Steve your videos are inspiring. I see a lot of the online photography videos and 99 percent of them are rubbish. It is enjoyable to see your videos and images you take. Keep it up.
Nice shots, Steve. Landscape photographers are preoccupied with sharpness, which means a narrow range of apertures between depth of field and diffraction. That in turn demands a solid base, low ISOs and boutique lenses. Eschew absolute front to back sharpness, and life gets easier, cheaper, more enjoyable. The results are more spontaneous, too.
Unless you’re making big prints the advantages of super sharp lenses are minimal. I much prefer to get every possible shot in the bag when I’m out walking.
I agree. The habits formed in the name of technically ‘correct’ landscape photography do lead to a certain subjects, compositions, DoF, details levels and textures. Those learned habits can compound until work actually looks _less_ individual. Staying present (rather than lost in practicing correct technique) can lead to the most fulfilling experiences with a camera.
The joy of moving and framing many images is better than static photography. A kit that's easily portable, more frames and more choices. Today I shot with my tree camera. Yes! The Rollei TLR. I did some double exposures. 3 actually! Took about 40 minutes. The color ones though, did not work out on phone. Used Snapseed, But at least I was moving! Not fun in humidity and heat about 39C.Love your videos very relaxing and great ideas. Bravo Steve.
‘I haven’t got a huge amount of patience” says the man who waited 45 minutes for mist to clear. 😉 Thanks for sharing images and thoughts from your lovely ramble.
When I go out, I typically have an idea of a particular shot I want. But I'll also keep my mind open to everything else, and most times the best shot I get is one that was spontaneous.
The F80 + super zoom combo never fails. I prefer the moments that I catch spontaneously rather than trying to force an image in my head. I'm utterly terrible at trying to set up a portrait shot of someone, yet I have many great pictures I was able to capture in the moment that matter much more to me.
I divide it into opportunistic or reactive photography vs. planned or deliberate photography, but I think we're talking about pretty much the same thing. Like a lot of landscape photographers, I've come to photography from walking /hiking in great landscapes. When I look at my 'portfolio' images (pretentious word for my favourites), probably about 3/4 are from planned shoots these days, but that doesn't mean that I hike light, I still carry the gear with me. If nothing else, they're scouting missions to identify locations that I can come back to in ideal conditions.
Another awesome video from you Steve, I find you so inspiring and have learnt so much from you. I do a bit of both, sometimes I pick a route, pack a jam sandwich, jet boil, coffee and my hiking rucksack and head off inspired by the landscape and something that catches my eye. Other days I drive to get a specific shot that I have passed and pinned on Google maps that I didn’t have time to properly explore. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos as the bring so much pleasure to so many.
I've got pretty much the same approach, I often make short trips for just one viewpoint but at other times I enjoy the combination of a long walk with photography as a bonus.
Great video Steve and you look to have managed some lovely shots. Watching this made me realise how much I miss getting out in the landscape. Thanks for sharing.
I loved this video Steve. This is how I shoot most of the time. I travel light with just a small Lowepro camera bag on my shoulder and camera in hand, no tripod. I’ve never been one for wanting to capture the iconic images that have been photographed to death. I prefer to wander and explore to find a less trodden path. Up there in the mountains light is fleeting. Catch it while you can. That’s why a tripod doesn’t factor into my plans most of the time. Wonderful images.
Thanks Simon, a tripod is the last thing I want up there, I’ve no time to set it up and wait for the right conditions to materialise (if they ever do).
Saturday evening the storm clouds looked great just before sunset so I grabbed my camera gear and set off in the car. Every set of traffic lights were red and then roadworks with a set of lights again on red. I arrived at the scene with a minute to spare. I missed the the best light by seconds because I had to set up my tripod with screw locking legs which I hate. It cost me the shot. As I packed my gear away there was a final flush of great light. No time for a tripod so I leaned on the gate to the field and used my elbows as a makeshift tripod. I breathed in and held my breath as I tripped the shutter at 200 iso I got the shot and it was pin sharp.
Cheers Steve - excellent vlog yet again. I've spent many happy and photo fruitful hours on and around Cadair, especially lingering with intent with Llyn Cae as the main target. Carry on with normal duties. Hwyl my friend.
Really loved this video. so many gorgeous shots in this one. and, might I add, very much Ansel Adams in their style / influence as well. well done Steve.🙂
Cracking watch chock full of great imagery as usual. I’m happy to sit in a location camera on 3 legs waiting for hours to get the the best conditions but my preference by far is photography on the fly I’m sure that comes from my day job as a news photographer things happen quickly I have to react accordingly nothing better than being mobile with a camera in hand love it 📷❤️
@@SteveONions some days are pretty pedestrian others insanity but always interesting. These days e everything is about speed getting the images uploaded asap deadlines are a challenge I’m sure this is one major reason I’m shooting more and more film on my own time delayed gratification and all that 😂📷❤️
Exactly Steve, taking landscape Photography is like other photography genres - you pre-visualize your shot into your mindset, what you want to archive, -always. Then you look & search for it, and after a careful setup, you finally take the shot.
Another informative video. I think there are many ways of describing a landscape photographer. For example I like to take landscape photographs which include human elements like walls, buildings and even pylons contrasting the natural elements of nature.
