I have come to believe that a way to help improve my photography is to ask myself the question, why did I take this photograph? Sometimes, the answer to this question is easy to see. It might be the way the light is falling on the subject... It might be that the subject itself is interesting... It might be weather conditions that we don't see often... Or it might be that the scene tells a story... Sometimes, I am simply drawn to the aesthetics of the scene or subject and want to take a photograph... But there are occasions when the answer to the question is not so straight forward. There may not be an obvious reason why I took the photograph and it is in trying to understand why I did that I learn something about myself as a photographer. Why did I take this photograph? I noticed these bins on the pavement near my home as I was walking my dog. I was struck by the three red bins, which are unusual in my neighbourhood, but I didn't take the picture initially. The next morning I saw that they were still there, and still drawing my attention, so I took the photo. I wouldn't normally photograph bins but it was the colour, the way they were placed together between two red lights, and the fact that there were three of them, adhering to the 'rule of thirds', that drew my attention, and I thought, why not ? In this image the number three also features. I also like the matching orange jackets, the different levels and the light and shadow adding depth to the image. I think it also tells a story - preparations for summer in a tourist town. This is an image taken with my phone camera on a morning walk. I liked the way the light was casting a bright spot on the wall in contrast to the darker areas. I decided to wait for a figure to walk into the light. It might be a cliché photo to most people but I get great pleasure from managing to capture this kind of image. One of the things I like about wandering along streets in cities and towns is that you just don't know what people will do. This man was walking along, doing nothing in particular, when he suddenly stopped and looked up, By doing this I thought he added interest and intrigue to the scene so I wanted to capture the image, deliberately not including what it was he had seen. In this image, although the men are overlapping each other as they walk, their shadows are separate. I think the addition of the shadows adds an extra dimension to the photo. I like the way the light was hitting the building and how the contrasting light and shadow make the geometrical shapes stand out. These are a few examples of ways to start understanding your motivations for taking different photographs, which can potentially enhance your photography skills. Ask yourself often, Why did I take this photograph?

Photography is probably more popular today than ever before. It is said that approximately 5 billion photos are taken worldwide every day, and 90% of these are taken with smartphones. For most people, these photos will be mainly snapshots of family and friends, places they visit and photos of special occasions. Of those that are more traditional photography images, many will be of beautiful vistas in epic locations, often taken during golden hour. Most ‘casual’ photographers are not too interested in learning about composition techniques or exposure and are happy to have a ready camera that makes all these decisions for them and produces a good image. For the small percentage of those who take photographs with a dedicated camera, or those who use smartphones for serious photography, and for every photographer who strives to improve their craft, aspects of photography such as having a properly exposed image, well framed and with a pleasing composition, will be important. These photographers will keep learning, practicing and continually trying to have technically perfect images. However, there is a another layer to creating great photography and it can be more difficult to achieve. That is the ability to communicate something to the viewer through your image, and evoke an emotional response. This is a skill that the very best photographers possess, and it is a degree of perfection that most of us can only strive for. Yet this is what makes photography unique, meaningful and exciting; this feeling you get when you have an emotional reaction to something and you want to take the photo to communicate this reaction, this feeling, to another. So, we could say that while it is very easy to take photographs today, and the number of people who do so is testament to that, it is also very difficult to take a good, not to mention a great, photograph; a photograph that has depth and meaning and that expresses your own unique vision. Creating images with depth and meaning is a skill that can’t be taught. It comes from the heart of each photographer. It involves an emotional connection to what we see, and it is something that the latest camera or the sharpest lens can’t give us. What helps us to create more meaningful photographs? My belief is that one of the ways in which we can improve our ability to make more meaningful images is by studying the work of the best photographers. These men and women achieved their greatness through combining mastery of their camera gear and their technical skill with a unique artistic