Yeah, those maple leaves look so cool when they are backlit. The color is so intense that it almost looks fake. The crazy thing is that those maples were being backlit by an overcast sky that day. When the sun peaks out, it is even more intense.
Thanks Chris! There is definitely something very calming about those forests. Even though I only recently returned, I am looking forward to heading back there again next spring.
i dont mean to be offtopic but does anybody know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me.
Delightful start to your new series Ben. It’s incredible to see the scale of scene when your were walking through the redwoods. Can only imagine how it’s looks with the naked eye
Thanks Scotty. Those trees are pretty crazy. I have some clips later in the trip where I pan up from the base of the tree, and it gives a similar experience to looking at them in person. Just when you think you've seen the entire tree, there is a moment of surprise when you realize it's even taller than you thought it would be.
Thanks Craig! I will make a separate video where I talk about the results of the focus stacking, and what I learned from it. There were some things that I didn't quite anticipate, but it will be a solid technique for future trips.
Hey! Great video! I really enjoyed it! I was up in that area this past June! It was absolutely gorgeous! The folding kayak looks very cool! I’m going to have to check those out! Great work! Thank you!
I think you're really going to enjoy the experience of working with large format. There's something so very special about the process, and looking at the film on a light box sure is a fun! Thanks for subscribing, and welcome to the channel!
Been waiting for your photo trip videos for a while now and finally! Liked it very much Ben, the subtle detail in the photo and the video as well. You are the photographer I like the most among a list of others, all thanks to your narration, video quality, of course your photos and mostly your attitude. Keep rocking Ben!
@@BenHorne I'm currently in Alaska and so far, I have to say the Redwoods are by far my favorite thing to see this whole trip. They are not to be believed until you see them. Can't wait to watch your whole series.
Well Done Ben. Great scenery, great story line, and a very good photograph. Thanks for including footage of a bit of what goes on at the campsite. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Yup. Oru Kayak are very cool. I've been thinking about them myself the last year or so. Definitely a lot easier to manage than the 100 pound kayak I currently have! Cheers!
That was such an incredible vlog Ben, beautifully shot. That Kayak was so cool! And that final image had great rhythm despite your wish for more elements involved.
Thanks Anton! It was a pretty awesome trip, and I definitely became more comfortable with my surroundings as the trip went on. It's such a beautiful location, and also quite intimidating at first since everything is so huge, and so chaotic.
Really enjoyed the start to what looks like a great series Ben. You just never know what will be in store for you in the Redwoods weather wise. Capturing the scale of those massive trees is so tough. Looks like you found a lovely scene though to come back to and man a makeshift kayak with the Redwoods surrounding you. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Thanks Diego! It sure was a fun trip. Not too long, not too short, and I managed to get some photos later in the trip that I am really happy with. My new approach of breaking a trip up into two halves really seems to be productive, and helps me avoid burnout.
Thanks Arthur! The cool news is that I finished all the videos, and they are set to auto post each Saturday morning. I'll be off in the field on the second part of my trip here in the coming weeks, but the Redwood videos will be on schedule every week while I'm gone filming more content. I really enjoyed my stay up in the Redwoods, and I look forward to heading back there next year.
Ben, really enjoyed this one! Great message in the beginning and really nice production value all throughout the video. That kayak looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Thanks Brandon! That voiceover at the beginning took me longer to write and record than the amount of time it took me to drive to the Redwoods. It's pretty crazy how that all works, but I do think it's an import part of the videos. The Kayak truly is awesome. When my wife and I visit Glacier this summer, we'll be able to pack two of them inside my 4runner with plenty of room left for all the other stuff we carry as well. Super awesome company, and their kayaks are so fun to use.
@@BenHorne I can believe it. I'm sure so much goes into the behind the scenes of these videos to raise the level of quality, but I totally appreciate it and I'm sure I'm not alone. Your videos are always done really well and a pleasure to watch. Something I really look forward to. I currently have a canoe/pack boat made by a company called Swift out of Ontario, Canada, which is shaped like a canoe but functions like a kayak. It's great for island camping when I have a ton of gear (camping and photo) and also really light for portaging (26lbs), but it would be nice to have something a little more compact for just getting into tight places like marshes, creeks, etc. Definitely going to look into it.
Thank you for this video Ben. I was so excited when I saw that you were driving through Eureka on the way to your redwood adventure. I live in upstate NY now, but was raised in Arcata and spent a good portion of my younger life at places like Patrick’s Point, Jed Smith, and Prairie Creek parks exploring and sometimes photographing the beautiful forests in the area. As always, it is fun to come along with you on your journey and thought process when observing the wonderful places that you travel to photograph. I can’t wait to see the other installments of this series!
Thanks Michael! That must have been pretty cool to be able to explore such beautiful ares when you were younger. I sure wish I had places like that nearby!
As always Ben, thank you for posting. The redwoods are so beautiful and though it has been well over 20 years since I last visited such, they still hold fond memories for me. I look very forward to seeing more of this journey as well as all the others. BTW love the backpack, have no idea which one it is, but reminds me of my old reliable Dana Design which is still being used after nearly 20 years. The folding Kayak is very cool also. Much success on the editing and posting of this trip and best to you and yours. Once again thank you for sharing.
Thanks Tim! The backpack is a Gregory Denali Pro. It is incredibly well made, and will likely last a good 20 years. They don't make this model anymore, but I have been using it since 2013 now, and it has been rock solid. I think they went with different materials on the new version that might shed water a bit more, but I suspect it would be less durable than this one. That kayak is so fun to use. I love being able to put it inside my 4Runner when transporting it, and put it in the closet once I'm home. I will be getting one for my wife as well so we can enjoy paddling around some of the lakes up in Glacier.
@@BenHorne Thanks Ben, Gregory has always been know for making excellent packs and once you get a good one and adjusted right, no need to change until they almost fall apart which can be a very long time. The old Dana Design I purchased in 2000, still in good shape. Dana closed down but the original designer is back doing business under Mystery Range now. Love the Kayak and will check it out. Be safe and enjoy the day.
Very nice! Been looking forward to this video for a while, and it didn't disappoint. I liked the phrase in your intro about failure and mountain of successes, it is very true and wise. A pretty interesting and clever kayak as well. You can patent an eye-patch, the Ben Horne-patch "Composition assistant", see the world in full 2D :) hehe! Merch idea! Take care mate! Looking forward to more.
Thanks as always Joshua! It was such a rejuvenating location. There's something about walking through a forest of giant trees during a soft rain that is so calming.
Thanks Annie! It is a really beautiful place, and I definitely look forward to returning next year. One of the great things about the Redwoods is that it's a place that doesn't have a lot of iconic scenes that people flock to. You really just have to go out for a wander and try to find your own subjects. I really enjoyed that.
@@BenHorne We visited the Valley of the giant Tingle trees here in WA this summer, it is a tiny pocket of endemic species on the south coast. Breathtaking, just scouting and taking it in, however, very much a tourist attraction. Looking forward to going to the US again in the future as well as some locations in Canada, been to Vancouver and Colorado in the past. Just find it hard to photograph without having enough time.
Thanks Paul! I really had a lot of fun with the sound on this trip. There was so much great stuff to work with... the sound of the the birds, the rain, etc.
One of the many bits of California Gold that I've been meaning to see in my lifetime... Love that composition, hopefully some better conditions turn up!
Thanks Matthew! It's definitely worth the (long) drive to get up there. Absolutely beautiful scenery, and there's something about hiking through those forests that is so peaceful.