Some really atmospheric shots in there which clearly illustrate what dynamic photography is about. I was a walker before I really got into photography and was very happy with that reactive style. I now combine both and get great joy out of the two different approaches. Thanks for the video. PS I always thought that Cadair was under-rated as a mountain, I had several great days out on it including a thunderstorm in the summit shelter. I love that picture at 0:40.
I don't think I ever made a distinction of types, as you have here, Steve, nor even considered they exist. Giving thought now, I see that I have been the dynamic type photographer. I don't often revisit places, which is mostly a factor of where I live and some other issues here, but also, I am more of a hiker and walker than a photographer. Having noted that, there are times I recall a place and consider visiting again when conditions are more favorable. Fine food for philosophical discussion. Thanks, as always, for posting another worthwhile video.
Thanks James. There are places where I always use a tripod, my local Forrest for example, without one I’d struggle to get a good composition. Up in the hills though the views are changing by the second and demand a more fluid approach.
Would love an in depth review of that Tamron lens VC lens. I’ve had the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC on my watch list for a while. The idea of a fairly fast zoom lens with image stabilisation for shooting film sounds like a match made in heaven.
I'm mostly static, I like to set the camera up on the tripod, wander around a bit, and ponder the shot before making the exposure. I may even move a twig or bend a piece of grass out of the way.
I’m glad you raise this as often landscape photographer’s suggest there is only one way. I consider myself a ‘trekking” photographer. That suggests more than dynamic landscape. I am recording what I see on the trek. I may set up a tripod and filters, but usually it’s hand held. I try not to be restricted by expectations. Oh and I use a range finder because of its small form factor.
I think there are also more than twice forms, approaches when it comes to film photography, steve. For instance, i love the classic approach, film winder, at best a light meter inside the body, but nothing else...and usually a prime lens (35mm) instead of a zoom....although i am used to gear like my F75, F80 too....but it feels already too much like a DSLR, only with film...because of the shooting infos via LED inside the OVF, and auto film transport, -rewind, bracketing, two dials, etc...
Nice! There is this lovely sense of balance with a good black and white film! While I like colour slide film with its strong colours there are moments where you just want to remove distractions! Have a good week!
Thank you for a well made video. My prefernce is the dynamic approach, I like the fun of finding and making photographs in the moment when things come right.
Nice video again Steve. I’m glad I’m not trying to keep up with you climbing up those mountains. Your video reminded me of another landscape photographer(Peter Jarver) that would shoot 617 and wait in the same location for days and days until the light was “just perfect”.
Enjoyed this episode. I think your division into dynamic and static photography is a good way to look at the differences. Many photographers prefer one way or another and because of that their best shots are taken using one or the other approach. I like your "I want the walk to be priority" as the grounding reason for you when you select which approach to use. Having viewed your other videos, I know that you are equally good using the static approach. At any rate you explained well in this video.
I absolutely agree on the 2 approaches thing. When I'm hill walking or backpacking I carry a lightweight 1-inch sensor superzoom with no filters and, at most, a tabletop tripod. But if I know in advance what I want to photograph I take a camera backpack, tripod, the lot. I'll set up and often spend a couple of hours in a single location waiting for light, clouds, sun direction etc. Very different mindsets and with the first, I get a keeper maybe 1 in 10-20 shots, but I take a lot of shots(50-80/day?). With the static approach I get a keeper maybe 1 in 4 or 5 shots but I might only take a dozen shots all day. BTW I've only climbed Cader Idris once: in winter 1986, in the dark, as part of an Outward Bound School trip! I didn't see a thing but the circle of torch-light around my feet.
I also find the keeper rate much higher with the static approach Alan, when doing hill walks handheld it’s more hit and miss. I done a fair few mountain walks where I’ve seen little of the surroundings thanks to cloud, it’s a fine balance as I like a few but not too many 🙂
Great video, and thank you so much. I am not by nature or inclination much of a planner at anything and I’ve always felt a bit inadequate in the company of those who can previsualise and plan their shots. Be always been happier and more successful going out and seeing what I come across. But I’ve always thought that this was inferior, that I wasn’t serious enough. But no more, I am a happy Dynamic Landscape photographer! Thank you Steve Some truly wonderful photography in this great video.
Beautiful work as always. What I like the most is the exploring to discover new compositions in the woodlands. That is like the dynamic way of photography you could say. And when the conditions are really good I can change to the more static approach on that same day. I only use a digital apsc systeem with three light primes and in nature I always have my tripod with me.
Woodlands are the greatest challenge and also the greatest reward. When I manage a good shot from within a jumbled disarray of competing elements I’m at my happiest.
I get great satisfaction from the dynamic approach with my Mf3 camera. I find the IBIS great and I've little patience with heavy DSLRs, tripods and faffing around with filters However if I want to do serious landscapes or nightime shots, I'll revert to the static approach but it's a pain 😂
Fabulous unique shots as always from you, I have a camera with lens and body stabilisation for that agile type of photography and its about 90% of what I do. I just find it so enjoyable
Terrific video ! You really have a great eye . I guess that's the beauty of 35mm . It's not such a big production so that when you 'See' something that's all lined up with light and atmosphere , you can just grab it fast before it's gone ..... Great stuff !!!!
I’d miss most if these shots with medium format Jon, I’d either lack the long end of the super zoom or just not react quickly enough (and spoil the walk by constantly stopping and setting up a static shot).