vision. They have an ability to see beyond the ordinary, interpret what they see and capture their subject in a way that resonates with their viewers. In viewing their images, we may feel what they felt, we may feel something else, but we will have some reaction. The people who created these images have spent their lives dedicated to their craft, being observers of life, patiently waiting for unique moments and special subjects which bring depth and meaning to their images. Another technique that may help us to add depth and meaning to our images is to try to describe for ourselves what we were thinking or feeling when we made the image. Ask yourself, ‘What was it that prompted me to make that picture? As you do this more often you will begin to see a pattern emerging in your thought process. You will become more aware of what it is that moves you or excites you. You will begin to better understand yourself as a photographer. The sets of images below illustrate what I mean. They are unique images that are meaningful to me, and I am constantly working on achieving the good! I grew up in a small town in the Irish countryside. Although I didn’t live on a farm, we were surrounded by farmland. Farm buildings, farm machinery and farm animals were common features of the area, and the sights, sounds and smells of rural life are very familiar to me. Although I now live in the city, I constantly travel to the countryside to visit family. On this occasion I was travelling along a country road when I saw the sun shining on a snow-topped mountain. I stopped the car to admire the view and saw that I was being watched! I took the photo… Then another... The farm buildings and equipment, as well as the smells and sounds around me, brought a sense of nostalgia and urged me to take some photos to honour the feeling. Although they are not great photos, they do have a special meaning for me as they were created in response to what I was thinking and feeling at the time. *** The next set of images was taken in my local woodland. I had been trying to get a good image of this tree. I liked the way it stood in the woodland, strong and sturdy beside its 'neighbour'. I captured a few images in different seasons, but I never managed to create an image that I liked. This year the tree became a victim of the recent bad winter storm. It was damaged in the storm and became dangerous, so it had to be felled. My latest images were taken with a sense of sadness that this beautiful tree, which has stood in the woodland for hundreds of years, is soon to be no more. BEFORE AFTER You might like to check out these posts on a similar theme What is Expressive Photography and How Can it Change Your Photography Practice? How Expressive Photography Can Unlock Your Creativity in Any Situation

This question was posed recently on a YouTube video. I thought it was an interesting one to consider. As a question, it is linked to the answer to, Why did you start taking photographs in the first place?   or even, How would you feel if you couldn’t take photographs for a month? The question is asking about the essence of photography; what it means to each of us and how we would be if it wasn’t in our lives. My answer to the question, Would you still take photographs if no-one saw them? Is a resounding ‘Yes’. For me, photography is about so much more than the finished image. It is about how I feel when I go out with my camera to take photographs. It is about the feeling I get when I find a subject or scene that I like, work on getting the best composition, frame the subject in the best light and consider the best perspective from which to take the picture, all before I finally press the shutter button. During this time, I am fully engrossed in what I am doing, fully present in the moment and totally focused on capturing the best image that I can capture. I am not thinking of anything else. My daily life, with all its concerns and worries, is on hold for those few moments; I am not concerned about anything outside of this time. I am attentive and engaged in the photographic process. What would happen if I wasn’t able to create any photographs for a month, or two months? I believe I would be a lesser person, not because no-one would see my images, but because I would be less observant, less attentive to the world around me, less curious. When I am out taking photographs I am alive to the world; always watching, alert to changes in light, to perspective, and to the subtle nuances of my surroundings. Without photography, I would create less and consume more, probably from screens. Take away my creative outlet and my inner life slowly diminishes too. I think this answers my question, because having an audience is not the primary reason I do photography. I do not do photography for likes or praise or even just to show others. I do photography to maintain my creative wellbeing because creativity requires an outlet, and my creative outlet is photography. When I am out walking, even just walking the dog, I am always on the alert for potential images. They may be random subjects taken on my phone but they appeal to me in some way even though they are not worth sharing. It is the fulfilment of my creative desires that gives me most satisfaction. Would You Still Take Photographs if Nobody Saw Them?

