Journal
Viewfinder: Michael Lazenby
In this week’s Viewfinder, we sat down with Michael Lazenby (@michaellazenby), UK-based photographer. Inspired by a childhood immersed in film and years spent exploring the Lake district with friends, Michael’s work is rooted in storytelling and atmosphere. Self-taught across both photography and filmmaking, his work blends cinematic influence with a deeply personal approach to documenting the world around him. What's your story? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to creative mediums as a way of expressing myself. Going to the cinema and watching movies at home was a huge part of my upbringing, and the films of Spielberg, like Jurassic Park, had a huge impact on me. I became instilled with a sense of awe and wonder from a young age. Fast forward to my early 20’s, I was looking for some direction and purpose in my life. My friends and I started having day trips to The Lake District to walk the fells, and we were seeing some truly breath-taking sights that re-ignited the same feelings I had when I was younger. I wanted to document those experiences in a more tangible way, so I bought a camera. I taught myself the ropes of both photography and filmmaking over the next 10 years, and along the way I managed to turn it into a successful career. I believe Creative work is a deeply personal act of self expression, and throughout my journey with a camera I’ve always maintained a strong connection between me and my work, always leaning back to what first inspired the younger me. Tell us about 5 of your favourite images Ullswater, The Lake District I’ve always loved how winter can completely transform a familiar landscape, but often the conditions are fleeting and difficult to predict. This day was different, calm conditions, fresh snowfall and blue skies. I was driving along Ullswater last winter and spotted these swans gathered at the shoreline. Hastily, I parked the car and sprinted down to the lake. I loved the filmic look to the scene and the soft light on the swans against a wintery backdrop. Havana, Cuba The photograph that heavily influenced a new direction in photography for me. I took this image on a trip to Havana in 2022 with my partner. I had no experience of street photography at the time, but I was experiencing a period of burn-out and thought a change in subject might help me navigate through it. It’s since become one of my favourite images, and a turning point in my career of what I enjoy shooting. A lot of the work I now share is from the streets, and I’m so glad I allowed myself the opportunity to experiment and try something new by taking my camera with me on this trip. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire This was the first photograph I took on a Fujifilm camera in 2022. Saltburn is my “home away from home”, a local seaside town I frequent with my camera. I’ve always loved the Wes Anderson aesthetic of the tramway’s ticket office, and as I lifted my camera to take the photo, the operator, Eddie, took it upon himself to stand in the doorway for my photo, which just gave the image that much more of a story for me. Eddie sadly passed away in 2024. When his daughter reached out to me asking for a print of this image to remember him, I felt a huge sense of pride that a piece of work I made could have such a profound emotional value to someone else. Crinkle Crags, The Lake District I’ll never forget the morning this photo was made. I’d just driven through the early hours of the morning to get to The Lake District for a walk up into the fells for sunrise, with two friends and fellow photographers. Reaching the summit for about 6am, we started to notice a cloud inversion off into the distance. “We’ve picked the wrong fell” one of us said. Then, as the sun rose, the cloud started to roll further towards us, weaving its way through the troughs and peaks of the landscape. It got ever closer, and then, this moment unfolded right before our eyes. Seville, Spain One of my most recent and favourite images, taken on a photography trip to Seville with two of my close friends. This was taken on the last day of our trip. After a few days of very mixed weather, we finally had a picture perfect afternoon, and the streets just had so much more life to them. I love everything about this image. The colours, composition, subject and feeling of movement. I eyed up the scene and sat patiently on a very uncomfortable bollard for the right subject, and just as I was about to give up, this family entered the frame. For me, it encapsulates everything I’ve learned about street photography over the last few years; documenting the life of a place whilst creating a body of work that focuses on storytelling. What would be your dream location or subject to shoot? As of late, my favourite subject has been street photography. Around 4 years ago I went through a year-long stint of burnout. My partner and I had just booked a 2 week trip to Cuba, and our first week was in Havana. I had no experience of photographing a city and quite frankly, no interest. But I’d just bought my first Fujifilm camera, and it was the perfect travel companion, so I brought it along without much expectation. Turns out, it was exactly what I needed, and I loved the process. Since then, street photography has become a huge part of my work, and I’ve learned more about storytelling through photographing the streets than I ever could have in any other environment. What's your favourite thing to do that has nothing to do with photography? For the last two years my partner and I have been self-renovating our first home, and I’ve loved the process. I fully believe in the statement ‘your home is a reflection of you’ and that's what I’ve most enjoyed about bringing it to life, creating a space that feels our own, mirroring the connection I feel to my work. My commercial work in hotels has given me a better understanding of what makes a space feel inviting, and my partner has a great eye for colour and texture, so it feels like a team project we can both be proud of. A huge thanks to Michael for taking part in this edition of our Viewfinder series. Keep up with Michael and his work by heading to his @michaellazenby or website. If you'd like to take part in our Viewfinder series, please get in touch at hey@tenslife.com for more info.
