Testing a new 4x5 Film Camera in Wales (and one question for you)

[@lighturpl3]

I have taken up photography as a duty to my friends and family. To provide them with memories and personalized art at low cost. And I strive to improve in it in every way I can-so that photographs of even the most mundane moments are filled with expression and attention. The light my photographs bring them is motivation for me. And in fulfilling this duty I am afforded the pleasures which you mentioned in the video. I very much resonate with your sentiment of appreciation moments like these; in photography beauty is everywhere. Thanks.

[@carbonejack]

I appreciate your reflections on how your views and goals have progressed. I'm 77, and the older I get the more I realize that life is a process and a journey of learning what to hang on to and what to let go of. I've found that true in my photography as well. No more chasing the newest and best, but rather letting things happen. Letting go of expectations. Regarding your question...I love cameras, especially the older one. I love photography and I love learning about it. I love the solitude of it. I love taking all kinds of images, things that have character and beauty and age.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for sharing this, Jack.

[@RH-adventure]

I do it because it’s a great way to be present in nature. It’s a bit like fishing or hunting but without all the blood.

[@Nightwatch1986]

For awhile, I feel like I was only making photographs just for the sake of social media and trying get that immediate recognition and feedback. That began to slowly derail which then I started to question if i was only doing it for that reason. Once I let go (or rather deactivated) my account and got away from the fake reality of likes and instant validation I started enjoying photography a lot more. I realized how much I actually enjoy making photos without being tied to social media. It opened my eyes and gave me hope. Since then I have been working on my website along with printing work and it has brought me so much more joy and fulfillment. I want to thank you for all of your hard work in making these videos. You have helped me through a rough patch in my artistic journey. Much respect, kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Really happy to hear that you've found your way! And I'm glad the videos have helped you. Thanks for watching!

[@chopinho65]

I find the calmness and solitude in this sort of shooting to be so pleasurable. As WH Davies the poet said…”what is this life if full of care, we have no time to stand and stare…”

[@alanhuntley55]

Totally agree regarding the experience of photography. I simply enjoy making photographs and, honestly, my own photography is as much an excuse to be out and about wondering this great earth of ours. For the longest time, I felt like I had to try really hard to make "art" out of every image, but thankfully realized that wasn't the right direction for me. Nowadays, I photograph what interests me. If someone else appreciates it, that's great.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sounds like a good approach, Alan. As mentioned in the video, I also love how photography influences me to visit and experience places in a unique way.

[@DBWilliamsFilm36]

I was just thinking about the question. and then I saw your comment and it just sums it up. Thanks.

[@livemoksha]

That last shot summarizes so well the message in the video

[@Silverhalide44]

It’s too true that we all put the image before the appreciation. A wonderful reminder to start enjoying the process rather than relying on the end result to gauge your enjoyment. Awesome video as always Kyle and so good to see what you’re able to create over the pond.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Luke! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Completely agree that doing something just for the love of doing it is just as valid a reason for doing it as any other. I love that photography for me is something I don't go out of my way to share with others. I don't post on social media and I don't worry about getting my prints in galleries. The only expectations on me when I'm creating an image are my own, and all I hope for is that my understanding of what I'm doing will be better than it used to be and that it continues to make me happy doing it.

[@jessyleodyn8024]

I also have a 4x5 camera. It is tremendously enjoyable, because you rediscover the value of selectivity. I have 11 double chassis, which means I can make 22 images during a photo trip. But the real value of the 4x5 camera is that you finally understand that the pictures you have (or haven't) made are far less important than the trip itself. The journey is far more interesting than the destination.

[@Foxglove963]

Chassis of a train? You mean film holders!? If the journey is more interesting than the destination, you need another type of camera. Orient yourself in space and find direction.

