Photography on a quiet morning by the lake.

On a beautifully calm morning at Llyn y Gader I find myself slowing down as I search the waterline for possibilities.
Equipment Used
Bronica SQA-i with 80mm and 150mm lenses
XP2 Super
Velbon 655 tripod with Manfrotto MG460 head
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10 and Rode Smart Lav
iPhone 12Pro
Incidental music (Epidemic sound)
Dreaming of tomorrow 4
Gravitation 2
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail] Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@iNerdier]

Got to appreciate a man who can tell less from fewer.

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@thatdeafguyuk]

Martijn Doolaard & Steve O'nions make the most relaxing KZbin channels. Just watch and savour.

[@my2004rt]

Great images!

[@naturelvr123]

I like your approach to finding the "right" scene, It takes time to look what may work or not work. Nice & low key . Paul (Greeley, Colorado). :)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul 👍

[@mortenthesbl5535]

Hey man so glad I found your channel - you put words to the reason I want to take photos!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Morten 🙂

[@henkpeter1755]

Thank you Steve, just what I needed. Great vlog, no-nonsense narrative and some beautiful images.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Henk, glad you enjoyed it.

[@RichB-js8ct]

Love that last image 👍

[@dalkapur]

When you mentioned the foreground rock being a bit of a cliché, that resonated with me. I guess we are all guilty of forcing ourselves to find anything to give foreground interest to a wider composition. I feel that maybe in some cases, for example on an overcast day like yours, maybe we should try a telephoto lens and concentrate on the hills and the reflections in the water for a more minimalist shot. Just a thought.

[@SteveONions]

It noticeable how many times I see opportunities I missed whilst editing the video. I can see quite a few around the lakeside, largely in colour, that would suit the 35mm format. That old dwelling is shouting out for another visit and I’m lucky it isn’t too far from the parking area.

[@trevorbrooks813]

The landscape always gives you something even if it isn't a great photo. Bronny working well? Thanks once again.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Trevor. The camera hasn’t missed a beat since the repair I’m glad to report, but I’ve also improved my backup situation somewhat too 🙂

[@jimharriss2727]

Thanks, Steve. I love your approach to the photography and to these videos. Your quiet, contemplative exploration of the landscape and of the photography is inspiring and educational. It is a pleasure to watch you work. And the fantastic scenery of Wales is a big bonus. Thank you for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jim, I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

The final cottage photo is brilliant lovely atmosphere and the yellow filter really helped. Great video as usual Steve, always enjoy seeing you use the Bronica

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Malcolm, that old ruin is well positioned and worth a return visit.

[@nevillewatkins4997]

What a marvellous location.

[@davecarrera]

What a beautiful location. 3 minutes in and I would of burned 2 or 3 rolls of 120 in my SQ :-) So many subjects to capture. You lucky lucky man. Wishing you well.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dave, I was determined to enjoy the experience of being there as much as capturing images.

[@edmann2843]

Loved your explanations of taking the shot or not.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ed.

[@yurymelnikov3644]

Totally agree with Jim Harriss, contemplative photography has a special charm. Good luck, Steve, and take care!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Yury.

[@ducgerard2361]

A nice place and a good lesson Of composition. I enjoyed very Much the landscape and your Photos.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Duc.

[@dongweilee923]

What happened to the audio, onle worked the left side.

[@SteveONions]

Apologies for that, I’ll be making sure I edit with my headphones on next time.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Isn't there always a chance of over-thinking a composition? Can be good to go with your gut-feeling and steer clear of too 'reasoned' compositioning. Third shot was def the best :-)

[@AliasJimWirth]

That is a good question. I think about that too.

[@SteveONions]

That’s very true, it’s just don’t like wading through a lot of so so frames (or developing them either). Having the preview device has saved a lot on 120 film but when shooting 35mm I rarely use it and just go with the flow.

[@distagon6052]

The UK landscape is lovely. Thanks for sharing.

[@joerg_koeln]

Thanks for the excellent pictures.

[@stuartbaines2843]

I think you saw more here than I did😅 Mini rail lines were interesting

[@azfactor7875]

The luxury of not being rushed may result in fewer shots, but ones that are certainly intentional and well considered. Thanks for this lesson of mindfulness.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bob, I knew when I arrived that I would find something, I just felt incredibly calm.