Photo walks are often a good opportunity to capture some images but they can also prove disappointing when we come home with nothing special. I used to believe that just going out with my camera should result in decent images every time. All I needed was to have my camera at the ready and the photographic opportunities would present themselves. But that is not the case, especially when my photo walk takes me to places with which I am very familiar and it can be difficult to know what to shoot. One suggestion that often helps is to challenge myself to take a set number of photographs – five or ten depending on the amount of time I have – that meet certain criteria. Doing a challenge such as this can help me be more intentional about the images I take. I can place parameters on myself such as ensuring that: ·      My images have an interesting subject ·      I pay attention to composition, framing, exposure and light. ·      I take photographs in different places rather than many in the same place ·      My images are a personal response to what I see. If I adhere to these ground rules for myself I will hopefully return with images that are intentional and pleasing as photographs, rather than simple snapshots. 1. This was the first of my five images on this morning walk. I took this on my way to my local park. I have passed this location many times but didn't believe it warranted stopping to take a shot. I experimented with the effect of motion in the background with a sharp foreground, 2. Passing the river I decided to try some slow shutter photography. I experimented with a variety of shutter speeds hand held. 3a. The light was what attracted me here. It was a rare burst of light on this morning that had been dull and grey so I was fortunate to capture a break in the clouds. 3b. This is a close up near to where I took the previous image. I might be stretching my own parameters a bit by including two images from the same place so I'm naming it number 3b. 4. I came to a part of the woodland that I have photographed many times only to find that one of my favourite trees had been cut down. Sadly, I took some images before all evidence of its existence has been removed. The branches resemble a dinosaur! I took a few black and white images as an experiment so I'm including one of them. Taking the Five Photo Challenge in a familiar location encourages me to accept my surroundings and to become more observant in an attempt to seek out the hidden or less obvious photo opportunities that are all around me. It encourages me to look more deeply rather than assume that there is nothing left to photograph. Doing this challenge reminds me that no matter where I am, and regardless of how well I might know the location, there is always something new to photograph and many opportunities to experiment with different styles and approaches.. Will You Take the Five Photo Challenge?

Recently, the weather here in Ireland has not been very conducive to photography. Each day has had heavy rain, wind, cold and very little light. But not getting out to do photography has given me the opportunity to consume some photography content from books, podcasts and YouTube videos. As well as visiting the channels of photographers I know and whose content I enjoy, I have also had time to discover new channels. One such channel is that of Simon Burn, photographer and staff writer at www.fstoppers.com . He recently released a video called Aesthetics vs Emotion, in which he discusses whether photographs that are purely based on how something looks – pretty view, good light, pleasing composition - are different to those that may be less aesthetically pleasing but which are created based on how something feels. Simon Burn’s view is that creating photographs in response to how something feels means that the photograph comes from a deeper place within us. As a photographer we are responding emotionally rather than intellectually and we can ask ourselves, Does this make a difference to my photography? The reason this video resonates with me is that I have realised that among my own photographs the ones that stand out, that are most memorable, are those to which I have an emotional connection. I can see them in my mind and I revisit them often. They are not photographs of pretty subjects, although some of them are also aesthetically pleasing to me, but they mean something. They have something extra, something that I hope resonates with the viewer. I didn’t photograph them because they looked nice but because of something I felt, and I hope that anyone looking at the photos will feel something too. Below are some images that illustrate what I mean. In all of them I can ask myself, why did I take this image? and find an answer other than, because I wanted to . Old School, Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo, built 1895. Every year I visit Mullaghmore, Co. Sligo in the west of Ireland. I have a particular fondness for this building, the former primary school, as I imagine the generations of children who passed through its classrooms until it closed in the late 1960s. I always feel a sense of nostalgia for past times and wonder where those children are today. The building has now been re-purposed by the local community as a centre celebrating local arts and heritage, and hosting local events. I feel a sense of pleasure when I see the building in use. I have photographed it on various occasions from different perspectives but I think this photo captured the old schoolhouse in its best light. I came across this scene on my morning walk in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. It was in stark contrast to the scene in the main street where shops and restaurants were getting ready for another day welcoming tourists. The scene made me feel sad as I imagined this