My first introduction to photography was as a student at Hull University where I studied Spatial Design, and photography was part of the creative process. It was all 35mm film with manual Minolta cameras. My first cameras were the Olympus OM10 and OM40 film cameras.
Starting a new job after University, and a family, gave little time for photography but eventually the bug took hold again. With the advent of digital it was a new world, I sold all my darkroom gear and got my first digital camera, a Canon EOS 300D. I quickly moved on to Full Frame with the Canon 5Di/ii/iii and L lenses.
In 2016 I started using Olympus again, with the m4/3 bodies it was like coming home. I now use a couple of bodies and the Pro lenses. Other than an introduction at University I am completely self taught. I also use other cameras to enable me to understand and better teach on workshops. After spending a year with the Sony A7rii alongside Olympus I changed it in 2020 for a Nikon Z7. What will be next?
My landscape images focus mainly around the stunning scenery in North of England, The Peak District, Moors and Dales of Yorkshire, Lake District, Wales, Scotland and the Coast. I have a passion for the coast, I adore everything about it, the sea, the air and atmosphere, and I try in each and every image I capture to convey the beauty, and the drama of the great outdoors. I enjoy capturing images that show the beauty of our landscapes, and also it’s raw dramatic power. I feel at home shooting a stunning sunset or a dark stormy day, both stir the soul.
Publications
I have been fortune over my career to be published in many mainstream photography magazines with articles and images, and had images published in the press. I have written articles for publication in specialist magazines such as LEmag, Olympus Passion, and featured in both editions of the NiSi Fine Art Photography publications, along with the honour of having one of my images of Iceland feature in the 2020 Photographers Guide to Iceland, a well known collection of guide books for photographers.
I have a healthy following on Social Media, and try to give something back by running a number of Photography Groups, Olympus OMD Landscapes, Nisi Filters (Beyond Imagination) and Landscape Photography Locations. Please have a look and join if you like.
But the greatest satisfaction I get is when I receive a simple thanks from a workshop attendee, or someone I’ve helped who contacts me, or a comment on one of my images.
Global Brand Ambassador
I discovered NiSi Filters in 2014 after looking for a better quality ND filter. Shortly after I was invited to become a Global Ambassador, and I have been fortunate to be involved in many projects with them and to help them become the recognised brand they are now.
Pathfinder Brand Ambassador
I have used f-stop backpacks for a number of years and was pleased to be offered the appointment of Pathfinder Brand Ambassador, joining a global team of visual creatives.
Gear
OLYMPUS – OM SYSTEM
My main system and the system I just love to use. The Olympus system has a range of features making it an incredibly versatile camera, and lenses that are second to none with weather sealing to suit a landscape photographer who is out in all weathers.
Added at launch, the OM1-MKII, the best camera to date from Olympus – OMS. Join me on a workshop to discover how to use it.
Olympus OM-1, OM1-MKII, OM-3
M Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 Pro
M Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 Pro
M Zuiko 12-100mm f4 Pro
M Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 Pro + 7-14 Adapter
M Zuiko 60mm Macro f2.8 / 30mm Macro f3.5
M Zuiko 8-25mm f4 Pro
M Zuiko 300mm f4 Pro
M Zuiko 150-600mm f5-6.3
Despite the small Micro4/3 sensor the Olympus system delivers in high quality images and a feature rich set of options not found on any other systems. The quality of lenses is also second to none. I started to use Olympus around 2014 and became a convert to the system and to EVF. Now I run workshops dedicated to this incredible system.
