Photographing Death Valley 2020: Episode 1

[@MadsPeterIversen]

I really enjoyed the last blue hour photo. Beautiful calm colours and light that doesn't distract from the stream and mountains :) I do feel you when you think you fuck up in field it's the worst!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Mads! I will have to sit on that blue hour photo and see what I think of it after some time has passed. I was a bit bummed that the clouds slid out of the shot, but who knows, maybe I'll actually appreciate that about the shot with time.

[@JessHobbs]

I just wanted to thank you for being so honest about your frustrations and self-doubt, and I'm happy you were able to persevere. As photographers, we all have these moments, the times that make us question everything that we are doing, if it is worth continuing, and who we are even doing it for. I do hope that you continue to shoot film because you create some phenomenal images, but at the end of the day you gotta do you and find what's best for you and your workflow. I also hope that you continue to make videos documenting tour trips, because not only are they ridiculously inspiring (I am determined to travel to Zion and Death Valley one day!), but because you inject the community with so much positivity, even when you feel like you are failing. I am very much so looking forward to the rest of this series, that final photograph was stellar (and my personal favourite too!)! Thanks again for sharing, and Happy Shooting!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Jess! The trips can certainly be tough at times, but it's really how we grow from those experiences that makes the biggest difference. I learned a lot from this trip, and thankfully I settled into a rather productive and comfortable routine. By the end of the trip, I knew it was time to head home, but I had a very positive overall feeling about the experience. I look forward to heading back into the field again in the coming months.

[@scotty4418]

19 minutes to escape the current world we are in and to be grateful for people's ability to make great content and to share that with the rest of us. Thanks Ben was a great opener to your series

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Scotty!

[@merklitl]

In a weird way, it is comforting to hear you talk through your doubts and anxiety for those early shots. I related, hard, because while I primarily shoot digital, when I go on vacation I try to take only film and have had that same feeling trying to meter a coastal sunrise. I always kick myself! Thanks for sharing the reality with us amateurs

[@johnirvineimages]

Total agreement of this. Well done Ben

[@BenHorne]

It sure can be a challenge at times, but in many ways, those challenges just mean that we need to develop an even better mechanism for working with those conditions. I'll produce a video where I outline exactly why this day was so challenging, and the technique I came up with for these challenging situations. Thankfully there were some scenes later in the trip that were very zen-like because I shifted the way I dealt with them. I still wouldn't mind a good digital setup as well, but it's tough to argue with the numbers of film. On this trip, I photographed a dozen different scenes, and I ended up with 6 portfolio shots. I was pretty excited about that.

[@chipsfalling8625]

Don't you see.. it is the growth, that we all crave. Thank you.

[@BenHorne]

It definitely is!

[@thomaskoch6544]

I was just sitting in a commuting train when I watched this. But I felt like going on an Adventure for a couple of minutes. Thank you Ben!

[@BenHorne]

I am so excited to hear that Thomas! Thanks so much for coming along on the adventure!

[@rioosodog]

Thanks for sharing. You are just so real... who though that Landscape work could be an "action" sport. People that don't shoot large format don't realize that the time that the sky and the ground meter exactly the same EV is a 15 second window and everything on either side of that "moment" is simply a blink in time. DV is just a marvelously wonderful place to expand my head and on my way to the Southwest from California it is the perfect place to decompress and "settle" down..... Once again. THANKS!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Richard! We truly do have some very narrow windows we deal with for photography. It sure is fun when we thread the needle though! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@joshuafagans7534]

In these time its so nice to have a fresh Ben Horne trip to look forward to. Thank you so much for this amazing content. The pre-sunset photo is stunning. I can't help feel a bit guilty however. As part of your audience I feel responsible for adding to your pressure. If it helps, we watch for the journey and missed shots still have amazing value.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always for watching and commenting Joshua! Even if I wasn't producing the videos, I would still feel a lot of pressure to get the first photo out of the way. There's something about that first photo that's very validating, and it helps build a rhythm for the rest of the trip. You'll definitely see that for this trip.

[@stevebennettphotography]

I’ve been saving up the Death Valley series for when I need some calm escapism during the UK lockdown, today is that day......let the binge watch begin 👍

[@stevebennettphotography]

19minutes later.......so much for calm escapism 😳😆😆😆

[@BenHorne]

Haha! Thankfully things mellowed out quite a bit as the trip progressed!

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Fantastic video. So important to share the difficult moments. Thanks

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Jeppe! What matters most is what we learn from those experiences, and you'll see how that progresses in Episode 2.

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Please do not go digital...... then you would be nearly like everyone else !

[@jeppemichaeljensen2684]

Ben Horne looking forward to the next episode. Keep it comming !

[@simonbaigrie2485]

Thanks for post that video Ben. Doubting yourself a very real thing that a lot of people struggle with. Nice to see that the people who's work we admire struggle too!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Simon! Those struggles sure make the victory that much sweeter!

[@travellightseetheworldright]

ive followed you since years ago and whatever you send home good exposure or not you still bring excellent content and that in itself is a winner

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Elijah! The truth is that it can be a bit too much trying to juggle the video, photography, and everything else, but I've learned in the end that I should just trust my judgement on things since it has a tendency to steer me in the right direction. Now that I'm doing this mostly full time, I'm able to head out on more trips, which hopefully means I won't put as much pressure on myself with each individual trip.

[@olavdalmijn5972]

Ben, don't worry about it. Do not put to much pressure on yourself. You're still the master of large format photography. Exactly the same happened to me today. It started with loading the film with a lot of problems and frustration. Then I also metered wrong while I was rushing myself because the light was fading. I also put to much pressure on myself. At the end of the day I realized this and I managed to enjoy my day out. Tomorrow is another day and I will try to stay relaxed and enjoy being out shooting. Keep up to good work!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Olav! It can certainly be quite frustrating at times, but I've learned that those struggles are all internal, and there are things we can do to simplify the process and make it easier in the future. That's exactly what happened on this trip, and after learning several new skills, the rest of the trip was smooth sailing.

