Capturing Moments: My Photography blog
Explore the world through my lens! Discover moments frozen in time with my photography.
Photographing Valencia on Ilford HP5: Voigtländer Bessa R and the Discipline of 50mm
Returning to Valencia with Film: Rediscovering the City Through a Voigtländer Bessa R and Ilford HP5 I’ve been photographing Valencia for roughly fifteen years. There was a pause during Covid, of course, but outside of that interruption it has been a constant in my life — two, sometimes three trips a year. The city has become familiar in a way…
The Roll That Waited: Returning to Film with the Nikon F501 and Portra 400
TL;DR – Returning to Film with the Nikon F501 After sitting unused in a drawer for nearly a year — with a roll of Kodak Portra 400 loaded — I finally took my Nikon F501 out for a short walk near home during a break in weeks of relentless South Devon rain. While nearby coastal communities like Torcross were badly hit by recent storms, I was simply…
Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D Review on Fujifilm GFX100S II
Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D on the Fujifilm GFX100S II – A Real-World Review There are lenses you buy with your head, and lenses you buy because you already know what you want the images to feel like. The Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D for Fujifilm GFX firmly sits in the second category. On paper, it’s a specialist ultra-wide prime with manual focus, no…
First Light of 2026 at Westcombe Beach | Medium Format Coastal Photography
First Light of 2026: Westcombe Beach and a New Lens The first shoot of a new year always carries a little extra weight. Not because the images matter more than any others, but because they quietly set the tone. For me, the first outing of 2026 wasn’t about chasing dramatic light or ticking off a location. It was about walking, looking, and…
Using the GFX100S II as a Travel Camera in Venice
Using the GFX100S II as a Travel Camera: Real-World Practicality in Venice Travelling with the GFX100S II in Venice showed that medium format can work as a travel camera, provided you’re comfortable with a slower, more deliberate pace. Handheld shooting with autofocus and image stabilisation worked well, even in low light, while tripod use pushed…
Arriving Slowly in Venice — Mist, Waiting, and Photography
Arriving Slowly in Venice We arrived the way Venice often prefers — indirectly. The flight came in on a Sunday morning, the airport wrapped in mist thick enough to soften edges and muffle sound. Everything felt subdued before we’d even left the terminal. We did what we always do: bought the right tickets, followed the familiar routine. And still,…
Bigbury-on-Sea Sunrise: A Photography Trip That Nearly Didn’t Happen
Today’s Trip to Bigbury-on-Sea: Why a Simple Sunrise Nearly Didn’t Happen A sunrise at Bigbury-on-Sea became more than a photography outing—it was a quiet act of pushing back against a difficult year. Despite nearly giving in to a deep mental fog, I made the 6am drive and was rewarded with calm tides, soft dawn light, and three images I’m truly…
Chasing the Aerochrome Look: Recreating Kodak’s Infrared Film with Digital Tools
Recreating the Aerochrome Look: My Journey into Infrared Film Emulation I discovered surreal pink-and-cyan landscapes on Instagram tagged Aerochrome and learned they came from Kodak’s discontinued infrared film originally used for military reconnaissance. Trying to copy the effect in Lightroom alone produced unpleasant, artificial colours. Using…
Dartmoor in the Rain: Waterfalls, Woodland & Photography
Dartmoor in the Rain: A Day of Photography, Loss, and Reflection Landscape photography is rarely predictable. You can plan a location, study the weather forecast, pack the right kit, and yet the day often unfolds in ways you could never expect. My recent trip to Dartmoor, near Ashburton, was one of those days: a combination of fleeting beauty,…
Landscape Photography in Devon: The Complete Guide to Woods, Waterfalls & Coast
Landscape Photography in Devon: The Complete Guide to Woods, Waterfalls & Coast Explore the best landscape photography in Devon, from Dartmoor’s ancient woods and hidden waterfalls to dramatic coastlines and moorland views. A complete guide with locations, photos, and tips. This image captures the stunning Burgh Island Hotel off the South…
