Turning off the subscription light to Lightroom?

Okay, let's talk about something that's been bugging me for a while: photo editing software.

Specifically, the dreaded monthly subscription model that seems to have taken over everything. Now, don't get me wrong, Adobe Lightroom has been a stalwart for many, and it's got its merits. But for me, the monthly fee just feels like a constant drain, and let's not even get started on its cataloging system. Seriously, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack, only the haystack is full of half-edited photos you're not even sure you want to keep.

Pocket Powerhouse: A Technical Look at the Agfa Isolette I

Okay, following on from the last bloggy posty thingummybub, let's talk about a camera that seems to prove that big things really do come in small packages: the Agfa Isolette I.

Shelf Appeal: my unscripted adventure with the Lubitel 166+

There’s a special kind of thrill that comes with diving into a new photographic format. For me, that format has always been medium format. I absolutely adore the quality, the depth, and let's be honest, the glorious size of those negatives. Specifically, I've always been drawn to the square crop - a perfect 1:1 frame that forces you to compose in a completely different way.

Reclaiming My Mind and Body: Why I'm Disconnecting to Truly Connect

Today, I want to share a deeply personal decision that has been brewing in my mind and heart for quite some time. It's a choice born out of a growing sense of unease and disillusionment, and it has finally culminated in a liberating step:

The Intentional Backpack: why my minimalist kit is essential for the Scottish Highlands at sixty

There’s a certain weight to experience, and I don’t just mean the cumulative knowledge gained from years behind the camera. I mean the physical weight. The Scottish Highlands and Islands - from the serrated ridges of the Cuillins to the vast, moody expanses of the Outer Hebrides - demand effort. They require you to climb, traverse, and often scramble. For a long time, I approached these landscapes with a hefty bag, convinced that redundancy was security. I carried two DSLR bodies, five lenses, and enough accessories to open a small shop.