Re: First Day funk. Colin Fletcher (The Man who Walked Through Time, River, et al) wrote often of getting sick in the final days before a long trip. He chalked it up to anxiety over the coming significant change in routine and the new lands he was about to experinece. I used to take long solo backpacking trips and often, on the first night out in the tent, I would think about packing up, heading back to the car and home. The funk appears to afflict at least some of us. You deserve congratulations because many who feel this anxiety/funk never leave home because of it. You and Colin Fletcher did leave home in spite of it. Colin gave us lovely books, you give us lovely photos. Thank you, Ben, for going on these trips and taking us along.
I think you're very right about that. I'm a heavily routine-based person, so it is quite jarring to suddenly be plunged into a new environment. It takes a few days of the trip to establish a new routine, and only then am I put more at ease. I've learned that walking/hiking helps calm my nerves, so I'm usually on my feet from sunrise until sundown. This eventually works against me because my body gets worn out after a week or so of that. I find I need to force myself to just sit down and relax. On one of my backpacking trips a few years ago, one of the best moments was when I was in sitting in a shady side canyon with my back against the sandstone wall, and my arms in a film changing bag in my lap. I had taken my shoes off to help them dry out from several river crossings, and I was forced to sit still while loading film. I also experience a bit of that while composing a photo under the dark cloth. It's definitely worthwhile in the end, but I really do need to work on setting aside more time to relax on these trips. Thank you so much for the very thoughtful comment!
@@BenHorne Lovely to see you work Ben, I am subscribed to the channel but don't always remember to watch your videos. I often flick through my folio from the trip to Zion with Bob and his friend and obviously catching up with yourself. Great memories. I may of missed it in a previous video, may I ask what you are using to shoot the video on, the 4k quality and shallow dof is dreamy and has beautiful rendering. Hopefully its not ro expensive, I fancy trying my hand on some video for another project. Look forward to hearing from you and seeing another installment.
I also find it very peaceful in that kind of environment, forest with the sounds of the birds for company. When you arrived at that first scene I knew exactly the composition you were going to capture, that's just how I saw it.
"First Day funk" The same thing happens to me. And I attribute it to the fact that I wish I was accompanied by someone who feels the same pleasure of being in nature. That is, be in good company. Loneliness is good too, but sometimes it's heavy.
That is a factor for me as well. I love going on camping trips with my wife, but ultimately I need to be in solitude on photography trips. My photography suffers if it doesn't have my full attention, and if I'm with anyone else on the trip, my attention shifts away from photography. My solution is to have a satellite messenger with me so I can swap messages with her all day even when I'm off the grid. I also listen to a lot of podcasts while in the field to keep my mind occupied. For me, one of the biggest causes of the first day funk is being separated from my normal routine at home. I feel very lost without it, and it takes time to establish a new routine. Thanks for watching and commenting!
That final image is a stunner for sure Ben. That curved tree has so much character is steals the show. The path that leads to the small bridge also adds nice interest as well.
Thanks Larry! It sure was a nice find, and I'm glad the conditions cooperated that day. It doesn't hurt that it was a 40 second walk from where I was parked. :-)
It sure was a wonderful scene to find, and the conditions that day were fantastic. I’m skipping the Redwoods this year in favor of spending more time in Utah, which probably isn’t such a bad idea given the dramatic increase in fuel costs and how it costs much more in California than the neighboring states. I’ll likely make the Redwoods an every other year sort of trip. Such a wonderful place though!
You are 100% correct on that. I typically avoid man-made objects. I'm not exactly sure why, but they just feel out of place for the sort of images I like to capture. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I really enjoyed this bridge in particular. With all the plants growing on the steps and how it's surrounded by the lush foliate, it feels like nature is reclaiming it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
New subscriber today. I was an amateur photographer up until about 2005 when my life took a completely different course.away from photography. 35mm was my format , but I always was in awe of large format. WOW !!! I really appreciate your channel!
All of what jsmidt said, plus that crash after the build up of adrenaline from 16 hours of driving and prep and set up drops like a hot rock after. Best thing is to sleep and dive in the next day. Very glad you did and always do. Great day 1.
I love the ambient nature sounds that you are now including more in the videos. They give a greater sense of being there. And the photo of the trail is great as well of course, really has the woodland feel to it.
I went to the Red Woods last month with a hiking group we hiked around 5 miles per day I went with the slow group as I was the only hiker with a DSLR I shot about 1000 pictures. I never had the option to slow down and take in the scene properly i missed having that option.
Well…this is a channel I didn’t know I needed to find. Not sure I how I haven’t come across your channel already, but glad I did. I was pulled in by your soothing voice over and then once I saw the film setup i was like yeah, I need to watch this guy. I have never shot film, it is something I am looking into, but it fascinates me and your photos are incredible.
Thanks Christopher! I definitely fly under the radar a bit since I don't run ads, I avoid clickbait like the plague, and I don't put much emphasis on gear, but that's one of the ways to keep the process enjoyable. I also find that it attracts a great group of people as viewers. Thank you for watching and for the kind words, and welcome to the channel!
Thanks Sonho! I know the feeling about the rain. It was a delightful experience to wander through that forest in the rain. We sure could use some down here in So Cal! Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Beautiful Ben. Love the images. Looks like such a wonderful area. This was a very relaxing journey through the forest. Although I know it rarely is in the field while doing all the photography and video, thanks for making such a nice thing for us to enjoy.
Thank you Scott! It sure is a lot of work out there, but thankfully I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds out there as well. I definitely look forward to a return trip next year.
Great video, as usual Ben. I love the Redwoods and can't wait to go back. (That four-letter word, "Work," keeps getting in the way.) Like you, I find the one bad thing about living here in San Diego is that, to get to some of the most scenic parts of the state, you have to make that excruciating drive through Los Angeles. In May, It took 3 hours 20 minutes to go from Buena Park to Carlsbad at 3 PM because of a produce semi truck that overturned on I-5 South at 7:30 a.m. They were still cleaning up the mess. 8 hours later. A 7 hour trip took 11 hours. Ugh.
Yikes! That sure sounds like it was a mess! That's one of the reasons why I start my drives super early to avoid some of those delays, but this trip certainly showed that the madness can happen at any point in the day. I was listening to a radio station from LA on my way up the coast, and the 5 was still closed well after I was up in the Bay Area. Crazy times! That's certainly one of the reasons why I enjoy heading to Utah or other areas off the 15.... just so long as I get through the LA to Vegas Corridor when the weekend crowd isn't on the road. Thanks for watching and commenting!
It sure was a mess wasn't it? I planned my daily outings to avoid the 2 hour delays by going through that area before and after the long closures. Hopefully they will be able to complete the road repairs at some point. I know it's a difficult area for them.