Thanks Steve, I hadn't actually considered my photography in that vein but I do love to walk on the fells and struggle to take a tripod - even a carbon one - on these walks. I am pushing myself to be more of an 'everywhere photographer' and be less 'static'. We have the technology these days to allow for more handheld shots, so we may as well use it and for the odd bracketed shot a monopod will do just as well. Long exposure is still a challenge by hand though unless there is a handy dry stone wall close by.
Great episode Steve, excellent thoughts on those two facets of landscape photography. Your b-roll and images married very well and have to say for me one of your best videos this year so far. It was nagging me where you were actually walking as it was so familiar and then at 8:58 my curiosity was answered.. I think the mist helped and your clever b-roll helped to keep me guessing, lol. My route has always been up through the trees on the Minffordd path so I am guessing your started on the other side somewhere.? atb Al
The Minffordd path is a much nicer route Alan, the Pony path is a bit of a drag with far less dramatic views. The route I took up to the ridge was very quite thanks to it being miles from the usual car parks.
What if you're a dynamically static photographer?!! :) :P Or, vice versa. Conjures up some interesting scenarios :) I actually think that "true" landscape photography is a combo of both. It depends on the situation you want to exploit for your shots, like you mentioned. And, as usual, excellent pics, Steve.
I have moved more and more to this dynamic approach, basically because I am fairly useless at planning a shoot, I like to turn up and just explore the location I have picked, sometimes I get a fair number of images I like other times diddly squat, but that is what I like most being out and about and just wandering, you never know what is round the corner, the bend or over the crest of the hill.
Great video Steve. I may not hike as you do, but when my wife and I take rides, always have my 35mm . If something interesting, I might return with a 4x5 or medium format camera . When cycling, I'm always on the look too.KB
Hi Steve, another very enjoyable video and your images are always so well composed and sensitively processed. The timing was perfect, I watched it whilst scanning negatives from a recent week long holiday in Grindleford, Derbyshire. I have neither your physical stamina nor your photographic skill but I was struck by similarities and differences between my experience and yours. I wasn't on a photography holiday, it was a "walking with my wife and two dogs" holiday so I had to travel light. Unlike you, when restricted to one lens I prefer to use a single prime rather than a zoom because I find the reduced choice of compositional possibilities offered by a standard prime helps me get better results. It also enables me to stick with square medium format which I prefer. I was also shooting Delta 400 but I rate at 400 and develop in Ilfotec DD-X. The built-in meter with AE Lock in my Mamiya 6 enables quick (by medium format standards) shooting because I just have to compose and focus and the camera is small and light enough to hang from my shoulder all day. My main objective was to go for a nice walk, but if I got a few good images that was a bonus and that really resonated with your comments. I also managed an evening of "static" photography near Owler Bar, where I took a tripod, all three lenses for the Mamiya 6 and red and orange filters. This was planned in that I had seen some solitary trees whilst driving to the shops in the morning and I returned with a plan in mind. So I enjoyed both types of photography in one day. I really enjoyed myself and got a few images I'm happy with but can't deny I really want to go back to some of those locations with the big tripod, Bronica SQ Ai and some graduated ND filters, too! And sorry, but I can't resist it. "There are two types of landscape photographers; those who divide landscape photographers into two types, and those who don't" :-)
Thanks Rupert, it sounds like your Mamiya 6 allows you to adopt both approaches to landscapes. Sadly the Bronica SQ is relegated to static work only and I carry an old 6x6 folder if I want to be more mobile. All the best.
Considering the changing weather conditions, responding to what is present can yield far more successful images. I think it's possible to go out burdened with expectations as well as gear. Planning can be great. After all, you went out having selected a particular film to use. But those same expectations can blind you to other, and perhaps even better, options. I think this also harkens back to your video where you discuss familiarity with a place and the resulting challenges and rewards. I am more likely to try and respond to setting (dynamic) to see what I can see. However, I think that the larger the camera and format, the more a considered and planned (static) approach will result in better images. Btw, love that shot at 9:50.
I believe that approach will yield the most opportunities for satisfying photographs. And yes, it makes sense, at least to my mind. It's that delicate dance of making sure our plans do not ossify into limiting expectations.
From one old guy who likes to spend time in the mountains to another, I think what you’ve described here are two different methods but not necessarily two different types of photographers, or maybe you’ve described both, not sure. In my mind “types” of photographers would be predicated more on the type of imagery produced. for example Mads Peter Iversen or Peter Lik create cartoons, picture postcards, the tourist’s idea of what wild places should look like (I hate their images if you can’t tell.) the imagery you present here has a very different feel, your images don’t “shout” at the viewer. Is that just a matter of dynamic vs. static? I doubt it.
I do find that when shooting handheld my images feel more natural and less composed, which is largely the case. When working slowly from a tripod I can’t react to a scene or the light in the same way as I can when working more freely. I’m also less inclined to shoot certain scenes with the slow approach due to the time needed to get everything setup and this is reflected in the end result.
In the past I've shotted with large format, tripod, etc. Now I prefer my Rolleiflex sl66, 400 iso, no tripod. I think that the tripod has an influence sometime negative on my composition. Of course there are limits. I cannot shot long exposures, but I'm totally free and I can compose my image.
Tripods do restrict movements somewhat and can force you into less than perfect positions. If I can dispense with one then I will always take that option.
I'm with you completely. On the go photography while I carry some 4x5 just in case but I rarely get it out of the pack because scenes just aren't perfect. I'd like to know more about your pack system; I too rock the Talon 33 and a pair of Capture Clips, but when I tried adding a fanny pack for quick access film backs/lenses, it didn't feel great when hiking. May be related to my shorter stature. Are you carrying the Daylite fanny pack? Great video. Whenever I watch yours I get a bit of validation with what I'm doing out there.
