Shooting 4x5 Film in Snowdonia - My Favourite Trip Yet

[@SatanSupimpa]

The appropriate content for the rainy afternoon I'm experiencing right now.

[@michaelbennettphoto]

I feel like I repeat myself quite often when I leave comments on your videos, but I really enjoyed this one Kyle. First off, the images were amazing. I can't understate how amazed I was while looking at all of them. And second off, the editing & pacing of the video was amazing. The story that was presented and the process shown to make the images was spectacular. I'm alwas left feeling inspired to go out and shoot after I watch your videos so I thank you for that. Amazing work as always!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Michael. I really appreciate that. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one!

[@WillemVerb]

Such a beautiful video Kyle, very excited to see more of this series.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that, man. Thank you.

[@jeg569]

My favourite was the zoomed in view of the 2 buildings with tye truck bed.

[@Dylanwade_]

the frame the gentleman going up the hill with the arrow of where you went had me chuckling! Great work as always. very fun video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, glad you enjoyed, Dylan!

[@kristianskurtveit]

This has to be one of my favourite videos from you so far! Love the mood and the slow process of composing these images :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoyed this one. :)

[@carbonejack]

Incredible subject matter.

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Well done, great images. I once hiked up a mountain, 11 kilometers up and back, got set up to take a photo , no memory cards in camera or bag. I beat myself up all the way down.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

I love that you kept that encounter with the hiker in the video and explaining that you were just talking to the camera. It seems more commonplace now to have strangers recording themselves but its always a funny interaction when you try to explain it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, always a bit awkward. Just out here basically talking to myself!

[@carbonejack]

Haunting landscape. Super images.

[@jonashuck]

The shots you got here are amazing. I really like your composition. And the 4x5 black and white is a perfect fit for those landscapes.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Jonas!

[@ianssight2785]

Your ramble through the Rhododendron's was so reminiscent of childhood holidays following my fathers intepretation of a OS map

[@KyleMcDougall]

That'll be me with my kids when they're older, for sure. 😂

[@ryejack]

I'm enjoying these videos where you walk us through your process, thoughts and then we get to see how the photos turned out. Love the images you got in this outing! Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Ryan. Cheers!

[@tudorevans9306]

Gorgeous images as always, slate in the rain with a hint of sun you can't beat it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for that, Michael! Really glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. 🙂

[@thomasbarrett3906]

Very much looking forward to seeing where Slate City goes. Those Pentax nighttime shots are awesome - and that final 4x5 shot is just gorgeous. The fact the slate pieces are almost the exact same size as the houses/even larger really makes it for me. Fantastic production quality too!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Tom! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@monkeysausageclub]

Another couple of places of interest in North Wales, both on Anglesey, the old brick works, which isn't that big but very industrial and Parys mountain in autumn when the heather is out. The colour of the heather mixed with the rocks from the old quarry can look Alien.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very cool. I'll keep those in mind!

[@silaspippitt4815]

I studied abroad in Wales, and love the country. Snowdonia is still on my wish list, and hope to travel there soon. Thanks for sharing your travels and photography!

[@JanneRanta]

Difficult to say without seeing the orginal but what I've seen there can be similar edge markings if the film surface makes contact with something during development. Like it is loose on the holder and/or is contacting the tank or another frame.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I'm starting to think that's what happened.

[@glidej]

oh wow, you can really tell this project is clicking for you in the video. i'm happy to see that. thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jacob!

[@markivkovic7235]

There’s the slogan for the Kyle merch. “Shooting the sheet with Kyle” Love these slower ones, allowing the images and scene to morph and form through the days.❤

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, thanks, Mark!

[@medwynroberts]

Worked in that mine in the mid 90s. A mix of memories there. Looking forward to seeing how the project progresses.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Really cool to hear that. It's a fascinating place.

[@philipculbertson55]

The last scene was awesome. Very Ansel Adams'ish. The lights coming on reminded me of his "Moonrise Hernandez" image where sunlight was illuminating the crosses in the graveyard. I really enjoy your work. .

