A Challenging Day Shooting 4x5 | Film Photography in Wales

[@Soap5080]

I appreciate that you didn’t make the “OMG I broke my $10000 camera 😵😱😭” sort of thumbnail

[@KyleMcDougall]

😅 I can picture it right now! 😂

[@timchikun]

truuu

[@intotheskyaviation]

Credit to you Kyle for showing the times it doesn't go right. Keep up the great videos😊📸

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Alisdair!

[@intotheskyaviation]

@@KyleMcDougall No worries 😊 I'm also planning another trip to Wales next month too, going to be shooting some Portra and Pro Image. Can't wait!

[@sunnzboz9482]

I can relate sooo much, and I have to confess that it was strangely satisfying to see that I am not alone.

[@KyleMcDougall]

You’re definitely not alone!

[@mattl347]

Photography trips seldom go smoothly, so credit to you Kyle for making this video and posting it. It's something that undoubtedly resonates with everyone who tries to take their photography seriously while knowing that sh1t happens and it just needs to be embraced. It's that simple. Well done.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Matt. Glad you enjoyed this one! I’m sure most photographers can relate.

[@mattdayphoto]

YES! ❤️ Loved this one, man.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, dude! 🙏

[@nathanielrichards9681]

Although your day was up and down, you still had huge success in showing the real transparency of work and technical ups and downs in film photography. One of the main reasons this is my fave film channel is because of the detail you go into, the processes you take the time to explain and ultimately you show what most channels will cut out which is your real world experience! Love the work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Nathaniel! Gotta keep it real. 😁

[@stuartflipflops]

For shadows, one can stand off-center then shift the front standard to get the composition without the shadow. Dependent on focal length.

[@ggill1313]

Watching videos like this are more encouraging, and I think vastly underrepresented in the photography world. It’s easy to get discouraged on a trip out and think, “Man, I really should have made an image I was happier with here.” And it’s likewise easy to think it’s a “me” problem and not just the challenges we all face which are inherent to the art. I’m glad you posted this. Incidentally, I got out yesterday in search of a photo I wanted to make at a marina which involved some nice, directional, warm light. It had been sunny all day and within 5 minutes of me getting there, cloud cover came rolling in. Discouraged and probably disproportionately frustrated, I got back into my car and just sat there, almost in disbelief how I just wasted an hour driving for nothing. When I finally established the resolve to leave, I gave one last hurrah and took a right on the first street, I was able to make an image I was really pleased with. I likewise feel like as I’ve grown in this pursuit, I’ve learned to understand that just because something originally caught my eye, doesn’t mean that it will work in whatever light it exists in at that moment. I’ve tried to force so many photos out of less-than-ideal conditions, which has only resulted in me being frustrated at myself. Personally, part of my growth has been in understanding that not everything will work out exactly as I’d hoped, and that’s okay. If anything, I’ve been able to better foresee these moments and give myself the pass to move on to the next thing.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Garrett. Thanks for sharing your experience. I can definitely relate. It's about more than just the image. Gotta try and enjoy it all!

[@justinconnaher8868]

Thank you. This was a great video. No one likes to talk about when things don’t go as planned, but it’s important to do so. I appreciate that you shared this video.

[@nickward2922]

Evening walk as the sun sets having just developed two sheets stuck together in the SP445. Hey ho that’s how things sometimes go and the success are all the sweeter as a result.

[@metalfingersfilm]

dude your videos are honestly so top tier in terms of story telling and cinematography. Love love love your move to Europe as well. Lastly, just binge listened to your entire Contact Sheet episode list on a recent roadtrip!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that! Thank you. 🙏

[@matejkyjovsky4991]

Really appreciate how you embrace the process in these recent vids. With all ups and downs. "Photographer walks around with a whole bunch of tripods" is the name of the game really. I feel like anyone who dives into photography is forever signed up for "awkwardly carrying stuff everywhere"

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 Yep, pretty much! I’m also always way too consumed with the process to actually pack/organize anything in a sensible way. Basically just an awkward mess.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Very entertaining episode this time. seeing that not everything always goes smoothly makes you more approachable. otherwise, you're always this unattainable film god.😆Reminds me so much of Thomas Heaton. My heart stopped for a moment when saw the cracked ground glass. 🙈

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁 I’ll take that as a big compliment. Really enjoy his videos!