[@EKowallis]

Wonderfully inspirational. That's life, isn't it?

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ellen! Yup, it sure can be a challenge at times, but it's worth it in the long run.

[@RenaeClaire]

An absolutely stunning photo in the end Ben... really love that dynamic light!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Renae! That light sure was fleeting.

[@jimrookphotos]

Hey Ben, welcome to the excitement and frustration that is photography. Yes, we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves sometimes to produce. But for whom do we shoot. Hopefully, first and foremost for ones own satisfaction and pleasure. As a friend of mine has told me, "Don't worry about what others think. Shoot what makes you happy. If you don't like it, go and capture another scene." And one other thing, don't forget that in addition to the self-imposed pressure, this was MANY hours into a very long day and the mind can kind of shut down on you without warning. Keep it up, Ben. Looking forward already to the next episode. Jim

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Jim! That's definitely one of the reasons why I have pursued landscape photography. I love being able to find my own subjects, and pursue the photos that I am satisfied with, versus trying to please a corporate or other client. I love having that freedom, though I do put some pressure on myself at times, especially on the first day or two of a trip. I was in the field for 8 days of the trip, and once I settled into a rhythm, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. I'm very glad the photo I shot that evening turned out, but even if it hadn't there is still plenty more to share from this trip. Thanks so much for commenting and watching!

[@MrJx4000]

Wow! An old-school photog, makes me want to resurect my ol' 4x5. Fun stuff, actually having to visualize the end result in your mind before you shoot.

[@BenHorne]

It sure is an enjoyable process. You should definitely get your 4x5 out and expose some film!

[@GDoggProductions]

You have the best voice over iv'e heard in a while 💯👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 great documentary

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much!

[@davidroberts6766]

Ben, the image you captured and displayed is stunning. As always, enjoyed the video.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much David! It sure was a tough evening, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BryanDorr]

Ben, I think the past you have referred to your video as a journal about your experience while photographing out in the field. I appreciate it that you share your journey experience with us viewers. Self-critiquing about our own process is important. We can review, adjust, and take notes (like in your "My Awesome Notebook"), and continue on. However, emotions, especially negative emotions like frustration can get to the best of us in the process and quality of work. Every photography experience is a learning experience. No matter the level of your ability, if you're out photographing, you're learning. With nature, however, there are some things that are out of our control that we can only enjoy the moment. You're doing fantastic, Ben. I truly loved the images from the blue hour at the end of the video. It's the kind of scene how I like to wrap up the day. One other thing: It would take me longer driving to Death Valley if I stopped at every abandoned roadside attraction along the way! I have a thing for abandoned places and relics.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for the very eloquent comment Bryan! Very well said, and I really appreciate it!

[@vincentlamoureux422]

Nobody captures better the in-the field angst of creating top-notch landscape photography. Despite your self-doubts, we confirm that you still got it! Brilliant image! Thank you for sharing your journey.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Vincent!

[@runninblue9415]

Such high standards in a very difficult medium is always going to have its moments. I suppose you were effectively "at work" at the time. Worth it though for that last photo 👍

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! I definitely push myself pretty hard in the field, but I think that's a good thing in the long run It forces me to constantly improve. Though I run into some obstacles from time to time, there are usually ways to learn from those experiences, and make it much easier the next time around. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@brucedelorme5026]

Ben, as usual I love your VLOGS. Must confess your voice is comforting, with all the craziness going on you take us away with your calm voice. Listening to you I can but help riminess about my past trips and places and things Ive done in my live. Cup of coffee and listening to you, makes the day.....just right. Thanks for what you do.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Bruce! That is so cool to hear. This series will have 8 episodes, and hopefully things will settle down before the series has finished. These are certainly some very crazy times. Stay safe out there!

[@ashvarma2486]

Just love this composition Ben. One of my favs for sure. I think you managed to get some great exposures despite some errors. Thanks for sharing your experience and the wonderful images.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ash! I'm really lucky that it all worked out well in the end. I was probably a tenth of a stop from having ugly blown highlights on that shot. Lesson learned for sure!

[@robertaltic3395]

Hi Ben, Have been following your Death Valley wander and as always enjoy your commentary on the thought process both positive and negative. On my screen, even those that are not quite in focus are still wonderful. I am recovering from a left total knee replacement, and your hiking gives me incentive to do my PT and get back out and do landscapes. Keep up the outstanding work, Best, Bob

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Bob! I'm so glad you're enjoying the videos, and I sure hope the recovery is going well!

[@DiegoMcCartney]

What a start to the trip Ben. I really enjoyed what you wrote and said for your introduction narration so much that i had to rewind it! Death Valley certainly is a land of extremes and it seems to pry something out of you when there. The highs are fantastic but oh man the lows can bring out so much frustration and disappointment. I always find myself realizing that because of those experiences i learn something about myself and the state of mind i was in coming in to these trips. For me, i've found those moments of anger and frustration when in Death Valley are in fact bottled up from my day to day life and most of the time have very little to do with photography. For as frantic as that was, the scene was lovely and you sure came away with a strong keeper in my opinion.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Diego! It's very true that those moments of frustration are indeed the result of internal struggles that are brought to the surface. Later in this trip, I took it easy on several of the mornings. I took the time to enjoy the experience, including meditating at sunrise. It sure was refreshing to open my eyes and see the mountains bathed in morning sun. In the past, many of my trips were quite difficult in the field, and it seemed I only enjoyed them after the fact while I was putting the videos together. On this trip, once I was a few days in, I genuinely enjoyed my time in the field, and was bummed to head home. I think much of that was because I had a change of mindset that allowed me to be more in the moment. A real test of that will be my spring backpacking trip. Those can be the most difficult because of the extreme isolation.

