My Photography Blog
Welcome to the Chris Kendrick Photography Blog, where I share the stories, challenges and inspirations behind shooting Lake District landscapes and working as a Cumbria-based photographer. Alongside behind-the-scenes reflections from the fells and lakes, you'll also find honest photography gear reviews, covering the cameras, lenses and accessories that genuinely perform in real Lake District conditions. Whether you’re passionate about landscape photography, exploring Cumbria’s scenery, building your kit, or simply curious about the craft, there’s something here for you.
Some posts include affiliate links; thank you if you choose to support the blog through a qualifying purchase. If there’s a topic or piece of gear you’d like me to cover, let me know. Enjoy exploring!
Enjoy!
The Bookshelf - #9 - Magnum Streetwise
Magnum Streetwise is more than just a photography book. It’s a deep exploration of how street photography has evolved, featuring iconic work from Magnum photographers past and present. In this review, I break down what the book teaches about capturing real moments, developing your eye, and understanding the streets as a storytelling space.
10 More Photo Books YOU Should Own
Looking for more photography books to inspire your creativity? This curated list explores 10 more essential photo books every photographer should own, covering landscapes, portraits, documentary work, street photography and powerful visual storytelling.
The Bookshelf - #8 - The Family of Man
The Family of Man is one of the most influential photography exhibitions ever created. Curated by Edward Steichen in 1955, it brought together over 500 images from photographers around the world to tell a powerful story about shared human experience. From birth and childhood to love, work, and loss, the exhibition uses carefully sequenced images to highlight universal themes that connect people across cultures.
In this short guide, we break down the meaning behind The Family of Man, explore its innovative exhibition design, and examine why it remains a key reference point for photographers today. Whether you’re studying photography or looking to deepen your understanding of visual storytelling, this is an essential piece of photographic history.
My Studio Setup
Creating a well-designed photo studio setup can transform the quality of your work and the efficiency of your workflow. In this guide, I share how I’ve built my own studio, covering essential equipment, lighting choices, layout considerations, and practical tips for creating a professional environment in both small and larger spaces. Whether you’re setting up a home studio or refining a commercial workspace, this article breaks down what really matters for consistent, high-quality results.
The Bookshelf - #7 - Todd Hido - On Landscape, Interiors and the Nude
In this edition of the Bookshelf Series, I take a look at Todd Hido: Landscapes, Interiors, and the Nude — a photography book that blends cinematic lighting, quiet storytelling, and a strong sense of atmosphere. Hido’s work captures suburban loneliness and mood in a way that feels both intimate and distant. If you’re interested in light, composition, and narrative-driven photography, this is a book worth exploring.
The 50mm Lens: Why You Should Own a Nifty Fifty.
Is the Canon 50mm f/1.8 really worth it for landscape photography? I break down why this affordable “nifty fifty” prime lens remains one of the best value upgrades for sharp, creative outdoor images.
The Bookshelf - #6 - The Perimeter: A Photographic Journey around the Coast of Britain.
In this Bookshelf Series post, I take a closer look at The Perimeter by Quintin Lake, a remarkable project documenting the entire coastline of mainland Britain. This is more than a photography book, it is a study in patience, storytelling, and long-term creative commitment. I share key takeaways from the work, what makes it stand out, and why it is such a valuable source of inspiration for landscape photographers. Whether you are interested in documentary-style projects or refining your visual approach, this is a book that offers both insight and motivation.
Using Shutter Speed Technically and Creatively
Shutter speed is one of the most powerful tools in photography. In this guide, I break down how it works, when to use fast or slow settings, and how to use it both technically and creatively. From freezing action to capturing light trails and smooth water, this is a practical introduction to controlling motion in your images.
The Bookshelf - #5 -National Parks of the United Kingdom
National Parks of the United Kingdom by Carey Davies is a visually rich and thoughtfully written guide to some of Britain’s most breathtaking landscapes. Covering all 15 national parks, it blends striking imagery with accessible insights, making it ideal for photographers, walkers, and anyone drawn to the outdoors. Whether you’re planning your next shoot or simply looking for inspiration, this book offers a compelling overview of the UK’s most iconic natural locations.