being the breakfast table of someone who may have spent the night outdoors. This has always been one of my favourite images. It gives me a feeling of contentment as this kitchen worker takes his break in a not very pretty spot but he doesn't seem to mind. He has his phone and cigarette and seems to be oblivious of everything around him. In a way I can say that it was the aesthetics that drew me to this scene. The winter light transformed this ordinary corner. Yet when I saw the man with a walking aid coming along I wanted to include him as I admired the fact that he was out early on a winter's morning. It was a bonus that his clothes matched the rest of the scene. I took this at the beginning of winter. I didn't dread the coming of winter, rather I wanted to embrace the change. This image of a person walking into the unknown illustrated this sense of change for me. I had to echo the feeling of contemplation when I saw this young man standing on his own looking out to sea. I don't know him but I watched him for a while and felt moved to take this photo. The scene gives me a feeling of peace and serenity. A business that is a thriving hub in summer, with constant queues, is a different place in winter. It gave me a sad feeling, even a sense of loss of the lively summer crowds. It felt like a lonely building. This is not the most technically correct image but it evoked a feeling of joy when i saw these girls practising their dance moves on the beach so I just had to capture the image. I like the look of this scene but it also gives me a feeling of loneliness because of the barrenness of the place, the damp atmosphere and the background shrouded in mist. To me, it works as an image because of this. This promenade along the marina in Vila Real de Santo Antonio is usually bathed in beautiful morning light. On this occasion the mist changed the atmosphere and gave me an eerie feeling. It also reminded me of how quickly things can change. This promenade is usually populated by young people going to and from the beach in summer but on this winter day I was delighted to see this elderly man out for his walk while the sun shone. This scene evokes feelings of freedom, of escape from the drudgery of everyday life to the vast openness of the sea. The single figure represents this sense of freedom and the fact that he has a camera hints at the idea of photography as the means of achieving this freedom. It gives me a feeling of wellbeing. This photo appeals to me from an aesthetic point of view, but it goes deeper as it always brings me back to a sunny morning in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, watching the morning crew go about their work preparing the city for the day ahead, and to the feeling the scene evoked for me of gratitude for being fortunate enough to be in this beautiful place and appreciation for the team of people who worked so hard to clean the centre of the city each morning. Many photographers visiting Vila Real de Santo Antonio photograph the lighthouse. And why not? It is accessible, very photogenic and it is a recognisable landmark in the area. I have photographed it from a more 'normal' view also, but this viewpoint stands out for me in a way that more conventional viewpoints don't. I like the juxtaposition of the decaying building and the imposing lighthouse in the background. Images like this reflect the confusing feelings I often experience with regard to photography and whether I prefer to capture gritty, realistic images or images of beauty. I often photograph old buildings. They evoke feelings of nostalgia for what once was. I think these types of scenes, which often exist in neglected parts of towns and cities, have character, something that is missing from modern, sleek, almost perfect buildings. I passed this area every morning during my stay In Vila Real de Santo Antonio. It was at the end of a beautiful marina but the area resembled a scrap yard for boats. This man was sitting here each morning. I used my smattering of Portuguese to wish him good morning as I passed and he always responded. On this day he indicated that I could take his photo so I took a few. I felt sad to see him sitting there every morning in the middle of old boats and abandoned shacks. The photo itself is visual chaos, something I normally don't like, but in this case I think that without the surroundings there would be no context and the point of the photo would be lost. Sadly, when I returned there in May 2025 the area had been cleared and the man was no longer there. I'm glad I took his photo on that morning. The almost face-like features on this crumbling wall invite feelings of sadness, loss and disappointment at how once useful buildings have been allowed to fall into disrepair. I was drawn to this image because of the contrast between the decay of the building and the beauty that exists just around the corner, as suggested by the sea view. It's not a pretty picture but it does evoke an emotional response. This photo makes me smile. The look of delight on the faces of the boys as they watch the show going on in the street evokes feelings of pure joy. One of the aspects of photography I enjoy is going off the beaten track to see what I can find. Particularly when travelling, I like to explore the hidden parts of towns and cities, the parts that tourists don't usually visit. This has often led to images that come from a deeper place within me. They are not the normal tourist photos but they speak to me in some way and my reaction to these images is to what I was feeling, rather than to what I was seeing. This post describing photography off the beaten track gives a sense of what I mean. Do you have any images that were taken because of what you were feeling rather than because of what you were seeing? It's interesting to find out.