[@J4060]

When you can hear the silence you know that you are in the right place. Thank you very much for these videos. Peace.

[@BenHorne]

That silence in Death Valley sure is wonderful! Thanks for watching and commenting J!

[@joelrollins2841]

Beautiful video. Thank you for 19 minutes of serenity away from the coronavirus anxiety that’s dominating the media. 🙏

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching Joel! I'll have 8 episodes in this series, and hopefully things will settle down by the time I've finished posting them.

[@kevinmaltby2346]

I used to take my telescope out onto the playa from the FC campgrounds. With a zillion stars to see, that was part of what i did for all the times I've been there. Hopefully they'll release this lock down soon enough so i can avoid the blistering summer heat.

[@BenHorne]

I bet the star gazing there is incredible! It's almost shocking sometimes when I look up at night and see so many stars that I wasn't expecting. I remember one year I was hiking out to my camera at racetrack playa. It was the middle of the night, and there was no moon. A small meteor shot across the sky, and I ducked. I had a good laugh.

[@Bass-guitarist]

Hi Ben, watching videos and descriptive narration, your channel and you has become one of my top 5 photographic channels and indeed one of my favourite youtube photographers. I note the comment of one of your readers about the benefits of digital and yes I also shoot with the D800 but nothing replaces the tactile feeling and enjoyment of loading plastic into holders and clicking the mechanical shutter release. Well done Ben, may your inspiration continue to entertain us all for the foreseeable future. Take care m8, regards Graham Furlonger.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Graham! That means a lot to me to hear that. I definitely agree about there being something very special about the tactile process of working with film. Each and every photo has a back story in that sense. In the case of my backpacking trips, each sheet of film was carefully loaded in the holder, carried with me every step of the way, only to be briefly exposed to light before being packed away and carried back out of there. It's kind of cool knowing that individual sheet of film has gone on its own journey, and was along for the ride.

[@NigelDanson]

Really enjoyed this as usual Ben. We are our own worse critics but don't be too harsh on yourself. I don't think it is film or digital argument. I often feel the same way when shooting and especially when the light is changing fast. I stick with one composition but question my decision throughout the session. Many times it ends in nothing but sometimes everything clicks and my decision making process just seem to flow so much better. That tends to happen when I am least expecting something and like you said further through a trip. Can't wait for Episode 2.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Nigel! That's some very solid advice. Find the composition well ahead of time, then stick with it as the light changes. The more variables you can nail down, the less decisions will need to be made when the light is changing. The beauty of this method is that it leaves very little regret over the final composition. I learned a few new skills on this evening that I was able to put immediately to use in Episode 2. Those new skills allowed me to tackle some very difficult situations. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@PaulGloverPhoto]

I have to respect your frank honesty here. I've had that crippling uncertainty hit me more than a few times, where I start second guessing my decisions. It's almost always related to metering and exposure. I'll end up metering the scene over and over, as if I don't trust what the meter is telling me, or can't believe the light hasn't changed somehow even though it obviously hasn't.

[@BenHorne]

It sure does become a bit of a bottleneck to the entire process. That's one of the reasons why I really enjoyed using the gray card. It gave a certain level of decisiveness that helped so much in that situation. Thanks for watching and commenting Paul!

[@davidpearce2981]

Thanks Ben, I’ve started using film again since 2007 and because of bad habits using digital, I’m filled with self doubt for no reason. From 1984 until 2007 that’s all I used with no problems.

[@BenHorne]

One of the things I've learned with film is that there are certain hurdles along the way, but once you learn to deal with a particular issue, it's much easier the next time around. I can see how the simplified workflow of digital can lower those hurdles, only to once again stumble over them when working with film again.

[@fotolookconde]

Ben Horn thank you very much for your inspiring work! That motivated me to start my own KZbin channel dedicated to film photography!

[@BenHorne]

That's awesome Luís! Welcome to the club. :-)

[@mitzimckay7934]

Those reflections in the creek are amazing! Beautiful shot.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Mitzi! That was one of the things I was hoping for when I set up that composition. I wanted to make sure I caught some reflections in the main part of the stream. What I didn't anticipate were the really nice reflections off to the right of that area. Those were a bit of a surprise, and they add so much depth to the shot.

[@oli177]

beautiful images ben. love your work

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it!

[@romiemiller7876]

Not enough coffee yet that morning! * 8"x10" film is expensive! Carry a small digital or Polaroid camera for test shots.Also, with the bright and shady shots, take several 1-degree readings of highlights and shadows and figure an average. You can addpt Ansel Adams' zone system where black is zone 0, bright white is Zone 10, and middle gray is zone 5.

[@BenHorne]

Averaging a scene is my typical way of metering, but in this case I was using a grad so I can't reference the top part of the frame when determining the exposure, only the foreground. My foreground didn't have a definite shadow tone to meter, and that was the problem. This is why I pulled out the gray card to meter off, which worked very well.

[@romiemiller7876]

@@BenHorne OK, I follow you on that. Did you try metering and then adding in the grad compensation? I sounds like you had a slight case of cognitive flatulence that day. Happens to me all the time. Ever try pausing the TV? Doesn't work so very good.