[@danncorbit3623]

The last image was gorgeous.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dann.

[@mikericciuti5996]

Steve-your videos are so incredibly instructive. Watching them, I feel as though I’m part of a conversation with someone very like-minded about photography. Thank you for you efforts in making these videos. Greatly appreciated.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you like them Mike 😊

[@josephfranklin4610]

Enjoyed every minute Steve. Your reasoning is helpful to my own photographic journey.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Joseph.

[@izzyleicanut9190]

Beautiful landscapes much like a painting. The BW shots are lovely. Thanks very much again

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked them 😊

[@rickhauser9698]

Steve you have the BEST landscape photography channel on KZbin❤❤

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Rick 😀

[@oudviola]

Another thoughtful and inspiring discussion. Love that final shot of the cottage. If you want lichen, consider a trip to Newfoundland (where my wife's family farm is)!

[@SteveONions]

That sounds great Mark, but maybe a bit far for a day trip 🙂

[@autisticlife]

Thank you a well paced and very interesting video. The last photograph was superb.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Richard, I’m surprised I haven’t photographed the lake before.

[@mcg1701]

A bit overly self-critical on that first shot I think. Probably my favourite of the three in fact! What a great location and wonderfully edited video.

[@SteveONions]

It’s actually growing on me Marc, if only I’d been a little earlier the low cloud wouldn’t have affected the mountains as much.

[@lensman5762]

You are a very harsh critic of yourself, Steve. I for one do not mind if the eye wonders a bit around the photograph. It makes for a more involving experience for the viewer, sort of exploring the scene and getting involved rather than being given everything in one go. Very high grade photography, as usual.

[@SteveONions]

I’m quite fussy about composition I’ll admit, I can’t think of many photos I’ve taken where everything is just right.

[@anomalousresult]

Thanks for your consideration over each shot. Very instructive

[@SteveONions]

You’re very welcome.

[@LarryManiccia]

Wonderful conditions Steve. I think you finally nailed a great composition in that last image. The tones and layers give it a great sense of depth.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Larry, I’d like to revisit that scene again, preferably in a storm 🙂

[@mk1photography62]

Great to share a peaceful scene with you Steve. My favourite image was the last one the abandoned cottage it would make a wonderful framed print on the wall

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Mark, I’ve got a few ideas how I want to approach that scene again, I don’t think I got the best from it.

[@Profetmaf]

Thanks again Steve for this so relaxing video. The last shot is absolutely stunning !

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Pascal, I’m glad you enjoyed the outing.

[@JohnDoe-gj4rr]

Lovely ! Can’t wait to get a wee bit older and the kids are out from under my feet 😂 Your videos make me itch

[@SteveONions]

Don’t wish it away John, it passes all too soon 🙂

[@iansadler3384]

Your videos are some of the most useful I have seen from any photographer, thank you

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Ian, that’s very kind of you.

[@kevinbrowne3089]

Such good mentoring, Steve....passion for excellence. So much to see and so little to shoot! I have the same issues with the mountains here in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Thank you for sharing your craft.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin.

[@The58stupot]

Nice one Steve, enjoyed the vid. Last image was a keeper.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stuart, I am already planning to visit again, I just need some really rough weather 🙂

[@russellsprout2223]

Steve, unlike you I find it difficult to shoot landscape in square format - often ending up deploying the lesser known 'Rule of halves'. Incidentally, I was interested to note that your filters appear to fit to the *front* of the lens hood. Please enlighten. Thank you. Atb.

[@SteveONions]

I love 1:1 and also panoramic, 3:2 is the worst for me and that’s a shame given that most cameras have this aspect ratio. The Bronica lens hood has a slot at the front into which 85mm square filters will fit, perfect for most uses but not so good if you are using graduated neutral density!

[@russellsprout2223]

@@SteveONions Great reply and as helpful as always. I wasn't aware that a bellows hood/filter holder was also available for my ETRS. Thanks again.

[@nigellee7892]

I love watching an artist at work Steve - it’s interesting to get an insight into how other photographers go about their work, and, as I think your very educational and inspirational videos generally show (to me at least), is that some pre-visualisation of the image you’re looking to take is key to a successful shoot. I’m intrigued by that pre-view device you mentioned, is that some sort of phone app?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nigel. With B&W it’s always helpful to think in terms of the final image and what processing may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome. The preview app is called the MkII Artists viewfinder and is available on the Apple Store.