When I started this website and blog my intention was to share my journey as a beginner photography and to pass on what I learned to anyone else who might be starting a similar journey. I wanted to share my passion and enthusiasm for photography and hopefully encourage others to commence or continue their own photography journey. My blog posts have taken the form of sharing personal experiences, passing on discoveries I make, discussing how I view the link between photography and wellbeing and, of course, sharing some of my images. Whenever possible I have tried to pass on tips and suggestions that might help others to improve their photography, both from my own experience and from professionals whose work I admire. In this post I would like to present the work of a photographer whose videos I have recently come across on YouTube. He goes by the name Rich Art and what I like is that he offers clear, straight-forward, helpful advice that will be of benefit to anyone wishing to improve and enhance their photography skills. The videos have titles such as: 5 Tips to Improve Your Composition How to take Amazing Photos on Cloudy Days 6 Photography Tips for Beginners Forget About Interesting Subjects, Do This Instead… (The Anchor Method) Your Photos Will Improve Once You Master This I recommend these 5 videos in particular because they reflect the techniques I try to incorporate into my own photography. Below are some examples of two of these techniques - framing and using contrast. BONUS VIDEO This video from photographer Scott Edwards outlines some of the things he would ignore if he was starting photography today. He chooses to ignore these things, not because they are useless, but because his experience has proven that some of these pieces of advice actually slow you down when starting photography. You can check out Scott's video below. Advice I'd Ignore if I Started Photography Today If you are beginning photography and would like information on resources that you might find useful, visit my Resources page.

To celebrate the ending of January the coming of slightly longer days and the gradual beginning of spring, I have created a short video of winter memories. I hope you like it.

In this post I want to share some of the images I made during this winter season, where I experienced all kinds of weather, some types more conducive to photography than others. There was rain, fog, frost and some beautiful sunsets, all part of the winter photography experience. I hope you like them.

This morning's walk was a slightly different one for me. I was visiting family in a rural part of Ireland during the autumn and I took a stroll around a small village and its surrounding area to see what I might capture with my camera. The weather was not the most conducive for photography. The sky was grey and the light was gloomy as I set out, although the sun did make a brief appearance and I managed to take advantage of some good light. Otherwise, all I could do was to create some moody images to reflect the weather and atmosphere of the morning. I didn't have any real plan for my photography, so I decided to just have a walk and see what photo opportunities presented themselves. Check Out 20 Pictures from a Stroll Through the Irish Countryside. I returned to capture this ruins of an old abbey in better light.