Definitely looking forward to following this series, and seeing how you find things to compose. As I live in the bay area, scenery like this is much easier for me to come across than what you usually shoot in the southwest.
Looking forward to see how you approach the clutter of or amazing redwoods. I have the opportunity to visit these a lot and do, but rarely come back with a photo I would print or share. There is always just so much chaotic beauty in a scene to make that special photo for me. I always appreciate your insight because it is Owen so much different then my own.
I had hoped to get to the Redwoods last year but didn’t make it. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip. I just purchased your e-book and like it so far. I have been thinking of just taking my film camera from the 90’s and trying to focus on just a few good compositions, and leave the DSLR home. I still find myself getting impatient and then just applying the pray and spray method. Maybe the film will force me to take it slow and think through things. I think your e-book will be a great reference for that. Eventually, I wouldn’t mind selling a print or two, but I only have thousands of mediocre shots and nothing great. :)
Thanks for the comment and for buying the eBook Chad. That's awesome of you. I think you'll definitely find that film slows you down a bit, which is a good thing. Since every photo costs you a little bit of money, and there is a finite limit to the number of photos you can shoot, it makes you think about things a bit differently. I wish I could say that I am naturally an incredibly patient person and that if I switched back to digital I would approach it with the same philosophy that I have with film, but I don't think that would be the case for me. I really need to have those rigid constraints and limitations to guide my process. It sure would be nice carrying a much lighter camera though.😂
Kudos for trying such a different landscape. Ironically I was just out in a local redwood forest this week. Such special places though they can be hard to find shots given how busy the forest floor can be. I like the shot you got and will be interested to see what else you find in this new environment!
Thanks Joshua! I mostly concentrated my efforts on just one or two trails while I was there, which allowed me to see that area under different conditions. That paid off later in the trip when I managed to put myself in the right place at the right time. It is such a beautiful area, and I look forward to returning next spring.
Just found your videos man! I love your style of story telling and your calmness. I’m headed to the redwoods tomorrow for a couple days Really related to be afraid of coming back empty handed. Kinda nervous because not sure what I’m going to be photographing yet & hoping I get some good conditions!
Thanks Nick, and welcome to the channel! You'll definitely love the Redwoods. It's such a special place, and I love how quiet it is there. It's a location that makes you work a bit for your photos, but one of the things you can do is just stop somewhere and look around. You'll notice all sorts of great subjects hiding in plain sight.
Thanks Felix! Yup, the Kayak sure is fun! I'll be getting one for my wife before we head up to Glacier this summer. It will be a really fun addition to our standing camping kit.
Dude, love the location, I will have to go there. And, as a dedicated landscape photographer, I have to say, there is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with your "chaotic" forest image. The very fact that the foreground and background are not separated and distinct adds mystery to what otherwise could have been another picture of trees and undergrowth. Like the new music as well.
Thanks Robert! I think it's one of those things where I just know that the photo can be so much better if the conditions were just a bit different, so it's something to put on my list for future trips. That all being said, I will say that I did have some even better conditions later in the trip, and those conditions resulted in a photo I am very happy with.
@@BenHorne We get stuck in our favorite, comfortable places. For you, it's Zion and Grand Staircase. For me it's Death Valley and the Owens Valley. It's important to get out of our comfort zone and experience new things, see new vistas, and capture new images. Great job.
Thanks! There was something really awesome about heading into such a new and different environment. I had a lot of fun with my slider later in the trip as well. :-)
Beautiful area that I haven’t visited in years, I could almost smell that sweet wet redwood fresh scent! Thanks for posting. The drive up brought back wonderful road trip memories! Personally I really liked that shot you took! 👍
Great video to kick off this series Ben. I've always been interested in this area, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the videos to see how you approach things. In just a few days I'll be leaving on my own 14-hour road trip north from where I live on a photography trip, so it's nice to see another photographer similar lengths to reach their location. Thanks to the magic of video, it didn't seem too bad! 🙂 I'm visiting the Pilbara area in WA, which is similar to areas you've shared at Zion NP, so I'll be trying to channel my inner Ben Horne as best I can. The area where you stopped and decided to shoot was beautiful, however, I can see it had its challenges. I was interested in the fact you tried a focus stacked shot. How did it turn out?
Thanks Andrew! In many ways it's quite amusing how the videos are meant to tell the true story of a trip, yet somehow a 2 minute driving montage set to some music with an accompanying voiceover isn't quite the same experience as a 14 hour drive. 😂Kinda funny how that all works. I look forward to seeing what you come away with from Pilbara. I imagine you'll find some nice trees to photograph set against some great looking rock walls. :-) I'll be going on yet another 14 hour drive when I head to Utah again in the coming weeks for a backpacking trip. Hopefully the weather cooperates. This will be my third attempt at that trip.
A bit of fog would have definitely helped with this scene, though it was nice to at least think through a composition for when the conditions really are nice. I didn't have much fog on this trip, but it does make an appearance later in this trip, and that resulted in a really awesome shot not far from where I shot this one. The focus stack actually worked pretty decent, but since it's not a really great scene to begin with, it was more of an experiment than anything. I'll do a video on the focus stack and what I learned from it in a few weeks or so. It's definitely a good technique to have in my tool belt, and the process is a bit different than with digital.
Was beginning to think you'd lost Prius Man, but he's there at 1:31, as was Tank Man - an Abrams M1?? (0:20) The trees are hugely impressive but I wait to see what else you come up with photographing them. And that's the smartest folding kayak design I've seen!
It wasn't until I was driving through the Bay area that I finally got the Prius shot that I had been hoping for, and there was no shortage of them up there. The heavy machinery you see early on is some construction equipment that's part of a freeway expansion project. There were some bushes in the center divide that were removed, and now they are digging up all the soil and using that machine to sift out the stuff they don't want in it.
Well Ben, my first instinct was going to be to make a joke about Ewoks, which I thought would be original. I see that 250 people beat me to it haha. I’m glad I read the comments first. Great video and I need to make it up that way soon. I’m used to hanging out here in the desert, so being in a completely different world and the challenges that come with woodland photography sounds fantastic. Also escaping the 100+ degree weather doesn’t sound too shabby either. Thanks for the inspiration!
Haha! Believe me, I had all sorts of visions of Ewoks darting between the trees while I was up there. It's definitely worth a trip up there. There's something about the forests that are so calming, and it smells amazing up there - especially when it's raining.
Great video Ben! I'm so excited to see the progress of this trip as you are now in my idea of heaven on Earth. We will be in Santa Cruz and then up to Marin County in August. Love those big old trees from northern California all the way up through Washington.
Thanks James! Heaven on Earth is a great way to describe it for sure. Not only is it beautiful, it's also one of those places where photos will never do it justice. I look forward to returning next spring. I hope you enjoy your trip in August!
Wow Ben what an awesome location and I don't know how you can walk past those beautiful trees without touching them - You probably did starting out but realised you weren't making much progress. Hope you get some mist for separation on your next visit. 👍
Haha! Yeah, it would be easy to get caught up with the beauty of each tree along the trail. It really is amazing how huge they are, and though it does sound incredibly cliché, it really does make you feel very small and insignificant while wandering through the groves. I can't wait to head back next year.
I am super excited about that Kayak. I have always wanted to have one, but I didn't want to mess with trying to store one and transport it. This one can fit in the trunk of a small car, and can easily be stored in a closet.
