Traveling the British Isles
Recently I went to the British Isles on a family cruise. It was certainly not a dedicated photo trip, but how can you not take photos when visiting such a beautiful place. Keeping in mind that I would be touring with family moving with purpose from one location to another, I wanted to keep my travel gear fairly light. I would pretty much be “running and gunning” shots, rather than taking my usual slow and deliberate compositions. In order to facilitate that, I opted to leave my tripod at home….there would be no time for that. Instead, I would rely on fast autofocus and a keen eye for compositions.
Calm Morn | Invergorden, Scotland | 2026. This image was taken from the balcony of my stateroom. I woke up early (the sun was rising at 4 am), parted the curtains and this is what I saw.; a gorgeous Scottish scene. I quickly grabbed my camera and composed this image. The red sailboat and the painterly effect of the morning fog made this my favorite image of the trip. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 200 mm, ISO 220.
What gear should I bring?
Despite this being a family trip, I wanted to get some great images. Images worthy enough to print and frame. So, for weeks I debated on what equipment to bring with me. Should I bring my best glass in order to get the best images, or should I compromise image quality for a lighter more practical kit? I eventually came to the conclusion that I wanted great photos, but not a bad back! I opted to bring my two newest cameras, the Nikon Z7 II for high resolution landscapes and my Nikon Z50 II for all day city touring. Additionally, I brought my pocketable Ricoh GR III for those times when carrying a large camera was impractical. As far as lenses, I limited myself to four very light lenses:
NIKKOR 24-200mm
NIKKOR 12-28mm
NIKKOR 20mm
Voigtlander 23mm
The NIKKOR 24-200mm could be utilized on both cameras. This was my every day, general lens that could give me wide vistas and enough reach to pick out intimate details without having to change lenses on the fly.
Beacon | Northern Ireland | 2026. From Belfast we took an all day private tour of Northern Ireland. One of our stops was a quant fishing village with a small harbor and waterfront. While walking along the waterfront I noticed a stack of fishing cages and used them as the perfect foreground for an image of the calm inlet to the harbor. You gotta love a good reflection! Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 59 mm, ISO 64.
Colorful Boats | Shetland Islands, Scotland | 2026. These boats were permanently set up as a shelter along the cliff path heading back into Lerwick. I thought them so bright and colorful that I had to get an image. I tried to align the boats so that all four colors could be seen, while only photographing the bows forcing the viewer to ask what this is all about. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 140 mm, ISO 160.
For wide to standard shots in the close confines of cities and towns I would use the NIKKOR 12-28 on my Z50 II. This lens really surprised me. Despite its extreme lightness and plasticky feel, the optical performance out of this lens is amazing. The perfect walk around lens in those tight streets.
Rounded Off | Edinburgh, Scotland | 2026. Apparently curved buildings are a thing in the UK. After walking the city for several hours we finally found ourselves back at our pick up point. We were a bit early, so wandered around the neighboring streets. I came out of a side street and there was a this large building matching the street’s curve. Nikon Z50 II and NIKKOR 12-28 mm lens at f/5.6, 15.5 mm, ISO 100.
I used the NIKKOR 20mm for indoor architecture. The wide f/1.8 aperture and sharp optics were perfect for those dark church interiors.
Basilica of St. Nicholas | Amsterdam | 2026. This was one of the sights I wanted to see in Amsterdam. Unfortunately, when we arrived it was not open yet. We walked around some more and then patiently waited the last few minutes until the doors were opened. Certainly worth the wait. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 20 mm lens at f/1.8, 20 mm, ISO 1250.
The Voigtlander 23mm f/1.2 (35mm equivalent) didn’t come out much. It’s a manual lens and it really didn’t lend itself to getting shots while touring with family. I did use it on our first day in Amsterdam. It was so dark and dreary that I thought the faster f/1.2 aperture could be helpful. After that first day it never came out of my bag again. I do love the way this lens renders, though.
Bikes and Bites | Amsterdam | 2026. This was literally shot while following the family across the bridge. I liked the bikes, but I really liked the mouth biting the umbrella. (on the right). You just don’t see that every day! Nikon Z50 II and Voigtlander 23 mm lens at f/3.5, 23 mm, ISO 100.
For times when I wanted to be candid, especially with street scenes, I used the incredibly small Ricoh GR III. Not only is it unassuming, but it has incredibly great optics. I would see a scene, whip it out of my pocket, quickly compose, shoot, and move on with the group to our next tour destination.
Among the Shadows | Centraal Station, Amsterdam | 2026. I don't normally do street photography, but when you see a scene like this you just have to take it. I noticed the contrasting shadows and light and waited for a person to walk through the scene. Ricoh GR III at f/5.6, 18.3 mm, ISO 200.
Rose-Colored Escalator | Centraal Train Station | 2026. The red panels in the ceiling cast a rose-colored glow throughout the concourse behind the station. I waited for the two passengers to get in just the right spot before I captured this image. Ricoh GR III at f/4.5, 18.3 mm, ISO 200.
Hurrying | Amsterdam | 2026. Amsterdam is covered with bikers. There are dedicated bike paths everywhere. If I learned anything in Amsterdam, its don’t get in their way. They will run you over. I wanted to illustrate the speed of these bikers, so I slowed my shutter speed and stood waiting for the perfect moment. Ricoh GR III at f/5.6, 18.3 mm, ISO 100.
Amsterdam
We flew into Amsterdam on a rainy morning. Our cruise would depart the next day, so we took advantage of the time to roam the old city. Despite having been here previously, the conditions warranted more photos.