[@henryt8008]

On a bit of a binge of your work as of late and this video really stands out to me. The way you approach photography as well as videography makes me reflect deeply about why 6 years into shooting film, it still seems to hold so much purpose. The frustration you showed at the beginning really struck a cord with me in its earnestness, as each time I get scans back from the lab, I realise have only become more critical of my own work as I have accrued more time and knowledge of the medium- sometimes to the point of being disheartened, but never enough to give up entirely.

[@Boredoldman]

Most of the time I don’t end up with incredible work. But I really love the process and I brings me great joy.

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's just as important!

[@JoePortnoy]

Just want to say I really appreciate your videos. You demystify a lot about photography and inspire me to shoot, develop, and spend time thinking about my images. It was so great to see you frustrated with the light changing. It's good to see you be patient because I'm quick to give up on a shot if things get frustrating.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Joe. I’m happy to hear that. I know that I always find it helpful and motivating learning about other peoples practices. Always reminds me that we all face similar challenges and realities.

[@tedphillips2951]

I really just enjoy doing photography for my self but I have used it to document family, friends & trips through the years & to have that record of life has been a great pleasure for me.

[@garonkiesel1646]

You mentioned that you didn’t like the first photo due to the dead space. I REALLY love that photo!! The negative space adds so much mystery. This is one of my favorite photos of yours 👏👏👏

[@KyleMcDougall]

Always love hearing what other people like. It's a good reminder that we all see images differently.

[@erichstocker8358]

When I was younger, I did have photography as a parttime business. I did some photojournalism, some portraits, some photos for legal work. I did the development and printing myself. It took all the joy out of photography for me. When I gave that up, it was almost 10 years until I picked up my camera again. At that point I said only hobby and only fun. I enjoy being out in cities and land. I particularly enjoy "hand of man" (beautiful or ugly) landscape photography. I just love the process both film and digital. It is very cathodic for me. It gives me rest in the midst of pressure. It lets me try art while still exercising my technical loves. The result helps me see how I look at things. I would never again make it a business.

[@tudorevans9306]

Watching your trials and tribulations in Wales brought a smile to my face. Being Welsh and shooting mostly in Wales I'm well used to our four seasons in one day weather it's what makes Wales well so Welsh. Love the videos looking forward to your trip to Snowdonia or Yr Wyddfa as it's called in Welsh.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It definitely keeps things interesting! Snowdonia was amazing. Hoping to have the video up soon.

[@chopinho65]

Love your patience and frustration with that first shot - been there! I feel if you return to that image in 6 months or so you may not be as harsh on yourself - there is something there.

[@ryejack]

I appreciate every time a photographer mentions that message about doing photography for enjoyment. There are far too many gatekeeper types in the hobby who insist we need $4k and up equipment, have to be doing showings, have to sell prints, have to work with clients, and have to create images that would fit a certain genre or style. We don't need to do any of that. Photography should first and foremost be an enjoyable creative process. Everything else is secondary.

[@dmcphotographer]

Lovely video, Kyle. Your patience with that first shot was admirable. Growing up with photography my reasons for continuing to take photos has changed as I've gotten older. The more time I spend doing it the more I find new ways to enjoy it. It's so much a part of who I am that it stopped being a question of why and more a matter of how and when. At its best photography has allowed me a space to explore my relationship with myself, the people in my life and the world around me. At its worst it's robbed me of experiences, creating a barrier between me and what was happening. My mind was so set on trying to get a good image that I lost the ability to be present. So I've learned that just as there is with most things in life, there needs to be a balance. Ultimately this awareness has made me more intentional, mindful and has cemented the need to document my life and the world around me as it changes but to also make sure to experience the things I'm documenting.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can relate to both of those Devin, especially the disconnect it can create if you put too much pressure on yourself to always 'make' something. All about balance!

