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.
Four UK breaks this year, and only one of them wasn’t ruined (photography wise) by the weather. Anglesey over this last week was the latest trip ruined by a storm and we arrived smack bang in another record breaking bout of rain. So, it was a grab ’em while you can kind of week.
There’s nothing front page (of this site) worthy, but they capture the feel of Anglesey in November.
Anglesey, by the way – absolutely lovely place. Even in biting winds and ice cold rain we had a great time. We were smack bang in the middle of the island and everything in all directions was only 20 minute drive away. We liked it so much we’ve booked for next November, and are considering a trip in summer too.
I think I prefer places when they’re quiet.
I took all of these photos on my GM1 using the Leica 15mm. Again, that little camera and lens continue to be my favourite bits of kit. My G9 never made it out of the bag,
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!
It’s October 20th, and most of the trees here are still green, with the odd one just starting to turn. If you look our of the window you’d think it was a rainy August day. Climate change in action. I was looking forward to late sunrises and early sunsets, but the weather is delaying it. On top of that, I’ve been out of action with my eye treatment for a week. So, the only photography I’ve really done this month is for my wife and daughters new candle business (https://www.instagram.com/fragrancefairieshome/)., and some stuff on film with my OM10. We’re away to Anglesey in a couple of weeks, hopefully autumn will be in full swing by then.
On the OM10, I’m really loving the process of using a film camera. The limitation of 36 shots makes it a much more considered approach to choosing an image to capture. The process is really slowed down too. Where a digital image on a 256gb memory card can we wasted, on film it can’t. So, I’m much more aware of checking aperture, shutter speed and then manual focus on top of that. I think it will make me a better photographer. Hopefully, I’ll get through the film in Anglesey and get to see the results soon.
Another New Bag
I really do have a bag problem. I now own;
Peak Design Slings in 10L and 3L. I hate the 10L, it’s stiff and uncomfortable and getting things in and out are a pain in the arse. The 3L is the same but smaller, and I really don’t like how it looks.
A Lowepro Flipside Trek. Great bag for any condition, and holds a lot – but I don’t need a bag that big and I never use it.
A Bellboy 10L camera Sling. I love this bag, and it’s still my favourite. But, it’s not sealed. Great for dry days, but even a bit of rain would make me worry. (I also own the same bag, but a none camera version)
ON top of those specific camera bags I also own a few Alpaca Gear bags, that aren’t really camera bags, but are great for small cameras on walks with the dogs.
The Peak Design Bags and the Lowepro bags are going on eBay along with a Crumpler messenger bag and Fjallraven messenger bag.
The new bag….. is a Peak Design Backpack. I much prefer back packs for carrying, especially with a tripod. It’s not too big, sealed, and (so far) the closest I’ve found to the perfect camera bag. Hopefully, this won’t be on eBay in six months. I’ve not used it yet, but hope to this weekend if it stops raining for more than a minute.
Our five days in the Lake District had to be cut short to just two. Sometimes, life gets in the way, plus the weather wasn’t kind. I didn’t really get any photo’s I would print, or put in a portfolio. But, I had time with my wife and my dogs, and right now, or always, that is the most important thing. Whatever you love in life, squeeze it for every bit of love and joy you can, while you can.
A few years ago I bought myself a second hand Olympus OM10 (1972) with a 50mm lens. Then, forgot all about it, and it’s been sat in a box for around ten years. As it’s coming up to autumn and the best time of year for photography I thought I’d dig it out.
My OM10.
After putting a couple of new batteries in I was pleased to find that everything still works. All I need is some film, which is a lot more expensive these days. With that in mind, I’ll be much more selective about what I photograph. The thing I’m looking forward to the most is not knowing how the images look until the films comes back from the lab.
I’m heading to the Lake District tomorrow, and won’t be taking this with me, but something to look forward to when I get back.
September. The start of my favourite months of the year when there are mornings like this, and I don’t have to be out of the house earlier than 6am to see them.
I absolutely love this image. The only editing I did was to crop it (I’m going through a widescreen phase). These fields are 250 meters from home. I pass them most days, and rarely do they look like this.
Who doesn’t love cows? It’s amazing how mist and light can completely change how a place looks. It’s actual magic.
Since our trip to Northumberland I’ve really enjoyed having man made elements in my images. I love the way the telephone mast and lines frame the tress here.
My favourite image from today. The light. The mist. Magic.
One camera, one lens. Not a big fan to be honest. It was an interesting challenge, but I didn’t like the restriction in focal length. And, while the GX80 is fairly flexible, there were times when my G9 or GM1 would have been more suitable for the situation I was in. I’m not saying I won’t do it again, but definitely not for a whole month. I don’t think I got any decent photos for the whole of August, but it wasn’t a great month and I haven’t been out of my village.
My Favourite Time of Year
We’re coming into Autumn now. Less daylight, interesting light. Colours in the trees. A trip to the Lakes and Anglesey coming up. Can’t wait.
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 