The Chris Kendrick 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!
Improve Your Landscape Photography - For FREE!
Want to improve your landscape photography without buying new gear? In this guide, I share practical, no-cost tips that will help you take better photos straight away. From slowing down and refining your composition to learning your camera properly and revisiting familiar locations, these techniques focus on what really matters. If you’re ready to improve your photography using skill rather than equipment, this is the place to start.
The Bookshelf #16 - Photographers on Location with Charlie Waite
Photographers on Location with Charlie Waite takes landscape photography out of the textbook and into the field. In this mini review, I look at what the book offers photographers today and why it remains an interesting addition to a landscape photography bookshelf.
Wide Angle Landscape Photography: Getting the Most Out of Your Wide Angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses are a popular choice for landscape photography, but using them well takes more than simply fitting more into the frame. Wide-angle landscape photography is about understanding perspective, foreground, and composition, and knowing when a wide lens enhances a scene — and when it doesn’t.
In this article, I explore how wide-angle lenses behave in landscape photography, why they’re so effective for creating a sense of depth and place, and the common mistakes that can lead to empty or unbalanced images. Whether you’re new to landscape photography or refining your approach, this guide focuses on making deliberate, thoughtful choices rather than relying on focal length alone.
The Bookshelf #15 - Highland Wilderness - Colin Prior
Colin Prior’s Highland Wilderness is a celebration of Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and one of the standout books of British landscape photography. In this review, I take a closer look at the photography, presentation and inspiration it offers, and consider whether it deserves a place on your bookshelf.
Developing vs Editing - What’s The Difference?
What’s the difference between photo editing and digital developing? While both are essential parts of a modern photography workflow, they serve very different purposes. Developing focuses on refining your original image—adjusting exposure, colour, and detail—while editing allows for more creative control and transformation. In this guide, we break down when to use each approach and explore the best apps that can do both.
I Don’t Know What to Shoot!
Struggling to decide what to photograph? The Photography Inspiration Generator gives you practical photography ideas based on the genre you want to shoot, the weather outside and the kind of session you’re in the mood for. Choose your options and get a creative photography assignment designed to get you out with your camera and making photographs.
Are You Using Your Tripod Properly? A Guide for Landscape Photographers
A tripod can do much more than simply keep your camera steady. In this guide, I look at common tripod mistakes landscape photographers make, how to improve stability and composition, when you might be better off shooting handheld, and what to look for when choosing a tripod and tripod head.
Be Lake District Kind - How Photographers Can Do Their Bit
The Lake District is one of the UK's finest places for landscape photography—but keeping it that way depends on how we behave. From wild camping and parking to wildlife, mountain safety and drones, here's how photographers can enjoy the Lakes responsibly and be Lake District Kind.
Who Landscape Photography Workshops Are Not For
Landscape photography workshops aren’t for everyone. This honest guide explains who they’re not suited to, and how to decide if a workshop is right for you
The Bookshelf #14 - The Art of Street Photography - Sean Tucker and Joshua K. Jackson
The Art of Street Photography by Joshua K. Jackson and Sean Tucker explores observation, creativity and personal expression in street photography. Combining contrasting approaches, practical advice and striking imagery, the book encourages photographers to develop a distinctive visual voice while considering the ethics of photographing people in public spaces.
Back Button Focus. Is it Worth It?
Back button focus is often described as a must-use camera setting, but is it really worth switching to? This article breaks down what back button focus does, who it benefits, and when manual focus might still be the better choice, with a particular focus on landscape photography and real-world shooting scenarios
The Bookshelf #13 - Still - A Mindful Practice for Photographers - Paul Sanders
Still by Paul Sanders is a thoughtful exploration of photography as a mindful and restorative practice. Combining personal reflection, practical guidance and beautifully understated imagery, it encourages photographers to slow down, reconnect with their creativity and find meaning in the quieter moments around them.
A Realistic Lake District Landscape Photography Calendar
Social media makes the Lake District look perfect all year round. The reality is more complicated. This realistic photography calendar breaks down what each season actually offers, what usually doesn’t work, and how I approach photographing the Lakes throughout the year.
Photography Gear Mistakes: What I Bought and What I’d Buy Instead
Photography gear can get expensive quickly, especially when you’re first starting out. In this post, I share some of the beginner photography purchases I regret, from cheap tripods to filters and camera bags, and explain what I’d buy instead to save money, protect your kit and make better images.
Long Exposure Landscape Photography
Long exposure landscape photography is a powerful technique for transforming movement into mood. By slowing down time, photographers can turn crashing waves into soft mist, clouds into sweeping brushstrokes, and busy scenes into calm, minimalist compositions. In this guide, you’ll learn how long exposure photography works, the settings and filters you need, and how to plan and shoot compelling long exposure images in real-world landscape conditions.
The Bookshelf #12 - Ansel Adams’ Yosemite
Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photographs remain some of the most influential landscape images ever made. This short piece explores how Yosemite shaped his work, and what photographers today can still learn from his approach to light, patience and place.
Should You Try Different Types of Photography?
I haven’t always been a Lake District landscape photographer. From city streets and long exposures in London to misty mornings in the fells, this post explores how experimenting across genres shaped my photography and continues to influence my commercial and studio work today.
Reading the Lake District Weather Like a Landscape Photographer, not a tourist.
Most people read Lake District forecasts to decide whether it’s worth going out. Photographers need to read them differently. This post explains how I interpret cloud, rain, wind, temperature, and dew point to find atmosphere, mood, and changing light — even on days most people write off.
Prime Day Deals for Photographers 2026
Discover the best Amazon Prime Day deals for photographers, including camera accessories, lenses, tripods, bags, memory cards, lighting and editing tools. This curated guide highlights useful photography gear worth checking before the sale ends, helping you find practical kit without getting lost in endless offers.
Golden Hour vs Blue Hour. Which is Better?
Golden hour and blue hour offer very different qualities of light, each shaping mood, colour, and composition in unique ways. This article explores the key differences between golden hour and blue hour, when each works best, and how understanding both can help you make more intentional photography decisions.