Dude, your monologues are always inspiring. I catch myself nodding in agreement with you all the time. A thumbs up 3 minutes in already because I know the rest of the video will be great. Keep it up man.
I think spending so long behind the wheel has a major impact on the feeling upon arrival. That may push the adrenaline to the point of that funk you describe. Great location and I am sure the challenge of a new and unfamiliar environment has to be a real creative opportunity. I look forward to seeing more from this trip. Thanks as always Ben.
Thanks James! The time behind the wheel is certainly a factor. In general, I love to drive, but after 16 hours behind the wheel, I definitely get worn out. I really need to force myself to relax when I get there, but that's difficult for me to do. I find I can relax a bit by going for a wander. One of these days, I would love to get a small travel trailer, that way I can have a nice clean indoor space where I can enjoy some downtime. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Really enjoyed this Ben, so peaceful. I love listening to the bird song of foreign woods. Although I was disappointed your raincoat wasn’t bright yellow and ready to influence.
Thanks Robert! It sure is a very relaxing place. As an added bonus, mosquitoes weren't really a factor either. It's one of those places that doesn't even seem real.
Thanks for producing another thoughtful, beautiful video. I really appreciate both your video presentation and photographic style. On my small screen, the trail photo looks amazing. I can only imagine what the 8x10 original looks like. For the me, the first day funk is usually a result of building up the trip in my mind before hand. Add in the rush to get there, dealing with traffic or airports, gets me wound up. Once there and all of that adrenaline washes away, the blues seem inevitable. But a decent meal and some rest followed by getting on with it helps me get over it. I'm heading to Oregon in September for a week of photography while visiting the kids (only 2 days!) and staying with some friends. But I've already had a couple of sleepless nights in anticipation! Dreaming about all of the epic shots of the coast and the Cascades that I just HAVE to capture! No pressure at all! I figure I'll be a basket case long before it's time to catch the plane to Oregon! Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next episode of your Redwoods trip!
Thanks Mike! There's definitely something about the travel getting there, followed by the reality of being there. I also spend a lot of time packing and preparing for these trips, so that factors in as well. I'm also a very routine-based person, so straying from my usual routine is very tough for me. It takes some time for me to build a new routine. It's definitely something that a good meal and rest helps me with as well. I hope you have a great trip in September! Hopefully they'll have a handle on all the various fires by then. Thanks for watching and commenting Mike!
@@BenHorne seems like you have the work life balance well sorted? I live reasonably close to the wilderness places I like to visit but find work takes over a lot of opportunities to get out.....
Thank you Matt! It sure is a wonderful place to experience, and I look forward to my next opportunity to return. I learned so much on this years trip, and I'm hoping the conditions will be a bit more ideal next time.
I did a coastal trip up the coast a few years ago and was hit with fog almost everyday. It was magical. That first photo looks like a trail to the Shire. What a cool scene. 🥂
Thanks David! There are some areas that receive more fog than others, but those areas were also in the path of a big road construction project and there were a lot of people there, so I avoided that area. Even though I had just the one day of fog on this trip, and it was without my camera, I learned so much about where to return on future trips. It sure was nice to have the trail all to myself, and to be away from the crowds and the construction.
@@BenHorne I always prefer to be off on my own as well. It makes me feel like I'm discovering the area like an explorer. As always great job on the video.
Your videos are so relaxing Ben. That first composition (the one with the bridge) is stunning: it reminds of my only trip to the redwood forests in Northern CA when I enjoyed the 21 mile drive along the 'Avenue of the Giants' in Humboldt State Park. I'd love to return one day.
Thanks Alan! It sure is a wonderful place to visit isn't it? I drove the Avenue of the Giants on the way up to where I was staying. I haven't done any hiking there, but I would love to get to know that area as well someday. Thanks for watching and commenting!
You lucked out on first day with the soft light from the overcast and mist. The conditions made it just right for the tree and bridge photo. I get the funk feeling after a long drive. For me it's been the exhaustion from dealing with traffic and road work while on the long drive. Welcome to road cone season!
Thanks Bryan! I sure lucked out with the nice light for that scene with the overarching tree. Also, I'm glad the wind was so very calm as well. The first day funk is never fun, but at least it's predictable in a way. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Bryan!
Another Epic trip! A place I would like to see but not likely other than Thanks to Ben 👍 Always a breath fresh Air and motivation to shoot some Film 👍🙂
Lovely place Ben. I must admit these forests are so similar to the forests of Tasmania, Australia. All apart from the Redwoods… Great to see you out and about and that your world is getting back to some kinda normal. :)
Thanks Cam! Though I've never been to Tasmania, I've seen some photos and video from there and the lush forests definitely have a lot in common. Thanks as always for watching!
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Love that section of the Country Ben, have went twice in the last 18 months, quite a haul from Yellowstone. I'm itching to go again after this episode. They've been working on that stretch of the road the entire time I've known the area, I wonder if it will ever get done. Slowing down is something that will help me, just want to see so much that I rush around. Never thought of the bear threat, will have to remember bear spray for next time.
Thanks Eugene! It sure is a wonderful place isn't it? From what I understand that section of road had some sort of landslide during the winter months, on top of the other work that has been going on for such a long time. It will be great if they can eventually contain the issues that are causing the road problems there. During the working hours, that section of road was subject to 2 hour delays, so I did my best to get through there before work began, and after it was done for the day. Thankfully my delays were only measured in minutes through that section. After seeing the large pile of bear droppings on the trail, I started carrying bear spray with me just in case. I haven't heard of any incidents up there, but I certainly don't want to be the first. :-)
Ben, I love the second composition with steps in it. Redwoods in the fog or most is otherworldly. I have only spent about a day exploring that area and greatly want to return for a week. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Craig! It's such a wonderful place and there are so many wonderful trails to explore. I love how even on the most crowded days, there are plenty of places to find peace and calm in the Redwood forest.
Thanks Michael! You're 100% correct about that. I plan on buying a small travel trailer in the coming years. A clean indoor space, hot shower, and kitchen to make a good meal would make a huge difference. Plus, it would give me a place to relax during the downtime. I've been looking at the Basecamp as well as the Nucamp Tab 400.
Great video Ben. Thanks for sharing. I was expecting you to use Velvia for the 1st image but can see now that Provia was fine as Velvia may have been just too saturated
Thanks Ash! On my previous trip to the Redwoods, I quickly learned that Velvia isn't very well suited for this environment. The boosted color and contrast made the photos look rather over-the-top. Provia on the other hand was extremely faithful to the scene, and was a joy to scan. I believe I took a small amount of Velvia with me on this trip, but I had no plan to use it. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Ash!
What a great location this is, I was here 20 years ago taking snapshots like most tourists do. But I can still remember the amazing feeling walking amongst these giant trees. Its a shame you only got the the mist on the first day, but I know for sure you will find some great compositions in the day's to come!!
