Blog

Leofoto G4 Geared Head Review

2026-07-05

A fine geared head from Leofoto. Potentially the perfect head for many landcape or architectural photographers. How did it work for me?

ThinkTank Darklight 14 Review

2026-07-05

A Tardis bag if ever there was one. Lighter than most ultralight offerings and more comfortable than many. A tiny bag that still easily carries a Trinity of f2.8 lenses.

I remain shocked a how few sellers of lenses know how to check them properly for either fungus or minor surface damage to front or real elements. This sadly, includes several trade outlets. After another recent Ebay return (for fungus) I thought I’d share how I was taught to check lenses when I worked in the trade.

Anatomy of a photograph

2025-09-03

A step by step description of the process behind the making of one image. How it was composed, the challenges and the throught processes involved.

The best gloves for landscape photographers are not photography gloves ( IMO)

2025-08-07

Keeping fingers warm on cold days with a camera can be a challenge. Many gloves reduce dexterity or make it harder to ensure a secure grip. Others look great but don’t keep your hands warm or dry. Some work very well in super low dry termeratures but are useless on a cold wet day in the highlands. Read on to see how one photographer found solutions that worked.

Meike 85mm f1.4 AF Review

2025-06-15

A wide aperture lens from Meike that should appeal to both landscape photographers and also to those who make portraits or photograph weddings and events. This lens is arguably the successor to the original ‘Cream Machine’ - the Nikkor 85mm f1.4 Af-d. A very well delivered fast lens for the Nikon Z mount.

A single day on Harris

2025-06-07

Harris, a landscape photographer’s paradise. Moody skies, windswept beaches and Atlantic storms over opalescent seas. For many it is almost the perfect seascape location giving beach foregrounds, brooding skies and views beyond to distant hills or islands. I had one day to photograph on Harris - read here to see how I got on.

Meike 85mm f1.8 AF Pro Review

2025-04-30

A very fine modestly priced lens that deserves consideration for anyone seeking a short fast telephoto lens. High levels of sharpness across the frame at all apertures and no observed CA. Performance comparable to lenses costing twice the price.

Lighter still and lighter

2024-12-13

A change of camera bags. Not to be undertaken lightly and never without significant expense. I’ve been with the same bags for the last three years but have now returned to the brand I first used nearly 20 years ago.

The Great Wilderness by Alex Nail

2024-12-12

This is the second book by mountain photographer Alex Nail and is another very special book indeed. My review is a little behind the curve as I didn't want to hurry my reading of the book. Something this good deserves, like a fine wine, to be savoured rather than gulped down. I read it slowly and in small amounts then immediately read it again.

Nikon Z 70-180mm f2.8 Lens Review

2024-12-12

This is the second in a mini series of short reviews to clear a backlog of lenses I’ve been using and reviewing. These have all been purchased at full price and I am under no pressure or inducement. I bouth this one at a great price from Cotswold Cameras who in addition to being very competitively priced were exemplary in their service.

TTArtisan 75mm f2 AF Lens Review

2024-12-12

This is the first of a mini series of short reviews that I’d like to get completed before they all start to stack up and I begin to forget the original experiences. As with all the rviews I do, I’m under no arrangement or pressure to produce a favourable view. I bought this lens at full price and have no potential eanings from any sales. The current cost is between about £160-199 depending where you buy.

Natural Landscape Volume 2 Review

2024-11-04

Whether you entered or ever enter competitions and whatever your views on competitions, this is a beautiful book. I can recommend it without hesitation. It flies the flag for natural, authentic images that faithfully record our beautiful landscape.

TTArtisan 75mm f2 lens review

2024-10-16

The low cost lenses emerging from China are changing dramatically from the manual focus legacy designs of only a few years ago to modern, well made high quality optics. This delightful little lens is small, light, metal bodied and feels very well put together. The AF is quick and quiet

Time Out

2024-07-01

I'm approaching my annual summer sabbatical from landscape photography. Every year I take about six weeks off during which the big camera, tripod and all the other paraphernalia stay packed away

Midgespecs Review

2024-06-26

The answer to landscape photography in locations where midges make life unbearable. These Midgespecs are gamechangers and are worth a look by photographers, climbers, fisherman and many others.

Summit Creative Tenzing 30 photo backpack review

2024-06-13

I’ve spent the last couple of months with a Summit Creative Tenzing 30 Photo backpack and there are many positive aspects to reflect on from that time.

