This video is a complete retouching workflow for a seascape photograph, done from start to finish using only Lightroom on the iPad. I go through the edit step by step, from the raw file to the finished picture, so you can see how far you can take an image without ever leaving the tablet. If you've been wondering whether the iPad can handle a full edit on its own, this shows exactly what that looks like in practice.
2024 and the Magic of Friendship
This past year has been one for the books, and not necessarily in the way any of us saw coming. The unexpected happened, the dreaded, and where from that moment on everything seemed to hang in the balance, and you couldn’t help but wonder how things would ever feel okay again.
But somehow it has, and it is. The outcome is better than any of us dreamed because it hasn’t just met our hopes, its surpassed them and has made me realise that miracles really do happen, and no matter how dark things seem, you can’t stop believing.
I’m not avoiding saying exactly what this ‘thing’ was to be cryptic or aloof; it’s just private and it’s not for me to explain. That may or may not happen; it’s down to the person directly affected.
But if there’s one thing that carried us all through, it was keeping in regular contact (more than normal) and the time we spent together. This year has been a reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with people who lift you up in more ways than can be explained.
We’ve shared lots of creative times, where ideas have flowed as they always do when we’re together. Those moments were inspiring and energising, the kind of times that remind you why you love doing what you do.
But, what’s stood out even more has been the quality time we’ve spent together. The laughter, the conversations, the quiet moments of simply being there for one another—it’s those times that have truly made this year unforgettable.
Looking back, I’m struck by just how much our friendships mean. They’ve been the anchor through uncertainty, the light through dark times, and the spark that’s kept us moving forward.
This year has taught me that no matter what life throws at you, there’s strength in sticking together. There’s hope in believing things can get better, and that the outcome can not only be okay, but extraordinary.
So, to my friends: thank you for being my constant, my motivation, and my safe space.
To anyone else reading this, treasure the people in your life with whom you feel supported and inspired. Sometimes, simply being there for one another is the most important thing you can do.
REFLECTION REMOVAL 💥 Magical NEW FEATURE in Photoshop
Photographing at or through glass can be really challenging when it comes to reflections, especially when you don't have a polarising filter to hand. Reflection Removal in Photoshop, through Camera Raw, does a great job of dealing with them, and in this video I show it in action. You'll see how it handles the reflections in a photo taken through glass and how much cleaner the result is, which makes it a very useful feature to know about the next time a polariser isn't an option.
Check out the Adobe Blog for more details: ( LINK )
NEW in PHOTOSHOP Beta 💥 PEOPLE SELECTIONS are getting QUICKER AND EASIER
Selections in Photoshop are getting quicker and easier, and in this video I look at what was in the Photoshop Beta at the time. Not only is there Select People, but there are also attributes you can choose from, including items such as upper clothing, lower clothing and accessories. It means you can pick out a specific part of a person with very little effort, rather than building the selection by hand.
Photographing Storms in the UK with my iPhone and Friends
There’s something special about heading out with your camera (or iPhone as it was for me) when a storm is brewing. It’s that mix of excitement, unpredictability, and the chance to capture nature at its wildest and recently, I had the chance to photograph two big storms—Storm Bert and Storm Darragh.
Storm Bert at Lyme Regis
First up was Storm Bert on the seafront at Lyme Regis with my good mate Steve Healy.
Lyme’s one of those places that looks stunning in any weather, but during a storm it really is next level.
The wind and rain was relentless, whipping around us as we walked along the seafront. The waves were smashing into the harbor wall, sending spray high into the air. At one point, I got completely drenched from the knees down (see photo below) by a rogue wave, but hey it’s all part of the fun, right?
I used my iPhone 15 Pro Max with the Lightroom Camera app, and honestly, it was spot on. The light was constantly changing, but using the phone to capture it was a breeze (no pun intended).