[@andrewherbert9938]

Wow Ben don’t think I’ve ever seen you like that before and having digital thoughts you bad man ! That last photo is superb and proves you were worrying unnecessarily, the comp is excellent and the reflections in the stream are lovley

[@BenHorne]

There are certainly times when the convenience of digital would make things easier. That being said, I ended up with 6 portfolio shots from this trip, so I think my existing methods are still my best bet. In the end, I'm quite happy with how that photo turned out, and thankfully the rest of the images I shot on the trip were a far more enjoyable experience.

[@andrewherbert9938]

Glad to hear you got some great images from the trip Ben , looking forward to seeing the next videos

[@ScottymanPhoto]

Fantastic composition Ben!

[@BenHorne]

Michael Scott Thanks Michael!

[@Qwiv]

Beautiful.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much!

[@progtom7585]

Hi ben, good to see you back. In my experience pushing yourself to be “productive” is often COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. Sometimes i have burnt myself out to be “productive”... thanks for the new season

[@BenHorne]

It's definitely a delicate balance. I find that I produce some of my best work while I push myself, but often times the experience itself is not as desirable as otherwise. This trip was quite interesting because I did my best work at the very beginning, and the very end. The middle portion of the trip allowed me to simply relax, and adapt to being in the field.

[@themagicallandscape]

great stuff! I don't think that anxiety would go away with digital...for me I feel it all the time. There is a skill in being able to capture the grand landscape especially when the light is fleeting. A skill of staying in the moment and slowing things down even in a fast paced setting. A skill that helps in every part of life. A skill that I have yet to master so for me it's "chicken-with-its-head-cut-off" style photos until then, haha. Anyhow, that early light looked great...keep up the good work!

[@BenHorne]

That's very true. Though there are some things that digital makes easier (instant feedback, bracketed exposures, etc) there are also a multitude of other settings with digital that could be set wrong when tackling a fast moving subject. Settings like focus, ISO and aperture are set very purposefully on a film camera, but with the accidental turn of a dial, or forgetting to revert from previous settings, things could go awry quickly a digital. Thankfully those moments of frustration with film often lead me to come up with new ways to deal with those situations in the future, and I do enjoy the very simple approach of film. There isn't as much to go wrong in that sense.

[@SteveONions]

Thoroughly enjoyed this outing Ben, quite different and the results were worth all the effort. I’m glad it isn’t just me who has metering ‘wobbles’ which is partly why I don’t shoot much colour film at sunrise and if I do it is roll film so I have a chance of getting it right. I actually liked how the scene looked when you first set up in the harsh daylight, I thought it would make a good B&W image.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Steve! It sure is hectic when the light changes so fast. I was originally going to shoot a photo when the foreground was still un sunlight, but that's the one I froze up on. Things were changing too fast, and I can't stumbling over the full stop shutter speed increments on the lens. I would have either needed to stop down into diffraction land, or open up the aperture and risk not having enough DOF. That's one of the things I don't enjoy about LF. Thankfully, I was able to clear my mind and approach the scene with the foreground in shadow and mountains in sun with a different strategy, and that paid off. You'll see in Episode 2 a technique I came up with to deal with these quickly changing situations. It sure made the process much easier.

[@SteveONions]

Ben Horne your efforts definitely paid off as that was no easy shot even for a rollfilm camera. I’m looking forward to the next instalment 👍

[@juanarroyo5324]

Beautiful shot of death valley at blue hour ..n by the way i to haved panic in simular situations its normal it has happenned to all of us in one point or another..anyways stunning photography the old fashion way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Juan! It sure is crazy how fast the light can change so fast. It's definitely good to have a plan on how to work with it, and that's certainly something I learned a lot on this trip. Hopefully it will be a much more zen-like experience next time.

[@swansong007]

Photography is like golf. One day everything goes well. You score a few birdies and feel wonderful. Next week Next round you loose balls on every other hole. Shoot boogies not birdies and at the end of the round you want to sell all your gear. This is what you have been through. But take comfort knowing this is just a glitch and you will be shooting photos you never thought possible next time out. Meanwhile enjoy our hobby and chill a bit. Try to release the the built up pressure within.

[@BenHorne]

Very well said!

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I really like the blue hour photos, soft, calm light. I recognise the pressure I also put on myself to find some good photos to show in my videos, last time I was out on location I went out relaxed and let the images come to me rather than try to search for them (which can create added pressure). Look forward to the next episode 👍

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Russ! I was working with the blue hour shots in photoshop earlier today. I do like them better now than when I first saw the film, but I sure do like that warm/cool color combo of the shots with the sun hitting the mountains. I can also very much relate to the pressure of finding a good photo while doing video. For me, that happens when I'm surrounded by so many great possibilities, and I can't quite make them work. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@peterjan7878]

A very nice and honest review, thanks for sharing! Looking forward to see the rest of your trip.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Peter!

[@slavomirdzieciatkowski8811]

That is still a fantastic composition! Would have loved standing there, in the silence.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Slavomir! It sure is great out there on the salt flats with a nice warm breeze in the evening.

[@admiralsquatbar127]

That was really well done, I'm not a landscape photographer (I have occasionally dabbled in it) I'm a street photographer, but I do own a Minolta SRT101 (incase you haven't guessed already by the profile picture) so I appreciate your frustration and joy with working with film.

[@BenHorne]

It can be a struggle at times, but it sure is great when everything turns out in the end. There is something to be learned from each and every image. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@shawnhollbach395]

Another wonderful video.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Shawn!

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Great job Ben, sometimes it can be frustrating, but just think of all the fantastic images you have captured over the years, although I could see you shooting with a medium format Fujifilm digital. Thanks for sharing and stay safe

[@BenHorne]

Thanks John! That's one of the reasons why I decided to just go with one format for shooting everything. It can be challenging at times, but it does create a certain uniformity of the collective work. I look back at some of those old photos, and wonder how I managed to pull them off. It definitely makes me very appreciative of the past work.

