I've always been someone who'd take as many Images as possible whenever I went on my Holidays...
Not once did I think about getting into Photography, not even back in 2013 when I inherited a Lens from a Family member, which "forced" me into buying my first DSLR - I'd like to say that Lockdown changed my attitude, but it was post-lockdown in 2021 where it all truly began... a trip to Cornwall and on a whim decided to take my DSLR with me... I hadn't used it for a few years at time.
That trip was the tipping point... Capturing Golden Hour, I got hooked in this amazing hobby, so when I got home, I decided to learn everything I could about Photography, either by getting out, or via. RU-vid.
I then decided to create this... My own Channel at the start of 2023...
An opportunity to share my adventures out, to show I'm still very much learning, improving, and hopefully over time that'll become evident with the work I get to share with you... Thanks for stopping by, thanks for watching.
Thanks for watching!! - I hope that you've found this video useful, and, or interesting... Is Summer a time of the year that you like to avoid with Landscape Photography, do you try something new just to get out with the Camera, or do you focus on Scouting locations, once the conditions get a bit more favourable... Let me know in the comments below 👇👇👇
Hi Neil. Hope you’re ok mate. Really enjoyed your video and images. The poppy is my favourite flower, being an army veteran plus an active member of the royal British legion it means a lot to me. Take care mate. Shawn
Thanks Shawn, hope you're well too mate... I was never in the Military, yet have always had a deep interest in its history, especially the Great War. So likewise the Poppy (along with the Bluebell) has always been my favourite type of flower, like you say, for what it represents too 👍👍
Just wondering if you made the decision not to name locations? I'm originally from N Kent, and now live in E Sussex, so I do recognise some of the places you've visited, but I'm left wondering where the other spots are. I can understand if you're reluctant to name them all. Another inspiring video by the way.
I think I tend to avoid talking about the location, unless the video's subject is based specifically on that, e.g. Ashdown Forest or Eridge Rocks for example, as like to take the approach that its more about the Images, than the spot, and you could find something similar anywhere. Then there is protecting the spot from Social Media users who might ruin it when they go there... The last reason, is the most laughable, and that's because I've such a small radius where I can realistically afford to travel to each month, I find myself revisiting locations / areas more often than I'd like admit, and don't want people thinking: "Oh for god sake, he's going back there AGAIN" 🤣 This one though was shot around Eynsford and Lullingstone Castle
I've got a few KentFaith products (ball head, filters), but the one tripod that I tried just didn't do it for me. It was a much lower end model and I found another I liked better at that price point, although the low priced ones are often just junk. I haven't had a carbon fiber model as they are usually just too expensive, but I do have an older aluminum Bogen model and a cheaper travel tripod (the one that beat out K&F). Nice review.
Yeah I loved my Bonfoto Aluminium one which was only £50 and probably would have lasted a lot longer had I taken better care of it. I do think that there are some Carbon Fibre models around the £100 mark now with various brands - Only one I really regret was a plastic cheap thing from Amazon, I was going to use for filming, but it broke on my first trip out, so learnt my lesson that day
@@neilstevensphotography I had a very cheap Vivitar tripod that I got while in college, 30+ years ago now, and I was using it for video when I first started my channel. The leg locks finally started breaking, so I had to retire it, even though I still continued to use it for a while. Just wish I had the budget for the latest and greatest.
Absolutely fantastic review! Your thorough analysis of its features really helps in understanding the product's strengths! Great job on the video - your content is always insightful and a great resource for the photography community. Keep up the excellent work!
It looks like your left index fingernail is about to fall off, you should really clip it before you rip it. With that irrelevant observation out of the way, I thought you were reviewing the K254C2, which is what I use. In comparison, as far as I can see, mine is slightly more flimsy. It's also 15 cm lower and the bag hook isn't as generous; I have seen my backpack fall off of it on a few occasions. I'm not as much of a giant as you are so the 160 cm max height is fine for me. Actually, I very rarely even extend it all the way. I have got a trick up my sleeve with it when it comes to photographing from a low angle. The legs on my model can be turned 180°, so I just do that and boom, the centre column is inverted. It's not the intended use for the tripod though so I have to be a little careful to avoid the legs spreading while I photograph. The trick has never failed me though. Also, my tripod was less than half the price of the A254C4.
Haha - Yeah I think I snagged it when I was out filming actually, was a bit irritating - To be honest though, I've rarely used the centre column in the past, the hook anyway, however thats because I lost it for my last tripod, so could do with getting into the habit of having it available again 🤣🤣
Great video Neil, I agree Keith is a great tripod name. You have the same tripod as me. I will be intriguing to know if you have the same problems I had with mine. Lovely photos as usual mate.
Liked the pillbox photo! I keep meaning to do video some walks of the beaches in this area, although I have filmed a walk through Rye. Keep meaning to give car camping a try so I can get some sunrise and sunset photos, but this is area is great for dramatic coastal scenery!
