As the final day of meteorological summer approached, I found myself drawn to the ancient woodlands of Morgaston Wood. The afternoon light was soft, the shadows long, and the air thick with the scent of summer giving way to autumn. It was the perfect time for a photographic exploration, armed with my Bronica ETRSi, loaded with 120 medium format Ilford HP5+ film.
There’s something special about medium format photography, particularly with a camera like the Bronica ETRSi. The larger negative size captures incredible detail, and the square format I chose for this series was both a creative decision and a practical one. My camera has developed a slight light leak that occasionally exposes the film along the left edge, so framing my images with a square composition allowed me to work around this imperfection, turning a potential flaw into a defining characteristic of the series.
Table of Contents
Key Details of the Shoot
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Camera | Bronica ETRSi |
| Film | Ilford HP5+ (120 Medium Format) |
| Shooting Format | Square (6×6) |
| Conditions | Late afternoon, soft light, dappled shade |
| Film Characteristics | Fine grain, high dynamic range, classic black-and-white tones |
| Unique Challenge | Slight light leak on the left side of the frame |
| Creative Approach | Centered compositions to manage light leak, embrace imperfections |
| Theme | The transition from summer to autumn in ancient woodlands |
The Choice of Ilford HP5+ in 120 Medium Format
Ilford HP5+ has long been a favorite of mine, and for good reason. Its versatility and classic grain structure make it an excellent choice for a variety of shooting conditions. In 120 medium format, HP5+ truly shines, offering a rich depth of tone and an exquisite level of detail that perfectly complements the square format. The film’s ability to handle both the deep shadows and bright highlights of Morgaston Wood’s dappled light was crucial in capturing the mood of the day.
In medium format, the grain of HP5+ is even more refined, adding a subtle texture that enhances the timeless quality of black-and-white photography. The film’s wide latitude also allowed me to experiment with exposure, knowing that it would hold up well whether I was shooting in the dense shade of the forest or in the brighter clearings.
Embracing the Square Format
Shooting in square format with the Bronica ETRSi is a deliberate and thoughtful process. The square frame invites a different kind of composition—one that’s more balanced, often symmetrical, and less constrained by the rules of thirds that govern rectangular frames. This format felt particularly suited to the ancient woodlands of Morgaston Wood, where the symmetry of tree trunks, paths, and streams often naturally lends itself to a square composition.
The square format also helped to manage the light leak in my Bronica. By centering my compositions and being mindful of the edges, I could ensure that the leak, when it appeared, added character to the images rather than detracting from them. This imperfection became part of the story, a subtle reminder of the analog nature of the medium.
The Experience of Shooting with the Bronica ETRSi
There’s a certain rhythm to using the Bronica ETRSi. The mechanical nature of the camera, the weight of it in your hands, the deliberate action of winding the film—each step is a reminder of the craft involved in analog photography. This slows you down, encourages you to consider each frame carefully, and makes the process of taking a photograph as much a part of the experience as the final image itself.
Walking through Morgaston Wood with the Bronica, I was acutely aware of the changing light and the subtle shifts in the landscape. The last day of summer brought with it a sense of transition, and the square compositions helped to capture that feeling of balance between the seasons. The camera’s slight imperfection—the light leak—served as a gentle reminder of the imperfect nature of all things, even as I sought to frame moments of perfect stillness.
Reflecting on the Day
As I walked through Morgaston Wood, each frame captured on Ilford HP5+ felt like a small piece of history. The medium format negatives hold an incredible amount of detail, preserving the textures of bark, the play of light on leaves, and the soft shadows that stretched across the forest floor. The square format compositions emphasised the natural symmetry of the woodland scenes, while the occasional light leak added a touch of unpredictability to the images.
In many ways, this series of photographs is a reflection of both the place and the moment—a fleeting end to summer, captured in a format that feels both deliberate and timeless. The Bronica ETRSi, with its quirks and mechanical precision, was the perfect tool for this project, and Ilford HP5+ in medium format brought out the best in each scene.
Conclusion
Capturing the last day of summer in Morgaston Wood with my Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5+ was a deeply satisfying experience. The choice of medium format film, combined with the square compositions, allowed me to create images that are both rich in detail and balanced in form. The slight imperfection of the camera’s light leak added an element of surprise to the process, reminding me that in analog photography, sometimes the unexpected becomes part of the art.
As the seasons shift and autumn takes hold, these images stand as a testament to the beauty of the natural world and the enduring appeal of film photography. Each frame tells a story not just of the place, but of the process—of walking through ancient woodlands with a camera, of seeing the world in square compositions, and of embracing the imperfections that make each photograph unique.
