Stephen Paul Young Photography
FineArtPics
A Film With a Bad Reputation and a Beautiful Soul Every so often, a film stock appears that splits opinion down the middle. Some photographers praise its character; others warn you off with raised eyebrows and cautionary tales. Lucky SHD400 is one of those films — cheap, moody, imperfect, inconsistent… and yet strangely captivating. During…
Discovering Exposure the Old-School Way – On a clear, cloudless day at Silchester Roman Wall (Calleva Atrebatum), I decided on using the Sunny 16 Rule for the very first time. Armed with my Bronica ETRSi medium format camera and the 75mm lens, I loaded up a roll of Kentmere Pan 100 and left the light meter behind, Using the Sunny 16 Rule.…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
Monochrome 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 Monochrome Photography. This site, rich with…
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…
As a photographer, there are moments that transcend the ordinary and beckon you to capture the essence of a place in its raw and unfiltered state. Watership Down near Kingsclere, a location made famous by Richard Adams’ novel, is one such place. In the quiet embrace of February, armed with my trusty Bronica ETRSi and…
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…
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 vs 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…
As a photographer, every session is an opportunity to weave a visual tapestry that tells a unique story. Today, let me take you on a captivating journey through my lens and photographs, as I ventured into the enchanting Mottisfont Abbey or Mottisfont House in Hampshire, England, on an early January day in 2024. Embracing Mottisfont…
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.…