Thank you as always Sander! It sure is a magical place, and incredibly humbling walking beneath the massive trees that have lived so very long. I'm glad you were able to experience it in the past!
I was watching, saw you stop and pull out the tripod and was like, Holy that's a big tripod, must be heavy!! I had one like that back in the days, but now mine's lightweight, perfect for travel & backpacking... and then you pulled out the camera 😂😂😂 Just randomly stumbled on your videos
Thanks Michael! Even though the tripod is big, it's actually very lightweight since it's carbon fiber. I've taken that one backpacking on several trips, though now I have an even smaller and lighter one for my lightweight 8x10 kit. The camera shown in this video definitely has some weight to it, but you might be surprised how light this gear can be. The other camera I use is made by a company called Intrepid, and that camera plus my backpacking lenses weighs only a bit more than a SLR with a pro zoom. :-) It sure is bulky though. Thanks for watching!
Hi Zach! I thought the Ektar shots would have done quite well in that environment, but I was really disappointed with them. I had a tough time getting the color to look anything like it was suppose to. Perhaps it was indeed the strong greens that was throwing things off.
@@BenHorne Makes sense, I don't know that ektar will ever be the film to accurately represent a scene. I feel like with Ektar you always need something red to contrast against greens and blues, but in a scene with too many red tones, like Zion, the way ektar rendered it would be distracting. I'm not sure I can think of a natural landscape that would be best suited to ektar. Maybe something around sunset where all the light is very warm.
Great start to the trip! I had a feeling this was going to make me want to go visit the Redwoods - a trip I've put off because of the pandemic and the long drive. Excellent conditions, and great images!
Thanks Daniel! I exposed a single sheet of E100 on this trip, and you'll see it in the film reveal video. It was quite similar to Provia, but without reciprocity failure numbers, it gets tricky to use. When I have more comparison shots to work with, I'll be sure to make a video on that topic. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@BenHorne thanks! The E100 manual says no compensation up to 10sec, but it may not be very accurate. One option (I’m sure you’ve thought of this) would be to sacrifice a roll or two of 120 or 35mm and do controlled tests using ND filters of the same exact scene in rapid succession with multiple time intervals per shot and kind of build the compensation function oneself. Takes time and effort but at least you then have it down for your specific case. Just a thought.
Great work with your videos and the photography; question if you don't mind, why do you use the medium format film camera instead of a digital medium format system? Again, great work, keep it up.
Never been there, but the place speaks to me. Almost like one should expect a dinosaur around the bend. Need to visit at some point. Composition would be tough though as it seems so busy with vegetation as your images appear to be. Quite a challenge!
Thanks Katz! There definitely is the feeling that dinosaurs should be around the next bend, especially with the giant trees looming overhead. You're also very right that composition can be very difficult since there is so much foliage, and so much of it is the same color palette. The fog sure helps with that, though it was somewhat fleeting on this trip. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thanks Jerrod! All is well here. My wife and I got a new dog recently, so that has been keeping us busy. Looking forward to things settling down a bit in the weeks/months to come.
Thanks Antonio. I think there might be a crop there on that one, but perhaps it's a location where returning with a longer lens would help. There's a lot of potential there, but I don't quite think I found it this time.
Also, talking about quiet places: if you're ever interested in exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park (one of the least visited NP in the US), please let me know…
Thanks Frank! I went there on a family camping trip as a kid, but I haven't been back since. I'd love to go there one of these days. I love the parks that very few people visit. :-)
Hi Martin! I just realized I forgot to list the songs in the video description. I've fixed that, and included the song/artist names as well as a direct link to where I licensed the song. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Where is all this euphoria on the first day :) You're the calmest and balanced person I've ever seen :) I'm curious why you needed this reservation for camping? Is there a limited number of people allowed at a certain time and is the only road for cars closed, can you go hiking around everywhere?
Hi Anastas! When going on these trips, campground reservations are an absolute necessity. This wasn't always the case though. When I first started going on these trips in 2009, there were some locations where I could show up without reservations, but things have changed. These outdoor places have become very popular, and the campgrounds are usually full each night. Whereas 10 years ago I could show up to Zion without reservations and grab a first-come-first-served site, now I'm pounding the refresh button on my browser the moment the site I want becomes available 6 months in advance. These places can be visited without reservations, but if you want to stay in the campground, those arrangements will need to be made well in advance.
Greetings from Oakland. I love the redwoods! Luckily we have redwoods in the hills not far from my home. Did you explore Fern Canyon while you were in the Prairie Creek area? It’s a long day hike or you can drive to Gold Bluff beach and walk there in a few minutes. Or you can camp at Gold Bluff beach and be at the canyon for sunrise . I’d love to see what images you could make there.
Hi! That's a good question about Fern Canyon. My wife and I have been there on a past summer trip, but I haven't gone during my photo trips. It was rather crowded there during the summer, and I imagine it would have been very similar when I visited. It's tough for me to concentrate when other people are around, so even though it's a beautiful location, I'd probably have a tough time photographing it. It sure would be nice to have early access by camping so close to it though. That would make it worthwhile for sure.
@@BenHorne My wife and I backpacked there from Prairie Creek. They have backpacker campsites in an area above and away from the beach. We were in Fern Canyon early, but well after sunrise, and we were the only people there until after 9:00. Another area you might like is a trail to Trillium Falls. It’s a short, mostly flat hike a short drive from Prairie Creek. We’ve walked there both in the morning and late afternoon and didn’t see anyone else. Cheers!
man you're doing what I want to. I've found myself with $8,500 worth of high end digital sony gear only to feel uninspired by the process. I've always matured quickly though life and this is no different. Currently looking into 4x5 film. 6 years into digital im ready to move on
That's one of the beauties of working with large format. You're so much more involved in the process of making images, and those images that do turn out as you had hoped will stand the test of time.
Hey Ben, I watched an old video of you getting married. Congrats to you on that. Do you have any children? I just want to say good luck and be safe on your future trips. And one more thing, beautiful environment.
Thanks Tremain! Time sure flies. My wife and I got married back in 2012, so next year will be our 10 year anniversary. We don't have any kids, but we do have two cats, and we just recently got a dog, so plenty of fur babies running around the house. How about you? Redwood forests sure are a peaceful environment. The soft bark on the massive trees absorb sound from nearby roads/highways, so all you hear are the sounds from within the forest itself. Such a wonderful place, and I look forward to a return trip next spring.
Love that first image Ben - the different green tones helps a lot and overall it is a stunning shot. BUT - when the fog came I was screaming - go and get your camera.... was there a reason you didn't think about trying to get something with that amazing fog?
