Landscape photography - is it always worth it?

I like to get my equipment choices right, it's an essential skill as a film shooter as we have less flexibility in post processing.
On this outing to North Wales I need to get the right look so I opt to a very grainy B&W film . . . but will it work?
More importantly I ask myself if getting out in challenging weather is always worth the effort.
Equipment Used
Nikon F80 with Tamron 28-200 lens
Ilford Delta 3200 rated at EI 1600 and developed in 510 Pyro for 13.5 mins at 20 degrees C.
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10
Rode Wireless mic
Incidental Music (Epidemic Sound)
Incomplete
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail] Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@harrydeyong441]

I know it sounds odd, but sometimes I envy you for your weather. Where I live, (south-eastern France), it's sunny for weeks, and sometimes months on end. Most days, there is little or no clouds. The shadows are harsh and exactly the same day after day. It's boring. Somebody once told me, "Bad weather makes for good photos", and I think he was right. Believe it or not, there've been many days I would have happily traded a sunny day for a good bit of cloud and rain. I'm looking forward to spending a month in England soon. As a Canadian, I'm hoping for a couple of good old storms to walk around in with my gear. I always really enjoy your channel, it's inspiring.

[@jasongold6751]

make use of that! I lived in South Africa, guaranteed 200+ days sunny!

[@SteveONions]

I’d love a few more sunny days to be honest, this trip was made on the 1st July but the weather this November has been a lot more warm and settled!

[@paulatterby7507]

I live in Cumbria and I'd love a few more "sunny" days!

[@autisticlife]

Thank you, your photography videos are always good to watch.

[@SteveONions]

I’m really glad that you like them 🙂

[@nigeldawson5960]

Another good vid from Steve. Better info and more interesting than so called. Influencers who foist their nonsense on the net

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nigel.

[@Noah-lj2sg]

As someone living in Halifax, Nova Scotia... the weather is pain, always pain

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Great images and great advice--as always. Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

My pleasure!

[@oudviola]

Great images, a very successful outing for us watching! 3200 is too grainy for me, I probably would stick with FP4 and wider aperture so less depth of field - personal preference.

[@SteveONions]

I’d have needed the stabilised lens to go with a slower film on this trip, it was really dark 🙂

[@genegoranov5865]

Any particular reason you used pyro, Steve. May be to subdue highlights?

[@SteveONions]

Hi Gene. I like the economy of 510 pyro and the shelf life is excellent. I’ve found it works very well with most films shot at box speed and Delta 3200 maintains a very nice grain pattern even at 3200.

[@izzyleicanut9190]

I thought the images were lovely - soulful and fits the mood of the landscape perfectly. The 3200 film was a perfect choice, for me. Brings me back to the old Masters of Photography series. Thank you

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@thehatterman5326]

Steve, I have not shot film since the 90s, but I am really enjoying your videos. I have just inherited a 1950s Werra, do you fancy a challenge and seeing if you can get any good shots with it? Be great to see a video of how you get on.

[@johndoe-xf2ih]

Your videos are very therapeutic for me i don't know why, love from egypt!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@luisoneillteixeira]

Steve being Steve, doing the old Steve's ladder trick at 1:33

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@jimgraves4197]

There are times when you just have to get out and take photos despite the weather being wetter than an otters pocket.

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@trevorbrooks813]

Oh boy, 'bracing' doesn't cover it, there comes a moment on some hikes when you think 'what am I doing here', but thanks for taking us along once again. Totally agree your comments at the end. I was always a fan of push processing Tri-X but that was for gritty street photos. The comparisons perfectly illustrate why your film choice was spot on. Thanks again.

[@SteveONions]

I always think it looks more exciting on the video than in person 😊. There are days when I really enjoy being out in the rain and wind but this wasn’t one of them as I never got a chance to see the views from the top. Next time perhaps.

[@thenutter2003]

hi steve really nice photo's never used delta 3200 before might get 1or2 rolls to try in 120 format.

