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!

Why You Need a Website as a Landscape Photographer.
marketing, social media, Landscape Photography Chris Kendrick marketing, social media, Landscape Photography Chris Kendrick

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.

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You Won’t Take Any Good Photos Today: Shifting Your Mindset in Landscape Photography.

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.

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What Are The Best Camera  Settings for Landscape Photography?

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.

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Affordable Landscape Photography Accessories

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.

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Exposure Bracketing: Why, When and How to Do It and How to Combine and Edit Your Images.
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Exposure Bracketing: Why, When and How to Do It and How to Combine and Edit Your Images.

Exposure stacking is a powerful landscape photography technique used to capture scenes with a wide dynamic range, such as sunrises, sunsets, and high-contrast landscapes. By blending multiple exposures, photographers can retain detail in both bright skies and dark foregrounds that a single image often cannot capture.

In this guide, you’ll learn what exposure stacking (exposure bracketing) is, when to use it, and how to do it step by step—from camera settings in the field to blending exposures in post-processing. A short tutorial video is also included to help you follow the full workflow.

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Checking in on My 2026 Photography Goals.
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Checking in on My 2026 Photography Goals.

Earlier this year I set several goals for my landscape photography in 2026. Now that the year is underway, it’s time to reflect on what’s working, what challenges I’ve faced, and how my photography is evolving.

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Landscape Photography for Complete Beginners
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Landscape Photography for Complete Beginners

A friendly, step-by-step guide to landscape photography for complete beginners. Learn the core camera settings, composition basics, focusing, and how to work with light so you can capture sharper, more compelling images from your very first outings.

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Focus Stacking: How to Get Sharp Images in Landscape Photography

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.

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5 Landscape Photography Techniques You Should Know to Improve Your Images.
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

5 Landscape Photography Techniques You Should Know to Improve Your Images.

Mastering landscape photography starts with a solid set of core techniques. In this short guide I break down five essential landscape photography techniques every photographer should know—ranging from exposure control and composition tips to methods that maximise sharpness and dynamic range. Whether you're improving your outdoor photography skills or looking for practical ways to elevate your images, these fundamentals will help you create cleaner, sharper and more compelling landscape photos in any conditions.

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What’s in my Camera Bag 2026
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

What’s in my Camera Bag 2026

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.

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Gear Review: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Gear Review: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro

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.

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Gear Review: Godox X3 Pro Wireless Touchscreen TTL Flash Trigger.
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Gear Review: Godox X3 Pro Wireless Touchscreen TTL Flash Trigger.

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.

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What Does it Mean? A beginner’s guide to photography jargon and technical info.
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

What Does it Mean? A beginner’s guide to photography jargon and technical info.

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.

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Do You Need A Graphics Tablet for Landscape Photography?
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Do You Need A Graphics Tablet for Landscape Photography?

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.

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Gear Review: Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Gear Review: Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap

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.

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Gear Review: SmallRig Vibe P96L RGB Video Light
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Gear Review: SmallRig Vibe P96L RGB Video Light

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.

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The Problem with Social Media and Photography.

The Problem with Social Media and Photography.

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.

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Gear Review: Benro Mach 3 Tripod and Benro GX30 Ballhead.
Chris Kendrick Chris Kendrick

Gear Review: Benro Mach 3 Tripod and Benro GX30 Ballhead.

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.

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