Tens X Team Scotland
Tens was inspired by three friends and photographers on a road trip through the Scottish Highlands who wanted to bring warmth to everyday life and make the world feel a little more like a real-life photo filter. This summer, the Scottish sunglasses brand is proud to sponsor Team Scotland for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ahead of Glasgow 2026, we caught up with Tens Creative Director Steve Henry to chat about sport, photography, Scotland and the excitement building around the Games. Jill (left) & Steve (right) from Tens with Kaleem Barreto (center) from Team Scotland Can you tell us about Tens Sunglasses, how did it all start? Tens was started by 3 photographers and filmmakers while driving through the Highlands. They wanted to take the rich, warm colours we add to our photos and apply them to real life. And so, countless rounds of prototypes and a crowdfunding campaign later, Tens came to life. Our custom filter lenses immerse you in a world reminiscent of a distinct time, place or feeling - an experience you’ll want to revisit time and time again. Each lens has a unique feel inspired by some of our favourite photography and films. Why did Tens want to get involved with Team Scotland and the Commonwealth Games? Good question! Whilst tens isn't really a sports sunglasses brand, when you have these big events like the commonwealth games you just get that amazing buzz in the city, and we’re all about good vibes and making the world look better with our filters. I think that with sport you just get that energy in the city, and with it being our home games and Team Scotland, we just couldn't resist and wanted to be involved in any way we could. What are you going to be doing during the Games? Obviously rooting for Team Scotland. But we're going to be out and about capturing content in Glasgow. We're going to be out there looking for the good vibes and looking for those good stories. In any games you've always got Eddie the eagle or Eric the eel, we're going to be trying to capture that and find people out just bringing the joy and generally seeing what's going on around Glasgow during the games. What sports are you most looking forward to? I think all of them really. I love anything on the track and field but I think I'm really looking forward to track cycling! I've done a bit of cycling myself and it's just got everything, it's got speed, it's got danger. And then I love the sprint races. You've got that tactical element that’s almost like chess on wheels so I just love watching that. What’s your own experience with sport? I grew up playing rugby, which helped transform me from a big prop to a lean back row (and also transformed my nose to the side a little). I only played at amateur level, but I do hold a world record for playing in the most Northerly game of rugby ever played at the Magnetic North Pole which was part of an expedition organized by the charity Wooden Spoon. We trekked for 7 days then set up a full size pitch and posts for a 7s game and I got to experience what it's like to try and tackle the former England 7s captain Ollie Phillips (unsurprisingly it didn't go so well for me). After retiring from rugby I've also dabbled in a bit of endurance sports, ran a few ultramarathons including the Marathon des Sables in the Sahara desert and love getting out on my road bike. Steve at the Magnetic North Pole (back far left) Which Team Scotland athlete would you most like to meet? Oh that's a tough one! There's far too many to choose from but I've been doing a bit of swimming lately so I'm going to say Duncan Scott, just because he's our most decorated athlete. But any of them really. Love all you guys. Why is sport important? I think sport can inspire us all, even if we're not going to compete and push ourselves to the limits like the athletes in the game. We're all striving for something and when you watch the games you get to see one of the purest forms of someone giving everything to chase their dreams. It's great to watch and I'm always inspired afterwards to get out running or on my bike. These games and the para sports are being shown simultaneously, which I think is a really good thing and will make the games even more inspiring. When you watch people deal with adversity with such strength and positivity it really reminds you that you've got no excuses to not put yourself out there and chase your own dreams. How do Tens lenses change the way you see sport? When you wear Tens it's hard not to be in a good mood, so if you're wearing them in the stadium then it should make the whole day look better and more vibrant. Hopefully all the Team Scotland athletes wearing them will be in a positive mindset and we'll see some great performances too. Tens is rooted in photography, how does that influence what you’re doing with Team Scotland? Photography is the inspiration behind the brand and a huge passion of mine, so I'll definitely be trying to capture some great shots of the athletes and all the joy and emotions that the games bring. Why is capturing sport through photography so important? The scoreboards and the timers will capture the results, but sport is about much more than that. The image, both still and moving, are what captures the essence of the games. The raw emotion, the struggle, the joy and sadness, and that's what makes these games so special. How will it feel to have Team Scotland athletes wearing Tens Sunglasses at the Commonwealth Games? We're all going to be super proud. The Team Scotland athletes have been training for years in the run up to the games and are at the peak of performance, so to see them in our sunnies is going to be pretty special. With Glasgow set to host an unforgettable summer of sport, Tens will be out capturing the atmosphere, energy and moments around the Games along the way. Follow @tens and @team_scotland to keep up with team Tens throughout the Commonwealth Games.