[@cdl0]

The atmosphere on this video is serene and contemplative. Scene three is the winner. It would be good to return to this place with a colour film to see what it gives instead.

[@SteveONions]

I can see myself going back at some point, I have an idea it would work well in stormy weather.

[@cdl0]

@@SteveONions Good idea.

[@liveinaweorg]

WLF's rule! 😅 I like that you took time to just enjoy the environment around you. Sometimes it can be easy to get so caught in in the search for a composition that you forget to notice what is truly awesome. Nice one Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Morris, I felt really good as soon as I got out of the car and told myself not to rush.

[@rgarlinyc]

Remarkably evocative photographs... I never cease to be enchanted by your talent Mr O'nions; thanks for the ride along in this rich landscape.

[@SteveONions]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@amalieemmynoether992]

Last shot is a winner❤

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Amalie 🙂

[@vedadkucukalic]

Well done Steve

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@valdezapg]

Beautiful scenery, very enjoyable to watch.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@brianbeattyphotography]

beautiful images! those are excellent conditions to start the day

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian.

[@simonbarnes7124]

There is something so special about the square format. Good to see the Bronica out and about with you Steve. A sturdy tripod at the ready no doubt. Those gusts can be a bugger. I used to enjoy Charlie Waite's photos shot exclusively in 6x6 format. I spoke to him on the phone once, such a lovely chap.

[@SteveONions]

I also liked Charlie Waite’s early work, his use of a stepladder to improve viewpoint was also admirable.

[@smitty112877]

Another great video, Steve! It's good to see some more XP2 Super loaded into the Bronica. It's my favorite B&W Film for darkroom printing and scanning. I love how well it works with the automatic dust removal feature of my Epson scanner, unlike conventional B&W film. It's also brilliant for shooting different iso on the same roll without changing development times. Anyway, I know that you already know these benefits, but it's worth the extra praise. Looking forward to your posts as always... Take care!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Matthew. I do find XP2 very easy to print in the darkroom, far less burning in required and the smoothness of skies always impresses me.

[@nigeldawson5960]

Can count on this channel to always deliver good material. Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Nigel, that’s very kind of you to say.

[@jaylaw40]

We moved from Maghull to Wales 20 years ago, what a place to take photographs, you can go to the same place good few times and get different results each time, love your videos. Great information and what to look out for... 👍

[@SteveONions]

You’re very lucky to have easy access to such scenery (although it’s less than 2 hrs for me so I can’t complain 🙂).

[@jasongold6751]

wonderful way to start my week. Great photo. Beautiful photo. So nice to watch and see, a calm, non-sell of some new equipment! Yet for all the progress, a good photograph is all we ever want! Thank Steve! Great video. Bravo.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jason 🙂

[@AliasJimWirth]

This was a really timely episode for me, Steve. I am having a terrible time with composition. I think discernment is part of my problem in not recognizing what is worth looking at and enjoying, while knowing it will not make a photograph. You talk about taking your time just walking around and looking around. Also I like the detail on why you passed on a shot. This was very helpful, if I will let it sink in so I remember to apply it next time out. Many thanks. I do enjoy your videos and am glad you put the effort in to make them.

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad you found it useful James. I often struggle when walking around in an unfamiliar location, everything can look the same and it’s hard to isolate a specific element.

[@sjacobson005]

It is difficult to find good photographic opportunities on a gloomy day, but Steve tackled this challenging problem. Excellent video and audio quality.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks, I think the calm conditions made it easier for me to slow down and look more closely.

[@SilntObsvr]

What preview app are you using on your phone? I like the frame lines for various focal lengths (and I presume it has multiple sets for various formats like 4x5, 6x7, or 35 mm), but I don't see anything like that in the Android Play Store. Having viewfinder options is one of the things I've enjoyed most with a medium format SLR. The original waist level is quite like handling a TLR, excellent for low POV; the prism is like a super-heavy 35 mm, great for tall tripod or eye level POV -- and then there's the chimney with built-in magnifier, absolutely perfect for macro or low light (the chimney keeps side light out of the view of the focusing screen).

[@SteveONions]

The app is called the MkII Artists Viewfinder, very useful for lining up shots.

[@SilntObsvr]

@@SteveONions Thanks. Doesn't seem to be offered for Android... 😕