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!
Do I Need New Gear for Landscape Photography?
Do you really need new gear to take better landscape photos? With constant marketing, YouTube reviews, and social media pressure, it’s easy to believe that upgrading your camera is the fastest way to improve. In this article, I break down when new gear genuinely helps, when it makes very little difference, and how to decide if an upgrade is actually worth your money. An honest, practical look at photography equipment, diminishing returns, and making smarter choices as a landscape photographer.
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.
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.
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.
Why You Need a Website as a Landscape Photographer.
In an age of social media and instant sharing, it’s easy to question whether a dedicated website is still necessary for landscape photographers. Platforms come and go, algorithms change overnight, and your work is always competing for attention. A website gives you something social media never can: control, permanence, and credibility.
In this article, I explore why having a website matters, even if photography isn’t your full-time job. From building a professional online presence and showcasing your portfolio properly, to improving discoverability through search and creating opportunities for print sales, licensing, or commissions, a website acts as a central hub for your work. If you’re serious about your photography and want to future-proof it, a website remains one of the most valuable tools you can invest in.
You Won’t Take Any Good Photos Today: Shifting Your Mindset in Landscape Photography.
“You won’t take any good photos today.” It’s a thought most landscape photographers have had at some point — often before the camera has even come out of the bag. This article explores how mindset, expectations, and pressure can quietly shape the way we shoot, and why chasing “good photos” can sometimes get in the way of meaningful photography.
Rather than focusing on locations, gear, or conditions, this piece looks at the mental side of landscape photography: learning to let go of outcomes, embracing imperfect days, and staying open to what the landscape offers. By shifting how you approach a shoot, you may find that creativity, enjoyment, and better images follow naturally — even on days that don’t look promising at first.
What Are The Best Camera Settings for Landscape Photography?
When photographers ask “what are the best settings for landscape photography?”, they’re often looking for a simple checklist. The reality is that there’s no single set of perfect settings that works for every landscape scene. Light, weather, subject movement, time of day, and creative intent all influence the choices we make behind the camera.
In this guide, I explain why fixed “best settings” don’t really exist, and instead break down the decision-making process photographers use when choosing aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focus. By understanding how these elements interact with the scene in front of you, you’ll be able to confidently select the right settings for any landscape, rather than relying on guesswork or presets.
Affordable Landscape Photography Accessories
Landscape photography doesn’t have to be expensive. In this guide, I share some of the best affordable accessories that can dramatically improve your landscape images. From sturdy budget tripods and essential filters to clever accessories that make shooting outdoors easier, these tools help you get professional-looking results without spending a fortune.
Focus Stacking: How to Get Sharp Images in Landscape Photography
Focus stacking is a powerful technique that allows photographers to achieve sharp focus throughout an entire image, from foreground to background. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, you will learn what focus stacking is, when to use it, how to shoot the required images in the field, and how to blend them together in post-processing for professional results. Ideal for landscape and macro photographers looking to improve image sharpness and detail.
5 Beginner Lake District Landscape Photography Locations You Can Reach Without a Long Hike
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.
Gear Review: Canon EF 2x Teleconverter MKII
Are you looking for extra reach from your current Canon lenses without investing in a costly super-telephoto? The Canon EF 2x Extender (teleconverter) could be the answer. In this review, I explore the pros and cons of the Canon 2x Extender, how it affects image quality, aperture, and autofocus, and whether it’s worth adding to your kit for wildlife, sports, or landscape photography.
Lake District Photography Itinerary: The Best 3-Day Trip for Stunning Shots
Planning a short break in the Lake District? This 3-day Lake District itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to experience the very best of Cumbria’s landscapes, lakes, and fells in just a long weekend. From hiking iconic Wainwrights to exploring charming villages like Keswick and Ambleside, and photographing world-famous beauty spots such as Ullswater, Buttermere, and Derwentwater, this guide is packed with must-see locations and practical travel tips. Whether you’re a keen landscape photographer, a casual walker, or simply here to soak in the views, this Lake District travel plan helps you make the most of 72 hours in one of England’s most breathtaking national parks.
Gear Review: Canon EF 16-35mm F/4L - Still Worth It In 2025?
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM is a favourite among landscape photographers who want sharp wide-angle performance without the price tag of the f/2.8 version. In this review, I take a closer look at the build quality, image stabilisation, sharpness, and real-world performance of the 16-35mm f/4L, exploring why it’s often considered one of the best wide-angle zooms in the Canon EF lineup.
Street vs. Landscape Photography: A Personal Perspective
Moving from London’s bustling streets to the wild, open fells of the Lake District has transformed the way I see and capture the world through my camera. In this post, I share what I’ve learned making the shift from street photography to landscape photography — from mastering natural light and adapting composition techniques, to preparing for unpredictable weather and refining my gear choices. Whether you’re curious about photographing in the Lakes or looking to adapt your city skills to the countryside, you’ll find tips, techniques, and personal insights from my own journey.
5 Quick (and free) Tips to Boost Your Photography
In this blog, I talk you through five quick and easy tips that will help you to up your photography. Best of all, these are all free and are things that you can start doing right now with a small amount of effort - be sure to read to the end for the two bonus tips!
Does Photography Gear Matter ?
In this blog, I consider the perennial question “Does photography gear matter?”. This takes into account the different places to buy from, new vs secondhand camera kit, the grey market, what you need to get started and whether your phone is any better at capturing images than a dedicated camera set up.