Icelandic sunset that inspires my 100 blog posts in 2024

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In: 35mm Film Photography, Autumn Landscapes, Film Reviews, Medium Format Film Photography, Photography Help, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, Spring Landscapes, Summer Landscapes, Wildlife Photography, Winter Landscapes
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As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the journey I’ve had in the world of photography. It’s been an exciting year filled with creativity, learning, and, of course, plenty of photos! In this blog post, 100 blog posts in 2024, I’m going to take you on a quick tour of my photography blogs, highlighting some of the most exciting categories I’ve written about. My 100 Blog Posts in 2024 Let’s dive into everything from winter landscapes to 35mm film and even a few quirky posts about planes, trains, and automobiles. 2025, here we come! Winter Landscapes: Capturing the Chill andRead More →

Books on Bookshelf

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Owning a vintage medium format camera is a joy, but every now and then, the quirks of age can present a challenge. Recently, my Bronica ETRSi began to show signs of a problem: a light leak that had started ruining my film rolls. What initially seemed like a minor annoyance grew into an issue I couldn’t ignore. Here’s how I identified my Bronica ETRSi Light Leak problem, tackled it, and successfully replaced the light seals on the medium format film holder—all from the comfort of home. How It All Began: The Mystery of the Light Streaks A few rolls ago, I noticed strange streaks ofRead More →

When Film Fails: Reflecting on Choosing the Right Film for the Right Day

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The Challenge of Overcast Days Film photography is often about choosing the right film, preparation, intuition, and adaptability. On a recent walk along the Kennet and Avon Canal, armed with my trusted Bronica ETRSi, tripod, and cable release, I chose Ilford Pan F ISO 50 for its fine grain and sharp detail. This choice, however, proved less than ideal for the day’s conditions—a dry but very overcast sky. While I’ve had great success with Pan F in the past, this outing taught me that even a favorite film has its limitations. Ilford Pan F: A Film for Bright Conditions Ilford Pan F is a remarkableRead More →

Ilford hp5+ medium format film

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In: Autumn Landscapes, Medium Format Film Photography
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Embracing a Slower Pace with Film Photography The Kennet and Avon Canal stretch between Aldermaston Wharf and Thatcham is one of those rare places where time slows. With my Bronica ETRSi, loaded with Ilford HP5+ medium format film, I set out to capture the atmosphere on medium format—a format that brings out every texture, shade, and contrast with remarkable depth. While still in the late autumn season, there was a subtle change in the air: the days are shorter, and a chill is creeping into the landscape. Despite the last hints of autumn, the look and feel of Ilford HP5+ medium format film brought aRead More →

Introducing My Second Book: Paths of Watership Down

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In: 35mm Film Photography, Autumn Landscapes, Medium Format Film Photography, Spring Landscapes, Summer Landscapes, Winter Landscapes
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Photo Book I’m thrilled to share the news that my second photo book, Paths of Watership Down: A Photographic Exploration, is now available! This project holds a special place in my heart, and I wanted to take some time to talk about what inspired it, how it came together, and what this journey has meant to me. A Love Letter to the Landscape For years, the rolling hills surrounding Watership Down—White Hill, Ladle Hill, and the winding valleys in between—have been a source of inspiration for me. I’ve spent countless hours walking through this landscape, watching how the light changes, how the scenery shifts with theRead More →

Stepping Back to Move Forward: The Story Behind ‘In My Own Light: 2024’

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Black and White Film Photography As we move through life, especially in a world that’s perpetually buzzing with digital noise, it’s easy to get swept up in the constant chase for instant results. Whether we’re snapping countless photos on our smartphones or rushing through our day-to-day, the world around us often becomes a blur. But for me, the past year has been all about the opposite. I decided to slow down, pick up my old Canon AE-1 Program and my Bronica ETRSi, and immerse myself in the art of traditional black and white film photography. That decision resulted in my first book, In My Own Light:Read More →

Ilford HP5+ Film, Morgaston Woodlands

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In: Medium Format Film Photography, Summer Landscapes
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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 hasRead More →

Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses

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The Zenza Bronica ETR series was a line of medium format cameras produced by Zenza Bronica, a Japanese camera manufacturer known for high-quality, professional cameras. The Zenza Bronica ETR Lenses series includes several models, such as the ETR, ETRC, ETRS, and ETRSi, and they all use a 6×4.5 cm film format. These cameras were widely used in the 1970s through the 1990s, particularly by professional photographers who needed the quality of medium format but preferred a more compact and portable system compared to 6×6 or 6×7 cameras. Zenza Bronica ETR Lens Overview The lenses for the Zenza Bronica ETR were designed by Bronica and producedRead More →

Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4+ and Bronica ETRSi

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Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4 and Bronica ETRSi, Nestled along the serene coast of North Norfolk, stands as a picturesque testament to the region’s maritime heritage and natural beauty. This quaint harbour village, with its timeless charm and stunning views of the North Sea, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a glimpse into England’s maritime past. What drew me to this enchanting location was not only its historical significance but also its reputation as a haven for photographers seeking to capture the essence of coastal life. For this expedition, I opted to step away from digital convenience and embrace the artistry ofRead More →

Remarkable D-Day 80 Black and White Photos

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Black and white photography has a unique allure that transcends time, stripping away the distractions of colour to reveal the essence of the subject. Attending the commemorative event at the Control Tower at the former RAF base at Greenham Common presented me with a perfect opportunity to harness the power of black and white photography. This site, rich with historical significance, was once at the heart of pivotal moments during the Cold War. The Control Tower, now a symbol of reflection and remembrance, stands as a testament to the past. Photographing this event in black and white photos not only highlighted the details of theRead More →

Ilford FP4 on Watership Down

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Spring had finally settled in, and the warmth of the day hinted at the summer ahead. On a recent trip to Watership Down, I decided to bring along my trusty Bronica ETRSi, loaded with a roll of Ilford FP4+ film, to capture the enchanting landscape in black and white. Little did I know, the day would turn into a dramatic showcase of nature’s power and beauty. The Setting: Watership Down Watership Down, a name familiar to many from Richard Adams’ classic novel, is a picturesque hill in Hampshire, England. Known for its rolling fields and stunning vistas, it’s a paradise for photographers. The late springRead More →

Capturing the Charm of Mevagissey, Cornwall: A Photographic Journey with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5 Film

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Nestled along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Mevagissey stands as a testament to the timeless allure of coastal villages. Its picturesque harbour, lined with colourful fishing boats bobbing gently in the tide, evokes a sense of tranquility that transports visitors to a bygone era. The quaint charm of its narrow streets, adorned with traditional stone cottages and vibrant flower displays, beckons explorers to wander and lose themselves in its enchanting atmosphere. Exploring Cornwall with the Zenza Bronica ETRSi and Ilford HP5 Film In an age dominated by digital photography, there exists a certain allure to the art of film photography—a nostalgia for the tangible processRead More →

Ilford Pan F Plus 50 photo used in my 100 blog posts in 2024

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Embarking on an experimental afternoon at St. Mary’s with Ilford Pan F Plus 50 film loaded into the cherished Zenza Bronica ETRSi, equipped with a 75mm lens. As the late afternoon light gently waned in late April 2024, I delved into the realm of long exposure photography, driven by the desire to capture the ethereal essence of this historic site. With the aid of an ND1000 filter, I set out to transcend the boundaries of conventional imagery, aiming to unveil unseen dimensions within the timeless architecture of St. Mary’s. This journey promised not only technical experimentation but also a deeper immersion into the light, history,Read More →

Bronica Cable Release woes

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As photographers, we often find ourselves navigating through the challenges of capturing the perfect shot, and sometimes, unexpected obstacles can emerge. In this blog post, I’ll share a recent experience that left me scratching my head: my Bronica cable release malfunction. Join me on a journey of discovery as I troubleshooted and resolve an issue that seemed to have no precedent on the vast landscape of the internet. NOTE: The following Cable Release ‘Fix’ is worth considering for other makes of camera that use a mechanical cable release system. The Cable Release was found to be the root cause for the issue and not theRead More →

5 Reasons Film Photography Transforms My Creative Journey

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Digital vs. Film Every time I pack my bag for a photography trip, I’m faced with the perennial decision: do I bring the film camera or not? Film or digital? More often than not, my trusty Bronica ETRSi finds its way into my backpack alongside my Canon 5DSR. In this digital age, where pixels dominate and the photography film vs digital question arises, the allure of film photography beckons with a promise of a more profound and personal creative experience. 1. Simplicity in the Process The allure of film photography, for me, is intricately tied to the simplicity it reintroduces into the photographic process. InRead More →