Capturing Moments: My Photography blog
Explore the world through my lens! Discover moments frozen in time with my photography.
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...
Chasing Light: A Day in the Life of a Beach Photographer
Chasing Light: A Day in the Life of a Beach Photographer Spent a day at the beach experimenting with my camera gear, particularly with wide-angle lenses and magnetic filters. Despite the harsh lighting and some challenges—like losing yet another drone—I managed to capture a few good shots, especially with the help of a circular polarizer. The...
Review of the KentFaith K&F Concept SA255 C1 Carbon Fibre Tripod: A Lightweight and Affordable Travel Companion
BUY TRIPOD HERE If you use the code PAUL20 you will receive a 20% discount valid to 31 December 2025 KentFaith K&F Concept SA255C1 Tripod Review: Lightweight, Affordable, and Perfect for Travel Photography The KentFaith K&F Concept SA255C1 Carbon Fibre Tripod is a lightweight, compact, and affordable option for travel photographers. Weighing just...
Mastering Exposure Triangle ISO Aperture Shutter speed
Mastering the Exposure Triangle: A Beginner's Guide to ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed The exposure triangle in photography consists of ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. ISO controls the camera's sensitivity to light; aperture adjusts the size of the lens opening affecting depth of field; and shutter speed determines how long the camera’s sensor...
Urth Norite 24L Backpack Review: Stylish, but Flawed
Stylish and Sustainable, but with Some Design Flaws: A Review of the Urth Norite 24L Backpack I purchased the Urth Norite 24L Backpack in Moss Green with the camera insert and found it stylish, eco-friendly, and comfortable. The main compartment offers good space, but the camera insert could be larger, leaving limited usable room. The tripod...
Long Exposure Photography Nikon Z6
Long Exposure High Key Photography at Ayrmer Cove I ventured to Ayrmer Cove in South Devon with my Nikon Z6 camera, braving relentless rain to capture long-exposure photographs. Equipped with wet weather gear, I adapted my plans due to the conditions, opting for a high-key photography theme with my 24-70mm lens and K&F ND filters. Despite the...
Why I won’t be upgrading to the Nikon Z6 III anytime soon
Why I won't be upgrading to the Nikon Z6 MK III anytime soon Despite the release of the Nikon Z6 MK III, I’ve decided not to upgrade from my Nikon Z6 Mark 1. The Z6 Mark 1 has consistently delivered excellent image quality, which is my primary concern. The improvements in the Mark 3, such as better autofocus and enhanced video capabilities, are...
A Photographic Rediscovery of Boulogne-sur-Mer
A Photographic Rediscovery of Boulogne-sur-Mer On a recent visit to Boulogne-sur-Mer, decades after a chaotic school trip, I reconnected with this charming French seaside town. Equipped with my Nikon Z30 and a 16-50mm kit lens fitted with a K&F black mist filter, I captured the town's contrasting modern concrete flats and its picturesque old...
K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Set: Quick Attach Filters for High-Quality Photography
K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Set: Quick Attach Filters for High-Quality Photography The K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Set offers high-quality optical glass filters with a convenient magnetic attachment system, allowing for quick and easy changes. The set includes a UV filter, a circular polarizer (CPL), and neutral density (ND) filters, all...
A Sunrise Photography Workshop: The Magic of Dawlish Warren
Capturing the Magic of Dawlish Warren: A Sunrise Photography Workshop I attended a one-to-one photography workshop at Dawlish Warren Beach Resort a few years ago with Neil Burnell. The experience was enriching, with Neil lending his expertise and high-quality equipment. I enjoyed using the borrowed lens so much that I bought one myself and a set...
Capturing the Beauty of Thurlestone to Bolberry Down: A Midday Photography Journey
Overcoming Photography Procrastination: A Walk from Thurlestone to Bolberry Down Struggling with procrastination and excuses, I've made a commitment to carry my camera on walks. Recently, I captured beautiful midday photos from Thurlestone to Bolberry Down, showcasing stunning cliffs and meadows. Procrastination is a thief of joy, especially when...
Exploring the Vintage Charm of the Helios 44 – 2 Lens
Exploring the Vintage Charm of the Helios 44_2 Lens The Helios 44 -2 is a vintage 58mm lens from the 70s or 80s, known for its unique softness, making it great for portraits and close-ups. Affordable and widely available, especially in M42 mount, it’s based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm f2 design. Despite some variability in quality and an...
Discovering Venice: Timeless Charm and Hidden Gems
Discovering Venice: Timeless Charm and Hidden Gems Join us on our tenth trip to Venice as we explore its hidden gems, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the Venice Biennale. Discover tips for avoiding crowds and making the most of your visit. Exploring Venice: A Timeless Journey After sifting through my treasure trove of photos and videos from...
Capturing the Vibrant Essence of Burano: A Photographer’s Paradise
Hues of Burano: A Photographic Journey Through Vibrant Venetian Streets Explore Burano, Italy, where colourful houses tell tales of fishermen's lore. With a Nikon Z30 in hand, delve into streets lined with vibrant hues and timeless charm, capturing the essence of this Venetian gem through the lens. Nestled within the Venetian Lagoon, just a short...
Capturing Vienna: Exploring the Charm Through Travel Photography
Exploring Vienna Through the Lens: A Travel Photography Journey Vienna, with its blend of old-world charm and modern allure, proved to be an exceptional destination for travel photography. From the clean streets around Stephenplatz to the ease of transportation via tram, underground, or bus, navigating the city was a breeze. Visiting during the...
New Model Army: Exploring European Cities Through Live Music
Exploring European Cities Through Live Music: Our Journey with New Model Army Inspired by a televised gig, my partner and I began a journey to explore European cities through live music. This year, we chose Vienna to witness 'New Model Army' in action, a band with a devoted following despite their smaller size. Their eclectic sound and poignant...
Mastering Photography Timing: Lessons Learned from Sandgate, Kent
Mastering Photography Timing: Lessons Learned from Sandgate and Folkestone, Kent Despite imperfect timing due to unpredictable weather, photos from Sandgate and Folkestone, Kent showcase the potential of patience in photography, with missed opportunities but also unexpected beauty captured in motion blur and natural elements In an ideal world,...
Capturing the Mystical Beauty: Photography at Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor National Park
Unveiling the Enchantment of Wistman's Wood : A Journey into Dartmoor's Ancient Oak Forest Wistmans Wood, an ancient oak woodland in Dartmoor National Park, beckons photographers with its mystical allure. Despite being on my doorstep for years, I've yet to experience the enchantment of this sacred grove, until now. Exploring the Mystical Beauty...
Transforming My Photography Website: From Obscurity to Visibility
Transforming My Photography Website: From Obscurity to Visibility Discover how I'm revamping my photography website to increase visibility on Google search. Learn about the importance of quality content, mobile optimisation, and SEO audits, all without spending any money. I have already seen a modest increase in visitors finding my website on...
Photographing Sharrah Pool: Capturing Nature’s Beauty in Dartmoor
Captivating Beauty of Sharrah Pool: A Photographer and Nature Lover's Paradise in Dartmoor Sharrah Pool in Dartmoor: Immersive landscapes, moss-covered rocks, and emerald waters. Ideal for photography and nature enthusiasts seeking a visual escape Nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Dartmoor, Sharrah Pool emerges as an enchanting haven...
Nikon F501 review
Nikon F501 A review and Features of a traditional film camera The resurgence of interest in film photography prompted me to rediscover it after 25 years. I opted for a Nikon F501 due to the high prices of the Nikon FE. Explored the history of the Nikon F501, a transitional camera with unique features. Despite its historical significance, its...