The Great Digital Consolidation of 2025

There comes a point in every tech-lover's life where you have to stop playing "storage Tetris." You know the game - moving a folder of RAW photography files to an old thumb drive just so you can squeeze in a new sample pack, all while your system drive screams for mercy. Well, I finally decided enough was enough.

My New Digital Sidekick: How Gemini AI became my must-have assistant

Crikey, if you'd told me a year ago that I'd be raving about an Artificial Intelligence platform, I'd have probably given you a bit of a cynical look. I've always been one for tangible tools, but lately, something has genuinely changed the game for me, both in my daily routine and, crucially, in my creative projects. That 'something' is Gemini.

Upgrading to DxO PureRAW 5: My journey to even cleaner photos (and why you should join me!!!)

Welcome back to the blog!!!

Today, I’m absolutely buzzing to talk about something that’s been a real game-changer in my photography workflow: DxO PureRAW. If you've been following my journey, you'll know I'm always on the hunt for tools that make a genuine difference, especially since I waved goodbye to Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop and settled into the wonderful world of Skylum Luminar Neo.

A Wee Tribute to Pat Van: Our little campervan with the massive heart

Well, it’s high time I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, as it were) and shared a proper look back at the little chap who consumed a good six months of our lives: Pat Van.

​Stepping out into the sunshine: Three weeks off social media and feeling fantastic!!!

​Well, it’s been three weeks now since I decided to step away from social media, and honestly, the change has been nothing short of transformative. I wanted to share a little update because, quite frankly, I feel like a different person – and a much better one at that!!!

The Great Unwind: one week out and how I'm really "trolling the scroll"......

It's been exactly one week since I made the deliberate, philosophical choice to step away from social media, and I can say this without a shred of doubt:

it’s working.

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.

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:

Dezzy Bee............Dezzy what???!!!

Say hello to Dezzy Bee, my trusty companion and personal Crimson Highland Cruiser!!!

He's a little bright red 2012 Suzuki Swift, and honestly, he's quite the character.

Right now, Dez is the reliable little engine taking me to the most fabulous landscapes my adopted home of Scotland has to offer.

The Return: I'm Back (Don't Say I Didn't Warn You)

Okay, okay, calm yourselves.

I know.

I know!!!

So, I’m giving this whole weblog thing another proper go.

If you know me, you'll already know that I'm a notorious non-finisher, so feel free to place your bets now.

If you’ve been here before, you need to know: my life has completely changed.

We’re talking a massive shift over the last few years—a new life, new home, new country, new job, and a fantastic new wife.

That’s just for starters.