SIGMA
SIGMA FP
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary
A new addition, the tiny FP camera boasts to be “the smallest full frame camera in the world” and it really is an oddball. With a 25mp full frame Sony sensor, it has plenty of functionality and customisation options, and ergonomics designed by a brick layer. Sigma’s design ethos was to pair it right down and make it modular with bolt on accessories, like the very odd EFV. It is strange, but it has reassuring build quality and feels like a Leica. It is flawed, the rear screen is fixed and there is no in camera stabilisation. But the image quality is beautiful, and the Contemporary lenses are incredible with all metal build and a vintage feel. Accept its flaws and it becomes a camera to love. Watch out for a review…
NIKON
NIKON – Z7
Nikkor Z 14-30 S f4
Nikkor Z 24-70 S f4
The Z7 is a full frame beast with a 45.7pm sensor and it’s my steak when I want a change from caviar. After spending a year with a Sony, the Z7 feels like a camera embracing new technology, not the other way around. Whilst the Olympus is my main system, I find it is important to keep up with other systems to understand the quirks so I can provide better information and assistance on workshops. The body is every bit what you would expect from Nikon, and the images captured in the Raw files are outstanding.
NISI FILTERS
NiSi V6 Landscape Edition 100mm Holder / V7 Edition
ND’s 3, 6, 10 Stops
Graduated ND’s Soft, Medium, Reverse
I was proud to become a NiSi Global Ambassador in 2015 after using just about all other filter systems available. After discovering the brand, they discovered me and after a year I became a Reseller. Of course I am biased, but I have tried everything, and the NiSi glass filters win for me on quality.
I list the filters I use most, a Medium as my ‘Go-To” filter, Soft for scenes dominated by for example mountains, and Reverse for sunsets. ND’s are very useful for slowing the shutter and the NiSi ND’s are completely neutral. Please feel free to browse the shop or contact me.
TRIPODS
Benro Mach3 38C – G2 Ball Head
Gitzo Systematic Series – GH1382 Ball Head
Gitzo Mountaineer – GH1382 Ball Head
I use what I consider the best for stability and quality, Gitzo and Benro. Good stability is critical and is far more important than how compact or light a tripod is; if it’s unstable in wind or vibrates in moving water it was a waste of time.
Gitzo produce incredible quality but at a price. The Systematic I find is such a work horse and gives ultimate stability, and no centre column means I can get very low. Fully extended it gives me a huge span in really awkward locations. And the Gitzo Ball Heads are incredibly well engineered.
The Gitzo Mountaineer I find is the best tripod I have ever had when I want to reduce size and weight. Being carbon there are others that are lighter, but compared to others the same size it is completely rigid.
The Benro Mach3 38c is becoming my main tripod. Lighter than the Systematic, very well built and very strong, it is a pleasure to use. The G2 ball head is second only to the Gitzo, and is so well engineered. I also use the Benro Geared head which allows greater precision when small adjustments are needed.
Also I find essential are L Brackets, which allow a quick change of orientation from landscape to portrait without changing the composition too much. For Olympus I use a really Right Stuff bracket, and Nikon a Smallrig bracket.
K & F HORIZONTAL TRIPOD
This is a great tripod I have been using for macro fungi images. Crawling around on my knees getting frustrated at not being able to get low enough is a thing of the past now using this tripod. It has the ability to get low by using the horizontal arm concealed inside the centre column, and because it doesn’t rely on the legs being splayed out flat like other tripods it isn’t affected by uneven ground.
See more about this tripod on the K & F Page and on my Blog Post.
NiSi Macro Rail
Another useful accessory for macro photography I use is the NiSi Macro Rail. Paired with my K & F Tripod it is invaluable for making those extremely fine adjustments to focus. More details here.
BAGS
f-stop Tilopa 50L Backpack
f-stop Ajna 37L backpack
Vanguard Alta Rise Shoulder Bag
I have a bag issue, I can never have enough. With 10, these are the very best three I use the most.
f-stop are tough, very well made and very versatile. A slide in ICU storage section makes flexibility possible when used with different ICU’s such a large, or medium. They are great for when extra space is needed for long trips, such as an extra jacket or fleece.
Updated in 2022 with a new Magma Red colour, it looks great and has been updated with even more new features, metal buckles, improved side pockets and new pockets on the inside back panel.
Workshop attendees can benefit from a 15% discount on f-stop gear.
The Vanguard is a good shoulder bag, more secure than others, and very well made. a ‘messenger’ style bag, it offers better protection than others. A shoulder bag is very useful to put just a body and lens in, or when I know I will be standing in water a lot and access to a backpack will be tricky.