[@ChrisBoultonPhotography]

Beautiful work Kyle. Your videos make me feel so relaxed. I was at that same location jin 2020 just after the first lock-down to shoot a footwear campaign. I love the derelict houses and the slate-festooned landscape. Unfortunately we spent too long shooting and it got dark very quickly - we lost our way back to the car and ended up on the edge of an escarpment huddled behind a rock at 2am in the morning! Luckily our eyes adjusted to the dark and we spotted a route back down to safety. A big lesson learnt, felt so stupid afterwards. Never mess with mother nature.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Oh damn, that would be quite the situation. Definitely gotta be careful when you're out there. Weather can change quickly!

[@Foxglove963]

Find direction and orientation in space. Carry a compass!

[@ThepPixel]

I live and grew up on Anglesey literally a few miles from Snowdonia, I feel immensely blessed to be a photographer in such a beautiful area, glad you like it mate 😁

[@GirdHerd]

I like the tight composition that you are showing at 14:45 in your video better than your final image.

[@andrewlunn]

Quality - great to meet you in London today

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Andrew!

[@Film.Stories]

Incredible images Kyle; really looking forward to "Slate City" as a whole finished project!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@jw48335]

You should collaborate on a project with Steve O'Nions. He's In that general area and I bet he'd be willing to point out some of his favorite locations. Another great installment sir!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Jeremy. Been meaning to reach out to Steve.

[@Daydream2142]

19:53, 20:04 mind blown 👍👍

[@genegoranov5865]

Truly inexhaustible photographic location!

[@TomNorthenscold]

This new project is exciting. Such beautiful work.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Tom. I'm excited to see where it goes.

[@SinaFarhat]

Nice! Good to see some green warmer weather colours in your video! Keep up the good work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Sina.

[@j.k5654]

Great Video. I don’t know what causes the issue on the neg at 7:06, but frequency separation in PS will help clean it without a trace. That’s my #1 tool.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, never heard of that. I'll check it out.

[@MikeChudley]

Really enjoyed the Kyle, great video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Mike!

[@relaxwithme3266]

You are an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing. Heading out for a shoot at golden hour with my very first roll of Fuji 400H 120. I will try and keep some of your tips in mind.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌 Have fun!

[@BryanBirks]

The landscapes out there are unreal. Such good vantage points. I’ve been toying with the idea of trading in my 180mm for a 90mm or 105mm…getting a wide look like these would be a nice change of pace. Really digging the portrait you got as well! Also, how do you like using the reflex viewer? Another piece of gear I always wondered about. Looks like it would help a lot in terms of composition.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, man! Yeah, the 105 has been really nice. In the past, I was always 135/150mm, as I'm a big fan of that range of field of view with other formats. But I've found the 105 to be surprisingly nice, and the lens I've been using the most. As for the reflex viewer, absolutely love it. For me, it makes composing way easier, and also quicker at times.

[@ZedExGaming]

Panorama? 😂😂

[@ThePhotoDept]

the 105 fuji ive had my eye on is gorgeous. less than $300!

[@peterzuehlke]

the 100 mm length works nicely with 6x9 backs too as a normal.

[@Necroblob]

What an awesome video. I'm glad you included the bit where you went down the wrong path and did the outro before you'd taken the final shot. Had me laughing after a tough day of work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, glad you enjoyed. Figured it was fitting to keep all that in there. Part of the process!

[@harleyjaffar]

Fantastic video, great images, my favourite was the one with the two cars parked up at a gate.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Harley! Glad you enjoyed.

[@gregwardecke]

I continue to appreciate you sharing things that don’t always follow the script. You give me courage to try. I want to photograph a lone forgotten weathered barn in central Washington state. It’s going to be an eight hour commitment from Seattle for one subject. It might be great or it might suck. But you have shown that if you don’t make the trip, hike through the mud, put the film in the camera and take the photograph you won’t know. As always thanks for sharing your time in making the video. Really enjoyed your photographs. Enjoy your holidays!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Greg! Really happy to hear that the videos motivate you to get out there. Some of my favourite images and experiences have come from the trips with the most uncertainty.

