Field notes

Journal

Where I shot from, the settings that worked, and what I'd change. One post per shoot.

Sydney CBD skyline and Circular Quay lit up for Vivid Sydney, long exposure
6 Jun 2025 · Cityscape

Photographing Vivid Sydney from the Harbour Bridge pylon

8 to 20 second exposures at ISO 100 with a NiSi night filter, from the south pylon. Settings for every shot.

Read the post
 Mercedes Formula 1 car head-on under the lights at the Las Vegas Grand Prix
23 Nov 2024 · Motorsport

Shooting the Las Vegas Grand Prix at night on a bridge camera

Grandstand seat, 600 mm of reach, 1/800 s at ISO 3200. What the RX10 IV handled well, and the one thing I'd change.

Read the post
 SpaceX Starship nosecone with hexagonal heat shield tiles, Starbase, Texas
20 Nov 2024 · Aerospace

Visiting Starbase, Texas: a photographer's guide from Starship Flight 6

Passport checkpoint, where you can shoot from, what you'll see the day after a launch, and why you need a tripod and a hat.

Read the post

Common questions

What is the JDVB Journal?

Field notes, one post per shoot: where I shot from, the settings that worked, and what I'd change. Each post is dated to the day of the shoot, not the day it went up.

Are the camera settings listed for every photo?

Yes. Every post lists the focal length, aperture, shutter speed and ISO for each photo, so you can use them as a starting point for your own shoot.

What gear is used?

A Sony RX10 IV for every photo, a NiSi night filter for city long exposures, and a Benro Cyanbird carbon fibre travel tripod for anything longer than a second.

How often are new posts added?

It varies. Photography is a semi-hobby for me, so a new post goes up when there's something significant to shoot.