During times of difficulty and turmoil it can be hard to keep doing the things that are good for our health and easy to allow ourselves to slip into bad habits. The constant bombardment of negativity that currently seems to be all around us can leave us feeling disheartened and wondering what is the point of it all? This is the time when we need to be more vigilant about our mental health and take steps, even small steps, to keep ourselves physically, mentally and emotionally fit. There is a wealth of research which tells us that exercise is good for our health in all areas. Getting out regularly for a period of physical exercise can clear our headspace, help us shake off negativity and give us a new perspective on life. For me, getting out into the park or woods, walking along a country lane or by the sea, with a camera in hand, provides a time of physical movement, mental clarity and emotional space that is such a valuable asset to have in my life. And this is what photography offers as a support to our health and wellbeing. A popular pursuit Smartphones have made photography accessible to everyone and we can all document our everyday lives and share our treasured memories. For many people, sharing their daily images on social media is something they look forward to doing, while family members and friends enjoy seeing them. There is a danger, though, that photography has contributed to media overload, which can have a negative effect on mental health. The pressure to always have an updated image can be the opposite to what we want to gain from our ‘photo a day’ practice. While this might seem to produce a negative effect of photography, real photography doesn’t require this element of stress and is in fact a calming and gentle pursuit. This is the type of photography that I want to practise, the type which I believe supports us in wellbeing and mental health. While there is actual scientific research to back up the claim that photography can support wellbeing in many areas of our lives, what I outline below are some ways in which I have found, from my own experience, that photography is an aid to my wellbeing and a great support for my mental and emotional health. WHY PHOTOGRAPHY IS GOOD FOR YOUR WELLBEING Photography is: An aid to calming the mind Photography allows us to take time away from everyday pursuits, to spend time with ourselves, to become more aware of our surroundings, and to be present in the moment. The process of creating an image slows you down, forces you to focus and concentrate on the task at hand and in this way photography can help to calm the mind and relieve the stress of everyday life. I have discovered through my own photography practice that it has had a beneficial effect on my mental health. Stopping on a quiet winter’s evening to capture this image was a real lift for my spirits. Just a few years ago, I was working full time in a stressful and responsible job and had virtually no time to myself. When I made the decision to take early retirement, I knew I would need something to keep my mind active, but which wouldn’t involve the pressure that taking on a new area of study would bring. I had always had a love of photography, and a chance conversation with a photography enthusiast provided that ‘lightbulb moment’ when I instantly knew the direction in which I needed to go, and so my serious journey into photography began. I have spent the last few years trying to re-learn the fundamentals of photography so that I can create pleasing images, but more important to me is that taking the camera in my hand and walking around to find a scene where I might make some images, is calming and therapeutic and helps to ground me in the moment. While the smartphone camera is great to allow us to take advantage of the unexpected photo opportunity, it is the 'real' camera I love to take with me when I need time to relax and to take some space for myself. Earlier in the year I took a ‘staycation’ in a house by the sea on the west coast of Ireland. The weather was not great for photography – cloudy, wet, even windy at times with occasional sunshine – but despite this I got out every day with my camera and a different lens, and I spent some time walking by the sea, climbing hills overlooking the ocean, strolling along cliff tops, watching and listening to the crashing waves, feeling the wind on my face, even enjoying the rain at times. Having my camera and being constantly on the lookout for a photo opportunity helped me take notice of my new surroundings, to be aware of the varying weather patterns and changing light and the impact of the natural environment on the landscape in an area which is different to the area in which I live. During this time, photography and nature combined to provide a sense of wellbeing and allowed me to return to my everyday life refreshed, with an increased clarity and fresh perspective. An aid to healing emotional wounds During the last few years my camera, and indeed my phone camera, have been my constant companions, often offering me an escape from the constant bombardment of negativity that we experience on our media screens. During this time, I had a close family bereavement and found that I could not re-connect with photography for several weeks. Then one day I had my phone camera with me on a ‘memory walk’ by the sea and I found myself taking some images which allowed me to get in touch with my sadness and begin the healing process. A path to mindfulness Photography and mindfulness naturally complement each other. Photography encourages you to be present in this moment, in these surroundings, and to be aware of how you are feeling. On the Wild Atlantic Way, with the wind in my face and the crashing waves at my side, the feeling was one of exhilaration. Bare trees and the crisp frosty mornings of winter evoke feelings of wonder and awe in the face of such beauty, and taking a photograph captures