It was Easter and there was sunshine in Swansea. We walked through Clyne Gardens and marvelled at spring in bloom. We played in the park…
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Follow my on Instagram Camera Gear Talk I shot all of these photos with my Fujifilm XT5 and the Sigma 56mm 1.4. Join me on one…
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Inspired? Join me on this creative journey and use #5adayphoto when sharing your 5 photos a day. Follow my on Instagram Camera Gear Talk I…
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I take lots of photos but share almost none. I’m trying to change that with my self-imposed “5 a day photo project”. The goal: I…
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Imagine this… It’s the early 1990s and you’re a budding young photographer, inspired by the work of the Magnum Collective. You grab your 35mm film…
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Camera Gear Talk All shot with my Sony A7iv and Samyang 35-150mm lens, which also had a 1/8 mist diffusion filter on it. Happy days.
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There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
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I recently sold all of my Fujifilm cameras and lenses. I had to buy a third Sony camera body (an A7iv) for my commercial photography…
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Inspired by the first blush of spring, we packed up the car and drove three hours from where we live in south Wales to the…
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1,500 days of daily cold water swimming in the frigid waters of the Gower peninsula in south Wales.
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The waves were huge, too huge for me, so I got out of the water. Back at my van, in the time it took me…
Continue ReadingHaze for Days: Llangennith Beach, Gower (Wales) w/ Fujifilm XT4 + 55-200mm Zoom Lens
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Back in March I posted a photo journal depicting scenes of Gower smothered in snow. Beautiful, of course, but not exactly inviting. Today, just a…
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It was March 7th, 2023. We were excited about the arrival of spring. Then it snowed. The Gower peninsula (south Wales) is not used to…
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The point of this post is to demonstrate that… well, the camera you have with you doesn’t need to be “the best” for you to enjoy the simple pleasures of photography.
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From a life of travel to complete lockdown, Ben Holbrook’s fling with Fuji helped him keep his creative flame alight and find magic in the mundanity of everyday life.
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Holidu have recently carried out some interesting research on the top 10 rated hiking routes in Majorca (as rated on AllTrails). Below I’ve cherry-picked the…
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Spain is an immensely popular European holiday destination, frequented by tourists from around the world. Most people that go to Spain visit Madrid, the nation’s…
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Alternative title: “Post-Apocalyptic Pumpkin Patch” Even here in semi-rural Wales, life has become Americanised. That’s not a complaint, just an observation. When I was a…
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Summer is here and Baby Holbrook is five months old, so we eased ourselves into our first family adventure with a luxurious glamping stay at…
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Langland Bay is arguably the most famous beach on the the Gower peninsula’s southern stretch. And it’s one of the main reasons the village of…
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Unedited SOOC photos shot with my Fujifilm XT3 XF 23mm F2 R WR lens – Classic Chrome and Acros film simulations.
Continue ReadingSOOC Fujifilm XT3 Photos + XF 23mm F/2 R WR Lens – Tor Bay, Gower Peninsula, Swansea
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Like you I’ve heard all the rave reviews about the legendary Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 – the “must have video lens” for Fujifilm X series cameras. …
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What does it take to create inspiring photography and art? Learn from these world’s famous photographers as we study their most renowned projects, philosophies, and techniques.
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I took these photos of Penclawdd over the last year and a half (2021/22). I had no idea in mind of what I’d do with them, no goal. But after putting them together, side by side, I realised that they painted a picture, a portrait – a portrait of my home.
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Local boy Ben Holbrook guides James and Lucy through his beautiful country, which is famed for its spectacular coastline and countryside.
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My first film of 2022, and boy does it feel good to be back behind the camera! I shot this short at the glorious Rhossili…
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It’s the night before and my hands are trembling as I’m packing my bag. The tent, the air mattress and pillow, the sleeping bag. The…
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I asked my fellow UK bloggers to share their favourite beach towns in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Here’s what they had to say!
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There’s a farmer who owns a woodland on the Dulais River in south Wales. For a few quid a night he lets you pitch your…
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Evocative images that provoke more and better thought with each look.
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Sasha Asensio is an anthropological photographer based in Barcelona who photographs the unseen and overlooked: the homeless, the scarred and disfigured, fascinating people who live…
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Llangennith beach to Rhossili Bay across Rhossili Downs is easily one of the most scenic walks on the Gower peninsula (in south Wales, UK). This…
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It’s funny how travel has gone from being my entire life to “something I used to do”. These days I spend more time in my…
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Penclawdd is a village of 3,500 people located on the Gower peninsula in south Wales. Its bountiful coal, tin and copper mines saw it prosper…
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I found an old hard drive recently from 2017/18 and it was like finding a wormhole back to my life in Barcelona, Spain. If you love Barcelona too, this is for you!
