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 .

This was my first walk of the year with my camera. The morning was cold and bright and the overnight frost still lingered in places. The sun was making periodic appearances creating a contrast between light and shade. Otherwise, the light was soft and diffused, perfect for photography. My walk took me to my local park and woodland – Marlay Demesne - where I knew I would get at least a few photographs. Marlay Park is approximately 300 acres of suburban public park located about 9 km from Dublin city centre and at the foothills of the Dublin mountains. Marlay House was built in 1794, replacing an earlier 17th century house. The house has been restored and is open for guided tours. Marlay House looks out over the demesne which includes a Victorian cottage (Laurelmere Cottage), a lake, boathouse and viewing platform. As well as a substantial wooded area, with many species of trees and plants, Marlay Park contains many of the features of 18th century parks, including a boundary wall, ornate gates, pillars and railings, bridges and waterfalls, as well as a walled garden. The central position in the walled garden is given over to a Regency ornamental garden, while the garden also includes an orangery, arbour, water fountain and restored bothies. This is my regular photography location, a location for all seasons. On this occasion I took my 17-50mm lens with me, as a change from a prime. I started off with a wide shot from just inside the courtyard looking back on the house. I then moved back into the courtyard and used the archway as a frame to frame the house. I continued into the Regency Walled Gardens, where the sun was creating soft shadows. I took some images of the orangery, the arbour and the restored bothies, before making my way to the house, which is in the garden but backs out into the park and serves as the location for a busy and popular tearoom. I continued my walk through the park, stopping to admire the frost covered paths and open spaces, before making my way through the woodland. I took a photograph of the miniature railway, some pictures of the Victorian Laurelmere cottage and its views, as well as some close-up window shots.  I can't walk in my local park without going into the beautiful woodland. By this time the winter sun was more consistent and I had changed lens to my 18-200mm for variation in focal length. Some people don't like the dappled shadow effect but I like it, especially in winter. I used the zoom lens to take 3 different perspectives of the café at the upper end of the park. I finished with a black and white image taken low to the kerb. The line leads on but the next part of the journey is for another day. I hope you like my selection of images. Why not go out for a New Year walk with your camera today.