Aperture in Landscape Photography - Should You Buy f/4 or f/2.8 lenses?
Choosing between f/2.8 and f/4 lenses can be confusing. This guide breaks down the real differences for landscape photographers, including cost, weight, sharpness, and low-light performance, to help you decide which option truly fits your shooting style.
The Bookshelf - #4 - Magnum Contact Sheets
Magnum Contact Sheets is one of the most insightful photography books you can own. Featuring original contact sheets from legendary photographers, it reveals the full creative process behind iconic images. In this review, explore why this book remains essential reading for photographers of all genres.
Bokeh: Why It’s great and Why We Shouldn’t Obsess Over It.
Bokeh is one of those photography buzzwords that seems to carry a lot of weight. It’s the intentionally out-of-focus parts of an image, often seen as soft blur and circular highlights that help a subject stand out. When it’s used well, bokeh can add depth, mood, and separation, guiding the viewer’s eye exactly where you want it to go.
But bokeh can also become a distraction. Social media has helped turn background blur into a badge of “good photography”, even when the light, composition, and subject aren’t doing much of the heavy lifting. In this post, we’ll look at what bokeh actually is, why it looks the way it does, and how to use it intentionally without letting it take over the image. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re shooting wide open because it serves the story or just because it looks cool, this one’s for you.
Community in Photography. Why It Matters.
Landscape photography is often seen as a solitary pursuit — long walks, early starts, and quiet moments alone with the camera. While that’s part of its appeal, it can also mean that opportunities for connection, shared learning, and community are harder to come by.
In this article, I reflect on my experience of photography communities in London and how that sense of belonging has been harder to find since moving to the Lake District. I explore why in-person connection matters, what’s currently missing from landscape photography culture, and why online communities don’t always fill the gap. Finally, I share an idea for building something more local, supportive, and grounded in real-world photography — and invite others to be part of the conversation.
The Bookshelf - #3 - Forty Farms
Forty Farms by Amy Bateman is a beautifully crafted visual journey through the Lake District’s farming heritage. Blending striking photography with authentic storytelling, the book captures the resilience, character, and quiet beauty of rural life. Whether you’re a landscape photographer or simply drawn to the Lake District, this is an inspiring and grounding read.
I Finally Ditched my Apple Magic Mouse and it Changed my Life.
The Logitech MX Master 3S completely changed how I work. From custom shortcuts to seamless scrolling and ergonomic design, this isn’t just a mouse — it’s a serious productivity upgrade for photographers and creatives.
The Bookshelf - #2 - This Pleasant Land
This Pleasant Land by Hoxton Mini Press is a compelling British landscape photography book that brings together 24 photographers to explore the UK’s changing terrain. In this review, we look at how this contemporary photobook challenges traditional landscape imagery with a bold, often irreverent perspective on modern Britain.
Do You Need Filters for Landscape Photography?
Do you actually need filters for landscape photography—or are they just another expensive accessory? In this guide, I break down when filters matter, when they don’t, and which ones are worth buying once you’re ready. From ND filters for long exposures to polarisers for cutting reflections, here’s what you really need to know.
The Bookshelf - #1 Liam Wong TO:KY:OO
The Bookshelf is a curated series exploring the photography books that have shaped my approach behind the camera. Rather than reviews, these short features focus on inspiration, visual storytelling, and the creative ideas that can influence how we see and capture the world. Each entry highlights a single photobook, offering insight into why it matters and what photographers can take from it.
Gear Review: Logitech MX Creative Creative Console - Keypad and Control Dial
The Logitech MX Creative Console is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about tools for photographers and content creators looking to speed up their workflow. Combining a programmable keypad with a precision control dial, it offers a more tactile, intuitive way to edit photos and videos compared to traditional keyboard shortcuts. With growing support for apps like Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, and Figma, it’s designed to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency across creative workflows.
But is it actually worth adding to your setup in 2026? In this review, we break down its key features, real-world performance, and how it compares to alternatives like the Stream Deck—so you can decide if it’s the right tool for your editing workflow.
Why Photo Books Are Important
Photobooks offer something social media can’t — time, intention, and a deeper connection to photography. In this post, I explore why printed photography still matters, how it shapes the way we see images, and why every photographer should own at least a few.