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Hike one of the wildest and most beautiful beaches in the Gower peninsula, and don’t miss the iconic Whiteford Point lighthouse.
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It was the summer of 2019 and I spent ten days driving around France, eating and drinking and wandering and taking far too many photos.
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I grew up in Penclawdd, on the marsh, the estuary forever in view. But it’s only now that I’ve returned as an adult that I…
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We drank too much – wine and beer and gin and god knows what. I took some blurry drunken photos…
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More from the Gower Peninsula Sands of Torture ~ Lockdown on the Gower Peninsula (South Wales, UK) “I Do Love October” – Autumn on the…
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My father was Welsh through and through, but my mother moved to Wales from Gloucester, England (accent and all) to marry him in the late…
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Whenever I travel, especially around Spain, Italy and France, I’m always so sad when it’s time to leave. But with Hamburg, frankly, well…
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I can cope with most aspects of lockdown life, but…
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“I tried to give them their space, but I couldn’t help photographing their Barcelona love story as it unfolded before me.”
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My biggest adventure yet.
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I haven’t travelled this autumn, but I’ve stayed creative. All photos taken with the Fuji 35mm F1.4 R lens (samples and lens review included).
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In ‘Like Living on an Island’, Ben Holbrook explores the relationship between the residents of the Gower peninsula (south Wales) and its coastline.
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Whether you’re on your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary or simply indulging in your shared love of travel, these are the best places for couples in Spain.
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Fancy an informal kickaround in the Spanish capital? The footie fanatics from CeleBreak share their inside knowledge on where to play football in Madrid
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Written by Barcelona native Cristina Fernández Cubas, this collection of six thrilling short stories transport you to scenes of delight, delusion and despair in the sun-kissed Catalan capital.
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This month’s edition of Fuji X Passion magazine is now available and comes with an ebook featuring 100 or so of my best photos and the story my photography journey.
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Craving a casual kickaround in the Spanish sunshine? The footie fanatics from CeleBreak share their inside knowledge on where to play football in Malaga, Spain.
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From the Mediterranean metropolises of Barcelona and Valencia to the southern seducers of Seville and Marbella, here are the best and hottest places to visit in Spain during winter – even in the depths of December!
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A series of photos cropped using the 2.35:1 aspect ratio + tips on how to use the 2.35:1 cinematic aspect ratio to make your images look like film scenes.
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Ready to start your travel photography journey from beginner to professional? These quick and easy beginner travel photography tips are sure to help you take better photos.
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The Earth Film Lightroom Preset Pack will help you inject your digital photos with a analogue heart and soul. Read on to find out why and how, and also see a few photo samples.
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“He’d do stupid things like that and mistake the attention he got in return for admiration.”
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Everyone’s welcome to play football in Frankfurt with CeleBreak, with both men’s and women’s games available at the touch of your phone. Download the CeleBreak app and joing a fun footie game in Frankfurt today. Here’s how!
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Here are my favourite beaches on the Gower peninsula and some insider advice on where to park, eat & drink nearby – plus tips on dog-friendly beaches & accommodation in the Gower (hotels, B&Bs, pubs & campsites).
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Paulina has lived in Spain for over 5 years and fell in love with the food, architecture and year-round sunshine of Tenerife. Here she shares her insider tips, with advice on the very best things to do, see, eat and drink in eternal sunshine of Tenerife.
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We’d been to Sarah’s parents’ 25th wedding anniversary. We’d eaten too much cake. I’d been drinking red wine. The sun was setting.
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Everything you need to know about getting your essential Australian eVisa before you go!
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From the colossal Cité du Vin to the UNESCO listed Vieux Bordeaux (Old Bordeaux), here are the most essential things to do, see, eat and drink in the magnifique French metropolis of Bordeaux.
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As one of the most remote and difficult beaches to get to on the Gower peninsula in south Wales, Pwlldu Bay is the place to escape to for ‘Famous Five’ style fun and frolics.
Continue ReadingWalking to Pwlldu Bay (Wales Coast Path) ~ The Gower Peninsula’s Most Secluded Beach
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I spent the weekend (8-9 August, 2020) with my old – roughly the same age as me – manual focus Canon 50mm f/1.8 on my…
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As if we needed another excuse to crack open a few cold ones, it’s International Beer Day (held on the first Friday of August each…
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Misadventure in Thailand, 2002. It was a crippling cramp that came from nowhere. I doubled over with the pain but my friends weren’t sympathetic to my…
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I interviewed Margaux from Mosaic Flowers in Barcelona to find out how she uses her creativity “to make people’s hearts smile”.