[@correctaperture]

Genuinely the most honest video of the trials and frustrations of searching for the perfect Composition. Can't tell you how many times I've gone through this process only to also end in disaster when tired after it all. I anticipate your return when the directional light is better for your gap in the dry stone wall mirroring the coal stack composition finally materialises. Awesome video cheers Kyle Ps. I have a medium format field camera and hope you start workshops around here or like the Slate quarry etc. They would be priceless to a novice like myself. Thanks again Chris

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Chris! Just trying to keep it real with this video. Glad you enjoyed this one. :)

[@b.brauner7500]

These days happen and it can be very frustrating. I like how you remained positive

[@dashkadam3146]

This has such a Nick carver on location vibe. Props to Kyle for showing whats its like making images, it does not always go according to plan and you just gotta persevere this. But also makes you realize how easy @nickcarver makes it look!

[@dtay345]

Good video. Appreciate your honesty. It's sort of reassuring to know that even pros have tough days out shooting!!!

[@joelp2419]

I'd missed this one. It reminds me of the couple of years where I used to shoot Large Format (8x10). Because the gear is so heavy, you sometimes feel like running against light, and composition becomes difficult and needs several attempts. Exactly what your video shows. Good job, and sorry for your ground glass...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Joel. New ground glass is installed!

[@jvermillion1052]

The image I saw was at 3:05. There was a fence post behind you and the pile of tailings. That would have been a nice shot from my eye. Getting far away seems to diminish the power of the waste mounds.

[@NorbiWhitney]

Gotta say, this is among my favourite of your videos. Sure you only got a couple shots, and no one likes to see a broken ground glass, but the emotional connection and reality of the situation were something special to watch.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Norbi. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@user-ok3by4es1h]

I’m so relieved to know I’m not the only one that goes through all of those same thoughts (and mistakes) during my process. Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’m sure most of us operate similar!

[@dragonfusilier9173]

Gotta say, this video really reminded me of home. I've never even stepped foot in Wales, but the North Pennines is a virtually identical landscape and story ❤

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Such a beautiful works.. love the mood on @14:00…

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Ryan!

[@skwoo1]

Thanks for sharing your stories. No one is perfect. Please give a hug to your large format camera and its ground glass for me!

[@dankspangle]

Wow. You make Welsh slag heaps look like Icelandic volcanoes. Last time you made me look at Welsh towns in a new light, now its the industrial landscape.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Such an interesting landscape that keeps surprising me.

[@JohnnyMcMillan]

Intrepid "yes!!! Kyle and Brae Hunziker both using our cameras" Both end up with broken pieces at the end...

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂

[@christopherbgriffith]

Helpful reminder that things don't always go as planned, but we control how we respond to it.

[@NicholasSmithPolygonsPixels]

I would say a lot of photographers are scared to show what really happens behind the scenes, indecisiveness, mistakes, hesitation etc. However I feel it’s good for people to see things like this, because we all have these thoughts and is reassuring that we’re all the same.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely. It's important to be able to relate to each other's experiences and show that things definitely go wrong... often!

[@nostalgix8430]

Thank you for sharing your struggles here. I often have situations like these and sometimes it's hard to believe that others do, too. :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. We all have similar experiences!

[@patmcdonnell7784]

great video Kyle, its all part of the process. Keep up the great work.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Pat!

[@tudorbartas]

it happens :). I love the results. "just keep swimming"

[@ryejack]

I realize it was a frustrating day for you, but it's nice on I'm not the only one who has days where I struggle with my photography. I've been out shooting so many times and it was just not working and I was getting frustrated. I keep doing it though, and I find that I'm always happy I got out and tried. Sometimes, I'm surprised when I got home and see the results and it was a better day than I thought it had been.

[@mattdavis9986]

Those hills you were photographing are called “slag heaps” 😜

[@MrPriest31]

That's a pity, about the glass. Great episode

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Serge.

[@RyanBounedara]

For times like these, I'm so glad I have aperture priority on my main cameras to save me from myself haha. *Always* happy to see when folks share the good and the bad since it's a way for everyone to learn together!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely. Great to be able to relate to one another.

[@travelingtriathlete446]

I think it's great you showed when things don't go your way, especially after your previous video; it gives a nice contrast

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Important to show it all!

[@bunchesmcgreggor990]

Kyle thank you for your videos. You’re such a great teacher, and your photos inspire me to keep shooting!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks so much!

[@mikejankowski6321]

The image at 3:13 is exactly the kind of thing I would have shot. In between all the walking, you had a lot of good video. And the stills were very nice too. The final image is great with the layering, I would have liked the coal tip to have been bigger but you get what you get. Maybe a longer lens next time?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers Mike. Quite enjoy the 135, but something like a 150 may be a nice middle ground.