[@SD_Alias]

Grats shots! the grain of the film simulated some microcontrast where is almost no contrast at all in that dull light. Perfect choice! Is it available as 120er film? i must have to look…

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

So good.

[@joerg_koeln]

Excellent images, very pleasing. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Joerg.

[@DizinEire]

Cracking vlog Steve😁 With weather we typically get on the West coast of Ireland and Delta 3200, a good recipe! Particularly like the photo looking down the re entrant at 3:52. The last time I used 3200 was in Crumlin Road Gaol, in Belfast. An error in developing means a return visit😁 Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

I need to give it a go in an urban setting Diz but it needs the right weather, dull and wet methinks.

[@russellyoung2852]

Cracking images!!! I would never have thought of using a pyro developer for it. What sort of navigational equipment do you use? I am presuming that in acloud-induced white-out, some sort is necessary for safety? When its too dreich to go out and hike/shoot/film, would you please create a video about your hiking gear? In granular detail and why you chose that specific item/brand over alternatives? And perhaps another rainy day video on your tried & true film-developer combinations. cheers, mate.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Russell. I use the ordnance survey app whilst out and never get lost now. I had a video out last year on the gear I use when hiking kzbin.info/www/bejne/laanZmN7jJelrqsfeature=shared

[@minisla]

Just purchased a few rolls of kentmere 400 and I'm struggling to find any favourable reviews. Not sure what subject I should shoot. Reviews saying it gives a flat image with very little regarding shadow and highlight retention. I could always try boost the image in post. Have you any advice regarding this film stock.

[@SteveONions]

I haven’t shot any of the Kentmere films so I cannot offer any advice sadly. I believe they have a lower silver content and you have to be careful not to lose shadow detail.

[@danncorbit3623]

There's a GAS Addiction in the land. Gear must be the answer ! The eye means nothing. The mind is useless. But wait! A savior has appeared. Reason triumphs over emotions. Black, inky muck lurks but doesn't rule the day. The mood is matched in Snowdonia in theory, soon in fact.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dann

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Well, I'm not usually a fan of b/w landscape but I thought the images were excellent. Really caught the mood, with great texture. Subscribed too - which I should have done long before now.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it 🙂

[@wochenendedestodes9015]

Really nice pictures. I've shooten delta 3200 only once and it's a difficult film.

[@SteveONions]

I find it reasonably forgiving to be honest, especially in the conditions in which I use it.

[@kenblair2538]

Great images, Steve. The film was a great choice. You sure do enjoy that weather . Thanks. KB

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ken (and I really hate that weather!) 😀

[@lukb.2608]

so nice and moody pictures! How did you rated the 3200? ISO 800 or ISO 3200?

[@SteveONions]

3200 this time although I’ll often use 1600 and develop as for 3200.

[@JCarlos.unknown]

The film seemed to be the right choice, indeed. Grey tones are (surprisingly) beautiful.

[@SteveONions]

I always look at the mid tones first when assessing B&W images 🙂

[@FourIntoOne]

Nice one, good tips there. I did find that when I was concerned about wayward/run away contrast, stand developing the film can tame that a bit.

[@SteveONions]

Great tip!

[@LarryManiccia]

Way to stick with it Steve. Most people would have packed it in, went back to the car and gone home with those weather conditions.

[@SteveONions]

I was very tempted Larry but at least I got to assess the route up and will return when conditions are more promising 👍

[@azfactor7875]

At least it looked like you had the trail to yourself and still wound up with a few very nice images.

[@SteveONions]

I only saw two other people Bob and they were at the very end of the hike!

[@paulevans1047]

Likes the images from the day, another interesting video

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks

[@chawanya]

Thanks for taking us with you. You have the right view 🧘

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed, it was a wet view in this instance 😊

[@stephenroberts7828]

Another informative vid thnx Steve

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephen.

