging at many locations because of the racing wind that muffled my words and made my eyes stream and sting. But I took some photos and I am happy with how they turned out.

There are so many photos of Skye, every glen, mountain and waterfall. I knew this and it made the experience more free. And if the weather was punishing, then I knew I might get something a bit special when I pressed the shutter.

Below are the 3 vlogs for the 3 full days we spent on the Isle of Skye, along with some of the images I came away with.

A poor man’s Leica

I'll admit it, I do check out the new gadgets, new lenses, new cameras. I read reviews, watch youtube videos of new products. I enjoy being dragged unconsciously into the algorithm of video suggestions of 'the next best thing' which promises to be so much better that the 'Last best thing'... But sometimes this algorithm throws out a video that jolts me out of unconsciousness and on this occasion it was 'A poor man's Leica'. Yes, I was looking at, dreaming of, salivating over Leicas, knowing it was never going to happen. But what was this poor man's option? I clicked on the video and there it was, a Canon P rangefinder. Small in form, forgiving to the wallet and the Canon P looks beautiful.

The Canon P is a camera that I could carry around without it getting in the way, and if it did get in the way, it didn't matter because the Canon P looks beautiful. Being a rangefinder, it would make street photography, family snaps, abstract photos quicker with the zone focus technique and if I did take that bit longer to nail the focus, it didn't matter because the Canon P looks beautiful. Okay, Okay, yes my Canon P was predominantly bought because it is just so beautiful, there, I said it. But after I used this camera a couple of times I soon became aware that this was function over form. It is a lovely camera to use. And what I said before about it not getting in the way is so true. This camera is with me all the time. As I write this, sitting in a well known coffee chain, my Canon P occupies a proud space next to my coffee. When I finish my coffee I will sling the Canon P around my neck and go for a stroll through Edinburgh city and I will enjoy capturing images, hearing the pleasing click when I press the shutter, then manually winding back the film with the cleverly designed flush film winder. It is what makes this camera and any camera you fall in love with important, the excitement and joy you get when using it. The images happen later but being in the now with a camera you have delight in using is how you get 'that' photo. As I take the last sip of my coffee, the person across from me looks at the Canon P, leans forward and says, "that camera really is beautiful".

I know where I need to improve.

I'm very honest with myself when it comes to identifying my limitations. I think this is important and is a great way to move away from comfort zones and explore through uncertainty. But, knowing where you need to improve is the easy part. Facing these limitations and moving away from the comfort zone is the challenging part. I often view other photographers work and get inspiration from what they are creating. But when I see the lush green, misty images of ancient gnarly forests, I have the sinking realisation that I would struggle to capture and image like this. I would go as far as saying I wouldn't even notice that type of composition.

My recent trip to the Lake District allowed me to spend a bit of time wandering through forests and face my limitations. My creative mind goes in to shutdown mode when its faced with too much information and I simply can't identify any compositions. I know I need to get better at this and I have decided to attempt this type of photography more over the coming months and hopefully train my eye and mind to see clear images through the chaos that is a woodland forest.

(Some) Films also have impressive dynamic range.

Having a choice of cameras/formats has its positives and negatives (No pun intended). I returned to my Zentit 11 35mm recently and was puzzled by what the ISO (film sensitivity to light) was set at. When checking the light meter reading I noticed that the ISO was set at 125. I wracked my brain trying to think of what film I had in the camera. Was it a random Ilford black and white film? Anyway, I plodded on with the camera set to ISO 125.

A couple of weeks later, back out with the Zenit 11, and with 6 shots left of the ISO 125 film I noticed the ISO was now set at 50 ISO. I remembered the fact that this was set at ISO 125 when I last used the camera so this setting must have changed when the camera was in my backpack... Not great, as this could also have happened before, moving to ISO 125 which I was sure was not a film speed in my stock of film.