Viewfinder: Sophie Hustwick
Next up in our Viewfinder series is Sophie Hustwick (@sophiehustwick). With a background shaped by a lifelong exposure to photography and early influences from family, Sophie's work is rooted in observation and a deep appreciation for the details often overlooked. Drawing from a foundation in sketching landscapes, she brings a thoughtful, intuitive approach to imagery, paired with a striking use of colour that defines each frame. What's your story? Photography has always been present in my life. Both my Grandad and Dad had a huge collection of film cameras, so I grew up around the idea of documenting moments and preserving memories. My Dad first taught me how to use a camera, which encouraged me to explore the medium further, eventually leading me to study photography. Before photography, I would often go on road trips and sketch landscapes, trying to capture a feeling or atmosphere rather than simply recording a scene. Drawing taught me to slow down and really observe my surroundings, noticing light, shape and subtle changes in mood. In many ways, photography became an extension of that process. The two feel closely connected; both are about paying attention and responding to the environment. Where drawing required interpretation, photography allows me to preserve fleeting moments as they naturally exist, holding onto small details that might otherwise pass unnoticed. Tell us about 5 of your favourite images A Quiet Corner I hadn’t seen my friend in what felt like forever, the kind of gap that quietly stretches without you realising how much life has happened in between. The diner was half-empty when we walked in, and there was this booth glowing in burnt orange as the late afternoon light filtered through the blinds. It felt staged, almost too perfect. It was around Halloween, when the light always golden, and the staff were in costume, which added an extra cinematic feel to the place. Painted Streets Cuba had always lived in my imagination through my dad’s stories, spoken about with a kind of reverence. When I finally went, it felt less like discovering somewhere new and more like stepping into something I already knew. The colours were everywhere, sun-faded pastels, bright cars, walls layered with history. There was a sense of being gently cut off from the rest of the world, like time had slowed. Watching cigar makers at work and riding horses through open landscapes, it all felt grounded, tactile, real. Reflections at Dusk The walk to the pier to watch the sunset had become routine, almost automatic. Every evening I’d go, focused on the changing colours in the sky like it was the only thing worth noticing. One evening I stopped to admire an orange car and noticed the reflection of the palm trees stretching across it. That moment became a reminder to slow down, and the image later became the first in my book Colourway. First Day Back Coming out of lockdown felt surreal. This was the first photo I had taken after restrictions lifted. The market was overwhelming in the best way, colour everywhere, people everywhere, noise, movement. After so long indoors, surrounded by the same walls and muted tones, it almost felt too much to take in at once. The colours felt exaggerated by contrast, heightened by absence. Built into the Landscape I’ve been spending a lot of time in Lanzarote since my mum moved there. The architecture stands out in a way that feels intentional, clean lines, bold shapes, colours that work with the landscape rather than against it. It creates a balance between nature and design that feels almost curated, but still completely natural, like the landscape and the architecture were always meant to exist together, shaped by the same volcanic ground they sit on. What would be your dream location or subject to shoot? Visiting Cuba was a dream of mine, and it reflects the type of environment I feel most inspired by. I’m drawn to places that feel rooted in the past, with interiors and exteriors that hold the character of another time. Spaces shaped by history often carry subtle traces of the people who have moved through them, and I find that incredibly compelling to photograph.Having the opportunity and freedom to travel is very important to me, as I’m continually inspired by experiencing new places and cultures. I’m interested in locations that feel authentic and colourful, where texture, light and atmosphere can tell a story without needing too much intervention. What's a 'must-have' item you couldn't live without on a shoot? I’ve always believed you don’t need the most expensive gear to create meaningful work. For me, the heart of my process is the film stock itself. I’ve developed a strong connection to specific stocks that complement the tones and moods I’m drawn to. Kodak Portra and Kodak Gold are staples. They produce colours that feel natural, warm, and slightly nostalgic, which perfectly suits my style. I almost always carry both a reliable 35mm and 50mm lens. Switching between them lets me move seamlessly between capturing the environment and honing in on details.And batteries, because there’s nothing worse than being stranded mid-shoot with a film camera that relies on rare, hard-to-find power sources. Big thanks to Sophie for taking the time to share these gorgeous photos and stories with us. You can explore more of Sophie's photography on Instagram @sophiehustwick. You can also purchase Sophie's book, Colourways, here.