[@AliasJimWirth]

I really liked some of the images you came away with. I continue to struggle with the balance between "sharp" images, and "art". I could have used the 3200, a couple days ago, as the conditions were similar to those you worked in. Thank you, as always, Steve.

[@SteveONions]

I may be using Delta 3200 this weekend if the lighting is bland and flat James, no point rendering a dull landscape accurately.

[@AliasJimWirth]

@@SteveONions I don't know if you meant that humorously or as a matter of fact, Steve, but I love that last line, "no point rendering a dull landscape accurately".

[@stevebarnett5048]

Wow, love the photo of the trig point.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steve.

[@chrisloomis1489]

Steve : Your in North West Washington State ....in Winter man !! Your indomitable . 💪🏻

[@SteveONions]

😀👍

[@raybeaumont7670]

I don't push my films - more often pull them with reduced development. My HP5 is usually rated 200ASA. Better luck with your next 20mph visit to Wales. Best wishes from the Rhondda!

[@SteveONions]

I also pull negatives films but will on occasion push if I want increased contrast and grain.

[@chriscard6544]

I prefer tmax 400 pushed to 1600 in ID11 1+1 than tmax 3200, but I understand and respect your choice that makes sense eventually. It could be awesome on baryt papers

[@SteveONions]

I used to happily shoot TMY-2 at 800 without changing dev times in Xtol, so sharp and clean. Wish it didn’t cost an arm and a leg now.

[@chriscard6544]

@@SteveONions yes very sharp, I have access to professional prices so it costs me less

[@valdezapg]

Always nice to see a video from you. The pictures were quite nice and moody, also tech talk about Delta VS HP5+ was interesting too.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it 🙂

[@WoodlandColoursPhotograp-kt5fc]

Beautiful images Steve I must confess I wouldn't know where to start with film and 10 out of 10 for facing the harsh weather conditions. Look forward to watching more.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@jasongold6751]

Enjoyable to watch, snug and warm in heated apartment! Good choices! I prefer contrast! Subtle nicer! Am about to push HP5 to 1600! Your posts make my day! Bravo.

[@SteveONions]

Good choice Jason!

[@thevalleywalker]

Looked a very wet walk Steve. AF is one I haven't been up but have never got around to it, next year maybe/ Interested to know where you started the walk from, always good to know of a decent car parking spot. I enjoyed the images, that is a given. atb Al

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Alan. I took the route from Cywarch but may try again next year from the end of Bala. It’s so wet and boggy up there even in Summer (this was the 1st July) but they were building a stone and gravel path so there is hope for the future.

[@liveinaweorg]

Thanks Steve. I've a roll of 3200 in 120 just sitting there waiting for me to feel inspired to shoot it. Your tips and comparisons are really helpful. Funnily enough I have a roll of HP5+ in my old Contax 35mm that I am shooting at 800. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[@SteveONions]

You’ll be fine with HP5+ at 800, barely a push and in the likes of Ilford Microphen it looks amazing.

[@jw48335]

Delta 3200, my favorite B&W medium format film. Great stuff Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@lensman5762]

A tale of two halves, Steve. Some brilliant photography there. It has been a long time since I used the Delta 3200, but I do recall rating it about 1250 or 1600. Perhaps I have to give it another go. This wet and bleak weather we are having up here in the NW is perfect for it, and so are the wet streets of Manchester.

[@SteveONions]

Yes, usually I use 1600 and develop for 3200 but I have found that in 510 Pyro it looks very good at box speed. Definitely a film for a wet winters day in Manchester 😀

[@WintherKl]

I really like the kind of otherworldly look these images have. But what horrid conditions indeed.

[@SteveONions]

I’m still drying out 😀

[@Shinmigami]

Thank you Steve I learnt a lot from your videos.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@John-jl3ky]

Terrible weather but it's still gorgeous there.

[@SteveONions]

Cheers John.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Not my choice of Weather 🙈