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
Eizo ColourEdge 27″ Monitor
MacBook Pro
Lightroom & Photoshop
Included here simply because I am asked so often what gear I use, not just my processing technique.
The Eizo ColourEdge monitors are stunning. Very dated design perhaps, but the matt screens are perfectly calibrated straight out of the box, and the depth of tones and contrast is the best I have seen on a monitor.
Hooked up to the Eizo I use a MacBook Pro. I’m a Mac fan after having two Sony Vio’s die in three years. It gives me the flexibility to be portable and enough power to run editing software without issues.
Processing Software – Lightroom for global raw processing and Photoshop for finishing / local Edits. I have tried all the others (C1, DXO etc etc), but I end up back with LR.
Brief Equipment Journey
Olympus OM10 / OM40
Minolta x700
Canon 350D / 5D1 / 5d2
Durst Enlarger
I cut my teeth on film SLR cameras and was the proud owner of Olympus OM10, OM40 and Minolta x700 SLR’s. Back then it was all black and white film, I could not afford colour.
With the advent of digital my first Digital SLR was a Canon 300D, followed by a 350, and then 400D. Then the world of Full Frame with the 5D range and L lenses.
Durst Enlarger? I would develop my own film and process all my own images, conveying my bedroom into a darkroom. The smell of developer never leaves you.
Gear
OLYMPUS
My main system and the system I just love to use. The Olympus system has a range of features making it an incredibly versatile camera, and lenses that are second to none with weather sealing to suit a landscape photographer who is out in all weathers.
OMD EM1 MK3
M Zuiko 40-150mm f2.8 Pro
M Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 Pro
M Zuiko 12-100mm f4 Pro
M Zuiko 7-14mm f2.8 Pro + 7-14 Adapter
M Zuiko 60mm Macro f2.8 / 30mm Macro f3.5
Despite the small Micro4/3 sensor the Olympus system delivers in high quality images and a feature rich set of options not found on any other systems. The quality of lenses is also second to none. I started to use Olympus around 2014 and became a convert to the system and to EVF. Now I run workshops dedicated to this incredible system.
New Addition – Olympus m.Zuiko 8-25mm f.4 Pro
A new addition is the Pro 8-25mm lens. When I received this lens in August 2021 I was intrigued and I am pleased to say it lives up to what I hoped. It is sharp, a more useful longer end, easier to fit filters including a circular polariser, and it does not flare like the 7-14mm lens. Read my first thoughts in my Blog Post.
SIGMA
SIGMA FP
Sigma 24mm f2 DG DN Contemporary
A new addition, the tiny FP camera boasts to be “the smallest full frame camera in the world” and it really is an oddball. With a 25mp full frame Sony sensor, it has plenty of functionality and customisation options, and ergonomics designed by a brick layer. Sigma’s design ethos was to pair it right down and make it modular with bolt on accessories, like the very odd EFV. It is strange, but it has reassuring build quality and feels like a Leica. It is flawed, the rear screen is fixed and there is no in camera stabilisation. But the image quality is beautiful, and the Contemporary lenses are incredible with all metal build and a vintage feel. Accept its flaws and it becomes a camera to love. Watch out for a review…
NIKON
NIKON – Z7
Nikkor Z 14-30 S f4
Nikkor Z 24-70 S f4
The Z7 is a full frame beast with a 45.7pm sensor and it’s my steak when I want a change from caviar. After spending a year with a Sony, the Z7 feels like a camera embracing new technology, not the other way around. Whilst the Olympus is my main system, I do find having another camera system is good when I feel like a change. I must admit I rarely use it though, I don’t find the need with he OM1 performing so well.
NISI FILTERS
NiSi V6 Landscape Edition 100mm Holder / V7 Edition
ND’s 3, 6, 10 Stops
Graduated ND’s Soft, Medium, Reverse
I was proud to become a NiSi Global Ambassador in 2015 after using just about all other filter systems available. After discovering the brand, they discovered me and after a year I became a Reseller. Of course I am biased, but I have tried everything, and the NiSi glass filters win for me on quality.
