Kase Filters
Kase Filters UK Partner
As an experienced professional, I have dedicated over 35 years of my career to the art of photography. My journey began in London during the 1980s and 90s, where I first ventured into the exciting and fast-paced world of fashion and advertising photography.
Over the course of 12 years, I honed my skills and perfected my craft, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
As my passion grew, I found myself drawn to the enchanting beauty of travel photography, capturing the essence and spirit of my journeys around the globe. My work was recognised by prestigious publications such as the National Geographic, leading me to exciting new opportunities in the holiday brochure market. I am proud to have worked with the UK’s leading tour operators delivering images of exotic and highly sought-after destinations capturing the imaginations of travel enthusiasts.
Now I am a professional landscape photographer based in the Scottish Highlands. I have spent countless hours traversing the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland in search of the perfect shot. I now combine my passion for photography and my love of this land in hosting over 20 residential photography workshops a year throughout this incredible region.
Photography has given me a wonderful life and career and now it’s time to give something back to the profession that has given me so much. If I can help, in some small way and be involved in someone else’s journey, believe me, the pleasure is all mine.
(as a Kase Filters partner, I receive a commission on any sales made through my affiliate links on this page)
Favourite location
Where’s your favourite location to shoot and for what reason ?
When it comes to photography, there’s one location that stands high above the rest – the Assynt region of the Scottish Highlands. It’s a place that’s simply breathtaking, its raw and fragile beauty is an emotional experience of heart-rendering proportions. The vast emptiness, like a huge amphitheatre, is absolutely unparalleled in the urbanised island of Great Britain.
I’m amazed at the sheer scale of the vistas in Assynt, a playground of sorts that you could explore for months and still manage to discover something new and exciting each time. From stunning sunsets to awe-inspiring mountains and tranquil lochs, the opportunities to capture unforgettable shots are endless in this unique part of the world. Trust me – if you haven’t been to Assynt yet, you’re missing out on one of the most awe-inspiring places on this great earth!
Describe your favourite conditions to photograph and why ?
As a passionate landscape photographer, I always look forward to capturing the perfect shot in ideal conditions. For me, the most intriguing and captivating moments to take photographs are when there are plenty of transitional moments in the light. Such opportunities for me come aplenty in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, where fast-moving weather systems, make it an invigorating playground for any photographer.
What fascinates me is how a seemingly tranquil and serene day can rapidly develop into an abrupt and chaotic one, where natural elements such as wind, rain, and snow collide, presenting an ever-changing canvas of picturesque landscapes. For me, the highlight of these transitions is capturing the essence of beauty in the progression, where the subtle changes in the environment are vividly reflected in my photographs, allowing me to create stunning images that leave a lasting impression.
What motivates you to keep going out in all conditions ?
When I reflect upon the various factors that drive me to venture out into different weather conditions, I find that my personal motivation is multifaceted. First and foremost, I believe that the benefits of being outdoors and staying active outweigh the discomforts of inclement weather conditions. I also find that pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and challenging myself to brave various elements enables me to grow and expand my capabilities. Additionally, there is a sense of adventure and excitement that can arise from exploring different environments, even in the face of less-than-ideal weather.
Ultimately, I find that experiencing the beauty and power of nature can be a truly transformative and rewarding experience.
Describe your most memorable moment in landscape photography ?
Reflecting on the journey of life, we come to realise that our meaningful memories are not just derived from tangible things. For instance, speaking of my own images, it becomes undeniably apparent that the most memorable moments are not necessarily captured on my camera or have any relation to the pictures I have taken. Rather, those moments are intricately embedded in the experiences I have had while taking those photos. It is the experience which encapsulates the beauty of the moment, not just the photo alone. The sight of a Golden Eagle soaring high above in the sky or the sound of a stag roaring in the distance, a red squirrel scurrying through some ancient pine forest – these are the moments that I hold dearly in my heart. They are the memories that withstand the test of time and remain etched in my mind forever, long after the photographs have faded into the past. The experience of capturing the image is far more important than the image.
Which locations that you haven’t visited are on your bucket list ?