A Time to Print #2

2024-03-28

Having set up the printer from the box and installed ink cartridges, the next step is to make some prints. However there are some significant steps to make before we hit the ‘Print’ button in Photoshop. The major parts of this are monitor calibration and colour management.

A Time to Print

2024-03-22

Every print that I've sold since leaving a wet darkroom environment has been produced by a specialist printer. Some years ago by the inestimable Paul Grundy and for most of the last ten years by Loxley of Glasgow. I've never needed to print beyond admin stuff and whether by luck or skill, Loxley precisely match the images I see on my screen. However I have become increasingly dissatisfied that I'm not fully au fait with what's going on under the hood.

In praise of a sabbatical

2023-08-14

I'm halfway through my annual summer sabbatical from landscape photography. Every year I take six weeks off during which the big camera, tripod and all the other paraphernalia stays packed away and I spend time just being with my family.

Nikon Z8 - My next camera?

2023-06-19

The photo world has been full of the new Nikon Z8 over the past few weeks. I’ve noticed a few landscape photographers moving over and last week I was asked twice if I’d be buying one. Will I be handing over my money? Read on to find out.

Kingjoy C83S Tripod Review

2023-06-13

Last year I reviewed the outstanding Kingjoy C85 Tripod and found that it not only performed as well as my Gitzo Systematic 3 Series but that by the end of the review period I was choosing it in preference on a regular basis. My interest was especially raised therefore when Kinjoy invited me to try out another of their tripods. This time the C83S.

To crop or not to crop - a perfect bridge too far?

2023-01-03

Is a cropped image of less value or less ‘pure’ than one in which the entire captured frame is used? There has been some debate on the subject recently and I felt the need to nail my own colours to the mast.

Sunway GH Pro II + Geared Tripod Head review - UPDATED CONCLUSION #2

2022-11-15

The advantages of a geared head are that it allows for very precise adjustments in composition to be made in exactly one plane. With a ball head, while adjusting to raise the camera slightly, you may also very slightly move to the side or slightly incline. With a geared head, only the adjustment you desire is accomplished. There is an oft quoted parallel benefit of slowing the photographic process down.

Another little bit of perfection

2022-09-18

It's the little things that often make a disproportionate difference and for those of us given to obsessing about small details, some such small details can be all but life changing.

A certain lack of focus

2022-06-29

I like the look of a minimal depth of field image. I think it instantly creates a sense of depth by virtue of the layers of focused and unfocused elements. This will give at least two layers and if there is some foreground then three distinct layers resolve giving yet more depth.

26 Hours in Coigach and Inverpolly

2022-06-25

A dramatically curtailed trip to the far NW of Scotland. Fabulous locations, enjoyable photography but an unexpectedly short visit cut short by Covid.

Kingjoy C85 Tripod Review

2022-06-21

Over the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to try a new tripod, the Kingjoy C85 - in this instance with a Ball Head, the T30x. KingJoy may sound a new name to many but they seem to have been around for quite a while, quietly making tripods for other brand names so while the name may be new the experience is clearly there.

Nikon Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 Review

2022-03-16

This review has been difficult to write, I feel as though I've been swimming against the tide throughout. I've had to force 'head over heart' and analysis over instinct. I've had to forget decades of experience and accept the new.

Shimoda Action X Photo Backpack size comparison

2022-01-19

Many photographers I meet assume that three sizes is to allow varying amounts of camera equipment to be carried. Not so in my case at least. For me, its all about what else goes in the bag. How much other stuff needs to be carried.

Kase Armour Magnetic Filter System Review

2021-11-15

I’ve been fortunate to be able to try out a brand new Kase Armour Filter system over the past couple of weeks and it’s been an immensely positive experience.

Watergate - A case of photo snobbery

2021-11-14

The question of photo snobbery emerged this week and as it’s the second time it’s happened, perhaps it’s worth exploring.

Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year - New Rules 2021

2021-08-25

Competitions aren't for everyone and if you choose to enter, you also choose to accept the rules. ‘You pays your money and you takes your choice.’

Rationale for changing to Kase Filters

2021-01-16

Inertia and familiarity are powerful forces that act against all change. When one adds in the substantial investment we make in photographic equipment, changing brands is not something I undertake lightly. I’ve used the same brand of camera, Nikon, for the last 40 years. The same brand of tripod and the same square filter system for the last 10.

