Short on time or energy but still want great Lake District landscape photos? These five locations offer incredible views with minimal walking, perfect for beginners, visitors, or quick photography trips.

Every year my camera bag evolves, and 2026 is no exception. In this updated “what’s in my camera bag” post I break down the full photography kit I actually carry: camera bodies, go-to lenses, filters, tripod, storage and the small accessories that make shoots smoother. If you’re looking for real-world camera gear recommendations, or you’re simply curious how another photographer builds a reliable, travel-ready camera bag in 2026, this behind-the-scenes gear list will walk you through every piece and why it’s earned a place in my bag.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro has long been regarded as one of the best-value true macro lenses available, offering 1:1 reproduction, excellent sharpness and impressive background separation. In this review I take a detailed look at its real-world performance for close-up photography, product shots and portrait work. From autofocus behaviour to optical clarity, build quality and value for money, this hands-on Sigma 105mm macro lens review explores whether this classic lens still holds up against modern alternatives—and whether it’s the right choice for your macro photography setup.

The Godox X3 Pro is a compact, touchscreen flash trigger designed for Canon photographers who want fast, reliable control over off-camera lighting. In this review, I take a practical look at how the X3 Pro performs in real-world shooting, covering its radio triggering reliability, touchscreen workflow, TTL and High-Speed Sync support, and how it fits into a modern Godox lighting setup. If you’re considering upgrading your flash trigger or moving to a cleaner, more portable lighting workflow, this Godox X3 Pro review breaks down who it’s for, how it performs, and whether it’s worth adding to your kit.

Understanding photography jargon can feel overwhelming when you’re just starting out, especially when every tutorial seems to mention terms like aperture, ISO, shutter speed, dynamic range, and focal length as if everyone already knows what they mean. This beginner-friendly photography glossary breaks down the essential camera terms you’ll encounter as you learn manual settings, master the exposure triangle, and start exploring lenses, filters, and more advanced techniques such as focus stacking and exposure bracketing. Whether you're learning how different focal lengths affect your image, why aperture controls depth of field, or how shutter speed creates motion blur, this guide explains each concept clearly and practically so you can feel confident using your camera. If you’ve been searching for simple explanations of key photography terms, this is the perfect place to start.

Is a graphics tablet worth using for photo editing, or is a mouse still enough? In this article, I explore whether a graphics tablet is a genuine upgrade for photographers or simply an optional extra. Drawing on real-world experience editing with both a mouse and a tablet, I break down the key differences in accuracy, speed, and creative control — particularly when it comes to masking, dodging and burning, and local adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop.

I also compare traditional mouse editing with modern AI masking tools, explain the learning curve involved, and outline who a graphics tablet is actually for. If you’re an intermediate or advanced photographer looking to refine your editing workflow, this guide will help you decide whether a graphics tablet deserves a place in your setup.

If you’re looking for a comfortable, secure way to carry your mirrorless or DSLR, the Peak Design Slide Lite and Peak Design Cuff are two of the most popular options on the market. In this review I put both the Slide Lite camera strap and the Cuff wrist strap through real-world use, from landscape photography walks to everyday carry. I cover how the Anchor Link system works in practice, how the Slide Lite performs as a sling, neck and shoulder strap, and whether the Cuff offers enough security as a minimalist wrist tether. If you’re trying to decide which Peak Design strap is best for your camera setup – or whether it’s worth upgrading from your stock strap – this Peak Design Slide Lite and Cuff review will help you choose with confidence.

The SmallRig Vibe P96L RGB video light is a compact, pocket-friendly LED that’s ideal for content creators, vloggers and photographers who want reliable on-camera fill light without carrying a full lighting kit. In this review, I’ll cover real-world performance for macro photography, product photography and quick portraits, including colour accuracy, usability, and how well it works as a travel-friendly light. The P96L offers RGB plus adjustable colour temperature (2500–8000K), an OLED display for quick settings checks, and a sturdy aluminium alloy body designed for durability and heat management.