@@BenHorne That has probably been my biggest hang up when it has come to making a decision on buying one. I think it would be nice to have so I can get across some of these lakes in my area. Do you transport your camera gear also?
That's a beautiful location Ben! I love the color palette of the area. I think slide film can really do justice to this place. And don't worry about subject separation, it might be a bit hard, but when the conditions align nicely it will provide you with some wonderful opportunities, I'm sure! And the whole kayaking part looked so nice on this location, it must be really calming being out there! I'm looking forward to the next day of your trip. On a side note, this November I'll be spending a week in Denver, Colorado. And it would be a beautiful opportunity for me to visit at least one of the country's beautiful national parks. Being from Europe though, it's only the second time I'll be visiting the US and the amount of parks that are relatively nearby Denver looks a bit overwhelming. I'm trying to figure out which one would be a good choice given the time of the year I'll be there. So I wanted to ask you, If you have any recommendations or advice, it would be much appreciated! Thank you so much :)
Thanks Alexander! I was able to find some other subjects later in the trip where I did a better job with subject separation. In those cases, I was able to use light, color, and atmospherics to help out a bit. I think there is a decent shot possible from the location I shot in this video, but just a little bit of mist would be nice. I have that on the list for future trips. You're definitely right on about it being very calming out on the river. The water was so beautiful and clear. It felt great paddling up-stream and feeling the kayak slice through the current of the river, then hearing how quiet it was when I turned down river and went with the flow. I really haven't explored the various parks near Denver, but you will be very close to Rocky Mountain National Park. You might want to look up Erik Stensland's book about hiking Rocky Mountain National Park. He's a very talented photographer, and has a gallery in Estes Park.
@@BenHorne The Rocky Mountain National Park is indeed very close, only a 1.30 hour drive, I will most definitely visit it, and the hiking guide of Erik Stensland looks very well made, thanks for the recommendation. I was also thinking of the possibility of going to Yellowstone, but it is a long drive (about 8-9 hours), so I'm not really sure about it. I think it would be wiser to spent that time exploring something closer instead of traveling. Anyways, thanks for the recommendation Ben! I'm looking forward to the next video, have a great day!
Thanks Mark! It sure was great getting out on the river, especially when I was paddling up-stream and felt the current of the river against the kayak while staring up at those big trees.
Thanks Jay! I will do a followup video where I talk about the focus stack as well as the panoramic photo. The focus stack actually worked quite well, though I certainly learned some stuff from the process that I will cover in that video. It's a technique I will definitely use for future photos based on what I learned. Something weird happened with the panoramic that I still need to figure out. I'll save that video for once I get back from Utah.
Thanks! It's one of those places where it's hard to even comprehend the scale of the trees. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and look forward to returning next year.
I live in Crescent City and still find it hard to show the massive scale of these trees. Can I give a few suggestions? 1) Climbing a hill will help because you will be more even with the tree trunks. 2) Shooting by a river will help to show the scale of things. 3) Morning fog helps. Fog is more common in late spring and throughout the summer. 4) Be prepared for long exposures. 5) Rhododendrons bloom in the spring. The first blossoms will be a few miles inland. The Smith River near Hiouchi is good for early season trips. Later in the season, drive highway 101 between Klamath and Crescent City. The famous Damnation Creek Trail will be crowded with photographers between 101 and the Coastal Trail. Escape the crowds by hiking north on the Coastal Trail to a large grove of rhododendrons. The same grove can be photographed from 101.
Thanks for the tips Dwight! I only had a small amount of fog on this trip, but I think much of that is because it was raining so much while I was there. I plan on heading to the Redwoods a few weeks later next year. The Rhododendrons were only just starting to bloom when I was there this year. It sure is a beautiful location, and I truly look forward to a return trip next year.
Thanks as always Bryan! The Redwoods will definitely be a regular location for me each Spring. It was great exploring such a different environment than I am accustomed to. Rather than spending 10 days or so in Utah during the spring, I split the trip in half and spent 5 days in the Redwoods, then 5 days in Utah. That seems to be a good technique for me.
@@BenHorne we've got some nice forests here in korea, the problem is that since it's a small and densely populated country, there are massive amounts of people everywhere and you cant enjoy some quiet time : /
I use North Coast Photographic in Carlsbad California and AgX Imaging up in Michigan. Both have done great work for me. If I did a lot more shooting, I might consider developing my own film, but I would need to buy a lot of equipment to make that possible, and the price to have my film developed is quite reasonable.
I absolutely share your feeling that the forest is a beautiful place to be but, like you, I’ve developed a sense for photographing the dessert which does not translate to the forest setting. For that reason, I’m really looking forward to following this series to see how things develop and to share what you learn about finding compositions in that environment. Also, it will be interesting to see how you adapt to a week of rain - something that I’m pretty sure you haven’t had to do on the Colorado Plateau.
I've always felt more comfortable with wide vistas as well, but living in an area with trees as the only features has forced me to try and learn to find order in chaos. Whenever I go to Scotland or other places with a more open landscape it takes me a while to get used to it. The forest is more forgiving weather wise.
One of the things I really enjoy about the desert is the ability to get just about anywhere because there are so many durable surfaces to walk on without fear of trampling plants. I think that lends itself to exploring off the beaten path, and when you combine that with the wide open scenery, it sure is quite nice. That being said, I thought that I might feel uneasy walking through this massive forest early in the morning, but there was something very calming about it. The rain definitely presented some challenges. The increased humidity made it very difficult to see the ground glass (it would fog up without even breathing on it), and my loupe would also fog up. I learned to use my Harrison dark cloth that doubles as a rain cover, and I use a second waterproof cloth to cover my bag and camera gear that's on the ground. That system worked quite well, though everything does get soaked at a certain point. You'll see a lot of rain in my second video in particular. Sure makes for some great hiking in the forest though.
The funny thing is that I couldn't get one to pass me until I got up to the bay area. There was no shortage of them up there. At one point, I thought I was going to get passed by several at the same time, but that didn't quite work out. 😂
Love it man! Large format crew is always coming in strong with these documentary style travel videos. I’m totally ok with seeing you sponsored. Toyota and Shell would make nice supporters too, wouldn’t they... Edit: typo
Thanks Daniel! My general rule of thumb is to only work with companies that I truly love their product. As a bit more backstory, I first learned about Oru Kayak when my wife and I visited the Redwoods last summer. She brought up the idea that we should get some kayaks, so I started doing some research when we got back to camp. It was then that I learned about their products, and thought they were so cool. Fast forward to one month before my solo trip to the Redwoods, and Oru Kayak reached out to me, so the timing was perfect. Getting out on the river was one of the things I looked forward to most about this trip.
You sure have some beautiful scenery close to home! For me, even seeing trees is a novelty. 😂I hope to make my way back to Olympic at some point. That sure is quite the drive though!
That is the MSR Hubba NX, which is the 1 person version of the Hubba Hubba. I have had that tent for several years now, and before this one, I had the previous version which was very similar. I am very happy with the tent, though I did get a small amount of water in it on this trip. It came from one of the taped seams in the corners. That wasn't a big deal though. I just wish the tent was a little bit longer. I'm about 6'2", and I just barely fit in it without my sleeping bag making contact with either end. If I'm not positioned perfectly, either my toes or my head will get a bit cold when the insulation of the sleeping bag is compressed a bit. Their customer service is very good. A few years ago one of the poles snapped because of some high wind, and they took care of it for me free of charge.