Good question on the pack system, I should do a video on this subject alone. I’ve found that small changes in position and different types of fastening have a big impact on how comfortable and easy it is to use camera gear while traversing difficult terrain.
Envious of your proximity to such a magnificent area. Took a family vacation to Yellowstone and we did a long hike that resembled your area somewhat, so understand how enjoyable it is to just walk and photograph. Just curious if you’re going to put the last photo of the trail on Etsy. Very nice shots overall.
Hallo Steve, I like this Episode very much, an impressive landscape! Please Tell me, where you walked and took these fantastic photos? Kind regards from Berlin/ Germany
You said, at about 12:30, that you might take a static approach with larger cameras and a tripod if you *know* what you might expect. Did you see anything on this walk that you might want to revisit using the static approach?
Good question Julian. The view of Llyn Cau is my favourite overall but it also looks good when approached from the Minffordd path on the other side of the horseshoe. You’d need just the right light and some cloud to make it really work and I’m not sure I want to lug a big film camera up there on the off chance everything came together.
One thing about Tamron lenses and digital photography. Modern Tamrons have awful impact on colour of the sky- they make it greenish instead of pure blue in comparison with Nikkors.
Quite nice video, good work, thanks for your efforts. One wonders if m43 would be a nice possibility for such walks as you did in this video. Very best wishes, take care! PS What might be a nice walk-around for Canon bodies such as you are using on that Nikon ( EF lens mount), any idea?
Apologies if I missed it but might I ask where you were shooting in out beautiful country - appreciating that you might wish to keep the solitude to yourself 😉
No problem at all Simon, it’s Cadair Idris approached from the East, a much quieter route to the top due to their being nowhere to park (unless like me you do a long walk) 🙂
Steve your videos are inspiring. I see a lot of the online photography videos and 99 percent of them are rubbish. It is enjoyable to see your videos and images you take. Keep it up.
Thanks Michael, that’s very kind of you.
Nice shots, Steve. Landscape photographers are preoccupied with sharpness, which means a narrow range of apertures between depth of field and diffraction. That in turn demands a solid base, low ISOs and boutique lenses. Eschew absolute front to back sharpness, and life gets easier, cheaper, more enjoyable. The results are more spontaneous, too.
Unless you’re making big prints the advantages of super sharp lenses are minimal. I much prefer to get every possible shot in the bag when I’m out walking.
Steve, what size prints would you make from these rolls ?
I agree. The habits formed in the name of technically ‘correct’ landscape photography do lead to a certain subjects, compositions, DoF, details levels and textures. Those learned habits can compound until work actually looks _less_ individual. Staying present (rather than lost in practicing correct technique) can lead to the most fulfilling experiences with a camera.
As ever an enjoyable trip. Ta. My word for this type of photography is 'opportunistic'. I am that style of photographer.
The joy of moving and framing many images is better than static photography. A kit that's easily portable, more frames and more choices. Today I shot with my tree camera. Yes! The Rollei TLR. I did some double exposures. 3 actually! Took about 40 minutes. The color ones though, did not work out on phone. Used Snapseed, But at least I was moving! Not fun in humidity and heat about 39C.Love your videos very relaxing and great ideas. Bravo Steve.
Thanks Jason, not sure I could work in temperatures like that!
‘I haven’t got a huge amount of patience” says the man who waited 45 minutes for mist to clear. 😉
Thanks for sharing images and thoughts from your lovely ramble.
To be honest I was enjoying lunch and giving my legs a rest 😀
One of my absolute favourite locations to visit. They way the mist rolls over the crest and hangs around in the bowl of the mountain is awe inspiring.
Never fails to disappoint Katie, always a pleasure to be up there.
When I go out, I typically have an idea of a particular shot I want. But I'll also keep my mind open to everything else, and most times the best shot I get is one that was spontaneous.
The F80 + super zoom combo never fails. I prefer the moments that I catch spontaneously rather than trying to force an image in my head.
I'm utterly terrible at trying to set up a portrait shot of someone, yet I have many great pictures I was able to capture in the moment that matter much more to me.
Same here 👍
I was so blown away by the video and photos that I nearly forgot to click "like"! Fabulous in every way.
Thanks Russell 😊
I divide it into opportunistic or reactive photography vs. planned or deliberate photography, but I think we're talking about pretty much the same thing. Like a lot of landscape photographers, I've come to photography from walking /hiking in great landscapes. When I look at my 'portfolio' images (pretentious word for my favourites), probably about 3/4 are from planned shoots these days, but that doesn't mean that I hike light, I still carry the gear with me. If nothing else, they're scouting missions to identify locations that I can come back to in ideal conditions.
I always divide trips into ‘walk with a camera’ or ‘photography first’, this sets the pattern for the day.
Another awesome video from you Steve, I find you so inspiring and have learnt so much from you. I do a bit of both, sometimes I pick a route, pack a jam sandwich, jet boil, coffee and my hiking rucksack and head off inspired by the landscape and something that catches my eye. Other days I drive to get a specific shot that I have passed and pinned on Google maps that I didn’t have time to properly explore. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos as the bring so much pleasure to so many.
I've got pretty much the same approach, I often make short trips for just one viewpoint but at other times I enjoy the combination of a long walk with photography as a bonus.
