Landscape Film Photography - A Misty Canal and My 4x5

[@pedroagonzalezfoto]

Mist is magical. It adds mistery, poetry, romanticism and even misticity to the photographs. And in a more purely photographical sense, it also adds deepness and aerial perspective.

[@SteveONions]

It does indeed Pedro 👍

[@Tbonyandsteak]

There were some great composition in what the flight of your drone showed.

[@SilntObsvr]

I absolutely love the textures and tones in "Towpath Vegetation". Images like that are what drew me into larger and larger negatives (from 35mm to 6x6 to 6x9 to 9x12 and 4x5) over the past couple decades. Must get my Graphic View out again soon...

[@SteveONions]

Funnily enough I’m planning to shoot that vegetation soon but with the 8x10 👍

[@billybeck]

Beautiful drone footage and yet another welcoming,enthusiastic and engaging video.love em!

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Matt.

[@robertstephens1868]

Quite an impressive collection, Steve. I am admiring the landscapes from the distant South Land now covered in smoke, smoke which has spread as far as Sth. America! I look forward to your presentations.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert.

[@andychattaway1361]

Oh my word, what a stunning intro, professionally filmed, gorgeous scenery and enchanting music. Who could not love England after watching this? English Heritage could be knocking on your inbox after this one Steve. Great photographs too the oak is full and majestic and the tow path plant so sharp and detailed it looks almost 3D.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andy, I had been driving over the misty canal on the previous two outings and kept telling myself to stop there instead of chasing other options.

[@davidpresnell1734]

Makes me homesick for my eastern Kentucky home area. I love trees they're perfect models!

[@kiwicit0]

Cracking first image on the canal. Superb.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael.

[@ZommBleed]

I enjoy going back and rewatching your videos. I can't help but wonder how those narrow boats would have looked in color that foggy morning. Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

It would suit a low contrast film like Porta 160.

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

As always a pleasure to watch. I especially like when you shoot film 😉

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Isabel, film is definitely my favourite medium.

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

Steve O'Nions Mine too 😉

[@LarryManiccia]

Great video Steve! Enjoyed your journey and pictures.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Larry.

[@paulbarnard5267]

That was a wonderful video. The cinematography was fantastic. The canal image was amazing and all before 9am. I must try to get our of bed earlier 😀

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul, I like the early starts as I get the place to myself.

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Steve. What a fabulous intro ! The drone footage and accompanying music set the scene perfectly. You've captured some fantastic images at this lovely location. They've got an ageless quality about them which is very difficult to capture nowadays. Like a previous commentator, I would have loved to see the boats image in colour but it's still fantastic in b&w. It's always a pleasure to watch you videos Steve and this is amongst your best to date. Many thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Tim. It was tempting to take colour film along but it does distract me when I’m trying to decide on compositions, I find it easier with just one material. I’ll probably start shooting more colour as the autumn arrives and the light improves, I have a lot of velvia 100 in the fridge that I’d like to work with.

[@brucemulthup9833]

Another great video. Like those vegetation shots.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bruce.

[@jeffpettittphotography576]

What a beautiful place to live near! But, that cottage reflecting into the canal though....

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jeff.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Great intro and stunning conditions Steve. I really loved the first shot and the image of the tree, very nice. If it’s of interest, the plant is butterbur. It generally grows in streamside habitats and often it’s associated with shady areas.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Simon, I always wondered what they were, such an impressive display.

[@MrDefenderofsteel82]

Great Video and pictures from the Master!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gopi :)

[@oibal60]

Thanks for this. I admire your ability to find an image in simplicity. I promised myself, that _this_ year I take out my dad's Linhof Super Technika IV and take some photos. Now I have no excuse. Thankyou sir.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gerald and good luck with the Linhof, I’m sure you’ll get something good.

[@chrisklontz7837]

ive been hooked on your channel for the past few days. im going to have to ask you to just calm down. these videos just send my blood pressure through the roof. i really liked the side scrolling drone shot of the boat, you should do more of that.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Chris.

[@ninacleven7889]

So peaceful and serene. Love the narrow boats shot.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nina

[@philipculbertson55]

Really nicely done Steve. I liked the narrow boat shot a lot, the way the mist seemed to be flowing along. A great morning for sure.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Philip, the density of the mist was just perfect, any more and I would have struggled to get a decent composition.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Lovely vlog, and great photos! The canals of England always remind me of the great story "Three Miles Up," by Elizabeth Jane Howard.

[@sandrag.3855]

I love the 'narrow boats' picture. Love the mist and the light... :)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Sandra.

[@felixfelix9084]

fantastic as always ;) big greetings from the black forest

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Felix.

[@ubarhd1]

Wonderful video fantastic shots👏🏻👏🏻

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@wyopobo5339]

Great monotone photographs. Thanks forth video Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@BillMcCarroll]

That was a fantastic mystical opening Steve, what a magical place to shoot large format. I always learn something from your trips to try out in my next trip out.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Bill.