Viewfinder: Luke Davis
Next up in our Viewfinder series is Luke Davis (@lukeckdavis). With a creative background rooted in music and years spent performing across Europe, his journey into photography was driven by a desire to capture the same energy and atmosphere he once felt on stage. Now working across travel and commercial projects, his work blends cinematic tones with a natural, story-led approach. What's your story? Before picking up photography in my early 20s, music was my life’s goal. Performing, writing, touring, you name it. I was in a very heavy metal band from age 15 to around 23, and during that time I was fortunate enough to do just that: playing to crowds of 1 to 1,000 all across Europe. I’ll always look back on that period fondly; however, the uphill battle of ‘making it’ in the industry, coupled with my changing tastes, left me looking for other creative outlets. There was a photographer in the scene who captured many of our UK shows, and there was this atmospheric, filmic quality to their work that always grabbed my attention in a way that still images rarely had until then. It was that moment that spurred me to pick up my first, albeit old and beat-up, DSLR. From there, I sunk my time into an embarrassing amount of YouTube tutorials, learning the fundamentals and being inspired by household names like Peter McKinnon and James Popsys. I used any free time I had to get out on the Jurassic Coast where I put those theories into practice. This was my journey up until COVID, during which I was out of work and faced a fork in the road: keep photography as a side project or hunker down, hone my skills, and try to pursue a freelance career. I count my lucky stars every day that I chose the latter. As the world began to open up and I started making connections within the industry, traveling to beautiful destinations with like-minded creatives became an ever-increasing reality. Coupled with the strides I was making in finding my first commercial clients at the time, the rest is history! Tell us about 5 of your favourite images Dubrovnik, Croatia This image is one I’ve always been proud of. Taken a couple of years back, on my first project with Fujifilm, by where I set out to document Dubrovnik, Croatia in peak Mediterranean summer. Atop a cliff overlooking the old town I spotted both locals and tourists enjoying the crystal clear waters of the coast. I loved the painterly look of the scene and did my best to mimic that feeling in the edit. Durdle Door, Dorset Having been born and raised just down the road from this coastal landmark, I’ve visited dozens of times over the years, both with and without a camera. I took this on an impromptu outing late last year, and whilst the door itself remains the same, the conditions surrounding are always so unique. This fiery sky looks like it was ripped straight out of Blade Runner 2049! The final image serves as a reminder to myself to not overlook locations just because I’ve seen them already, and that there’s always something new to discover. Bonfire Night, Dorset As much as I love travelling to some of the world’s most stunning locations for my photography, I find just as much joy in seeking out the smaller moments. Taken on bonfire night last year, I debated whether bringing the camera out that evening would be worth it, but I’m so glad I did. Seeing this little girl experience the wonder of the fireworks display and developing what will no doubt be a core memory for her made carrying the gear about so worth it and taught me that no excursion is too small to pack the camera. Lake Como, Italy Last Summer my partner and I were lucky enough to be able to squeeze in a quick personal getaway to Como, Italy. I brought minimal camera kit with me, as this wasn’t strictly a ‘photo trip’ but when location, weather and subject all align it’s hard to turn down the opportunity. Sharing an understanding nod with her, I sprinted down the pier to snap this before the boat sped off. This image gives me a sort of Studio Ghibli vibe that lines up perfectly with the calm, joyous atmosphere Como gave us. Switzerland In March 2023, as the world began to open up again after *the 2020 event*, I was able to travel with six other creatives to a blisteringly cold Switzerland. On one of the first nights, we were graced with an incredible sunset that drew my eye to the layers of mountains surrounding the village we were staying in. Taking this image gave me that ‘this is exactly where I’m supposed to be’ feeling, and it’s that feeling that I’ve been