Mystical by Neil Burnell

2020-11-15

Light on the Landscape by WS Neill - Review

2020-11-08

This delightful book arrived a couple of weeks ago courtesy of the inestimable @blackwellbooks. I've been waiting for the release since I first heard about the possibility. It is a brand new book but not brand new content. Rather it is a carefully curated collection of Neill's essays for Outdoor Photographer, the American magazine.

Acronymns for Photographers #3

2020-10-01

The third in this lexicon of photographers' paranoia is FOAD. This is not the FOAD of the urban slang dictionary but rather an acronym for a particular form of paranoia: F ear O f A D ud

Cry FOWL

2020-09-28

Normally we would say ‘Cry Foul’ but here we invoke another acronym that describes the paranoia experienced by Landscape Photographers. Here the acronym stands for F ear O f W rong L ocation

Some thoughts on waterproof clothing

2020-09-21

If considering an item of waterproof ( or indeed any) clothing for use in wild country, a number of factors need to be balanced. First and foremost the purpose of your endeavours. In my case there is a need for complete compatibility between foul weather protection, landscape photography and comfort. Comfort? That's clearly very individual but while I'm prepared to endure ( and even relish) the extremes of UK weather, if they compromise what I'm doing I feel that I have failed.

Examples of photographers’ paranoia #1 - FOLK

2020-08-18

This is not as you may have thought, a terror induced by Morris Dancers nor being locked in a room with The Spinners. In this lexicon of photography paranoia, FOLK is an acronym for ‘ Fear Of Lesser Kit’

Shimoda Action X30 Review

2020-08-01

Some photographers are exceptionally fussy about camera bags, others don’t see it as a big deal. I’m fussy. I always have been and probably always will be.

Nikon Z50 Review

2020-07-18

Before attempting to provide a perspective on this (or indeed) any camera it is helpful to be clear about what one hopes the camera will achieve. In my previous post, I sought to examine the reasoning behind buying this camera and the desired outcomes. This review in greater depth, seeks to evaluate how well those outcomes are met.

Which is better - a Nikon Z50 or a D810?

2020-06-28

Easy answer, 20 vs 36 MP, full frame vs APS, ease of use, output, robustness, control, configuration, flexibility - almost everything that can be judged makes the D810 the better camera. Only size and weight make the Z50 a winner and potentially access to a more future-proofed development stream. So why did I sell my D810 to buy a Z50? Read on..

SAAL Professional Line Photo Book Review

2020-06-13

SAAL Professional Line Photo Book Review Some time ago the terribly nice people at SAAL offered me a voucher towards the cost of one of their Professional Line books. The voucher was for £100 and this was enough to completely cover the production of a book.

Lee 100 Hood Review

2020-04-06

I’ve been using the newest Lee Lens Hood for the past few months and since I’m unlikely to be taking it out over the next few, this seemed like a good point to review the progress so far. Lee Filters have offered a lens hood ( two in fact including the WA variant) for many years. I'd often considered owning one but felt the flaws did not balance the potential advantages. Advances in design, materials and the launch last year of the new 100 holder enabled a very welcome update in the form of this new 100 Hood.

Beware Internet Fiction

2020-01-14

Whenever we use some form of process for measurement, we need to be assured that it is calibrated in some way. It seems to be that there is a very considerable amount of uncalibrated advice circulating via the internet and television. The written form has needed calibration since the advent of web.2.0 and as YouTube has bloomed, the need has become ever more immediate.

Snugpak Torrent Review

2020-01-11

The Layering Principle for outdoor clothing seems to have been with us for a very long time even though the exact date for the identification of the concept is hard to establish. In essence the principle is to separate out the fundamental functions of clothing into differentiated garments and combine them according to need. The most common interpretation is of a wicking base layer, followed by insulation and finished with some form of waterproof shell. This allows the wearer to customise clothing on the move according to precise conditions at the time. The Snugpak Torrent is slightly at odds with this principle in some ways

New Website with Squarespace

2019-12-12

After many, many years with a self built and administered Wordpress based website, I’ve taken the step of moving to a hosted version courtesy of the most excellent Squarespace. For years I’ve been recommending Squarespace to others on the basis of the end product website created but until now I’ve not tried from the user end. Maintaining and updating the security of my site has always been time consuming and recently a couple of major issues requiring restoration from backup have provided the final nudge to jump ship. I signed up for the two week trial, ignored the comprehensive instruction manual and waded straight in.

In search of Style

2019-07-05

I've read a couple of interesting pieces this week that concerned themselves with considerations of style and audience. Guy Tal wrote a fine piece on The Pitfalls of Style and David DuChemin’s piece on who to please with one's photography . Both of these landed on a draft for this post which had been sitting and stewing for some time.

