Vivid Shutter

29/04/2026

A few pictures from the 2026 Maldon Mud Race

29/04/2026

For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of covering the annual Maldon Mud Race, giving my time to capture what is, without question, one of the town’s most memorable and unconventional events. As someone who grew up in Maldon, it’s something I’ve known since childhood, and I’ve always felt it plays an important role in bringing the community together. It is a proper local tradition, supported by businesses and sponsors who help keep it alive year after year.

What began as a quirky local challenge has grown significantly, and the race now puts Maldon firmly on the map. At its core, the concept is simple but far from easy. Competitors charge down one muddy riverbank at low tide, scramble up the equally unforgiving bank on the opposite side, then battle along the mud before making the final crossing back. It is short in distance, but relentless in effort.

This year saw 334 entrants take on the course. The first runner across the line finished in an impressive 2 minutes 47 seconds, while the final participant came in just over 53 minutes later. As always, position at the start makes a huge difference. Those at the front get first pass at relatively untouched ground, while everyone behind faces increasingly churned up conditions that quickly turn the course into a thick, energy-sapping quagmire.

I also had the chance to speak with several sponsors on the day. What stood out was that their support is driven far more by passion for the event than any expectation of commercial return. It is a genuine show of community backing, which feels increasingly rare.

In a time where so much of life is moving online, events like this matter. They bring people together in a way that digital experiences simply cannot replicate. There is a real, shared sense of participation, whether you are running, watching, or helping behind the scenes. It is something worth holding on to.

Before I disappear too far down that line of thought, I’ll leave it there and share a selection of images from Sunday’s race.

And if you are tempted to take part in this brilliantly chaotic event, just go to https://maldonmudrace.com/ and you will find all the details on how to enter.

Richard Gossling

Maldon Mud Race

28/01/2026

Ever wondered what that "RAW" setting on your camera actually does? 🤔
It can be tempting to just stick with JPEG because it’s easy, but you might be missing out on some serious "editing superpowers!" 🦸‍♂️
I’ve written a new blog post that explains the differences in plain English. No jargon, just the facts on which format will help you get the best results for your style. (P.S. If you're already a Lightroom wizard, you can sit this one out!)
Check it out and let me know: Are you Team RAW or Team JPEG? 📷
www.vividshutter.com/blog/blog-no21-raw-vs-jpeg-which-should-you-choose

Confused by RAW and JPEG? Discover the key differences between these image formats and learn which one is right for your photography style.

20/01/2026

I’ve just published my long-term review of the Canon EOS R5 Mark II after using it for a full year on corporate, commercial, industrial and event photography and video projects.
I cover real-world performance, image quality, autofocus, video, reliability and what it’s actually like to work with day to day on paid assignments. No hype, just honest experience from the field.
You can read the full blog on my website here: www.vividshutter.com/blog/ph7bz69j4hq8qmo2hadnviudb4basd
If you’re using the R5 Mark II or thinking about it, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

After 12 months of using the Canon EOS R5 Mark II for corporate, commercial, industrial and event photography and video, here is my honest long-term review of performance, image quality, autofocus, video and workflow.

17/01/2026

A new year is a great time for a fresh look and a renewed focus on how your business is presented online.

As I update the branding and visual direction for Vivid Shutter Photography and Video, it has also reminded me how important it is for every business to regularly review the images and video on their website. Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of you, and those visuals play a huge role in building trust and credibility.

One of my key services is Website Visual Content Review and Upgrade. This is ideal for businesses whose photos or videos no longer reflect who they are today. I review your current content, highlight what is working, what could be improved, and then create clear, modern imagery and video that better supports your brand and helps turn visitors into enquiries.

If your website feels dated, inconsistent, or simply does not do your business justice, now is the perfect time to refresh it and start the year with visuals that truly represent your professionalism.

Feel free to get in touch if you would like to talk about upgrading your website photography and video.

16/12/2025

This image will always be one of my favourites.
Taken on a snowy night in my local town, while recovering from injury and carrying nothing but a phone, it reminded me that great photographs are about seeing and responding to the moment.
I have written a blog about the story behind the shot, what I learned from it, and why observation matters more than gear.
Have a read here: www.vividshutter.com/blog/blog-no19-the-story-behind-one-of-my-favourite-photos

A personal photography story about capturing a favourite image on a snowy winter’s night using just a smartphone. Reflections on observation, timing and creative instinct for photographers at any level.

09/12/2025

I have just uploaded a new blog about a brilliant project with the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster. I spent the day photographing historic engineering drawings that were far too large to scan.
From Brunel’s Thames Tunnel plans to huge nineteenth century blueprints, the set up needed precise lighting, careful handling and plenty of patience. Carol from the ICE Archives was fantastic throughout and kindly allowed me to take over most of the room with my camera equipment.
You can read the full story on the blog: www.vividshutter.com/blog/blog-no18-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-photographer-archive-photography

Discover how I photographed rare nineteenth century engineering drawings at the Institution of Civil Engineers in Westminster. This behind the scenes look explains the specialist lighting, equipment and techniques used to capture accurate, high quality archival images.

01/12/2025

✨ Photography with a Purpose ✨
If you sometimes head out with your camera and feel unsure what to shoot, you’re definitely not alone!
My latest blog explores how having a simple plan, like focusing on one theme, technique, or subject, can completely transform your results. Photography becomes more enjoyable, more creative, and far more intentional.
Have a read here: www.vividshutter.com/blog/blog-no17-photography-with-a-purpose
Let me know what your “purpose” will be next time you go shooting!

Discover how having a clear purpose each time you head out with your camera can transform your photography. Learn simple, practical ways to plan your shoots and capture more meaningful, intentional images.

26/11/2025

“Every leap forward in life is part courage, part partnership, and the belief that you can land stronger than you took off.”

Sometimes life feels like racing over rough terrain, but with the right people around you, even the toughest jumps become amazing moments.
Here’s to courage, support, and taking the leap anyway! 💪🏍️✨