I list the filters I use most, a Medium as my ‘Go-To” filter, Soft for scenes dominated by for example mountains, and Reverse for sunsets. ND’s are very useful for slowing the shutter and the NiSi ND’s are completely neutral. Please feel free to browse the shop or contact me.
TRIPODS
Benro Mach3 38C – G2 Ball Head
Gitzo Systematic Series – GH1382 Ball Head
Gitzo Mountaineer – GH1382 Ball Head
I use what I consider the best for stability and quality, Gitzo and Benro. Good stability is critical and is far more important than how compact or light a tripod is; if it’s unstable in wind or vibrates in moving water it was a waste of time.
Gitzo produce incredible quality but at a price. The Systematic I find is such a work horse and gives ultimate stability, and no centre column means I can get very low. Fully extended it gives me a huge span in really awkward locations. And the Gitzo Ball Heads are incredibly well engineered.
The Gitzo Mountaineer I find is the best tripod I have ever had when I want to reduce size and weight. Being carbon there are others that are lighter, but compared to others the same size it is completely rigid.
The Benro Mach3 38c is becoming my main tripod. Lighter than the Systematic, very well built and very strong, it is a pleasure to use. The G2 ball head is second only to the Gitzo, and is so well engineered. I also use the Benro Geared head which allows greater precision when small adjustments are needed.
Also I find essential are L Brackets, which allow a quick change of orientation from landscape to portrait without changing the composition too much. For Olympus I use a really Right Stuff bracket, and Nikon a Smallrig bracket.
K & F HORIZONTAL TRIPOD
This is a great tripod I have been using for macro fungi images. Crawling around on my knees getting frustrated at not being able to get low enough is a thing of the past now using this tripod. It has the ability to get low by using the horizontal arm concealed inside the centre column, and because it doesn’t rely on the legs being splayed out flat like other tripods it isn’t affected by uneven ground.
See more about this tripod on the K & F Page and on my Blog Post.
NiSi Macro Rail
Another useful accessory for macro photography I use is the NiSi Macro Rail. Paired with my K & F Tripod it is invaluable for making those extremely fine adjustments to focus. More details here.
BAGS
F-Stop Tilopa 50L Backpack
Mindshift Backlight 26L Backpack
Vanguard Alta Rise Shoulder Bag
I have a bag issue, I can never have enough. With 10, these are the very best three I use the most.
F-Stop are tough, very well made and very versatile. A slide in ICU storage section can be used in multiple bags, so I have the Tilopa and a smaller 40L Ajna. They are great for when extra space is needed for long trips, such as an extra jacket or fleece.
The Mindshift Backlight is a much smaller bag but still quite versatile. Useful for when I want to reduce the gear I carry, I tested in Scotland for a week and could just about get all my gear in, but it was tight.
The Vanguard is a good shoulder bag, more secure than others, and very well made. a ‘messenger’ style bag, it offers better protection than others. A shoulder bag is very useful to put just a body and lens in, or when I know I will be standing in water a lot and access to a backpack will be tricky.
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
Eizo ColourEdge 27″ Monitor
MacBook Pro
Lightroom & Photoshop
Included here simply because I am asked so often what gear I use, not just my processing technique.
The Eizo ColourEdge monitors are stunning. Very dated design perhaps, but the matt screens are perfectly calibrated straight out of the box, and the depth of tones and contrast is the best I have seen on a monitor.
Hooked up to the Eizo I use a MacBook Pro. I’m a Mac fan after having two Sony Vio’s die in three years. It gives me the flexibility to be portable and enough power to run editing software without issues.
Processing Software – Lightroom for global raw processing and Photoshop for finishing / local Edits. I have tried all the others (C1, DXO etc etc), but I end up back with LR.
Brief Equipment Journey
Olympus OM10 / OM40
Minolta x700
Canon 350D / 5D1 / 5d2
Durst Enlarger
I cut my teeth on film SLR cameras and was the proud owner of Olympus OM10, OM40 and Minolta x700 SLR’s. Back then it was all black and white film, I could not afford colour.