Be a better witness to the world around you... golden. Beautiful destination! Focus Stacking in the Film world... how does that work ? #respect fantastic b-roll
Thanks Robert! I will do a separate video about what I learned from the focus stacking. It's the same principle with digital, and the technique is mostly the same, but there are some differences with film that I didn't quite anticipate. It was great to experiment with the technique a bit, and it's something I'll definitely be able to use on future trips.
I really struggled to get that "passed by a Prius" shot on this trip. That is... until I was driving through the bay area. They are not a rare commodity up there.
I think you could have had more separation in the trees shooting with a slightly wider aperture. I know you go for those tack sharp f/128 shots, but the out of focus fade in 8x10 is special.
The depth of field is super tricky up there. I shot the photo at my usual F/45, and the DOF is definitely a bit shallower than I would like. It does in some ways help separate the trees, but I just wish the light was a bit more dimensional to give the trees more of a 3D look. Thankfully I was able to get some even better conditions later in the trip.
Thanks Lee! Yeah, that 14.5 hour drive definitely was a long one. Thankfully I timed it so I really didn't run into any traffic heading through the Los Angeles and SF Bay area. The only traffic jam I came across was the herd of Elk in the Road. :-)
You'll see the focus stacked image in a separate video in the next few weeks. I definitely learned a few things about the process. There is also a bit of a mystery about that wide angle photo that I was hoping to crop as a panoramic.
It's funny how I only really noticed the lighter ferns after I shot the photo. When I was composing it, my ground glass was so fogged up that I could barely notice stuff like that. I hope to return to that same spot when there is a bit of fog to work with. Though I didn't get much fog on the trip, it does make an appearance later in the videos, and the resulted in my favorite photo from the trip.
Emily Martin Good question! I have the camera on the passenger seat attached to a handle grip via the tripod socket. It is prefocused to infinity with automatic controls. I can easily turn the camera on and hit record just by feel, then grab the handle and point the camera without taking my eyes off the road. It is actually less effort than grabbing a drink from a cup holder and taking a sip. They key is being able to operate the camera by feel, and having everything be automatic.
It's definitely on my mind in certain locations. While hiking a lesser used trail on this trip, I came across some very fresh bear droppings in the middle of the trail. For me, that was a sign that I had hiked far enough and I turned around. :-) Mountain Lions on the other hand are incredibly elusive and generally avoid people, but there are some locations where I prefer not to be on the trail before sunrise or after sunset because that is when they are most active. They are ambush predators, so hiking trails with natural bottle necks that have overhanging rock ledges gives me the creeps in those conditions. I have seen bears while hiking, but I have never seen a mountain lion. I have seen their tracks though.
@@BenHorneHorne lol right on. Yea it freaks me out when I'm out hiking lol. I always take someone with me when I go. I guess I'm just a chicken lol. Btw, love your videos sir and your photography. I'm more of a wildlife photographer but love watching your style of landscape photography.
I loved that shot at 13:03, what an intense natural yet wild canopy, being blown up by the sun. Those plants really reach for where they need to grow.
Yeah, those maple leaves look so cool when they are backlit. The color is so intense that it almost looks fake. The crazy thing is that those maples were being backlit by an overcast sky that day. When the sun peaks out, it is even more intense.
Who needs a therapist when you can just watch a Ben Horne video, I know I’m calmer now 😂 love your content brother, so relaxing.
Thanks Chris! There is definitely something very calming about those forests. Even though I only recently returned, I am looking forward to heading back there again next spring.
i dont mean to be offtopic but does anybody know a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I somehow lost my account password. I would love any assistance you can give me.
@Eli Brecken instablaster =)
Delightful start to your new series Ben. It’s incredible to see the scale of scene when your were walking through the redwoods. Can only imagine how it’s looks with the naked eye
Thanks Scotty. Those trees are pretty crazy. I have some clips later in the trip where I pan up from the base of the tree, and it gives a similar experience to looking at them in person. Just when you think you've seen the entire tree, there is a moment of surprise when you realize it's even taller than you thought it would be.
Yep, those trees look pretty incredible. I love the wet ferns too. Fog often helps but the photo still looked good to me :)
I think you'll really enjoy the third video in the series. :-)
@@BenHorne I'll translate that to, "I think the third video in the series will make you very envious." :-P
I have been watching a lot of your photography journal videos and they are so calming and inspiring. Awesome work as always!
Thank you Jared! I'm glad you enjoy them!
Ben, I love your work. I’m catching up on the videos, the message here is special!
Thank you so much Gregory! I look forward to heading back to the Redwoods in late May. Such a special place.
Love your life philosophies at the start of the video.
Thanks Peter! There is something about going on those long drives that gives me a chance to think about things. :-)
What a sense of peace. Thank you.
Thanks Trina! It sure is a very peaceful place - super calm and quiet.
Thanks for all your time and effort in putting these together. Intrigued to know more about your focus stacking technique.
Thanks Craig! I will make a separate video where I talk about the results of the focus stacking, and what I learned from it. There were some things that I didn't quite anticipate, but it will be a solid technique for future trips.
@@BenHorne Is this focus stacking done while developing the film or in the post?
Hey! Great video! I really enjoyed it! I was up in that area this past June! It was absolutely gorgeous! The folding kayak looks very cool! I’m going to have to check those out! Great work! Thank you!
Thanks John! It sure is a beautiful area, and I look forward to heading back up there again this spring! I hope you got some great photos!
Love your videos and love to see you shoot some new locations! It's always interesting to see photographers get out of their usual elements :)
Thanks as always Mads! There was definitely a learning curve for me on this trip, but I look forward to heading back next spring.
Finally it's out! The process is so fun to follow. The images are great, but your storytelling is the real icing on the cake . :)
Thanks Andreas! Much appreciated!
I love the drive up North to redwood national park. Enjoy!
Sure is a beautiful drive isn't it?
My wife and I spent a few days in that same spot. We had some light rain, too, but that just added to our enjoyment. Thanks for taking me back there!
It sure is magical in that forest isn't it?
Just bought my first 4x5 camera, lens, and shutter and found your video doing research. I enjoy seeing your process and have definitely subscribed!
I think you're really going to enjoy the experience of working with large format. There's something so very special about the process, and looking at the film on a light box sure is a fun! Thanks for subscribing, and welcome to the channel!
Man, what a gorgeous place! Thanks as always for taking us along.
Thanks so much for watching!
Beautiful!!! Thanks for taking us with you.
Thanks Maxwell!
Been waiting for your photo trip videos for a while now and finally!
Liked it very much Ben, the subtle detail in the photo and the video as well.
You are the photographer I like the most among a list of others, all thanks to your narration, video quality, of course your photos and mostly your attitude. Keep rocking Ben!
Thanks so much Vishwas!
I just spent the last 2 days in those Redwoods. My first time ever and I am in love. Can't wait to see what all you captured.
Sure is a beautiful location isn't it Danny? I look forward to heading back there again next year!
@@BenHorne I'm currently in Alaska and so far, I have to say the Redwoods are by far my favorite thing to see this whole trip. They are not to be believed until you see them. Can't wait to watch your whole series.
Well Done Ben. Great scenery, great story line, and a very good photograph. Thanks for including footage of a bit of what goes on at the campsite. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
Thanks Dave!
Yup. Oru Kayak are very cool. I've been thinking about them myself the last year or so. Definitely a lot easier to manage than the 100 pound kayak I currently have! Cheers!
