Location: Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire · Camera: Bronica ETRSi · Film: Kodak Gold 200
A winter’s day of sunshine and showers against the backdrop of Mottisfont House, photographed on my first roll of Kodak Gold 200 through the Bronica ETRSi.
Against the backdrop of Mottisfont House (Mottisfont Priory), a location steeped in history and natural beauty, I embarked on a photographic expedition. The film of choice? My inaugural roll of Kodak Gold ISO 200, ready to capture the ephemeral moments of this winter’s day.
Mottisfont Ln, Mottisfont, Romsey SO51 0LP
A Note on These Scans
Before going further, it’s worth flagging something I noticed during scanning. The negatives from this roll were processed and scanned by a commercial lab, whose identity I’ll keep out of it here, and a faint but consistent pattern of vertical lines showed up across the images during post-processing.
The faint vertical lines visible across the scans, most likely a result of the lab’s scanning equipment.
My best guess is that this comes down to the scanning equipment rather than the negatives themselves. I’ve since had the negatives returned and plan to rescan them myself for comparison — if that turns up anything worth sharing, it’ll get its own post.
Dancing with Sunshine and Showers
Nature, unpredictable yet beautiful, showed its dynamic character on this particular day. A blend of sunshine and showers created a poetic dance of light and shadow, a challenging yet exhilarating environment for the lens to explore. Each raindrop held the promise of a unique reflection, a testament to the unpredictability that makes every frame distinctive.
The Bronica ETRSi: My Trusted Companion at Mottisfont
The Bronica ETRSi, my medium format companion for this shoot.
In the realm of landscape photography, the choice of equipment matters. My Bronica ETRSi proved its worth at Mottisfont. Its medium format capabilities allowed for a depth and clarity that elevated each photograph, preserving every nuance of the scenery with precision.
Kodak Gold ISO 200: A Symphony of Colours
The choice of film is an artistic decision that defines the mood of the whole collection. Kodak Gold ISO 200, my partner for this shoot, rendered the winter scenes with a warmth and vibrancy that defied the chilly air. The subtle hues of the Mottisfont gardens and surrounding landscape came to life, creating a rich and inviting tapestry. As a C-41 colour film, it was processed and scanned by the lab rather than developed at home.
Mindful Photography: A Journey into Well-being
Beyond the technicalities, my approach to photography is rooted in mindfulness. I navigate the terrain with a consciousness of health and well-being, ensuring the process itself is as enriching as the final product. The brisk winter air and tranquil surroundings of Mottisfont became a holistic experience, infusing the work with a sense of tranquility and balance.
A Visual Narrative of Photographs Unfold
As my Mottisfont day unfolded, so did the visual narrative captured by the lens. From the intricate architecture of the abbey to the serene garden landscapes surrounding it, each photograph echoed the essence of that winter day.
The abbey and one of its garden trees, captured in winter light.
An old Gypsy-style wagon on the grounds.
The footbridge over the River Test.
The Abbey itself, seen from the grounds.
Sunset over the River Test as the light faded on the walk back.
Every click is a dialogue between the photographer and the subject. Mottisfont, with its timeless charm, became a willing participant in this dialogue, allowing its essence to be encapsulated in each photograph. Through the lens of the Bronica ETRSi and the warmth of Kodak Gold 200, this collection captures not just a moment in time, but the soul of a winter’s day in Hampshire.
Additional Images
A handful of additional shots were taken later that same day on iPhone, during a walk along the River Itchen.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mottisfont Abbey, Hampshire |
| Season | Winter |
| Camera | Bronica ETRSi |
| Film Stock | Kodak Gold 200 |
| Processing | C-41, lab processed and scanned |
| Conditions | Sunshine and showers |
| Focus | Abbey, gardens, River Test |
What has been filmed at Mottisfont?
Mottisfont Abbey has been a popular filming location for various productions, including “Sense and Sensibility” and “The Children Act.”
Who lived at Mottisfont?
Mottisfont Abbey’s notable residents include the Russell family, particularly Gilbert and Maud Russell. Maud Russell transformed Mottisfont into a thriving centre for the arts, hosting influential artists and writers.
Is Mottisfont Abbey National Trust?
Yes. The National Trust took ownership of the property in 1957, ensuring its preservation for future generations to enjoy.
Which river runs through Mottisfont?
The River Test runs through the grounds of Mottisfont Abbey, known for its clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Why use Kodak Gold 200 for a winter shoot?
Kodak Gold 200 renders scenes with a warmth and vibrancy that can offset the flatness of winter light, bringing out subtle hues in gardens and landscapes that might otherwise feel muted.
What causes vertical lines on scanned film negatives?
Faint vertical lines on scans are most commonly caused by the scanning equipment itself, such as dust or debris in the scanner’s optical path, rather than a fault with the negatives.
Why shoot Mottisfont on medium format film?
Medium format, such as the Bronica ETRSi, offers a depth and clarity well suited to architectural detail and garden landscapes alike.
Is Mottisfont Abbey open to visitors year-round?
Mottisfont Abbey and its gardens are managed by the National Trust and generally open to visitors throughout the year, though opening hours vary seasonally.
This article is part of my Landscape Photography hub series.