[@harrymackenzie4194]

Loved this style of vlog, showing the not so glamorous bits in between was cool to see. Keep on Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Harry!

[@nickdeak]

Absolutely beautiful, I’m so jealous

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Nick!

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Nice one Kyle. And the photos of the second day are so mesmerising. They’re eerie, yet warm, nostalgic 👌✨

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@maxglaze1196]

Amazing location and even better photos!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Max!

[@antnguyen]

@9:18 been there. so many times. I feel ya.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😅

[@orfeasdaktylas9712]

The photos are looking real nice , looking forward to see what you do with this project.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@paulmorgan6860]

Nice work Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Paul!

[@Robadobba]

Your first trip to the quarry inspired a trip of my own to Dinorwig this past summer. such an amazing place especially exploring the quarry and surrounding areas. Made brilliant memories with friends even with my RB67 breaking my back the entire trip. You've done a mega job capturing the landscapes out there man. Can't wait to see the finished product!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's awesome to hear, Robert! Dinorwic is such a cool place.

[@SALV057]

one of the best things I have been doing these days in terms of photography is watching your videos which give me inspiration and the courage I needed. Thank you

[@KyleMcDougall]

Really happy to hear that. Glad you've been enjoying them.

[@john3Lee]

Superb work !!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, John.

[@Prashant.Khapane]

Nice one, Kyle. Also my favourite part of the UK. Have done a few 4x5 outings there.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. Such an amazing area!

[@markashfordphotography7348]

That location must be shot on film.... I very much liked the photographs you got there. Very well done....

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Mark.

[@marshalljvanderhoofphoto]

Really enjoy watching your adventures!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@xiao2022]

Love to see more of the quarry photos!

[@thomverhoeven7896]

Great images and project Kyle. Cant wait for your current book to arrive but already will promise I would def. pre-order a zine or book about this place!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Thom! Looking forward to this one!

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Love the video and the photos, great to see another 4x5-video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Adam!

[@Wileyinthestreets]

Amazing video as always

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank, you!

[@Kokorba6iqta]

You are such an inspiring artist. Thank you, Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very kind of you. I appreciate that.

[@elbeatle83]

Such an amazing project. I recently hiked up Snowden for my birthday with a friend. I took my 35mm camera and we weren't so lucky with the light and visibility but I'd love to go back to that area with my medium format camera.

[@Lennymcgra]

Such an amazing area, I’ve been lucky enough to have many visits above and below ground there, so many subjects and never enough time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Never enough time! I'd love to get underground.

[@lensman5762]

Great effort and lovely photographs to show for it. When I was watching the scenery, I thought to myself how a photo made with a sheet of Portra 160 would have looked like?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. I did shoot one sheet of P160 the next day. Have yet to develop it though.

[@ChannelRejss]

Beautiful results! I love the shot at 20:04 in particular.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks. 🙏

[@kwmfoto]

Brilliant images as usual, so inspiring!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Keith.

[@SteffenMiethke]

So beautiful and serene in that Quarry! Amazing video as always👍🏻

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickcookson8009]

Very nice shots there Kyle, its a great place to hone you're 4x5 skills, I too am in that process.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Mick. Been enjoying the process of 4x5. Lot's to learn, but that's part of the fun.

[@mickcookson8009]

@@KyleMcDougall Yes mate I did not realize when I started how much there was to learn, but it does make you a better photographer as it slows you down and makes you think.

[@jnrickards]

At this point in the video, 13:43, I'm curious as to how you're going to deal with the flat sky. I like light conditions like this but I don't know how to deal with a flat sky without excluding it altogether. Impatiently waiting for more of this video.