[@treyusher32]

Im glad you asked this question honestly because its been something Ive struggled with. Ive been into film photography for a little over a year now and I always get those thoughts of like oh is this really worth it and should I invest this much effort into everything. But then there are other times where I realize that its not about the amount of effort its just the fact that it brings me such happiness and its something Ive been pretty passionate about ever since discovering it. Ive also been going to school for a completely different career and always wondered if photography is just a thing you get into if you want to make a living out of it but I just get so much joy from it that I cant see myself ever being able to let go of it. Ive always wanted to create some kind of art but never had the skills to really like paint or write or anything like that so I see this as a good way for me to capture what I think is beautiful and worth the attention.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Trey. Photography is definitely not something you only get into to make a living. If it brings you happiness and enjoyment, embrace that!

[@treyusher32]

@Kyle McDougall Exactly! And it does just that for me and I couldn't be happier about it. And thank you for making a great hobby even better for me with your videos they really helped get the ball rolling for me.

[@CardonaJason]

This is cool. I'm eyeing a Toyo 45D to add to my film camera collection. Looking forward to creating great photos soon.

[@nithinsuku]

11:00 is such a beautiful shot. It feels ethereal!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you

[@dannychun924]

Very beautiful video! The ending photo was amazing. The fact that you came back to this location despite the problems that came up in the past made this video special. Thank you for the insights, your words really resonated for this hobbyists photographer.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Danny. Thanks for watching!

[@nevvynnevvyn]

Not afraid to make a mistake and show it. Much respect. I loved the video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Great video Kyle, for me making images has always been about spending time out in nature, watching wildlife and the environment, taking time to soak up the simple wonder that is our natural world and get a little closer to it. I've spent years behind my camera, but told so many people of the importance of making sure you look outside the viewfinder every so often and just take in those moments for your own soul, smell it, hear it, take it in. Just enjoying being outside is something photography has such an ability to connect us all too and if we make a few good frames along the way, well that's the icing on the cake!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Totally agree, Tom. Thanks for watching!

[@johnmartin8526]

Great video as always. Great shots and the 45FA is a great camera. I have had one for 20 years and will never get rid of it, I always come back to it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks John. I’m really enjoying the 45FA

[@Babenberger]

I have been shooting with this fantastic camera for many years. If you carefully push down the plastic part with the FA inscription on the front of the camera, you can fold the whole part backwards. This helps when adjusting the height.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Oh, very interesting. Didn't know that. Thanks.

[@TomNorthenscold]

When I retired one of the first lessons I learned was that I had to give myself permission to focus on my photography without worrying about how I was going to make money doing it. I make photographs for myself. It brings me great joy. As you say, that’s a pretty damned important reason.

[@KyleMcDougall]

One of the most important!

[@davidbruce1274]

Love everything about this video.

[@Ezpzfilm]

Perhaps my favorite video yet. Thanks for the inspiration Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Daniel!

[@typegeist]

Just in time for me to be in the market for a new 4x5. I hope you'll go over this one in more detail! Excellent video and I loved the ending about how we don't need to make photography more than it is.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, James. I should be making a initial review about this camera in the near future. I really enjoy it.

[@typegeist]

@@KyleMcDougall I'm glad to hear it. I look forward to seeing your work with it.

[@Larpy1933]

I’m 4 days into week 3 of COVID here. And struggling to think about _anything_. Your video captivated me and brought me great joy. Thanks a lot for sharing your philosophy and - your gorgeous work. (Victoria, BC).

[@davidxflood]

Great video Kyle, I actually loved the first images you took of the slack piles, probably more than the final image of the tree. I've been in photography a good few years (currently doing a PhD) and sometimes I find myself getting exhausted with it, but watching your videos usually helps me reset and brings the level of enthusiasm I need back! Also, I find there is a lot more in landscape photography than beautiful composition, what I mean is that sometimes a beautiful composition can be a distraction from what is there. But somehow I think many of your images find this nice balance between the sense of place and the composition that just makes them beautiful photographs.