Long Exposure Photography at Ayrmer Cove: Battling the Elements on the South Devon Coast
Long Exposure Photography at Ayrmer Cove: Battling the Elements on the South Devon Coast Stormy skies, crashing waves, and a stubborn gout flare-up didn’t stop me from revisiting Ayrmer Cove in South Devon. Armed with the Fujifilm GFX100S II, K&F filters, and plenty of lens cloths, I captured long exposure seascapes despite wind, rain, and…
Can Budget Magnetic Filters Deliver on Medium Format? A Field Test with the GFX100S
Can Budget Filters Handle the 102MP GFX100S – and One Very Wet Nikon? This field review explores whether budget-friendly magnetic filters from K&F Concept can deliver professional results, even when paired with the ultra-high-resolution Fujifilm GFX100S. Tested in harsh coastal conditions alongside a weather-beaten Nikon Z50, the filters…
Minimalism, Memory, and a Camera Rediscovered: Photographing Watergate Bay
Finding Stillness at Watergate Bay: A Minimalist Photograph and a Reignited Love for Photography During a coastal walk from Mawgan Porth to Newquay, I captured a minimalist photo of Watergate Bay that reminded me why I fell in love with photography. Using a new camera and a circular polariser, I slowed down, focused on composition, and…
Hope Cove: A Photography Experience That Wasn’t About the Photos
Hope Cove: A Photographic Experience Without the Pressure to Perform A quiet evening at Hope Cove reminded me that not every photography trip needs to result in stunning images. Sometimes, the true value lies in being present, enjoying the moment, and reconnecting with the reasons we fell in love with photography in the first place. I took a few…
Capturing Stunning Devon Sunsets: My Experience and Tips
My Sunset Photography Walk in Devon I set out to capture a sunset near my Devon village with my Fujifilm GFX100S II, leaving my tripod behind. Initially, I was doubtful as the light seemed unremarkable, but I made the most of it, photographing the rolling hills and wildflowers. Despite my low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised by the images…
Bluebell Woodland Photography: Finding Simplicity in Nature’s Chaos
Bluebell Photography: Capturing Calm in a Chaotic Woodland After a long break from photography, I finally got back out to capture bluebells in a local woodland. Armed with a new notebook to jot down creative ideas — like “chaos and simplicity” — and my Fujifilm GFX100S II, I focused on simplifying dense, chaotic scenes using thoughtful crops like…
Dehancer Pro Review: Best Film Emulation Plugin for Lightroom (2025)
Dehancer Pro Review: Best Film Emulation Plugin for Lightroom (2025) Dehancer Pro is a powerful Lightroom plugin that brings the look and feel of film to your digital photos. With realistic film simulations, organic grain, halation, bloom, and even overscan and damage effects, it’s a deep, creative tool for photographers who love the analogue…
Scouting Foggintor Quarry for Sunset and Astro Photography on Dartmoor
Scouting Foggintor Quarry for Sunset and Astro Photography on Dartmoor I visited Foggintor Quarry one spring evening to scout it as a potential location for sunset and astro photography. Although hazy, the light helped me understand how shadows fall in the quarry, which is smaller than it appears in photos. A wide-angle lens will be essential for…
Revisiting Venford Falls: Spring Landscape Photography in Dartmoor
Revisiting Venford Falls: Spring Landscape Photography in Dartmoor I In this reflective springtime photography adventure, I return to Venford Falls in Dartmoor with just one camera and a 35–70mm lens. Swapping ultra-wide angles for a more thoughtful zoom range, I focus on the smaller details — moss-covered boulders, soft light through the trees,…
Travel Photography in Valencia: Capturing the City’s Unique Beauty
Travel Photography in Valencia: A Cinematic Journey I spent three days photographing Valencia , focusing on the beaches, the City of Arts and Sciences, and the Fallas Festival in the old town . I kept my gear light, using a Nikon Z50 II, 16-50mm kit lens, and a Sirui 24mm anamorphic lens . Photos were edited in Lightroom using the Dehancer plugin…
Capturing Venford Falls: A Photography Escape in Dartmoor