That's a great question Nigel. By the time the fog was rolling it, it was late in the day and I was worn out. Rather than grabbing my 8x10 kit, I figured I'd just go have a look at it with my lightweight video kit and scout the area. Since this was so early in the trip, I figured I would have plenty more days of fog like this to work with, but that didn't turn out to be true. In any case, I now know a trail that gets some wonderful fog and that not a lot of people hike. When the conditions are right on a future trip, I'll have the place to myself... hopefully with a camera in hand. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Nigel!
"Law enforcement response was.. significant" haha. Beautiful images Ben! You must have been dealing with the construction from the Last Chance grade landslide? I've got reservations up there in a couple weeks and Caltrans has been sending me emails about it. Was that a struggle to deal with or was it pretty manageable outside of 9-5 hours?
Thanks Chris! Yup, that's the area with the construction. While I was there, there were several 2-hour windows from 9 to 5 when traffic was shut down for road work. I tried to get through that area before the work started, or after it was done for the day. I only had to wait a few minutes at most with my strategy, but those who tried to get through during the work hours might have been stranded for a while. It gets extra tricky if you want to hike the Damnation Creek trail because it's just around the corner from the road construction, and vehicles in the parking area for that trail are easily blocked in by stopped vehicles on the road waiting for the road to open. Even though that's a great area, I avoided it for that very reason. I hope you have a great trip!
Yup, back to the N95 when going to the grocery store. Now if only everyone would do their part. Unfortunately "You can't tell me what to do!" is the phrase some people live (and die) by.
@@BenHorne Hospitals in my state have stopped performing certain types of procedures because they are overrun by unvaccinated COVID patients. If you require back surgery, eye surgery and other procedures for non-life threatening emergencies, you will not get it in time and suffer lasting damage to your health and quality of life. We're at a point where "not everyone doing their part" is hurting the rest of us in ways that are not acceptable anymore. I am so over being held hostage by these people.
Ben I had to cringe a little when you said you didn’t have your camera when the fog rolled in and that it was the last opportunity with the weather changing. Great video though!
Thanks Danny! Although I could have grabbed my camera that evening, I was worn out from all the hiking, and was more-so looking to soak in the sights and sounds. I figured this would be the first of many days with fog, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. On the plus side though,I learned about a trail that should be quite productive on future trips. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Six days in a Redwood Forest and no pictures of a Redwood Tree? Thirty-six thousand steps in one day and can't find a composition? A day with fog but no pictures because you don't have your "Large Format Film Camera Outfit" with you? Is it against the "Large Format Film Camera Club Rules" to take pictures with other types of cameras? Days with blue skies and sunshine that produce deep dark shadows with spots of sunlight scattered throughout the forest and no pictures because it's not cloudy? I think it's time to reevaluate everything you are doing, like REALLY!
I think your attitude about endlessly returning to a place is deeply flawed. It reminds me of the following quote: ““How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless.” ― Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky As Jay-Z said “These are just my thoughts. (just my thoughts)”
@@stephenropelewski2441 Following that same logic, there is no point in having long lasting friendships. It would be better to meet new people and to have superficial conversations about the weather, then move on to yet another group of people. There would be no point in visiting old friends, catching up with them, and having a true connection with them through good times and the bad times. If it is flawed logic to get to know a location, how come my best work from a location is seldom taken on my first trip, but many years down the road? This is the technique that works incredibly well for me, and my portfolio is a direct result of this philosophy. There are many approaches to photography. Do what works well for you, but it seems strange to tell others what to do or that one has flawed logic. I create these videos to share my experience on a trip and to show my process. I don’t tell other people what they should or shouldn’t do, I merely share the story of the trip.
Another stunningly beautiful video story , told as only you can Ben. Glad you got over the funk and didn't step in the bear turd :-) Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Andrew! Thankfully I managed not to step in the bear turd on this day, or the following day when I returned to this trail. I saw that someone else had though. I suppose it's better to step on the bear turd than on the bear though. :-)
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Re: First Day funk. Colin Fletcher (The Man who Walked Through Time, River, et al) wrote often of getting sick in the final days before a long trip. He chalked it up to anxiety over the coming significant change in routine and the new lands he was about to experinece. I used to take long solo backpacking trips and often, on the first night out in the tent, I would think about packing up, heading back to the car and home. The funk appears to afflict at least some of us. You deserve congratulations because many who feel this anxiety/funk never leave home because of it. You and Colin Fletcher did leave home in spite of it. Colin gave us lovely books, you give us lovely photos. Thank you, Ben, for going on these trips and taking us along.
I think you're very right about that. I'm a heavily routine-based person, so it is quite jarring to suddenly be plunged into a new environment. It takes a few days of the trip to establish a new routine, and only then am I put more at ease. I've learned that walking/hiking helps calm my nerves, so I'm usually on my feet from sunrise until sundown. This eventually works against me because my body gets worn out after a week or so of that. I find I need to force myself to just sit down and relax. On one of my backpacking trips a few years ago, one of the best moments was when I was in sitting in a shady side canyon with my back against the sandstone wall, and my arms in a film changing bag in my lap. I had taken my shoes off to help them dry out from several river crossings, and I was forced to sit still while loading film. I also experience a bit of that while composing a photo under the dark cloth. It's definitely worthwhile in the end, but I really do need to work on setting aside more time to relax on these trips. Thank you so much for the very thoughtful comment!
@@BenHorne
Lovely to see you work Ben, I am subscribed to the channel but don't always remember to watch your videos.
I often flick through my folio from the trip to Zion with Bob and his friend and obviously catching up with yourself. Great memories.
I may of missed it in a previous video, may I ask what you are using to shoot the video on, the 4k quality and shallow dof is dreamy and has beautiful rendering.
Hopefully its not ro expensive, I fancy trying my hand on some video for another project.
Look forward to hearing from you and seeing another installment.
I also find it very peaceful in that kind of environment, forest with the sounds of the birds for company. When you arrived at that first scene I knew exactly the composition you were going to capture, that's just how I saw it.
"First Day funk" The same thing happens to me. And I attribute it to the fact that I wish I was accompanied by someone who feels the same pleasure of being in nature. That is, be in good company. Loneliness is good too, but sometimes it's heavy.
That is a factor for me as well. I love going on camping trips with my wife, but ultimately I need to be in solitude on photography trips. My photography suffers if it doesn't have my full attention, and if I'm with anyone else on the trip, my attention shifts away from photography. My solution is to have a satellite messenger with me so I can swap messages with her all day even when I'm off the grid. I also listen to a lot of podcasts while in the field to keep my mind occupied. For me, one of the biggest causes of the first day funk is being separated from my normal routine at home. I feel very lost without it, and it takes time to establish a new routine. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@BenHorne Thank you very much for taking the time to reply to me. I understand your position. Greetings and success
That final image is a stunner for sure Ben. That curved tree has so much character is steals the show. The path that leads to the small bridge also adds nice interest as well.