Great video Steve and you look to have managed some lovely shots. Watching this made me realise how much I miss getting out in the landscape. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Robin, nothing better than being a lightweight photographer 😀
Good to see you out what a great morning
I loved this video Steve. This is how I shoot most of the time. I travel light with just a small Lowepro camera bag on my shoulder and camera in hand, no tripod. I’ve never been one for wanting to capture the iconic images that have been photographed to death. I prefer to wander and explore to find a less trodden path. Up there in the mountains light is fleeting. Catch it while you can. That’s why a tripod doesn’t factor into my plans most of the time. Wonderful images.
Thanks Simon, a tripod is the last thing I want up there, I’ve no time to set it up and wait for the right conditions to materialise (if they ever do).
Saturday evening the storm clouds looked great just before sunset so I grabbed my camera gear and set off in the car. Every set of traffic lights were red and then roadworks with a set of lights again on red. I arrived at the scene with a minute to spare. I missed the the best light by seconds because I had to set up my tripod with screw locking legs which I hate. It cost me the shot. As I packed my gear away there was a final flush of great light. No time for a tripod so I leaned on the gate to the field and used my elbows as a makeshift tripod. I breathed in and held my breath as I tripped the shutter at 200 iso I got the shot and it was pin sharp.
Your images are stunning and put so many RUclipsrs to shame. Great work and presentation.
Thanks Vincent 😊
Thanks Steve...everything about this video was great....truly inspiring
Thanks Barrie.
Amazingly beautiful little moments in time!!
Thank you.
Two thumbs up and thanks for posting.
Bloody hell, I envy you for being able to hike in Wales regularly. I live in Germany and around me is no spot even remotely comparable.
I am very lucky indeed, all sorts of landscapes within a couple of hours.
Brilliant photos, as usual. Those detail shots are stellar as well.
Thanks Thomas 😊
Cheers Steve - excellent vlog yet again. I've spent many happy and photo fruitful hours on and around Cadair, especially lingering with intent with Llyn Cae as the main target. Carry on with normal duties. Hwyl my friend.
That’s definitely my favourite view too, the Llyn looks fantastic nestled beneath the ridge, works whatever the light.
Great video. I am certainly a dynamic landscape photographer and never use a tripod. As you said the walk is great anyway and the photos are a bonus.
Absolutely beautiful.
Really loved this video. so many gorgeous shots in this one. and, might I add, very much Ansel Adams in their style / influence as well. well done Steve.🙂
Thank you, Ansel has always been one of my inspirations.
@@SteveONions Your'e welcome Steve. 🙂
What a gorgeous place to be Steve. Lovely photos.
Thanks Joel.
Beautiful -- the shots and the video.
Lovely photographs as usual. My photography’s mostly on the hoof and have done well. I’m going to look at that lens. Very practical. Regards
Thanks 🙂
Cracking watch chock full of great imagery as usual. I’m happy to sit in a location camera on 3 legs waiting for hours to get the the best conditions but my preference by far is photography on the fly I’m sure that comes from my day job as a news photographer things happen quickly I have to react accordingly nothing better than being mobile with a camera in hand love it 📷❤️
Thanks Paul, I can’t imagine how quick you have to be as a news photographer.
@@SteveONions some days are pretty pedestrian others insanity but always interesting. These days e everything is about speed getting the images uploaded asap deadlines are a challenge I’m sure this is one major reason I’m shooting more and more film on my own time delayed gratification and all that 😂📷❤️
Great video again, stunning photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Hajo.
Exactly Steve, taking landscape Photography is like other photography genres - you pre-visualize your shot into your mindset, what you want to archive, -always. Then you look & search for it, and after a careful setup, you finally take the shot.
Yes, I only raise the camera to my eye when I’ve already got the elements framed in my mind.
Brillant steve what a eye you have cheers.
Another informative video. I think there are many ways of describing a landscape photographer. For example I like to take landscape photographs which include human elements like walls, buildings and even pylons contrasting the natural elements of nature.
I also enjoy signs of man in the landscape Graham, walls, telegraph poles and winding paths do a lot for an image.
I believe several of these images are some of the best you've ever shown. Amazing number of "keepers" from a single walk. Cheers!
Thanks Robert.
Some really atmospheric shots in there which clearly illustrate what dynamic photography is about. I was a walker before I really got into photography and was very happy with that reactive style. I now combine both and get great joy out of the two different approaches. Thanks for the video.
PS I always thought that Cadair was under-rated as a mountain, I had several great days out on it including a thunderstorm in the summit shelter. I love that picture at 0:40.
Thanks Keith, I like to get up there every couple of years, nothing better than seeing the sun come over hills and light up Llyn Cau.
I don't think I ever made a distinction of types, as you have here, Steve, nor even considered they exist. Giving thought now, I see that I have been the dynamic type photographer. I don't often revisit places, which is mostly a factor of where I live and some other issues here, but also, I am more of a hiker and walker than a photographer. Having noted that, there are times I recall a place and consider visiting again when conditions are more favorable. Fine food for philosophical discussion. Thanks, as always, for posting another worthwhile video.
Thanks James. There are places where I always use a tripod, my local Forrest for example, without one I’d struggle to get a good composition. Up in the hills though the views are changing by the second and demand a more fluid approach.
Would love an in depth review of that Tamron lens VC lens. I’ve had the Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC on my watch list for a while. The idea of a fairly fast zoom lens with image stabilisation for shooting film sounds like a match made in heaven.
