B&W photography on bright days

You normally hear that harsh lighting is bad for photography but that's only true if you don't know how to shoot it. On a very sunny day out in North Wales I manage to make some good images thanks to being prepared, and taking the right equipment.
Equipment Used
Nikon F80 and 28-105 D Nikkor with XP2 Super and red filter
Canon G15 Infrared (720nm) conversion
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10
iPhone 12Pro
Rode wireless Go II
Incidental Music (Epidemic Sound)
Storytellers 1
Flourishing views
Etsy Shop
steveonionsphoto.etsy.com
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail] Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@SuperTantePeter]

"The main thing is to increase the keeper rate" wise words indeed.

[@thomasfarley2688]

Anyone else notice the "face" in the foreground rock at 10.05? Great video BTW.

[@SteveONions]

Glad it’s not just me who sees it 😊

[@sjacobson005]

I appreciate your warning about the overuse of infrared film.

[@lloydstuartm.d.5625]

What a great video! I'm just starting to explore IR photography and I love it. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@SteveONions]

You’re very welcome.

[@christopherhowell3209]

Great infrared Steve 😊 ... shame you didn't take a Obtain of those two sheeps LOL!

[@SteveONions]

Next time!

[@rickhauser9698]

Steve you sir are a photographic Treasure. Wish you could come to USA 🇺🇸

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Rick, I like to get across the pond every now and then, most recent trip was to NYC last October 👍

[@richardsimms251]

Fun video. Thank you. RS. Canada

[@PhutureproofUK]

Love that opener!!

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

Wonderful photography.

[@WintherKl]

Amazing pictures...love the textures and glow...lovely indeed!

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks 🙂

[@sorinmarcian967]

Nice photographs Steve, interesting IR perspectives. Thanks for posting the video.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Another fine video, Steve. I enjoy photographers who have the skill set and desire to shoot in the harsher times of the day. It shows folks like me that limitations are more about who is behind the lens than what time of day it happens to be. Thank you. You came away with some nice images. A fine day out and about.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James. I’m happy to shoot in all weather conditions but in recent years we’ve been experiencing more sunshine and high temperatures.

[@benkotowicz174]

Very nice photos Steve. I enjoyed watching.Beautiful! God Bless.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ben.

[@danncorbit3623]

Wonderful images as always. I agree about not getting snap-happy with the infrared. Of course, it is generally good to slow down to increase the keeper rate. But with sensational modes (infrared, Lomo purple, ultra-wide lens, etc.) I have found that I adore a small collection of images, but the effect greatly wears off when I make a giant pile of them. I think that the surprise wears off and they get less interesting (for me). I imagine it's related to the effect you described when you go over a large collection of infrared images and they don't seem as incredible as at first blush. Black and white does not "wear off" like sensational techniques. Maybe because old guys like me watched a lot of black and white tv and looked at lot of black and white images, so it is not surprising or stunning to look at.

[@SteveONions]

You’ve got a point about B&W not becoming tired or jaded Dann, fashions come and go but the traditional B&W image always feels right.

[@mikejankowski6321]

Great trip on a lovely day. Those infrared shots are quite nice - it's good to throw some variety in the mix. Thanks for taking us along.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike, more IR in upcoming videos.

[@josephfranklin4610]

Wonderful exposition Steve. Inspires me to dust off my red filter.

[@The58stupot]

Cracking images Steve. Beautiful part of the UK for sure. Well done.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@giuseppeg.8461]

The best film photography youtuber out there. What a lovely episode Steve. I have to say though, in all instances I much preferred your film shots to your digital infrared. I find infrared photography mostly an overdone (slightly tacky) gimmick. Please give us some more hints and tips on how you get those lovely sunny landscape tones with XP2+ and filter. There's something almost Robert-Adams-esque to them. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. I’m often surprised how much glow there is to XP2 shot on sunny days, especially when given generous exposure. A yellow filter helps too, it lifts vegetation nicely and brings down the sky a little.