Yeah that part of Rye is a lovely spot to photograph... Car Camping is definitely worth trying, especially for the element of Golden Hour - One point I didnt make in the video, was the fact I felt as safe as houses overnight in it.
Hi mate. Hope you’re ok. Your have to get a bigger car Neil, brought some camping equipment last year hoping to do some wild camping and photography, year later still not happened lol. Great images. Take care mate. Shawn.
Yeah that'll be the long term plan lol!... Need to get a bigger car, as even when I go normal camping I can barely get everything in the car (As you'll all see in a future video haha) - Hope you're doing well though mate
However I did make a small mistake, which I realised when I got home... I didnt move the front car seat forward, I'd have given myself enough room had I done so... But forgot 🤣
I think you hit the nail on the head in this video. I often feel a little guilty especially when it comes to traveling long distance for a photo. landscape photography for me is like an itch I have to scratch sometimes (very enjoyable, however can do more harm than good) Just wish I didn't feel soo guilty about the travel element.
Definitely going to start trying to care less about the travel element, bet I wont though lol! - Especially when I make the 4hr drive to the Peaks in a couple of months 🤣
Haha... Been there, done that as well lol! Very true though... Especially when I've done a Coach journey to an away game, been off the coach for about 2-3hrs at most, and then travelled back home again
@@neilstevensphotography I enjoy your channel very much. Best of luck to you. I think a night in any car is going to bring some challenges, but if you look at Thomas Heatons early vlogs he roughed it in the back of his enough times 😂. Good luck to you hope to see you in the field one day.
I car camped for a couple of years before investing in a camper. I 100% agree with a jet boil. amazingly helpful, small, fast, and if its chilly at any point, you can guarantee a warm drink. Happy to loan you mine, as I am also in Rochester. Pot noodles will do if you dont want expensive camping food for early day attempts, and the supermarket even sell things like Heinz curry or spanish beanz meals in a bag (if you are doing this on a budget). Battery packs will be important, charge them as you drive about during the day, and if you have a 2 or 3 way charging point in the car, you can keep your phone topped up to keep the packs for camera batteries. A small pack of wipes for personal hygene will do for a few days, and a small first aid kit for blisters, or minor cuts. A container of fresh water is important if you will be out of civilisation for longish periods. I prefer a quilt to a sleeping bag, but I'd bring both (or extra blankets) spares can live on your mattress and/or be pillows or extra cover(s) in the event of a chilly night. Most food can be purchased from any shop you pass in the day, so dont overload yourself on too much when you can buy fresh, but have at least a couple of days of instant energy food if you can. Snacks are always good too, right?! 😂 Most importantly, make sure someone has a daily itenery, or that you message them daily to let them know your plans, and check in, if you can, when you get back to the car. I've twice come a cropper on my own, and now do this religiously. I cannot emphasise the importance of safety...
Yeah I ended up sharing my itinerary with family over WhatsApp (You can share your location for 8-hours)...but thanks for this really appreciate the tips. I'm genuinely kicking myself over the wet wipes though, I just took a plastic bowl and had a quick wash in cold water - Certainly want to invest in a Power Station long term though, as think that'll be better than using multiple power banks Definitely a fun experience though, and something I'm planning on doing more of 👍👍
Jetboil Stove, Wayfayrer food packs, Bamboo Cutlery Away Pack bag with these in for all my exploration trips even if I dont get to use them, Having them to hand gives peace of mind.
It's great to see hiw excited and prepared you were for this adventure, pushing your boundaries and planning it for months! Enjoy this new freedom you have of sleeping wherever you like, for free.
Cheers... Really appreciate the comment - Its one of those things I've wanted to do for ages now, and got to March time, and just thought; sod it... Its about time!! - Glad I did too 👍👍
Certainly the risk if I was to park in a location where overnight parking wasnt permitted - Equally though its not illegal to sleep in a car, provided you're not drunk or on drugs.
You absolute legend. Ha, camping in a car, you nutcase. Brilliant. Especially your size. I've camped in a tent 4 nights already this year and it was bloody freezing I can tell you. That was in a 7 berth tent, insulated floor, air bed, insulated bed sheets, a huge tog duvet and a sherpa blanket over the top and I was still cold even with a hot water bottle. Must admiration for your gigantic balls sir! I couldn't do it in a car lol. Get yourself down to the South Coast and shoot the Milky Way when you get the chance!
Haha, cheers mate... Yeah I definitely need my head checking out for doing this, I'll be heading down to Cornwall for some proper tent camping in August, but was surprisingly warm that night!! Shooting the Milky Way is definitely on the list now, especially around Seven Sisters and Beachy Head in the future
Great video Neil, I am considering buying a new camera rather than a camper, so I might be joining you on this venture, I’m curious to know how you found it being 6’4” I’m about 6’4” myself, not tall, in circumference 😂. I looked at a custom air bed fitted for the car but I think my car is a little short.
