Autumn Photoshoot: A Personal Journey Along the Kennet and Avon Canal

The final days of Autumn 2023 beckoned me to the Kennet and Avon Canal for a last Autumn Photoshoot, a place where the whispers of the season lingered in the crisp -2°C predawn air. Excitement bubbled within me as I eagerly prepared to test my new Bronica ETRSi camera loaded with Kodak Gold 200 Film. The anticipation of capturing the elusive beauty of this fleeting season added an extra layer of magic to the morning.

Photographic Planning

Embarking on my autumn photoshoot predawn walk, I carried not just a camera but an idea, a vision waiting to unfold along the Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf. The synergy of meticulous photographic planning and the embrace of Kodak Gold 200 Film within my Bronica ETRSi encapsulated the promise of uncharted visual narratives. The allure of film photography lies in its inherent mystery; each image remains dormant on the roll, patiently awaiting the moment of revelation weeks later during the development process. This waiting game, far from being a challenge, becomes a source of excitement and anticipation.

The very act of experimenting with this analog medium transcends the mere click of a shutter; it becomes a profound connection with the essence of photographic art. It’s a journey into the unknown, where each frame tells a unique story. The Kennet and Avon Canal, with its enchanting beauty at Aldermaston Wharf, provided the perfect canvas for this exploration. As the camera shutter captured the tranquil predawn atmosphere, the canal whispered tales that would later manifest through the developed film, echoing the spirit of adventure and the profound connection between the artist and craft.

Canon 5DSR + Sigma 105mm Macro: A Trusty Companion

Undeterred by the wait for film development, my Canon 5DSR, equipped with a Sigma 105mm macro Lens, stood as my trusty companion. This reliable setup ensured that, regardless of the film’s outcome, I could seize the fleeting moments of my autumn photoshoot Autumn along the canal. The camera became an extension of my vision, capturing the essence of each scene with the precision and detail that only a digital powerhouse could provide.

The following autumn photoshoot images are from the Canon.

A Palette of Nature’s Artistry – My Autumn Photoshoot

The narrow boat, gently moored under the golden embrace of autumnal trees, became my first autumn photoshoot canvas. The interplay of sunlight filtering through the leaves painted a scene so enchanting that it felt like stepping into a living painting. Each photograph became a brushstroke, immortalising the warmth and tranquility that only Autumn could bring.

Nature’s Whimsy: A Playful Duck’s Tale

As I continued my autumn photoshoot journey, a quirky sight unfolded—the rear end of a duck playfully pointing up out of the icy waters of the River Kennet. The juxtaposition of the duck’s lighthearted antics against the cold reality of the river symbolised the resilience and playfulness inherent in nature, even as winter’s chill settled in.

Industry and Nature in Harmony

A stark contrast emerged as I turned my lens towards an industrial plant across the lakes. Here, human progress met the organic beauty of the canal. The photograph became a poignant reminder of the delicate dance between industry and nature, prompting reflection on our role in preserving the balance between progress and the environment.

Sulhampstead House: Dawn’s Embrace

The final jewel in my autumn photoshoot photographic journey revealed itself in the form of Sulhampstead House, the Police Training College, standing stoically across the River Kennet just before sunrise. The subdued hues of dawn painted a serene backdrop, casting a sense of calm over this imposing structure. Each photograph became a meditation on the harmony between man-made structures and the natural world.

Frozen Moments, Unveiled Stories & The Bronica ETRSi

In the quiet anticipation of the Kodak Gold 200 Film development, the frozen moments encapsulated in the snapshots taken with my Canon 5DSR echo with the essence of the last days of Autumn along the enchanting Kennet and Avon Canal. Each autumn photoshoot photograph becomes a timeless narrative, capturing the unique character and emotions of that fleeting season.

Yet, beyond the mere act of capturing images, this photographic journey transcends into a profound personal exploration. It’s a dance with the seasons, an intimate connection with nature’s ever-changing tapestry. The Bronica ETRSi, with its precision and allure, played a pivotal role in freezing those moments in time. Its lens, a storyteller, framed the scenes along the canal with an artistry that goes beyond the visual.

The awaiting film holds the promise of unveiling stories—narratives that will emerge like hidden treasures, providing a testament to the beauty that unfurls when one fully embraces the magic of the moment. It’s more than photography; it’s a celebration of the transient yet eternal dance between the observer and the observed, a harmonious collaboration with the very essence of the seasons.

FAQs

Q: What camera did you use for your Autumn photography along the Kennet and Avon Canal? A: I primarily used my Canon 5DSR for this photo series, capturing the essence of Autumn with its Sigma 105mm Lens.

Q: Did you experiment with any specific film during your predawn walk? A: Yes, I tried out Kodak Gold 200 Film in my new Bonica ETRSi camera, adding an element of mystery as the film won’t be developed for a few weeks.

Q: How do you balance digital and film photography in your creative process? A: While the Canon 5DSR provides digital precision, the Bronica ETRSi with film adds an analog touch, offering a unique blend of technologies in my photography.

Q: Can you share more about the scenes captured along the Kennet and Avon Canal? A: Certainly! I framed a narrow boat under the golden hues of autumnal trees, a duck feeding in the icy River Kennet, an industrial plant across the lakes, and Sulhampstead House across the River Kennet before sunrise.

Q: What makes film photography special to you? A: Film photography, with its waiting game and element of surprise during development, adds an extra layer of excitement and connection with the art. It’s about capturing moments with a sense of adventure.

Q: How do you describe the overall theme of your photography journey in this series? A: This photographic journey is a personal exploration—a dance with the seasons, capturing the beauty that unfolds when one fully embraces the magic of the moment, A personal Autumn Photoshoot.

Q: What role did the predawn atmosphere play in your photography? A: The predawn atmosphere added a tranquil and magical quality to the scenes. It allowed me to capture the quiet beauty of the canal and its surroundings in the soft, early morning light.

Q: How do you see the juxtaposition of industry and nature in your photographs? A: The contrast between the narrow boat and the industrial plant reflects the delicate balance between human progress and the preservation of natural beauty, creating thought-provoking visual narratives, these were only 100 yards apart.

Q: Can you elaborate on the significance of Sulhampstead House in your series? A: Sulhampstead House, home to the Police Training College, stands as a symbol of architectural beauty against the backdrop of the River Kennet at sunrise, adding a touch of serenity and historical significance to the collection.

Q: What hashtags best represent your photography journey in this series? A: #AutumnPhotography #NatureMagic #VisualStorytelling #FilmAdventure #ExploreTheOutdoors #CaptureTheSeason #QuietMoments #SeasonalReflections #OutdoorAdventure #PhotographyJourney