Recently, I have noticed a change in emphasis among many YouTube photographers. Instead of bringing us, via their video channels, to exotic locations with dramatic landscapes and breath-taking subjects, there has been more focus on photographing close to home, and even a focus on how to produce good images in what are called 'mundane' settings. There may be many reasons for this change of emphasis. It could be a response to the reality for many who watch these videos – many people just don’t have the means or opportunity to travel to iconic locations to do photography. Sure, people like to see these places through the eyes of a good photographer, but most people want ideas on how to improve their own photography, what to shoot and how to compose a good image for themselves, and they need to do this in places that are accessible. For many people this will be their own local town, village or suburb, or somewhere within easy travelling distance. Many videos are now being tailored to meet those changing needs. Another reason for the change of emphasis may be a throw back to the Covid pandemic when many photographers realised that travelling for photography could not be taken for granted and they found themselves having to re-structure their business plan. Or, indeed, it might just be that these types of videos do well in terms of the YouTube algorithm so they are becoming more popular. I have watched a few such videos and tried to extract information that is relevant to me, in my current situation. For at least two years now I have been working on making images that I like in my own so-called mundane location, and I have identified 5 suggestions that have helped me to do that. I believe that these are actionable steps so I hope they will be useful to someone in a similar position. Dig Deeper It is easy to believe that our local area has very little photographic potential compared to the more epic locations we could visit, with their dramatic landscapes, iconic landmarks and interesting choice of subjects. That’s why we have to look a little more deeply at our own location. We might be so familiar with our everyday surroundings that we initially think that there’s nothing worthwhile to photograph, so we must look beyond the familiar and see our location with new eyes. This will mean being more observant, more open-minded to new opportunities, more experimental with our photography. It will mean seeing the familiar in a new way, seeing potential where previously you saw none, taking the risk of doing something differently. I live in a suburban location which is also close to small villages, farms and rural settings. Initially, I didn’t believe there was much to photograph in many of the rural areas I might pass through, but recently I have begun to look more deeply, stop my car and take a walk, view these areas as areas of potential rather than as places with nothing to offer photographically. I have been pleased with many of the images I have taken and I know that there are many more yet to be revealed. These are not images that will have universal appeal but they are unique to me, I have enjoyed taking them, and they have presented me with photographic opportunities that I would miss if I persisted in having a closed mind. Follow The Light Light is at the heart of photography. I recall times when I was travelling and visiting new locations, hoping for great photographic opportunities only to discover that I had a short window in the early morning or late evening when I got good photography light, and an otherwise day of harsh sun and no light variation. In your own location you can observe all the different types of light, see how the light plays with your subject and experiment with all the available forms of light at various times of day and through the different seasons. The accessibility of your local area is an advantage in this regard and it can allow you to photograph a subject under all conditions. I created these images recently when I was out for an early morning walk. My attention was drawn to the way in which the  sun was casting shadows on a wall, so I took out my phone to see what I could create.   In the images below, the light is the star of the show in the photograph. The location in each is an ordinary lakeside stopping point but the light changes a normally flat, boring landscape into something special. Get Creative Although we might consider familiarity with a location to be a disadvantage when it comes to photography, it can also be an advantage. Familiarity means that you know your location well; you have a connection with it’s natural and human-made features. When you have intimate knowledge of your location it allows you the opportunity to become more creative and inventive with your photography. You can zone in on small details that others miss, shoot from unique perspectives, try some abstract photography or ICM, discover subjects that you might not normally consider as image-worthy or focus on subjects that draw your attention even though they may not have universal appeal or be ‘Instagram-able’.   These approaches will help you to have an individual slant on your photography, which can give you a connection to your images and ensure that they are meaningful to you. When your focus is not on capturing grand vistas and epic subjects, you are freed to concentrate on intimate details and unique moments that often translate into captivating images. Go Macro Macro photography is not for everyone but it is a genre that works well in any local area. Macro subjects are everywhere and you can often spend enjoyable hours focusing on the tiny world that exists all around us. Macro does not have to be difficult. Most phone cameras have good macro capability and it is easy to find macro subjects. What is required is an open mind, a bit of creative thinking and a willingness to get out of your comfort zone and see what opportunities open up for you. Even if you are not interested in real macro, there is a lot of photographic interest in the intimate landscape that is all around us. Challenge Yourself When all else fails – take on a challenge. I wrote this post a few years ago, but the challenge posed by Thomas Heaton is still relevant. A challenge helps us to push our creative boundaries, it helps us to change a fixed mindset, such as thinking that there’s nothing to photograph, and it requires us to make choices and decisions that help to improve our overall skills as a photographer. A challenge could be as simple as shooting a certain colour or it could be something more complicated such as challenging yourself to come home with 10/20/30 images that you would not normally capture. I have taken challenges around my local area and they always help me to see my area differently; to see potential, opportunity, and possibility, rather than to focus on what’s lacking. FINAL THOUGHTS Most of us who enjoy photography also want to gain experience and improve our skills. To do this we need to go out regularly with our camera and take pictures. We will take most of our pictures in places that are convenient to get to, and this means that most of the time we will shoot in our local area. Familiarity might lead us to believe that there is nothing to photograph where we live, that our locality is boring and monotonous. However, if we take some simple steps, like those outlined above, we can change this mindset and begin to discover photographic potential all around us, wherever we live. I hope you will find these steps useful. If any of them particularly resonate with you why not share your experience below.

Sometimes I see beauty in how the morning light casts its shadows Jimmy West is a photographer based in Sweden. In his YouTube channel he regularly discusses the importance of finding photographs wherever you are and he gives lots of tips and examples from his own work to illustrate how this can be done. His approach is echoed by others that I currently follow on YouTube, as it is a way of photography that I am drawn to. As part of his effort to build a community of like-minded photographers, Jimmy recently launched a project entitled Mellanrummet  - The Spaces In Between . In Jimmy’s own words, “Mellanrummet is about the little things. The overlooked details, everyday places and moments we often pass without a second thought. But with the right light, scene, or perspective, these seemingly ordinary subjects can truly stand out.” In his project Jimmy is giving his audience a chance to showcase photography that reflects this theme; a chance for each person to share what Mellenrummet means to them. It provides an opportunity for each of us who would like to participate to show how we see beauty in the unnoticed and translate this beauty into an image. The first issue of The Spaces In Between  has now been completed, and the gallery of work is open for all to see at https://www.jimmywest.work   I have contributed some photography to the second issue , which is now ongoing. If you are interested in this approach to photography, you might like to check out Jimmy’s YouTube channel. In one of his latest videos Jimmy features three other photographers who adopt this approach to photography and whose work I regularly follow. You can view it here. This may not depict beauty in the normal sense, but to me it tells a poignant story, and sometimes that is where the success of a photograph lies. This project really resonates with me because I see it as a way of connecting photographers who take a similar approach to photography, a way to celebrate how we can see beauty in the most ordinary subjects, and a way to enjoy viewing, and being inspired by, the work of other like-minded photographers. I hope you will take a moment to browse the gallery and celebrate the work of photographers from all parts of the world who connect to the theme of Mellanrummet - The Spaces In Between.