We took some time out for a bit of shelter and grabbed a coffee in the seafront Café, SWIM and it just so happened that on ther next table were a couple of people who had a dog, and well …
I couldn’t resist grabbing a photograph with my iPhone
I edited the portrait quickly in Lightroom on my iPhone and then showed the owners, who loved it and asked if I’d send it to them.
This again showed to me how powerful a mobile workflow is; being able to take a photograph and immediately edit it and sent it, I find so bloomin’ exciting!
Storm Darragh at West Bay
A few days later, Storm Darragh rolled in, and this time, it was off to West Bay with my friend Brian Dukes.
If you know West Bay, you’ll know those golden cliffs are absolutely stunning, but throw in a storm and it’s a whole different scene.
Brian and I spent most of the time trying to keep our footing while scouting for the best angles but oddly the sea wasn’t as rough as we’d expected it to be and we actually spent more time on the other side of the harbor.
Why I Love Storm Photography
Here’s the thing about photographing storms: it’s not just about the pictures. It’s the whole experience—being out in the elements, feeling the wind batter you, hearing the roar of the waves, and just soaking it all in (sometimes literally!).
For me, it’s also about the people you share it with. Steve and Brian are brilliant company, and there’s something about laughing at each other while dodging waves that makes the day even better.
If you’re thinking of heading out to photograph a storm, do it. Just make sure you’re prepared (waterproofs are a must … as I have well and truly learned), keep an eye on the tides, and embrace the chaos. The photos are a bonus!
I’m really happy with the keepers from both Storm Bert and Storm Darragh but honestly, the best bit was just being there watching the storm do its thing.
Can’t wait for the next one. Bring it on!
SOCIAL MEDIA for Photographers and The HEALING POWER of PHOTOGRAPHY | Hugo Korhonen
This is the recording of a live broadcast where I chat with photographer and creator Hugo Korhonen about how photography has had a positive impact on his life, and how, through the healing power of self-expression, he captures stunning photographs of nature. Hugo also shares his tips for photographing the Northern Lights, plus his view on social media for photographers, concentrating specifically on Instagram, which in his own words is different to many others.
links mentioned in the video:
Hugo Korhonen website: ( LINK )
Hugo on Instagram: @hugoraphy
The Saturday Creative (Hugo’s Newsletter): ( LINK )
Social Media “Success” Quiz: ( LINK )
Why RØDE's New micro-sized Wireless Microphone Is a Must-Have! 🎙️
The Wireless Micro from RØDE is designed for use with mobile phones, and in this video I take a look at why it's such a useful little microphone. It's incredibly small and very easy to use, and the audio quality is great, so it's a simple way to get much better sound when you're recording on your phone. I show what it is, how it works with a phone and how it sounds.
Check out the RØDE Wireless Micro on Amazon: ( LINK )
The ART and INSIGHTS of PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT RETOUCHING | Pratik Naik
This is the recording of a live broadcast where I chat with professional high-end portrait retoucher Pratik Naik. We talk about his process, his tips and techniques, where he sees the future of retouching and what it takes to get hired, along with a whole lot more. It's a great insight into the art of professional portrait retouching from someone who does it at the very highest level, and there's something in it for anyone who retouches portraits, whether for clients or for themselves.
links mentioned during the video:
Pratik’s website: solsticeretouch.com
Pratik’s Retouching Course “The Retouching Series” : ( LINK )
Instagram: @solsticeretouch
How to Print course: ( LINK )
Slideshow of Pratik’s work for his Guest Appearance:
The BEST way to LEARN PHOTOSHOP 💥 Combining Tools, Techniques and Fun
For me, the best way to learn Photoshop is by combining multiple tools and techniques to see how they work together and complement each other. In this video you can follow along as I take an out-of-camera photograph of a supercar and turn it into something completely different. It's less about any one tool and more about how they build on each other, and having some fun along the way.
COMPLETE Portrait Retouching Workflow in LIGHTROOM on an iPad
In this video I go through a complete Portrait Retouching Workflow in Lightroom on my iPad …