With the advent of digital my first Digital SLR was a Canon 300D, followed by a 350, and then 400D. Then the world of Full Frame with the 5D range and L lenses.
Durst Enlarger? I would develop my own film and process all my own images, conveying my bedroom into a darkroom. The smell of developer never leaves you.
Photography Workshops
Group Workshops and 1-To-1 Tuition
Learn the techniques of composition using lead-in lines, layers and balance
Understand how to use your camera modes and advanced features
Understand light and how to get good exposures
Learn how to use Depth of Field for better focus
Try out and learn filters for creative images
Workshops for any skill level
I run Workshops over a wide range of locations and always try to inspire and encourage, successfully so I’m told. Workshops are small groups or 1 to 1 and focus on your ability with the aim to get you to the next level. I also teach Photoshop and Lightroom. Please see the Workshops page for information.
Olympus Workshops
I also run Olympus OMD Dedicated Workshops as groups and 1-to-1. As an Olympus mentor and Specialist Trainer I will be able to help you use the camera as kit should be, a tool for taking great images, and also help you understand the Advanced features
This was the best workshop I have been on. Phil was patient, thoughtful and explained everything in such detail, I really did learn such a great deal. My Olympus camera is complicated, but he showed me not only how to use the various features, he also showed my why, and when, and also customised the settings for easier use. Highly recommended *****
Myself and my photography club did a 1 day group workshop with Phil in the Peak District. He was full of interesting tips, knowledge, and showed that he really cared about helping each one of us to improve both our technique, and the harder to explain artistic creativity of photography. An excellent day out of learning. and we had fun too.
I have had a number of workshops with Phil in the Peak District and the Yorkshire Coast. I found my photography really has improved, he was helpful, patient, and his understanding of how to capture the scene was second to none. He was able to explain the features of my camera which made me more comfortable with it. Highly recommended.
I spent a week with Phil in the Lake District and what a week it was. He quickly showed me many of the features of my camera, and took me to many locations that were incredible, and away from the crowds. What really impressed me was his understanding of light and how it would interact with the landscape. I cannot recommend Phil enough.
Myself and my friend both did a workshop with Phil. We are complete novices and found Phil very very patient. He took the time to explain the camera settings, the different modes, and also explained the technical side like the Exposure Triangle in a way we understood! Finally it makes sense. More useful and enjoyable than a book! Thank You Phil.
Myself and 5 colleagues travelled from Holland to spend a week with Phil in and around Snowdonia. It was such a wonderful week, we all got shots we are proud of and learned so much from Phil. He was attentive to all of us and made sure we all learned as a group but also with a personal touch spending time with each of us individually.
Phil really does know his stuff. I use an Olympus camera which he is an expert with, and showed me many of his tricks. I also use a Canon FF, and because he actually uses other systems himself he was able to assist me with both systems. His technical knowledge is outstanding, as is his photographic creativity. I will certainly book again.
Myself and my son are both deaf, my son profoundly. Learning online can be hard, and it is slow, more so with a disability. I was sceptical about a workshop but Phil reassured me, and he was right. He was patient and understanding, and worked at a pace we could lip read, and used hand gestures we could follow easily. Thanks so much Phil!
I was so confused about filters, but spoke to Phil and he made everything clear. He explained the different types of NiSi Filters, what he thought would be of use to me, and even told me what not to buy. How refreshing. He put together a kit of the filters for me, so I ended up saving money and getting just what I needed. And delivery was fast.
Phil’s service with NiSi Filters is second to none. Hi knowledge is undeniable and always extremely helpful. I was unfortunate enough to lose my adapter ring whilst away, so after speaking to Phil he had a replacement sent to my Hotel which I received the next day. He even called them to make sure they were aware of it. Outstanding service.
Phil was so helpful with my purchase of Nisi filters and the V6 holder. He explained how the system works and made sure I had what I needed. It was helpful being able to actually speak to someone, especially someone who knows and not just a salesman. And everything was delivered the next day. I have since purchased again.
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