A Return to Coastal Photography in Cornwall
After a long break, I return to Cornwall for some seascape photography. It’s also an excellent opportunity to catch up with a mate.
A Day Out in Cornwall
Looking through my Lightroom catalogue I was surprised to see that I hadn’t been to Cornwall or done any seascape photography since June. As part of my long-term photography project, I have been focusing my efforts on capturing images of Dartmoor. While there’s no doubt that this focus has paid dividends for my project, it has left me missing the coast.
There is also the cost of driving to Cornwall to consider. With fuel being so expensive it can be hard to justify burning through £25 of fuel on the off chance you might capture something new, unique, or special. However, there is one reason I will always head to Cornwall no matter what the cost of fuel is and that is to spend the day with my mate (who is also a photographer).
We hadn’t seen each other since my last trip in June and despite trying to organise something we found it impossible to align our availability and a half-decent weather forecast. Finally, when things did align, we just decided that we would make it a proper day out. Dawn to dusk.
Padstow Lifeboat Station
The first stop on our day out was Padstow Lifeboat Station near Trevose Head. When we arrived, we could sense the conditions might be favourable for us. Our first viewpoint was what you might call the classic viewpoint, close, and looking down on the lifeboat station. It’s a photograph we’ve both taken before and given that access is even more restricted these days, we decided to head along the coast to see if we could find a different angle.
Padstow Lifeboat Station at Trevose #1, Cornwall, South West Coast Path - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 21mm, f/11, 30 sec at ISO 64.
As we approached our alternative viewpoint the warm light from the rising sun started to illuminate the scene. While the sky lacked some contrast in the clouds, the rest of the view was a joy to shoot. I spent a bit of time wandering from one rocky outcrop to another and adjusting my focal length trying to decide whether to include the beach or not.
Padstow Lifeboat Station at Trevose #2, Cornwall, South West Coast Path - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 18mm, f/13, 10 sec at ISO 64.
Padstow Lifeboat Station at Trevose #3, Cornwall, South West Coast Path - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 18mm, f/13, 10 sec at ISO 64.
Padstow Lifeboat Station at Trevose #4, Cornwall, South West Coast Path - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 25mm, f/13, 3 sec at ISO 64.
Padstow Lifeboat Station at Trevose #5, Cornwall, South West Coast Path - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 24mm, f/13, 13 sec at ISO 64.
In the end, I think both the wider and slightly tighter shots work well. I think we were both happy with our efforts. However, not happy enough that we didn’t think we ought to shoot those viewpoints again!
Snacks, Chat and Walking
I’ve never been much for capturing landscape photographs during the day unless the conditions are particularly special. Unfortunately for us, the conditions were less than special. So, what do you do then to fill the time until sunset? Easy! Eat, chat, and walk.
Things started with a cooked breakfast and coffee. This was followed by a bit of a walk. As photographers though, our walk still had a purpose. We used this valuable time to scope out new locations and discuss ideas for compositions. It wasn’t all photography chat though. We also covered other life critical issues such as the various Star Wars TV series and the new GoT show. Much was said on those two items.
It was then time for a cake stop, another walk, lunch somewhere, an ice cream, and another walk looking for new locations and viewpoints. Despite not taking any photos since sunrise, it was a most enjoyable way to spend the day.
Holywell Bay
The weather forecast for sunrise is what I might have called, inconclusive. It was hard to tell what was going to happen when comparing what we could see in the sky, and what the forecast was telling us. We ultimately decided to go to Holywell Bay. While my mate has shot this location many times, this was my first visit.
Arriving at Holywell Bay we wandered up and down the beach for a while, looking for compositions. Because of the settled conditions, the outgoing tide hadn’t created as many ripples and textures in the sand as we might have liked, but we did eventually find a composition we thought might work.
It had some of the elements we were looking for. Rippled sand, a pool of water, and a view directly out to Gull Rocks. There was even a chance that the sun might set between the two islands that make up Gull Rocks.
The only problem with shooting Cornwall’s beaches in peak season is that they are busy. Naturally, a calm, somewhat sunny evening means that the beaches can be full of people, even near sunset. There’s not a lot you can do about that, and people wandering in front of your beautifully crafted composition is just part of sharing the beach. I don’t get upset about it I just get the clone tool out!
Holywell Bay #1, Cornwall - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S at 27mm, f/13, 1/6 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL.
Holywell Bay #2, Cornwall - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S at 27mm, f/13, 3 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL.
With our day coming to an end, we looked back and concluded it was a successful day out. Though we’d captured some photographs, our primary goal, the highlight of day was catching up with a mate. Well, almost the highlight. We did get some chips on the way home from our favourite chippy. After all, we’d barely eaten anything all day!
Even The Birds Were Afraid To Fly by Al Brydon and Published by Kozu Books - On My Bookshelf S05E08
In this episode I take a look at Even The Birds Were Afraid To Fly by Al Brydon and published by Kozu Books. Is this collection of "lo-fi" photographs a book for your bookshelf?