Thanks Larry! It sure was a nice find, and I'm glad the conditions cooperated that day. It doesn't hurt that it was a 40 second walk from where I was parked. :-)
Beautiful forest, good video. Thanks for sharing!!
I saw this again today. What a lovely outing and the outcome.
It sure was a wonderful scene to find, and the conditions that day were fantastic. I’m skipping the Redwoods this year in favor of spending more time in Utah, which probably isn’t such a bad idea given the dramatic increase in fuel costs and how it costs much more in California than the neighboring states. I’ll likely make the Redwoods an every other year sort of trip. Such a wonderful place though!
Wow, I actually really liked that first image.
Thanks Jeff!
this might be the first image I see from you that includes obvious traces of human existance. I love it.
You are 100% correct on that. I typically avoid man-made objects. I'm not exactly sure why, but they just feel out of place for the sort of images I like to capture. Perhaps that's one of the reasons why I really enjoyed this bridge in particular. With all the plants growing on the steps and how it's surrounded by the lush foliate, it feels like nature is reclaiming it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Stunning video,magnific and sacred trees ,love it ,magic place!
Thank you! It sure is a wonderful place!
New subscriber today. I was an amateur photographer up until about 2005 when my life took a completely different course.away from photography. 35mm was my format , but I always was in awe of large format. WOW !!! I really appreciate your channel!
Thank you so much, and welcome to the channel!
All of what jsmidt said, plus that crash after the build up of adrenaline from 16 hours of driving and prep and set up drops like a hot rock after. Best thing is to sleep and dive in the next day. Very glad you did and always do. Great day 1.
Thanks Micheal! Yup, a good night's sleep makes a big difference, that's for sure.
I love the ambient nature sounds that you are now including more in the videos. They give a greater sense of being there. And the photo of the trail is great as well of course, really has the woodland feel to it.
Thank you as always Luís! The forests sure come alive with all the sounds, so I was very excited to capture them as much as I could.
I went to the Red Woods last month with a hiking group we hiked around 5 miles per day I went with the slow group as I was the only hiker with a DSLR I shot about 1000 pictures. I never had the option to slow down and take in the scene properly i missed having that option.
Well…this is a channel I didn’t know I needed to find. Not sure I how I haven’t come across your channel already, but glad I did. I was pulled in by your soothing voice over and then once I saw the film setup i was like yeah, I need to watch this guy. I have never shot film, it is something I am looking into, but it fascinates me and your photos are incredible.
Thanks Christopher! I definitely fly under the radar a bit since I don't run ads, I avoid clickbait like the plague, and I don't put much emphasis on gear, but that's one of the ways to keep the process enjoyable. I also find that it attracts a great group of people as viewers. Thank you for watching and for the kind words, and welcome to the channel!
Rain. Wished we could get some of that in So Cal.
That is a wonderful photo of the trail. Wonderful.
Thanks Sonho! I know the feeling about the rain. It was a delightful experience to wander through that forest in the rain. We sure could use some down here in So Cal! Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Beautiful Ben. Love the images. Looks like such a wonderful area. This was a very relaxing journey through the forest. Although I know it rarely is in the field while doing all the photography and video, thanks for making such a nice thing for us to enjoy.
Thank you Scott! It sure is a lot of work out there, but thankfully I was able to enjoy the sights and sounds out there as well. I definitely look forward to a return trip next year.
Great video, as usual Ben. I love the Redwoods and can't wait to go back. (That four-letter word, "Work," keeps getting in the way.)
Like you, I find the one bad thing about living here in San Diego is that, to get to some of the most scenic parts of the state, you have to make that excruciating drive through Los Angeles. In May, It took 3 hours 20 minutes to go from Buena Park to Carlsbad at 3 PM because of a produce semi truck that overturned on I-5 South at 7:30 a.m. They were still cleaning up the mess. 8 hours later. A 7 hour trip took 11 hours. Ugh.
Yikes! That sure sounds like it was a mess! That's one of the reasons why I start my drives super early to avoid some of those delays, but this trip certainly showed that the madness can happen at any point in the day. I was listening to a radio station from LA on my way up the coast, and the 5 was still closed well after I was up in the Bay Area. Crazy times! That's certainly one of the reasons why I enjoy heading to Utah or other areas off the 15.... just so long as I get through the LA to Vegas Corridor when the weekend crowd isn't on the road. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Wow. Another great adventure. Thanks for letting us tag along. Very beautiful and lush. Love the ambient sounds!
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it. The sounds up in the forest sure are wonderful!
5:10 - I had to drive threw that same mess north of Eureka a few days before the July 4th weekend. Ugh.
It sure was a mess wasn't it? I planned my daily outings to avoid the 2 hour delays by going through that area before and after the long closures. Hopefully they will be able to complete the road repairs at some point. I know it's a difficult area for them.
Dude, your monologues are always inspiring. I catch myself nodding in agreement with you all the time. A thumbs up 3 minutes in already because I know the rest of the video will be great. Keep it up man.
Thank you so much Rhawi! Much appreciated!
@@BenHorne Always man 👍🏽
I think spending so long behind the wheel has a major impact on the feeling upon arrival. That may push the adrenaline to the point of that funk you describe. Great location and I am sure the challenge of a new and unfamiliar environment has to be a real creative opportunity. I look forward to seeing more from this trip. Thanks as always Ben.
Thanks James! The time behind the wheel is certainly a factor. In general, I love to drive, but after 16 hours behind the wheel, I definitely get worn out. I really need to force myself to relax when I get there, but that's difficult for me to do. I find I can relax a bit by going for a wander. One of these days, I would love to get a small travel trailer, that way I can have a nice clean indoor space where I can enjoy some downtime. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Really enjoyed this Ben, so peaceful. I love listening to the bird song of foreign woods. Although I was disappointed your raincoat wasn’t bright yellow and ready to influence.
Thanks James!! Haha, yup, a yellow raincoat would have made all the difference. :-)
Wow such a calm and relaxing place! Thanks for taking us along Ben.
Thanks Robert! It sure is a very relaxing place. As an added bonus, mosquitoes weren't really a factor either. It's one of those places that doesn't even seem real.
Thanks for producing another thoughtful, beautiful video. I really appreciate both your video presentation and photographic style. On my small screen, the trail photo looks amazing. I can only imagine what the 8x10 original looks like.
For the me, the first day funk is usually a result of building up the trip in my mind before hand. Add in the rush to get there, dealing with traffic or airports, gets me wound up. Once there and all of that adrenaline washes away, the blues seem inevitable. But a decent meal and some rest followed by getting on with it helps me get over it.
