MatfromNi

Author: admin

  • Lough Neagh: A Photographer’s Journey Through Northern Ireland’s Inland Sea

    Lough Neagh – A Photographer’s Journey | MatfromNi

    Lough Neagh: A Photographer’s Journey Through Northern Ireland’s Inland Sea

    There’s something mystical about Lough Neagh that pulls me in time and time again. As the largest freshwater lake in the UK and Ireland, this vast body of water is more than just a geographic landmark — it’s a spiritual one. For me, it’s been a canvas, a mirror, and a muse. On MatfromNi.com, I’ve tried to do justice to its moods and majesty through photography. This post is both a love letter to the lough and a guide to what makes it so special.

    1. A Giant Among Lakes

    Covering over 151 square miles, Lough Neagh is truly colossal. It’s so vast that you can’t see the other side from many points. Its surface area is greater than Lake Geneva. Sometimes, when fog rolls in, the lake feels like it stretches beyond the edge of the world. This scale makes it a dream location for photographers who crave big skies, broad reflections, and horizon-dominant compositions.

    2. A Living Landscape

    Every season transforms Lough Neagh. Spring brings crisp blue skies and awakening wildlife. Summer is golden and still, with soft ripples at sunset. Autumn glows with fiery foliage along the shorelines, while winter brings grey drama and frozen beauty. Each visit offers something new — a changing palette and a fresh perspective for my camera.

    “The mood of the lough shifts faster than the light — and that’s why I always come back.”

    3. Wild and Free: The Nature of Lough Neagh

    The lough’s ecosystem supports a rich variety of birds, fish, and rare plants. It’s one of Northern Ireland’s most important wetland areas. I often photograph whooper swans in winter and great crested grebes in summer. My favourite moments are the quiet early mornings when mist clings to the surface and herons glide silently past.

    4. Legends in the Landscape

    Lough Neagh isn’t just scenic — it’s storied. According to legend, the lake was created by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, who scooped a chunk of earth that became the Isle of Man. Whether you believe the tales or not, the place has an undeniable magic, especially when the light is low and the air feels still. I love capturing these moments when folklore feels almost visible through the lens.

    5. Shores Full of History

    The lough’s edge is dotted with historic sites. At Shane’s Castle, the ruined walls and tree tunnels make for haunting compositions. Cranfield Church and its ancient holy well offer timeless scenes, particularly in black and white. Further west, the canals at Toomebridge and the stone jetty at Ballyronan give you both texture and serenity in a single frame.

    6. Favourite Spots to Shoot

    While every part of Lough Neagh has its own vibe, there are a few locations I return to often:

    • Antrim Lough Shore Park – perfect for sunsets and people-watching.
    • Oxford Island – a haven for wildlife and peaceful reflection shots.
    • Maghery Country Park – great for woodland paths and panoramic views.
    • Rams Island – accessible by boat, full of mystery and mood.

    7. Photography Tips for Lough Neagh

    If you’re planning to photograph here, bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping views and a telephoto for wildlife. Use ND filters for long exposures during overcast days, and always check sunrise and sunset angles — the open horizon allows for spectacular light, especially in autumn and winter.

    8. Final Thoughts

    There are few places where I feel more grounded than by the waters of Lough Neagh. It’s a space that encourages stillness, reflection, and creativity. Whether I’m out with my camera or simply watching the clouds roll in, it continues to inspire. If you haven’t seen it in person, make the journey. And if you want to see it through my eyes, browse the gallery at MatfromNi.com.

    © 2025 MatfromNi – Capturing Northern Ireland one frame at a time.

  • Getting Into Photography: The Essential Camera Equipment You Need

    By MatfromNi

    Photography is a fantastic creative outlet that lets you capture the world from your perspective. Whether you’re looking to pursue it as a hobby or a potential career, having the right gear can make a big difference in how quickly you progress and how much you enjoy the process. Here’s a breakdown of the essential camera equipment you need to get started in photography.

    1. Camera Body

    The most obvious starting point is a camera. There are several types to consider:DSLRs (Digital Single-Lens Reflex): Reliable and versatile, great for beginners and professionals alike.Mirrorless Cameras: Compact with excellent image quality and fast performance, becoming increasingly popular.Bridge or Compact Cameras: Good for casual shooting, but limited in manual control and lens options.Tip: You don’t need the latest model. A used or entry-level camera can be a great way to learn the basics without a big investment.

