Capture the Moment!
Since 2013, I’ve published hundreds of blog posts on all aspects of photography. Some are aimed at helping photographers with their technique, settings, and equipment, but others describe my exhibitions, workshops, and adventures in Africa, Antarctica, and beyond.
Feel free to browse chronologically or click on the category heading above any post for specific content, such as Equipment, Trips or Hints and Tips.
If you’d like to write a guest post, please drop me a line at nick@nickdalephotography.com or on +44 7942 800921.
How to Look After your Photo Gear
It’s ironic that the hobbies that require the most expensive equipment are often those that require the fewest precautions. If you go skiing, you might leave a very expensive pair of skis outside a restaurant while you have lunch. If you play golf, you might leave a very expensive set of clubs outside the pro shop while you have a drink. And if you’re a photographer, you might leave a very expensive camera in a tent for a week! Crazy, right?
Learn by Limiting Yourself!
Gerry van der Walt recently mentioned a couple of interesting concepts. The first is ‘the Rut of Competence’. The second is that you can improve your creativity by limiting your options. These ideas are obviously related, but can you actually learn by limiting yourself…?
Camera set-up for Nikon Z8 and Z9
If you read my Mix and Match article, you’ll know that I recently traded in one of my ⍺1 camera bodies for a new Nikon Z8 to benefit from Pre-Release Capture. Here’s a list of all my current settings.
Sony v Nikon Field Test
Some photographers have the luxury of owning complete ranges of cameras and lenses from two (or more) different brands. Sadly, that’s not the case for me, so it was harder to compare Sony and Nikon equipment in the field.
Mix and Match
When I turned professional in 2013, I went through a succession of Nikon DSLRs: first the D800, then the D810 and finally the D850. They were good cameras, but I wanted something more. When the Sony ⍺1 came along, offering eye detection and 30 fps shooting, I took the mirrorless plunge—but now I’ve gone crawling back to Nikon! Why…?
What do all the Letters and Numbers Mean on Lenses?
Like cars, lenses tend to have a lot of letters and numbers printed on them, but what do they all mean? If you’re feeling discombobulated, here’s a quick guide to the markings on Canon, Nikon and Sony lenses.
What Style of Photographer are you?
Every now and then, people tell me they recognise my photographic ‘style’, but I’m never sure what that means. I guess I just do what comes naturally, so it seems strange to think of myself as having a particular ‘style’, but I guess I do.
What Lenses do you Need for Wildlife Photography?
Size isn’t everything, as they say, but there’s nothing like the power, reach and feel of a long lens. It gets you where the action is and lets you take close-ups of skittish and possibly dangerous wild animals. You still need other types of lenses, of course, but they’re far less glamorous!
What Should Wildlife Photographers do Between Trips?
Matt Kloskowski once said there was no such thing as a professional wildlife photographer. That’s not quite true, but it is very hard to make a full-time living from it. So what are you supposed to do when you’re not on a shoot?
Update Your Metadata!
I’ve decided to use my first blog post of 2023 to be a nag! Apologies in advance, but I just thought it was worth reminding you to keep your metadata up-to-date. Not everyone is going to be as OCD as I am, but that’s as good a reason as any for this article…
Which Tripod Head Should I Buy?
I used to have a Benro GH5C gimbal head, but I swapped it for a Gitzo GHFG1. If you want to find out why, read on…
My New Mirrorless Equipment
Last week, I told you about my conversion from a Nikon DSLR user to a Sony mirrorless customer. Here’s a quick summary of my new kit.
Wildlife photography kit recommendations
Camera and lens reviews are 10 a penny online, and most will have a throwaway comment like ‘good for wildlife photography and sport’, but what does that actually mean?
In this article, I’d like to go over the pros and cons of the most common types of camera, lens and other accessories and show you a few practical examples in order to help you make up your mind about which kit to buy.
Camera set-up for Nikon D810 and D850
I recently watched a few videos and read a few articles on Steve Perry’s website, and they inspired me to share my camera settings with you. Thanks, Steve!
My photographic equipment
When I started out as a professional photographer back in 2013, I didn’t even own a camera! I had to spend thousands of pounds building up my current collection of camera bodies, lenses and accessories.