When Is Photography Considered Art? A Deeper Look at Creativity, Intention, and Expression
The question “When is photography considered art?” surfaces more frequently than many might expect. Despite photography’s long history and its undeniable influence on culture, a surprisingly large number of people still hesitate to describe it as art in the same way they would refer to painting, sculpture, or illustration. Even more commonly, people resist the idea that a photographer has the artistic right to alter their images, whether through editing, reframing, or compositing.
First Impressions: Trying Out Affinity Photo 3
I’ve recently been testing Affinity Photo 3, comparing it to the previous version, Affinity Photo 2, which I’ve used for quite a while. As with any major software update, there’s definitely a learning curve, some tools work a little differently, and a few workflows have become more complex. But overall, it’s an interesting upgrade with a lot of potential.
Megapixels & Modern Cameras Don’t Make You a Better Photographer
New gear is exciting. Every time a camera manufacturer releases a shiny new body boasting lightning-fast autofocus, cutting-edge AI tracking, or a dynamic range that promises to capture every nuance of a scene, it’s tempting to believe that buying it will instantly level up your work.
It’s Not What You See… But What You See in What You See
There’s a quote I’ve carried with me for years:
“A photograph is taken twice — once in the camera, and again in the mind of the photographer.”
AI in Photography & Design: Levelling the Playing Field for Small Businesses
In today’s hyper-visual marketplace, the way a business presents itself through images, graphics, and design can make the difference between being noticed and being overlooked. The rise of Artificial Intelligence in creative work is transforming how both global brands and local independents approach marketing visuals.
Exploring the Strengths and Weaknesses of AI in Visual Art
As I continue to explore the creative potential of AI, I’ve been reflecting on both its strengths and its limitations, especially in the context of generating visual art. Like any tool, understanding how to use it effectively means recognizing where it excels and where it still needs improvement.
Exploring Visual Art Through AI: A Photographer's Perspective
Let’s get one thing clear: AI art is not photography. Just like photography wasn’t painting when it first emerged. Back then, traditional artists pushed back, questioning its legitimacy. And they weren’t wrong, photography was a new medium, not a replacement for what came before. The same holds true today with AI. It’s not replacing photography; it’s adding to the evolving landscape of visual expression.
Revisiting the Past: The Power of Re-Editing Old Photos
As photographers, our journey is never static. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and discovering new ways to see and shape the world through our images. One of the most surprising and rewarding things I’ve learned over the years is just how valuable it can be to revisit and re-edit old photographs.
Our technical skills improve. Our creative eye sharpens. We understand colour, light, and composition more deeply. And editing arguably one of the most powerful tools in modern photography becomes less about “fixing” and more about interpreting. It's during these quiet moments of reflection, often when I'm not out shooting, that I dive into my archive and pick an old image at random. Sometimes, what I find surprises me.
The Basics of Motorsports Photography: A High-Level Guide to Safety, Technique, and Best Practices
Motorsports photography is exhilarating. There’s the thrill of high-speed action, the roar of engines, and the challenge of capturing the perfect moment in a split second. But with that excitement comes risk, sometimes significant risk not just to competitors but also to photographers. Whether you're covering motocross, rally, Formula racing, or an Enduro event deep in the wild, you need more than just camera knowledge. You need awareness, respect for safety protocols, and a solid understanding of how to operate in fast-paced, potentially hazardous environments.
International Travel Has Changed — A Photographer’s Guide to Navigating the New Normal
If you’re a photographer planning to travel internationally, it’s essential to understand that the rules have changed, in some cases dramatically. What was once a relatively straightforward process may now involve multiple steps, additional documentation, and new airline-specific restrictions, especially for those traveling with professional equipment.
Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know
Almost every country now requires travellers to complete some form of pre-flight application or digital registration, before departure. In many cases, it's not just one document you might need to submit a combination of forms that include:
Travel authorization applications
Declarations of health or vaccination status
Proof of financial stability
Purpose and duration of your visit
Accommodation and onward travel confirmations
Why Smart Photographers Always Check the Weather Before a Shoot
Photography is about chasing the moment, light cutting through mist, a smile caught just before it fades, the first break of dawn across a quiet landscape. But for all our skill, instinct, and creativity, there's one thing we can't control: the weather.
And yet, we can prepare for it.
Whether I’m out capturing landscapes, shooting portraits in natural light, or covering outdoor events, checking the weather has become second nature. Over time, I’ve learned that the difference between a successful shoot and a frustrating one often comes down to how well I’ve read the sky and planned accordingly.
Why I Love Photographing with Other Photographers
Why I Love Photographing with Other Photographers
There’s something special about arriving at a beautiful location, setting up your camera, and preparing to capture a scene that speaks to you. For many photographers, this is a solitary act, time to think, to breathe, to focus. And I get that. I’ve met many “lone wolf” photographers on my travels who prefer to work in silence, tuned in only to the sound of the wind, the waves, or the shutter. That approach has its own unique charm.
Don’t Lose Focus Being Focused: The Art of Letting Go to Capture the Unexpected
The Power of Continuous Learning in Photography: Why I'll Never Stop Evolving
Even after years of experience, I don’t see myself as having “arrived.” I still look to others for inspiration. I study the work of photographers I admire, not to copy them, but to understand how they achieved their results. What light were they working with? What emotion were they capturing? How did they edit their work?
Then I take those learnings and add my own voice, my own interpretation.
It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about continuous development. Staying sharp. Staying inspired.
Editing Photos: Turning Vision into Art
Take this photo of Mumbles Pier in South Wales as an example. It took roughly 18 hours of editing, but the process started long before the edit even began.
The foundation was research and lots of it. I studied the sunrise patterns, angles, and weather conditions for weeks. I wanted the sun to rise just to the right of the RNLI lifeboat station at the pier’s end, framed by soft morning clouds.
Is It Time for Photographers to Embrace AI Editing Tools?
The Future of Photography in the Age of AI: Why Strategy Matters More Than Ever
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the creative world in real time. For photographers, this technological evolution presents both a challenge and an opportunity. While many worry about the impact of AI-generated images on the profession, the truth is more nuanced. AI won’t replace photographers, but it will change the rules of the game. To remain relevant and competitive, photographers must rethink their business strategies, understand their market segments deeply, and deliver value that AI simply can’t replicate.
Because of AI: Why Taking Photographs for the Mind Is More Important Than Ever
In an age where artificial intelligence can conjure up breathtaking images from mere words, the landscape of photography is evolving at an extraordinary pace. Just a few years ago, AI-generated images were crude, clearly distinguishable from the real thing. They lacked the nuance, the character, and the imperfections that define real-life scenes. Fast forward to today, and the distinction is no longer obvious. AI has become impressively adept at simulating the look and feel of genuine photographs, often blurring the lines between what is real and what is fabricated.
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail: The Photographer’s Blueprint for Success
As a photographer, I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. There have been times I’ve ventured out without a plan, lured by the excitement of the unknown. And while spontaneity can be thrilling, I’ve found that my success rate under these conditions is abysmally low—perhaps one out of a hundred shots live up to the vision I hold in my mind.
Never Be Complacent With Your Edits: The Power of Revisiting and Reimagining
In the ever-evolving world of photography, one of the most dangerous things a creator can do is become complacent, especially in the editing room. A single photograph can hold a thousand possibilities, but it’s through deliberate re-edits, experimentation, and a refusal to settle that we uncover the true depth of an image.