Challenging But Rewarding
The On My Bookshelf playlist now has thirty-five videos in it but my passion for photography books shows no signs of slowing down. However, I’m not only looking at books that align with and inspire the style of photographs I like to take, but I’m also trying to expand my photographic horizons by embracing photography from a wide range of styles and genres.
Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly is a book that falls into the latter category. Sitting down to look through this book I initially struggled to connect with the photographs. I would go as far as to say that I found it challenging and I wasn’t sure what I would say about the photographs.
My experience of looking at so many books has taught me that some photographs need more viewing time before you start to appreciate them. This is very much the case for this book. Well, for me personally at least. It’s time I’m glad I spent though.
Find out why I’ve found this book so rewarding in the latest episode of On My Bookshelf.
You can purchase a copy of Even the Birds Were Afraid to Fly directly from Kozu Books - https://www.kozubooks.com/books-new/eventhebirdswereafraidtofly
East Mill Tor - Dartmoor - A 5 Minute Photo Adventure
Is there any point in returning to a location if you've already captured a great landscape photograph there? In this video I return to the spot where I took one of my favourite landscape photographs of Dartmoor to try again. But was this new photograph better, worse, or just different?
Better or Different - Just Keep Coming Back
The north has become my favourite area of Dartmoor to photograph. This is especially true now that we are getting closer to winter. The long Dartmoor grasses start to lose their green colour leaving them a pale yellow colour which beautifully reflects the light from the rising or setting sun.
A new favourite location in that area is East Mill Tor and I decided it was time to return to the location from which I captured one of my favourite Dartmoor photographs. That photograph, which I captured back in March 2022, hangs proudly on my office wall.
So why have I returned? Did I capture an image that was better than my previous image? Does it matter? Let’s find out in my latest 5 Minute Photo Adventure.
East Mill Tor - Dartmoor - Landscape Photographs
Autumn Sunrise at East Mill Tor #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 14mm, f/11, 1/13 sec at ISO 400.
Autumn Sunrise at East Mill Tor #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S at 19mm, f/11, 1/20 sec at ISO 400.
Hidden Worlds by Robbie Shone and Published by Kozu Books - On My Bookshelf S05E07
Would you be willing journey 2000m below the surface of the earth to capture a photograph? Fortunately for us there are photographers like Robbie Stone who have made the exploration of caves their life. In his book, Hidden Worlds, Robbie shares some the images he has captured over the last 20 years. Is this a book for your bookshelf?
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
When you think about photographing the landscape you will likely think of mountains, rivers, forests, clouds sunlight. But I would imagine few of us consider photographing the landscape that is below the surface of the earth! And why would we. It’s cold, claustrophobic, dangerous and most importantly there’s no light!
For photographers like Robbie Shone though, what lies beneath our feet is a world of adventure and discovery, and a world that must be photographed. In his book, Hidden Worlds, Robbie shares some of the photographs he has captured over the last 20 years exploring the deepest, longest, and largest caves in the world.
This book offers a view into a fantastical world that most people will never see, but is it a book for your bookshelf?
You purchase a copy of Hidden Worlds by Robbie Shone directly from Kozu Books - https://www.kozubooks.com/books-new/hidden-worlds-by-robbie-shone
Photographing One of Scotland's Hidden Waterfalls
Scotland has many famous and majestic waterfalls, but for the landscape photographer willing to do a bit of exploring, there are also a few hidden gems. Join me in this 5 Minute Photo Adventure where I photograph one of those hidden gems near the coastal town of Oban in West Scotland.
A Very Wet and Challenging Photography Adventure
There’s not much Scotland doesn’t offer the adventurous landscape photographer. It has mountains, lochs, coastline, woodlands, and waterfalls. Some of those waterfalls have a lot of grandeur and are well known. There are also a few hidden gems. Not that hard to get to, but you need to know where they are.
There is one such waterfall near the town of Oban in West Scotland where I grew up. It’s been on my list of places to photograph for many years but it’s only on my most recent visit to Scotland that I’ve finally taken the chance to photograph it.
When I arrived at the waterfall though, it was in full flow, and it was raining. I shouldn’t have been surprised though. It is Scotland! With so much water in the air, it turned out to be one of the most challenging photographs I’ve ever captured. But I must admit, it was still a lot of fun!
Watch me get wet and take some photographs of this hidden gem of a waterfall in my latest 5 Minute Photo Adventure.
Landscape Photographs of Oban’s Hidden Waterfall
Waterfalls #1, Oban, Scotland - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 21mm, f/13, 0.4 sec at ISO 50, Kase Filters CPL.
Waterfalls #2, Oban, Scotland - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 16mm, f/13, 0.4 sec at ISO 50, Kase Filters CPL.
Komorebi by Martin Rak and Published by Kozu Books - On My Bookshelf S05E06
Komorebi is a book that takes you on a journey into the world of trees, forests and woodland landscapes. But is Martin Rak's book of his favourite woodland images from the last 10 years a book for your bookshelf?
