Photographing Zion, Fall 2023: Episode 1 (Large Format Landscape Photography)

In this week's video, I start a new series of my fall adventures in Zion National Park.
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[@chevy2die]

How does the entire photographic community not just wait for this video series to come out every year? This should be at 1 mil views.

[@BenHorne]

I think it's because people have short attention spans these days, which is why the tips and tricks and videos that tell people how to do things are the ones that always float to the top. In many ways though, I enjoy flying under the radar. It attracts those who are truly interested in what I do. Thanks for watching!

[@L.Spencer]

This should be on a tv channel, if it's not already.

[@tallaganda83]

I just added one

[@ribbitrocks]

you say you might not have good memory but you sure are a great story teller, so easy to sit back and listen... the energy of zen behind your photos ! cheers/

[@Zanagash]

YAy !! The Zion videos !! It’s a Christmas miracle !!!! Merry Christmas Ben and everyone reading this !

[@O.Persson]

That's some great dedication, making the same trip for 15 years. I'm impressed! And perhaps even more impressed that you remember to return to scenes. The two first images turned out really lovely. And as always thank you for letting us to virtually tag along on your trips. Hope there's another 15 years in the making :) Happy new year!

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

A great example on how to slow down one's photography, obtain well thought-out compositions and ultimately create better images. Brilliant!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Louie! That's one of the great things about large format. It forces you to slow down and think through the process.

[@thomasfarley2688]

A new Ben Horne video...perfect for Christmas morning!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Thomas! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@abledhomedefender]

The golden maple photograph is one of my favorite images that you've ever captured, Ben. What an absolutely stunning scene you captured perfectly. You were definitely blessed with perfect conditions.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! It sure was such a wonderfully calm morning!

[@MichaelRungPhotography]

That golden maple photo is gorgeous!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Michael! I sure was fortunate with the wonderful conditions this year!

[@itsjackcohen]

Just learned about you & your work via The Candid Frame and there goes my weekend... Bought the Zion '23 eBook and diving into the full YT archive. Beautiful work, lovely calm pacing of these videos, and appreciate you sharing so much about the 8x10 photographs you make. Will support how and when I can!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much Jack! I truly appreciate the support, and welcome to the channel! I have a tendency to fly under the radar a bit, but it's nicer that way. :-)

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

What a wonderful first day! After watching, I pulled out the Maple Meadow from the box set and just smiled ear to ear. Thank you for these video journals, they give added appreciation for the final images.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always Mitch! It sure was such a calm and peaceful morning, and I love how it comes through in the final print.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Great job.

[@PeterMcCabePhoto]

What a gem of a day. The first 3 images are excellent, the stained glass overhanging maple is my personal favourite. As ever the video with the sounds of Zion is soothing and relaxing.

[@robertd.skonbladandersson269]

Such a lovely relaxing video. Love the photos of the leaves!

[@lorenroot7667]

The grassy meadow delivered that day! What a start to the trip. I’m betting something special is coming in one of your next videos, since such a positive start to your trip likely filled you with confidence and inspiration. Beautiful work, as always

[@davidellinsworth3299]

An early Christmas present! Ben Horne in Zion for fall!!! Merry Christmas Ben!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks David! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidellinsworth3299]

@@BenHorne always enjoy your videos Ben. Great work

[@johndoddato2662]

Your videos are very nostalgic for me because they remind me of myself so many years ago doing solo trips, hiking and camping, with my large format camera in that region of the country. Watching your slow and calm approach to photography makes me cherish my days in those canyons of exploring and hoping to make a few good exposures by the end of the day.

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

Just an incredible project and commitment, with cracking images. Here’s to the next 15. Festive greetings to you.

[@melissam731]

Great tutorial. Great Powerful narrative that not too many photographers present during their adventures. You are an excellent visual storyteller as well. As award-winning photographer, Stuart Freedman once said, "a return to a storytelling in photography as rigorous in thought and research as it is beautiful in construction and execution." Thank you!

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I've been looking forward to your Zion fall video journals. Like yourself, I also have my favourite locations, which I return to every autumn. There's always something new to find as each autumn is different from the previous with the changing light and colour on display. Keep doing what you're doing. Your videos are very much appreciated 🙂

[@lostintranslation03]

lovely start to this trip Ben!!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! It sure was a wonderful week in Zion!

