A few months ago, I woke up early in the morning and decided to head down to Richmond Park with my Holga WPC and my Yashica Mat 124G. It was a beautiful autumn day, and the leaves were just starting to turn brown. I wanted to see what I could capture on my Holga 120 WPC, so I loaded up a roll of Fuji Pro 400H and set off to wander around the park.
As I walked around, I came across a tree that caught my eye. I framed up the shot and took it, but then I realized that I had accidentally taken a double exposure. I was a bit disappointed, but I had my trusted Yashica Mat 124G as a backup, so I decided to take another shot. This time, I used CineStill Redrum film and I was really happy with the results. The colors were much more subdued, but the composition was really beautiful.
I moved on to find another spot to take some more photos. I came across a nice little mansion in the background and some trees that were starting to change color. I wasn't sure if any deer would come across the frame, but I decided to take the shot anyway. To my surprise, the Pro 400H film was really sharp and the colors were coming out really well. I was really happy with the results.
As I continued to walk around, I came across a scene that really caught my eye. There was a tree that was going all yellow and everything else around it was still green. I decided to load up a roll of Velvia 50 on the old Holga and see what I could do with it. I was really excited to try out the Velvia film because I had never used it before.
I followed a technique that I had learned where you hold down the film advance lever and then scroll it along to tighten the film. This ensures that you don't lose any frames in the process. I was ready to start shooting and I remembered to skip every other frame to avoid any double exposures.
The colors that came out on the Velvia 50 were so golden and rich. I was really impressed by how well the film performed. However, I did have to be careful when walking around on marshy land. I also remembered to keep my distance from any stags that I came across, as it is important to be cautious around these animals.
After I finished shooting with the Holga, I decided to try out the Velvia 100 on the Yashica Mat 124G. I was really excited to see how the colors would come out in this film. To my surprise, the colors were really funky and unique. I was really happy with the results.
In the end, I was really pleased with the photos that I had taken. I felt that choosing the Velvia 50 and Velvia 100 to shoot in Richmond Park was a great choice. The colors in the foreground and background were really saturated and the images on the Holga and the Yashica both turned out really well.
One of the shots that I was particularly happy with was a landscape shot that had a nice mansion in the background, and some trees coming across the frame. The composition was really great and the colors were really popping. However, I did wish that the image was a bit sharper. Another shot that I was really happy with was a close-up of a deer sticking its head out. Despite the movement, I think it would turn out to be a great image.
Overall, it was a great experience to spend a beautiful autumn day in Richmond Park and capture some beautiful images with my film cameras. The colors on the Velvia film were really dramatic and unreal. I would definitely head back out here again!
What are my 5 key takeaways from this shoot in Richmond Park?
Use a tripod or other stabilizing device when taking long-exposure photographs to prevent camera shake and ensure sharp, clear images.
Experiment with different ISO settings to find the right balance between image quality and noise. Lower ISO values will produce less noise but may require longer exposures, while higher ISO values will produce more noise but will allow for shorter exposures.
Pay attention to the aperture and shutter speed when taking photographs. Aperture controls the amount of light that enters the lens and the depth of field, while shutter speed controls the length of time that the film or sensor is exposed to light.
Consider the "reciprocity failure" when working with film, which refers to the fact that the film may not respond linearly to changes in light exposure, and may require adjustments to the exposure time.
Be familiar with the characteristics of the film you are using, such as color saturation, contrast, and grain structure, and use this knowledge to make creative decisions about your photograph. Additionally, knowing the format of the camera you are using, such as the Polaroid SX-70, and it's features, like the ability to focus the lens and adjust the flash, can help you make the best use of the camera.
What is the best time to visit Richmond Park, London?
If you're planning a visit to Richmond Park in London, it's important to consider what you would like to see or do while you're there. The park offers different experiences depending on the season, so here's a breakdown of what you can expect to see and do at different times of the year.
Spring is a great time to visit if you're interested in wildflowers and bluebells. The park is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, and the bluebells are particularly spectacular in the spring. It's also a great time for birdwatching, as the park is home to many different species of birds.