Haha... I found it a little cramped, woke up with a little pain in my back, but in hindsight I don't think I pushed the front seat forward enough... I ended up rushing to get things setup, and film the last piece so wasn't as organised as what I could be - Definitely planning on doing it more though 👍👍
Trail and error mate, I’m sure once you do a couple you will have a good setup. I did see a pop up viewing tent, so I guess for sports and such, I was thinking of getting that and then in the evening/morning you have somewhere to stretch and sit and have food, might be worth checking out
@@keithguppy Yeah absolutely... Looking forward to getting further afield now, only a couple of times per year, but just adds a bit of variety - Durdle Door is definitely on the list at some point
Yeah I did think about staying up a lot later than what I did... Unfortunately I wanted to get up @ 4am for Sunrise, so decided sleeping early was the wise option - Certainly planning on doing it a lot more.
Hi Neil. Great video. Take my hat off to you sleeping in car. When I was in the Army used to sleep where ever I could find some where comfortable, even if it was under a bush or in barns. Looking forward to the next part off this video. Take care mate. Shawn.
Great video Neil, sometimes you do feel like you are wasting money going out taking photos, but the mental health benefits far outweigh the negatives, I was thinking about this exact thing recently, I traveled 3 hours the other day and came away with nothing, and my first thought was I need to find more local locations because you are right there are so many places to photograph. I always forget what number I am on too, thankfully its not just me. Beautifull photos as always mate.
Yeah they really do... Definitely intend to do a Negatives video as well in the future, but at the moment, the Positives definitely out way the Negatives!! - Don't think it hurts to go further afield, like when you went to Durdle Door... Its nice going to new spots, as well as the local ones... Else you'll just exhaust the latter and get bored going there.
The mental health aspect is probably my number one reason to go out with a camera every weekend. When I end up with an edit I'm satisfied with, that's even better, but that's the proverbial icing on the cake.
Yeah same for me... I wanted to keep each section brief, so not to produce some epic long video, but there is definitely more I could talk about the Mental Health aspect
Very true... I've often bottled things up inside, but don't find it equally healthy - Sometimes it can be good to talk about these things at the same time
@@neilstevensphotography I guess that's true. I'm usually open about my issues but that's just me. I can't know how you feel about the subject. Sadly, popular culture's portrayal of mental illnesses is doing a lot of harm to those that need help and support. Being open about it is very difficult for many people.
Yeah got so lucky with that mist - It was my favourite shot too with the reflection, I got a similar one with some lilly pads, but found the shot just a bit too busy
I've seen so many shots on Social Media of the Canal Boats along the Grand Union (I think), and would love to capture something similar - One day I'll get exploring along that path :)
Yeah got so lucky mate... Genuinely had no idea it would be misty, the sun was a bit too harsh once it was all burnt away, but going to struggle to beat those conditions when I go back in Summer and Autumn
You’re right, you do have to make the most of it when you have the right conditions, you never know when you will get the again. I love being alone, nice a peaceful and nobody to rush you. I’ve always tended to people please and do what they want so being alone is always better for me to get what I want. Sometimes I will see something and just stand there for a couple of hours taking photos of one subject just walking around and being in the moment. When you’re with others you can’t do that. Lovely photos as always mate.
Yeah I can really relate with you there as a people pleaser - Glad it isnt just me either, who sees a subject and ends up taking a ton of shots of just that lol!
Thanks for posting this video. A different approach to most other photography videos I've watched, and I've seen loads, and I found it very interesting. I'm excited to take delivery of a new camera soon, and your video has captured my mood, and inspired me to get out there and shoot loads more pictures! So thanks for that, I look forward to more posts.
Thanks Martyn, really appreciate your comment, and that you've subscribed - Hope that you have some fun when your new Camera shows up, along with some great shots 👍👍
Nice! Enjoyed watching this before work, calming and lots of info, eased me nicely into the day! I had never seen the first photo with the house and the atmosphere what a cracker. Last photo was gorgeous too! Nice work Neil.
I think that shot of the House is on VERO, but its a good few years old now... One of my all time favs though :) - Thanks for watching as always mate 👍👍
Hi Neil, comparison is the theif of joy, it doesn't matter what another photographer has taken, each shot is different and will be viewed as good for various reasons and these 'pro' photographers you intimate at, spend a week at one location to get that 'shot'. Their youtube channel then makes it seem like they got it in one afternoon, maybe sometimes they do, but gennerally, they have exactly the same problems we do. The most important thing is, you enjoying YOUR photography and if anyone else enjoys it, that's a bonus.
Thanks for your comment Steve, you're so very right... Even I have to admit that there have been a handful of images that I've captured on separate days to when I've filmed at a location