    2. Lenses

    Lenses are just as important as the camera itself. The type of lens you choose affects how your photos will look. Start with:Kit Lens (usually 18-55mm): Great for general-purpose shooting.Prime Lens (like a 50mm f/1.8): Affordable, sharp, and perfect for portraits and low-light situations.Wide-Angle or Telephoto Lens: Optional early on, but useful as you define your style (e.g., landscapes or wildlife).

    3. Tripod

    A tripod helps with stability, especially for long exposures, night photography, or time-lapses. Look for one that’s lightweight yet sturdy, ideally with a quick-release plate.4. Memory CardsFast and reliable memory cards are essential. Go for reputable brands like SanDisk or Lexar, and get a couple of high-capacity cards (at least 32GB or 64GB) so you don’t run out of space mid-shoot.

    5. Camera Bag

    Protect your gear with a padded camera bag. Choose one based on how much equipment you’ll carry and whether you’ll be hiking, traveling, or shooting in urban areas.

    6. Spare Batteries and Charger

    Running out of battery during a shoot is frustrating. Always carry at least one spare battery, especially if you’re out shooting for the day.

    7. Cleaning Equipment

    Dust and smudges happen. A basic cleaning kit with a microfiber cloth, blower, and lens cleaner will help you maintain your gear and your image quality.

    8. Editing Software

    Post-processing is part of the creative process. Start with something beginner-friendly like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or even free options like Darktable or Snapseed for mobile editing.

    9. Optional Accessories

    As you grow, you might want to add

    Filters (ND, polarizers)

    Remote Shutter Release

    External Flash

    Reflectors or diffusers for lighting

    Final Thoughts – Getting into photography doesn’t mean you need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics, learn how to use them well, and build your kit over time based on the kind of photography you enjoy. Most importantly, keep shooting and experimenting—your best teacher is experience.

    If you have any questions feel free to get in touch via email Contact@MatfromNi.com or via Instagram @MatfromNi

  • Canon vs Sony vs Nikon: Which Camera Brand Is Right for You?

    By MatfromNi

    Choosing the right camera brand is one of the most important decisions a photographer can make—whether you’re a beginner picking up your first mirrorless body or a seasoned pro upgrading your kit.

    Among the most trusted and debated names in photography are Canon, Sony, and Nikon. Each offers unique advantages depending on your needs, style, and budget.In this post, I’ll break down the differences between these three giants based on image quality, autofocus, lens selection, ergonomics, and value for money—from the perspective of someone who lives and breathes photography.

    1. Image Quality – All three brands produce cameras capable of incredible image quality, but there are some differences depending on the model and sensor technology.

    Canon: Known for its warm tones and pleasing color science. Canon sensors (especially in the R5 and R6 lines) offer excellent dynamic range and low-light performance. Their skin tones tend to look natural straight out of camera—great for portrait and wedding photographers.

    Sony: Arguably the leader in sensor innovation, Sony cameras like the A7R V and A1 deliver industry-leading detail, dynamic range, and ISO performance. If you’re into pixel-peeping or want maximum resolution for landscapes or commercial work, Sony is hard to beat.

    Nikon: Traditionally strong in color fidelity and shadow detail, Nikon’s latest mirrorless models (like the Z8 and Z9) offer fantastic image quality that rivals or surpasses Canon and Sony in some cases. The Z-mount also allows excellent edge-to-edge sharpness in Z lenses.

    Winner: Sony for resolution and innovation, Canon for natural tones, Nikon for balanced performance.

    2. Autofocus Performance – Autofocus (AF) is a game-changer for many types of photography—from wildlife to sports to video.

    Canon: Dual Pixel AF II is incredibly fast and reliable, especially in tracking human eyes, animals, and moving subjects. The latest R-series cameras nail focus with impressive consistency.

    Sony: Sony leads in AI-based subject recognition. Their Real-Time Tracking and Eye AF are arguably the most advanced on the market, particularly in video and fast-paced scenarios.

    Nikon: A few years ago, Nikon lagged behind, but with the Z9 and Z8, they’ve caught up fast. Nikon’s subject detection and 3D tracking are now highly competitive, especially for wildlife and sports.

    Winner: Sony slightly edges out the others, but Canon and Nikon are now very close contenders.

    3. Lens Ecosystem – Your choice of camera also ties you into a lens ecosystem—so this matters more than many people think.

    Canon: The RF mount has some truly stunning lenses, especially for portrait and video work. However, Canon has been slow to open up third-party support, meaning fewer affordable options from brands like Sigma and Tamron.

