Large Format Landscape Photography in Zion, Fall 2022: Episode 6

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Large Format Landscape Photography in Zion, Fall 2022: Episode 6

Рет қаралды 8,368

Күн бұрын

In this week's episode, I spend time in the park ahead of an approaching storm. If you enjoy this Ad-Free content, help me follow my dream! More information can be found in the links below.
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Пікірлер: 81

@Zanagash Жыл бұрын

It is still dark outside, the wife and kid are still asleep, outside, the rain is falling. I have my coffee and I’m about to watch 20mn of Ben Horne. It is meditative, and inspiring. Life is good.

@brianbeattyphotography Жыл бұрын

That sounds like the perfect way to start the day!

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks for making the videos a part of your routine! It's raining here as well right now, and I love it. Thanks for watching!

@dannykenealy6080 11 ай бұрын

Always enjoy your videos. I am returning to my photography and your work always has inspired me to look at other perspectives. I really enjoy slowing down and creating a new image.

@FotodioxInc Жыл бұрын

Beautiful video. Nice to spend some time listening to you talk about your process.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thank you! It's a slow process, but so very rewarding.

@larrylindell1027 Жыл бұрын

My favorite part of these Sat mornings is a coffee, biscotti and Ben Horne video. I know it is a lot of work making them but keep the, coming. I really enjoy them. Looking forward to next Saturday.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Larry! I'll have to bring some biscotti on my next trip so we can enjoy it together. :-)

@VanMierl0 Жыл бұрын

Nice that we as humans can't regulate nature yet, great beautiful video from you again. Really liked the beautiful piece at 14.05m the pink and green leaf you walked through. Regards, Martin

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Martin! That narrow stretch of canyon with all the maples is a places I look forward to revisiting each year. The color there is so wonderful and it looks great on video, but sure is tough to photograph. Thanks for watching and commenting Martin!

@mikemcdonald2752 Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to seeing the shot of the cactus and the stairstep crack. That definitely got my attention! 🙂

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike! It sure was a fun scene to find. I've stopped at that area in the past but couldn't quite make it work. This year the cactus was larger and became a suitable primary subject.

@chadroberts44 Жыл бұрын

When the wind was blowing I started wiping my eyes and was momentarily surprised when there was no grit in them. 😂

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

I know that feeling well when that sand gets everywhere, especially when you're wearing sunscreen and it really sticks. Thanks as always for watching Chad!

@kirstenpacker6703 Жыл бұрын

Well my day has just been well and truly made at 0:46 - I visited Zion for the first time in December and the one day we spent on this side of the park, this is the exact wash and ridge we chose to explore. Had my lunch on the slickrock at 0:46 ! So stoked :)

@kirstenpacker6703 Жыл бұрын

Took a photo of the tree at 2:16, it didn't quite work out but hi ho, it's so cool to see it in your video

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

That's so cool! Small world eh? One of the things I love about Zion is that there are so many wonderful side canyons to explore, and each of them is so very different. I've also enjoyed a snack or two on that same area of slickrock. The view up there is wonderful. Thanks for watching and commenting Kirsten, and I'm glad you were able to enjoy some time in Zion. I'm sure it won't be your last visit.

@ashvarma2486 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful video Ben. Great to follow along and really looking forward to seeing the cracked rock with cactus image next week.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Ash! That fracture sure makes for a great subject. We'll see how it all works out. :-)

@davemenard5089 Жыл бұрын

That wind was cool.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave! The park sure comes alive in the wind. I ended up cutting my hike short while hiking through that canyon when the wind was at its strongest. I couple small rocks tumbled down from above, and watching the big trees sway overhead was reason enough to return to a safer area.

@MeasuredLight Жыл бұрын

Another wonderful video Ben! Loving the water and all of the lovely autumn colour.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always! It sure was fun to wander around Zion when everything came alive from all the rain. I still would love to experience it during the summer monsoon season at some point, though certainly from a safe distance.

@MeasuredLight Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne oh yeah, that would be awesome!

@brianmckeever5280 Жыл бұрын

Looking forward to the stair-step crack in the sandstone and the cactus image!

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian! You'll have to tune in next week for the results. :-)

@brianmckeever5280 Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne I'll be there with popcorn.

@tarheelgarden Жыл бұрын

i hope you got a shot of the crack in the wall with the cactus. That scene looked like it has great potential, but I guess we'll find out next week.