The Zenit doesn't have a little holder to put a label from the film box which identifies the speed of the film whereas other cameras do. The Mamiya medium format camera has a slot for this info and the ISO selector is not the easiest dial to move, which is a good thing. Anyway, I got to the end of the roll and was really quite curious and anxious to find out the film speed. I wound in the film and opened up the back.... The film I had been shooting with and thought was an ISO 125 black and white was actually Kodak Portra 400.... Oops!

What does this mean? Well, if I'm shooting a film that is ISO 400 at 125 I'm adjusting the setting to a film that is less sensitive to light - The higher the ISO the more sensitive the film is to light. Fundamentally I have been over-exposing every shot by over a stop. This added to the fact that I usually overexpose film by 0.5 to 1 stop anyway means that I have been allowing a lot of/too much light to hit the film.

I am writing this blog with the undeveloped film in my bag. Kodak Portra does have a wide dynamic range and is very forgivable so it will be interesting to see how the images come out.

Here are some of the shots from the over-exposed film. As you can see there are no issues with the exposures of these shots. Obviously, some films are more forgiving than others - Kodak’s Portra being one of them. To prevent this from happening again I have made the most of the flash shoe and used this to hold the film info card.

The New Old

I've stepped backwards in my photography. Well, backwards in time and bought myself a medium format film camera, circa 1991. I have shot on film before, my first couple of cameras were film but modern film cameras, just before the era of digital relay came to be an affordable option so there would be very little to do regarding settings in camera.

Medium format though, I have never shot so this was new to me and it is with an older camera, which does have a light meter built into the viewfinder but until I got my first couple of film rolls developed my trust for metering would be with an app on my phone (not terribly old school, I know).

The main challenge for me when moving to medium film would be the limited exposures you can achieve from one roll of 120 film. Which is 15 to 16.... And at roughly £10 per roll, I had to really think 'is this the correct composition, timing for the light, settings for the camera' etc. etc. before pressing the shutter.

This experience did really connect with me as I have found with shooting digital, where you can fire off as many shots as your card can hold without the worry of expense even crossing your mind, most of the time my initial composition before changing things up is my favourite. Still, the slowing down and addition of stress and anxiety when taking the shots added to the experience.

This regression to a simpler time in photography didn't stop there. When I told my dad about my new camera he disappeared, reappearing about 10 minutes later with his trusted Zenit(h) 11 35mm film camera. So I have been mixing things up with medium format, which is an absolute joy to shoot with and my dad's 35mm, which is again such an enjoyable camera to use. Interestingly, I find the 36 exposures you get from the 35mm camera to be too many.... This, I think, is that I am so eager to finish a roll of film so I can send it off to the lab for development and see the results. No back screen to check on these old cameras....

Still in Lockdown

The weather has bee improving over these last couple of weeks as we approach mid March and the restrictions seem to be weighing heavier now than when the temperatures were unwelcoming and the days were short. Looking at local areas to photograph and scanning various social media's outlets, from Instagram to 500px for inspiration. I remembered on my last vlog a local photographer, Simon Wootton suggested a local landmark not too far from where that video was shot. Porty's Eiffel Tower. I decided to have a walk down to this location which is situated between Joppa and Musselburgh, North East of Edinburgh and check out Simon's suggestion. The first visit, which was more of a familiarisation of the location, highlighted the importance of catching the tide at the right time and on this occasion it was low tide which made the pipe, for which the structure is a marker for, visible along with some rocks strewn across the scene. As I was aiming for a very minimal image in the style of Michael Levin, the added clutter in the scene wasn't ideal. I took a photo by using the pipe as a leading line to the structure. I tend to favour central weighted compositions, opting for symmetry and balance. I was happy with the image I took from that initial visit but knew there were better times of the day to take this photo which would allow for a more forgiving water level and more colour in the sky.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later, I revisited the scene in the early evening with some nice pastel colours already forming in the sky. Admittedly, the tide level on this occasion was now too far in and finding a vantage point where the horizon didn't cut through the pipe marker structure was not possible. This forced me to shoot the image with a wide aperture to allow the backdrop focus to be soft. I had to hand my Lee filter set with both the 6 and 10 stop filters to control the amount of light entering the camera. This allowed a long enough exposure to soften up the water and the moving clouds.

