Wharariki Beach has been one of my north–South Island obsessions for the past 15 years. In that time, I’ve watched the light, the sand, the sea stacks and the people change in subtle and sometimes dramatic ways, all while the raw, wild character of the place remains unmistakable. This blog collects what I’ve learned photographing Wharariki from short winter afternoons to long summer twilights, practical techniques, creative approaches, environmental changes I’ve observed, and how to get the most from this iconic New Zealand coastline.

The Southern Alps don't welcome visitors so much as they test them. From the first thud of the helicopter’s skids against the alpine rock, we knew we were stepping into something far less forgiving than a postcard scene.

It was early autumn. The air above Mount Cook was brittle and thin, the kind that turns breath into smoke and silence into something you can almost hear. Our crew, Scott Buttigieg, Aubrey Lee, Euna Sahng, Matty Haysom, and myself, had lifted off from the valley floor, loaded with camera gear, warm layers, and the kind of optimism that only really surfaces once you’re beyond the reach of phone reception.

Vestrahorn, Iceland, one of the most photogenic mountains in the world, becomes even more magical when the Northern Lights dance above its jagged peaks. But capturing this moment in a way that does justice to its grandeur requires careful planning, precision, and technical expertise. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process of executing a 9-frame mega panorama to produce a 3-meter-wide print that truly immerses the viewer in this breathtaking spectacle.

Mastering the art of visualisation in landscape photography, particularly for panoramic compositions, is about seeing the final image in your mind before even pressing the shutter. Timothy Poulton, an experienced panoramic photographer and mentor, emphasises the importance of pre-visualisation, developing a deep understanding of light, composition, and storytelling before taking a shot. This skill allows photographers to anticipate the conditions, frame their shots with intention, and create images that evoke emotion and atmosphere.