They sure are fun to use! I plan on getting out on the water some time this week.
Spent so much time up in those parks when I was at HSU. This makes me miss it even more
That was such an incredible vlog Ben, beautifully shot. That Kayak was so cool! And that final image had great rhythm despite your wish for more elements involved.
Thanks Anton! It was a pretty awesome trip, and I definitely became more comfortable with my surroundings as the trip went on. It's such a beautiful location, and also quite intimidating at first since everything is so huge, and so chaotic.
I was looking forward to this and it didn’t disappoint, thanks Ben . That kayak is awesome
Thanks Andrew!! It was a pretty awesome trip, and I managed to get some photos I'm really happy with later in the trip.
Really enjoyed the start to what looks like a great series Ben. You just never know what will be in store for you in the Redwoods weather wise. Capturing the scale of those massive trees is so tough. Looks like you found a lovely scene though to come back to and man a makeshift kayak with the Redwoods surrounding you. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Thanks Diego! It sure was a fun trip. Not too long, not too short, and I managed to get some photos later in the trip that I am really happy with. My new approach of breaking a trip up into two halves really seems to be productive, and helps me avoid burnout.
Awesome! I had been looking forward to this redwoods content for quite a while! Im glad its finally here!
Thanks Arthur! The cool news is that I finished all the videos, and they are set to auto post each Saturday morning. I'll be off in the field on the second part of my trip here in the coming weeks, but the Redwood videos will be on schedule every week while I'm gone filming more content. I really enjoyed my stay up in the Redwoods, and I look forward to heading back there next year.
Great vlog Ben, lovely shot! And what a woodland
It sure is a beautiful location! Heck of a woodland for sure.
Ben, really enjoyed this one! Great message in the beginning and really nice production value all throughout the video. That kayak looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Thanks Brandon! That voiceover at the beginning took me longer to write and record than the amount of time it took me to drive to the Redwoods. It's pretty crazy how that all works, but I do think it's an import part of the videos. The Kayak truly is awesome. When my wife and I visit Glacier this summer, we'll be able to pack two of them inside my 4runner with plenty of room left for all the other stuff we carry as well. Super awesome company, and their kayaks are so fun to use.
@@BenHorne I can believe it. I'm sure so much goes into the behind the scenes of these videos to raise the level of quality, but I totally appreciate it and I'm sure I'm not alone. Your videos are always done really well and a pleasure to watch. Something I really look forward to. I currently have a canoe/pack boat made by a company called Swift out of Ontario, Canada, which is shaped like a canoe but functions like a kayak. It's great for island camping when I have a ton of gear (camping and photo) and also really light for portaging (26lbs), but it would be nice to have something a little more compact for just getting into tight places like marshes, creeks, etc. Definitely going to look into it.
Thank you for this video Ben. I was so excited when I saw that you were driving through Eureka on the way to your redwood adventure. I live in upstate NY now, but was raised in Arcata and spent a good portion of my younger life at places like Patrick’s Point, Jed Smith, and Prairie Creek parks exploring and sometimes photographing the beautiful forests in the area. As always, it is fun to come along with you on your journey and thought process when observing the wonderful places that you travel to photograph. I can’t wait to see the other installments of this series!
Thanks Michael! That must have been pretty cool to be able to explore such beautiful ares when you were younger. I sure wish I had places like that nearby!
As always Ben, thank you for posting. The redwoods are so beautiful and though it has been well over 20 years since I last visited such, they still hold fond memories for me. I look very forward to seeing more of this journey as well as all the others. BTW love the backpack, have no idea which one it is, but reminds me of my old reliable Dana Design which is still being used after nearly 20 years. The folding Kayak is very cool also. Much success on the editing and posting of this trip and best to you and yours. Once again thank you for sharing.
Thanks Tim! The backpack is a Gregory Denali Pro. It is incredibly well made, and will likely last a good 20 years. They don't make this model anymore, but I have been using it since 2013 now, and it has been rock solid. I think they went with different materials on the new version that might shed water a bit more, but I suspect it would be less durable than this one. That kayak is so fun to use. I love being able to put it inside my 4Runner when transporting it, and put it in the closet once I'm home. I will be getting one for my wife as well so we can enjoy paddling around some of the lakes up in Glacier.
@@BenHorne Thanks Ben, Gregory has always been know for making excellent packs and once you get a good one and adjusted right, no need to change until they almost fall apart which can be a very long time. The old Dana Design I purchased in 2000, still in good shape. Dana closed down but the original designer is back doing business under Mystery Range now. Love the Kayak and will check it out. Be safe and enjoy the day.
Kayak sequence is so cool!
Thanks Wes! It sure was fun getting out on the river!
Very nice! Been looking forward to this video for a while, and it didn't disappoint. I liked the phrase in your intro about failure and mountain of successes, it is very true and wise. A pretty interesting and clever kayak as well. You can patent an eye-patch, the Ben Horne-patch "Composition assistant", see the world in full 2D :) hehe! Merch idea! Take care mate! Looking forward to more.
Haha! I like the eyepatch idea! :-) Thanks as always!
Incredible place, photography and video. It was a delight to watch. Thank you
Thanks as always Joshua! It was such a rejuvenating location. There's something about walking through a forest of giant trees during a soft rain that is so calming.
Ben Horne it’s my favorite time to walk in a forest. Soft rain and everything just glows in the even light
Hi Ben, good to see you and a new video. Great story telling, beutiful area. Would love to see the redwoods.
Great to see you here Annie 👋 How's that Landcruiser 👍
Thanks Annie! It is a really beautiful place, and I definitely look forward to returning next year. One of the great things about the Redwoods is that it's a place that doesn't have a lot of iconic scenes that people flock to. You really just have to go out for a wander and try to find your own subjects. I really enjoyed that.
@@Andrew_marr All good, going to Tammin on Monday. Will be interesting to see the wheatbelt after the rain!
@@BenHorne We visited the Valley of the giant Tingle trees here in WA this summer, it is a tiny pocket of endemic species on the south coast. Breathtaking, just scouting and taking it in, however, very much a tourist attraction. Looking forward to going to the US again in the future as well as some locations in Canada, been to Vancouver and Colorado in the past. Just find it hard to photograph without having enough time.
Would love to visit here one day. Great film!
It really is a fantastic place. I'm hoping to make a return trip in the spring.... so long as the pandemic settles down a bit by then.
Beautiful video and incredible scenary
Thanks Antonio!
That's one place I've not yet made it to! And that Kayak is very cool, I'll have to check their site when I get home from work.
It's a great place to explore and just spend some time wandering around. I loved being in the forest while it was raining.
Appreciate the quality of your videos and sound. Thanks.
Thanks Paul! I really had a lot of fun with the sound on this trip. There was so much great stuff to work with... the sound of the the birds, the rain, etc.
One of the many bits of California Gold that I've been meaning to see in my lifetime... Love that composition, hopefully some better conditions turn up!
Thanks Matthew! It's definitely worth the (long) drive to get up there. Absolutely beautiful scenery, and there's something about hiking through those forests that is so peaceful.
Definitely looking forward to following this series, and seeing how you find things to compose. As I live in the bay area, scenery like this is much easier for me to come across than what you usually shoot in the southwest.
Thanks Derek! Yup, you sure have some great areas nearby. I really wish I lived closer to forests like this.
Glad you found the Redwoods. I was there twice last Summer, hope to go back again next month. Looking forward to seeing your work.
It sure is a beautiful location. I look forward to returning next spring!