Sunlight Filtering Through the Trees
The team at Kozu Books have a great track record of publishing high quality photography books from a diverse range of photographers. I’ve reviewed some of these books in previous episodes of On My Bookshelf and you can watch those in this handy playlist.
Expanding on their lengthy list of titles, they now bring us Komorebi by Martin Rak. Martin is an award-winning photographer from the Czech Republic. The book features his favourite woodland photographs from the last ten years. The book title, Komorebi, is a Japanese word which roughly translates to “sunlight filtering through trees”. While this is a great summary of the photographs in this book, there is so much more to discover as I find out in the latest episode of On My Bookshelf.
You purchase a copy of Komorebi by Martin Rak directly from Kozu Books at - https://www.kozubooks.com/books-new/komorebi-by-martinrak
Photographing Glencoe and Vallerret Base Layers
There are few better places to visit as a landscape photographer than Glencoe in Scotland. However, at this time of year, the temperatures can be low enough to make any unprepared photographer give up and go home. In this video, I will share the joy of landscape photography at one of Glencoe's most famous viewpoints and I also try out Vallerret's new range of merino wool base layers.
Scotland at Its Very Best
Photographers are attracted to Glencoe for all sorts of reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that there are so many amazing viewpoints that are easy to access. There are some great photographs to be captured from either your car or with just a short walk. However, for those photographers willing to be a little more adventurous there are almost limitless opportunities, especially if you chuck the variable weather into the mix.
One such viewpoint is an elevated view of Stob Dear (Buachaille Etive Mòr). It’s always been a favourite of mine and I find it hard not to photograph it if I’m visiting Glencoe. On my most recent visit, the forecast was predicting lots of fog, and I had high hopes of a temperature inversion, and even though this didn’t occur, it was still an amazing morning of photography.
Keeping Warm with Vallerret Base Layers
While it might have been a sunny day on Glencoe, it was far from warm. The lower temperatures did therefore give me the chance to share my thoughts on Vallerret’s new range of merino wool base layers. You will be familiar with Vallerret’s range of photography gloves, and I have previously featured them in my videos. I suffer from cold hands and for me, my photography gloves are as important as my camera. I’ve had a few trips out with the camera ruined because I’ve been cold and miserable.
With winter just around the corner, the release of these new base layers from Vallerret was good news to me and I was happy to put them through their paces during my adventures in Scotland. You can learn more about them and hear my thoughts on them in the video below.
If you’d like to purchase any of these base layers you can do so directly from Vallerret right here.
Landscape Photographs from Glencoe
Buachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg) at Sunrise, Glencoe, Scotland - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 21mm, f/11, 1/5 sec at ISO 64.
Glencoe Valley at Sunrise #1, Glencoe, Scotland - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 21mm, f/11, 1/5 sec at ISO 64.
Glencoe Valley at Sunrise #2, Glencoe, Scotland - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 14mm, f/11, 1/13 sec at ISO 64.
Vallerret Base Layers on Location
Those Vallerret base layers were warm enough and comfortable enough to allow me to take these on location photographs. I don’t think modelling is my strong point though. Perhaps I’ll stick to photography!
Vallerret Merino Wool Zip Jersey.
Vallerret Merino Wool Long Sleeve Tee
Dolomiti Dreamscapes by Sam Gregory - On My Bookshelf S05E05
On My Bookshelf is back and, in this episode, I'm looking at Sam Gregory's 2nd book, Dolomiti Dreamscapes. The book is a personal collection of images inspired by Sam's travels around the Dolomites. But is this book of unique photographs of the Dolomites a book for your bookshelf?
On My Bookshelf is Back!
After a short break, I’m pleased to announce that On My Bookshelf is back! Over the last month, I’ve been stocking my bookshelf with lots of exciting titles from Kozu Books and fotoVUE. However, before I share with you my thoughts on that lot, let’s talk about a very exciting book from Sam Gregory.
A Dream Within a Dream
If you’ve been watching On My Bookshelf for a while, you may remember that back in 2020, I looked at Mesozoic by Sam Gregory. It was a book I thoroughly enjoyed, so when Sam announced he was publishing a new book called Dolomiti Dreamscapes, I need no encouragement to get the credit card out and order one.
Now that I have the book, what is it like? Is it a good addition to my bookshelf? Let’s find out in the latest episode of On My Bookshelf.
I hope you enjoyed this episode of On My Bookshelf, and if you want to pick up a copy of this book, you can order one direct from Sam’s website - samgregory-photography.com/dreamscapes-book
But don’t wait too long. Production is limited to 200 copies!
Other Books to Inspire You
Check out some of the other books I have on my bookshelf.
Landscape Photography from Dartmoor - A 5 Minute Photo Adventure
I'm back!!! After taking some time to work on a photography project, I'm back producing videos for YouTube. To kick things off I head to one of my closest tors where I get some unexpected, but very welcome conditions.