chasing in my photography journey ever since. What would be your dream shoot location or subject? Ever since I was a kid I have wanted to visit Easter Island, I even have a Moai statue tattooed on my arm! I would love the opportunity to not only visit, but to document the Island, it’s landscapes and famous structures, but also the people of Rapa Nui and their incredible culture. What's your favourite thing to do that has nothing to do with photography? I’ve been an avid gamer my entire life. I blame my Grandad for giving me an N64 on my 4th birthday but it’s been a constant in my life ever since. I suppose that idea of escapism lends itself to my photography mantra in many ways, although always having a camera in my hand definitely gets me out of the house a lot more than gaming ever could! Second to that, I’ve been really into bouldering in recent years. I had a mild quarter life crisis a few years back, wanting to take a little more care in my health. Bouldering became a form of exercise and pseudo-meditation, helping to improve my life, both physically and mentally. Helps that it’s crazy fun too. Huge thanks to Luke for sharing these amazing images and stories with us. If you’d like to see more of his work, which we highly recommend that you do, you can follow him on Instagram at @lukeckdavis or check out his portfolio here.
Viewfinder: Jake Baggaley
We’ve been following Jake’s (@jakebaggaley.photographer) work for a while. With a background in documentary photography, he’s built a style rooted in real moments and natural storytelling. Now working across commercial outdoor and lifestyle campaigns, Jake brings that same approach into his work, capturing honest interactions between people and the environments around them. What's your story? I grew up playing with cameras with both my parents as avid photographers, before studying commercial photography and at the time was mostly shooting social documentary travel stories. Through my community in the trail running and motorcycle world, I eventually transitioned into shooting commercial outdoor and moto travel work, trying to bring the candid style from my documentary days into the commercial work. I was drawn to the challenge of trying to capture feelings, moments and stories within a single frame, it’s always a puzzle trying to get it right. Tell us about 5 of your favourite images Kita Hotaka I was running production for a campaign shoot for RAB so had spent weeks planning and timing this shoot and the crux was this night at a mountain hut after a long day climbing along a narrow ridge. The weather had been pretty cloudy all day but as we arrived at the hut, the clouds broke and we got an incredible sunset and view back to the ridge. The feeling of all this hard work coming together was unbelievable! Scram Africa I’ve spent a lot of time shooting on bikes in Morocco and this shot has been on my wishlist for years. Eventually, all the stars aligned and we found ourselves riding alongside these wild camels and managed to quickly set up and capture it! The Speed Project This shot was from a trip documenting Holly Rush running 300 miles solo from LA to Vegas through some of the hottest deserts in the world. I loved this moment towards the end of the race with the colour match of the ice locker and her trainers! The Runway Collaborating with Cake electric motorcycles (RIP) happened to line up with a good friend getting his pilots licence. Setting up this shot with some mates as the crew was a pretty memorable evening! Stalker This shot came from a personal project trying to mix some classic cinema inspired styles with more contemporary photography. Working with some talent I really admired, I just loved the way this one came out and the energy in the shot. What would be your dream location to shoot? I feel like I'm pretty lucky with where and what I get to shoot - I’d love to do some running in the mountains of Ethiopia or a motorcycle shoot on the ice! Other than that, I'm always looking for projects that can blend social documentary and stories with the sports that I love. What's your favourite thing to do that has nothing to do with photography? The line between the work I do and what I do for fun is pretty thin, spending most of my free time running in the mountains or riding bikes off road. I also love to surf, read books and spend time in nature in any way I can! Thanks to Jake for taking the time to share his work and process with us. You can explore more of his photography on Instagram @jakebaggaley.photographer or website.