I may do something briefly on it Cameron, I’m not into technical reviews but can certainly give my opinion on its pros and cons.
I'm mostly static, I like to set the camera up on the tripod, wander around a bit, and ponder the shot before making the exposure. I may even move a twig or bend a piece of grass out of the way.
I’m not averse to a little ‘housekeeping’ on a scene myself 😊
I’m glad you raise this as often landscape photographer’s suggest there is only one way. I consider myself a ‘trekking” photographer. That suggests more than dynamic landscape. I am recording what I see on the trek. I may set up a tripod and filters, but usually it’s hand held. I try not to be restricted by expectations. Oh and I use a range finder because of its small form factor.
There’s frequent criticism of people who don’t use tripods but I just see them as another tool that can be used or ignored depending on the situation.
Lovely images, Steve. Thanks. I combine both approaches when going out for a spot of shooting.
I think there are also more than twice forms, approaches when it comes to film photography, steve. For instance, i love the classic approach, film winder, at best a light meter inside the body, but nothing else...and usually a prime lens (35mm) instead of a zoom....although i am used to gear like my F75, F80 too....but it feels already too much like a DSLR, only with film...because of the shooting infos via LED inside the OVF, and auto film transport, -rewind, bracketing, two dials, etc...
Nice!
There is this lovely sense of balance with a good black and white film!
While I like colour slide film with its strong colours there are moments where you just want to remove distractions!
Have a good week!
Thanks Sina 🙂
my favourite mountain.
babe wake up, new steve o'nions video just dropped
😀
Thank you for a well made video. My prefernce is the dynamic approach, I like the fun of finding and making photographs in the moment when things come right.
Thanks Richard, I’m finding that more and more of my trips are made with 35mm gear and lighter equipment.
Nice video again Steve. I’m glad I’m not trying to keep up with you climbing up those mountains. Your video reminded me of another landscape photographer(Peter Jarver) that would shoot 617 and wait in the same location for days and days until the light was “just perfect”.
I can’t imagine waiting more than an hour or two even if it resulted in a great image. I’m always thinking there’s a great image just over the hill.
Very enjoyable trip and video. The dynamic and static ways of photographing are really complementary!
Thanks Qingyu.
Enjoyed this episode. I think your division into dynamic and static photography is a good way to look at the differences. Many photographers prefer one way or another and because of that their best shots are taken using one or the other approach. I like your "I want the walk to be priority" as the grounding reason for you when you select which approach to use. Having viewed your other videos, I know that you are equally good using the static approach. At any rate you explained well in this video.
Thanks Erich. I enjoy mountain walks so much that I try to limit the impact of carrying camera equipment as much as possible.
Nice episode, beautiful images especially of the grass at 4:01. Inspiring. Thanks Steve.
Thanks Henk.
Magical, mystical. Great video, great images, great ideas. Thank you for your efforts.
Thanks Dann.
Superb video, Steve. You've just proved that you don't need a 4x5 camera and a tripod to take fantastic photographs.
Horses for courses 😊
I absolutely agree on the 2 approaches thing. When I'm hill walking or backpacking I carry a lightweight 1-inch sensor superzoom with no filters and, at most, a tabletop tripod. But if I know in advance what I want to photograph I take a camera backpack, tripod, the lot. I'll set up and often spend a couple of hours in a single location waiting for light, clouds, sun direction etc. Very different mindsets and with the first, I get a keeper maybe 1 in 10-20 shots, but I take a lot of shots(50-80/day?). With the static approach I get a keeper maybe 1 in 4 or 5 shots but I might only take a dozen shots all day. BTW I've only climbed Cader Idris once: in winter 1986, in the dark, as part of an Outward Bound School trip! I didn't see a thing but the circle of torch-light around my feet.
I also find the keeper rate much higher with the static approach Alan, when doing hill walks handheld it’s more hit and miss.
I done a fair few mountain walks where I’ve seen little of the surroundings thanks to cloud, it’s a fine balance as I like a few but not too many 🙂
Great video, and thank you so much. I am not by nature or inclination much of a planner at anything and I’ve always felt a bit inadequate in the company of those who can previsualise and plan their shots. Be always been happier and more successful going out and seeing what I come across. But I’ve always thought that this was inferior, that I wasn’t serious enough.
But no more, I am a happy Dynamic Landscape photographer!
Thank you Steve
Some truly wonderful photography in this great video.
Thanks Graham, just enjoy whatever form of photography takes your fancy 🙂
Thoughtful and inspiring as always! Love the tree at 2:03 and the dappled light at 10:50.
Thanks Mark.
A prolific amount of dynamics gems Steve 👌
Thanks Carlin.
Beautiful work as always. What I like the most is the exploring to discover new compositions in the woodlands. That is like the dynamic way of photography you could say. And when the conditions are really good I can change to the more static approach on that same day. I only use a digital apsc systeem with three light primes and in nature I always have my tripod with me.
Woodlands are the greatest challenge and also the greatest reward. When I manage a good shot from within a jumbled disarray of competing elements I’m at my happiest.
I get great satisfaction from the dynamic approach with my Mf3 camera. I find the IBIS great and I've little patience with heavy DSLRs, tripods and faffing around with filters
However if I want to do serious landscapes or nightime shots, I'll revert to the static approach but it's a pain 😂
Same here Eltin, two totally different approaches.
