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 →

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 →

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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In: Medium Format Film Photography, Spring Landscapes
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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 →

Watership Down: 5 Black and White Film Images to Calm You

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In: Winter Landscapes
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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 a roll of Ilford PAN F+ film, I set out to explore this iconic landscape through the lens of black and white photography. Camera Gear + Black and White Film Choice Equipped with my Bronica ETRSi, a medium format camera renowned for its sharpness and versatility, I opted for theRead More →

Bronica Cable Release woes

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In: Medium Format Film Photography, Photography Help
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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 →

Elevate Your Creativity: 13 Enchanting Photographs from Mottisfont Abbey

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In: Medium Format Film Photography, Winter Landscapes
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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 Abbey Gardens Winter Palette The canvas for my artistry was set against the backdrop of Mottisfont house (Mottisfont Priory), a location steeped in history and natural beauty. Armed with my trusty Bronica ETRSi and the warmth of my creativity, I embarked on a photographic expedition. The film of choice? MyRead More →

Autumn Photoshoot: A Personal Journey Along the Kennet and Avon Canal

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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. The anticipation of capturing the elusive beauty of this fleeting season added an extra layer of magic to the morning. Photographic Planning Embarking on my autumn photoshoot predawn walk, I carried not just a camera but an idea, a vision waiting to unfold along the Kennet and Avon Canal atRead More →