Viewfinder: Mark Cant
From fashion editorials to celebrity portraits, photographer Mark Cant has built a reputation for capturing bold, unexpected moments with energy and style. In this feature, Mark shares five of his favourite images, the stories behind them, and a few insights into his creative journey behind the lens. What's Your Story? From the very beginning, my interest has been photographing people. During my final year of university I began assisting some photographers in London and quickly decided that fashion shoots were the most exciting way to shoot people. I loved the teamwork, the discussions between the different artists in the room, all looking to create the best image they can. I still love the teamwork that fashion involves. Tell us about 5 of your favourite shots "I'm sure all photographers will say this, but it's hard to pick favourites. I don't know if it's the same in other areas of photography but with fashion, you have to move quickly, and a good amount of favourites will be pushed out of view in favour of what's current!"- Mark Simon Pegg for the cover of Hunger Magazine I've wanted to shoot Simon for years so I jumped at the opportunity when it came to me. As predicted- a cool, calm & collected man who kept us entertained with stories from the mean streets of Crouch End and why on earth would Paris Hilton choose night-vision mode when she recorded THAT video. Manyuon Dutt wears YSL This was never meant to be a studio shoot. The magazine wanted a story shot in sprawling fields of yellow rapeseed. The stylist insisted he'd seen some towards Hastings a few days ago, so off we trundled on a two hour car trip to discover no fields of yellow. Just harvested, blank fields. Once the stylist had finished having a nervous breakdown we decided to head back to my studio in London and shoot a 12-page editorial between 6 and 9pm. And then we went our for a BIG drink. Beabadoobee for Rolling Stone Magazine I love this image of Beabadoobee. She was asking me what to do so I told her to 'do something weird'. This was the result. Georgia for Twenty6 Magazine This image stands out for me as it was a happy mistake. We were working with coloured gels to tint the shadows for the main editorial but I noticed that when the hairstylist stepped in, my main light would be blocked, leaving these colours on the model. I told the hairstylist to stay where he was and with one hand holding the camera and another holding his head, I positioned him to create this effect. Jessie Reyes for the cover of Hunger Magazine Jessie came in and took control. The hairstylist & makeup artist were pushed aside and she proceeded to do it herself. Styling was thrown into disarray as she walked in and decided to switch up the choices. I love talent like this- but the rest of the team, not so much! This energy carried over to set where she did whatever she wanted, then stood shoulder to shoulder with me to edit the images down, mainly ensuring her bum looked good. You can take the girl out of Columbia etc! You've travelled to some amazing places on shoots and worked with some amazing people- what's been your favourite place to travel to for a shoot, and what made it so special? One trip that sticks in my mind was the Maldives with Cosmopolitan Magazine. We went for 12 days, shot the entire magazine while we were there and got to see dolphins swim next to our boat! Is there something that sticks out to you as a favourite or significant moment in your photography journey? I don't know if it's THE secret but something I've always tried to do is stick to my style, to keep a piece of me in the images I create- regardless of the mood board, lighting references and glam direction. I want my audience to know that I took that image! Huge thanks to Mark for sharing these amazing images and stories with us. If you’d like to see more of his work, which we highly recommend that you, you can follow him on Instagram at @kantostu_dio
Viewfinder: Daniel Freytag
We're all huge fans of Daniel's work. Through Colours Scotland (@colours_scotland), he documents the tones that surface in everyday moments; a welly boot on deck, a frost-bitten dawn, rope coiled on a ferry crossing. Nothing staged, nothing forced. Just an instinct to notice what most of us walk past. What began as a personal visual diary has evolved into a distinct body of work, one that reframes the familiar through hue, texture and timing. What's your story? Colours Scotland started out as a visual diary of sorts, a way of linking place and colour. As a designer and artist I’ve always found it useful to collect colours, something I can draw on later as a visual resource. Colour surrounds us, but we don’t always stop to really see it. When you isolate a colour from an image, it suddenly feels quite different and you realise Scotland has a far broader and more interesting palette than you first thought. Over time I realised that other creatives, and people with an affinity for Scotland, felt the same way I did. Tell us about 5 of your favourite shots No. 260 - Wheelhouse Boot A recent post featuring the welly boot of my mate David, who runs a langoustine boat out of Oban. David was completely at ease in