[@wylie_photo]

Looks like you have an awesome project starting here. I love how the 5x4 creates such a feeling of depth in the images and how HP5 creates such wonderful tones. I am just looking at getting my 5x4 out again to both slow down the process and to create images with that clarity and tonality that only large format can do.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Mark! 4x5 is definitely a different way or working. Something that I'm really starting to enjoy.

[@RewDowns]

I really look forward to these and this one did not disappoint, great video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NunoAlmeidaPhotography]

Beautifuk work, Kyle! Such an amazing landscape as well, unreal!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Nuno!

[@Tom-Humble]

Slate city. Love it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Tom!

[@dannychun924]

Wow another great video! Love the story telling - thank you for sharing. I hope you publish this project 😊

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Danny! Definitely have a few years of work with this one. But the goal will be to eventually publish it.

[@dannychun924]

@@KyleMcDougall awesome I can’t wait!!!!!!

[@ChrisVidouras]

Gorgeous place, gorgeous shots and a gorgeous video. Congrats Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Chris.

[@BrennanMartin]

Such great work. Videos and photography, sorry to lose you from the GTA of course, but glad you're killing it in your new home.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Brennan!

[@rogerharrison4316]

Fantastic. I had a trip to Cwmorthin with a 5x4 camera back in the summer. Would love to explore the other quarries around Blaenau Ffestiniog. Although next time I'll take a 10x8 - maybe :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Such an amazing area with endless places to explore.

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Beautiful stuff once again Kyle. I think the b&w just works perfectly in that location👌

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! I always have the initial urge to shoot some colour while in these places, but then find myself just working in B&W. It's what I'll stick with.

[@dogga6313]

I find your videos very inspiring! Loved this one especially. Great shots dude!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Appreciate that. Cheers!

[@radicaleyemag]

as someone who goes out shooting with a fair amount of gear at times (usually a MF camera, and a camera to capture video + tripod), I can't imagine hiking with large format 😅 props to you sir! I can tell there's a lot of effort going into each video like this. Great video, great images! ✨

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, I'm getting quite used to hauling a bunch of stuff around. I'm sure you can relate!

[@thijskennis8757]

Thank you so much for this content Kyle. I love your easy going calm content. It really inspires me to go out and shoot. Keep up the great work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome. Happy to hear that!

[@TheMungo54]

Beautiful images, I’m really enjoying this north wales series.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you like them!

[@sloemo4024]

Great video, shoot out to the shot you snuck in there at 19:54 which is really phenomenal

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks. 🙏

[@Aaron-sz8po]

My father took me hiking there when he had leave from the army it's a very special place for a lot of people I'd love to shoot it one day

[@the6millionpman424]

Oh man! I always enjoy your videos in Wales, I'm no nationalist or even that patriotic a Welshman but you do have a way of making the landscape of my country look beautiful.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that! Such a beautiful country.

[@MeowjinBoo]

re: 6:40 I think its from agitation. I have the same issue if I don't agitate the chemicals properly, or if i load too much 4x5 film on my mod45 thing for the pattterson tank and the film sticks together and the chemicals can't get through the film. Granted I only do e6 and c41 at home. I hope that helps!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. Yeah, a lot of people have mentioned the film sticking, which I think is what happened. Possibly to the side of the tank.

[@mattbray_studio]

good work Kyle, the images from day 2 were next level. look forward to seeing how the project progresses

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Matt!

[@davidxflood]

Beautiful work Kyle, I can also see an angle in the 'Slate City' work from a human geography perspective; how we reshape landscapes in the name of progress and eventually move on when shifts in global prices no longer require those resources.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, David. And yes, that's part of what fascinates me about this area. I plan to photograph the community, people, etc.

[@davidxflood]

@@KyleMcDougall sounds fascinating, I look forward to seeing how it develops.

[@dsv]

all shots look great, and that's cool you had fun with "alternative" route :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, my mind was wandering during that one. Probably thinking of the last image.