[@Hirsutechin]

I don't know how many years now I've followed your seasonal trips, but it's great to see another. The golden maple is definitely a keeper, perseverance pays off!

[@eallistone]

Merry Christmas. Your intimate familiarity with this landscape is inspiring. I love visiting Zion with you and seeing it in dufferent seasons 🍂

[@smokingxgunx]

I always very much enjoy your adventures and images from Zion. Thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas!

[@MeasuredLight]

Beautiful video, as always, Ben. I'm a bit behind with KZbin, but trying to catch up. I particularly enjoyed the first photo of the golden maple. Absolutely stunning.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Nathan! It sure was a wonderful trip with some fantastic conditions. Just last week I booked my campground reservations for this coming fall. Looking forward to what I'll find this year, but I know it'll be tough to top last year's conditions.

[@bradzaruba9686]

I spent a glorious morning in Zion, missing you by a few days. I was a little early for fall colors but came away with several nice images. I enjoy your storytelling and don’t mind listening to the lead-in to your adventure. My wife is from St. George and I have been blessed to pop into Zion for short visits. St. George is 45 minutes from Zion.

[@RealTomHamilton]

So awesome, love what you do Ben.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Beautiful

[@eisenschweinchen5354]

Wonderful pictures!

[@mikemcdonald2752]

I miss the peace and serenity of wandering the natural world with my camera. Thanks for reminding me that I've put it off for too long. I hope your trip to DV next month is as peaceful and productive as this first day in Zion. Happy New Year!

[@robertkoch3397]

Merry Christmas to you, thanks for your gift to us.

[@Micantropo78]

This video is the best christmas gift!! Thank you and Merry Christmas Ben!!

[@tomwhite71]

Lovely watch as ever Ben, hope you have a great Christmas

[@TravisRhoads]

The image in the field is spectacular, I made myself wait to the end to see the final and it was worth it. I can't wait to go explore Zion next month, looking for footprints from Ben!

[@bradwilliamsphoto]

Fantastic Work Ben! Can't wait for the rest of the series!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks as always Brad!

[@renepirolt]

Fantastic video Ben, and a really great Christmas surprise. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@user-hk7ol9ls1e]

Beautiful as always Ben. Beautiful maples. The field with flowers was very impressive also

[@vincentlamoureux422]

It’s Christmas! New video from Ben Horne! Loved it! The maple photo is magnificent!

[@timothy-holt]

You are so talented. Really fun to see you return to Zion and continually hone your craft. Really excited for the rest of this series. Cheers, Tim

[@kenblair2538]

Wow ! Ben, you are are to a wonderful start. What a great video, as a Christmas Day gift. Thank you. KB.

[@paulatterby7507]

Beautiful chromes. Lovely images.

[@geoffkell7732]

Wonderful Christmas gift Ben, thank you! What a fantastic start to the series. I do so appreciate the “slow photography” you practice & the return to familiar places which always seem to show a different side; something I try to emulate in my own photography. The first image across the grassy meadow is a case in point, you must have been thrilled to achieve this at last. Thanks again! Best wishes.

[@markbray3038]

Wishing you a Happy Christmas Ben, wonderful be be out with you again. Great video

[@ianbartlett4083]

Ben!! Am loving the ambient sounds on this, I presume this is a decision you made specifically this time!? Being a bit of a birder I particularly appreciated those (even though the only one I could ID was the Raven (which we get over here…)) 😂 ! 👍 Superb….

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ian! The birds were very active that morning. I'm guessing the lack of wind really helped their songs carry. There are times that I layer the sound a bit to bring out the ambient sound, but the audio while I was working taking photos (birds, crickets, etc) was all natural. It was so incredibly calm and quiet. After returning home, I'll at times using an app on my phone to try and identify each bird species by its call.

[@tonysantophotography]

Wow Ben! The golden maple shot is so awesome! Love it! Looking forward to seeing more!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Merry Christmas Ben !! Some beautiful shots here... LOVE that maple and the grass shot... so good.

[@billpelzmann1030]

The "Golden Maple" image was my favorite in your zine!