Photography as an Escape: A Journey to Venford Falls, Dartmoor Photography offers a way to escape and connect with nature. On a visit to Venford Falls in Dartmoor, I used my Fujifilm GFX100S II with a GF 35-70mm lens to capture long-exposure shots of the waterfall. Despite changing weather and moisture challenges, the experience was rewarding,…
Fujifilm GFX100S II Review: A Full-Frame Nikon Shooter’s Transition to Medium Format
Fujifilm GFX100S II Review – A Full-Frame Nikon Shooter’s Experience with Medium Format The Fujifilm GFX100S II offers stunning image quality, exceptional dynamic range, and a slower, more deliberate shooting experience. Coming from a Nikon full-frame background, the transition was smoother than expected, though hidden costs like new memory…
Winter Photography in Lambridge Woods: Capturing Frosty Landscapes
Exploring Lambridge Woods: A Winter Photography Adventure I traveled to Oxfordshire in early January for business meetings and took the opportunity to photograph the winter landscape at Lambridge Woods during an intense cold snap. Using my Nikon Z50 II with the kit lens, I captured the stunning frost-covered scenery, despite challenges like…
Heart vs Head: Choosing the Fujifilm GFX100S II and Embracing Medium Format Photography
Head v Heart Decision: Nikon Z8 or Fujifilm GFX100s II After my father’s passing in November, I used a small inheritance he left me to invest in a new camera system. My head urged me to upgrade my current Nikon Z system to the Z8, while my heart pulled me towards the creative potential of a medium format camera. In the end, the heart won, and I…
Nikon Z50 II Review: The Ultimate Hybrid Camera for Photography and Video
Nikon Z50 II Review: A Game-Changing Hybrid Camera for Creators The Nikon Z50 II is a hybrid APS-C mirrorless camera that combines the best features of the Z30 and Z50. It offers a fully articulating screen, USB-C connectivity, a bright EVF, and improved autofocus, making it ideal for both video creators and photographers. While it lacks in-body…
Autumn Photography in Dartmoor: Turning Disappointment into Stunning Shots
Capturing Autumn in Dartmoor: The Rewards of Patience and Perseverance in Photography I returned to Dartmoor to capture autumn colours, only to feel disappointed by the subdued hues and lack of immediate inspiration. Nearly ready to give up, I pushed on and eventually found beautiful scenes along the River Dart, experimenting with my 14-30mm lens…
Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens Review: Best for Cinematic Photography & Video (2024)
Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens Review: Cinematic Photography and Video on a Budget The Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens (APS-C) isn’t just for video—its unique characteristics make it a great tool for creative photography as well. The 1.33x anamorphic squeeze adds a cinematic, widescreen look with a 2.4:1 aspect ratio, ideal for environmental portraits,…
Photographing Wistman’s Wood: Capturing Dartmoor’s Magic and Protecting Fragile Environments
Capturing the Enchantment of Wistman’s Wood: A Photographic Journey Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor offers a magical, ancient landscape for photographers, but it’s also a fragile, protected environment. My recent trip resulted in four captivating images, using both a 200mm lens and a vintage Helios 44-2 58mm lens. Photographers must act as custodians…
Photographing Sharrah Pools and the Wild Beauty of Dartmoor National Park
Hiking Dartmoor for Stunning Waterfall Photography After Rain I take a 45-minute hike through Dartmoor National Park to Sharrah Pools, capturing stunning photographs of waterfalls and landscapes after heavy rainfall. Despite challenging conditions like slippery paths and landslides, I manage to take some rewarding shots, including panoramic…
Capturing Spontaneous Moments: A Photographer’s Journey Through Cornwall
A Photographic Journey in Cornwall: When Spontaneity Meets Planning I recently took a family trip to Cornwall with no strict plans for photography. Despite the spontaneity, I brought along my camera gear—just in case. While many of my photos were casual family snapshots, a few deliberate shots led to photographs I’m particularly proud of. For…