[@veteranphotoandfilm]

Great Work Ben -Dig your storytelling

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much!!

[@Ricky_25n]

The shots are sooo good man!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ricky! It sure was a busy day.

[@JJRAIA-es9cj]

I believe I went through a similar moment about 8 years ago. I had been shooting medium format film landscapes for about 22 years, and had been frustrated by so many photographs that had been lost on account of not being exposed properly, and the limitations in the number of compositions I would expose. When Nikon came out with the D800 and a 36 megapixel sensor (24 was the highest prior to that), I made the switch to digital, and never took another film foto again. It opened up so many more opportunities, and allowed for a higher success rate. Now with medium format cameras sensors up to 100MP, details may actually approach that of 8X10 film, but most importantly, with much greater dynamic range!! And one more point, if I may. Take it from someone who is probably twice your age, carrying a pack that is probably 1/4 the weight of what you’re carrying now, even with a wider array of glass, will expand your vision and creativity, as well as save on much wear and tear. Your knees and back will thank you long into the future. Someone suggested to me renting gear as a way to test out a new lens or camera before purchasing. That may be something to consider. The discerning eye and experience you’ve accumulated over the years, illustrated by your excellent large format work, will not be lost because you’ve altered the tools you use for your craft.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for the great comment J.J.! I definitely know I won't be able to keep this up in the long run, and it certainly can be quite frustrating at times, but there is something so alluring about the process that I enjoy. On this trip, I photographed a total of 12 subjects, and of those 12 subjects, 6 will make it to my portfolio. Even though the gear is heavy, bulky, and at times quite frustrating to work with, I like how it forces me to work for the shots. I don't know if that same sense of craftsmanship would truly translate to digital where I don't value each photo to the same degree. I do think there is a point of working digital into certain aspects of my workflow though. It would be ideal for backpacking trips by allowing me to greatly reduce the bulk and weight of the gear. That might be a good starting point. It would certainly save my knees and make the experience much more enjoyable. Thanks again for the comment!

[@zx7-rr486]

Sorry, but details from a 100MP "medium format" digital camera are NO WHERE near the potential detail of 8 by 10 film. With a 4500dpi resolution of slide film, there is a potential 1600MP worth of detail in an 8 by 10 exposure. Yes, that's 1.6 Giga Pixels! You'd have to get the exposure drum scanned to extract that detail, but even with a flat bed scan at 2000dpi, you're still talking 320MP worth of detail. Plus, where does it say one has got to use EITHER digital OR film!?!? The two media are not mutually exclusive!!

[@JJRAIA-es9cj]

@@zx7-rr486 You are absolutely right. The point I was trying to make was that (1) there are, at least in my personal experience, many more opportunities for great photos with the smaller format than with 8X10, especially since I have seen Ben setting up his camera the night before for a photo in the morning (leaving it overnight), while missing an amazing sunset in Death Valley, and (2) not much will be lost in prints, even at substantial size and without the added expense of a drum scan, with the smaller format. But much will be saved in terms of physical damage or injury to the body with a substantially lighter pack.

[@zx7-rr486]

@@JJRAIA-es9cj You are right too.. but it's all about what you want to do isn't it? If it is simply about getting the photograph and nothing else, and you really don't care about the medium, then we'd all just shoot digital because it is obviously the easiest way to achieve that. However, I (and many others) deeply care about the medium I use because it is a fundamental part of the image IMO. I shoot film most of the time because it just looks better, and I far prefer the aesthetic of my favourite films to my DSLR. If I'm shooting sports, I would take the DSLR because then it is more about the technical ability to capture the image at all, and the aesthetic aspect is secondary. If I'm shooting static aesthetic pictures I prefer film. Plus, if I was shooting Large Format, and was really worried about missing a shot, I'd take a DSLR along as insurance. But IMO that's missing the point a bit .. you know what a given media can do, how easy it is in given conditions, and what its aesthetic qualities are before going on a shoot. I don't agree with your statement that "not much will be lost in prints" at all. It totally depends on how big you want to make your print. You could blow up a drum scan of an 8by10 inch exposure to 11feet by 14feet with 100% detail on a 300dpi print. Your 100MP camera could only go to about 3.4 feet by 2.3 feet and maintain 100% detail on a 300dpi print. No comparison.

[@DavidSenteno]

I've been facing a two week creative block in both photo and video. It just doesn't seem to be connecting. It's funny how you have these moments. I needed to hear it's not just me. That other people have those moments of frustration. Guess I'm going to open my eyes tomorrow and grab that camera again. Also I highly recommend watching your videos on a big screen. It really gives you the feel of the location. Excited to see the next episode. Stay healthy my friend. 🥂

[@BenHorne]

Thanks David! I think it's a normal part of the process. It's easy to question what we're doing, and to feel frustration, but in many ways those are just growing pains. Sometimes we need to run into an obstacle face first before we learn how to climb over it.

[@thomaspopple2291]

Hearing you doubt yourself and showing that vulnerability is a big help to those of us wrestling with the same thoughts. I have kind of frozen myself while trying to figure out the best exposure for a scene. Especially if the light is changing fast or is outside the dynamic range of my film. But, as much as I get frustrated, I get equally if not more satisfaction by just being out and exposing some film. Can't imagine the pressure of producing good content for a KZbin channel. Seeing your failures is as helpful to us as seeing your successes. I for one really appreciate you and the work you do to provide us the respite to join you from a far for a ramble through your journey.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for the very kind words Thomas! It can definitely be quite frustrating at times. Those struggles are certainly self inflicted, and can be avoided in the future when we learn from the past. Thankfully I was able to come up with a few techniques that helped me so much as this trip evolved. It certainly is a lot of work juggling both video and still photography, but thankfully that process gets easier once I settle into a routine on the trip. Thankfully that happened pretty quickly on this trip.