[@ashvarma2486]

Hi Ben, welcome back and Merry Xmas! WOW, what a great way to start your trip with stunning conditions and images. Absolutely love the 1st image with the maple tree and it may well be one of my fav images from Zion and that's saying a lot given your amazing collection over the years. I bet the 8x10 slide looks stunning. Really looking forward to the rest of this series. Many thanks for sharing

[@milkismurder]

How good!

[@BenHorne]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@lfac]

Those morning scenes looked so beautiful and serene 😌

[@davidfearn8635]

Merry Christmas, Ben! Fantastic viewing ... as always.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks David! I hope you had a great Christmas as well!

[@markgubbins1958]

When your video camera was facing the branches with the yellow leaves, I pointed it out to my girlfriend, that I would be photographing those branches, and then you ended up doing it. Wonderful images !!!!

[@Powerwashincrocs]

The light looked gorgeous the whole time in this video! Beautiful work as always, Ben

[@donnakeeley4531]

Love your last photo

[@thdcinema]

Thanks for the Christmas morning gift Ben :0) and happy holidays.

[@AsphaltPlanet1]

It's a good day whenever there is a new Ben Horne video on KZbin. Merry Christmas

[@rogeraure84]

@benhorne I’ve been watching your videos since you started making them. I always enjoy the content and you always succeed in making me miss the Southwest. Great work as always 👍

[@fairwayfrank]

After enjoying the zine for a week, I told Sue this weekend would bring your first video, but having it show up on Christmas morning is even better! The tree in the meadow is such a wonderful image. The print version in the zine with the flow in the grass demonstrates just how wonderful the 8x10 captures the scene. We are very much looking forward to the rest of the story. All the best to you and yours this holiday season and for the coming year.

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

Golden maple wow

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! It sure was a wonderful scene.

[@fubband]

It was obvious in the filming that ‘Golden Maple’ was going to be a belter 🙌🏻 And five images on day one is a great way to fight off the first day funk, for sure! Wonderful work, Ben, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours 🙏🏻 ps loving the zine ♥️

[@Boredoldman]

Enjoyed the video, thanks for sharing!

[@BenHorne]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BryanDorr]

Mother Nature rewarded you very well on Day 1 with great conditions. Absolutely amazing photos. Thanks for sharing as always, Ben. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@stenschneider2317]

Great show, love your content, Ben!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Sten!

[@TheTravellersCookeBook]

As always Ben, a wonderful, calming video of your trip ... agree that initial image of the golden maple is absolutely stunning and if I were to close my eyes and imagine visiting the park .. I think this frame will reveal itself in my subconscious .... thanks so much for sharing ..

[@andrewherbert9938]

What a Christmas bonus , doesn’t get better than this

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Andrew! The timing certainly worked out well this year.

[@stohlenttv]

Another fantastic video, Ben. Loved being able to follow along in with the zine. Thank you!

[@BenHorne]

That's certainly one of the fun parts about mailing out the zine orders ahead of the videos going live. Thanks for watching and for ordering the zine!

[@ruudmaas2480]

Beautiful video an images. Thanks for this Christmas present.

[@BenHorne]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@jeromebourque4910]

Just wonderfull vibe and images

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Jerome!

[@VanMierl0]

Hello, what do I see after this, 2 weeks later, but I am also very busy. At the end of the year my profession is extra busy. Great to see and very happy that I can now follow and watch this. Thank you Ben. Greetings Martin

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Martin! It was certainly a very busy time of year when I posted the video, but I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

The backlit maple is great. The way the breaches meander through the scene like veins 👍

[@CM-cb2km]

Merry Christmas!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! I hope you had a fantastic Christmas as well!

[@07dnokin]

Wow, that holden maple against the warm background!!!

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

I was so looking forward to this - to see the changes to the places you visited before and enjoy the new subjects you find on your walks. And as always I was not disappointed. It was so funny. When you took the photo of the tree upwards, I thought...oh, he should look at the branches behind him...and then you turned around and chose them as the next subject 😂 The result is also my favourite image although they are all beautiful. Merry Christmas!

[@paultrunfull3324]

Merry Christmas Ben

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Paul! I hope you had a great one as well!