I was happy with the images but I will definitely try other times of the day when the tide level allows for more experimental compositions.

Below are a couple of the images from both trips.

Pastel Colours of the Firth of Forth

Structure

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Looking back and looking forward

An Opportunity to review and reset.

New year, new..... well, so far it seems that there is nothing new. If anything, we are repeating the story of early 2020. There are people really struggling and having to deal with so much. Because of this, I have held back on the 2021 New Years’ email with the big plans and resolutions for 2021. Instead, I have decided to reflect on the past year rather than a look forward to this year. It is easy to look at the negatives and the struggles of the past year but to pull the positives is very important. 

What has been good? What has changed and what can we learn from.

Obviously, time has been plentiful during the lockdown periods, so consumption of entertainment has jumped. This includes books, podcasts, and tv series.

The books I have enjoyed this year have been Elmet by Fiona Mosley, A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Blackman. I have also dipped into the political narrative coming from the other side of the pond (as it has been quite the rollercoaster). Too Much of Never Enough is a fascinating look at the early years of the Trump creation, focusing on the Trump family and dynamics, as told by Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump. I also enjoyed, actually more fascinated by the goings-on within the Trump Empire captured in Michael Cohen's book Disloyal. 

There have been some really great Podcasts that I have been listening to. - Hunting Ghislaine by John Sweeny has a very dark subject matter attached to it with the Jeffery Epstein connection but this podcast deals more with the Maxwell family and the path Ghislaine took. Making Sense by Sam Harris explores some of the big questions faced today. The podcast style has both Sam interviewing experts on their field and occasionally giving a commentary on current events.

A useful tip that I have discovered is to pop any podcasts or audiobooks into x1.5 or even x2 speed. This way I found that I was consuming more in less time. It doesn't take too long to get used and when you ever listen to a podcast at normal speed after you will think it drags on too long.

Our health has been the focus of many discussions with what the world is facing and it has been so important to take care of yourself. With gyms closing and the limited outdoor time available, we have been working out more at home. Unfortunately, this has meant the introduction of an exercise bike into our home. It just reminds me of the mid-eighties where nearly every household had one of these contraptions that predominantly ended up being used as a clothes dryer and they also take up so much space. I was against getting an exercise bike for this very reason. In the end, we bought one. But this was no ordinary exercise bike, this was a spin bike. Never having done any spinning before I was oblivious to what this entailed. Needless to say, I love it. The spin bike coupled with online classes (I favour Apple's Fitness+, my wife prefers Les Mills) makes for a serious workout. The other positive introduction in our home is the Mila air purifier. This was initially a Kickstarter that I had backed pre-COVID has made a huge difference to the air quality in our home. We have ours tucked away in the corner of our kitchen/dining room. It kicks in whenever it senses a change in the air quality and can also be controlled by the Mila app. Very smart.

We became proud owners of a camper van, which we love. Obviously, the journeys we had planned have been restricted but the few time we have gone on adventures in it it has been magical. This is a big goal for 2021 - More adventures in our Camper Van.

This brings me on to gadgets and I have to say the big winner for 2020 on the gadget front is my Sony noise cancelation headphones. These are just awesome. What a difference they make from losing yourself in a movie that is playing on the iPad to a heightened focus when listening to audiobooks and podcasts. I have never realised just how noisy some places are until I got these. I have also been enjoying music more and I think these headphones have a lot to do with this. I have been playing with the idea of creating a quarterly review and capturing similar topics to the above - Books that I have enjoyed, podcasts that have opened my mind, and also music that I have discovered. I might check out the possibility of curating a short 10 song playlist so you can hopefully discover some musical treats as well.