[@shovelrocker7102]

Really like your videos as they always are so honest. That photo you showed at the end was so beautiful, and soothing in a way. Thank you for this video and can't wait for the next episode.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much!!!! I'm certainly quite happy it turned out. I wasn't expecting much from that photo, but it was great that I had all the detail I needed.

[@Johnnycbtx]

Ben, another tip is get you a string of LED lights and string them across the engine and under your 4Runner. Those mice don't like the bright lights and will find another place to play.

[@BenHorne]

That's a really good idea! thanks for the suggestion!

[@Prashant.Khapane]

Strange as it may sound but it was nice to see you talk about struggles during the fleeting light. Although I have now started to shoot only black and white in 4x5, if I let the guard down it is a sure shot for a round file. Always look forward to your videos Ben. And now the book. Ta

[@BenHorne]

It sure can be tough at times, especially when trying to juggle so many things, but I'm glad it worked out in the end. I definitely learned some new strategies to work with those situations in the future.

[@AbreuFatima]

Don't be so hard on yourself, your works is great. Keep doing it. Go on, you are a champion

[@BenHorne]

Though it certainly worked out well in the long run, these are the sort of situations to learn from. If all of my best work was taken under these circumstances, honestly I don't think it would be worth the effort. My goal is to have a very peaceful experience in the field that matches the final image. I learned some new skills from this experience that definitely helped later in the trip as you'll see. Thanks for watching and commenting Maria!

[@AlexSmith-ln1tv]

Nicely narrated. Very enjoyable

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Alex!

[@davidfearn8635]

Very poetic. Loved the observation about this grand landscape being nocturnal. Great stuff as ever.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always David!

[@Canadiansasquatchbrewery]

Great stuff as always Ben. Everyone gets these good and bad days, feeling like we shouldn't be doing what we are doing even though we have been for a really long time. But, it's when we press on and continue to learn that we can do it, when we sometimes get those biggest satisfactions from doing them. Cheers and keep on doing what you do!

[@BenHorne]

Very well said!

[@islandbyfilm]

Ben that was an amazing video. I so appreciated the vulnerability and despite all the frustration your final images were superb.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching! It sure was a busy day, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end.

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

I like the image. My personal attitude is that I love capturing the images, not worrying about how I metered. Just one of the reasons I would never shoot film again. The film still must be scanned, then processed in LR or PS or another program, thus shooting on film is only partly an analog process.

[@BenHorne]

Scott Weaver Very true, but that is precisely the reason why I enjoy the process of shooting film. I get the best if both worlds by a hybrid workflow. I get the massive resolution and the look of film, along with the control of digital to have consistent and accurate prints that I can produce without a darkroom. There are certainly times when it can be a bit frustrating, but I learned some new skills from my experience that I was able to put to use in Episode 2. Thanks for watching!

[@dangernba]

Final image turned out GREAT!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Rodrigo! I was glad I had enough detail in the highlights on that one.

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

Your exposures are great and your compositions are brilliant. Don't worry about you shooting film - I've had the same thoughts, then shot some digital and felt empty. The grass is always greener on the other side. For me, digital is easier and there is less pressure, but it doesn't satisfy me the way film does.

[@BenHorne]

I think you're definitely right about that. There is something very special about working with film. Though it can be frustrating at times, my keeper rate is quite significant with film, and that's tough to ignore.

[@JoeHyPhotography]

Thanks for sharing the tough times too Ben

[@BenHorne]

Thanks for watching Joe! It definitely was a bit frustrating, but I learned a lot from the experience.

[@andrewbeasley]

Great to listen through your plans and hopes - too many photographers concentrate on ISO/F-Stop etc they forget the human aspect of taking pictures. As for 12 pics per year - I managed 3 last year mainly due to mental health issues so I've a bit to go :-) Wishing you the best for this year.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Andrew! That's definitely one of the reasons why I enjoy telling the entire story behind the trip. The technical stuff is there in the background, but it's definitely more about the experience itself, which can be tough at times. 3 Images in one year is quite good really. In many ways I think 12 solid keepers in a single year is quite unobtainable for the vast majority of photographers.

[@LarryManiccia]

That one keeper is a stunner Ben. I can envision that being printed on a nice matte paper hanging on the wall in a tasteful earthen colored frame. Although chaotic I'd say you're off to a heck of a start to the trip.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Larry! Thankfully things settle down a bit as I fell into a rhythm as the trip progressed.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

As always I enjoy accompany you on your journey and in particularly the sharing of your feelings, thoughts and frustration. As you surmised what you experienced was self inflicted. You are putting too much pressure on yourself to produce. May I offer some unsolicited advice? You and I (and most photographers) this is our passion but not our profession. Take time to enjoy the journey and don't worry about what comes out of it. After all, we are doing this for pleasure not profit.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Michael! Thankfully I settled into a very pleasant rhythm as the trip continued. I'm benefit from having a strong routine, so going on these trips tends to throw me off for a little while until I settle back into a new routine. I stayed in the field for a total of 9 days (8 shooting days though), and by the time the trip was done, I was immensely enjoying the experience. It was only when I started to run low on film and other supplies that I decided to wrap up the trip.

[@vertusmatjaz]

This is the first video of you that I've watched. I am amazed. Great content.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching, and welcome to the channel!