Looking forward to see how you approach the clutter of or amazing redwoods. I have the opportunity to visit these a lot and do, but rarely come back with a photo I would print or share. There is always just so much chaotic beauty in a scene to make that special photo for me. I always appreciate your insight because it is Owen so much different then my own.
It sure is a challenge isn't it? I think it's one of those things where no photo can do these forests any justice, but it sure is fun to try.
I had hoped to get to the Redwoods last year but didn’t make it. Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip. I just purchased your e-book and like it so far. I have been thinking of just taking my film camera from the 90’s and trying to focus on just a few good compositions, and leave the DSLR home. I still find myself getting impatient and then just applying the pray and spray method. Maybe the film will force me to take it slow and think through things. I think your e-book will be a great reference for that. Eventually, I wouldn’t mind selling a print or two, but I only have thousands of mediocre shots and nothing great. :)
Thanks for the comment and for buying the eBook Chad. That's awesome of you. I think you'll definitely find that film slows you down a bit, which is a good thing. Since every photo costs you a little bit of money, and there is a finite limit to the number of photos you can shoot, it makes you think about things a bit differently. I wish I could say that I am naturally an incredibly patient person and that if I switched back to digital I would approach it with the same philosophy that I have with film, but I don't think that would be the case for me. I really need to have those rigid constraints and limitations to guide my process. It sure would be nice carrying a much lighter camera though.😂
Kudos for trying such a different landscape. Ironically I was just out in a local redwood forest this week. Such special places though they can be hard to find shots given how busy the forest floor can be. I like the shot you got and will be interested to see what else you find in this new environment!
Thanks Joshua! I mostly concentrated my efforts on just one or two trails while I was there, which allowed me to see that area under different conditions. That paid off later in the trip when I managed to put myself in the right place at the right time. It is such a beautiful area, and I look forward to returning next spring.
Beautiful scenery and sentiments. Thanks so much for sharing.
BTW cool kayak.
Thanks so much David!
Just found your videos man! I love your style of story telling and your calmness.
I’m headed to the redwoods tomorrow for a couple days
Really related to be afraid of coming back empty handed.
Kinda nervous because not sure what I’m going to be photographing yet & hoping I get some good conditions!
Thanks Nick, and welcome to the channel! You'll definitely love the Redwoods. It's such a special place, and I love how quiet it is there. It's a location that makes you work a bit for your photos, but one of the things you can do is just stop somewhere and look around. You'll notice all sorts of great subjects hiding in plain sight.
Great new series, Ben. :)
That foldable cajak looks awesome!
Thanks Felix! Yup, the Kayak sure is fun! I'll be getting one for my wife before we head up to Glacier this summer. It will be a really fun addition to our standing camping kit.
Wonderful!! Enjoyed this alot, Ben. Thanks!
Thanks Nick!
Dude, love the location, I will have to go there. And, as a dedicated landscape photographer, I have to say, there is nothing, absolutely nothing wrong with your "chaotic" forest image. The very fact that the foreground and background are not separated and distinct adds mystery to what otherwise could have been another picture of trees and undergrowth. Like the new music as well.
Thanks Robert! I think it's one of those things where I just know that the photo can be so much better if the conditions were just a bit different, so it's something to put on my list for future trips. That all being said, I will say that I did have some even better conditions later in the trip, and those conditions resulted in a photo I am very happy with.
@@BenHorne We get stuck in our favorite, comfortable places. For you, it's Zion and Grand Staircase. For me it's Death Valley and the Owens Valley. It's important to get out of our comfort zone and experience new things, see new vistas, and capture new images. Great job.
Your cinematography keeps getting better and better
Thanks! There was something really awesome about heading into such a new and different environment. I had a lot of fun with my slider later in the trip as well. :-)
Saw what you did there in the ad free image! Loved this first day, so calm.
Good eye Nico! :-) Thanks again for the mention on your channel!
Beautiful area that I haven’t visited in years, I could almost smell that sweet wet redwood fresh scent! Thanks for posting. The drive up brought back wonderful road trip memories! Personally I really liked that shot you took! 👍
I just love the smell of those forests, especially in the rain. Truly beautiful location, and I look forward to a return trip next year.
Great video to kick off this series Ben. I've always been interested in this area, so I'm looking forward to the rest of the videos to see how you approach things. In just a few days I'll be leaving on my own 14-hour road trip north from where I live on a photography trip, so it's nice to see another photographer similar lengths to reach their location. Thanks to the magic of video, it didn't seem too bad! 🙂 I'm visiting the Pilbara area in WA, which is similar to areas you've shared at Zion NP, so I'll be trying to channel my inner Ben Horne as best I can.
The area where you stopped and decided to shoot was beautiful, however, I can see it had its challenges. I was interested in the fact you tried a focus stacked shot. How did it turn out?
Thanks Andrew! In many ways it's quite amusing how the videos are meant to tell the true story of a trip, yet somehow a 2 minute driving montage set to some music with an accompanying voiceover isn't quite the same experience as a 14 hour drive. 😂Kinda funny how that all works. I look forward to seeing what you come away with from Pilbara. I imagine you'll find some nice trees to photograph set against some great looking rock walls. :-) I'll be going on yet another 14 hour drive when I head to Utah again in the coming weeks for a backpacking trip. Hopefully the weather cooperates. This will be my third attempt at that trip.
A bit of fog would have definitely helped with this scene, though it was nice to at least think through a composition for when the conditions really are nice. I didn't have much fog on this trip, but it does make an appearance later in this trip, and that resulted in a really awesome shot not far from where I shot this one. The focus stack actually worked pretty decent, but since it's not a really great scene to begin with, it was more of an experiment than anything. I'll do a video on the focus stack and what I learned from it in a few weeks or so. It's definitely a good technique to have in my tool belt, and the process is a bit different than with digital.
Awesome video I’m in that learning process mode but I wouldn’t trade the process for anything. 👍🏼
The great thing is that the learning process goes on forever. It's only when people feel they have learned everything that their work suffers.
Was beginning to think you'd lost Prius Man, but he's there at 1:31, as was Tank Man - an Abrams M1?? (0:20) The trees are hugely impressive but I wait to see what else you come up with photographing them. And that's the smartest folding kayak design I've seen!
It wasn't until I was driving through the Bay area that I finally got the Prius shot that I had been hoping for, and there was no shortage of them up there. The heavy machinery you see early on is some construction equipment that's part of a freeway expansion project. There were some bushes in the center divide that were removed, and now they are digging up all the soil and using that machine to sift out the stuff they don't want in it.
Well Ben, my first instinct was going to be to make a joke about Ewoks, which I thought would be original. I see that 250 people beat me to it haha. I’m glad I read the comments first. Great video and I need to make it up that way soon. I’m used to hanging out here in the desert, so being in a completely different world and the challenges that come with woodland photography sounds fantastic. Also escaping the 100+ degree weather doesn’t sound too shabby either. Thanks for the inspiration!
Haha! Believe me, I had all sorts of visions of Ewoks darting between the trees while I was up there. It's definitely worth a trip up there. There's something about the forests that are so calming, and it smells amazing up there - especially when it's raining.
Great video Ben! I'm so excited to see the progress of this trip as you are now in my idea of heaven on Earth. We will be in Santa Cruz and then up to Marin County in August. Love those big old trees from northern California all the way up through Washington.
Thanks James! Heaven on Earth is a great way to describe it for sure. Not only is it beautiful, it's also one of those places where photos will never do it justice. I look forward to returning next spring. I hope you enjoy your trip in August!
