I’ve never been one for New Years resolutions, and if I have I doubt I ever kept them. But, this year I have decided to set a couple of photography goals. The first is simply to take more photographs with the aim for getting four ‘good’ images a month. What’s a good image? That’s subjective, obviously – but for me it’s something that I like enough to post on the front page of in the portfolio section of this site, but that doesn’t happen very often. For example, I went out the other week and took 129 photos, and kept only three. Of those, I’m happy to post them in my blog, but not anywhere else.
My second goal is to take more candid photos of family and friends, not just photographs that (in my head) are worth sharing with other photographers. Our first grandchild is due this year, and the older I get the more sentimental I am. iPhone photography doesn’t do it for me, it’s the buttons – there aren’t any!
My last goal is to simplify my whole process, by having less process. For the whole year I’m only going to shoot in JPEG, and do as little post processing as possible. One of my favorite things about Fuji cameras is the Film Sim bracketing, which allows me to take three photographs at once, each with a different film sim. Then, there’s the endless recipes for creating filmic looks. I’m hoping it will make me compose better in camera. I’ve got rid of my Adobe subscription. I begrudged paying it, but it was the standard and everyone was using it. I’m going to do as little editing as possible, so I need need a fancy bit of software.
I really want 2025 to be more relaxed, and fun. Hopefully that will come across in my photography.
Time flies, doesn’t it? It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, but here we are at the end of 2024.
I didn’t have any specific photography goals at the start of the year. I’m not really one for New Year’s resolutions. But life has taken some interesting turns.
I switched from using Lumix cameras to a Fuji cameras. That brought its own set of challenges. The most positive being that I don’t spend as much time editing as I used to. I’m a big fan of the film simulations, so I focus more on getting the shot right in the camera rather than in Lightroom.
I tried my hand at street photography for the first time. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I had a blast. I love seeing other photographers’ street work, and I’ve been collecting books on the subject. Mr. Whisper’s work is really inspiring (more on him next week).
I discovered new local spots to photograph, which got me into clouds (especially in black and white). I hope to explore that more next year.
We also managed a few trips away.
So, while it wasn’t an incredible year overall, it wasn’t bad either. And most importantly, I still love photography.
Since I last wrote on this blog I have a new camera. The X100vi is amazing, and I’ll keep it for travel and an everyday carry camera. But, I needed more flexibility with focal lengths. I stuck with Fuji and got the XT50, and after having it for a couple of months I’m really happy with it. It’s basically an X100Vi with interchangeable lenses.
I love the sensors on this range of Fuji cameras. Going from regularly using 16mp to 40mp is a revelation, and allows me to capture so much detail. Similarly the jump from micro four thirds to APSC sensor allows for much greater freedom when shooting low light. Fuji have managed to pack a lot into a small package. I paired the camera with the Fuji 15-50mm which is great for just about everything, especially landscape photography, and Fuji the 35mm lenses which is fantastic for street and portraits (not that I do much portraiture).
I haven’t quite been out as much as I’d like in the last few months, but hopefully that will change now. Also, it’s autumn – which anyone knows is the best time of year for photography so I’d be stupid not to.
I’m going through a black and white phase. Mostly because when I have been out it’s been in bright sunlight so taking out the colour helps to concentrate on the subject (at least for me).
The photo above is a new local discovery on the Moorland down the road. It’s nice to still be finding new things over there. I’d love to know how these trees ended up looking like this. I’m going to try and get some different angles from above. I’ll also try from the other side. To help with that, I’ve bought a new drone. It’s the DJI Mini 4 Pro. I had planned to use it only for photography. However, since I have a DJI Pocket 3 and some DJI mics, I might try and dabble with some video.
A Quick Note – I lost the original images featured in this post when I accidentally formatted the memory card, so I wasn’t going to write it. In the end I’ve gone ahead, but I’ve had to use the Instagram copies, which is why they don’t look great.
Over the last year or so I’ve moved away from landscape photography. It’s something I’m still really interested in, and still enjoy. But, the reality is I live somewhere that isn’t very landscape-y. So, I’m trying other things, one of them being street photography.
I have always been nervous about trying street photography. Mostly, I’ve been worried about someone being upset about me taking their photo, either intentionally or not. I don’t know why, I’ve had my photo snapped a fair amount when we’ve been in York and I’ve never been upset by it, but some people can be funny. But, an impromptu Wednesday night trip to Scarbrough a few weeks ago and a new camera were a good motivation to give it a go.
The first thing I learned – walking a dog whilst trying to take photos doesn’t work. Especially if you already have vision issues making getting around challenging. The second thing I learned, my wife would rather I didn’t take photos when she’s around.