During the summer, the park is a popular spot for picnics and other outdoor activities. The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it a great time to explore the park's many walking trails. Summer is a great time to enjoy the park's natural beauty and take in the sights and sounds of nature.
Autumn is a great time to see the park's many different species of trees and their autumn colors. It's also a good time to spot the different species of deer that call the park home, as they are more active during this season. The park is a great place to enjoy the colorful fall foliage and experience the beauty of the changing seasons.
Winter is a great time to visit the park for photography. The snow and frost can create beautiful landscapes, and the park's many different species of birds can be spotted more easily. The park is a great place to take in the winter scenery and enjoy the natural beauty of the park in a different light.
In general, the park is open to visitors every day of the year, and offers different experiences depending on the time of year. Early morning or late afternoon tend to be quieter hours, and might be the best time for photography.
What is the best film stock to shoot landscapes?
When it comes to capturing the beauty of the great outdoors, choosing the right film can make all the difference. Landscapes are all about capturing the natural world in its full glory, and the right film can help you achieve that perfect shot. So, what is the best film to shoot landscapes?
There are a few different options to choose from, each with their own unique advantages and disadvantages. One of the most popular options for landscape photography is Fujichrome Velvia 50. This film is known for its incredibly vibrant colors and high saturation, which can help make your landscapes pop. It also has a high level of sharpness and a wide exposure latitude, which makes it a great option for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.
Another popular option for landscape photography is Kodak Ektar 100. This film is known for its incredible color reproduction, making it a great choice for capturing the natural hues of the landscape. It also has a high level of sharpness and a wide exposure latitude, making it a great option for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions.
For those who prefer a more traditional look, black and white film can be a great option. Ilford XP2 Super 400 is a great choice for landscape photography as it has a wide exposure latitude and fine grain. It can also be used in color film cameras and processed as black and white.
Ultimately, the best film to shoot landscapes is a matter of personal preference. Each of these options has its own unique characteristics that make it great for capturing the natural world. So, whether you prefer vibrant colors, natural hues, or a more traditional look, there's a film out there that's perfect for you.
In conclusion, the key to capturing stunning landscapes is to experiment with different films and see which one works best for you. Whether you prefer Fujichrome Velvia 50, Kodak Ektar 100, or Ilford XP2 Super 400, each of these films has its own unique characteristics that can help bring your landscape shots to life. So, get out there, try some different films, and see what works best for you!
What is Velvia 50 film?
Velvia 50 is a type of color reversal film (slide film) that was produced by Fujifilm. It was known for its highly saturated colors and high level of contrast, making it particularly well-suited for landscape and nature photography.
The film has a ISO rating of 50, which means it is less sensitive to light compared to other films and required more light to make an exposure. This can result in sharper images with less noise. Velvia 50 was widely used by professional and amateur photographers and was considered to be one of the most popular slide films on the market.
What is Velvia 100 film?
Velvia 100 is a color reversal film (also known as slide film) that was originally manufactured by the Fujifilm Corporation. It is known for its highly saturated colors and fine grain, and is often used for landscape and nature photography.
Velvia 100 has a ISO rating of 100, and is available in 35mm and medium format. This film is also known for its ability to capture a wide range of colors, particularly in the red and blue spectrums, making it a popular choice for outdoor and nature photography.
It is also known for producing a unique and vivid look to the photos which can be hard to replicate digitally. It is also considered as one of the best film for landscape photography. However, it is also important to note that because of its high color saturation, Velvia 100 may not be the best choice for portraits or other types of photography where more natural skin tones are desired.
What is the Polaroid SX-70?
The Polaroid SX-70 is a type of instant camera that was first introduced by the Polaroid Corporation in 1972. It uses a unique instant film that produces a finished print within minutes of taking the photograph. The SX-70 is a folding, single lens reflex (SLR) camera that features a built-in electronic flash and manual controls for adjusting the aperture and shutter speed. It is considered a classic camera and is still sought after by photographers and collectors today.