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!
Best Places for Sunrise and Sunset Photography in the Lake District - Updated for 2025 with map!
Chasing golden hour in the Lake District? From misty sunrises over Derwentwater to fiery sunsets at Buttermere, this guide reveals the best spots to capture breathtaking landscape photos. Interactive maps and top tips included.
Must Have Apps for All Landscape Photographers
Choosing the right tools can transform your photography workflow. In this guide, I share the must-have apps for landscape photographers, from location scouting and weather tracking to editing and planning the perfect shot. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these apps will help you capture better landscapes and streamline your creative process.
Things in my landscape photography bag that just make sense.
Packing for a photography trip isn’t just about cameras and lenses. In this post, I share 10 surprisingly useful non-photography items that I always carry when shooting landscapes. From head torches and waterproof maps to shower caps (yes, really), these practical extras can keep you comfortable, safe, and ready to capture the shot — whatever the conditions.
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.
Gear Review: Pocket Dispo Lens
In this blog, I review the Pocket Dispo DSLR lens which has recently become available to buy. This lens takes all of the fun of disposable camera shooting and piles it all into one small package, which you can use on your DSLR (Mirrorless versions are available too) , for a reasonable price.
What’s wrong with my photo?
Struggling with blurry shots, strange colours, or photos that just don’t quite pop the way you hoped? You’re not alone. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common issues photographers face—whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills—and break down exactly how to fix them. From exposure mishaps to focusing troubles, you’ll learn practical tips to take your images from frustrating to fantastic.
What Gear Do You Need As A Beginner Photographer?
Essential Photography Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need to Get Started
Embarking on your photography journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. With countless gadgets and accessories available, it's crucial to focus on the essentials that will set you up for success. Whether you're aiming to capture stunning landscapes, candid portraits, or everyday moments, having the right equipment is key.
10 Photography Lessons to Improve Your Own Photography
In this blog I am going to share 10 tips/lessons I have learned since starting photography 8 years ago. That’s more than one tip per year!
I am going to cover light(ing), being patient, why composition matters in photography, why you should shoot with other photographers and why it’s important to ask for help when you’re struggling.
Black Friday Deals for Photographers on Amazon, 2024.
In this blog I look at what I think are 10 of the best deals that Amazon has for photographers as part of Black Friday Week 2024. There everything from lenses to gimbals and something for all budgets, so take a took and grab a bargain!
Christmas Gift Ideas for Photographers 2024
In this blog I am looking at some of the best photography gift ideas for 2024. I’ve broken them down into under £25, under £50 and under £100 and have included a couple of more expensive options as well! There’s everything from gloves to camera bags and multi-tools to colour callibrators.
What’s In My Bag 2024?
Discover the essential camera gear I carry on every shoot, including my Canon 80D, lenses, filters, and accessories. Get insights into building a versatile photography kit on a budget, with tips on choosing secondhand gear and must-have accessories
A Beginner Photographer’s Guide to The Exposure Triangle
A beginners guide to the exposure triangle is just what it means. It's a guide to the exposure triangle, for beginners. Nothing fancy and nothing complicated.
This all stems from mistakes as a new photographer and how I corrected them and learned from them.
I found out was that exposure triangle was something that I needed to know. And know inside out. This, alongside knowing my camera and what it was capable of were key to me being able to develop (no pun intended) my skills. Once I could do this, I then started to focus on other things, mainly composition, because we all know composition is king but well composed photos that were either under exposed, over exposed or were blurry because of camera movement or camera shake were of no use to me.
Gear Review: Canon 85mm F/1.2 II USM Lens
My first impressions of the Canon EF 85mm F/1.2 Prime lens and includes some of the first shots I have used this for as a landscape photographer. You are going to WANT (/need!) to buy this lens.
Printing Your Photos - Why Aren’t YOU Doing It?
A look at why printing your images is important, why you should do it, and dare I say it, why you should be printing your own.
Gear Review: Polaroid Now Gen 2 Camera
A quick review of the immensely fun Polaroid ‘Now’ Gen 2 Camera. Spoiler alert: It’s pretty good fun!
Which photographers do I love, admire and am I inspired by?
In this entry, I look at 5 of my favourite photographers and speak about what it is about them that I inspires me. It was a struggle to keep the list short, but I have managed to keep it to five!
Things You Should Consider Buying as Beginner Photographer
I’ve had a think about some of the purchases I have made and then not really used, the things I wish I had bought sooner and the things I wish I just hadn’t bothered with in the first place. Now I think about what my purchases are going to add to my images and not what the internet is telling me to buy.