With the various stages of lockdown happening over the past year, and currently, I have still managed to get outside when rules were softened and take some photos and create some YouTube content. More than what I was expecting to on reflection. I reached 1k followers on Instagram and uploaded 19 vlogs. I have also put more focus on blogging my photography trips. Just short little pieces that I find are a healthy way to reflect - There are too many variables to contend with when putting together a video - but writing about it is a nice way to remind yourself of the trip. This will hopefully be something I take into 2021.

A few goals for 2021 I have thought about whilst writing this blog

# Travel abroad — if and when allowed. India has been calling

# Read more

# Don’t feel guilty when not doing anything

# Shop more ethically and support more thoughtful brands

# Continue to carry my camera with me when out and about

# A more frequent vlog that is less restricted about being photography based

# More camper van adventures. We have friends dotted around Europe who we are missing and would love to catch up with again

So there it is. A bit of reflection and some thoughts about 2021. If last year has taught us anything it is to manage our expectations and our time and be thankful for the little things that make up our lives.

I hope you all have dreams and goals to focus on in 2021 and the year allows us to achieve them.

Stu

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A Change in the Sky

Sunset Photography in Edinburgh

The developing sunset caught me by surprise as the day had been a grey, dull wash out. I noticed a couple of colourful clouds floating over to where the sun was dipping so a mad dash to head down to Portobello beach, which is only a few roads away from me, to hopefully capture an epic winter sunset. Unfortunately the clouds vanished just as quick as that had arrived and the icy wind was picking up. By this time I was at the spot I wanted to take the photo from so I decided to wait it out to see if the sky would do anything spectacular. Well, it did improve, slightly but certainly nothing extraordinary. I was glad that I stuck it out as the sky was colourful enough to create interest and I captured some nice movement in the sea which was lapping against the steps I was standing above.

Portobello Sunset

It's often too easy to not make the effort to go and create. I find myself making excuses to myself to not go out but I easily forget that if I get an image that is only an addition to being somewhere, physically and mentally. Waiting on the right conditions for a photograph naturally makes you pay attention to the changing scene that is unfolding in front of you. Those times where you allow your busy mind to fade away and focus completely on the developing clouds, the steady rhythmic sounds of the waves or in this case the bright red moon that rose from the horizon can be more rewarding than a photo. Yes it was cold and the scene didn't quite happen but the experience of the solitude and the slowing down was worth it.

Portobello Glow

Sunset & Waves

A Winter Beach Glow

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Heavy Rainfall Preventing Access - Missed photo Opportunity

When the river is high and there is no way to cross

There has been a photo I’ve been after for some time now. The location is only a short drive from where I live and in all honesty, I should really have this photo in the bag by now. However, it is a popular photo location and for it to be a worthwhile trip, the conditions need to be in right. What is the point of a standard photo that looks like all the other photos taken? The location is Dalkeith Country Park and the photo is of the palace from the river, looking through the arched bridge with a waterfall dropping below in the foreground. What I didn’t account for was that those same conditions I was after for this shot would stop me in my stride.

I arrived at the grand arched Montagu Bridge, the palace was illuminated with the soft morning light and there was the subdued faint fog resting on the treetops. The foliage had turned to a stunning rust colour and the grass was sparkling with dew. The heavy rains that we had experienced over the past few days had increased the depth of the colours, making the scene pop. Everything had lined up for the image and all that was needed was for me to find the best location to balance the palace within the framing of the arched bridge and to allow the water cascading below to pull the viewer’s eye into the photo. During this location scouting, I was slowing coming to the realisation that either side of the riverbank did not provide me with a usable view of the palace. After scrambling from one side of the river to the other and having no joy with a composition I resorted to google. This is the only benefit of attempting a photo that has been taken many times by many photographers, the ability to look up the image on Google. It was there I saw that the island in the middle of the river is the only spot is to set up the tripod and take the photo. Unfortunately, the heavy rain that I was thankful for only moments before turned out to be the reason I could not get this image. The river was thunderous and there was just no way of crossing it to get onto the island. I flirted with the thought of kicking my shoes off, rolling up my trousers and stepping into the white rushing waters. Hovering on the banks of the river I could not gauge how deep this river was. I had to retreat. This was not an option. I had to accept defeat and admit that this image that I was hoping to finally capture will have to wait for another day, when the conditions are working but when the river crossing can be attempted, safely.