Fabulous unique shots as always from you, I have a camera with lens and body stabilisation for that agile type of photography and its about 90% of what I do. I just find it so enjoyable
Thanks Christine, in-built stabilisation has become a must for me ever since I get an Olympus EM5 10 years ago, so much more freedom.
A very good reminder that not every venture into nature needs to be a photo expedition! Thanks.
Thanks Roy.
Terrific video ! You really have a great eye . I guess that's the beauty of 35mm . It's not such a big production so that when you 'See' something that's all lined up with light and atmosphere
, you can just grab it fast before it's gone ..... Great stuff !!!!
I’d miss most if these shots with medium format Jon, I’d either lack the long end of the super zoom or just not react quickly enough (and spoil the walk by constantly stopping and setting up a static shot).
Thanks Steve, I hadn't actually considered my photography in that vein but I do love to walk on the fells and struggle to take a tripod - even a carbon one - on these walks. I am pushing myself to be more of an 'everywhere photographer' and be less 'static'. We have the technology these days to allow for more handheld shots, so we may as well use it and for the odd bracketed shot a monopod will do just as well. Long exposure is still a challenge by hand though unless there is a handy dry stone wall close by.
I also use any available prop Errol, walls are excellent as are trees, anything to avoid carrying a tripod 🙂
Great episode Steve, excellent thoughts on those two facets of landscape photography. Your b-roll and images married very well and have to say for me one of your best videos this year so far. It was nagging me where you were actually walking as it was so familiar and then at 8:58 my curiosity was answered.. I think the mist helped and your clever b-roll helped to keep me guessing, lol. My route has always been up through the trees on the Minffordd path so I am guessing your started on the other side somewhere.? atb Al
The Minffordd path is a much nicer route Alan, the Pony path is a bit of a drag with far less dramatic views. The route I took up to the ridge was very quite thanks to it being miles from the usual car parks.
What if you're a dynamically static photographer?!! :) :P Or, vice versa. Conjures up some interesting scenarios :) I actually think that "true" landscape photography is a combo of both. It depends on the situation you want to exploit for your shots, like you mentioned. And, as usual, excellent pics, Steve.
Very true Carl, there is definitely an overlap at times 👍
I have moved more and more to this dynamic approach, basically because I am fairly useless at planning a shoot, I like to turn up and just explore the location I have picked, sometimes I get a fair number of images I like other times diddly squat, but that is what I like most being out and about and just wandering, you never know what is round the corner, the bend or over the crest of the hill.
I’m also quite restless Martin and always think there’s something better nearby 🙂
I love the contrasts and tones in the images. :)
Thanks Jacky.
Hi Steve,
Enjoyed that, I am definitely in the Static bracket. Llyn Gwynant is ideal for me :-))
Thanks Ron, nothing wrong with Llyn Gwynant 🙂
Great video Steve. I may not hike as you do, but when my wife and I take rides, always have my 35mm . If something interesting, I might return with a 4x5 or medium format camera . When cycling, I'm always on the look too.KB
I used to do all my photography with my motorbike, it allowed me to access places I could never reach with a car.
Thank you,Steve,for another great video!
amazing
Great discussion, I can work on both sides of the fence but I prefer the dynamic as I never know what I’m looking for until I see it.
Glad it’s not just me 🙂
those images are astonishing and so fantastic!
Thanks Martin.
Hi Steve, another very enjoyable video and your images are always so well composed and sensitively processed. The timing was perfect, I watched it whilst scanning negatives from a recent week long holiday in Grindleford, Derbyshire. I have neither your physical stamina nor your photographic skill but I was struck by similarities and differences between my experience and yours. I wasn't on a photography holiday, it was a "walking with my wife and two dogs" holiday so I had to travel light. Unlike you, when restricted to one lens I prefer to use a single prime rather than a zoom because I find the reduced choice of compositional possibilities offered by a standard prime helps me get better results. It also enables me to stick with square medium format which I prefer. I was also shooting Delta 400 but I rate at 400 and develop in Ilfotec DD-X. The built-in meter with AE Lock in my Mamiya 6 enables quick (by medium format standards) shooting because I just have to compose and focus and the camera is small and light enough to hang from my shoulder all day. My main objective was to go for a nice walk, but if I got a few good images that was a bonus and that really resonated with your comments.
I also managed an evening of "static" photography near Owler Bar, where I took a tripod, all three lenses for the Mamiya 6 and red and orange filters. This was planned in that I had seen some solitary trees whilst driving to the shops in the morning and I returned with a plan in mind. So I enjoyed both types of photography in one day. I really enjoyed myself and got a few images I'm happy with but can't deny I really want to go back to some of those locations with the big tripod, Bronica SQ Ai and some graduated ND filters, too!
And sorry, but I can't resist it. "There are two types of landscape photographers; those who divide landscape photographers into two types, and those who don't" :-)
Thanks Rupert, it sounds like your Mamiya 6 allows you to adopt both approaches to landscapes. Sadly the Bronica SQ is relegated to static work only and I carry an old 6x6 folder if I want to be more mobile.
All the best.
Are the sheep at 5:20 the same ones that were lurking in the shade at 0:59? Angry pheasants and laughing ducks be damned, those sheep are persistent!