A camera in one hand and a dog in the other makes for a slightly blurry image.
This was the first time I used my new camera. I didn’t realise I had the in built ND filter turned on, so that slowed the shutter speed down and related in blurry images. Thanks a lot eyes….
I decided to shoot solely in JPEG, after all one of the points of the new camera was less time messing around editing. I’m pleased to say, it worked for me. There was a bit of cropping here and there, but that’s it. I mostly used a ‘recipe’ (I hate that term in this context) from Fuji X Weekly, which is a great resource for finding film simulations that aren’t already built in to the camera. In this instance I mostly used Vibrant Arizona (inspired by the Wes Anderson film, Asteroid City), which is a look I’ve really like since I saw the film.
I wish I’d have straightened the telescope before I took this.
I was stressing about manually adding recipes to the X100, but it’s actually fairly easy. Once you’ve changed one the rest come fairly easy. That said, I do want to spend more time taking photos with the in build simulations, but Scarborough was made for this recipe.
By this point I’d figured out my camera settings were shit
It turns out people don’t care if you’re taking photos. I think they assume they’re not in the frame. It helps that this camera has a small profile and doesn’t have a massive lens sticking out of the front.
Speaking of the lens. The biggest worry I had about moving to this camera was a fixed focal length. In this instance, the 23mm (35mm full frame equivalent) was perfect, and the 40MP sensor allows for a lot of cropping if needed. It will be interesting to see how I feel about actual landscape photography with this focal length.
Instagram compression has killed this one….
The one thing I don’t like about this camera (and there is only one thing), the front dial is too close to the on off switch. I kept changing the shutter speed instead of turning the camera off, or vice versa.
I didn’t like these stair either.
What did I learn on this trip? Always take the right glasses. Always. Check your camera settings with the right glasses on, so you can actually see them. Don’t format the SD card until you have copied the images to the network drive. Dogs or wives and cameras don’t mix. Street photography isn’t scary.
On that last point, street photography isn’t scary. I did kind of enjoy it, but I don’t think it’s something I would set out specifically to go and do. I still think that what I enjoy capturing the most lies somewhere between landscape photography and documentary style photography. Something that shows the human relationship with the natural world rather than towns and cities. Maybe.
This was my first outing with the Fuji X100vi, and yes, I still love it. I’ve spent the weeks since this going over the camera and learning where everything is. I’ve changed the function buttons around 87 times, and think I’m finally settled on them.
I think I’m at the point now where I feel confident enough to go out and really enjoy using it.
We’ve finally had a couple of dry days, which is a much needed relief from the rain. Just in time too as I get my eyes injected later today. The rain has seemed relentless and what started out as an encouraging year has been a wash out so far. We’re hoping to go our to the coast later in the week when my eyes have cleared again, and we’re going home to Northumberland in a couple of weeks, which I’m really excited about.
In the mean time – a couple from todays dog walk. These were all taken on my Lumix GM5 with the Leica 15mm.
More trouble with my eyes and trips to the hospital mean I’ve been out of action for a good few weeks now. So, no new photographs. I’m getting back to normal (for me) now, and managed to get out for some longer walks and a bike ride over the last few days and I can’t start looking at screens again. With no new photos to post it’s time to write about my new gear,
As I mentioned in my last blog, I’ve got my hands on a Lumix GM5 at long last. An absolute bargain too at £60 with. 12-32 lens. It’s boxed, and almost as good as new. Looking in charity shops does pay off sometimes as GM5s on eBay are generally going for over £500.
I’ve gone on and on many times about how much I love my GM1, and how much it’s still my favourite camera despite its age and limitations. And, it still is – although I think a lot of that is sentimental now. The GM5 is pretty much exactly the same, but with an all important viewfinder. As someone with one (not great) eye, a viewfinder is invaluable, especially in bright sunlight.
The other advantage is much improved shutter/aperture control wheel on the camera. The GM1 has a pretty naff dial on the back, the GM5 has a wheel. You press the wheel to switch between shutter speed and aperture. But, with the Penny Leica 15 mm, you can have it set to shutter speed as the lens has aperture control, which is how I prefer to use it.I wish all lenses still had a aperture control on them.
So far, I’m really pleased with this camera. The photos are great, it’s easy to use, and has all the bells and whistles I need in the smallest possible package, which is what I want.