As a photographer, I am passionate about capturing the essence of life within the stunning natural surroundings of remote and exotic locations worldwide. However, I must admit that my wife and I may have different preferences when it comes to our travel destinations. While I would love to explore the bustling cultures of India and Nepal, immersing myself in the vibrancy of their people and their unique lifestyles, my wife may prefer to relax on the serene beaches of the Caribbean sipping coconuts under the warm sun. As much as I crave for the enthralling natural beauty of Australia’s vast and diverse landscapes, or strive to capture the awe-inspiring grandeur of America’s Mid West, I would not mind compromising with my wife’s request for a peaceful beach getaway. After all, every place has its magic and charm, and every travel experience – whether it revolves around nature, culture, or just pure relaxation – holds the potential for countless unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
Which item of kit has made the biggest difference for your photography ?
When it comes to the gear I use to take photos, I cannot stress enough how much my Fuji GFX 50ii camera has positively impacted my work. Of all the features that this camera boasts, there is one that stands out among the rest, and that is its ability to shoot in the cinematic aspect ratio of 65 x 24mm. For me, this feature is reminiscent of an old favourite camera of mine, the Hasselblad XPan, which I owned back in the early 2000’s and loved for this very same reason.
As a coastal photographer, having the ability to capture images in this aspect ratio has allowed me to take my photography to a whole new level. The unique dimensions of this aspect ratio showcase the beauty of the coast in an entirely different way that is unforgettable and unlike anything else out there. Overall, I truly believe that the Fuji GFX 50ii is a game-changer for my photography.
Which Kase Filter product is your favourite ?
In my experience, I have found that the 10 stop Neutral Density Filter is my favourite Kase Filter. This filter has allowed me to capture breathtaking photos of the majestic Highlands that are often battered by harsh weather conditions. Despite the challenges that these conditions pose, I relish the opportunity to utilise this filter to create serene and peaceful scenes amidst the relentless force of nature.
With its remarkable ability to reduce the amount of light entering the camera, the 10 stop Neutral Density Filter has enabled me to achieve perfect exposures and capture stunning images that showcase the raw, rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape.
Which camera system do you use and why ?
Since transitioning to the Fuji GFX 50ii, I have been incredibly pleased with its performance. The camera’s superb dynamic range has entirely blown me away, producing stunning, life-like photographs that capture every highlight and shadow. The exceptional quality of this camera has enabled me to achieve the precise results I desire as a photographer.
Before making the switch, I was a committed Nikon user for over four decades. I hold endless respect for Nikon’s exceptional quality, and I still possess a complete operating system. I have nothing but positive things to say about the impressive D850, which remains a beast of a camera that I turn to on occasions even today.
However, using the Fuji GFX 50ii has entirely changed my approach to photography, and I’m thrilled that I made the switch. Its unique benefits and capabilities have significantly enhanced my work and allowed me to explore new creative avenues.
Which Kase Filters do you use ?
When it comes to Kase Filters, I have to say that the Magnetic range is my absolute go-to. The quality and reliability of their products are just unmatched, and I couldn’t be happier with my Polariser, 3 stop, 6 stop and 10 stop filters that all belong to the Magnetic family.
Honestly, I must admit that I’m quite intrigued by the new Armour system that Kase Filters has recently launched and I’m intrigued to see for myself how it performs. I hope to someday be able to get my hands on the Armour and give it a go, when finances allow. Who knows, it may just become my new favourite!
What are your top 5 tips for better pictures ?
Landscape photography is a challenging field that requires an eye for detail, patience, and a keen sense of composition.
- It is crucial to fully understand and know your camera inside and out. You should familiarise yourself with all of the settings, buttons, and features of your camera, as well as its limitations and strengths. This knowledge will allow you to create better images, as well as make the most of the technology available to you.
- Head Outdoors – it seems pretty obvious doesn’t it?
The one single thing that has helped me to learn, to understand and to improve my landscape photography has been the time I have been prepared to invest in going out with my cameras. In all weathers, in all conditions, whether I feel like or not, or whether I think it’ll be worth it or not. Depending on your expectations, it’s always worth it!! - Understanding light in photography is one of the most essential concepts one needs to grasp. It can make the difference between great photos and mediocre ones. Knowing how light behaves and interacts with the subject is crucial in creating stunning photographs.
- Understanding composition in photography. Composition in photography is a never-ending learning process that requires constant practice, experimentation, and exploration, and is an indispensable tool for any photographer seeking to take their work to the next level.
- Enjoy yourself…..Photography is fun