[@KyleMcDougall]

That means a lot, David. Thank you. 🙏 One of the most interesting parts of photography for me is seeing how we all view images differently. I’m glad you enjoyed the first one. Maybe it’ll warm up on me over time. 🙂

[@michaelbennettphoto]

I really really enjoyed this video Kyle! It makes me want to dive in 4x5. I’ve wanted to for awhile, but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. For me, photography feels almost therapeutic. Getting the opportunity to go out and photograph scenes that spike my interest feels to good to be true sometimes. It makes me happy and excited to create and capture what I see. Sometimes the photos don’t turn out the way that I hoped, but the process of taking those photos creates a feeling that can’t really be matched by any other activity I do. When I’m out taking photos by myself I feel at peace.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can relate, Michael! Photography has always been partially an escape for me. Almost a form of meditation and a way to get lost in my surroundings without the usual chatter in my head. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@anderskristensen8871]

First time I have ever heard anyone from your part of the world actually complain about the sun? Great video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, I'm always down for some overcast/clouds/bad weather.

[@philoography8233]

your videos are as lovely to watch as a good movie Oftentimes I feel like I don't really know, why I do photography. But when It makes sense for me photography is everything. Behind the camera I can do what I want and I don't have to be someone. I guess it is important for me to find my own self. On the other hand photography can create emotion in myself like nothing else. I have a problem with it when photography leads to only living in the past and forgetting about the present, but the photographs that I view as good ones do not need direct nostalgia to be special. The way different persons can fall into an image, because of absolutely different reasons is truly magical for me. Images have the power to make me really feel and at the same time creating/searching for/taking photographs leaves you with amazing memories and even sometimes new friends.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for sharing this. And yeah, I think it's so important to remember that we're all different, and have different preferences and reasons for our photography-from styles, to subject matter, to gear choices, to goals, etc. It can be so many things to each of us.

[@KarinMajoka]

All shots were great but that last shot of the tree was just stunning. Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks, Karin.

[@whowho8470]

I make photos because it is a creative outlet, which I very much need.

[@countjulu]

Bit late to the party on this video, but what I love about photography is that I get room to experiment with a visual medium. I can capture fragments of time, or small details of a larger environment or my surroundings as a whole. It helps me pay attention to the world around me.

[@roosvw2475]

I personally love how I'm more tuned into my surroundings because of going out with my camera. The more I take pictures the more I see small beauty in daily life, even when I leave my camera at home.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can relate!

[@hankroarkphoto]

Thanks for all the great videos and contributions to the community! It’d be great to hear how the Horseman is working out, and maybe a little about it vs Intrepid (which I believe you tried for a bit).

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Hank. I’ll probably make a video about it in the future.

[@inkaststudio]

What a beautiful camera! 😍😍😍

[@aeromodeller1]

It motivates me to look.

[@gregwardecke]

Thank you so much for sharing your struggles with light during the first shot. Anyone who has shot for very long knows the frustration and it would be easy to edit out. Yet I feel it ads authenticity. Thanks for the question. The answer is stewing.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Greg! The creative process is a messy one, and it's important to share it all!

[@linosaurusdeinemama]

what a beautiful video. and what a great question too! i really liked the slow pace of the video and the more thoughtful way of shooting and reflecting. also i'm leaving for a photography trip tormorrow and that question fits damn well into that.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you liked it. Enjoy your trip!

[@AngeloHinojosa]

I've also been shooting 4x5 for the last 4 months for college. It's definitely been a experience. Both good, and bad. The bad being darkroom developing going wrong sometimes. I don't have an answer to your question right now. But that's something that I want to start thinking about now.

[@KyleMcDougall]

4x5 is definitely a challenge and a long road to get comfortable with, but I love the slower pace.

[@ludovitkanta5607]

Loved your video.Also your little speech on the end!Exactly!👍 Thinking about the same question lately,and arrived at the same conclusion. By the way,I am shooting the same camera,Horseman FA,happy with it… Keep well!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. :)

[@lukasvanderlende]

My dads been a commercial photographer for almost 50 years, I've worked professionally in photography for a decade. I never really wanted to be a photographer, until i went off and did it just for fun. It's always been a hobby, but now I feel like I have three compartments for my work. I shoot photos and video for my job, for my content online, and for myself. When I feel like I'm in a rut, I really focus on shooting for myself

[@KyleMcDougall]

That’s a good way to look at it, Lukas.