Over the last few months, I have not been out with my camera on a regular basis. There are a few reasons for this. I used to go out in the early morning when the light was soft and I felt that I would have the best chance of getting some good images. But since getting a puppy in early February that routine has had to take a backseat. The last few months have involved early morning dog walking and training, and although the dog is now in a routine, he does not yet wait patiently for me to take a photograph! Maybe some day! My other photography time was early evening, but evenings are now following a similar pattern to mornings. A result of not getting out regularly was that I began to lose motivation to go out at other times, giving all the usual excuses such as harsh light, dull conditions, nothing to photograph, and so on. And, as I mentioned in a recent post, I began to lose confidence and started thinking that I was no longer making progress in photography. I hope to get back to more regular photo outings soon, but in the meantime, I want to continue to improve my photography and get in lots of practice so that I don’t lose motivation and forget the skills I have worked hard to learn. My solution is to adopt the daily photography habit . This involves always carrying a camera with me and taking lots of photographs wherever I happen to be. There are several advantages to taking this approach. It will help me to get lots of practice, improve my skills and develop creatively, all areas that fall back when I don’t go out regularly with a camera. It will encourage me to be constantly on the lookout for potential images, thereby developing my observation skills and my ability to notice small details or see beauty in the mundane. When I am constantly taking photographs many of them will be experimental shots. I am not looking for perfection. I can use these occasions as opportunities to learn about myself as a photographer and about the type of images I like to make. These will not be photographs to show to others; they will be for myself, to critique and learn about my mistakes. I can also celebrate my successes and use these as building blocks from which to move forward. A daily photography practice will introduce variety into my photography, where I will no longer be focusing on a particular genre, but rather seeing where my attention is drawn, and finding potential in the ordinary, everyday things that are all around me. A daily photography habit will give me an opportunity to experiment, to discover new subjects that I enjoy photographing and to develop my photographic eye. When I always carry a camera with me, I will not miss those opportunities that I might otherwise have missed and I will be building towards 10,000 hours of photography, the number of hours at which, it is commonly believed, we become competent in any activity.   FINAL THOUGHTS   I love photography. I love all the genres I have tried. I love experimenting and discovering new ways to do things. I love mastering my camera settings and using new-found skills to create better compositions. For me, it is important to continue this journey that I have started. That’s why for me, a daily photography habit is the answer.

Winter is often considered to be the least popular season for photography. Many photographers avoid the colder months, thinking the season offers limited opportunities for good photography. Light is often poor, skies can be constantly dull and grey, and in many locations weather conditions are not conducive to being out with a camera. Yet, winter presents unique chances to capture scenes that other seasons cannot match. Embracing winter for photography can often lead to stunning, memorable images that stand out among the year's captures. Why Winter Offers Unique Photo Opportunities As photographers, most of us are familiar with the obvious photo opportunities that winter brings. Snow transforms familiar landscapes into new worlds, ice forms intricate patterns all around us, and the low sun casts long, soft shadows. Winter days often feature overcast skies, providing soft, even light and reducing harsh shadows and highlights. The subdued colours of winter create calm, peaceful images, where browns, greys and whites dominate. These changes in winter create a new and interesting canvas for photographers, emphasising simplicity and tranquillity. Tips for Composing Winter Photos Winter’s simplicity calls for thoughtful composition to create strong images. Use Leading Lines Paths, fences, hedges or tree lines covered in snow, enveloped in mist or simply standing in colourless, quiet surroundings, guide the viewer’s eye through the photo. Look for Contrast, Reflections, Shadows and Silhouettes Dark objects against snow or bright skies create striking contrasts that draw a viewer's attention. The low sun with its muted light creates long shadows and beautiful reflections, while shooting into the sun gives us stunning silhouettes. Include Human Elements A lone figure walking through a winter landscape adds scale and narrative. Experiment with Black and White Winter scenes often work well in black and white, emphasizing texture and form over colour. Embracing Winter Improves Your Photography Skills Shooting in winter pushes photographers to adapt and think creatively. The season’s challenges teach patience, attention to detail, and new techniques. Winter also encourages slowing down. The quiet, still environment invites reflection and careful observation, which often leads to more thoughtful compositions. Have you embraced winter for photography? You might also like this post Exploring the Creative Possibilities for Winter Photography