New Horizons: My 52-week focus for 2026

I’ll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a butterfly - constantly flitting from one obsession to the next. Lately, my world has been very much full of soundscapes and synthesizers, but life has a funny way of forcing a change of pace. After a bit of a tumble at work , I’ve ended up with some minor nerve and tendon damage in my left hand, which means no heavy lifting or dexterous keyboarding for a short while.

The Alchemy is back: Why I upgraded to Nik Collection 8

If you’ve followed my posts for a while, you’ll know I’ve been on a bit of a journey lately. Not only did I successfully ditch the Adobe subscription package - taking a giant leap over to the superb world of Skylum Luminar Neo - but I’ve also found new respect for DxO, having recently sung the praises of their excellent noise-reduction wizard, PureRAW 5.

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.

Convergence of Analogue and Digital: To the limits of a £20 film scanner and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The analogue photography revival is not just a trend; it’s a commitment to a deliberate, slower workflow and the unique aesthetic of film. My own journey has been happily centred around the glorious 6x6 medium format negative courtesy of my Agfa Isolette I, a scale-focus folding camera with a superb, classic feel.

A couple of toggy bits......

You know that feeling when you've been eyeing up some new kit, you've done your research, and then, bam! You find it for an absolute song? That’s exactly what happened to me this week on Amazon. I’ve just taken delivery of two cracking new additions to my creative arsenal, and I thought I’d give you a quick first look.

These two gadgets couldn’t be more different, but they both scratch a major creative itch I’ve had lately: sharpening the quality and focus of my output.

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.

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.

I bought a VERY cheap Lubitel 166B medium format 120 film camera............I don't know why!!!

Right, let’s be honest, getting older is a bit like having a silent partner who insists on constantly raising the interest rate on your physical debt. You hit a certain age - let’s call it the hitting six-decade milestone - and suddenly, the years themselves start exerting a proper, non-negotiable gravitational pull. For most folk, this means slowing down, perhaps taking a sensible, prudent step back from life’s extremes.

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.