[@_d_o_n5614]

love the mountain shot :)

[@salcmon]

I really adore the intro shot for the second day, looks amazing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

It was a nice morning. :)

[@stu-coo]

Love your work and channel, Kyle. On the question you pose, I think perhaps that I take pictures because it brings me, what I can best describe as, a sense of stillness: a mental state in which time slows down, or maybe even becomes irrelevant. All I'm thinking about is the scene in front of me, absorbing the full sense of that place, that subject, at that time, and all the other thoughts in my life become dampened and distanced in those moments. The act of releasing the shutter itself is quite brief, but that contemplative roaming and observing, and seeking and waiting and deciding, that's when you get lost in the process. It's a unique and special activity that allows us to connect to the world in a wholly different way. At the risk of sounding pretentious, it's all about the pictures and nothing to do with the pictures, at the same time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I can definitely relate to that, Stuart. Photography has made me look at the world in a way that I most likely otherwise wouldn't have. With attention to detail and a presence that is easily lost when I'm hurrying about.

[@pauln44]

A few weeks back, I was laying in the dirt and rock to frame up a shot of a bare sagebrush against some dark clouds in the sky. The pain in my joints as I tried to get my nearly 50 year old self back up on my feet was only surpassed by the pain from one of those rocks digging into my shoulder while I was down there. I realized then why I do it because I didn't care about any of that. I was just giddy with anticipation over what the image was going to look like. I photograph because it is just fun. Although the next time I go there I am taking my digital camera with a flip screen. I'm happy to endure the pain when it is called for but I'm not looking for it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sometimes the most ridiculous / uncomfortable situations are the ones that make me smile the most.

[@BenOutside]

What a beautiful tree, wonderful video dude, great photos!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Ben.

[@Dahrenhorst]

Why I like to make photographs: 1. I like the process, the interaction with the motif, the intellectual challenge to try to show what I think is the essence of the motif. 2. I want to document history. What I took a picture of today might be gone or otherwise impossible to shoot again tomorrow. 3. I want to hand over something interesting, beautiful or meaningful to the next generations: I want to create something that lasts. Therefore I don't shoot digital when I'm out to take pictures, I mostly shoot large format on paper, which I process as reverse positives, so I can make unique originals like antique paintings.

[@ChundomanX]

amazing information, the kind of genius that i needed to see to get inspired, thank you

[@llchan]

Photography will always be a hobby and it’s never about business. I have a day job in software development and so I don’t have any pressure in making money out of my photography. As for experience or process, I totally agree with you. Being in the field, to me, is like meditation. I can be completely absorbed by what nature has to offer.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Larry. Always been like a form of meditation for myself as well.

[@Brunovdvoorde]

It's such a good question: I've got a very social and demanding job, therefore I often get overwhelmed and stressed-out by the end of the day. Photography (especially film photography) lures me into moments of quiet, peace and solitude. Your question made me realize that I am currently doing too many "photography side jobs such as weddings, events,..." and that these are actually the moods I tried to flee from through photography. Thanks for making me think about it a bit!

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome! I can relate to it being an escape!

[@mynewcolour]

Really nice video and … that oak tree 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 just a timeless wonder 😘👌

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@george_edward_]

Scenery in this video is beautiful. Particularly at 10:59 😍😍

[@george_edward_]

also... why are spindly trees ALWAYS the best

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, George!

[@SteveMorton]

I do photography for personal enjoyment, not for business, not to be competitive in any form of exhibition or competition. If the shots turn out good then great, if not then I try to learn from my mistakes and try to go back and try again, with different settings or different gear. I can shoot the same scene many times and never tire of doing it! I'm fortunate to live close to some great places here in France that form great subjects to shoot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'm a big fan of returning to locations multiple times. It always fascinates me how you can see a place differently between visits.