    Sony: As the earliest adopter of mirrorless tech, Sony has the most mature lens ecosystem. You’ll find premium G Master glass, affordable primes, and full third-party support.

    Nikon: The Z mount boasts some of the sharpest glass ever made, especially the S-line. While third-party options are growing, it’s still not quite as broad as Sony’s—yet.

    Winner: Sony for choice and variety, Canon for optical quality (at a price), Nikon for sharpness and innovation.

    4. Ergonomics & Usability – How a camera feels in hand is just as important as specs.

    Canon: Known for intuitive menus and comfortable ergonomics. The grip on most R-series bodies feels solid and balanced, especially when paired with large RF lenses.

    Sony: Historically had smaller bodies with cramped controls, but the latest models (like the A7 IV and A1) have improved drastically. Menus used to be a mess, but have been overhauled with more logical layouts.

    Nikon: Often praised for their deep grips and user-friendly interfaces. If you’re coming from a DSLR, Nikon’s Z series feels like a natural transition.

    Winner: Canon or Nikon for ergonomics, Sony for compactness and menu improvements.

    5. Video Capabilities – If video is a key part of your workflow, this could be a major factor.

    Canon: Offers high-quality internal 10-bit 4K and RAW video in many R-series cameras. Known for cinematic color and easy workflows. Some overheating issues remain in certain models.

    Sony: Dominates the hybrid shooter space with its FX and A7S lines. Best-in-class video features, dynamic range, and autofocus. No overheating in most models.

    Nikon: A surprise contender—Z9 and Z8 offer internal 8K RAW, 10-bit 4K, and excellent AF. Great for professionals, but Nikon lacks a lower-budget video-focused body.

    Winner: Sony for versatility and reliability, with Canon and Nikon close behind in high-end models.

    6. Price & Value – Canon: Premium pricing for RF lenses and high-end bodies. Good value in the mid-range with models like the R6 and R8.

    Sony: Competitive across all tiers—from budget (A7C) to flagship (A1). The large used market and third-party lens options make it affordable long-term.

    Nikon: Offers great value—Z5, Z6 II, and Z8 provide pro-grade features at very fair prices. Z lenses are premium but often cheaper than Canon’s RF counterparts.

    Winner: Nikon for value, Sony for balance, Canon for premium investment.

    Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

    Choose Canon if you value natural colors, amazing AF for portraits and events, and are already in the Canon ecosystem.

    Choose Sony if you want cutting-edge tech, top video features, and the widest lens ecosystem.

    Choose Nikon if you want pro performance, excellent ergonomics, and a smart balance of price and quality.At the end of the day, the best camera is the one that gets you out shooting.

    I’ve used all three over the years, and each has its own charm. If you’re into landscape photography like me, resolution and dynamic range matter. If you’re shooting sports, wildlife, or video, fast AF and frame rates are key.

    Whatever you choose, just get out there and keep creating.

    Have questions or want to see side-by-side photo samples?

    Drop me a message or follow along @MatfromNi on Instagram.

  • Big Changes: Rebranding from MatthewPhotographs to MatfromNi

    After years of sharing my work under the name MatthewPhotographs, I’ve decided it’s time for a change. As of today, I’m rebranding to MatfromNi—a fresh identity that better reflects who I am and where I’m headed.

    Why the change?

    MatthewPhotographs was the beginning of my creative journey—focused mainly on landscape photography and showcasing the beauty of nature through my lens. It served me well and helped build a foundation I’m proud of. But over time, I’ve grown as a creator. My interests have expanded, and so has the type of content I want to share.

    The name MatfromNi feels more personal and authentic. It’s casual, straightforward, and rooted in where I’m from—Northern Ireland. It reflects me not just as a photographer, but as a creative person with varied passions, from photography to gaming, fitness, and more.

    What’s changing?

    Only the name. I’m still the same creator, sharing the same style of content, just with a broader perspective and a more flexible brand that gives me room to grow.

    • You’ll still see stunning landscapes and photography work.
    • I’ll be sharing more of my personal journey—behind the scenes, gym progress, creative experiments, and maybe the occasional gaming moment.
    • The tone will be a bit more relaxed and real—less formal, more me.

    What’s next?

    This rebrand opens up a new chapter. Expect more consistent content, new projects, and maybe even some exciting collaborations down the line.

    To everyone who’s supported MatthewPhotographs over the years—thank you. And to those just discovering MatfromNi, welcome. Let’s see where this road leads.

    Stay tuned and stay creative,
    Mat