I'm heading to Oregon in September for a week of photography while visiting the kids (only 2 days!) and staying with some friends. But I've already had a couple of sleepless nights in anticipation! Dreaming about all of the epic shots of the coast and the Cascades that I just HAVE to capture! No pressure at all! I figure I'll be a basket case long before it's time to catch the plane to Oregon!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next episode of your Redwoods trip!
Thanks Mike! There's definitely something about the travel getting there, followed by the reality of being there. I also spend a lot of time packing and preparing for these trips, so that factors in as well. I'm also a very routine-based person, so straying from my usual routine is very tough for me. It takes some time for me to build a new routine. It's definitely something that a good meal and rest helps me with as well. I hope you have a great trip in September! Hopefully they'll have a handle on all the various fires by then. Thanks for watching and commenting Mike!
Great video, as always!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!
That is such a beautiful place, I hope you enjoyed the quiet and tranquility.
Thanks Phil! It was indeed very peaceful up there. I enjoyed my time, and look forward to a return visit next spring.
Awesome Ben! Have always loved the lush moss covered forest scenes especially in the mist...
Thanks Bevan! It sure is wonderful scenery isn't it? I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@BenHorne seems like you have the work life balance well sorted? I live reasonably close to the wilderness places I like to visit but find work takes over a lot of opportunities to get out.....
I’m happy to see you back in the redwoods. Your last redwood series and the accompanying images are my favourites to date.
Thank you Matt! It sure is a wonderful place to experience, and I look forward to my next opportunity to return. I learned so much on this years trip, and I'm hoping the conditions will be a bit more ideal next time.
I did a coastal trip up the coast a few years ago and was hit with fog almost everyday. It was magical.
That first photo looks like a trail to the Shire. What a cool scene. 🥂
Thanks David! There are some areas that receive more fog than others, but those areas were also in the path of a big road construction project and there were a lot of people there, so I avoided that area. Even though I had just the one day of fog on this trip, and it was without my camera, I learned so much about where to return on future trips. It sure was nice to have the trail all to myself, and to be away from the crowds and the construction.
@@BenHorne I always prefer to be off on my own as well. It makes me feel like I'm discovering the area like an explorer. As always great job on the video.
Your videos are so relaxing Ben. That first composition (the one with the bridge) is stunning: it reminds of my only trip to the redwood forests in Northern CA when I enjoyed the 21 mile drive along the 'Avenue of the Giants' in Humboldt State Park. I'd love to return one day.
Thanks Alan! It sure is a wonderful place to visit isn't it? I drove the Avenue of the Giants on the way up to where I was staying. I haven't done any hiking there, but I would love to get to know that area as well someday. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hi Ben ! Great video !!!
Thank you Evgeny! So glad you enjoyed it!
Stunning video Ben, I loved feeling like I was there too. Such a magical place to see and so tranquil!
Thank you so much Adrian! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
A wonderful nineteen minutes of tranquil escapism, thank you, Ben! 🙏🏻 Loving the arch over trail image ♥️
Thank you as always Martin!
You lucked out on first day with the soft light from the overcast and mist. The conditions made it just right for the tree and bridge photo.
I get the funk feeling after a long drive. For me it's been the exhaustion from dealing with traffic and road work while on the long drive. Welcome to road cone season!
Thanks Bryan! I sure lucked out with the nice light for that scene with the overarching tree. Also, I'm glad the wind was so very calm as well. The first day funk is never fun, but at least it's predictable in a way. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Bryan!
Beautiful capture of the forest.
Thank you Mitch! It sure was a wonderful scene to work with.
Another Epic trip!
A place I would like to see but not likely other than Thanks to Ben 👍
Always a breath fresh Air and motivation to shoot some Film 👍🙂
Thank you as always Stuart! It sure is a wonderful place, and I look forward to returning next year.
Really enjoyed the video Ben! Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you as always Mark!
Lovely place Ben. I must admit these forests are so similar to the forests of Tasmania, Australia. All apart from the Redwoods…
Great to see you out and about and that your world is getting back to some kinda normal. :)
Thanks Cam! Though I've never been to Tasmania, I've seen some photos and video from there and the lush forests definitely have a lot in common. Thanks as always for watching!
A Gore-texy kind of day, love it, I am going to remember that phrase :D :D
Thanks Kirsten! We don't get too many of those where I live, so it was really nice to wander through the forest as the gentle rain was falling.
bookmarked for a relaxing sunday morning! Thanks Ben
Thanks for watching Tom!
Assalamualaikum wr. wb
Seru ny Berpetualang d alam, pakai tenda.. senang sekali melihat konten kamu, sangat menghibur.. Tetap semangat dalam berkarya, sehat dn sukses selalu, murahkan dalam rezeki dan di lancarkan segala usaha.amin ya robbil alamin
Terima kasih!
Love that section of the Country Ben, have went twice in the last 18 months, quite a haul from Yellowstone. I'm itching to go again after this episode. They've been working on that stretch of the road the entire time I've known the area, I wonder if it will ever get done. Slowing down is something that will help me, just want to see so much that I rush around. Never thought of the bear threat, will have to remember bear spray for next time.
Thanks Eugene! It sure is a wonderful place isn't it? From what I understand that section of road had some sort of landslide during the winter months, on top of the other work that has been going on for such a long time. It will be great if they can eventually contain the issues that are causing the road problems there. During the working hours, that section of road was subject to 2 hour delays, so I did my best to get through there before work began, and after it was done for the day. Thankfully my delays were only measured in minutes through that section. After seeing the large pile of bear droppings on the trail, I started carrying bear spray with me just in case. I haven't heard of any incidents up there, but I certainly don't want to be the first. :-)
Ben how u doing ? GOD BLESS !!!!!!! The image of the trail is stunning thats definitely a winner ,,composition ,,colors ..light n location !!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much Juan! It was a wonderful scene to find, and I'm sure glad the conditions cooperated.
Ben, I love the second composition with steps in it. Redwoods in the fog or most is otherworldly. I have only spent about a day exploring that area and greatly want to return for a week. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Craig! It's such a wonderful place and there are so many wonderful trails to explore. I love how even on the most crowded days, there are plenty of places to find peace and calm in the Redwood forest.
@@BenHorne, It is one of my happy places. I just wish that it was closer. It's between 29 and 36 hours away by vehicle.
That situation would be very good for a cozy little Airstream Basecamp or something, so you could stay a lot longer if need be.
Thanks Michael! You're 100% correct about that. I plan on buying a small travel trailer in the coming years. A clean indoor space, hot shower, and kitchen to make a good meal would make a huge difference. Plus, it would give me a place to relax during the downtime. I've been looking at the Basecamp as well as the Nucamp Tab 400.