[@trailimagesphotography6635]

Your comment of not taking too many images and to increase the "keeper rate" is a noteworthy goal for all of us. Most all the scenes in this episode seemed perfect for the B&W treatments. The best for me was all the clouds in the video and photographs as well. The area I photograph in is blessed with decent cloud formations 10 days out of 365.....😟

[@SteveONions]

We are getting more and more of these bright sunny days. Years ago they were few and far between.

[@trailimagesphotography6635]

@@SteveONions I'm sure it has to due to climate change. As you're receiving sunlight we're seeing more & more marine layer dull overcast days here in So Cal.

[@tonysleung]

love the running sheep in the beginning and their portraits in the end. You have sheep. We have cows here in california. Funny thing i found some white albino baby cows with black moms yesterday, and was thinking of your sheep. Anyway good and inspirational with your videos as usual. I need to get some infrared film and /or get one of my older digital cameras modified. Its super hot out here this weekend and your video definitely reminds me of the infrared opportunity... maybe i should try wide format 9x18 zero pinhole with infra 😃... anyways, you keep going and keep the inspiration coming... maybe some day i will join the tubing community and help out as well ..

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Tony, getting a conversion done is well worth the money. I’ve tried pinhole with infrared, better be prepared for some very long exposures!

[@jefferyargentine4453]

Just came from California (It's in the US.) to walk the Cleveland Way and the Wolds Way. What did I learn? What you have preached. The world is different if you only see it through a viewfinder. I was sure I had captured some beautiful pictures. And I did. Most have been "archived": The ones I took for art's sake -- focused, minimalist -- are in process. Sorry. When I am on these final journeys (I am approaching 80), I only shoot digital. Not the end of the world. But when I am home, the film camera is on a tripod and guiding me through the pastures here. What I love most is what I have to explain to the listener. Viewers wouldn't notice. I wish I could share these moments with you. But I am grateful for the Read Only experience I have with you. Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

Sounds like you had a great time Jeffery, a lovely part of the world to explore with your camera. When travelling abroad I too use only digital cameras, the hassle of film just isn’t worth it. I largely make the videos so I have something to look back on in the future 🙂 All the best.

[@johnmarriott9166]

Wallet, phone, car key..........and house keys, been caught like that myself! Great video, your posts always lift the spirits, thanks mate 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John 👍

[@chromagraphphotoart]

As ever Steve, I'm nodding along saying, 'this looks good' Then you pop up an absolutely stunning image. What can I say except Bleddy marvellous.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@dominey]

Nice video Steve. I'm fond of the pathway image at 8:13, for I like how the bright green grass glows and connects with the brighter field in the distance.

[@SteveONions]

That’s one of my favourites too 👍

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Enjoyed your infrared images, all of them actually thank you for sharing your adventure

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it James.

[@RandyPollock]

Really enjoyed the images and gives me hope for those bright sunny days

[@SteveONions]

I hope so too!

[@ktulu193]

Lovely video, Steve. I agree that the rock textures go very well together with the bark. The shadow struggle is very familiar...

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@desgardner7169]

That was great Steve, I am a blue sky lover so your your blog went down well and its strange but only yesterday I shot some tree bark patterns which I quite like! thank you for taking us up there with you I am afraid I could not do that but why should I when you do it all for us! Thank you I enjoyed that....

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Des, I’m a big fan of bright sunny days for photography.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Love those infra red shots , I always think any day is a good day for ohotography , you just have to work with what you've got 😊

[@SteveONions]

Very true 👍

[@davidlohrentz752]

Thank you, Steve. I was just thinking about this very issue, as we've been having nothing but blue sunny skies, and sunrise at 5:15. It is hard to get to locations, hike in and get set up for a shot before golden hour has passed. This video is very helpful.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you found it useful David. I’m also finding it impossible to get into a good location pre-sunrise but when shooting B&W I’m never too concerned to catch the very early light.

[@dzhaughnne]

I confess I wasn't expecting much from this, but the image at 8:13 is stunning; the image at 9:16 might pair nicely with it with some burning in the sky and around the edges. Very nice. Thanks as always.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@valdezapg]

Thanks for including sheep in the beginning and end. The frame at 14:02 is beautiful and could be a painting or a print on a wall. Interesting hike and video.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🐑🐏🐑🐑🐑🐏

[@toine1915]

Hi, Steve. As always a very interesting video. You are doing a heck of a job, my friend. Antoine.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks for watching as usual Antoine.