An Exciting Return to YouTube
It’s been three months since I’ve shared any videos or posted anything on my blog, so it is with a natural sense of excitement that I’m sharing a new 5 Minute Photo Adventure with you! In the video, I will tell you a little bit about what I’ve been up to and what’s coming up over the next few months on my blog and channel.
Most importantly though, I share with you the experience of being on location and capturing landscape photographs of Dartmoor. This is something I’m passionate about! So, grab yourself a cup of coffee and join me on my latest 5 Minute Photo Adventure.
Landscape Photographs from Rippon Tor
Rippon Tor Sunrise Panoramic, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S at 54mm, f/8, 1/30 sec at ISO 64, 6 image panoramic stitch.
Rippon Tor Sunrise #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 18mm, f/13, 1/4 sec at ISO 64.
Rippon Tor Sunrise #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 S at 23mm, f/13, 0.4 sec at ISO 64.
Photography and Wild Camping on Dartmoor with the Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO AW III
Is there a backpack designed for photographers & videographers that can also be used on multi-day hikes, adventures, and wild camping? Lowepro thinks they have one with the PhotoSport Backpack PRO AW III. In this video review, I put it to the real-world test by taking it on a landscape photography and wild camping adventure on Dartmoor.
A Bag for My Wild Camping Photography Adventures
As you may have read recently on my blog, I have taken the bold step into the world of wild camping. Not only does this change the way I can approach my photography, but it also means I need to carry a lot more gear. My dedicated camera bag doesn’t have the capacity to carry sleeping bags, tents, and overnight provisions.
In a stroke of luck, as I was having a look around the internet for possible bag options, Lowepro got in touch and asked if I wanted to test out one of their PhotoSport Backpack Pro AW III bags! If I hadn’t taken up wild camping I would have said no, but as I had a real need for a bag like this, I knew I could put it to good use and produce a video review based on real-world experience.
In the video below, you can join me as I take landscape photographs of Dartmoor, share with you the joy of wild camping and hear all my thoughts on the Lowepro bag.
If you want to purchase this bag you can do so here:
Watch this before you buy so you can see how the bag fits - https://youtu.be/fm228Mn78CY
Landscape Photographs from Dartmoor
Belstone Tor, Dartmoor - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 20mm, f/11, 1/60 sec at ISO 64.
Oke Tor, Dartmoor - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 17mm, f/11, 1/60 sec at ISO 64.
Steeperton Tor #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 30mm, f/11, 1/50 sec at ISO 64.
Steeperton Tor #2, Dartmoor - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 24mm, f/11, 1/15 sec at ISO 64.
A Slightly Random Collection of Photos from Devon
It’s a shame to have captured a photograph and not to publish it, so I’ve gathered up a few orphan photographs to share with you on this blog post.
Here and There
I try to get out with my camera as much as possible. More often than not I go out with purpose. What I mean by that is that I’m hoping to capture a specific image or create a video. Sometimes though I just go out because I want to. I just go for a wander, with my camera, to see what I can see.
Normally these wonderings do end up forming the basis of a blog post as there is a story to tell about that photography adventure. Now and again, I come away with nothing much more than a photograph. Without a story to share on a blog post or video to produce, these photographs are processed but are then left in Lightroom.
This to me seems a real shame. If I’ve gone to the effort of capturing a photograph, and then processed it, why not share it with the world. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you a few of those orphaned images that I’ve found in my Lightroom catalogue recently.
Higher Tor
I captured this image of Higher Tor after originally photographing the location for a project that I’m working on. Despite Higher Tor just being a short distance away from Belstone Tor (a location I photograph a lot), I’d never made the effort to photograph until recently.
Higher Tor, Dartmoor - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 17mm, f/11, 0.6 sec at ISO 64.
Bowerman’s Nose
Bowerman’s Nose needs no introduction being one of Dartmoor’s most unique tors. When I captured this photograph, I was out for a dog walk. I had my Nikon Z fc and kit lens, but the light was too good not to try and capture an image.
Bowerman’s Nose, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Nikkor 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR at 16mm, f/8, 1/80 sec at ISO 100.
Dawlish Warren
I have photographed Dawlish Warren more times than I can remember, but it can still throw something unique at you. On this occasion it was fog. Something in all my years visiting Dawlish Warren beach I’d never seen before. I completely changed the feeling of the place, and I was able to capture some unique images of the beach.
Dawlish Warren, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 18mm, f/8, 3 sec at ISO 64.
Dawlish Warren, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 19mm, f/8, 1/100 sec at ISO 250.
I hope you enjoyed this slightly random collection of photographs. I must have another look through my Lightroom catalogue to see if there are any other hidden gems in there.
A Landscape Photography Project to Capture the Changing Seasons
Each season offers the landscape photographer something unique and wonderful. One of the best ways to discover those changes is to photograph the same location every season. Sounds like a great idea for a photography project, doesn't it? I thought it was, so I decided to photograph Holne Bridge on Dartmoor during summer, autumn, winter and spring. However, things didn't turn out how I expected them to.
