Ilford hp5+ medium format film

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 →

film vs digital

As a photographer, I often find myself caught between two worlds—one grounded in the past, with the tactile and intentional experience of shooting on film, and the other looking forward, embracing the speed and versatility of digital photography. For me, both mediums have been integral to my growth as an artist, shaping not just how I take pictures, but how I see the world, film vs digital. In this film vs digital post, I want to share my personal journey with both film and digital photography. Each has its own charm, strengths, and challenges, and they both continue to play significant roles in my work,Read More →

As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to the film texture and emotions that film grain can evoke. There’s something inherently nostalgic and raw about grain—especially when it’s deliberate, when it’s part of the creative process rather than a byproduct. My recent experience pushing Kodak Tri-X 400 to ISO 800 reminded me just how essential film texture can be in shaping the narrative of an image. Why Film Texture Matters When I talk about film grain, I’m not just talking about the random flecks and imperfections that come with shooting film. To me, film grain is used interchangeably with film texture, and is more thanRead More →

Pushing Kodak Tri-X 400: A Beautiful Black and White Journey

As an analog photography enthusiast, there’s something magical about experimenting with different films and development techniques. One film that has never failed to captivate me is Kodak Tri-X 400. This black-and-white classic has been around for decades, and for good reason—it delivers beautifully rich contrast, deep shadows, and luminous highlights. But there’s something even more special about pushing it beyond its standard ISO, which brings out a new dimension of character in the film. Why Push This Kodak Film? Pushing film is all about shooting it at a higher ISO than it’s rated for, then compensating in development. For my recent roll of Kodak Tri-XRead More →

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

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

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

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 →

film vs digital

Potsdam 100 Review Lomography’s Potsdam KINO 100 is often lauded as a fine-grain black and white film, drawing inspiration from classic German cinema. However, after using this film during the New Forest Fairy Festival at Burley, I find myself somewhat underwhelmed by its performance thus, this is my Potsdam 100 review. Pros and Cons List A quick pros and cons list can help you quickly gauge the strengths and weaknesses of the film. Pros: Cons: Comparison with Other Films Film Grain Quality Contrast Ease of Post-Processing Overall Aesthetic Potsdam KINO 100 Visible, more than expected High, harsh shadows & highlights Requires significant effort Classic, vintage,Read More →

Exploring Blakeney Quay with Ilford FP4+ and Bronica ETRSi

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 →

Shooting Kodak Ultramax 400 on the North Norfolk Coast

Kodak Ultramax 400 is a versatile colour negative film, known for its vibrant colour reproduction and fine grain. I chose this film for my trip to the North Norfolk Coast because of its ability to handle diverse lighting conditions, making it perfect for capturing the region’s dynamic landscapes. My journey included three picturesque locations: the nostalgic North Norfolk Railway with its vintage steam trains, the bustling seaside town of Cromer with its iconic pier, and the serene Blakeney Quay with its tranquil marshlands. Kodak Ultramax ISO 400 ensured each scene was captured with rich, true-to-life colours, reflecting the vibrant essence of North Norfolk in lateRead More →

Ilford FP4 on Watership Down

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 →

Experimenting with Revolog Paper Film ISO400 at the Basingstoke Festival of Transport

As a long-time analog photography enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique and creative films to experiment with. Recently, I got my hands on a roll of Revolog Paper Film, a new addition to the Revolog family. Known for their innovative and artistic films, Revolog’s latest offering is a 400 ISO black and white film that adds a paper-like texture to your photos. The effect intensifies with underexposure and softens with overexposure. The film comes in a charming cardboard canister designed by Austrian graphic artist Nadine Werjant, and it’s a limited edition, so each canister is a little piece of art itself. I decidedRead More →

Lomography Lady Grey 400: Capturing Witney: A Spring Day Through the Lens

Lomography Lady Grey 400 as the vibrant hues of spring began to bloom across Oxfordshire, I embarked on a delightful journey to Witney, a charming town steeped in history and adorned with picturesque streets. Armed with my trusty Canon EOS 300v and a roll of Lomography Lady Grey 400 film, I set out to capture the essence of this quaint English town through the art of street photography. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect—a gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly blossomed flowers, while the warmth of the sun danced upon the cobblestone streets. With each click of my camera shutter, I sought toRead More →

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

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 →

My Photographic Journey in Looe, Cornwall: Shooting Kodak Max 400 on the Canon EOS 300v

Embarking on a journey to explore Looe, Cornwall, was a venture into the heart of natural beauty and coastal allure. As I prepared for this photographic expedition, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me, fueled by the prospect of capturing Looe’s distinctive charm through the lens of my trusty Canon EOS 300v (which I’ll do a separate review soon), loaded with Kodak Max 400 film. Looe, with its rugged cliffs, quaint fishing harbors, and winding streets steeped in history, promised a plethora of photographic opportunities waiting to be discovered. Exploring Looe Through My Lens As I prepared my gear, I pondered over theRead More →