Really looking to following you through the redwoods, Ben, your video journals are always so beautifully done 🙌🏻
Thanks so much Martin! It's always great to hear from you.
Well, it was worth the wait. The video was well done as always.
Thanks! This was definitely a fun trip, and I look forward to heading back again next Spring.
Always a pleasure to watch your vids, Ben!
Thanks so much Shawn!
Wow Ben what an awesome location and I don't know how you can walk past those beautiful trees without touching them - You probably did starting out but realised you weren't making much progress. Hope you get some mist for separation on your next visit. 👍
Haha! Yeah, it would be easy to get caught up with the beauty of each tree along the trail. It really is amazing how huge they are, and though it does sound incredibly cliché, it really does make you feel very small and insignificant while wandering through the groves. I can't wait to head back next year.
Thanks for the adventure!
Thanks Phillip! It was a really beautiful location for sure. I look forward to returning next spring.
great video. those trees are insanely big!! loving that kayak as well.
Thanks Steven! The scale of the trees are difficult to fully comprehend. No photo will ever do them justice, but it sure is fun to try.
The kayak is awesome!!!!
I am super excited about that Kayak. I have always wanted to have one, but I didn't want to mess with trying to store one and transport it. This one can fit in the trunk of a small car, and can easily be stored in a closet.
@@BenHorne That has probably been my biggest hang up when it has come to making a decision on buying one. I think it would be nice to have so I can get across some of these lakes in my area. Do you transport your camera gear also?
That kayak looks awesome
It is super fun to work with, and I love how I can fit it inside my truck with plenty of room for all the other stuff I bring along.
That's a beautiful location Ben! I love the color palette of the area. I think slide film can really do justice to this place. And don't worry about subject separation, it might be a bit hard, but when the conditions align nicely it will provide you with some wonderful opportunities, I'm sure! And the whole kayaking part looked so nice on this location, it must be really calming being out there! I'm looking forward to the next day of your trip.
On a side note, this November I'll be spending a week in Denver, Colorado. And it would be a beautiful opportunity for me to visit at least one of the country's beautiful national parks. Being from Europe though, it's only the second time I'll be visiting the US and the amount of parks that are relatively nearby Denver looks a bit overwhelming. I'm trying to figure out which one would be a good choice given the time of the year I'll be there. So I wanted to ask you, If you have any recommendations or advice, it would be much appreciated! Thank you so much :)
Thanks Alexander! I was able to find some other subjects later in the trip where I did a better job with subject separation. In those cases, I was able to use light, color, and atmospherics to help out a bit. I think there is a decent shot possible from the location I shot in this video, but just a little bit of mist would be nice. I have that on the list for future trips.
You're definitely right on about it being very calming out on the river. The water was so beautiful and clear. It felt great paddling up-stream and feeling the kayak slice through the current of the river, then hearing how quiet it was when I turned down river and went with the flow.
I really haven't explored the various parks near Denver, but you will be very close to Rocky Mountain National Park. You might want to look up Erik Stensland's book about hiking Rocky Mountain National Park. He's a very talented photographer, and has a gallery in Estes Park.
@@BenHorne The Rocky Mountain National Park is indeed very close, only a 1.30 hour drive, I will most definitely visit it, and the hiking guide of Erik Stensland looks very well made, thanks for the recommendation. I was also thinking of the possibility of going to Yellowstone, but it is a long drive (about 8-9 hours), so I'm not really sure about it. I think it would be wiser to spent that time exploring something closer instead of traveling. Anyways, thanks for the recommendation Ben! I'm looking forward to the next video, have a great day!
Amazing video !! Love the insights and your perspective
Thanks Josh!
GREAT Ben !!!
Thanks Evgeny!
Fabulous video Ben, what a a stunning location - the view from the river was spectacular :-) . Looking forward to the next instalment.
Thanks Mark! It sure was great getting out on the river, especially when I was paddling up-stream and felt the current of the river against the kayak while staring up at those big trees.
I always feel a lot calmer and inspired after watching your videos. I’d be curious to see how the focus stack went.
Thanks Jay! I will do a followup video where I talk about the focus stack as well as the panoramic photo. The focus stack actually worked quite well, though I certainly learned some stuff from the process that I will cover in that video. It's a technique I will definitely use for future photos based on what I learned. Something weird happened with the panoramic that I still need to figure out. I'll save that video for once I get back from Utah.
Beautiful scenery.
Thanks! It's one of those places where it's hard to even comprehend the scale of the trees. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, and look forward to returning next year.
I live in Crescent City and still find it hard to show the massive scale of these trees. Can I give a few suggestions?
1) Climbing a hill will help because you will be more even with the tree trunks.
2) Shooting by a river will help to show the scale of things.
3) Morning fog helps. Fog is more common in late spring and throughout the summer.
4) Be prepared for long exposures.
5) Rhododendrons bloom in the spring. The first blossoms will be a few miles inland. The Smith River near Hiouchi is good for early season trips. Later in the season, drive highway 101 between Klamath and Crescent City. The famous Damnation Creek Trail will be crowded with photographers between 101 and the Coastal Trail. Escape the crowds by hiking north on the Coastal Trail to a large grove of rhododendrons. The same grove can be photographed from 101.
Thanks for the tips Dwight! I only had a small amount of fog on this trip, but I think much of that is because it was raining so much while I was there. I plan on heading to the Redwoods a few weeks later next year. The Rhododendrons were only just starting to bloom when I was there this year. It sure is a beautiful location, and I truly look forward to a return trip next year.
Great video Ben- love the RWF image. So simple and beautiful.
Thanks John! I can't wait to head back there again next year. Such a beautiful location.
Another awesome video!
Thanks so much!
The change of scenery to the damp redwood forest is a good change. Possibly a new regular location now? Great video as always.
Thanks as always Bryan! The Redwoods will definitely be a regular location for me each Spring. It was great exploring such a different environment than I am accustomed to. Rather than spending 10 days or so in Utah during the spring, I split the trip in half and spent 5 days in the Redwoods, then 5 days in Utah. That seems to be a good technique for me.
Nice one Ben.
Thanks as always Paul!
Great as usual Ben.
Thanks Adrian!
looks quite nice out there
Yeah, it's a really beautiful place. It's so incredibly quiet in those forests. The soft bark of the massive trees really absorb sound.
@@BenHorne we've got some nice forests here in korea, the problem is that since it's a small and densely populated country, there are massive amounts of people everywhere and you cant enjoy some quiet time : /
That must really take away from the experience. By comparison, I saw maybe 4 people on the trail on this particular day.
I've got to ask, Ben. What lab do you use and have you thought of developing yourself?
I use North Coast Photographic in Carlsbad California and AgX Imaging up in Michigan. Both have done great work for me. If I did a lot more shooting, I might consider developing my own film, but I would need to buy a lot of equipment to make that possible, and the price to have my film developed is quite reasonable.
I absolutely share your feeling that the forest is a beautiful place to be but, like you, I’ve developed a sense for photographing the dessert which does not translate to the forest setting. For that reason, I’m really looking forward to following this series to see how things develop and to share what you learn about finding compositions in that environment. Also, it will be interesting to see how you adapt to a week of rain - something that I’m pretty sure you haven’t had to do on the Colorado Plateau.