@LandscapeFotografi Жыл бұрын

So beautifull location Bro,, good job 👍👍👍📸📸📸

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

@klaus.bernhard Жыл бұрын

Hi Ben, those wonderful little pools with the delicate rivulets, I couldn't resist. . . so wonderful, the different approaches. thank you for taking me Klaus

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Klaus! It sure is a wonderful experience to witness the water flowing through those areas. I've had my eye on them for quite some time and it's fun to show them on video, but it's tough to find a compelling composition for my 8x10. Also, as soon as the rain stops, the flowing water is reduced to a trickle. It's amazing how fast it stops. We'll see what happens with my upcoming winter visit through. :-) Thanks for watching and commenting!

@duringthemeanwhilst Жыл бұрын

those conditions were very "Welsh" Ben!!! In fact, just like a summer's day here on the South Wales coast! I was eyeing up those potholes at 1:00 - 1:30 thinking they might make for a nice subject?

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Fantastic summer weather indeed. :-) The potholes definitely make great subjects, but I haven't quite found a composition that speaks to me. Often times when the water is flowing, the light is flat. There are a variety of areas throughout the park with these potholes, though access can be tricky at times. Certain sections of the sandstone become as slick as ice when it's wet, so I'm always mindful of where I can and can't walk it rains. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

@brianbeattyphotography Жыл бұрын

Really good points on perspective and working hard. I can definitely see how not knowing the outcome of your efforts would help to keep the gas pedal on throughout the trip. While it is helpful to see the back of my 5DSR when I'm out (either just hiking or making a video), the only thing I really use as far as instant feedback is sharpness and making sure there's no motion blur. There's definitely times I feel like I nailed the photo or that it was crap, then get to editing and realize that reality is the opposite, haha.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear that you have a similar experience in the field with your 5DSR. I can definitely see how you don't get quite the full idea of what you captured until you see it on a large screen. When I was first getting started with large format, I would immediately second guess my exposure and my choice of composition just after taking a photo, but much of that has faded with time and experience. Now I mostly just tell myself I did the best I could and move on to the next opportunity. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Brian!

@SD_Alias Жыл бұрын

Wonderful story! I love the excitement when I've been on vacation for 2 weeks and shot about 10 rolls of film and then get them from the lab a week after the vacation ends and hope that there are some good pictures...

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

It sure is a wonderful feeling isn't it? Especially in a world filled with immediate gratification. Thanks for watching!

@johnbarns548 Жыл бұрын

Ben every night I sit in my living room staring at one of your photos in a crazy expensive frame we are waiting

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks again for that John, and thanks for watching! Hopefully I'll get up to the Redwoods again next year. We'll see. That place sure is wonderful!

@tremainwilliams2468 Жыл бұрын

You're a very patient man with a great attitude. I'm so glad that I met you at Junior High. Good luck and be safe.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always Tremain!

@Arcticfox7 Жыл бұрын

I felt a little jolt @ 2:50 Felt very much like a glitch in the matrix. Well done, Ben!

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks as always!! It sure was a wonderful experience.

@sdkgodeacs Жыл бұрын

A great walkabout and great video.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Steven! It sure was a wonderful experience hanging in Zion during that storm.

@chromagraphphotoart Жыл бұрын

Man watches a video of another man not taking any photos for 20minutes. Man is very satisfied.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it! This is the side of landscape photography people often don't see, but it's one of my favorite aspects of it. I love wandering with no set agenda. Thanks for watching and commenting!

@andrewsimpson5436 Жыл бұрын

You tease! I thought you were going to sneak those 2 shots in at the end and the boot is on the other foot, you know if you got those shots and we dont! 🙂 I've thought about moving to LF but when you mention 26mph and gusts to 40 I remember why I don't. I live on a costal area with strong regular winds where I often measure gusts over 50, if I had to wait on calm weather I'd never get a shot. Nice to see the changing conditions on your scouting.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Haha! Very true! All of that is revealed in the next (and final) episode. In the meantime, I'm watching the weather and looking to head back there if I see more snow in the forecast. It sure is a wonderful place. The wind is definitely a challenge. Setting aside taking a photo while the camera and subject are being moved by the wind, even setting up a composition is tough for fear of the camera blowing over, and fighting with the dark cloth as it constantly gets in the way. That being said, it gives a wonderful excuse to just relax and take it all in. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Andrew!