his work and his relaxed way of steering felt so natural and practised that it made me laugh. No. 258 - Old Buoy I found this old buoy half buried at the far end of Kiloran Beach on Colonsay. The texture and rich colour contrasted beautifully with the soft sand. Choosing colour names needs to feel immediate and not taken too seriously. I try not to overthink it. For this one I paid a small homage to Korean cult cinema. Abstract, yes, but fun. No. 254 - Pom Pom Cloud Pom Pom Cloud was shot during a dawn dog walk. The ground was still asleep, heavy with frost, but the sky had gone full disco. When it feels right I like to pair colours with audio tracks. Donna Summer’s I Feel Love felt like the right choice. No. 244 - Hawser I shot this neatly stacked old rope while crossing on the CalMac ferry between Iona and Fionnphort on Mull. I’m interested in details that are often overlooked but to me feel just as important as the more recognisable Scottish subjects. No. 155 - Dawn Camp For me, Colours Scotland is as much a diary of my own life and travels. Dawn Camp captures that moment when you’ve just woken, watching the sun rise through the tent opening while still wrapped in your sleeping bag. Life-affirming. When you’re out shooting, are you actively searching for certain tones and combinations, or do the colours tend to reveal themselves in the moment? I just shoot what I see - nothing is staged, set up or filtered - just my life as it happens. That said, I'm always tuned in to my surroundings and on the lookout. Scotland is often portrayed in quite muted, moody tones but your work feels different. What do you hope people see or feel about Scotland through your images? There’s so much beautiful photography of Scotland out there, haunting landscapes, misty glens and foreboding seas. It’s stunning, and God knows Scotland can be 'muted', the weather sees to that. But there’s far more to Scotland than dark greys and dull greens. That’s only one part of its palette. I think Colours Scotland shows a more authentic and sometimes surprising side of the country, and that’s why people connect with it, both here at home and further afield. Big thanks to Daniel for sharing his perspective and the moments behind the colours. You can explore more of his work via @Colours_Scotland, or website. Credits: @Colours_Scotland@danielfreytag@freytaganderson
Viewfinder: Ben Ingram
We’re excited to re-introduce Tens Viewfinder; a series where we shine a spotlight on the photographers and filmmakers who inspire us. It’s all about stepping behind the lens and hearing the stories that shape their work. First up is Ben Ingram, a UK-based photographer. We chatted with Ben about how he got started, what draws him to natural light and real moments, and why slowing down helps him create images that actually feel like something. Let’s get into it. What's your story? I studied Media Production as a Bachelor's degree, and during my time at university, I was introduced into so many different avenues that the media industry could offer - from programming, to lighting installations, to assistant producers on a film set. The choice was somewhat overwhelming, however I found that even amongst the sea of all the options, I kept coming back to how much joy I got with a camera in my hand. Throughout my 3 years at university, I kept honing in on my craft at using cameras to make photos and videos, and then by 2021, I decided to ignore all the career pathways that were suggested by my lecturers, and start my own business as a photographer and videographer. Now, 4 years later, I'm still going strong. Tell us about 5 of your favourite images Durdle Door, Dorset The story behind each of these photographs is unique, because each photo is from a different place, and period along my photography journey. In this shot of Durdle Door, I took this photo on the day that I quit my job to become a full time self-employed photographer - so this photo will always mark a bit of a waypoint for me as the point in my life that I started being a freelancer, and making my life the way I wanted it to be. Not only does it hold that sentimental value, but it also just has a nostalgic summer feel to it, with the contrasting of the blue sea and sky, with the bright yellows of the beach and the rock, telling a story with the kayakers enjoying a day out, all those elements coming together really make it a favourite of my back catalogue. Cloud Inversions, Madeira The cloud inversion at the very top of Madeira is another shot that is always going to be a favourite of mine, because it was my first ever trip abroad with my camera. I travelled to Madeira with another photographer for 3 days, and it truly sparked my love for travel, as well as adding even more fuel to the fire for my passion for photography. In many ways, not only does this photo remind me of how giddy I was being up in the Madeira mountains, but it also feels like the start of my love for exploring, travelling and documenting new places. Glimering Ocean, Gran Canaria This is one of my most recent favourite photos, it was taken on a simple point and shoot film camera, on a very bright day in Gran Canaria. It's a very simple composition of some