The Blog
I love writing about my photography experiences. I’m not 100% sure why I enjoy it so much, but I am encouraged by the feedback I get and it seems like they are useful to people. It’s usually a combination of descriptions of my outings and reviews of gear that I’ve bought and used. I like to think it’s a more realistic and genuine approach than much of the influence-riddled sponsored stuff you see on social media these days.
I’ve imported many blog posts from my old tobinators.com website which I had archived. I’ll gradually be going through those and adding back the images and sorting the formatting, so bear with me. It’s a lot of work! So don’t be too baffled when you see a lot of unformatted text - the content is still there.
Review: Kingjoy C86 Tripod and Leofoto G4 Pro Head
Switching up from a decade-old Velbon tripod to the Kingjoy C86 and Leofoto D4 Pro Head. This review is a road test of this new setup and how it performs in the windy environment of the Isle of Skye.
Ricoh GR3X HDF - good enough?
The Ricoh GR3X HDF. Is it good enough for a discerning photographer like yourself? I’ll try to help you to decide.
How I shoot group portraits
One of the most common questions i am asked is “how do you do those group photos?” Here’s the answer for you. It isn’t massively complicated, but technical precision is required.
Leica Q3 - one year review
Now my Leica Q3 is one year old, and very well used, it’s a good time to do a comprehensive review of this little camera. It’s only once you’ve used a camera in real-world, highly stressed situations that you get a real understanding of its capabilities. I’ve had plenty of those situations in the last twelve months! Here’s what I think. There’s a picture gallery at the end.
Tokavaig and Dunscaith Castle
A beautiful, quiet and calm night on the Sleat Peninsula on the Isle of Skye sees me head to the small township of Tokavaig and the nearby Dunscaith Castle.
Enjoying Leica's Q-P and CL
Enjoying the photography process with two of Leica’s small and beautifully made cameras, paired with some excellent lenses.
Seeking Shapes And Shades In Lockdown
I'm luckier than most. During the lockdown I can't travel far as I'm limited by the daily outside exercise rules. But I am on the Isle of Skye so there are plenty of "target rich areas" for photography on my doorstep.
Quiet Photography
The art of being quiet. Appreciating quietness and stillness. I’ve made a new series of video that capture the calm and beautiful atmosphere here in Scotland, with no talk, just the sounds of nature.
Urban landscaping with a Leica Q-P
First full outing with my Leica Q-P, which came with £1,200 off list price. I head for Stratford with some friends to put the new camera through its paces.
Finding photographs in Assynt
2019’s joyous photography trip to Assynt in the far north west of Scotland. Despite being marred by work-related conference calls, it was beautiful to be out there again.
The Joy Of Wandering Around
An open mind is an asset in photography. I often struggle to see past a pre-planned shot. It’s something I’ve been training myself to overcome, and the best way I’ve come across so far is to just wander around.
Leica CL & lenses - 1 year on
After a year’s use of my Leica CL and a few lenses, how is this little camera holding up. Why did I sell my Leica M10 to get it? All your questions answered.