[@kenblair2538]

Thanks Steve . Another inspirational video . I must try IR some day, those images really pop . KB

[@SteveONions]

Well worth a try Ken.

[@johnmarriott9166]

Well done mate, love the infrared, not sure if I could take the plunge in that direction myself due to cost. I do envy your results though. Well done Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John. There’s always a few converted cameras on eBay for not too much money.

[@davidhecker5495]

Inspiring as always… yup, wallet, phone and key check 👍😄

[@SteveONions]

😁

[@raybeaumont7670]

Those opening sheep must have seen you coming Steve! Must have thought you were from the Rhondda.

[@SteveONions]

I’m a sheep magnet! 🐏🐑

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Another cracking hike with cracking photography cheers

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@SteveONions always mate

[@RichB-js8ct]

I really really like the film/red filter photo at 9:16 - great video!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Rich.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

I used to go walking up there about every 2 weeks, but not been up there for a few years. Yr video has inspired me to return again soon - such a beautiful area. The permissive path along the cliffs is fantastic isn't it? Some great shots again there Steve.

[@SteveONions]

It is a very good walk indeed, just under 9 miles for the circuit. I do prefer the scenery from the far end rather than by the castle, the rock formations sit well with the distant hills.

[@Phil_f8andbethere]

@@SteveONions Yes, one thing I love about it, is that you can extend or shorten the circuit or do lots of variations of the basic circuit, so it never gets boring.

[@autisticlife]

Thank you I did enjoy this video. I like photography in high contrast lighting. I often use my Zuiko lenses they record the contrast without going over the top with it while adding a 3D look to the immages.

[@SteveONions]

Glad it was helpful, I find some modern lenses have excessive contrast for such lighting.

[@kzr83]

What a day and, shock, horror, Steve goes out, and Steve comes back with another bunch of winners! 👌

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@ronwhite8503]

I change the words in "head, shoulders, knees and toes" to "wallet, glasses, keys and phone (keys and phone)" to aid my failing memory. Don't get confused looking for glasses if you don't wear them!

[@SteveONions]

😀👍

[@brycepinson8641]

What a beautiful area and fantastic work... I once has a 28-105 like yours, and it is such a useful lens. Unfortunately the focus mechanism on mine suddenly died. It is the only lens I've had break in the field *knocks on wood*

[@SteveONions]

That’s a shame Bryce, the 28-105 is usually quite a robust lens.

[@azfactor7875]

This is certainly providing a good argument for me to convert one of my cameras to IR, especially considering the typically overly hash light here in the desert.

[@SteveONions]

I don’t think you’ll regret it Bob, the useful lifespan of such a conversion can be a decade or more, no need to for a recent model either.

[@luzr6613]

I admire the art of the contortionist, but sometimes I find using my monopod with the 12s timer helps to get rid of my shadow.... Thanks for the excellent vid.

[@cdl0]

The fine scenery and good mood in this video certainly helps raise the keeper rate. Judging by the trees, this video seems to be from sometime in March or early April, maybe?

[@SteveONions]

Well spotted - early April 👍

[@oudviola]

Great images as always, and instructive to hear your thought process. Do you have a preference for digital vs film IR for some reason? or just the convenience of seeing the images immediately (but then why film at all?)

[@SteveONions]

Good question. I find the look (once processed) to be quite similar but if they reintroduced Kodak HIE I wouldn’t hesitate to use that again, something very special.

[@izzyleicanut9190]

Lovely moody infra-red images ! I should think that converting one’s camera to IR would cost a serious amount of money. Perhaps using LR to convert RAW images to IR may work ? Thanks

[@SteveONions]

It’s hard to fully replicate the IR effect in post production sadly. Conversions are about £280 here which isn’t cheap but you get many years of use from the camera.

[@atapourhassan7442]

Thanks Steve for another interesting video and great compositions. Have you tried using orange filter?

[@SteveONions]

I occasionally use orange but it’s a bit of a compromise between yellow (my favourite) and red. I also miss the extra stop of light that I lose with orange.