On being Ruthless

2019-05-15

Traditionally we understand the term ‘ruthless’ as being without pity or compassion; a lack of care for the feelings of others. Many years ago I was introduced to another , less loaded, connotation. That being to do what needed doing quickly and effectively without any prevarication, self doubt or any self indulgent angst. It presupposed of course that the act was indeed necessary.

Nikon Z 14-30mm F4 S Review

2019-05-10

The brand new Nikon Z 14-30mm F4 S lens is finally arriving into circulation. I received mine this week and here are my initial findings. This is a lens with specifications that would have been unthinkable only a decade ago. Nikon have managed to combine an extreme wide angle zoom with compact size and the ability to mount conventional filters. The new Z mount together with ever improving optical designs and exotic elements and coatings have brought a product that sounds like the perfect wide angle zoom for many photographs. Read on to see how successful Nikon have been.

Nature First Alliance

2019-05-04

The Dutch have a word for it…. Landschapspijn — literally “landscape-pain”, “place-pain” (Dutch); the distress that comes from seeing familiar habitats or ecosystems degraded and depleted. This popped up on Twitter as Rob Macfarlane’s Word of the Day last week. (If you don’t follow, Rob, you should.) There is a painful symmetry here as it was also the Dutch who gave landscape photographers and painters the word ‘Landscape’. They named the beginning and foresaw the end of what we do.

Netspex - Midge Protection

2019-04-27

There are many ups and downs associated with landscape photography in the summer months including clear blue skies, high sun, harsh shadows and very early starts for dawn. However one of the biggest issues for those operating in the north of Britain is that of the midge. Milder, wetter winters will I suspect lead to more successful midge breeding and increasingly it seems that insects that once failed to survive hard frosts are now wintering through. Responses range from getting bitten to death and complaining about it to refusing to go out on still days.

Kingshouse Hotel - Glencoe

2019-04-24

So close, and yet…. The Kingshouse has been around for 250 years and part of mountaineering history for a large part of that. The old hotel was an iconic building, perched on the moor at the entrance to Glencoe. However time, neglect and poor development had led to it becoming a mess. Many of those who opposed the redevelopment had, I suspect, not visited ( and certainly not stayed there) recently. Apart from a nod to history, there was little to recommend it. The plans and the finished redevelopment have come in for a degree of opposition and many feel that the aesthetics are less than ideal and too little of the original building has been retained.

Hunter Balmoral Neoprene Wellington Boots

2019-04-01

Landscape photographers in the UK seem to be split into a number of groups when choosing footwear. Those that prefer to wear trainers or other non specialist footwear. Those who choose walking boots and those who prefer Wellingtons. These groups of course overlap according to location and conditions. Are these Hunter boots the best choice for Landscape Photographers? Read on

Lee 100 Filter Holder

2019-03-22

There is the well used saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’. There is however another useful phrase, ‘You cannot stand still. You either move forward or slide backward, there is no viable long term stationary position’. The Lee 100 Filter system is part of the history of image making; for many years it was the de facto choice for anyone who took the process seriously. The holder most Lee users own was introduced 25 years ago. Over recent years the competition has increased substantially and as so expertly proved by the British Motorcycle Industry in the 1960's, complacency by any manufacturer, however strong, is fatal. In my view, Lee have evaluated an almost perfect product and sought to improve it. Have they succeeded? Read on.

Perfect Winter Glove?

2019-02-07

For some years, I’ve been using what I found to be the perfect winter glove system. The original blog post can be found here . This winter I’ve been trying a variation and can recommend it without hesitation. I bought a pair of Heat Company Shell Gloves and have been using them over the past month.

The Joy of Serendipity

2019-01-16

I enjoy creating intimate landscapes immensely, those small scenes that comprise found objects and arrangements. The better the end product however, the more likely it is to precipitate the range of questions to do with asking or suggesting that the items had been placed or rearranged. The questions range from pure inquisitiveness to peevishness and those that are no less than accusatory and derogatory by implication.

NORTHWEST by Alex Nail - Go Big or go Home.

2018-12-01

I’m going to echo an introduction that I’ve used before. This isn’t a review of a book it is a response to it. It may only be semantics but review seems to suggest a level of judgement that I don't feel qualified to claim. A creative work is produced with a ‘message’. That message isn’t always the one that is received by the audience. This is my response and may not be the message that was intended.