[@DannyFyffe]

Forgetting things is normal. When we forget, frustration is first to set on us. Then panic takes us as we lose rationale. Your video is timely given the panic of this Corona virus going on right now in this country. This, in a strange way, should offer you comfort in that you had a human reaction. Of course, it is better to stay rational and in control, but stress broke you. You have recovered and understand it's place as well as yours. You are a great photographer and man. Don't forget that.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always Danny! It was certainly a very frustrating experience, and though I touched on it a bit in the video, I plan on producing a video about it next week. My frustration stemmed from the fact that my usual method for metering fell short with this scene. I needed to come up with a new method on the fly while the light was quickly changing. Large format photography is extremely process oriented, and it can be quite frustrating when tried and true methods break down. Thankfully I learned quite a bit from this situation, which will help a lot on future trips.

[@DannyFyffe]

@@BenHorne We all tend towards frustration when things go wrong. It is the human way to deal in a situation. As you know, digital photography is far easier than the film photography that you do. Yet, digital can lead me to frustration sometimes. You get overblown highlights that you cannot control or dark shadows you can't seem to bring up and then there are the things we all forget, especially me like simple settings on your camera that you knew by heart 5 minutes ago. That happens. It is never fun, but if we learn from it, we are better off for the experience. Looking forward to your video on your discoveries.

[@FilippoMasoni]

Your videos really bring me joy and peace, especially those from death valley, which is a very special place for me. I'm always looking forward to your annual trip there. I think the photos turned out great, love the composition and the fact that light changed so much in a matter of minutes, the one after the sun went down almost looks like a different place.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Filippo! I'm still amazed by how fast the light changed that evening. It felt like I was watching timelapse footage. The good thing is that I learned how to better deal with those conditions. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@FilippoMasoni]

@@BenHorne Yes, even after the sun went down when you were saying it was less frantic I was actually seeing the light slightly fade in real-time. I might add that it's nice to see pros like you still have these moments of insecurity, like all of us have been through, but in the end, it's always a learning experience.

[@denisbelorunov2307]

Very strong capture

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Denis! I was very happy it turned out, especially after the last minute fumbling.

[@sjmheron]

I really enjoyed your honesty and feelings in the moment.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Sam! That's the reality of these trips sometimes, but thankfully things turned around quite a bit as the trip progressed.

[@lulu-hm2xp]

Love Death Valley. Underrated place imo

[@BenHorne]

It sure is a great place. There is so much to explore!

[@albeb87]

Caught up on ALL your videos, it was nice to see you develop in a span of 10 years... Lots of lessons learned as someone who discovered photography just one year ago. My dream is to be able to capture images that are worth to be printed and i think i found a direction i want to take my photography to, thanks to your story! Preordered your book i will appreciate it so much knowing the story and the effort behind each photo... Keep inspiring people as you do! PS sorry for my English...

[@BenHorne]

You sure watched a lot of videos!!! Wow! That's amazing! I'm actually kind of afraid to watch the really old ones. Thanks so much for ordering the book! Your English is fantastic by the way!

[@billp8944]

Nice video Ben, emotional but nice .. well done

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Bill!

[@TheMountainMatt]

Hiked DV back in November for the first time! We were lucky enough to get a storm that snow capped the mountains all around👍🏼😁. Great vid!

[@BenHorne]

That sounds fantastic! It's so great to be there just after a storm and see those mountains freshly coated in snow!

[@puppetyr]

Having self doubts and off days is normal, so try not to be so hard on yourself. Shooting slides in such conditions takes real discipline and concentration at the best of times. Thankfully your anxieties were largely misplaced, as you still got a perfectly usable shot in the end.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Gabriel! It's definitely true that we all run into frustrating experiences like this from time to time, but it's what we do in response to them that makes all the difference. Experiences like this force us to learn, and to adapt. I'm sure glad I learned a thing or two that will make future experiences much easier. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@JohnTomasella]

I know the feeling, you meter the scene and check your exposure. Set your lens and pull the dark slide, by that time the light has changed and you second guess the exposure.

[@BenHorne]

Yup! And when also factor in the full stop increments of large format lenses, that adds a whole new level of frustration.

[@DonGiannatti]

I needed me Ben Horne today. Sounds like a good trip to follow along.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Don!

[@timothy-holt]

Such a great video. I really enjoyed listening to you talk through the challenges.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Timothy! It certainly can be a challenge out there, but it sure is sweet when everything works out in the end.

[@johnkosterimages]

Man, you are hard on yourself, because you really want to do an epic job. Understood. Plus, we wait for months and months for these trips and when they happen we are so cranked up and nervous the anticipation and squirrel caging can be intense. You're meticulous and detail-oriented, and sometimes that can create paralysis. Bring a digital camera too and rip off some shots, that will take some of the pressure off. Don't put all your eggs in one basket, in my opinion. Respect! You have a damn good eye. You got a terrific shot with the light reflected in the stream and the mountains a glow.

[@BenHorne]

That is a good point about bringing along a digital setup as well. That's perhaps something for future trips.

[@hakanozgur2052]

Amazing work mate, love the composition!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Hakan!

[@reiddickson]

For all of the doubt and anxiety, the final photo did turn out to be incredible. Your choice to not have the stream enter from the corner seems to help balance out the composition.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Reid! I definitely pondered the composition for quite a while. I'm quite happy with the decisions I made, though it was quite tricky to balance. This was one of those scenes where moving the camera an inch in any direction had a pretty big impact on the overall composition. That's not too common in a place like Death Valley.

[@neilthacker2069]

That last photo turned out quite well considering the struggle you had...I would be happy if I got halfway close to the look of that image. Self-doubt is something all creatives struggle with,and for me,I think it pushes me on to overcome and prevail with an image I am proud of,as well as the knowledge that I overcame it. I look forward to the next episode!

[@BenHorne]

Very well said Neil! I share the same thoughts.