The Value of Photography Projects
Undertaking a photography project can be a big commitment. In 2019 I began a yearlong photography project to capture a photograph every month from the same location and despite the tight brief, I still found it challenging. But a photography project should be challenging, shouldn’t it? I am also in the middle of my biggest ever photography project and despite 12 months passing by, I don’t feel like I’m making any significant progress.
Despite what I’ve said, a photography project is a wonderful thing, and every photographer should undertake one. They can be incredibly rewarding and stretch your skills as a photographer. The important thing is to make sure the project is achievable. There is no point in undertaking a 365 project when you know from the outset you won’t be able to capture an image every day.
A Failed Photography Project?
On the topic of completing photography projects, I have just completed a project that I’ve been working on for the last year. Well, I say completed, but that’s that not strictly true. Yes, it’s finished, but is it complete? I’ll explain everything in the video below.
What do you think? Is that a photography project failure? Let me know in the comments below.
Lastly, if you’re interested here is a list of gear and services, I used to create the print.
Photograph printed with the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300 - my video review
Paper from Fotospeed
Picture frames from Picture Frames Express
Project Photographs - Holne Bridge on Dartmoor
Here are the final 4 photographs.
Holne Bridge, Dartmoor - Summer - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 20mm, f/11, 0.6 sec at ISO 200, Kase CPL.
Holne Bridge, Dartmoor - Autumn - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 19mm, f/11, 1 sec at ISO 800, Kase CPL.
Holne Bridge, Dartmoor - Winter - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 22mm, f/11, 0.5 sec at ISO 200, Kase CPL.
Holne Bridge, Dartmoor - Spring - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 18mm, f/16, 1/5 sec at ISO 64, Kase CPL.
Viltrox Ultra-Wide 13mm f/1.4 Auto-Focus for Nikon Z Review
There's only one way to review a lens like the new Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 Auto-Focus lens for Nikon Z mount crop (DX / APS-C) cameras and that is to take it out in the real world. In this video, I will be using this lens with my Nikon Z fc to capture landscape photographs from Dartmoor National Park. I've also filmed this video using the lens, so I'll also share my thoughts on how it performs with the Nikon Z fc for video capture.
Filling a Gap in My Lens Collection
I’m lucky enough to own all the lenses that I need for my Nikon Z7 for landscape photography (like the excellent Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S). Anything else that I need to do something specific I will just rent. The lens line up for Nikon’s Z crop sensor family of cameras is a different matter though.
I love my Nikon Z fc, but the range of Nikon Z DX lenses is sparse, to say the least. Fortunately, companies like Viltrox have stepped up and are producing some excellent budget prime lenses for the Nikon Z mount. A firm favourite of mine is the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 for the Nikon Z fc. I have used this lens extensively, both for creating my videos and for capturing family photographs.
However, I’ve always wanted a wide-angle version of the Viltrox 23mm. So still fast aperture, but a little wider so that video creation on location is a little easier. It would also make for a great lens for those times when I only take the Z fc out to capture landscape photographs.
When Viltrox told me about the 13mm f/1.4 AF lens for Nikon Z fc (and Z50), and they asked if I wanted to review it, I jumped at the chance. And now I’m ready to share my video review with you.
I hope you found this video useful and if you want to see the photos from the video again, you’ll find them just below.
Landscape Photographs with the Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF
Trevose Head, Cornwall
Trevose Head Lighthouse at Sunset #1, Cornwall - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1.6 sec at ISO 320.
Trevose Head Lighthouse at Sunset #2, Cornwall - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 5 sec at ISO 100.
Belstone Tor and Common, Dartmoor
Belstone Sunset #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/25 sec at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunset #2, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/8 sec at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunset #3, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/16, 1/10 sec at ISO 100, 16:9 crop.
Irishman’s Wall Sunset #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/8 sec at ISO 100, 16:9 crop.
Irishman’s Wall Sunset #2, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/8 sec at ISO 100, 16:9 crop.
Belstone Sunrise #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/3 sec at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunrise #2, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 0.6 sec at ISO 100, 4:5 crop.
Belstone Sunrise #3, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/4 sec at ISO 100.
Bowerman’s Nose, Dartmoor
Bowerman’s Nose Sunrise #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/3 sec at ISO 100.
Bowerman’s Nose Sunrise #2, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/5 sec at ISO 100.
Bowerman’s Nose Sunrise #3, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/13, 1/6 sec at ISO 100.
Bowerman’s Nose Sunrise #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/10 sec at ISO 100.
Bowerman’s Nose #1, Dartmoor - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 AF, f/11, 1/100 sec at ISO 100.
Combining Landscape Photography with Wild Camping on Dartmoor
While most landscape photography locations on Dartmoor can be accessed during the day by those who don't mind a long walk, being at those locations for sunrise or sunset can be more of a challenge. Sometimes the only way to be at these remote locations for the golden hours is to wild camp.
Better Options, More Locations
Over the last couple of years, I’ve been exploring new areas on Dartmoor so that I have a wide range of locations to photograph. As I discover these locations for myself, I am finding that I need to go deeper into Dartmoor and even further away from the roads. It’s been an eye-opening experience and I have walked areas of Dartmoor which have taken my breath away.