Social media has become deeply embedded in modern photography, but its influence is not always positive. From chasing likes and trends to comparing yourself endlessly with others, platforms can quietly shape how photographers create, edit and even value their own work. In this article, I explore the real problems social media introduces into photography, how it affects creativity and confidence, and why stepping back can sometimes help you reconnect with what matters most behind the camera.

The Benro Mach3 tripod with GX30 ball head is a lightweight yet highly stable support system designed for photographers who need reliability in the field. In this in-depth review, I look at build quality, usability, stability for long exposures, and how it performs for landscape and travel photography, helping you decide whether it’s the right tripod for your kit.

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a compact action camera designed for photographers and filmmakers who want high-quality video and reliable performance in challenging conditions. With its larger 1/1.3-inch sensor, improved low-light performance, and robust weather sealing, it promises more than just point-and-shoot convenience.

In this review, I take a closer look at how the DJI Osmo Action 4 performs in real-world use, including image quality, stabilisation, usability, and how it fits into a photographer’s kit alongside a mirrorless or DSLR camera. I’ll also cover who this camera is best suited for, where its limitations lie, and whether it represents good value compared to other action cameras on the market.

In this entry, I am talking about my 10 photography goals for this year, both as a Lake District based landscape photographer and as a commercial photographer working out of my studio in Cumbria. Jump in to see what I am going to try and do to improve my photography, grow my business and the way that I print my images.

This is my final blog post of the year, before I take a couple of weeks away from writing and focus on all of the fun of Christmas and try to get out to shoot some winter stuff! In this blog I take a look at some of my successes and failures across the year and look ahead to the photography challenges of 2026!

In this short blog, the penultimate one before Christmas, I explore 5 (in my opinion), underrated landscape photography spots in the Lake District, and true to form, they are largely easily accessible in your car. It’s only a short one so have a quick read and see if you can discover somewhere new, or consider somewhere you haven’t been before.

Choosing the right photography books can transform the way you see and approach your work. With so many photo books available, knowing where to start can be overwhelming — whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer.

That’s why I’ve curated a list of 10 photography books every photographer should own. These aren’t just coffee-table books; they’re titles that challenge your eye, strengthen your understanding of composition and storytelling, and help you grow creatively. If you’re looking to build a photography book collection that genuinely improves your images, this is a great place to start.

Break out of the golden hour mindset and discover how to shoot powerful landscape photos no matter the time of day. In this guide, Chris explains why limiting yourself to sunrise and sunset light can hold back your creative potential — and shares practical techniques to help you see light, weather and composition in a fresh way. From bold midday shadows to overcast skies and unexpected conditions, you’ll learn to make the most of every shoot. Whether you’re juggling work commitments or exploring new creative approaches, this post will help you expand your landscape photography beyond the classic golden hour.

Great landscape photography doesn’t happen by chance — it takes planning. From choosing the right location and checking the weather to timing your shoot for golden hour, this guide covers everything you need to know to prepare for stunning results.

Looking for Black Friday deals for photographers on Amazon in 2025? If so, this blog is the best place to start ! I have spent some time looking through Amazon and finding what I think are some of the best deals for this year. So if you’re looking for a present for a photographer , or if you are just looking for a treat, jump in!

Bad weather doesn’t have to ruin your photography — it can actually make your images stand out. From capturing moody skies and mist-covered hills to finding creative textures in rain and reflections, this guide shows you how to use challenging conditions to your advantage.

Discover breathtaking bucket list photography locations that every serious photographer should have on their radar. From the reflective calm of Derwentwater and mist-cloaked ridges in the Scottish Highlands, to dramatic fjords, deserts, and iconic coastal cliffs — these spots promise unforgettable light, epic vistas, and a chance to push your landscape photography to new heights. Whether you're chasing sunrise over England’s Lake District, seeking rugged solitude in remote mountain valleys, or lining up long exposures beneath star-studded skies, this guide highlights must-visit global and UK destinations packed with visual potential. Pack your gear, lace up your walking boots, and get ready for adventure.