Category: Technique
In Focus: ‘Liverpool Piano’
With the ‘In Focus’ series I look at a single photograph in a bit more detail.
I’ll dig into the story behind the image, how I shot it and some of the technical details that make the shot successful. I hope you find this insight into my creative process interesting.
In Focus: ‘The Great British Seaside’
With the ‘In Focus’ series I look at a single photograph in a bit more detail.
I’ll dig into the story behind the image, how I shot it and some of the technical details that make the shot successful. I hope you find this insight into my creative process interesting.
How to shoot beautiful family photography at home
Here are my top tips, techniques and gear recommendations for how to shoot beautiful family photography at home.
In Focus: ‘Staying Inside The Lines’
I thought I’d try something a little different on the blog today. In a new series I’m calling ‘In Focus’ I’ll look at a single photograph in a bit more detail.
I’ll dig into the story behind the image, how I shot it and some of the technical details that make the shot successful. I hope you find this insight into my creative process interesting.
Turning back the clock shooting motorsport photography at Silverstone
Before settling in ‘God’s own county’ I grew up in Castle Donington, within spitting distance of Donington Park racing circuit. I used to shoot quite a bit of motorsport photography back in the day, primarily British Touring Cars and the Superbikes.
We even had the honour of hosting Formula One back in 1993 when, as an excited 15 year old, I was lucky enough to see Ayrton Senna (and a young up and coming driver called Michael Schumacher) race in the flesh when Donington hosted the European Grand Prix. It’s the only time my sleepy village has ever hosted Formula One.
My new Skillshare class: How To Survive (And Thrive) As A Freelancer
Skillshare is an online learning community of 4 million+ students. When they reached out to me to ask me to put together a class I couldn’t say no!
Timeless family photography at the Great British Seaside
Ah the Great British Seaside… Fish & chips, buckets & spades, ice cream, arcades, donkey rides, sun (sometimes). What’s not to love?
Last week we spent a fab weekend in Filey on the beautiful Yorkshire coast. A big anniversary meant an opportunity for everyone to get together for some quality family time.
Why every photographer should own a 50mm lens
So much has changed in the world of photography over the years but whether you shoot film, DSLR or mirrorless, for me one thing still holds true. Everyone should own a 50mm lens.
Now I realise I’m making a generalisation here. I know that the perfect lens is the one that’s right for what you’re shooting (a landscape photographer isn’t likely to have the same needs as a portrait photographer or a wildlife photographer for example). I understand that if you’re shooting on a crop sensor then you might have different needs than if you were shooting full frame but humour me. For me, the 50mm prime lens is perfect. It’s the lens that lives on my camera. It’s my safe zone, my happy place.
Repairing a vintage Canon Canonet QL19 film camera
As you may know, I have a small collection of vintage film cameras. While I very rarely shoot film these days they remind me of when I first fell in love with photography as a kid, shooting film and processing and printing in my own darkroom. In the disposable world of digital it’s sometimes easy to forget that photography is actual magic.
Last year I picked up an old Canon Canonet QL19 which, like most copies you’ll find, was exhibiting the common ‘stuck shutter’ problem. The lens elements appear to have been originally held in place with some kind of laquer which, over the years, seems to dry up and flake off getting stuck in the blades in the process. As this camera’s over 50 years old it’s not surprising that it’s a pretty common problem.
About me
I'm Simon Wiffen, an award-winning photographer, husband, dog owner, record collector and dad of three.
For image usage enquiries or to discuss a photography brief please give me a call or drop me an email and I’d be happy to talk through some ideas.