However, accessing some of these locations now requires me to walk at least an hour, and sometimes an hour and a half or more. The distance and time to walk to these locations isn’t an issue, but to photograph them at sunrise or sunset is a little trickier. Often the best light can be found from around 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset. Add that to the time taken to walk in or out of these locations and it all becomes a little more challenging. I love Dartmoor, but not even I’m that keen to spend 90 minutes walking over the moor in the dark.
A new approach would therefore be needed if I’m going to access these locations during the golden hours. For me, wild camping is a natural choice. I’m not what you would call a “tent person,” but needs must, and I’ve finally taken the plunge and bought a tent.
Before I headed out into the wilds with my tent and sleeping bag, I thought it was a good idea to try a solo wild camp at a location I know very well.
I hope you enjoyed watching my first solo wild camp. It was an enjoyable experience and a horrible reminder of how badly I sleep in a tent, but to me, the benefits outweigh and negatives. Expect to see a few more wild camping videos from me in the future!
As I said in the video, if you’ve got any wild camping tips, equipment suggestions or good locations on Dartmoor, do let me know in the comments below.
Landscape Photographs from Belstone Tor on Dartmoor
Belstone Sunset #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/25 at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunset #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/8 at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunset #3, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f16, 1/10 at ISO 100.
Irishman’s Wall #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/8 at ISO 100, 16:9 crop.
Irishman’s Wall #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/8 at ISO 100, 16:9 crop.
Belstone Sunrise #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/3 at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunrise #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/3 at ISO 100.
Belstone Sunrise #3, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z fc, Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 at f11, 1/4 at ISO 100.
Explore & Discover South Wales - A fotoVUE Guidebook by Drew Buckley - On My Bookshelf S05E04
A great guidebook can transform your time in an area from random chaos to an efficient voyage of discovery and exploration. Explore & Discover South Wales by Drew Buckley and published by fotoVUE aims to do that for everyone from the casual explorer with a phone camera to the serious landscape photographer.
Exploring South Wales with a fotoVUE Guidebook
You may remember that I recently published a blog post and video about my experience of using a fotoVUE guidebook to explore an area of the Lake District that I hadn’t previously visited. I had a fantastic day and much of the success of the day was due to the advanced planning I was able to do using the information in that book.
When I had the opportunity to make a flying visit to the Brecon Beacons, I decided I’d like to do the same for fotoVUE’s recently rebranded Explore & Discover South Wales (previously Photographing South Wales). However, I was short on time, and what time I was going to have in South Wales I wanted to fill with walking and photography. It’s not that I don’t like to plan and research my photography locations, it’s just sometimes I don’t have the time. For me, this is one of the best reasons for a guidebook. You can benefit from the knowledge and experience of the author.
In the video below I’ll take you with me on my Brecon Beacons walk. I’ll tell you all about Explore & Discover South Wales, why and how I use it, and of course take some landscape photographs, Enjoy!
Buy Explore & Discover South Wales
*** Use the discount code JULIAN to get 20% off all books at fotovue.com ***
If you want to add Explore and Discover South Wales to your bookshelf, you can purchase it directly from fotoVUE here - https://www.fotovue.com/shop/books/photographing-south-wales/
Landscape Photographs from the Walk
Why I PRINT My Landscape Photographs - From Capture to Print
When does a photograph become a photograph? Can a photograph be more than just a collection of ones and zeros? For me, the photographic process isn't complete until I have made a print. In this video, I share with you my passion for printing by capturing a landscape photograph on Dartmoor and then making a print of it to display on my wall.
The Print is the Photographs Rightful Inheritance
I don’t often quote people, but Charlie Waite got it right when he said, “The print is the photographs rightful inheritance”. Ever since I Discovered the Joy of Printing 5 years ago, nothing has given me more pleasure than making a big print of one of my photographs. There is something hugely satisfying about watching one of your photographs gradually feed out the printer. It’s that final stage that is the most rewarding. Holding your photograph in your hands. Seeing it on a computer monitor just isn’t the same.
Over the years I have printed hundreds of my photographs, but very few of them end up in frames and on my wall. Most are printed and displayed on my picture ledges where I not only study and learn from them, but I also enjoy them. They might stay there for a few days, even a few weeks, but at some point, they are replaced with new prints.
I have two framed photographs on my wall, both commended images from the Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year competition. While I am immensely proud of those photographs, I’ve always been aware that I don’t have a framed photograph of Dartmoor.
A Dartmoor Connection
Dartmoor is my local area. An area that I derive an immense amount of pleasure in photographing. So, I set myself the task of not only capturing a photograph of Dartmoor, but one that I would be pleased to print, frame, and hang on my wall. I wanted to capture a photograph that would inspire me to discover and photograph Dartmoor. I wanted a photograph that captured the things that I love about photography on Dartmoor. I wanted a photograph that would allow me to reconnect to a moment experienced on Dartmoor.
