Rove Journal #9

London, Scotland and... another camera?

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Hi everyone!

It’s currently raining. It has rained every single day of 2026 so far in the UK. I am aware I was lucky enough to escape it and revel in a sunny (albeit cold) Japan for 2 weeks, but my goodness, it is miserable. The skies are permanently grey and flat, it’s cold, and it’s raining in a way that isn’t romantically torrential, but you can’t go outside without getting soaked through either.

Why the whinging? Well, as a photographer, the rain makes it difficult to get out and capture the world. In this case, it’s not atmospheric, it’s flat. My gear is weather sealed but unfortunately I don’t feel like I am. Numb hands, wet skin and heavy wet gear? Not the most fun. I’m feeling a violently strong pull to the airport.

I’ve spent the past 2 weeks in London, working, seeing friends and planning the next few months. I also worked for someone who found me on Substack! It was a cool experience, I got to capture the start of a renovation project in Kent. It was shoot one of four in total and I am excited to see how the house changes as I go back each time.

Even more excitingly, I’ve been sent Sony’s new camera body to try out over my trip to Scotland. I’ll be here for almost three weeks exploring and, hopefully, capturing some gorgeous landscapes (should the skies allow for any reprieve). I think that’s why the rain is affecting me even more so. I am not certain I can capture everything I need and want to with this camera, that I only have a limited time with, in Scotland because British weather continues to be diabolical. So I am manifesting at least 2-3 days with a few patches of sun and/or blue sky (please).

Whilst in Scotland, I am going to be working on a few projects for some brands and meeting some other van lifers! Van life in Scotland is free and easy, there is always somewhere to park where you aren’t bothering anyone and no one is bothering you. I’ve not really had the chance to meet other van lifers properly yet so I am super excited for this, especially as their photographers and videographers too. I’m close(ish) to Glasgow as I’m writing this but the highlands are calling and I’ll be headed there soon. So, if anyone has any recommendations for gorgeous landscapes/areas in the Scottish Highlands then please do send them my way!

Thanks so much for reading once again. I hope by the time this goes live I’ll have at least a few photographs I am happy with from this trip! Fingers crossed.

Speak soon,

H x

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