@@BenHorne Well, I certainly hope you can get one. That sounds really exciting.
Great video Ben. Thanks for sharing. I was expecting you to use Velvia for the 1st image but can see now that Provia was fine as Velvia may have been just too saturated
Thanks Ash! On my previous trip to the Redwoods, I quickly learned that Velvia isn't very well suited for this environment. The boosted color and contrast made the photos look rather over-the-top. Provia on the other hand was extremely faithful to the scene, and was a joy to scan. I believe I took a small amount of Velvia with me on this trip, but I had no plan to use it. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Ash!
What a great location this is, I was here 20 years ago taking snapshots like most tourists do. But I can still remember the amazing feeling walking amongst these giant trees. Its a shame you only got the the mist on the first day, but I know for sure you will find some great compositions in the day's to come!!
Thank you as always Sander! It sure is a magical place, and incredibly humbling walking beneath the massive trees that have lived so very long. I'm glad you were able to experience it in the past!
I was watching, saw you stop and pull out the tripod and was like, Holy that's a big tripod, must be heavy!! I had one like that back in the days, but now mine's lightweight, perfect for travel & backpacking... and then you pulled out the camera 😂😂😂
Just randomly stumbled on your videos
Thanks Michael! Even though the tripod is big, it's actually very lightweight since it's carbon fiber. I've taken that one backpacking on several trips, though now I have an even smaller and lighter one for my lightweight 8x10 kit. The camera shown in this video definitely has some weight to it, but you might be surprised how light this gear can be. The other camera I use is made by a company called Intrepid, and that camera plus my backpacking lenses weighs only a bit more than a SLR with a pro zoom. :-) It sure is bulky though. Thanks for watching!
I'd be really interested to see the ektar images, I don't usually think of ektar for images with so much green
Hi Zach! I thought the Ektar shots would have done quite well in that environment, but I was really disappointed with them. I had a tough time getting the color to look anything like it was suppose to. Perhaps it was indeed the strong greens that was throwing things off.
@@BenHorne Makes sense, I don't know that ektar will ever be the film to accurately represent a scene. I feel like with Ektar you always need something red to contrast against greens and blues, but in a scene with too many red tones, like Zion, the way ektar rendered it would be distracting. I'm not sure I can think of a natural landscape that would be best suited to ektar. Maybe something around sunset where all the light is very warm.
wow, such a beautiful environment. Even some of the ferns in the forest seem bigger and a lot of trees we have over here
Thanks Paul! It sure is a beautiful environment. I sure would hate to be lost in it though. :-)
Great start to the trip! I had a feeling this was going to make me want to go visit the Redwoods - a trip I've put off because of the pandemic and the long drive. Excellent conditions, and great images!
Thanks Brian! It sure is a long drive, but so very worth it.
Really interested in getting your thoughts on E100 vs Provia in terms of color for your landscape scenes. Hope you’ll talk about that at some point!
Thanks Daniel! I exposed a single sheet of E100 on this trip, and you'll see it in the film reveal video. It was quite similar to Provia, but without reciprocity failure numbers, it gets tricky to use. When I have more comparison shots to work with, I'll be sure to make a video on that topic. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@BenHorne thanks! The E100 manual says no compensation up to 10sec, but it may not be very accurate. One option (I’m sure you’ve thought of this) would be to sacrifice a roll or two of 120 or 35mm and do controlled tests using ND filters of the same exact scene in rapid succession with multiple time intervals per shot and kind of build the compensation function oneself. Takes time and effort but at least you then have it down for your specific case. Just a thought.
How did I miss this last week?! I very much like the first photo. Would love to be able to stand in front of a big enlargement of it.
It sure would be an immersive photo when printed large. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Hi Ben,
In NorCal, the "fog" is a daily occurrence right after 4:20.
:D :D
Haha! I see what you did there. ;-)
Great work with your videos and the photography; question if you don't mind, why do you use the medium format film camera instead of a digital medium format system? Again, great work, keep it up.
Never been there, but the place speaks to me. Almost like one should expect a dinosaur around the bend. Need to visit at some point. Composition would be tough though as it seems so busy with vegetation as your images appear to be. Quite a challenge!
Thanks Katz! There definitely is the feeling that dinosaurs should be around the next bend, especially with the giant trees looming overhead. You're also very right that composition can be very difficult since there is so much foliage, and so much of it is the same color palette. The fog sure helps with that, though it was somewhat fleeting on this trip. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Im a little late in watching but enjoyed it Ben! I hope all is well!
Thanks Jerrod! All is well here. My wife and I got a new dog recently, so that has been keeping us busy. Looking forward to things settling down a bit in the weeks/months to come.
The second photo is wonderful, but to be honest I don't mind the first one either. I'd like to see it realized
Thanks Antonio. I think there might be a crop there on that one, but perhaps it's a location where returning with a longer lens would help. There's a lot of potential there, but I don't quite think I found it this time.
Now, next time you come up to Northern California, I'd love to have you as our guest :-)
Also, talking about quiet places: if you're ever interested in exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park (one of the least visited NP in the US), please let me know…
Thanks Frank! I went there on a family camping trip as a kid, but I haven't been back since. I'd love to go there one of these days. I love the parks that very few people visit. :-)
@@BenHorne Just let me know when you're ready and we'll make it happen :-)
Hi Ben. Absolutely enjoyable video! Can I ask about the music? What is the song playing when driving from Camp?
Hi Martin! I just realized I forgot to list the songs in the video description. I've fixed that, and included the song/artist names as well as a direct link to where I licensed the song. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Where is all this euphoria on the first day :) You're the calmest and balanced person I've ever seen :)
I'm curious why you needed this reservation for camping? Is there a limited number of people allowed at a certain time and is the only road for cars closed, can you go hiking around everywhere?
And of course forget to mention it but great shots as always.
Hi Anastas! When going on these trips, campground reservations are an absolute necessity. This wasn't always the case though. When I first started going on these trips in 2009, there were some locations where I could show up without reservations, but things have changed. These outdoor places have become very popular, and the campgrounds are usually full each night. Whereas 10 years ago I could show up to Zion without reservations and grab a first-come-first-served site, now I'm pounding the refresh button on my browser the moment the site I want becomes available 6 months in advance. These places can be visited without reservations, but if you want to stay in the campground, those arrangements will need to be made well in advance.
Greetings from Oakland. I love the redwoods! Luckily we have redwoods in the hills not far from my home. Did you explore Fern Canyon while you were in the Prairie Creek area? It’s a long day hike or you can drive to Gold Bluff beach and walk there in a few minutes. Or you can camp at Gold Bluff beach and be at the canyon for sunrise . I’d love to see what images you could make there.