[@lennartphotography]

Great work Ben, nice photographs. Thanks for sharing.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@sander5086]

This is the best way to start Christmas day, with 24 minutes of amazing autumn colors in Zion!!! It's always good to see that you finely get a shot, after chasing the perfect conditions for years. I hope you had more of these moments on the remainder of this trip!! For now I wish you and your wife a wonder Christmas time!!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Sander! Thankfully this trip was full of many such moments. And now as I'm wrapping up the work behind the scenes from my fall trip, I am looking forward to visiting again during the winter. Such a wonderful place. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@vishwasnagaraju8260]

Great to see your videos after a long gap Ben. And indeed lovely weather conditions. Liked the first photo a lot.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Vishwas! It sure was a long gap from the spring series to the Fall videos, but thankfully I'll be quite active in the first several months of this year. Only a few more things to get done before heading to Death Valley. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@alanclark9691]

Some gorgeous images Ben. Absolutely love the first shot, the golden maple. Looking forward to more.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Alan! It sure was a wonderful morning in Zion. I couldn't have asked for better conditions.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

really wonderful first day! Autumn colours are still the best :)

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ryan! It sure was such a fantastic fall season in Zion this year. I couldn't have asked for better conditions. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

[@scotskinner4350]

Just the other day I was thinking I hadn't seen a Ben Horne video in a while and then Ben gives me a Christmas present video.

[@johnbrown40639]

Every photo on this first day is a great shot! Thank you for sharing your journey and vision, Ben!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks John! It sure was a wonderfully productive day with such fantastic conditions. It's so unusual to have a perfectly calm morning like that.

[@25kpoole]

Reminded me so much of my own experience this year with my own 'Zion', namely West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona. I try to get there every year in the fall. The fact is it's never the same, if I went 50 years in a row I'd see something different, or at least differently. Colors were so much better this year, and during the few hours I was on the trail almost zero wind (never happens!). Keep doing what you do and sharing with us.

[@photoflooddays]

Great video as always, Ben! I enjoyed watching the video with my wife :) Happy Christmas!

[@BenHorne]

So glad both of you enjoyed it! It sure was a wonderful morning in Zion.

[@ryanbhangdia]

this episode was like poetry, really enjoyed watching and great images as always!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Ryan! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@annamoon023]

The one wooded setting (@ 10:06) is just stunning!! 😍

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Anna! It sure is a wonderfully quiet grove with some large maples. I'll need to spend more time there next year to see what else I can find.

[@Bangbangthatdrum]

As an out of practice large format photographer I really appreciate your videos and work.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks! It sure is a lot of work, but incredibly rewarding. Thanks for watching!

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

watching this on Christmas night - so Merry Christmas Ben 🙂 one of my favourite things to do is walk a local nature trail several times a year and document the changes I see. How do you find making annual trips to the same location? Can you easily recall how things were on your previous (14) trips? It was interesting to hear you say you felt it was like "going home". That was lovely to hear 🙂

[@danrichardsonmedia]

Love it! Another fantastic video and great to be able to enjoy watching your latest Zion adventure. The stillness looked unreal! Almost like a movie set, incredible 👌🏼 Great work as always, Ben, keep it coming ☺️🙏🏼

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Dan! And it looks like you had a great swim today too. :-)

[@danrichardsonmedia]

@@BenHorne Thanks for the kudos, Ben! Yeah that was a long one! Training for my first ever triathlon, and, inspired by you and others, I’m going to document the journey and share it on KZbin. Was just enjoying ‘Behind the Zines’ today over on Creative Banter. Keep all the great content coming! 🙏🏼

[@downsouthphotoshow]

Beautiful Ben. Now that I (Cam) have been to Zion I know exactly why you’ve been 15 times. We’ll be back again next year mid to late October. We’ll keep an eye out for you🍻 Beautiful work. And Merry Christmas!

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Cam! I'm glad you had the opportunity to see it in person, and as you've found out, it sure is addictive!

[@mjones410]

lovely video, a photographic meditation. I'm waiting to see the day when Ben goes to Slovenia to team up with Borut Peterlin :)

[@tomaswmitchellphotography]

Fantastic video! You just showed up on my feed, I don’t know why I haven’t heard of you before. I’ve been a professional photographer for over 30 years and though I never got into large format and moved on from film, I’ve often thought if I was going to shoot film again I’d do 8x10 or at least 4x5. I found your video very relaxing and really well done! I was in Zion photographing again the first of November so just a week or so after you and it was really amazing. Keep up the great work!