Sounds easy, eh? Not exactly. If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time you know how hard photographing Dartmoor can be. Frustrating is a better word. It’s just as well I love being outdoors as the photography isn’t always satisfying.
Patience is the key with Dartmoor and with some planning and a little luck, I was finally able to capture a photograph that I could hang on the wall. In the video below you can watch me capture the photograph, print it, frame it, and hang it on my wall. My photographs rightful inheritance. Well said Charlie, well said.
East Mill Tor, Dartmoor
A Perfect Morning at East Mill Tor, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 23mm, f/13, 0.6 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in DxO PureRAW 2.
Editing and Printing
If you’d like to see how I post processed this photograph, I’ve done a whole video on that which you can view below.
Lastly, if you’re interested here is a list of gear and services, I used to create the print.
How I manage and edit my photographs - video playlist.
Photograph printed with the Canon imagePROGRAF Pro-300 - my video review
Paper from Fotospeed
Picture frames from Picture Frames Express - see how I design my frames in this video.
Will DxO PureRAW 2 IMPROVE My Images?
Over the years I've barely changed my landscape photography post processing workflow, but DxO PureRAW promises to change all that! It claims that its demosaicing, denoising, lens correction and deep learning technologies will improve sharpness, and reduce distortion, chromatic aberrations, and vignetting. Those are some bold claims, so I decided to try it out for myself. The results surprised me!
My Post Processing Workflow
I haven’t felt the need to change my post processing workflow for a long time. I’ve adapted it and leveraged new tools and capabilities from Lightroom as they’ve been released, but at a fundamental level, it hasn’t changed in at least 4 years. It can be summarised as a “light touch” approach using a combination of global and local adjustments in Lightroom. I very rarely use Photoshop for image editing, and I’ve never felt the need to add additional products to my workflow.
I’ve always been happy with my digital output but when I saw an advert or YouTube mention for a product called DxO PureRAW 2 something clicked, and I decided now was the time to try something different. I was also editing an image that I was going to print and hang on my wall, so it seemed the ideal time to try something new to see if I could squeeze even more out of my raw files.
I decided not to look at any video tutorials or marketing blurbs before trying this software for the first time. I wanted my first impressions to not only be free of bias but also genuine.
In the video below you will see me use DxO PureRAW 2 for the first time and hear my first impressions, both in terms of how the output looks digitally and in printed form. I’ll also tell you if I decided to use my own money to buy this product. (If you want to buy or try DxO PureRAW 2 then click here).
If you enjoyed this video, you might also enjoy the video I made where you can see me capture, print and frame the image I used in the video above.
I hope you enjoy both of these videos. Let me know in the comments below if you print your photographs and how you process your raw files.
The Rumps and Sandymouth - Classic Cornwall Coastal Photography Locations
In the blog this week I take you to two of Cornwall’s classic coastal locations.
Sometimes You Just Have to Go for It
Most landscape photographers will tell you that having a plan is a good way of increasing your chances of getting a good shot. I am no different. However, there are times when you just need to put things like the weather forecast to one side and just go for it.
I had been trying to schedule a meet up with a photographer friend in Cornwall but with work conflicts and rubbish weather forecasts, weeks were going by, and we weren’t any closer to meeting up. So, we decided not to worry too much about the weather and just take a chance. At the end of the day, even if the photography wasn’t that great, we will have met up, had a chat and got some chips.
The Rumps
On the first of our recent meetups for chips, chat, and photography we decided to head to a location known as The Rumps. I hadn’t shot The Rumps for a couple of years, so I was excited to be going back. The weather forecast was difficult to judge though. The tide was at a good height but the difference between a good shot and a great shot would very much depend on the light from the setting sun.
As we walked along the southwest coast path, I was reminded why I love photographing the Cornish coast and that in 2022 I should try to photograph it more. Lockdown had forced me to photograph Dartmoor more (which is no bad thing) but there is something special about Cornwall’s coastline.
We did a quick assessment of the light, and while we both felt that walking onto The Rumps themselves would provide us with some different looking photographs, the conditions very much favoured the classic viewpoint. All we needed to do was wait for the light. And wait we did. The time flew by though as we chatted away about photography and Star Wars and everything in between.
As the clouds danced across the sky, they kept tempting us with the chance of brilliant light, and just for a very brief time, it lit up the foreground. It was gone as quick as it arrived, but I was ready and captured this image.
The Rumps, Cornwall - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 at 15mm, f/13, 20 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL and ND. Raw file processed using DxO PureRAW 2.
It might be the only shot from the night, but it still represents a very enjoyable evening. I’m not sure it would have been worth the drive if it hadn’t been for the chips and chat though!
Sandymouth
The following week it was the same again as we started the evening with chips and chat. Hey, why mess with a great formula! This time we decided to head up to Sandymouth where my mate had spotted a potentially good composition a few days before. Never underestimate the power of local knowledge. I was more than happy to trust his judgement so with a belly full of chips we headed up the coast to Sandymouth.