[@tomdauben]

I've only recently discovered your channel, Kyle. I'm really enjoying it though. Thanks so much for sharing. Particularly cool to see the slate tips of Wales captured, a place I've always loved and felt warranted a good photographic project!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Tom! I'm excited about the work and absolutely love the landscape in Wales.

[@samue1991]

I inherited a Fuji folding medium format camera. First couple rolls I put through it had about a third of each exposure slightly darker than the rest of the frame. Turned out to be light leaks in the bellows, after replacing the bellows it's gone away. Although I don't think that's what's going on with that picture, you exposed it right after taking the dark side out so who knows 🤷

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Sam. Yeah I think this was a developing issue, unfortunately.

[@samue1991]

@@KyleMcDougall the woes of an at home developer, I feel it too!

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

Hi Kyle, I believe we walked past each other in Cwmorthin so it's a great coincidence that this video popped up on my feed!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Nick! Yes, definitely. You were with another fella, right? Funny this showed up on your feed.

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

@@KyleMcDougall I was indeed. I'm glad you had an enjoyable trip :)

[@sevsuk2011]

Was hoping that this would become a project of yours. THe intieresting comment at the beginning of the video is you hope to get one keeper. I try too much to get a couple of images and sometimes put too much pressure on myself. great video Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. And yeah, I like the idea of aiming for one image. :)

[@xinyucai9995]

Great video! Could you make a video to introduce how to shoot color in cloudy days, which confuse me for a long time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for the future.

[@alexander.starbuck]

About a year late, but such is your content Kyle 😄 evergreen so that we keep coming back to it. Really really thoroughly enjoyed this one. A short question, maybe you can help - where would you focus such a scene? On the truck bed, buildings in the mid ground or all the way to the far background, visible inbetween the buildings? Cheers!

[@jtpettersen378]

Well, your no Thomas Heaton! 😂 He famously can’t speak to the camera when people pass by. Your both great! 👍🏼

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, thanks!

[@magnusholmes]

If you ever want me to get rid of the mark on the photo at 7:00, let me know, I could do it fairly quickly for you. #photoshoppro

[@owenwilliams9582]

Cheers Kyle, love the quarries myself, next time you up here, give us a shout and i'll buy you a coffee.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Owen!

[@rockhills]

Whenever I see these places I'm sort of surprised they aren't overrun by hikers and or people out exploring for the day. I feel like this would be the case if this was in the US. BTW, I think my favorite is the pic @20:02.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, part of what I love is how quiet they are.

[@ManLikeMorrison]

I had a lot of issues with markings, but started prewashing my film (one minute continuous agitation in 20 degree water) and I haven't had issues since

[@KyleMcDougall]

Few people have suggested that now. Something I'll have to try.

[@nikoy4266]

Hello Kyle, I have a question about hanging the backpack at the tripod at 14:36. Shouldn't put your bag on the ground and use a strap to draw up the tripod hook ? Not sure how it works to keep stabilize the camera when your bag was shaking in windy conditions.

[@KyleMcDougall]

That would be ideal, yes. Often, I'm just after the added weight of a heavy bag to help add some stability.

[@williambolton5679]

North Wales is a favorite location for me, too. Fifty years ago when I was going to Uni at Reading, my best friend was from Pwllheli and he and his family would invite me to stay with them for the month of Christmas break. I didn't have a camera then, but would really like to return and photograph the incredible Welsh landscape. I have a question. For those times when it's inconvenient to set up a large or medium format camera, why don't you carry a digital 35mm camera? Some great shots might be taken and not lost.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, William. As for the smaller camera question, I like to be in one mindset, working with one camera. Rather than having too many choices, which definitely can lead to indecision (for me).

[@liamivarsson]

the goat. the part where you went into the greenery got me laughing

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, was a bit ridiculous.

[@martin-f5482]

awesome video, love it! for landscapes like this I'de shoot twice, one on HP5 and one on Fomapan 100 (cheaper and great dynamics)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Have yet to try, Fomapan 100, but I think I'm going to pick some up out of curiosity.