Photography Field Notes Honest Guidance for Photographers Who Want More & Practical Advice
Field Notes is an eclectic mix of the things I believe are worth paying attention to as a photographer. It isn’t a diary and it isn’t a typical blog. It’s a space where I bring together the ideas, techniques and experiences that have shaped my own career, and share them in a way that might help you shape yours. Over the years I’ve learned that photographers don’t just need tips or tricks. They need insight. They need perspective. They need to understand why certain choices matter and how a creative life really develops over time. Field Notes is where I try to offer that.
Here you’ll find a blend of black and white studies, cinematic lighting approaches, real editing workflows, visual storytelling, creative direction, and the practical thinking behind professional photography. I include the tools I use, the methods I trust, the lessons I’m still learning, and the reflections that come from being in this industry for more than thirty years. It’s a curated space designed to give photographers something real to work with. Something grounded. Something useful. Something that goes beyond the surface. My aim is simple. To share what I know in a way that supports your own growth, your style and your confidence as a photographer.
Three Pillars Every Photographer Must Build On
Monochrome Photography:
Articles, Guides & Creative Studies
Explore the Craft of Monochrome Photography
Explore all my Field Notes on black and white photography. Tutorials, guides, How to and lighting studies with real examples.
Explore the Director’s
Approach to Composition
Develop a Director’s Eye for Timing, Light and Tension
Explore Field Notes on framing, timing and visual storytelling. Learn the techniques cinematographers use to build tension and depth.
Bring the Depth and Magic
of Film Back Into Your Work
Where Grain Meets Intention — Rediscover the Craft of Film
Explore my Field Notes on film texture, grain and analogue workflow. Learn the classic techniques that bring depth, tone.
The Inner Circle - The Photography Community - Where Photographers Stop Struggling and Start Thriving.
Why £500 Photographers Stay Broke (and the Shift That Turns Them Into £5,000 Creatives
There’s a reason some photographers leap ahead while others stay stuck.
The Only Community Built to Transform Your Photography Into Profit.
Fix These First — The Essentials Most Photographers Overlook
Each guide opens more than just a blog post. Inside: complete systems, ready-to-use checklists, downloadable templates, and creative insights most photographers never take the time to master. If you skip these, you’ll stay stuck where others break through.
Creative Identity & Style:
Articles, Guides & Development
Build a Signature Style Clients Remember
Explore Field Notes on creative identity, visual voice and style development. Learn how to stand out without shouting, and build work people recognise instantly.
Clients, Positioning &
Client Marketing Systems
Develop the Systems I Use to Attract the Right Clients
Explore My Notes on client attraction, positioning and business clarity. Learn how to create momentum, build authority and work with clients who value your craft.
Winning Portfolio Building & Visual Positioning
Curate a Top Class Portfolio That Wins Work
My First hand knowledge about Portfolio building and image curation, sequencing and presentation. Learn how to build a portfolio that wins new clients
Free Resources for Photographers
A curated set of guides created to help photographers sharpen their craft, refine their style and build a stronger creative business.
Inside You’ll Find
• The 5 Shifts to Grow From £500 to £5,000
• Monochrome Mastery: Editing for Expression
• Pricing Your Photography With Confidence
What Photographers Read When They're Ready to Level Up
AI Is Changing Photography — Learn or Fall Behind
For photographers ready to explore AI as a genuine creative partner.
Explore how AI is reshaping photography, from prompts, concepts, and visual craft to full AI-driven video workflows.
Discover the tools and thinking photographers must understand next.
Build a Photography Business That Actually Works
Master the business of photography — pricing, and client attraction.
Most photographers never fix the foundations. Here you’ll find the systems, strategies and thinking that turn talent into a sustainable creative career. Pricing, positioning, confidence.
Your Editing Is Your Signature — Make It Unmistakable.
For photographers ready to refine their style, speed and authority.
Good editing isn’t about presets or hype. It’s about intention, rhythm, and clarity. These Field Notes go deep into tone, contrast, workflow, cinematic shaping, and monochrome mastery.
FEATURED FIELD NOTE
The 3 Edits That Changed My Photography
These three simple editing shifts transformed my work.
PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOG – FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOG – WORKSHOPS LEARN ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
www.jamesnader.com
Foundations in Photography I Believe Every Photographer Should Master
Master Your Camera Before You Master Your Style
The Exposure Triangle Explained
Understand light, exposure and control so your camera responds the way you intend.
This is the base everything else depends on.
Composition That Makes Viewers Stop Scrolling
5 Framing Secrets Every Pro Uses
Learn how to place subjects, balance scenes and build intention into every frame — like a director, not a button-pusher.
Why Professionals Never Compromise
Why I Never Share RAW Files (And Why You Shouldn’t Either)
Protect your work, your style, and your commercial value.
Understanding RAW isn’t just technical — it’s strategic.
Best Street Photography Tips to Improve Your Shots Instantly
In this guide, we’ll explore practical street photography tips, essential camera settings, and creative techniques that will help you instantly improve your shots — especially in black and white. You’ll also find guidance on using presets, editing your images for maximum impact, and building your portfolio or even attending a workshop to take your skills to the next level.
Top Archive Photography Content
Top Reasons Why Photographers Fail (And What No One Tells You)
The Mindset Shift That Changed Everything for Me
The Photography Career Shortcut No One Talks About:
Become an Assistant & Fast-Track Your Breakthrough
Beginner's Guide to Mastering Adobe Lightroom Mobile (Fast & Easy)
This is how pros create scroll-stopping images on the go.
Master Natural & Studio Lighting: A Beginner’s Guide to Powerful Photography
Unlock the Secret to Powerful Lighting That Makes Every Shot Stand Out
Craft Your One-Word Brand Pitch (And Get Clients to Remember You)
Turn a Single Word Into Your Signature Style—and Book More Clients
12 Game-Changing Lessons That Transformed My Photography Career
Build a Thriving Photography Business Doing What You Love
How to Use Leading Lines to Instantly Transform Your Composition
Transform Boring Frames Into Gallery-Worthy Shots With One Simple Trick
Cyanotypes' learn about its chemicals & Processes
Grab your camera, load your film, and join us as we embark on a quest to unravel the Cyanotypes’ mystique and learn about it’s chemicals & Process
Top 30 AI Photographers Tools for 2024 -
Unlock the future of photography with Artificial Intelligence: Transform your creative vision with the top 30 AI tools designed to enhance, innovate, Updated March 2024
The Ultimate Portrait Photographers Cheat Sheet & Tricks
It’s important to have a handy resource with techniques needed to create captivating portraits. This cheat sheet offers a comprehensive guide. Read to find out More >
Nail Your Photography Elevator Pitch (In 10 Seconds or Less)
Stuck explaining what you do? This simple script turns awkward intros into bookings and brand love.
How to Find the Photography Mentor That Changes Everything
Don’t learn the hard way. Get real-world guidance that elevates your vision, prices—and confidence.
Is It Still Possible to Make Money as a PHOTOGRAPHER?
With AI and social media shifting the game, this guide shows how modern photographers still win big.
5 Portrait Lighting Setups That Instantly Boost Your Photos
Tried-and-tested lighting setups for location or studio work that elevate every shot—no guesswork.
Pillar Content
Over 250 A to Z: Photography Glossary Terms.
Understand Photography
Silvergumtyp easy-to-understand photography glossary, clarifying terms like DSLR, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed for beginners. Explore our straightforward guide, ideal for learning photography basics
5 Top Tips for Projector Photography
How to Use a Projector as a light
Using a projector in a photoshoot: Ways that you can use a projector to enhance your creativity in photography using your iPhone or laptop to control the image projected onto your model.
Top 30 Photography Hashtags For Instagram in 2023
Use these top most popular photography hashtags for Instagram 2024. Copy and paste the tags by using the copy button and paste them into your Instagram post. Find the top 30 photography hashtags for 2024.
5 ways To Become The Best Photographers Assistant
Requests are from graduates or assistants who wish to assist me and then tag their CV when reaching out to me. It’s perfectly okay to ask like this, but for me, you must suggest exactly how you can help and assist the photographer in your message.
www.jamesnader.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOG – FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS BLOG – WORKSHOPS LEARN ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
www.jamesnader.com