Leave a CommentThe footie fanatics from CeleBreak share their inside knowledge on where to play football in Munich. Here’s how you can get involved in local games. …
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Joni from ExpatsinBarcelona.com shares his top tips on moving to Barcelona and creating the life of your dreams!
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Find out about Welsh Wine Week and discover 8 beautiful Welsh wines to sip yourself! #welshwineweek
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Let me introduce you to the beautiful new world of Welsh wine. Yes, really! Wine from Wales! Wales in the UK!
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Something’s changed. I’ve changed, the world’s changed, this blog has changed.
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Journal entry from 2016. Gloucester, England. Jack’s face was tanned and etched with thick purple scars that cracked their way up his face and over…
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A poem by Ben Holbrook dedicated to the beautiful pubs of South Wales’ glorious Gower Peninsula.
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It was 10.45am when I woke up to Barcelona’s brilliant winter sun glaring through the huge doors and windows that opened onto my terrace. Normally…
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I was always at my happiest up in Barcelona’s Collserola mountains. I felt at peace, like I belonged, that I was free to be me.…
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“It often felt like only cool beer could relieve me from the heat.”
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Ever imagined what it would be like to live in Barcelona and hustle a living as a travel blogger? This is an entry taken from my actual diary. Written in 2016, about a year or two after starting my career as a travel blogger in Barcelona, it sets the tone and, I think, hints at the challenges I faced while living off my wits.
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‘Surrender’ explores the internal battles many of us have fought during the Coronavirus lockdown, while hinting at the juxtaposition of countless lives being devastated against a backdrop of spring in full bloom.
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I asked the Spotted by Locals Barcelona team to share 5 of favourite secret spots in Barcelona.
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Located on Barcelona’s ritzy Passeig de Gràcia, La Pedrera (aka Casa Milà) is one of the most famous Modernista buildings in Barcelona, if not the world. Here’s everything you need to know.
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From Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, experience the best of Israel on your first visit (a one-week guide).
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Regardless of your religious beliefs (or lack there of), a visit to this fascinating city is a must for all open-minded travellers in search of deeper experiences.
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From exploring Georgian mansions on the Royal Crescent to sipping cider at a local pub, here are the best things to do in Bath, England.
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With its Georgian charm, characterful rooms and Michelin-starred restaurant, this 4-star boutique delivers the most civilised stay in Bath.
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I asked my fellow pub-loving travel blogger friends for their top tips on the best boozers in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England! Here are the results!
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In this gastro guide, local experts from Arara Tours share their tips on how to eat your way around Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, in the region of South Caucasus.
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Discover the best family-friendly “barrios” in Barcelona, based on things like convenience, location, public transport, general safety and access to family-friendly facilities.
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Seville is bursting with great tapas bars, culture and historic sites, and if you’re savvy about your spending, you can do it all on a tiny budget.
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From surfing to hiking, sleeping to eating, here’s your essential guide to one of the best beach/surf/camping destinations in the UK.
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From the pyrotechnics of Las Fallas in sunny Valencia to the crazy ‘Tomatina’ tomato-throwing festival in the tiny town of Buñol, here are the best festivals and cultural celebrations in Spain for every month of the year.
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Tucked away in the heart of Barcelona’s glitzy Eixample barrio, Hotel Alma Barcelona is a grand deluxe 5-star design hotel and a soulful home from home.
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My personal recommendations on the best flamenco and Catalan rumba shows in Barcelona!
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For those seeking an authentic slice of London life, away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps littered around the capital’s centre, New Cross is fast becoming one of the hottest places to be.
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More and more travellers from the UK (and beyond) are waking up to what Switzerland has to offer – here are seven useful tips to help you make the most of your Swiss adventure!
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Light Breaks Where No Sun Shines (Poem by Dylan Thomas, Visuals by Ben Holbrook) Light breaks where no sun shines; Where no sea runs, the…
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Thinking of taking a cruise? If so, here are 100 bucket list travel experiences you should start planning today! I think a lot of people…
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Disfrutar is easily my favourite ‘fancy’ restaurant in Barcelona.
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Travelling with just one carry-on bag will help you save money, time, and even the world… Here you will find my personal minimalist travel packing…
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