I did take some photos as the condition were still nice. I opted for a more minimal framing of the river with the autumnal coloured leaves overhanging the water and some traditional photos of the elegant palace.

Dalkeith House

The Grounds of Dalkeith House

Dew covered mushrooms in front of The Montagu Bridge

The Movement of The River North Esk

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Top Instagram Locations in Edinburgh

I decided to explore my home city through the eyes of a tourist and photograph locations that appear top of the #Edinburgh Instagram feed. This was really fun and pushed me to view my familiar surroundings with a fresh pair of eyes.

Although these locations are very typical and the standard photos taken in Edinburgh especially when viewing the Edinburgh Instagram feed, there were not my usual go to locations when exploring the city with my camera so I did have to do some repositioning and compositional tweaks so the photo still had my thought process and style attached to them.

I'll definitely do something similar to this again but will take the other extreme and look for those hidden Edinburgh shots.

Below are the photo locations using the website https://www.what3words.com

Scots Monument image 1 - ///senses.scuba.breath

Scots Monument image 2 - ///clap.learn.depend

Bottom of Cockburn Street - ///youth.fuel.boxer

Top of Cockburn Street - ///those.region.boost

Lady Stair Close - ///clash.nets.libraries

Edinburgh Uni - ///places.wage.shade

Circus Lane image 1 - ///studio.blunt.safety

Circus Lane image 2 - ///error.plays.decent

Castle Hill - ///ally.value.glare

Edinburgh Castle - ///drops.shirts.bind

Scots Monument

Lady Stair Close - The Writer’s Museum

Circus Lane 1

Bottom of Cockburn Street

Edinburgh Castle

Top of Cockburn Street

Castle Hill

Circus Lane 2

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A Tour Around The Scottish Borders

2 OUT OF 3 AIN'T BAD

I had 3 locations in mind. Gore Glen, Leaderfoot Viaduct and Loch Skeen. My route planned, bags packed and ready to hit the road. As I arrived in Gorebridge the skies turned grey. Not good threatening skies for photography, just grey lifeless skies. This type of sky doesn't fill you with dread and concern. It doesn't make you grab the darkest filter so every thunderous cloud is enhanced so you feel like you have just taken a photo of the worlds final hours. No, these were very much typical Scottish skies..... Grey! Not to worry, I had beautiful waterfalls to photograph and no sky was needed. What was needed though was a waterfall and I was having terrible difficulty finding one. I knew more homework was needed for this location, but it's a well-trodden path, along a river, in a glen. Surely I would find the waterfall! After over an hour and a half walking along the river where said waterfall should be, I returned to the car without a single image taken.

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Stop number 2 on my planned route was Leaderfoot Viaduct also known as the Drygrange Viaduct. I have seen this place on many photo websites and have always wanted to see it for myself. It is a stunning location. Like many parts of the River Tweed, this area is well known for fishing but on this occasion, I had the place to myself and explored all potential vantage points for a composition I liked. This did involve sliding down an embankment but it was worth it!

Leaderfoot Viaduct Canon 5D MKII | EF17-40mm f/4L USM | ISO 50 | f/8.0

The above image consisted of two long exposure shots, blended together to get the most out of the shadows under the bridge. This created a nice softening of the water but with the disturbance under the bridge still evident.

I will definitely return to this spot in brighter weather which would help illuminate the scene and hope to have a more exciting sky to use.

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Onwards to my final location of the day. A place I have attempted to access in the past but the rain had other plans for me that day and beat me into submission back to the shelter of my car. As I arrived at Grey Mare's Tail, the drizzle had moved on and the possibility of reaching Loch Skeen looked good.