@andrewsimpson5436 Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne dam this will be action packed. I hope you get good weather, it's cold wet and windy here and forecast for the W/E but I'll still be out with the camera taking in what's there 👍

@alpharho_photo Жыл бұрын

Hi Ben! Thank you for this outstanding, high value content. I always enjoy it immensely. Just curious... do you ever visit Zion when water is flowing in the canyons? Naturally, it wouldn't be safe to walk in the canyons themselves as you usually do, but I imagine the park itself must look and feel completely different.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Hi Luis! All of the flowing water I've witnessed in these washes is from rain runoff or snow melt. It's enough to get the washes flowing but in a calm and peaceful manner. As soon as the ephemeral streams slow to a trickle, so it doesn't last long. The monsoon storms during the summer months are the ones that transform the washes into deadly torrents of churning floodwaters. I've never been to Zion while the washes have bene in this state, but I honestly would love to see it one day to witness it from a safe distance. Strong winter storms can also dump significant amounts of rain causing the washes to flood and the river to swell, but I've never witnessed those in person either. When I was a kid, my family visited Zion on a cross-country camping trip and I vividly remember a summer thunder storm rolling through the park with thunder overhead echoing off the canyon walls. It was an amazing experience and I'd love to witness that again some day. Thanks for watching and commenting Luis!

@nicolasbertin8552 Жыл бұрын

I completely agree with trying to forget the "good" images you had during a trip, to stay hungry for the next one. I do shoot digital, but I never look at my pictures during a trip. I look at them on the digital display sure, but that display never tells you how good it turned out. I only know once I look at the images on my desktop PC. And so ultimately my process is a bit like yours : I realize some of the photos I thought were great turned out mediocre, or some of the pictures I took just for the sake of it turned out much better than expected. I feel like not knowing during the whole length of the trip is great, and that still to this day many digital photographers, amateur or not, work like that. One thing I'm very bad at though is scouting... I feel like I need to be in a new area all the time. Fuel is so expensive right now, I just don't want to make a trip to a location I've visited before, and I'm always hungry for new areas. But that's probably one of the reasons I'm not pro =)

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear you have a similar experience with regard to staying hungry for the next photo. It is tough to tell how good or bad a photo is from the LCD alone, though at least you can see the exposure. Metering is one of the tricky parts of working with film, and my choice of exposure is often what I question after the fact. When it comes to new locations versus familiar locations, I'm very much the opposite. Although a change of scenery can be nice, I have difficulty connecting with a new environment. I'm often overwhelmed by my new surroundings, and it's not until I form a connection with that location that I produce work I'm more satisfied with. On the first visit or two, the photos I take are often the low hanging fruit. They're the easy and obvious photos. But after returning to that location season after season, year after year, I'm better able to produce the sort of work I'm truly satisfied with. Thanks for watching and commenting Nicolas!

@hankroarkphoto Жыл бұрын

Ben, thanks for doing these videos. Inspirational and educational. I hate to ask stuff from people that give as much as you do… and it would be cool to understand why you went past the compositions you skipped (the cactus, the rocks on the sandstone). Was it just the light, or something else?

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Hi Hank! Although it's not immediately apparent by watching the video, the reason I didn't take those photos was because I didn't have the camera with me. I only had my scouting backpack with me while going for a morning wander. With clouds in the forecast and without a specific subject in mind, I decided to just go out for a wander. It's often when I'm wandering without my camera that I find great subjects to work with. I can take time to consider each subject without the pressure of having to photograph it, and since I'm not spending a significant amount of time with only that one subject, I can quickly move on and scout more subjects of interest. This has become a significant part of my process on these trips. Wander a bunch without my camera, find interesting subjects, then formulate a plan on how best to photograph those subjects in the days that follow. It also helps to give me something to look forward to while waiting for the weather to clear. Thanks for watching and commenting Hank!

@hankroarkphoto Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne Hi Ben, thanks for that. Super helpful. With that, Time for me to go get out I think!! Cheers.

@brucedelorme5026 Жыл бұрын

Ben, I love this series every year. Truly do. However, I have to ask. Every image I see of Zion, the Narrows I see nothing but people, noise and chaos. How is it in your videos I dont see people. You dont every mention anything about having to wait for people to depart from your target area. I currently am stationed in Germany and returning home to the states for good in June 2023 and the 1st thing I want to do is head to Zion, but thinking maybe early November. Are you in the least touristy areas or main parts of the narrows and such. Thanks again and do not ever stop what you do. Love your work

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Hi Bruce! Thats a good question. Other than perhaps the sound of a passing vehicle in the background, one might assume I'm the only human around for miles based on watching the videos. I do bump into people from time to time, but they're few and far between. The people I do see are often also photographers, many of which I know. I avoid the popular areas like the plague. Although the Narrows are beautiful, I just can't work with that many people around. And although Zion isn't a very large national park compared to some, the crowds are concentrated in specific areas, leaving the rest of the backcountry for those who know where to look. That's one of the benefits of returning to a location again and again. The exploration never ends, and even if one could visit every corner of the park, it's in a constant state of change. I'm always intentionally vague about where I am in the park and I'm careful what I show in the videos because many of these places don't have the infrastructure to support large crowds. These areas would become trampled and subject to vandalism and litter like some of the more popular areas-and it would ruin the wilderness experience for those who enjoy it. Thanks for watching the videos Bruce, and that was a great question!