I've always felt more comfortable with wide vistas as well, but living in an area with trees as the only features has forced me to try and learn to find order in chaos. Whenever I go to Scotland or other places with a more open landscape it takes me a while to get used to it. The forest is more forgiving weather wise.
One of the things I really enjoy about the desert is the ability to get just about anywhere because there are so many durable surfaces to walk on without fear of trampling plants. I think that lends itself to exploring off the beaten path, and when you combine that with the wide open scenery, it sure is quite nice. That being said, I thought that I might feel uneasy walking through this massive forest early in the morning, but there was something very calming about it. The rain definitely presented some challenges. The increased humidity made it very difficult to see the ground glass (it would fog up without even breathing on it), and my loupe would also fog up. I learned to use my Harrison dark cloth that doubles as a rain cover, and I use a second waterproof cloth to cover my bag and camera gear that's on the ground. That system worked quite well, though everything does get soaked at a certain point. You'll see a lot of rain in my second video in particular. Sure makes for some great hiking in the forest though.
Awesome video, Ben. That place is gorgeous. Looking forward to seeing more of it.
Thanks Heath! I definitely look forward to returning next year.
Your words at the beginning were great, but I was just waiting for the Prius pass the whole time
The funny thing is that I couldn't get one to pass me until I got up to the bay area. There was no shortage of them up there. At one point, I thought I was going to get passed by several at the same time, but that didn't quite work out. 😂
Love it man! Large format crew is always coming in strong with these documentary style travel videos. I’m totally ok with seeing you sponsored. Toyota and Shell would make nice supporters too, wouldn’t they...
Edit: typo
Thanks Daniel! My general rule of thumb is to only work with companies that I truly love their product. As a bit more backstory, I first learned about Oru Kayak when my wife and I visited the Redwoods last summer. She brought up the idea that we should get some kayaks, so I started doing some research when we got back to camp. It was then that I learned about their products, and thought they were so cool. Fast forward to one month before my solo trip to the Redwoods, and Oru Kayak reached out to me, so the timing was perfect. Getting out on the river was one of the things I looked forward to most about this trip.
Ben Horne that really was great timing. Looking forward to seeing more from you soon
Great vid! Looking forward to more of this as it’s an area I want to visit but haven’t as of yet.
It's definitely a very beautiful and surreal place to visit.
I miss the redwoods so much, I just wanna head home
I miss it too! I am looking forward to a return trip this spring.
@@BenHorne If you havent already checkout Armstrong Woods and Salt Point, I think you'll enjoy the scenery
I live about 20 minutes from the HOH rainforest so this is the land I am very used to growing up in the woods.
You sure have some beautiful scenery close to home! For me, even seeing trees is a novelty. 😂I hope to make my way back to Olympic at some point. That sure is quite the drive though!
What campground is that? Traveling there next summer
2:44 is that the MSR Hubba Hubba? How do you like it?
That is the MSR Hubba NX, which is the 1 person version of the Hubba Hubba. I have had that tent for several years now, and before this one, I had the previous version which was very similar. I am very happy with the tent, though I did get a small amount of water in it on this trip. It came from one of the taped seams in the corners. That wasn't a big deal though. I just wish the tent was a little bit longer. I'm about 6'2", and I just barely fit in it without my sleeping bag making contact with either end. If I'm not positioned perfectly, either my toes or my head will get a bit cold when the insulation of the sleeping bag is compressed a bit. Their customer service is very good. A few years ago one of the poles snapped because of some high wind, and they took care of it for me free of charge.
Be a better witness to the world around you... golden. Beautiful destination! Focus Stacking in the Film world... how does that work ? #respect fantastic b-roll
Thanks Robert! I will do a separate video about what I learned from the focus stacking. It's the same principle with digital, and the technique is mostly the same, but there are some differences with film that I didn't quite anticipate. It was great to experiment with the technique a bit, and it's something I'll definitely be able to use on future trips.
1:30 for those who are just here to see the Prius...
I really struggled to get that "passed by a Prius" shot on this trip. That is... until I was driving through the bay area. They are not a rare commodity up there.
I think you could have had more separation in the trees shooting with a slightly wider aperture. I know you go for those tack sharp f/128 shots, but the out of focus fade in 8x10 is special.
The depth of field is super tricky up there. I shot the photo at my usual F/45, and the DOF is definitely a bit shallower than I would like. It does in some ways help separate the trees, but I just wish the light was a bit more dimensional to give the trees more of a 3D look. Thankfully I was able to get some even better conditions later in the trip.
14.5hr drive !!, that is some major mileage!!. Well worth it though. Love the laid back style and made me want to visit.
I thought the same thing; what dedication to drive such a long distance. I have traveled long distances myself for photo trips, but always by plane.
Thanks Lee! Yeah, that 14.5 hour drive definitely was a long one. Thankfully I timed it so I really didn't run into any traffic heading through the Los Angeles and SF Bay area. The only traffic jam I came across was the herd of Elk in the Road. :-)
It's definitely a long drive, but it's amazing how fast the hours fly by once you've been on the road for a while.
Ben Horne Sounds blissful to me, you can totally immerse yourself in the whole trip, journey and all 😊
1200-1400 miles, I'm guessing
Was kind of looking forward to the zoom effect of the focus stacked image.
You'll see the focus stacked image in a separate video in the next few weeks. I definitely learned a few things about the process. There is also a bit of a mystery about that wide angle photo that I was hoping to crop as a panoramic.
these videos help so much thank u
Thanks so much! Thanks for watching!
As always, you remind me that the journey is the destination. Thanks for all the great vids.
Yup, it's definitely all about the journey! I learned a lot on this trip, and look forward to heading back again next spring.
Great place 👍 shot looked good lighter ferns are a good guide through the frame.
Its got to be wide angle lens there 👾
It's funny how I only really noticed the lighter ferns after I shot the photo. When I was composing it, my ground glass was so fogged up that I could barely notice stuff like that. I hope to return to that same spot when there is a bit of fog to work with. Though I didn't get much fog on the trip, it does make an appearance later in the videos, and the resulted in my favorite photo from the trip.
How were you driving safely while filming?
Emily Martin Good question! I have the camera on the passenger seat attached to a handle grip via the tripod socket. It is prefocused to infinity with automatic controls. I can easily turn the camera on and hit record just by feel, then grab the handle and point the camera without taking my eyes off the road. It is actually less effort than grabbing a drink from a cup holder and taking a sip. They key is being able to operate the camera by feel, and having everything be automatic.
@@BenHorne Interesting setup! The results speak for themselves. Thanks for making these videos.
ok, I know this is a dumb question but do you ever worry about bears or mountain lions??
It's definitely on my mind in certain locations. While hiking a lesser used trail on this trip, I came across some very fresh bear droppings in the middle of the trail. For me, that was a sign that I had hiked far enough and I turned around. :-) Mountain Lions on the other hand are incredibly elusive and generally avoid people, but there are some locations where I prefer not to be on the trail before sunrise or after sunset because that is when they are most active. They are ambush predators, so hiking trails with natural bottle necks that have overhanging rock ledges gives me the creeps in those conditions. I have seen bears while hiking, but I have never seen a mountain lion. I have seen their tracks though.
@@BenHorneHorne lol right on. Yea it freaks me out when I'm out hiking lol. I always take someone with me when I go. I guess I'm just a chicken lol. Btw, love your videos sir and your photography. I'm more of a wildlife photographer but love watching your style of landscape photography.
Is your auto focus fast enough for the Ewoks?
Hahah!!! Definitely not! 😂
Nice content!