[@paulmcivor9994]

Wonderful lesson on capitalizing on the conditions you have. Question: what visualization device do you use? It is a phone app?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul. The iPhone app is called the MkII Artists Viewfinder.

[@FreezerKing]

I shoot in harsh mid-afternoon daylight all the time, usually with a flash to really blast everything with light. I like the hard, sort of artificial look it gives, plus there are fewer mosquitoes out in summer.

[@SteveONions]

I’m also a Summer phot fan, our winters need more motivation for me to get outside 😒

[@FreezerKing]

@@SteveONions I can't even shoot at all in winter except outdoors. Cameras couldn't take the cold. Canada, eh? Like, when I see you out in a toque and jacket and such on a lovely sunny day, I figure I'd be out there in a t-shirt and shorts and still probably sweating

[@TheMarkos1982]

Lovely shots Steve, do you process the XP2 yourself? I've only shot it once and dropped into Max Spielmann as it's C41 and it came back with droplets on the negatives...

[@SteveONions]

I do all my own B&W processing including C-41. I use a Jobo CPE2 and the 2500 series drums, very even processing and good temperature control.

[@doogieham]

Nice video, Steve. You mentioned at 5:58 that your zoom lens had a macro feature. Which lens were you using? Was that your Nikkor 28-105? Thanks in advance.

[@SteveONions]

It was indeed the 28-105, a very good lens when used with film cameras.

[@ianlainchbury]

What's the SLR clip you have holding the camera on your rucksack Steve? Crackin images!

[@SteveONions]

It the Peak Designs clip Ian, highly recommended.

[@ianlainchbury]

@SteveONions Cheers Steve..I'll take a look at these. They look ideal.

[@WSS_the_OG]

Sorry for a newb question, but if you use a red filter on a typical sensor with a Bayer filter, do you render a large number of the sensor's pixels useless?

[@SteveONions]

I couldn’t say for sure but I think you’re probably correct. I can’t see much point in adding colour filters to the typical digital camera.

[@brucesmith9144]

Just got recommended your channel so not sure if you have a video on the conversion to IR for your G15. I wonder if you’ve made videos on your process to arrive at right IR cut filter for that camera.

[@SteveONions]

Hi Bruce. I don’t have a video on IR conversions unfortunately. I had it done by a company over 10 years ago and it’s been an excellent performer, very convincing IR effect, especially at higher ISO’s.

[@brucesmith9144]

@@SteveONions thank you for the reply. I have been intrigued with IR photography but never have taken the jump. Perhaps I should look for a used Canon DSLR to get modified since I own the holy trinity of EF-mount zoom lenses.

[@1354gaston]

I was waiting for pink floyd to start playing at the beginning of the video

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@lupindeweir]

A triptych with wood on the sides and stone in the middle and call it petrification?

[@SteveONions]

Nice idea 👍

[@distagon6052]

Will you comment on how you metered with the red filter and did you exposure bracket?

[@SteveONions]

Straight through the lens, the metering on the F80 is superb 👍

[@migranthawker2952]

Just HDR it!!

[@SteveONions]

Wash your mouth out! 😀

[@rjbiii]

What app do you use for image previews?

[@SteveONions]

Mark II artists viewfinder

[@tonyb2760]

I'm torn between the images at 8:13 and 9:20. They both tend to draw you in to the scene. Thanks for sharing

[@SteveONions]

You’re welcome Tony.

[@lensman5762]

I think we photographers, view our own work with rose tinted glasses most of the time, or should I say infra red glasses. Uder the conditions infra red sings. For myself I have done most of my valuable work , valuable to me that is, under harsh lighting conditions, mainly on MF and LF. Bring it on, I'd say.

[@SteveONions]

Glad it’s not just me who likes strong lighting.

[@lensman5762]

@@SteveONions We are not alone, my friend, we are not alone.

[@TrashTheLens]

Is it just me or is the warning around 03:20 a subtle jab at a certain fellow Brit, Thomas H.? :D

[@SteveONions]

😀 I think everyone who gets into IR suffers from this initially Thomas 😊