[@andyvan5692]

Kyle, at 7:57, what you could do is put one of those clockwork self timers onto the shutter, ~10 sec., then move away from the camera, removing the shadow of yourself entirely.

[@itstommy9429]

When you return again, if its on your agenda, there is a town called Blaenavon, which has a coal mine which is a museum and there is some incredible subjects to shoot there and the surrounding area is a place that needs to be photographed

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! I’ll definitely check it out when I return.

[@andyvan5692]

lesson learned, use a ground glass protector!!, it should absorb the shock of these contacts and hopefully save the glass; Also, this is why Linhof's and Toyo's have the metal cover on them, to disapate the force of any impact.

[@Tom-Humble]

I just got back from a few days in the Peak District myself where I took my 4x5 camera. I found myself getting very stressed out on the first day trying to attempt too much with both filming and using the 4x5. In the end I opted to stop filming for the rest of the trip and just took a few small clips with my iPhone so I could focus solely on the photography. It often just doesn't work out in terms of finding the right composition and lighting etc which is ok but it certainly adds that extra element of stress when you're also trying to create content. I feel your pain with this one but I'm glad you showed the process anyway. It's important to show we're all human and we all make mistakes.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely. I'm sure you can relate, Tom. It's a delicate balance, and sometimes the best option is just to focus on the photography. For me, I've made a point of making time to go out and create images without any other obligations, although that doesn't happen as much as I'd like at the moment. I've definitely had a few times though where I've scrapped the idea for a video and just created images. Felt it was important to show this process this time though!

[@Tom-Humble]

@@KyleMcDougall 100%. It’s great that you did as many others wouldn’t have. You’re much better at video and video editing than me anyway so I’m sure it’s easier for you. The whole setting up the camera, walking past it and then having to go back to get it just so you have the b roll walking shot is too much for me to handle. But that might just be my laziness 😂

[@airindiana]

I love this episode 😄. I can relate to it with my amateur film making/video stuff.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you related!

[@stedalejandro]

I know you have years and years of experience but as I watched this video I was just amazed with how easy you make things seem. I felt less of a photographer watching even though I’m only 4 years in but that’s just how great your process is!

[@nothankyougoodnight]

I can't imagine how stressful it must be to film a youtube video on top of shooting 4x5! Thank you for sharing your process, for better or for worse : )

[@KyleMcDougall]

It definitely adds another layer to the mix! 😁

[@rogergeorgeclark3672]

Kyle - Forget large forma! Shoot 35mmOlympus cameras are fab. They have never broken.

[@ReimannPembroke]

Awesome video Kyle! I had a struggle shooting my first roll of medium format last night so it's always nice to see someone showing that the process can sometimes be a struggle but to just enjoy it anyways. I think those images you got at 12:20 were well worth the trials and tribulations haha

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! And yes, absolutely, enjoying the process is so important, regardless of how difficult it can be at times.

[@thepioneer9677]

A lot of tubers focus on the good stuff. Great cameras, lenses look how good this image looks. Photography is a process. And a lot of the time its failures. They forget that. Its a mental exercise as much as a technical. Its important to say its ok to fail. Its ok to fk up.

[@alanpods______8260]

Kyle's style + Post-Industrial Landscapes of South Wales + Large format = is going to be absolutely amazing when it comes together. You have seen the work of Fay Godwin? ...Of course you have :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks. And yes, have just recently been introduced to Fay’s work, and it looks incredible.

[@MichaWha]

I'm coming from Brae Hunziker's video and he broke his ground glass too! Cool photos nonetheless.

[@anthonyperez9802]

Think, Think, Think Shoot 4x5. Add another few thinks for 8x10 and larger format.

[@garybeasley4885]

Use some farmers reducer on the Pentax shots, should reduce the density proportionally and improve the tonality. Also I have had clip type ground glass protectors the would have been great for preventing your incident.

[@johnandrew1680]

Always liked your Chanel. I am also a professional photographer and cinematographer from India and truly understand when things doesn't work But these are the moments that makes us better n better . Love to see more from you.👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, John!

[@BryanBirks]

Can’t wait to see those portraits. The struggles that you endured in this video are way too familiar. 😂

[@BryanBirks]

Edit : commented too soon. Lovely portraits!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I’m sure you can relate, haha!

[@David_GarciaMontero]

13:47 The Foma film at it's best! amazing photo Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, big fan of the Foma. The 4x5 hasn’t disappointed.