[@andyvan5692]

at 14:51 one tip, if you are ever unsure of what film is in a holder, the sheets are notched, so (with a changing bag!!) take the film out, and feel the notches, if you only shoot two or three stocks, it is easy, with the youtube channel of iilford\kodack, etc to look up the code, and know exactly the film.

[@jeremygarretson5482]

That tree is freaking epic

[@stevetaylor3706]

Awesome video Kyle! Been thinking long and hard about picking up a 4x5. I think it's time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I've been really enjoying it lately, Steve. Definitely a slow way of working!

[@timothyhyde4565]

Love this, but wish you would call out the shutter speed and aperture as you go along.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'll keep that in mind for the future. I'm assuming you mean while on-location filming?

[@timothyhyde4565]

@@KyleMcDougall Yes, exactly. Sometimes you do, but it is always of interest. Thanks.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

thanks for the video. I always ask myself; why do you make photograph. and this has been my suggestion for my friends as well!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Ryan.

[@linusfotograf]

I am a struggling wedding photographer trying to get more work because I'd love to work less at my regular job and earn an income by shooting images. BUT, it's also a passion for me so any day off I will take long walks and discover new places in my area and shoot whatever I find interesting.

[@Krooks44]

I used to shoot everything and almost every day. Now I wait for intent and feeling. Most important to me is I shoot for myself. Not for others. Once I made that switch My photography was more fulfilling and enjoyable. I shoot way less but I like what I shoot more.

[@KyleMcDougall]

So important to shoot first and foremost for yourself.

[@flipflopsleica]

Add a 6x12 film roll back for your first composition, i.e. two hills.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The first thought that came to mind. :) 6x12 is intriguing, but I just don't think I'd ever shoot it enough to justify the investment.

[@alexchaikovskyi]

Incredible video. Thank you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Alex!

[@lensman5762]

Horsemans are very decent cameras. Japanese copies of the Linhof, but very well made. I have an MPP MKVII, which is the British copy of the Linhof. It was widely used by the RAF for areal photography. Absolutely solid camera. Shame that they are all out of business. I can close my MPP with a Schnider 135mm F5.6 Symmar ( Not Symmar S ) attached, I think you should be able to do the same too. That first shot would have looked great in a 6X12 format. Perhaps one of those backs is on your shopping list?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I've been looking at the Sironar 135mm 5.6 which will apparently close in the camera. Love the idea of being able to have a lens mounted while travelling.

[@lensman5762]

@@KyleMcDougall It would be absolutely brilliant if it did. I also have a Wista DX Rosewood, and lenses from 75mm F5.6 to 300mm F9. When I have the MPP out, I find that I somehow find compositions that suit the 135 . So in effect I really don't need to carry too many lenses, and it is usually the 90mm F6.8 Angulon and the 240 mm Apo-Ronar in the shoulder bag. All light and small. Otherwise , there is no way that I could carry the 4X5 outfit. I am a firm believer that once the photographer starts to get tired, his photography suffers badly. Look forward to seeing more of your photos with the Horseman. BTW, do a bit of research about the older Fujinon W lenses ( the ones with the writting on the inside of the front barrel ). These are very sharp, with good contrast, even though single coated, but they have very generous image circles. Later Fujinons have better coatings ( CM, CW ) but smaller image circles.

[@becketmarshall4258]

these vidio are calming

[@liveinaweorg]

Oh, how I grinned when I saw a 4x5 video from KMc. I haven't watched it yet, but I definitely want more, Gimme a shout if you are going to be in the northwest and you can show me how to use my MPP MarkVII Kyle 😉

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Morris! Always wanted to check out an MPP.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

The tree was a nice exposure. But this whole video, though well done, reminded me of why I was glad to quit shooting 4x5.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad it inspired you to not shoot 4x5, haha! Thanks for watching.