Hotel View | Amsterdam | 2026. After a long flight and walking the city we decided to return to the hotel and have a drink at the roof top bar. The view through the large windows was incredible. That’s the Basilica in the middle. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 20 mm lens at f/8, 20 mm, ISO 160.
The most beautiful destinations of our trip were Ireland and Scotland.
Ireland and Northern Ireland
The rugged cliffs and green landscapes of Ireland and Northern Ireland were everything I expected, and more. Everywhere I turned was a beautiful composition. We walked along the cliffs of southern Ireland, visited fishing villages, stood on the Giant’s Causeway, toured cliff-side castles, and walked along the Dark Hedges (King’s Road for you Game of Thrones fans).
Band of Light | Dunmore East, Ireland | 2026. While sailing into Dunmore East the Hook Lighthouse was backlit by the morning sun framing the lighthouse perfectly between the dark sea and stormy cloud. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 200 mm, ISO 64.
Red Petals | Dunmore East, Ireland | 2026. While strolling through the charming village of Dunmore East we came upon a seaside park that had various beautiful flowers along the pathway. This red flower really stood out to me. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200mm lens at f/8, 110mm, ISO 64.
Safe Harbor | Northern Ireland | 2026. The ruggedness of the landscape and the reflections were too hard to ignore. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 26.5 mm, ISO 64.
Dark Hedges | Northern Ireland | 2026. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognize this as the King’s Road from the series. Unfortunately, about half of these beautiful trees have reached their lifespan and died. In another few years this beautiful road will be no more. I was glad to be able to capture it in this mystic black and white image. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/6.3, 125 mm, ISO 450.
Sleepy Cows | Dunmore East, Ireland | 2026. It looks like it was just too early in the morning for these cows. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 110 mm, ISO 90.
House on a Cliff | Dunmore East, Ireland | 2026. Sometimes you just get lucky. This gull flew into my frame just as I was framing up the shot. Nikon Z50 II and NIKKOR 12-28 mm lens at f/5.6, 12 mm, ISO 100.
Scotland
I fell in love with Scotland. The landscape was so different from what I’m used to seeing. The Shetland Islands were particularly enchanting. We visited Invergorden (Inverness), Edinburgh, and the Shetland Islands. I will definitely have to visit Scotland again for a more in-depth tour.
Cliff Wall | Lerwick, Shetland Islands | 2026. We walked all along this cliff. Everywhere you turned there was a beautiful shot. This one is one of my favorites…the wall leading you into the image, past the sloping cliff with a splash of red flowers. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200mm lens at f/8, 24 mm, ISO 160.
The Stewart Monument | Edinburgh, Scotland | 2026. After walking the entire city my final destination was Calton Hill to get this money shot. Yes, this image has been taken a million times and you’ve probably seen it in magazines and postcards, but I had to get it for myself. I loved Edinburgh! So much beauty and history. Nikon Z50 II and NIKKOR 12-28 mm lens at f/8, 28 mm, ISO 100.
Land’s End | Lerwick, Shetland Islands | 2026. As I said earlier, just one beautiful scene after the next along this cliff path outside of Lerwick. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 28.5 mm, ISO 160.
Liverpool
We made one stop in Liverpool, England where we walked along the waterfront and through the city.
Pigeon Lady | Liverpool, England | 2026. I watched this woman crossing the square as the pigeons literally followed her. Once she sat down I knew I had to get a shot of her. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 190 mm, ISO 64.
Clown Face | Liverpool, England | 2026. If you’re afraid of clowns look away! Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/6.3, 92 mm, ISO 160.
Cruising
Then there were the images made transitioning from one port to another from the vantage point of my veranda. The vastness of the sea really lended itself to minimalistic photography. The very late sunsets (10:30 pm) and super early sunrises (4:30 am) made it difficult to catch golden hour images while traveling with family, but, as you can see, I still got a few. As a side note, while in the Shetland Islands it never really got dark at night.
Wind Turbines | Irish Sea | 2026. It was amazing how many of these turbines were at sea. There were literally entire farms of hundreds of turbines in the middle of the sea. No matter what your thoughts are about these; they did make for an interesting photo. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/6.3, 79 mm, ISO 125.
Foggy Arrival | Belfast, Northern Ireland | 2026. It was an extremely foggy morning approaching Belfast when we passed these markers that just barely stood out in the mist. A fantastic minimalistic composition. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 200 mm, ISO 160.
Irish Sunset | Irish Sea | 2026. The sunsets were amazing, but very late. Oftentimes it was still light out until 11:00 pm and the night would never really get dark. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 76 mm, ISO 160.
Diffusion | Irish Sea | 2026. Another incredible sunset. The clouds filtering the sun and the low lying clouds give this image just that little bit of mystery. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/8, 79 mm, ISO 160.
Converging Lines | Amsterdam | 2026. This image was captured from my veranda as we departed Amsterdam. The leading lines and contrasting light begged to be taken in monochrome. Ricoh GR III at f/2.8, 18.3 mm, ISO 200.
Sailing: Past and Present | Lerwick, Shetland Islands | 2026. I couldn’t believe my luck when I spotted this Viking long boat moored in the bay. I positioned myself so that our cruise ship would fill the background providing an interesting image of ships past and present It is incredible that long ago the Vikings crossed oceans with these long boats. Nikon Z7 II and NIKKOR 24-200 mm lens at f/6.3, 57 mm, ISO 64.
Thanks for traveling with me back to the British Isles. I loved sharing my images with you. I’m interested in your thoughts. Have you been to Scotland and Ireland? Where did you go? What equipment did you take with you? Leave a comment and share your thoughts. Thanks again. See you in the next blog!