[@contaxpaulharrison942]

It is amazing photography always seems to find a way to go wrong somehow. I had the back of my Yashicamat 124G open on me today, when I was mounting it on a monopod. I managed to rotate the dial to open, when screwing in the monopod quick release head. On another camera I had a lens keep unlocking the lens mount when I was focussing it, the focussing ring is so big, that I kept brushing the lens release button. Both new ones on new.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, those types of things definitely happen to all of us and I don’t expect them to ever go away. All part of the fun!

[@49sixteen]

I can't wait to see your second installment of "Tripod Travels with Kyle"

[@garvancorr5999]

one thing I find hard to get my head around about some of these youtube photographers is that y'all are videoing the entire process while you do this stuff and talking all the way through it, like you have two sets of different gear to hike around with, seems like it would be super easy to get sidetracked or delayed doing all that. don't sweat it, things more often than not take more than one go

[@sethobates]

This was great, im currently binging your content and must say its inspiring me to get out and shoot. Thanks

[@michaellong9526]

You need a 25 foot pneumatic bulb thingy to trip your shutter so you can keep your shadow out of the shot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Actually just recently picked on up.

[@richperspective2999]

It's almost like you've made a feature film of my 4x5 experience and cast yourself in the lead 😂. Apart from the beautiful shots that you got, that is.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 Glad you enjoyed!

[@Lennymcgra]

Love these Welsh vids mate, its amazing what someone else sees in your local area, hope the camera gets fixed. Stay safe.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@landesnorm]

Kyle, hope you're still shooting LF. Years ago, I learned the hard way that I should always carry a spare ground glass in my kit. There's really no substitution for that piece of glass. Unfortunately, I was shooting for a client in my studio, and I didn't have a spare 4x5 camera. Had to drag out my Blad. Very embarrassing. A spare ground glass and small screwdriver are cheap insurance when you're on the spot.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

That sucks about the ground glass! Hopefully Intrepid can sell you a replacement? My Intrepid got wreaked after falling off a chair, I initially thought it was only the ground glass, but the entire frame got destroyed :(

[@KyleMcDougall]

Oh damn, sorry to hear about the camera. I got lucky in this scenario. Haven’t looked for a new ground class yet, but I also likely have a different 4x5 camera on the way.

[@larsbunch]

I don’t care to say how many times I have had a frustrating shoot (or dark room session) where everything that can go wrong does so. But you did get an decent shot so there is that.

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Even when things go to shit, you still may surprise yourself.

[@coreyhart1850]

Lesson I’ve learned shooting LF… don’t treat your Large Format camera as a Medium Format camera. Sounds like I’m being sarcastic but I’m serious! After shooting medium format only for 10 years then trying to get into Large Format, not giving myself enough time, trying to cram in too many shots etc. I’ve had many MANY frustrating shoots like this! Good on you for sticking it out!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I don’t disagree with that. The craziness in this video happens to me regardless of the format, at times. More just has to do with struggling to find images I’m happy with.

[@ribsy]

it be like that sometimes 😊

[@roykropp155]

Wow, only 30 seconds in and I feel better already.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙂

[@ManLikeMorrison]

All worth it for that horizontal shot my dude! Lovely!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@thomebau895]

I have shoots or days like these too, sometimes I come home only to find out I better had not wasted a few rolls of film 😅 But sometimes I find stuff on these rolls that turns out great, but I didn't think much of it when shooting.

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

wonderful work

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Chris!

[@brianr0159]

We all have those days.

[@CalumetVideo]

Intrepid camera’s are great, I have the Mark IV. My first shoot was interesting, I ended up with the wind blowing my tripod over, I had no damage to the camera. I was thinking that large format is not for me. However, it’s a more methodical and time consuming process. It’s about planning each shot and making sure that all the steps are done correctly. I am liking large format, it’s definitely a learning curve coming from 35mm and medium format.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It’s a different process for sure, but one that I love!

[@CalumetVideo]

@@KyleMcDougall same here.

[@johnstarke7319]

Kyle, Is there a certain app you are using on your phone. At about the 5:20 mark you mention an app. Is there something you are using for framing a shot?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep. It’s called ‘Viewfinder Preview’ on the App Store.

[@zoonaanz3411]

awesome quality content, hope you do a video telling us about yourself

[@Foxglove963]

At 7.44 the composition was interesting. Did you try to select a viewpoint to either left or right and use rear shift to get rid of the shadow, or select another lens? The accident with cracking the ground glass proves you allways need a glass protector, you can make one yourself from a piece of hardboard. Success with photographing in Wales.

[@nickdeak]

These are beautiful Kyle sorry to hear about the camera.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers Nick! How it goes sometimes, unfortunately. Luckily it should be an easy fix.