@UncleDobby Жыл бұрын

Hey Ben! Loving your work. Can I ask about your little ‘viewfinder’ tool. Is it a commercially available product or something you made? Thanks.

@milnerstudios Жыл бұрын

Curious too

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Hi Robert! It's called the Artist's View Catcher and you can find them on Amazon for a bit over $11. It's honestly one of the most important pieces of equipment I carry in the field. By simply putting a rectangle around a subject and viewing that subject with your eyes rather than through a camera, you can quickly evaluate how well balanced a composition is, and if there are any distracting elements to be aware of.

@UncleDobby Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne thanks Ben.

@vishwasnagaraju8260 Жыл бұрын

You showing the perspectives using the card is interesting. Also how do you mark the potential subject locations to come back and shoot at ? You just know the way or do you mark locations using gmap or something ?

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Thanks Vishwas! I was pleasantly surprised at how showing that with the wide angle lens on my video camera closely matches the actual experience of using the view catcher frame. After scouting a great subject with that frame, I take a photo of the scene with my iphone to match as closely as possible the composition I have in mind. When coming up with a plan of what to shoot each day, I scroll through those photos and come up with something that matches the conditions I have to work with. If I don't get to a particular subject but want to revisit it on another trip, I write it down in my notebook as a "subject discovery" for a future visit. I also include a brief note of where it is, often in relation to other landmarks. I only use the GPS in places like Death Valley where there are huge expanses and I can't rely on localized landmarks to return. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!

@DannyFyffe Жыл бұрын

Ben: I cannot help but believe that at the end of each day, your feet must hurt pretty badly. You walk on so many small, medium and large rocks for hours that it must get to them. Then you walk back and forth filming those areas which is extra torture on your feet. Glad you are healthy so far and haven't fallen. I hope you stayed warm that night. Take care and I'll see you...next time.

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Hi Danny! I'm happy to say my feet are quite well by the end of the day. I'm quite accustomed to wandering around all day, and I often take time to sit down and enjoy the sights and sounds. I just have to force myself to eat enough calories to replace what I burn though, otherwise I end up running a calorie deficit which catches up with me after about a week.

@DannyFyffe Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne Keep in touch with those feet. When you get old like me, your feet will scream at you on those rocks. I'm glad you are still handling it well. Take care and keep bringing those great videos.

@L.Spencer Жыл бұрын

Interesting about the quicksand. If one leg goes in, would you be able to get it out?

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

The quicksand I've run into in Zion is at most knee-deep. Anything further and you hit the rocks at the bottom of the wash. You learn to recognize it quickly before even trying to walk on it. It's often just downstream from a drop in the wash where there is some turbulence in the flow of the water, or on the inside bends of washes. It's much easier to spot just after the rain, and gets a bit more tricky in the days that follow when the surface dries but it's still like pudding under the surface. Those are the times when you fall into it like falling into a hole, but you can often get out of it just as quickly. I've never felt threatened by it, but it's definitely something to watch for to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

@tarunindoriya902 Жыл бұрын

Can you make a video (if you haven't already) on your editing process. How much you edit it..

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

I'll definitely make some videos on that topic after my winter trips. I'm definitely quite conservative with my editing and much of it is done with the curves tool and layers in photoshop.

@pandahero1 Жыл бұрын

Have you essentially given up on photographing the main canyon/narrows at this point in your Zion experience level?

@BenHorne Жыл бұрын

Those areas are quite difficult to photograph both because of the crowds, and also because of the logistics getting there. I bring a bike to access the main canyon rather than taking the shuttle, which takes more time and effort. I do like visiting the main canyon during the winter when you can drive your private vehicles in there though.

@pandahero1 Жыл бұрын

@@BenHorne that makes sense. I’ve been about 3-4 times to Zion so still have plenty to explore in the main canyon. You’re definitely right in regards to the crowds