On the way up, past Grey Mare's Tail, I was pleased to see a whole spillage of waterfalls (made up terminology... but I like it) which were partially frozen. Well, this made up for the unsuccessful trip to Gore Glen. The issue here was that accessibility was rather limited. Actually, accessibility was rather easy if you don't mind falling hundreds of feet down a waterfall. Care was taken to get as close to the edge as my shaky legs allowed and compose an image of one of the more impressive waterfalls.

Waterfall below Loch Skeen 5D MKII | EF17-40mm f/4L USM | ISO 50 | f/6.3

Onwards and upwards to Loch Skeen. After quite a considerably longer amount of time than I was hoping for I finally turned a corner to be welcomed by the sheer beauty of Loch Skeen. Wow, it was stunning and so still. The Loch was partially frozen and the low cloud hung in the air obscuring the hilltops giving me this sense of confined space. I was well aware that this was winter in Scotland and that means limited hours of sunlight and as I was up a hill, with nobody around and no phone signal, I thought it best to promptly find a composition. The icy loch and the low clouds made the picture taking of this scene quite challenging. There was a lot of reflection to contend with and the brightness of the clouds and the loch made the lights and darks of the image very extreme.

A Tree Island 5D MKII | EF85mm f/1.8 USM | ISO 50 | f/11

A high vantage point was required to isolate the tree from the reflections of the hills in the background. Ideally I would have liked to be quite a bit higher but I was already on the highest mound on the loch's edge. This would have to do. I decided to make this quite a tight photo with minimal clutter from the surrounding elements. This way the viewers focus would land on the tree and then explore the semi submerged rocks in the photo.

Loch Skeen 5D MKII | EF17-40mm f/4L USM | ISO 50 | Combination of 9 shots

This final image of Loch Skeen has a lot more going on with the inclusion of the surrounding land. I noticed this rock with the striking green moss partially covering its surface to draw the viewers eyes through the scene, starting at the base of the photo and moving towards the centre where the isolated tree is perched in its island.

I need to take 9 photos to make this shot work, combining them together so the darks and lights of the scene were well balanced and that there was sharp focus throughout.

I thoroughly enjoyed my trip through the Scottish borders and with the photographs I managed to capture. Maybe one day I'll find the Waterfalls at Gore Glen...

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PHOTOGRAPHING IN NORWAY

The skies cleared as the plane lifted off, leaving Edinburgh behind and heading for Bergen where we would board the Hurtigruten and begin our travels up the coast of Norway.

We arrived in Bergen with lots of luggage on tow (mostly camera equipment) and a bus to catch. It was a mad dash to the bus departure stance. If we missed this bus we would need to wait for another hour for the next pick-up. On stepping out of the airport terminal with a coach pulling away in front of us I spotted a paper sign on the window of a bus reading 'Hurtigruten'. I jumped out on to the street, waving frantically and looking very much like a man being attacked by a swarm of wasps, stopping the bus in its tracts. The bus doors flew open and a woman glared down at us. I managed to blurt out Hurtigruten and a shoulder shrug, the well known universal gesture of 'it's ok, we're foreign so jumping out in front of a coach is perfectly acceptable and forgivable'. It worked, the driver gave us a beeming smile, hopped out of the driver's seat and proceeded to scoop up all our luggage in a oner (the Norwegians seem to be a strong lot) and stored them in the luggage area. "You were lucky" she said, "the next bus isn't for another hour"!

Towering cliffs - Canon 5D MKII | 85mm f/1.8 USM | ISO 800 | 1/2000 sec | f/8.0

With the check-in at the terminal done and the ship's safety briefing conducted we were ready for the off. Within moments of leaving the dock we were thrown into a world of stunning colourful houses scattered from the shore line up the hillsides which stood out from the green foliage that blanket the hills and fairytale islands that hide beautiful balconied heavens.