[@DustinWphoto]

Another great video man! I feel your pain on the grand landscapes. Especially with large format film. However, I will say this: when it comes to choosing between my digital kit and film kit, it usually comes down to what I'm doing, and what gear would work better for that situation. With that said, there have been many times shooting film that I wish I had my digital kit, just as you did in this video. BUT, there have also been many times shooting digital that I wish I had my film gear. I think those kinds of situations are just going to be frustrating either way. Especially when there are so many different tools available for photographers these days. In the end, you got the exposure. Great work!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always Dustin! Since large format is so process-oriented, much of my own frustration happens when I run into an obstacle that reveals a flaw in the process. The scene that evening was frustrating because my usual metering technique of averaging the brightest and darkest areas fell apart. I didn't have very good areas to sample from, so I ended up metering off a gray card I tossed on the ground. It made the process so much easier, and I definitely gained a new skill from that evening.

[@fubband]

You ended up with a wonderful shot, Ben, despite your doubts. Beautifully composed, I imagine the slightly wider 240mm helped make the narrower end of the creek in the foreground appear wider in relation to the rest. Kudos for talking through your tribulations but then your honesty is one of the things that makes your videos so watchable :)

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Martin! Excellent observation. That's exactly what the 240mm helped with. I think it also helped balance the size of the foreground to the background. The added benefit was that the 240mm has an every so slightly more forgiving DOF, which helps quite a bit.

[@johnbroman3660]

Love this Ben! Thank you for sharing!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much John!

[@KJLanguedoc]

OK ... I get your frustration here, but that’s still one of my favorites of your DV compositions ...

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ken! Thankfully I learned from the experience, and figured out a new way to work with those rapidly changing situations. I was really happy to see the photo turned out.

[@icebergmaier]

The last one you showed turned out really well! I'd hang that on my wall, and I consider myself somewhat picky.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much! I was quite happy with how that one turned out, all things considered. I learned quite a bit from the experience as well.

[@larrylindell1027]

Thanks for another wonderful video. I really appreciate the quality. Curious about the change in your metering technique using a grey card. I’ve been using your averaging technique you’ve described in an early video and it works well. Do you think the grey card has any advantages? I could imagine you using a new metering method and while an amazing scene is unfolding before you there could be doubts about whether the new is better than the old and familiar. Appreciate your honesty. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to the coming videos.

[@BenHorne]

Hi Larry! The averaging system works very well for most scenes, but failed miserably for this one. I starting by placing a 2 stop grad to control the brightness of the mountains and the sky. At that point, my goal is to set the exposure for the foreground, then let the grad handle the difference in brightness of the background. For this scene, the difficulty was a lack of reference points when metering the bright and dark tone with the foreground. There was some bright salt, and some even brighter reflections of the sky in the water. There were some medium dark tones with the flowing water, but no real dark tones. That's why I eventually grabbed a gray card from my bag, tossed it on the ground, then metered off that. This technique worked VERY well, though in the future I will dial in a bit of bias to darken the exposure by a third of a stop or so for a better exposure. I metered off a gray card for the rest of the trip, and it works very well. Just keep in mind that a naturally bright subject might still push the limits of the film when metering off the gray card. Sometimes angling the gray card a bit will help you to get the perfect meter reading.

[@hachewie]

Be kind to yourself. I would consider having a digital backup and make pictures on both. It would be great to see a comparison.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Matthew! For certain scenes I definitely see the appeal of having a digital backup. It might also serve as a good reference point for those times when film has a hard time getting the color right.

[@thephotonwhisperer282]

Great video Ben. Thanks for sharing. You mentioned taking a break to listen to a podcast. I’m always on the look out for a good new podcast - can I ask what one you went to there in the valley?

[@BenHorne]

I listen to a mix of podcasts, and radio shows in podcast format. I enjoy listening to Tim Conway Jr. and Gary & Shannon on KFI in Los Angeles for those. In terms of actual podcasts, I enjoy Ologies, F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, David Johnston's The Landscape Photography Show, and Nick Page's The Landscape Photography Podcast. Lots of great stuff out there.

[@thephotonwhisperer282]

Ben Horne thanks Ben. That gives me some new podcasts to check out.

[@ashvarma2486]

Hi Ben, great video and superb images. We've all had frustrating moments like those but you still managed to get some wonderful images. May be time for a digital camera as backup but digital also has a LOT of challenges. Looking forward, as always, to your next video. Cheers.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ash! Yeah, one of the things I love about film is that most of the decisions are made at the moment of exposure, versus with digital where so many decisions are made while processing the images on the computer. I do think it would be nice to have a digital kit for backpacking trips though. That sure would shed a lot of weight and bulk!

[@TheGuitarsadist]

Once again thank you for the post. I guess I will not be able to share a coffee or something with you next week due to the cancelation of the Outsider Conference in Kanab. I may use the credit and go to the Telluride one instead. I have the wife coming so trying to figure out alternative, Death Valley and or Joshua may get visited sooner than I planned. Best to you

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Tim! It was definitely a bummer that the Outsider Conference was postponed, but it was the right move for them. I look forward to attending that one next March, and hopefully the issue with the virus will settle down by this October!

[@TheGuitarsadist]

@@BenHorneYou and your family and loved ones be safe and go with the flow. Seen the Governor announce today to stay at home for the whole state, trying to figure out if I should go to JT tomorrow since they also said you can be outside and hike, etc, just stay 6 feet away from others. I think hiking in JT will meet that criteria, still on the edge trying to decide.

[@Shane_Fearon]

Really enjoyed this. Thank You 🙏🏻

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Shane!

[@mrsusan893]

Ben Horne 2020 Death Valley Spring trip with the Olympus EM1 Mark 3 with no tripods and no 50 pound backpack 😃

[@BenHorne]

That would feel like I was cheating. :-)