some of that feeling. In my local park, when I see and hear the signs of spring begin to appear around me and I look for a way to best represent the season in an image, the feeling is one of calm and serenity. An outlet for creativity Photography focuses your mind on the creation of the image; on the composition, on the light, on the perspective you want. It encourages you to look at little details and also at the wider landscape. The act of creation awakens your creative self and allows you to be in that moment of creation, alert to what you are doing, fully absorbed in the task, in a state of ‘flow’. A boost to self-esteem While the act of creating an image is a very personal experience, allowing us to explore and express our vision, it also presents us with an opportunity to share what we have created with others, and in a way to share who we are. We are expressing our own individuality through our images and in allowing others to see that self we are taking a risk, a leap of trust. This act of sharing can help build our confidence in our own creative ability and increase our self-esteem, which is all hugely beneficial to our wellbeing. When I shared my first photographs on my website I did so with a sense of trepidation. I was anxious about putting my photographs out into a world that is awash with images. I feared criticism and was anxious that my images were ‘not good enough’. As I continued to learn and grow, I became more confident and could say, ‘This is me, this is how I interpret the world right now. My images are not perfect, but that’s ok, I’m still learning.’ This attitude gives a great sense of freedom and has increased my resilience against criticism, real or perceived. It has provided a creative outlet for my vision so that I no longer feel that what I do is for my eyes only. I love to create images in my local park A mental support in times of challenge During times of particular stress it can often be difficult to keep motivated in life, sometimes in circumstances that are unprecedented, unpredictable or anxiety-producing. In winter, when days become darker and colder, the prevailing mood around us can be more pessimistic and, particularly during spells of bad weather, there may be a general feeling of despondency in the air. During these times it becomes more important than ever to have a mental health outlet, something that can sustain us and help us to stay positive and focussed. Conclusion For me, photography is a wonderful hobby, and yet it is more than just a hobby. Photography is a vehicle through which I can practise mindfulness, it is a way to de-stress and de-clutter my mind, it is an outlet for my creativity and a way to express my individuality. Photography has increased my self-awareness, allowed me to become more present in the moment and has been a self-esteem booster as I admire some of my creations. Photography can be practised by all age groups, alone or with friends, and it doesn’t need any special equipment. Any camera, even a phone camera, will get you started on this voyage of discovery. All you need is a decision to get out there and begin to take some images. In the years since I returned to photography, I have no doubt that this was the best decision I could have made to support my own mental health and wellbeing. I hope I have shown how photography is good for your wellbeing. You never know, it could be just the thing you need. "A photograph is a pause button of life." Post Updated January 2026

I have been doing photography now for just over 7 years. I started off with an entry level DSLR and kit lens and a vision of doing landscape photography. Below are two of my first images, taken in auto mode.   There are some aspects of the images that I like. For example, I like that the swans are swimming into the frame in the second image. There are a lot of things about them that I don’t like and wouldn’t do today, such as capturing a scene without a proper subject, as in the first image. But at least it was a start, and I hope my photography has improved since then. In this post I want to share 7 key insights from my 7 years of photography. They won’t be expert tips, and I won’t be giving advice, but they are insights that have helped me to progress on my journey, and which have kept me going even when I felt I wasn’t making progress. I hope you will find them interesting and useful.   #1 Don’t blame the tools To be honest, this is something I have struggled with from time to time. When I see reviews of new cameras or lenses, I begin to believe that my photography would improve if I just had this camera or that lens. But deep down I know that’s not true, and I have resisted the temptation to buy something just for the sake of buying something new. I picked up a tip from a photographer online that has helped me. He suggests giving your own camera or lens some love by looking at what you like about it, finding out something about it that you didn’t realise, and by taking it out and using it as if it’s new to you. Only consider replacing it if it doesn’t do something that you need it to do to progress your photography. That has not happened so far!   #2 Experiment When I started doing photography, I wanted to be an expert straight away. I didn’t have the patience to learn all about the exposure triangle, my camera settings, composition, and so on. So, I went out and started to take photographs – which were a big disappointment! I quickly realised that my expectations of myself were too high and that I needed to accept my novice status. So instead of seeking perfection I began to experiment. I observed my subject, tried shooting from different perspectives and angles, photographed in various lighting conditions, worked on composition strategies and became content with less than perfect results as long as I was learning about my photography. This approach has really paid off in that I still experiment and enjoy the new discoveries I am constantly making.   #3 Take inspiration, but don’t imitate There is always a tendency when you are new to photography to want to emulate the work of good photographers. I used to look at the camera settings these photographers used and repeat them in my photography, but I could never make the same images. I had to accept the fact that it was skill that was missing from my photography and that was something I could not copy. I began to buy photography books and follow photographers online for the inspiration they gave me to get out with my camera and work on improving my photography. By trial and error and taking lots of photos, I worked out the best settings for my subjects, my conditions and my vision of what I wanted to say with my photography, and this has given me much more enjoyment than slavishly imitating someone else’s work.   #4 Dare to be Different   I once saw a sign in a coffee shop that said, Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken. I thought it was a good mantra for photography. It took me quite a while to begin to embrace this concept. I wanted my photography to look good on social media, to be acceptable to those who viewed it. I wanted to take photos that others wanted to see. I have now realised that I really have no idea what others want to see, and it no longer matters. I have my own vision for my photography, and I want to follow that vision. Sometimes I find others whose vision resonates with mine, and that is encouraging, but I don’t rely on it. I am happy to do what piques my interest and see where it takes me, even if it is not photography for the masses. I now do photography for myself, share it here on my website, and if it appeals to anyone else that’s a bonus, but it’s not my primary aim.   #5 Embrace the Process This follows the last point in that I prefer to engage in the process of photography than to be overly concerned about the final image. Since I am not a professional photographer and do not have clients to please, I can afford to take risks, to enjoy the experience of making mistakes and learning from them, and to repeat the same process often if I want to attain better results. There is no pressure, just enjoyment of this wonderful hobby. #6 Turn Photography into Art   This might seem to be a little pretentious, but I believe it is a natural stage in our photography journey. It comes when we stop taking photographs and start to create images . My initial photographs, and those I took for a long time after that, were just photographs. I arrived at a location, saw something I liked, pointed my camera at it and pressed the shutter button. I didn’t really consider subject, composition, framing or lighting conditions. Creating an image  is when we slow down, spend time with a subject, consider how best to frame that subject, decide what to include as supporting elements, what composition strategies to use and how to use the available light to our best advantage. It is a more intentional, more deliberate way of photographing, but it allows us to develop creatively and to produce more meaningful and personally pleasing work. #7 Enjoy Your Own Journey All the stages outlined above have brought me to the place where I enjoy my own photography journey. I know that my images are not perfect, but is there such a thing as a perfect image? I know that they may never win a photography competition, but do I want to enter a photography competition? I know that I don’t have a distinctive ‘style’ but I am still experimenting, learning and growing as a photographer, finding out about myself and the types of photography I enjoy, which can be an eclectic mix at times! FINAL THOUGHTS These 7 insights sum up my 7 years’ photography experience. I hope they resonate in some way with you who are reading this post and that they will be an inspiration for you on your own creative journey.

During the past year I discovered an interest in photographing what I call the ‘everyday landscape’. For me, this involves getting out with my camera as often as possible and looking for potential subjects wherever I happen to be. There is no particular theme to this photography, I just stop at something that catches my eye and take a picture. Sometimes I will plan on taking a certain route close to my home to see what subjects reveal themselves to me, at other times I will go out without a plan and see where my walk takes me. My routes include rural areas in my neighbourhood, other locations within easy travelling distance, and rural locations that I visit regularly to see family. It also included travel photography when I visited Vila Real de Santo Antonio in Portugal, where I enjoyed morning photography walks in the local environment, away from the tourist centre. This emphasis on photographing in the everyday environment has provided numerous benefits to my photography. It has helped me to become more observant and to notice small details or interesting subjects that I might otherwise have overlooked. It has broadened my range of subjects and encouraged me to move away from 'traditional' subjects. It has provided me with ample opportunities to work on skills such as composition, exposure and choosing the right aperture or shutter speed. It has helped me to make use of the lenses I have and realise that I have all that I need. It has helped me to develop my photographic eye and to become more confident in identifying subjects and scenes that appeal to me. It has encouraged me to experiment and to take lots of photographs without making judgements about them. It has given me the confidence to take a risk and show images that are flawed but part of a ‘work in progress’. This development in my photography has led to a series of posts called, Photos from My Photography Walk in which I hope to regularly present a set of photos taken on one walk, with a short comment. You can find the first of these posts here .