[@TheNuklearMoose]

At the end of the day, I shoot because I love to capture the moments I travel to, whether on purpose or by accident. I like to find places and shoot what I see. I don't force myself to go out there and take photos at this point right now, but I have found by doing that I get joy out of the stuff I have been taking photos of. And if I go through a period where I take a significant amount more photos, I am even happier. But I dont try to force the moments and enjoy the ones I do capture. At some point however, I would like to try and get myself out there more, and just keep honing skills or try something new that I haven't yet. An example would be that the majority of my years taking photos up to around 2021, I would shoot primarily in manual mode and do everything that way. Now, I try shutter priority, aperture priority, etc..

[@KyleMcDougall]

Always good to push or challenge yourself a little at times-if that's technical, creatively, business, etc.

[@TheNuklearMoose]

@@KyleMcDougall agreed!! I've definitely done that a lot more with my fujifilm since I've gotten it.. even if I have had periods where I didn't take as many photos.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Love how little and cute that Horseman is. Would you consider shooting it handheld?

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's a compact one! No interest in shooting this handheld, but I'm sure you could with the finder if you really wanted.

[@XavierUnseen]

Great video, Kyle. I stumbled on this one while searching for content on a Beseler C-6, which I just picked up as my first large format. Not sure why this one links to that search, but if you have any tips on that model let me know. Comfortable with 35 and 120 but 4x5 is a whole new world to me! Oh and happy new year!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sorry, not familiar with the Besler.

[@XavierUnseen]

@@KyleMcDougall strange google algo stuff I guess. Anyway, great video and great content in general. Thanks for that!

[@thurstonempson7910]

Hey Kyle, Great video as always - peaceful, relaxing and informative. A question on your metering at the church yard at 9.33: Would you place the spot on the cement stone in the sunlight or in the shadow? I presume this is a choice based on your film type. Cheers, look forward to more.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! For this one, I metered the sunlit portion of the stone, and then bumped that up one stop over middle grey. Hope this helps!

[@mollydarcy7434]

What tripod are you using for your 4x5? I have the Toyo Field 45A and am trying to decide on the right tripod to use while shooting. Thank you so much! I love your insight at the end.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Molly. I'm using the Gitzo Systematic GT4543LS

[@kodimolly6082]

Wonderful photos! Great work! ^^

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@geofff6671]

Why do I take photos? Most of the time it is snapshots to capture memories. When I go out to shoot something “artistic” it is sometimes to capture a moment in time and space of a place that was different in the past and will change in the future. I ask myself what happened before I was here and what will happen when I’m gone. Photography makes me look at the beauty and interest that is in everything.

[@davidharris4062]

Where in South Wales are those tips? There’s one in a place called Tylorstown, it’s just one tip thought, it’s about a mile from St Gwynos Church and there’s a pub called the Brynffynon opposite the church, if it’s not this place check the area out

[@KyleMcDougall]

Can’t remember the exact name of these. I have heard of the Tylorstown tip. Been meaning to visit that one!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Also, I believe these were near Llanbradach.

[@romyaz1713]

you have a wonderful technical field camera with a beautiful lens. I had one, and I loved it. Why wouldn't you use the shift for those shots? why would you shoot the wide angle without getting closer to the tree or the mountain? Missed opportunity IMO

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'm enjoying it quite a bit so far. As for the images, I made the decisions that seemed best while on location. Those don't always turn out to be the right ones. :)

[@romyaz1713]

@@KyleMcDougall nice of you to find time to reply ) I was missing my Horseman VH so badly while watching the video ) how much shift can you get with the Fujinon 105mm f5.6? best of luck with composition and light on your next shots

[@shootretro8121]

Funny enough my latest video talks about why I shoot photography. Essentially, I shoot photography because it's a source of validation and happiness for me. It is an exercise to combat anxiety. I get to frame the world in a way that is absent of all the horrors and awful shit going on, and thus creating a space I can look into to find peace. When I'm with friends it's about capturing a moment in time, we won't ever return to, but will often recollect in years to come.