[@analog_presencing]

Steve fantastic drone footage of the misty landscape set the atmosphere for the blog, loved the images, thanks!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Aad.

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Reallly nice photos and video. Best regards Lars-Göran from Sweden.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Lars.

[@brianrussell9454]

Another fine video Steve. Some years ago I lived in Market Drayton and often took early morning walks along the canal. Thanks for reminding Me !

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian, I find canals really peaceful.

[@ArguelloFlores]

Things looks clear enough in the video, so when you said you barely can see, is hard to understand, but I know what you mean. Thank you for sharing your videos, very enjoyable to see you taking photos.

[@SteveONions]

The video always boosts the ambient light, in reality it was quite dark to my eyes 🙂

[@michaelofmelrose]

thanks Steve great video, I was in England I was in '89 and saw they those long lovely house canal boats near Startford upon avon and did capture any and always felt I would. Guess I need to make it over ths pond sometime.

[@SteveONions]

Well worth a look if ever you are over again Michael, we have quite an extensive system of canals.

[@markvandenberg4606]

Amazing drone footage to kick off this video. What a beautiful area. Well done!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Mark.

[@DGriffGallery]

Very enjoyable as always. Aside from the impressive large format images, I do appreciate the lengths you go to in making the video. The tranquility was quite captivating. 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dave, mist changes everything and makes the ordinary extraordinary. I must learn more about the ideal conditions for it to form and plan my trips accordingly.

[@SpencerPullenPhotography]

As always, great to see your video and final photos. Looks like the Intrepid is doing well for you. Keep up the great work!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Spencer, I think I'll take the 8x10 next time.

[@jbairdexp]

This has been on my watch later list for ages... it's worth the wait. :-)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Julian, it was a lovely morning.

[@tonyb2760]

Excellent video and beautiful images. The detail in the vegetation shot is amazing. Thanks for sharing

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Tony.

[@GaryNormanPhoto]

What a beautiful video! The opening montage was stunning and set the tone for a really lovely calm and relaxing vlog. I absolutely loved the first image too. Fantastic work!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gary.

[@garypentecost833]

Masterful ,Steve I really enjoy your excellent videos with all formats ,I will never own a large format camera but just admire your skills making it look so easy which I know it isn’t, thank you 😊

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gary, it can be a bit of a faff at times.

[@BarryWardPhoto]

Another cracking vlog Steve! The opening scene and music was sublime, absolutely beautiful. Great job.

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Barry.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

What a lovely picture of the narrowboats so envious of you having such inspiring subjects that lend themselves to B&W large format photography, around here (North East Kent) everything is modern and cramped great video and one that gets the photo juices flowing if at the moment it is just digital...lol. Is there a book that you can recommend that goes into the detail of measuring bellows extension and calculating exposure etc....?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Malcolm, we have a few good spots close by thankfully. As for books I still think Ansel Adams 'The Camera' is a good place to start.

[@kevinflynn6306]

Very nice Steve makes me wish for fog (or mist) fantastic video footage

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin, this stretch of canal always gets the mist so I'll be back again when the conditions are right.

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Really enjoyed your Video Music Photos were spot on.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Katharine.

[@GaetanCormier]

What a beatifull episode! And that first photo is stellar, one day I'll buy you a print of it! 😊 Cheers Steve!

[@shawnhollbach395]

Wonderful channel.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Shawn.

[@davidgault1802]

Excellent Steve , i was wondering where to go with my 4x5 Camera where i live I’m surrounded by canals, Thankyou for the inspiration

[@SteveONions]

And no tides or waves to worry about either David 🙂

[@davidpresnell1734]

Aw!! Come on man, we all know you're going to get great images!!

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@stephendeakin2714]

Nice to see that section of canal. I photograph around the Audlum area.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve not ventured that far down yet Stephen, must give it a go someday.

[@NickTheSpontaneous]

Wonderful video Steve. Loved the images

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nicholas.

[@NickTheSpontaneous]

You're most welcome.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Amazing mate. Please let me know how I get onto that part of the canal seen lots from there but not sure how to get on it.

[@SteveONions]

Just park in the Lockgate coffee house in Tiverton Paul (opposite Chas Hardern boats) then walk along the towpath for 200yds towards Bunbury and you'll be there :)

[@davidpowell5437]

Great - enjoyed the walk. That first image...Have you considered a sepia tone?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David. It would suit a sepia tone too, I favour warmer accents and the split tone I currently use is based on Fomatone 131 developed in Ilford Warmtone dev, a particular favourite from the darkroom days.

[@bkspicture]

Great set of shots!

