Neal Ashby

I have arrived in Hong Kong! 🇭🇰
Load of content coming up but what are you looking forward to the most?

2 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

🎥 Which do you use most for photography?

3 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

Tower Bridge, London. Fujifilm X100V. What do you shoot with?

4 months ago | [YT] | 1

Neal Ashby

📸 I’m curious… what’s YOUR favorite photography style?

Vote below 👇 and let’s see what our community loves most!
(And if you’re new here, hit Subscribe — more POV photography + tips are on the way 🚀)

#PhotographyCommunity #POVPhotography

4 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

In the summer of 2024, I embarked on a two-day solo photography adventure to Berlin, armed with my trusted Sony A7III and the Samyang 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. With its rich history and architectural grandeur, Berlin was the perfect destination for a quick getaway to capture the essence of this iconic city. The sunny weather graced my trip, and I was eager to explore, frame, and shoot some of the city's most renowned landmarks.



Day 1: A Glimpse into History



Checkpoint Charlie

My first stop was Checkpoint Charlie, a symbol of the Cold War and a poignant reminder of Berlin's divided past. The bright sunlight created stark contrasts, perfect for black-and-white shots. This emphasized the historic mood of the site. I experimented with different focal lengths to capture both wide-angle shots of the checkpoint and close-ups of the iconic "You Are Leaving the American Sector" sign. The Samyang lens performed well here, producing sharp images with pleasing contrast. However, I noticed a slight lens creep while framing vertical shots, which was an early sign of disappointment.



Evening Exploration

As the golden hour approached, I wandered through Berlin’s streets, capturing candid moments and urban details. The city’s vibrant atmosphere came alive in my photos, with the sunlight casting long, dramatic shadows and warm, golden tones. The Sony A7III’s dynamic range excelled in preserving both highlights and shadows, adding depth to my images.



Day 2: Architectural Marvels



Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)

Day two began with a visit to Berlin Cathedral, a stunning masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The morning light illuminated the intricate details of the cathedral, making it a joy to photograph. I switched between wide-angle shots to capture the grandeur of the structure and zoomed-in shots to focus on the intricate carvings and statues.

Unfortunately, this was when I noticed dust spots on my sensor, likely from a lens change or poor sealing on the Samyang 24-70mm. It was frustrating, as I had to spend extra time editing the dust spots out in post-processing.



Brandenburg Gate

The trip concluded at the Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of Germany. By mid-afternoon, the sunny weather had drawn crowds, creating a lively scene. I embraced the challenge of shooting amidst the bustling activity, using the Samyang’s f/2.8 aperture to isolate the gate from the crowd. Despite the lens’s decent performance in rendering sharp images, the combination of lens creep and dust issues left me unimpressed with its overall quality.



Lessons from Berlin

While my Sony A7III remained a reliable companion throughout the trip, my experience with the Samyang 24-70mm f/2.8 lens was mixed. The lens creep made composing shots slightly frustrating, and the dust on the sensor highlighted the importance of using well-sealed lenses in dusty environments. These challenges served as valuable reminders to always carry a sensor cleaning kit and to carefully consider lens quality when planning future photography adventures.



Final Thoughts

Berlin offered an incredible blend of history, culture, and architecture, making it a dream destination for any photographer. From the emotional weight of Checkpoint Charlie to the majestic beauty of Berlin Cathedral and the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the city provided endless opportunities to capture stunning images. Despite the hiccups with my gear, the trip was a rewarding experience, and the sunny weather ensured my photos captured Berlin at its best.

As I reflect on this journey, I’m already planning my next solo photography trip, this time with an upgraded lens and a renewed appreciation for the unpredictable challenges that make travel photography so unique.

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11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

Who here has a drone?

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11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

What do we do on this channel?

- Well we offer daily shorts for motivation, confidence and help with mental health.
- Street, Landscape & Drone Photography
- Reviews of Tech and Equipment to enhance your photography and videography

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11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

What is your favourite piece of Photography/Videography equipment? Excluding camera and lenses.

Let me know below!

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Neal Ashby

"🚀 Exciting news! 🌟 We're gearing up for something big and want YOUR input! 🤔 What's the one thing you'd love to see from us in the coming months? Drop your ideas below 👇 Let's build something amazing together! 💡 #CommunityCollaboration #FuturePlans"

1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Neal Ashby

📸 Passionate about photography? Join our vibrant community and embark on a journey to explore, learn, and capture the world through your lens! 🌍📷 Let's grow together, share insights, and celebrate the art of photography. 🚀✨ #PhotographyCommunity #GrowWithUs #CaptureTheMoment

1 year ago | [YT] | 0