[@VonBromPhoto]

The Fujinon W 105mm f5.6 lens is an interesting choice. It *just* covers 4x5 with only a couple of millimetres to spare so it needs to be used with no movements. Have you found any vignetting when using it particularly with a bit of tilt?

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is the CM version which has a little more coverage than the original W version. 175mm vs 164mm I believe. Still not great but it seems to be fine with tilt at smaller apertures. The tree image was shot at f5.6, and as you can see, with no movements, it definitely vignettes. The focal length and speed appeal to me. I'll see how it performs as I use it more. The detail is certainly there.

[@davecarhart9618]

ultimately? it comes down to I shoot for the sheer joy of it. I've always loved photography and it compliments my enjoyment of nature / hiking. over the past 55+ years (yeah I'm a crusty old @#!%) I've tried to turn it into a business of one kind or another many times, but that has _always_ turned off the joy and increased the pressure of "just take the dam picture already", and ended with me putting my camera away for months, years, or even just selling everything. So now that I'm retired and don't need your dam job (thank you very much). I shoot for the simple, but absolute sheer joy of it. and if someone on social media likes the image too, we're all good.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sounds like you got it dialled in nicely, Dave. Happy shooting.

[@ralphturner7852]

Another great video, Kyle, thanks for sharing. Like a lot of folks here, I think I enjoy the taking of photos as much as getting a good end result. Also, the issue striking that balance between getting the shot and being present in the moment is, as you say, an important one. Perhaps just the enjoyment of being where you are at the time can make the image making aspect a little more intuitive? Just a thought☺ That tree pic at the end of your video - just gorgeous..

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Ralph. And yes, I think you’re right. It’s often when we’re fighting things and have big expectations that the image making becomes difficult. Something I’m trying to be more conscious of while out creating.

[@mynewcolour]

I actually quite like the slightly mysterious first shot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

:) It's one I'll definitely return to. Such an interesting subject.

[@sethobates]

Great work as always and inspiring.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ldstirling]

Love that image of the tree from this video. Maybe it's just me and the screen on which I'm watching your video, but your 4x5 photos on HP5 all seem to be rather dark. Is this your preference and how you're editing the photos to look? I'm used to HP5 being a much more middle-of-the-road film when developed at box speed, in terms of contrast.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Could be your screen, could also just be my editing style. I definitely tend to go a little darker.

[@SteffenMiethke]

Great video as always! Experiences are definitely what it is about. Trying out stuff and doing what you love with photography. (And just wanted to say: youre part of the reason I bought a Mamiya 645E now! Not sad about it though;))

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌 I hope you’re enjoying the Mamiya. 🙂

[@xBenjourx]

Ardderchog - excellent! I'm down in S. Wales and I can assure you the weather is 'spotty' at best! :D Let me know if you've any questions about this lovely area of the world.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Ben! Definitely 'spotty'. :)

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

wonderful pictures

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Chris.

[@gerromy222]

4x5 and Black magic camera at same time 💪

[@KyleMcDougall]

XH2s 😉

[@gerromy222]

@@KyleMcDougall and lavalier with mile range 🤭

[@john3Lee]

Always interesting content - Thanks

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

What ballhead are you using? Looking for something relatively portable for a hasselblad 503 and gitzo traveler tripod setup. Thanks and great videos.

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is the Markins Q10. Had it for over 10 years and it’s still kicking.

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

@@KyleMcDougall Thanks Kyle, much appreciated.

[@christopherkeeling6235]

Hi Kyle, fellow Cdn. I was just wondering if you ever use contrast filters for B&W? I wonder how the coal tip image would look different with a filter, for example to separate the tones between the foreground and the pile, but which filter would be preferred?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I actually haven’t played with BW filters too much yet. Something I want to learn more about and maybe make a video or two sharing what I find.

[@pinmag]

This is the new Bob Ross for me

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is the biggest compliment I could ever receive.

[@liamrjf]

To remember

[@alanpods______8260]

I do film photography to try to create as many bangerz for the 'gram...