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Paul W. Baker

A Pocket-Sized Tripod – Neewer Mini

Today I found myself buying a smaller tripod, something I never thought I’d do. For years I’ve relied on sturdier, heavier tripods made by IFootage (I have 3) — reliable tools that give me confidence in all conditions. But the reality is, they’re getting harder and harder to carry onto a flight with all the restrictions now in place, we are also doing this as economy and therefore do not want to pay extra just to take a tripod on board especially on longer trips and when travelling light.

This new one is tiny. In fact, it’s so small that it will probably fit in my coat pocket. Made by Neewer, it extends to about 20 inches when fully set up, and when collapsed it’s only around 7 inches long. That’s a huge difference compared to what I’m used to.

The big question is reliability. With its light weight, I’m not expecting it to handle strong winds or heavier camera gear with ease. Still, it feels like a practical compromise, especially with a holiday coming up where portability is more important than anything else.

Will it stand up to the test in real-world conditions? Only time will tell. For now, it’s a handy little addition to my kit — not perfect, but perhaps exactly what I need for the kind of photography I’ve got planned.

Paul W. Baker

Cromer Pier – Worth Every Mile!

O yes I did, o yes! And it was just stunning. The 5+ hour drive up to Norfolk went by surprisingly quickly, although quite how I don’t know. I was stuck in traffic, held up by accidents, and crawling through the endless roadworks.

But despite all of that, I got there — and Cromer Pier did not disappoint. Ooo she is a beauty!

I initially met up with Andrew Banner, a really nice guy, a very talented vlogger on YouTube, and photographer/videographer with a great eye. More than that, he’s just a good man to chat with — especially when the conversation turns to all things photography.

A sneak preview of Cromer – taken with the DJI Mini Pro 4

There’s something about Cromer Pier that draws you in. The structure, the sea, the atmosphere — it all combines to create something timeless. Standing there with my camera in hand, and after talking shop with Andrew, I was reminded once again why I love these long trips so much.

Sometimes, the journey is a test of patience, but the destination makes every minute worthwhile. Cromer Pier was one of those moments — the kind that lingers long after the shutter clicks.

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Paul W. Baker

Heading back, but to where? Next Stop: The Norfolk Broads (Weather Permitting!)

After last weekend’s epic road trip to Stoke and back, I’m swapping stadium noise for something a little calmer — a return to the Norfolk Broads.

I’m not sure exactly where I’ll end up yet (half the fun is in the exploring), but the forecast says the weather’s heating up again. Perfect for boating (not that I do that), walking, or just sitting by the water with something cold in hand.

Of course, this is Britain, so “how long will it last?” is anyone’s guess. The sunshine could stick around for a week… or disappear before I’ve packed the car. Either way, I’ll make the most of it.

From the roar of the crowd to the ripple of the water — here’s looking forward to another weekend worth remembering, and the making of some great memories.

Paul W. Baker

Coastal Photography Journey: Fareham Coast Road to Portchester Castle

Last week’s vlog takes you with me on a peaceful ride along the Fareham coast road — a route I’ve long admired for its mix of maritime textures, quiet corners, and glimpses of history. My destination? The timeless Portchester Castle, perched proudly at the edge of the water.

But this wasn’t about the destination — it was about the journey.

🧭 The Route: Slow Travel, Visual Discovery

Using my e-bike (a real game-changer for someone like me managing leg problems), I set out to explore what the coast road could offer photographically. The freedom of stopping whenever a scene caught my eye meant I could truly take in the atmosphere — from wide coastal skies to weathered railings, small boats resting in the tide, and birds wading through tidal pools.

📷 What I Photographed

I wasn’t chasing dramatic light or long exposures this time. Instead, I let the route guide me. I looked for:

  • Subtle compositions — the kinds you only spot when moving slowly
  • Leading lines along the seawall and railings
  • Tones in the sky and water that played with the soft, shifting light
  • Distant views of Portchester Castle emerging through the haze

🖥️ Editing: Lightroom & Photoshop

Once back home, I processed the images using Lightroom and Photoshop. I focused on:

  • Bringing out the texture and light in flat skies
  • Toning to reflect the calm, introspective feel of the ride
  • A subtle, moody look — quiet, not overly polished

🎞️ Watch the Vlog

If you enjoy slow, thoughtful photography with a documentary feel — this one’s for you.

▶️ Watch the full video on YouTube:

📍 Final Thoughts

This wasn’t about epic landscapes or perfect light. It was about the value of simply getting out there — letting a familiar route offer new visual opportunities. Whether you’re a fellow photographer or just enjoy quiet visual storytelling, I hope this vlog brings a moment of calm and inspiration.

Thanks for watching — and as always, you can find the full gallery and updates at:

👉 paulwbakerphotography.com

Paul W. Baker

Not this week – well doubtful

It is actually very frustrating, I have so much to do at home and I am attending the first game of the season this Saturday that I do not think I will be going out to vlog this weekend.

You may know? But I am a lifelong Stoke City supporter that owns a season ticket, well this first game of the coming season is on Saturday 9th August at 3pm and I am really looking forward to it.

I am also in the middle of painting parts of the home, the aim is to have that done before the weather turns, not that it is particularly good at the moment, ensuring we are bad weather protected throughout the property.

Some hours later – Painted (shed) white, looks nice and fresh.

And I have already mentioned this weather, it is poor, very overcast with a high possibility of rain! I was planning on doing the vlog today, but it is just gloomy and I felt it wasn’t worth the effort. Get the painting done, along with the football and venture out again next week.

So, apologies, I may try later today but it seems doubtful at this time. I will leave you with a photograph of the Spinnaker Tower taken on another more joyful day!

Click to enlarge
Paul W. Baker

Stay Local

My trip this week was local to where I live, the van had a small issue and had to go into the garage for some work so I couldn’t go to far unfortunately.

Thankfully I have the e-bike and I used that to go down the coast path taken images along the way! So if you are interested in where I live here in the United Kingdom, this may be of some interest to you.

Thank you

PS: The link in the menu has been updated to take you to the vlog also.

Paul W. Baker

Warwickshire

Yesterday I travelled some 3 hours to Warwickshire to photograph a Mill I have only heard of recently through watching vlogs of other bloggers namely Steve Stain and Martin Hajdukiewicz, both of whom are well established on YouTube and good friends.

I was expecting the trip to take between two and two and half hours but the sheer amount of traffic put pay to those expectations.

Thankfully I took the eBike on the back of the van as once there it was clear I was not going to be able to walk there. The bike did struggle to carry me towards the end of the ride and I had to get off and walk, but that was about five minutes, that walk is now felt in my painful legs.

Tysoe Mill, Warwickshire.

The trip was reasonably successful but if I am honest I was hoping for better.

I was hoping to have the vlog out tomorrow, that is now not going to happen, I fell asleep, I hope to have it out on Sunday.