That’s a good point, there’s probably only a handful of sheep up there but they keep being rearranged like movie extras 😀
Considering the changing weather conditions, responding to what is present can yield far more successful images. I think it's possible to go out burdened with expectations as well as gear. Planning can be great. After all, you went out having selected a particular film to use. But those same expectations can blind you to other, and perhaps even better, options. I think this also harkens back to your video where you discuss familiarity with a place and the resulting challenges and rewards. I am more likely to try and respond to setting (dynamic) to see what I can see. However, I think that the larger the camera and format, the more a considered and planned (static) approach will result in better images. Btw, love that shot at 9:50.
Thanks Bob. I’m trying to be more flexible with my approach whilst still having some sort of plan in mind (if that makes sense 🤔).
I believe that approach will yield the most opportunities for satisfying photographs. And yes, it makes sense, at least to my mind. It's that delicate dance of making sure our plans do not ossify into limiting expectations.
From one old guy who likes to spend time in the mountains to another, I think what you’ve described here are two different methods but not necessarily two different types of photographers, or maybe you’ve described both, not sure. In my mind “types” of photographers would be predicated more on the type of imagery produced. for example Mads Peter Iversen or Peter Lik create cartoons, picture postcards, the tourist’s idea of what wild places should look like (I hate their images if you can’t tell.) the imagery you present here has a very different feel, your images don’t “shout” at the viewer. Is that just a matter of dynamic vs. static? I doubt it.
I do find that when shooting handheld my images feel more natural and less composed, which is largely the case. When working slowly from a tripod I can’t react to a scene or the light in the same way as I can when working more freely. I’m also less inclined to shoot certain scenes with the slow approach due to the time needed to get everything setup and this is reflected in the end result.
My most favourite hill in the whole wide world.
And I really like your images. They really capture the essence.
In the past I've shotted with large format, tripod, etc. Now I prefer my Rolleiflex sl66, 400 iso, no tripod. I think that the tripod has an influence sometime negative on my composition. Of course there are limits. I cannot shot long exposures, but I'm totally free and I can compose my image.
Tripods do restrict movements somewhat and can force you into less than perfect positions. If I can dispense with one then I will always take that option.
I'm with you completely. On the go photography while I carry some 4x5 just in case but I rarely get it out of the pack because scenes just aren't perfect.
I'd like to know more about your pack system; I too rock the Talon 33 and a pair of Capture Clips, but when I tried adding a fanny pack for quick access film backs/lenses, it didn't feel great when hiking. May be related to my shorter stature. Are you carrying the Daylite fanny pack?
Great video. Whenever I watch yours I get a bit of validation with what I'm doing out there.
Good question on the pack system, I should do a video on this subject alone. I’ve found that small changes in position and different types of fastening have a big impact on how comfortable and easy it is to use camera gear while traversing difficult terrain.
Envious of your proximity to such a magnificent area. Took a family vacation to Yellowstone and we did a long hike that resembled your area somewhat, so understand how enjoyable it is to just walk and photograph. Just curious if you’re going to put the last photo of the trail on Etsy. Very nice shots overall.
Thanks Dan. I’ve not done much darkroom printing lately, I need to pick out a few recent negatives to work on.
Nice walk and photographs Steve
Thanks Dave.
Hallo Steve, I like this Episode very much, an impressive landscape! Please Tell me, where you walked and took these fantastic photos? Kind regards from Berlin/ Germany
Thanks Thomas. The mountain was Cadair Idris in lower Snowdonia, North Wales. I took a quiet route up but it was sadly very busy on the descent.
You said, at about 12:30, that you might take a static approach with larger cameras and a tripod if you *know* what you might expect. Did you see anything on this walk that you might want to revisit using the static approach?
Good question Julian. The view of Llyn Cau is my favourite overall but it also looks good when approached from the Minffordd path on the other side of the horseshoe. You’d need just the right light and some cloud to make it really work and I’m not sure I want to lug a big film camera up there on the off chance everything came together.
One thing about Tamron lenses and digital photography. Modern Tamrons have awful impact on colour of the sky- they make it greenish instead of pure blue in comparison with Nikkors.
Not a problem for a black and white photographer thankfully 😊
Quite nice video, good work, thanks for your efforts. One wonders if m43 would be a nice possibility for such walks as you did in this video. Very best wishes, take care! PS What might be a nice walk-around for Canon bodies such as you are using on that Nikon ( EF lens mount), any idea?
M43 is the best option for hiking overall. Sadly I have very little knowledge of Canon cameras so could not advise on a suitable model.
Apologies if I missed it but might I ask where you were shooting in out beautiful country - appreciating that you might wish to keep the solitude to yourself 😉
No problem at all Simon, it’s Cadair Idris approached from the East, a much quieter route to the top due to their being nowhere to park (unless like me you do a long walk) 🙂
I have to ask -- out hiking these mountains for 7+ hours -- I did not see any restrooms! When you need to "go" -- where do you go?
I follow the example of the sheep 🙂
40s in and Ansel O'Nions shows his version of Halfdome ;)
😀
mr. onions: what tripod do you use to hold your Broncia medium format
Any tripod really, I like the cheap aluminium Velbon range like the 655.
Mr. onions I have a vintage Mamiya C22 twin lens (heavy) what tripod would you recommend.
Any tripod that can hold it steady will do, the lighter the better 👍
Def two types: good and bad.
Excellent 😀
Sir where can you purchase your prints.
Here’s a link to my Etsy shop 🙂 steveonionsphoto.etsy.com
I want to be static but is forced to be dynamic because of my impatient girls 🙂
I know that feeling well 😀