I will admit it, this is the first photography magazine I’ve ever picked up. I have been plugging away with my Nikon D5300 for a wee bit now, learning the craft through trial and error, a few books, and bits I have picked up online. But no photography magazines until “Better Photography Issue 119, Autumn 2025” and it was great, I am going to be grabbing all photography magazines I find now to try at least each title once.

Split into three sections, Gadgets & Gizmos, Techniques, and Masterpieces, it is a perfect mix of practical advice, inspiration, and the glossy allure of what is new and shiny. As a complete newbie to this world, I am hooked, and here is why.

The Gadgets & Gizmos section kicks things off, and it is a gear lover’s dream, even if I would not call myself one of them. My Nikon D5300 and my two lenses, the humble 18-55mm and the 55-200mm serve me well (for now), and honestly, I am just grateful to have a camera at all. But that does not mean this section did not get me curious. They are showcasing some serious kit here, from the Canon RF 24mm f1.4L VCM, which looks perfect for vibrant street scenes, to the Fujifilm XF 500mm F5.6 R LM OIS W, a telephoto beast that had me daydreaming about wildlife shoots up in the Scottish Highlands. And then there is the Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f2.8 and more.

I am not running out to buy any of these, mind. My current kit is serving me fine for now, and I’m sticking with it. But still, I cannot help imagining how a proper 400mm or 600mm telephoto could transform my work someday. Maybe I will be capturing the stunning Aberdeenshire coastline or zooming in on details hidden in the city’s granite sprawl. For someone who loves the craft more than the tech, this section is like peeking into a world of possibilities, a glimpse of what might be waiting when I am ready to expand my gear.

But where this magazine really had me hooked was the Techniques section. This is where it feels like it is sitting down for a proper chat, giving you the creative nudges and technical guidance you did not realise you needed. The article on “Lens Selection” stood out right away. It is practical, breaking down how the lens you choose can shape the way you see and shoot. It is the kind of advice that is brilliant for someone like me who is still figuring out what might lift my photography to the next level.

Then there’s “Architectural Minimalism” by Josh McGuigan, which I absolutely loved. His shots are clean, elegant, and entirely focused on simple shapes, lines, and muted tones. It is a style I have toyed with here and there while wandering around Aberdeen’s grey cityscape and when visiting the art gallery, and now I feel inspired to lean even further into that stripped-back aesthetic. On the other end of the spectrum, Peter Eastway’s “The Art of Aerial Photography” takes you up into the skies, exploring abstract, otherworldly views you can only get from above. I do not have a drone in my kit myself, but this article has opened my eyes to how aerial imagery can turn textures and patterns into pure art, I always think drone photography id cheating as every image look great 100 feet+ in the air.

Murray White’s “Title Fight” tackles whether a good photo needs a caption. I am still undecided in what I prefer, there is a place for both like adding titles for giving a bit of direction to the viewer, but this got me questioning just how much those words influence what people take away from an image.

Then there’s Jackie Ranken’s “Authentic and Satisfied,” which was a quiet standout. Her words on staying true to yourself and finding creative fulfilment hit me at just the right time. There is always that nagging voice of comparison, especially with social media constantly in your face, but this article is a timely reminder to focus inward instead of chasing trends. Mike Langford’s “Know Your Journey” stirred up my wanderlust as he shared his challenges shooting in China, while Len Metcalf’s “Axioms for Photographers” playfully questioned the so-called rules of the craft, encouraging experimentation. Toss in the intriguing mention of AI in “Radiant Photo 2” and a reflection on Ansel Adams’ environmental legacy in “This is the American Earth,” and you have a section that is both thought-provoking and creatively electric.

Finally, we hit the Masterpieces section, where the magic sinks deep. This is where stories and visuals collide in ways that leave you buzzing with inspiration. “Marcus Bell: Feet in the Sand” was the standout for me. His philosophy, finding stories in everyday life, whether it is a wedding, a quiet shoreline, or something as simple as fleeting light speaks directly to my heart as a photographer. His ability to weave those stories into meaningful exhibitions only amplifies the emotional impact of his work. It is a reminder that photography is not just about taking pictures, it is about creating connections.

Barbara Brown’s “Seeing Venice Differently” is another highlight, tackling one of the hardest challenges photographers faces: how to bring fresh perspective to an over-photographed subject. Her images peel back the clichés of Venice, offering layers of thought and texture that I could imagine applying to Old Aberdeen or its Aberdeen harbour. Then there’s Christian Fletcher’s “WEST,” his love letter to Western Australia, which shows how passion and precision can elevate even the most familiar landscapes into something extraordinary.

So, here is my verdict after diving into my first ever photography magazine: Better Photography Issue 119 is great. It has got something for everyone, whether you are a tech aficionado drooling over gear, a creative soul hungry for inspiration, or just someone looking to deepen their craft. For me, the Techniques section was the beating heart of this issue full of tips and insights that felt like they were written just for me. And the Masterpieces section reminded me why I pick up my camera in the first place.

This magazine feels like a proper sit-down read, something to savour and come back to, unlike the scatter of online tutorials or quick Instagram posts. As someone who has been hesitant about photography magazines, this has definitely converted me. Who knows, one day I will be flicking through its pages and seeing my own work, Aberdeen’s grit and beauty, framed and printed for all to see. For now, I will keep shooting, tinkering, and learning, with a stack of Better Photography issues by my side to guide the way. If you have not given it a go, trust me that this one is a treat.

And now to look out the next magazines to read and put them in a stack next to my photobooks to work through.

Regards

Alex