Hi! That's a good question about Fern Canyon. My wife and I have been there on a past summer trip, but I haven't gone during my photo trips. It was rather crowded there during the summer, and I imagine it would have been very similar when I visited. It's tough for me to concentrate when other people are around, so even though it's a beautiful location, I'd probably have a tough time photographing it. It sure would be nice to have early access by camping so close to it though. That would make it worthwhile for sure.
@@BenHorne My wife and I backpacked there from Prairie Creek. They have backpacker campsites in an area above and away from the beach. We were in Fern Canyon early, but well after sunrise, and we were the only people there until after 9:00. Another area you might like is a trail to Trillium Falls. It’s a short, mostly flat hike a short drive from Prairie Creek. We’ve walked there both in the morning and late afternoon and didn’t see anyone else. Cheers!
man you're doing what I want to. I've found myself with $8,500 worth of high end digital sony gear only to feel uninspired by the process. I've always matured quickly though life and this is no different. Currently looking into 4x5 film. 6 years into digital im ready to move on
That's one of the beauties of working with large format. You're so much more involved in the process of making images, and those images that do turn out as you had hoped will stand the test of time.
@@BenHorne I just want to slow down and be more hands on and methodical. And when I get a shot I’m sure it’ll feel even more like a treasure.
Hey Ben, I watched an old video of you getting married. Congrats to you on that. Do you have any children? I just want to say good luck and be safe on your future trips. And one more thing, beautiful environment.
Thanks Tremain! Time sure flies. My wife and I got married back in 2012, so next year will be our 10 year anniversary. We don't have any kids, but we do have two cats, and we just recently got a dog, so plenty of fur babies running around the house. How about you? Redwood forests sure are a peaceful environment. The soft bark on the massive trees absorb sound from nearby roads/highways, so all you hear are the sounds from within the forest itself. Such a wonderful place, and I look forward to a return trip next spring.
We were there at the same time.
Very cool!! Sure is a beautiful place isn't it?
Your video helps my insomnia
Just try not to watch while driving. ;-) Thanks for watching Art!
Love that first image Ben - the different green tones helps a lot and overall it is a stunning shot. BUT - when the fog came I was screaming - go and get your camera.... was there a reason you didn't think about trying to get something with that amazing fog?
I was wondering the same thing.
Nigel, you should share your amazing fog!
That's a great question Nigel. By the time the fog was rolling it, it was late in the day and I was worn out. Rather than grabbing my 8x10 kit, I figured I'd just go have a look at it with my lightweight video kit and scout the area. Since this was so early in the trip, I figured I would have plenty more days of fog like this to work with, but that didn't turn out to be true. In any case, I now know a trail that gets some wonderful fog and that not a lot of people hike. When the conditions are right on a future trip, I'll have the place to myself... hopefully with a camera in hand. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Nigel!
"Law enforcement response was.. significant" haha. Beautiful images Ben! You must have been dealing with the construction from the Last Chance grade landslide? I've got reservations up there in a couple weeks and Caltrans has been sending me emails about it. Was that a struggle to deal with or was it pretty manageable outside of 9-5 hours?
Thanks Chris! Yup, that's the area with the construction. While I was there, there were several 2-hour windows from 9 to 5 when traffic was shut down for road work. I tried to get through that area before the work started, or after it was done for the day. I only had to wait a few minutes at most with my strategy, but those who tried to get through during the work hours might have been stranded for a while. It gets extra tricky if you want to hike the Damnation Creek trail because it's just around the corner from the road construction, and vehicles in the parking area for that trail are easily blocked in by stopped vehicles on the road waiting for the road to open. Even though that's a great area, I avoided it for that very reason. I hope you have a great trip!
1:08 "But thankfully it's all behind us now."
Yup, back to the N95 when going to the grocery store. Now if only everyone would do their part. Unfortunately "You can't tell me what to do!" is the phrase some people live (and die) by.
@@BenHorne Hospitals in my state have stopped performing certain types of procedures because they are overrun by unvaccinated COVID patients. If you require back surgery, eye surgery and other procedures for non-life threatening emergencies, you will not get it in time and suffer lasting damage to your health and quality of life. We're at a point where "not everyone doing their part" is hurting the rest of us in ways that are not acceptable anymore. I am so over being held hostage by these people.
Oh god, how cinematic is your voice?
Thanks. :-)
Ben I had to cringe a little when you said you didn’t have your camera when the fog rolled in and that it was the last opportunity with the weather changing. Great video though!
Thanks Danny! Although I could have grabbed my camera that evening, I was worn out from all the hiking, and was more-so looking to soak in the sights and sounds. I figured this would be the first of many days with fog, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. On the plus side though,I learned about a trail that should be quite productive on future trips. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Oh I am sure you were beat Ben. I couldn’t do what you do. I love your work no matter.
Six days in a Redwood Forest and no pictures of a Redwood Tree?
Thirty-six thousand steps in one day and can't find a composition?
A day with fog but no pictures because you don't have your "Large Format Film Camera Outfit" with you? Is it against the "Large Format Film Camera Club Rules" to take pictures with other types of cameras?
Days with blue skies and sunshine that produce deep dark shadows with spots of sunlight scattered throughout the forest and no pictures because it's not cloudy?
I think it's time to reevaluate everything you are doing, like REALLY!
I think you’re missing the point. Listen to the voiceover again at the end of episode 2. 😉
I think your attitude about endlessly returning to a place is deeply flawed. It reminds me of the following quote:
““How many more times will you remember a certain afternoon of your childhood, some afternoon that's so deeply a part of your being that you can't even conceive of your life without it? Perhaps four or five times more. Perhaps not even that. How many more times will you watch the full moon rise? Perhaps twenty. And yet it all seems limitless.”
― Paul Bowles, The Sheltering Sky
As Jay-Z said “These are just my thoughts. (just my thoughts)”
@@stephenropelewski2441 Following that same logic, there is no point in having long lasting friendships. It would be better to meet new people and to have superficial conversations about the weather, then move on to yet another group of people. There would be no point in visiting old friends, catching up with them, and having a true connection with them through good times and the bad times. If it is flawed logic to get to know a location, how come my best work from a location is seldom taken on my first trip, but many years down the road? This is the technique that works incredibly well for me, and my portfolio is a direct result of this philosophy. There are many approaches to photography. Do what works well for you, but it seems strange to tell others what to do or that one has flawed logic. I create these videos to share my experience on a trip and to show my process. I don’t tell other people what they should or shouldn’t do, I merely share the story of the trip.
Another stunningly beautiful video story , told as only you can Ben. Glad you got over the funk and didn't step in the bear turd :-) Looking forward to your next video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Andrew! Thankfully I managed not to step in the bear turd on this day, or the following day when I returned to this trail. I saw that someone else had though. I suppose it's better to step on the bear turd than on the bear though. :-)