[@kevinmorgan7091]

I've just seen Ben Horne's Mr Hyde; but the pictures are still pretty darn good and my photography world is normal after all.🙏

[@shaundonnelly4537]

All that and then the long car ride home 🙃 really refreshing to see the struggle though man.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Couple of hours to figure out how to make a video out of all of it. 😅

[@borromine]

Many hassles but strong result. Just a thought but how about a Fuji E4 and a much smaller video tripod?

[@KyleMcDougall]

No ibis unfortunately. Otherwise I’d definitely check it out!

[@jarmalmartis4050]

31 seconds in Kyle: "Maybe this is a sign that I'm not supposed to shoot large format" Me: "KYLE NO!"

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂

[@michaelsherck5099]

No, it's a sign that you need to shoot large format more often. Practice cures most ills. Good luck!

[@mikejankowski6321]

No, just a sign that it is going to be a challenging day.

[@ruudmaas2480]

Still beuatiful images

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@filmshooters2809]

Love your work bro 👍🏻

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. 🙏

[@naturelvr123]

I can relate to days like this. 2 things: did I see that you use Pentax equipment in 1 of your bags? I do too. I use 4x5 also. 2nd-you have an American accent, you don't sound as though you are from the UK area. Thanks from Colorado. Keep up the good videos over there.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers Paul. Yep, Pentax 67ii in the one bag for the portraits. And yes, I’m Canadian, but living in the UK full time.

[@sequoiapoliticaladvisory]

Great storytelling

[@tompaste387]

I think those mounds are called 'Slag heaps'

[@KyleMcDougall]

Indeed.

[@ethbell]

Just destroyed a roll after a day of fun shooting, though not in the same league as breaking the camera, I feel your pain Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Happens to all of us, Ethan!

[@JWysocki]

One of the best things with film photography is the tolerance of overexposing.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It can certainly get you out of a bind every now and then.

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

Couple of points: 1. Wear appropriate footwear (no not like Fototripper) 2. As a fellow Intrepid user I felt you were being a bit too quick 3. Coal tips, or Slag Heaps are an emotive subject in Wales due to the Aberfan disaster in 1964 I think. (OK that was 3, but who's counting). I was out today with film and digital and I managed not to break or lose anything, which is a rare feat for me, but I should have brought midge repellant and was eaten alive. Yet to stand and watch a misty gentle sunset with a Cuckoo calling in the distance was still a magical experience.

[@jameslabeck6407]

Well, when I get the courage to take my intrepid out for the first time, I am sure everything will go perfectly. 😆

[@Sreybk]

f32 at how many seconds? That Bluish Hour light had you at about four seconds on the cable release? Seemed like it should have been longer than that.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Can’t remember exactly. But I think it was maybe a second. Spot metered and the negative has some nice density. Video could have made things look darker.

[@Sreybk]

@@KyleMcDougall Interesting. Very good video.

[@the6millionpman424]

I knew I recognised this location and had to double check.......I grew up incredibly close to here.

[@Asiaddicted]

Hi, Do you know how that location is called ?

[@the6millionpman424]

@@Asiaddicted it looks like it is on the hills above Llambradach, near Carerphilly.

[@Asiaddicted]

@@the6millionpman424 cheers ! I’ll check it out

[@samhartfieldlewis5247]

Slag heaps there called if you didn’t find out, the dug out waste

[@davidellinsworth22]

Nice shots Kyle. Ground glass was unfortunate. And here's me moaning because I cracked my phone screen today 🤣 greetings from South Wales

[@juliend4260]

Haha this video is such a mood :D Could be me!

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁 I'm sure every photographer can relate a bit!

[@stephenrobinson2400]

Hello, Kyle, I wonder if you can tell me where you get your film processed? Get Chanel!

[@KyleMcDougall]

All my B&W is done here at home. I send colour to Carmencita Film Lab in Spain.

[@kriseric1]

Kyle, what's the place or subject matter in the world you would like to photograph most of all?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hmmmm, honestly, that’s a tough one. Not one place in particular off the top of my head. I’d have to give it a lot of thought.

[@c.augustin]

Hmm, broken ground glass? It happens. Other than with other cameras, this is easy to repair (you could make one yourself, it is the Fresnel lens that you can't do yourself). No big deal. That said - I would kick myself in the rear if it happens, just because I would have to wait until a new one arrives … ;-)

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Not the biggest deal, but still not fun in the moment!

[@cathydixon5852]

Maybe not the best day for you but a day out with a camera is better than any day in an office.

[@AlisterMalcolm]

This is too relatable 😂