An idillic island - Canon 5D MKII | 85mm f/1.8 USM | ISO 100 | 1/200 sec | f/4.5

We hugged the coastline as we travelled north venturing into fjords with cliff faces that shot up from the turquoise waters and stretched up like menacing dark forces broken only by white lines of melted water that came crashing back to the sea.

Norway Fjords - Canon 5D MKII | 50mm f/1.4 USM | ISO 800 | 1/320 sec | f/10.

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Taking photographs from a boat

There were challenges faced when photographing from a moving / bobbing boat. I didn't have the luxury of setting up the tripod, lowering the ISO to 50 and composing, reflecting, taking a step back and waiting on the light. I needed to be busy on deck and ready for the composition to present itself as the boat turned. I admit there were probably hundreds of missed opportunities throughout the journey where the elements didn't work or I was on the wrong side of he boat waiting on what I thought would be a nice shot when infect behind me the scenery was even more stunning.

Living on the edge - Canon 5D MKII | 85mm f/1.8 USM | ISO 800 | 1/200 sec | f/8.

Along the shore line - Canon 5D MKII | 17 - 40mm f/4L USM | ISO 100 | 1/125 sec | f/4.5 | 40mm

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There were times when we stopped at little coastal villages for only minutes to allow the Hurtigruten to drop off deliveries and vital supplies. With such short windows for photography I realised that I couldn't risk carrying all my equipment, find a perfect location, set up and take the shot without running the risk of the Hurtigruten leaving without out me. If it did I'd need to fork out a hefty taxi fare to meet the boat at its next stop. So i opted for a more candid, street photography approach. Leaving my Canon DSLR behind, I grabbed the Fujifilm x100s and went in search of photos that would capture Norway life without the typical mountainous backdrops.

Fujifilm x100s | ISO 200 | 23mm | 1/400 sec | f/2.8

Fujifilm x100s | ISO 200 | 23mm | 1/250 sec | f/2.8

Fujifilm x100s | ISO 200 | 23mm | 1/1250 sec | f/2.8

Fujifilm x100s | ISO 1250 | 23mm | 1/400 sec | f/2.8

Fujifilm x100s | ISO 200 | 23mm | 1/400 sec | f/2

I really liked this way of shooting and the Norway streets lent themselves well to this style of photography. So I continued with this whenever the stop was brief and didn't allow time for composition scouting and equipment set up.

Canon 5D MKII | 50mm f/1.4 USM | ISO 500 | 1/640 sec | f/4.5

Canon 5D MKII | 50mm f/1.4 USM | ISO 250 | 1/5000 sec | f/3.5

Canon 5D MKII | 50mm f/1.4 USM | ISO 250 | 1/2000 sec | f/3.5

Canon 5D MKII | 17 - 40mm f4L USM | ISO 250 | 1/320 sec | f/9 | 23mm

Canon 5D MKII | 17 - 40mm f4L USM | ISO 250 | 1/400 sec | f/9 | 24mm

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

Canon 5D MKII

Fujifilm X100s

Canon 17 - 40 mm f/4.0 L USM Lens

 Canon 50mm 1.4

Lee Polariser

Induro AT214

Shutter release

Think Tank Pixel Pocket Rocket

Think Tank Cable Management System

Joby Gorillapod SLR

LowePro Filter pouch

Lee Lens Caps

Peak Design Capture Pro Camera Clip

Peak Design Anchor Links

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Exploring East Lothian Scotland

Exploring East Lothian

The clouds were looking promising, the sun was out and I wanted to explore.

The East Lothian coast line is not far and it has been quite a while since I explored there. I had an idea of what I wanted... well, an idea of what I didn't want, and that was to get back home and see the same kind of photos that I had taken on previous trips. In my mind I was looking for simple, no clutter, minimalist photographs. I'll be honest it wasn't easy. I felt myself falling back in to the usual composition set up but I persisted and came away with a couple of photos that were definitely not my usual style.  

Here is the video I took when out exploring East Lothian.

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