Talking of small packages…. I’m keen to keep all of my gear as small as possible. That’s why I’ve stuck with micro four thirds for all these years. I don’t want to lug big, heavy loads around. With that in mind, I made another new purchase – a new drone. I’ve had a log of drones, the first was the DJI Phantom – which was mind blowing at the time, but it was absolutely huge and not remotely practical for photography. Then a succession of DJI Spark, Mavic Air, and Mini 3 Pro. The last one was a fantastic bit of kid, but still took too much bag space and was fiddly to set up. I really wanted something that could fly itself. Which is what I now have.
It’s about the size of my phone when folder, but a little fatter. No controller, everything is automated. The flight modes are easy to use. It’s exactly what I want. Something to follow me on my bike, and to make fun videos on days out and holidays. It’s not for making cinematic videos.
We’re into Spring now, my eyes are on the mend. Just need the weather to dry out a bit so I can get out and take some photos.
I’m not going to lie, I’m glad to see the back of 2023. I’ve been ill for almost half of it and that’s kept me in the house a lot. Hopefully, that’s all behind me now – I just need to get my legs working again.
That said, we’ve still put some miles in this year and had some great trips. The Dales, Northumberland, the Lake District and Anglesey. Here’s my favourite phot from each trip.
The Dales, April
Northumberland, June
The Lake District, September
Anglesey, November
Around Home
My favourite photos of the year have all been taken no more than a few miles from home. All of them are just a case of being in the right place at the right time and good weather.
Hatfield Moors, January
Good light, good weather, no idea this guy and his dog were there.
Hatfield Moors, February
Woodhouse, May
And good choice, but this photo could be so many places in the world.
Home, August
Standard British summer.
Home, August
Getting up early paid off.
Into 2024
I still haven’t had my roll of film developed…. that’s the first thing on my 2024 list. In fact, it’s just about the only thing so far. We only have Anglesey in the UK, and Cyprus planned for next year. I really want to concentrate on this area in 2024, but mostly just getting out more will be nice.
It’s not really a can. It’s a small plastic tub (that I used to love when I was little). The first 35mm I’ve shot in over 20 years is ready to be sent for processing. I feel like leaving a note with it saying ‘please don’t judge the composition or exposure on these images, I’m just testing the camera’.
As if anyone would care.
I enjoyed the process, and as I wrote previously it slowed me down. But, I’m not sure I’ll use the film camera much. It’s (relative to digital) expensive once you’ve bought the film then had it processed you’re looking at £30 for 36 images that might not even be any good. That said, I’ve still got two more films to use. Maybe I’ll save them for a trip. Speaking of which, Anglesey for a few days tomorrow. Back to digital!
Meh. August has not gone to plan. I planned to get a lot of time out and about with just my GX80 and the Leica 15mm lens, but Covid has ruined August. I think this is the fourth time I’ve had it and easily the worst, and it’s taken its toll. I have a week now to try and get something out of the month.
I needed something to write about. And, as I have spent a lot of time watching Youtube lately it seemed a good time to write about my favourite You Tube channels. Over the years I have subscribed to a lot of Photo YouTube channels. But, only three of them have remained in my subscribe list.
Firstly, Thomas Heaton. If you’re into photography you’ll be aware of him. His videos aren’t about the right camera settings, or gear, but more about his journeys. One of my favourite videos of his is where he decides to go for a bike ride where he lives and take a photo every mile. It’s such a good idea.
Next up, James Popsys. James is just good to watch. Never too serious, and produces some great videos. I am a big fan of James’s style and actually own all of his books and some of his presets. I love that he includes human elements in his photos. It was James that inspired me to buy my Lumix G9, and we also share a love for all things Peak Design…!
Last, and definitely not least is Emily at MicroFourNerds (the best name channel by far). Obviously, I am a big fan of M43 cameras given that I own four bodies and god knows how many lenses. Emily is partially to blame for this as I often find myself on MPB after watching one of her videos. Again, I have bought some of her presets too as I love the orange and teal look on some photos. This is my fave videos Emily has made to date. I’d love to have gone on a trip like this with my Dad, but sadly I didn’t find my love for photography until after he’d gone.
August has got to be an improvement on July when it comes to the weather. Hopefully, more camera time. I’ve decided to switch things up and just use one camera and one lens for the whole month. The lens is an easy choice, and I’m going for my Leica 15mm f1.7. It’s my favourite lens, small enough to go anywhere so an easy decision. Camera wise, the G9 is too big to go anywhere. So, I’m torn between my GX85 and the GM1.
It’s a love triangle
Do I want a viewfinder and easy to access controls and the extra heft they bring? Or, do I want small, discreet and go anywhere with trickier handling?
Shaun Madill Photography 