I’ve photographed Sandymouth a few times now. It’s a location that offers a surprisingly varied number of compositions. There are rows of rocks that look like mountain ranges stretching out to sea and on the other side of the beach, you can find some amazing sea pools in the sand (if you get lucky with the conditions).
What made the composition my friend had spotted interesting was the combination of sand and rocks. Of particular interest was the sand though. There were some beautiful ripples in the sand, which, if they caught the light, it could look spectacular.
As we waited for the light, we started to get a little nervous. Not for the reasons you might think. Like most beaches in Cornwall, Sandymouth is open to the public. That means people, dogs, and dragons. OK, I’m joking about the dragons, but you get the point. There is always the risk that a person, or more likely a dog, will run through the pristine sand we were hoping to photograph.
Fortunately for us, the beach was deserted so our precious sand remained untouched allowing us to make the most of the soft light from the setting sun.
Ripples of Time, Sandymouth, Cornwall - Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 at 15mm, f/13, 23 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL and ND. Raw file processed using DxO PureRAW 2.
As with the photo we took at The Rumps, this was the only composition we properly photographed but I think it was worth hanging out at that spot. Sometimes staying in one spot is the best thing to do.
I hope you enjoyed the photographs from these two Cornish coastal locations. If you are ever in the area, they are both well worth photographing.
Using the Nikon Z9 for Landscape Photography on Dartmoor
I've got hold of Nikon's flagship mirrorless camera, the Z9, and I'm off to Dartmoor to take landscape photographs with it!
I Have a Z9!
Yes, that’s right, I’ve been out capturing landscape photographs with Nikon’s flagship camera, the Nikon Z 9. But before you judge me as being yet another photographer showing off gear that no normal photographer could ever own, please watch the video below. I will explain all. I promise.
I hope you enjoyed that short exploration of the Z 9 or if you don’t hold much interest in gear, you at least enjoyed the locations and photographs I captured. If you’ve got any comments on the locations, the photographs or even the Z9, please do leave me a comment.
Apologies for the short blog post this week, but I’m busy putting the final touches on two big videos that I hope to be publishing very soon. I’m excited to be sharing them with you, so please do keep your eye on the blog or subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Nikon Z9 Landscape Photographs
Here are those Z9 landscape photographs that you saw me capture on Dartmoor.
Great Staple Tor
Great Staple Tor #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 20mm, f/11, 1.3 sec at ISO 64.
Great Staple Tor #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 18mm, f/11, 1/5 sec at ISO 64, 4:5 crop.
Brent Tor (Brentor Church)
A foggy Brentor Church #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/60 sec at ISO 64, 16:9 crop.
A foggy Brentor Church #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 15mm, f/11, 1/200 sec at ISO 64, 4:5 crop.
Brat Tor
Brat Tor, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 24mm, f/8, 1/250 sec at ISO 64, 16:9 crop.
Great Links Tor
Great Links Tor #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/40 sec at ISO 64.
Great Links Tor #3, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/25 sec at ISO 64.
Great Links Tor #4, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/10 sec at ISO 64.
Great Links Tor #5, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z9, Nikkor 14-30mm f4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/5 sec at ISO 64.
Reviewing the SunwayFoto GH-PRO II + Geared Head on Location at Dartmoor
Why use a geared head? What's so good about the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II+? What's new with the + version? Is this the best geared head for landscape photography? Join me on Dartmoor as I answer all those questions and I also capture landscape photographs in some unexpected conditions.
One Knob Makes All the Difference
When I published my video review of the Sunwayfoto GH-PRO II geared tripod head I was sure I’d found the perfect tripod for my landscape photography. So, when I heard that they had released the GH-PRO II+ I wondered how they might have improved it. What do you get in the + version that you don’t get in the previous version?
Fortunately for me, the team at Sunwayfoto were more than happy to send me out a GH-PRO II+ to review. With a new geared tripod head in hand, I set off to film my video review on Dartmoor. As always, if I am going to do a gear review video, I like to do it on location and do a little landscape photography at the same time.
While it came as no surprise that Sunwayfoto had improved my favourite geared head by simply adding just one knob, the real surprise of the evening was the beautiful, and very unexpected conditions I was able to photograph as the sunset.
In the video below you can hear all my thoughts on GH-PRO II+ geared head, why I use a geared head and you can see me capture all those wonderful images from Belstone Tor.
Landscape Photography from Belstone Tor on Dartmoor
Belstone Tor #1, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 15mm, f/13, 1/13 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL and pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #2, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 20mm, f/11, 1/8 sec at ISO 64, Kase Filters CPL and pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #3, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 14mm, f/11, 1/10 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #4, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 14mm, f/13, 0.5 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #5, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 14mm, f/13, 0.5 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #6, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 18mm, f/13, 1 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.
Belstone Tor #7, Dartmoor, Devon - Nikon Z7, Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 at 17mm, f/13, 1 sec at ISO 64, pre-processed in Dxo PureRAW.