[@philipculbertson55]

Amazing start to the trip, five photographs in a day with three really nice ones is incredible. It is such a wonderful place when you get away from the crowds. Ben, do you recall the title of the piece of music you used in the review at the end? It is truly beautiful and matches up with the photos in a beautiful way.

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Philip! That song is called "Feather" by Peter McIsaac, and I licensed it through premiumbeat.com. Here's a direct link: www.premiumbeat.com/royalty-free-tracks/feather

[@TheKetchupPacket]

@10:23 this video feels unreal like you're in front of a green screen. Getting 3 portfolio images in a single day...insane!

[@andrewsimpson5436]

Mh! I posted yesterday but it seems to have disappeared 🙃 Can't overly remember what I said and it was probably just my usual drivel, that said it was a great Xmas surprise to see the Video up and I enjoyed seeing how the shots made the Zine! Best wishes for 2024 from Scotland

[@miketramble1442]

I love this stuff. I always look forward to yours and other large format videos. Thanks for posting. If somebody wanted to get started in large format where's the best way to get educated?

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Mike! Check out the courses that Nick Carver has. He has one on metering and one on large format, both of which are very important skill sets. When it comes to camera choice it's a tricky one because there are so many options out there. Intrepid is a fantastic starting point (lightweight and inexpensive). Most people won't outgrow the Intrepid, but if you do, it'll be much more expensive and I'd take a look at Chamonix.

[@miketramble1442]

@@BenHorne thank you very much. The intrepid happens to be the one I was looking at. It seems like a great choice. Fascinating photos you share. Thanks again!

[@AndreaLivieriPhoto]

Wonderful session, Ben! Love all the images you captured 🔥😃

[@BenHorne]

Thanks Andrea! It sure was a fantastic day in Zion!

[@StevensonGphotos]

That was a lovely video for my Christmas day afternoon here in Australia.🙂 Thank you! Little question, if you get a chance - I've been curious, do you ever meet anyone in these canyons? They seem very remote and deserted, yet appear to have a few paths - unless they're made by wildlife.

[@BenHorne]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I saw two other people that morning. I tend to spend my time in places that aren't as well known. I love the peace and quiet that comes with that.

[@cathymildenberger4877]

It was like you were standing in a painting for that first image.

[@BenHorne]

That's one of the things I love about reflected light. It's so very painterly. Thanks for watching and commenting Cathy!

[@gameshoes]

Oh-ho, you have two video cameras going this time? (Or maybe that was just clever editing on your first exposure) You fancy now!

[@BenHorne]

Just one camera and fancy video editing. :-) Since I often expose two sheets of film, I'll reposition the camera between photos so it looks like there are two camera angles of the same moment. If you really pay close attention, you might notice some inconsistencies between them. Placement of my hands, etc.

[@dennislee8253]

Really great Ben, thank you. Just saw the link for 'Episode II' it's on deck. I have a tech question if you have a moment. I just bought a Harrison and Harrison 'Large' dark cloth which I see you've used, but now you have something else. I'm shooting 57 so my standard H&H cloth is a little small. Before I unpack this new Large version (it's still in the bag) can you say something about the new dark cloth you're using? If no time, no worries. Thanks Ben.

[@BenHorne]

Hi Dennis! I still have the Harrison and use it when it's raining, but about a year ago I switched to the Ultralight dark cloth from Wanderer because it saves both on weight and bulk, but it does come with some compromises. Here's a video I did on it a little while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4S5g62ln7ySpMU

[@dennislee8253]

@@BenHorne thank you so much for the response. For some reason I didn't get notified about your response but I did find Wanderer and ended up ordering one of their regular dark cloths yesterday. I have a small Harrison now so the Wanderer, even though its not lightweight, will be an interesting change with the draw string. The video on the Dark Cloths was great and again, really appreciate that you make these. I hope to move from the Deardorff 57 to a Chamonix one of these days... and I keep thinking about that Cube, lol. Cheers man, Happy New Year, headed to the latest installment from Zion now. Thanks again, d

[@Arcticfox7]

Canyon Wrens are laughing at us.

[@BenHorne]

First time I heard them, I referred to them as diminishing birds. It sounded like they were spiraling downward followed by a splat. I sure love their calls.