steps leading down into the ocean, but the way it was rendered on film with the starburst halations over the glimmering sunlight in the water, as well as the rich blues and yellows, really creates a nostalgic summer feel to the image. I love how it evokes so much feeling, even though it was taken on a 34 year old film camera. It goes to show that having expensive gear is not everything in photography. Amlafi Coast, Italy Back in 2023, I remember seeing a video of someone riding a vespa through Amalfi, on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, and I literally booked flights to take photos there based on that one video I was recommended by Instagram. Walking around at Positano, one of the prettiest places I've ever been, let alone in Italy, with my camera at golden hour, was certainly a top 3 photography moment for me. Could it have been the copious amounts of pizza, cannolis and birra moretti in my system? Or just the fact that everywhere I pointed the camera looked amazing? This photo always stands out to me as an image that I constantly wish I could transport myself back into. View from Cafe, Swiss Alps Also in 2023, I travelled to the Switzerland alps, with 6 other people. We had an amazing week with a roadtrip exploring all around the Bernese alps, as well as the Zermatt area. I'd never been anywhere like it before, and the sheer scale of everything around me was always dropping my jaw to the flaw. However, I often found respite in scenes like this one, something that still shows the giant scale of the mountains, however through a cafe window, a way for the viewer to find some peace in the scale. This cafe also served some amazing Swiss beer and pastries, and you could walk outside to the longest glacier in the whole of Europe. You shoot a variety of styles - which is your favourite to shoot? I really hate to niche myself down as a photographer, as I rather enjoy shooting a lot of different genres. I think where I find the most joy, is mixing both portraiture & landscapes together, in a documentary/lifestyle way. Capturing somewhere, something or someone, for myself, or on behalf of a brand, always leaves me with a big wide grin on my face. My dream thing to shoot would be to capture a lifestyle campaign, including photographing people and places, for a travel brand. There's something that excites me about working in places that are unfamiliar to me. Is there something that sticks out to you as a favourite or significant moment in your photography journey? Honestly, getting to travel to new places and capture somewhere with a fresh eye will always be my favourite. Something that sticks out to me in particular, was last year in November. Getting to document Gran Canaria for a week on the newest Fujifilm camera with one of my best mates, who is also a self employed photographer, and then literally the following week, we both flew to Portugal to photograph and video a lifestyle campaign for a household name brand for their summer marketing assets. It felt like a real pinch me moment, that this was my job and my lifestyle, to travel with my friends to new and exciting places, and to get rewarded doing so. I'll never forget it. Huge thanks to Ben for sharing these amazing images and stories with us. If you’d like to see more of his work, which we highly recommend that you, you can follow him on Instagram at @framesbyben
Tens x Tiny Changes
Creating positive experiences through our mood enhancing lenses has been central to our ethos since day one. We love that our sunglasses add a little bit of warmth to your daily travels; however we recognise that maintaining a healthy mindset takes more than that. Mental health is an incredibly challenging issue at the heart of our generation and the Tens team. Today we’re sharing our first steps in actively engaging and driving support in what we feel is an immensely under-resourced space. We’re proud to announce our partnership with Scottish mental health charity, @tinychanges; a community of tiny change makers, working together to help young minds feel better. Tiny Changes is a Scottish mental health charity set up in 2019 by the family of, and in memory of Scott Hutchison. Scott was best known to most as the lead singer and songwriter in Scottish folk indie band, Frightened Rabbit. Through his music and art, Scott made tiny changes that made a big impact. His honesty and openness about his own mental health inspired people from all walks of life. Scott’s family felt sure he would want his voice to continue to be heard. This legacy inspired a bold vision; to make young minds feel better. Tiny Changes has three main aims in its mission: Irrespective of your location around the world, we implore you to visit @tinychanges on Instagram and their website at tinychanges.com to find out more about their story, how you can support it and importantly; learn about what you can do to manage your own mental health as well as looking out for others. It’s never been so important to do so during a testing time for everyone. We hope that you can join us on this journey supporting Tiny Changes and all the important work they do. Every tiny change can make a big impact. - - #TinyChanges