[@jackdeangelis6585]

Nice video, beautiful images!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jack.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Very nice steve first shot my fave mate

[@SteveONions]

Thank you

[@Prashant.Khapane]

Good one Steve! Like the first image and the video.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@markharris5771]

Oh gosh, what a beautiful video with gorgeous images. Someone commented the other day that Craig Roberts from e6 photography should have many more subscribers. The same also applies to yourself, and I know you’re not after numbers but for those who do watch your videos to enjoy them. However, there often seems to be a disparity between subscriber numbers and the photographers skills. Which I think is a shame for those new to photography, or want to watch excellent photographers work at their craft. Another wonderful experience sharing your photography with you, thank you very much for getting up at very silly o'clock to make this video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Mark, I get a lot of pleasure from making the videos and it’s great when I get good feedback. BYW - I love being up stupidly early as I get the world to myself 🙂

[@markharris5771]

Steve O'Nions My wife always comes with me to share the driving as I can’t drive far anymore, and when photographing wildlife we share an equal passion in seeing my subject. Those times we are out in the middle of nowhere, on our own, are incredibly special, you really do feel you could be the only people in the world at that moment. Our second date was to Martin Mere, and she still agreed to marry me!

[@thevalleywalker]

Fabulous b roll intro to this Steve. I have to admit that some vloggers these days rely too much on drone footage to fill their episodes but this was well thought out and worked beautifully with the music choice too - production was superb. Your images are always a pleasure and when you have the LF with you I am always amazed at what your eye picks up as composition - I would have walked past that tree more than 45 mins and still not see it, great vision. I wonder does your photographic eye move up a notch when the 4X5 or 8x10 is with you?:) Loved the misty boat scene and headed straight over to your Flickr page to give it that longer more satisfying view.. a little part of me did want to see it in colour I have to admit. TFS

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan. I find that when I shoot with large format I am very fussy about composition and subject due to the amount of time and effort it takes to capture each scene. I also favour the standard lens for most shots as it is the easiest to work with and somehow fits the format perfectly. I do preview extensively with a digital camera or iPhone first so there is a lot of walking up and down, in this video the gap between each shot was two hours and that is about typical. If I'd shot with 8x10 I would have shot two scenes at most which makes it even more important to be totally happy before triggering the shutter.

[@ladduro]

great one!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@IainHC1]

Loved it :-) Thank you :-)

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@RobinWhalley]

What were all those sheep doing round your car in the intro shot? Have you been feeding them again?No, seriously Steve this was a great video. I loved the mist at the start. It reminded me of the time we shot the River Brue at Glastonbury. I particularly liked the image of the boats and your drone footage was excellent.

[@SteveONions]

The sheep were paid extras Robin, not cheap but they add to the atmosphere. I think I’ll make more effort to get out every time mist is on the cards.

[@RobinWhalley]

It's well worth it Steve judging by these results. Superb.

[@terrywbreedlove]

Trying to learn the Zone system so I can shoot these misty mornings and expose for the shadows and develop for the highlight with my 4x5. That is my plan anyway. :)

[@SteveONions]

Have fun Terry, there is so much flexibility with B&W in sheet film.

[@filmzhang415]

Keep calm and shooting films

[@erichstocker4173]

Beautifully filmed! Nice BW image. How did you develop your FP4?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Erich. The film was developed in a Patterson Orbital tank using HC-110 at a low solution of 1:49 to keep the contrast down which makes for easier scanning.

[@erichstocker4173]

Thanks for the info. I shoot 4 x 5 mostly BW and generally FP5 but try to keep a record of other films and the development. This especially true when I like the results of the scanning. Appreciate your videos!

[@GaryNormanPhoto]

Hi Steve, I have just edited a vlog in which myself, David Griffiths and a subscriber (Barry Johnson) discuss, amongst other things, our favourite vloggers. I have recorded a small piece of this vlog to use in the video. Could you please let me know if it is ok to use it? I would have emailed you but I can’t find any details. Cheers, Gary

[@SteveONions]

No problem Gary, feel free to use whatever you want and thanks for the shout out. 👍

[@Prashant.Khapane]

How are you doing the audio?

[@eccentricsmithy2746]

is this about 4x5 photography or B roll video?

[@SteveONions]

Neither, it’s about me 😊

[@tubelator]

I dont see why you would take the tree. you can take that any time. Imo your B roll with the drone is awesome. There are lots of great images there to take. Use the fog, it is only temporary.

[@SteveONions]

I’m able to visit the location at any time of year as it is only 10 minutes away. Other compositions didn’t work well enough despite the mist.

[@vicky197805]

Steve it looks like a location of some horror movie

[@SteveONions]

Hehe, I could have edited it with a moody soundtrack I suppose 😮

[@vicky197805]

yeah but seriously i love the location and your picture. wish i could live there:-)

[@buyaport]

Very nice (and nicely edited) video. Nice picture of the boat. I found 2:44 very funny with the beautiful scene (house with bridge) right behind you. Interesting: While photographers worry about "clutter" in their picture, painters often meticulously add it to give their pictures more "atmosphere". Watch this as an example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opW9c6SvrKanbpYm36s (artist working hard on those power lines that photographers almost certainly would photoshop out).