Photographing Abandoned Landscapes in Snowdonia (4x5 & 35mm film)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2021
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I recently did a two-day trip up to Snowdonia to explore and photography two of the world’s largest abandoned slate quarries-Dinorwig, and Rhoysdd. This was my first visit to Snowdonia and the landscape was absolutely breathtaking. In this video, I’m shooting some 4x5 as well as some 35mm film with the Olympus XA.
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Enjoying the experience is so important. Too many times I've let taking pictures get in the way of it...
Yeah man, it's a delicate balance! I spent way too many years chasing the end result and not giving the experience the respect it deserves. Finally starting to learn from my mistakes! 😁
Kyle's "no images" are about 100 times better than my 'best' images 😂
Hi, i'm sure your images are great! I think many of use beat ourselves down a bit when watching the 'pro's'. I liken photography to, and bare with me here, to when someone cooks you a meal and you think it tastes better than had you cooked it. Hard to explain but when you sit down to watch youtube videos of photographers showing us their pictures, you don't know what you are about to see, it's an image you've never seen before so it's new to your eyes, something different probably. Hope that makes some sort of sense so don't beat ourself down, i used to do that but when i see images that the pro's take, that look very close to my own, that gives me satisfaction and that mine aren't that bad. Have a good one.
@@tilerman Cheers bud. Very kind and thoughtful words.
So glad you've chosen the UK to continue your unique artists eye Kyle, you bring a totally fresh feel to filming and photographing this country. Cannot wait to see how you approach every challenge going forwards.
I visited Snowdonia at the end of May with my dad and his best friend. The trip was entirely based around summiting snowdon but I felt I had to take my camera with me. We got up the mountain quicker than we had anticipated and with time to spare decided to take a different and longer way down. We passed through the vast expanses of slate and I was amazed by the shear scale of the piles of rubbles that were towering over us. I took a photograph of one pile with a singular tree atop it and it turned out to be one of my favourite photos I’ve ever made. The power of experience and nostalgia looking back on an amazing trip with loved ones really makes the photograph special and this video has definitely made me realise how I can be so proud of such a simplistic photograph. Really enjoyed this video Kyle, it’s opened my eyes as to why I can feel such a connection to the photographs I make.
Thank you, Finn. Really happy to hear that and glad that you were able to connect with this video. The experience is such an important part of the image making process!
I was really pleased to see you’d discovered Rhosydd, it’s a very special place. I’ve not long come back from there myself having put together a video from my trip for my channel. I didn’t shoot film this time but have before on many occasions and have camped on the hills above it to shoot the sunrise. A stunning place.
Cheers, Russell. It's quite a unique and special place. Looking forward to getting back out there!
The shot at 13:34 does it for me. This was a satisfying video man, and these spots certainly look like they deserve a few days of wanderings :)
Thanks, Sathya!
I agree, it's a wonderful image, very cool indeed.
Lovely video. I agree - I’m happy to come away without any images, if the ‘being there’ has been a good experience.
drone shots look like the best
What an adventure!
The view at 9:03 with the trees and buildings should have been a 4x5 shot! Awesome.
I came very close to shooting that one on 4x5!
A new Kyle vid is an event. You might as well start doing movie previews and place them before other videos! 😂🍿
😁
oh sweet baby jesus. about to go shoot this afternoon and putting aside all my professional obligations to watch this. thank you.
edit: new 4x5 as well? you dog!
😁 Hope you enjoy, and glad to be a distraction, haha! And yea, Gibellini, for now!
You took me on a journey to place I never heard about and would never visit. Felt like I was there. And the images were super as well.
Really glad you enjoyed this one, Jack!
Just came back home from a stressful day at work and I decided to watch your video, I am feeling relaxed now. Really enjoyed watching this. Also, it is an incredible place!
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching.
That's one amazing place Kyle, your Olympus came through with some great b/w shots.
Cheers, Rich. The Olympus is a great ‘backup’.
Man all these crazy locations make me want to move out there! So crazy that these places aren't crawling with tourists. Sightseeing culture must be really different out there.
With ref to Day 1 - Cwmorthin and Rhosydd Quarries were my playground growing up, nice to see in this context. Have shot there many times, and still don't feel done with the location. Enjoying your Wales work, cheers.
Thanks! I can definitely understand how you wouldn't feel done yet with the location. It seems endless. Can't wait to get back!
Your best video yet, even if it didn't yield a bunch of keepers. Look forward to Part II in colour. Thanks!
Thank you!
Definitely your best video yet.
I appreciate that, Steve. It was definitely one of my favourites to make.
I like that you took an XA its a wonderful camera and so small light and easy to use.
One of my favourites!
Wow. What an amazing place. Also, one of your best videos in my opinion.
Thanks, David!
Good timing on this video and the world heritage status for the site. It really looks like you are on to something there in the images, I can definitely see why you would want to return!
Thanks, Mark! Definitely a coincidence posting this at the same time. I just found out about the world heritage status. Really cool.
I haven't seen any of your videos in a while (mainly because I hadn't subscribed & they haven't popped up in my recommended feed) but I just want to say the quality of your videos have change alot since the last one I've seen, for the better of course. Kudos! I just subscribed.
Glad you enjoyed this one. Cheers!
I've come to realise that your film-making compositions could make insanely good photos, it might be a conscious decision not to shoot what you film. But damn. Looks good man.
I appreciate that. The creative energy is definitely split between both video and photo, which at times can be exhausting, haha!
Agree. I was last so few photos but you could take screenshots of the video and still be amazing stills
Great to see you exploring the UK like this. Really enjoyed this.
Shame about the 4x5, but still a great time
Cheers! Yeah, bit of a bummer about the 4x5, but the experience more than made up for it.
The quarry is such a stunning place. Makes me want to go back. Great vid Kyle!
Thanks, Fraser. I can't wait to get back there!
Man thats breath taking.Thnx for sharing
Glad you enjoyed it
Makes me want to use my XA properly again, those shots were wonderful.
Love the XA!
@@KyleMcDougall I recently traded in my two dslr's for a Nikon F3HP. So happy to be back shooting film. This video has got me all the more excited.
I’m only 2min in the video and I really envy you for that nice trip. Really beautifully filmed too
Thanks, Maxim. Was quite the experience!
Incredible landskapes, this place looks amazing !
...these types of subject lend themselves extremely well to B & W photography where the 'crutch of color' is forcibly removed from the photographer's eye...all that exists is (are) textures, shapes/patterns, light, dark
Wow! What a place.
Incredible visuals man! + what a location too! Really enjoyed this one
Glad you enjoyed it!
This video is so fantastic . It's nice.. beauty... clam... so relax and pleasure to watch. I hope more video with english country sides like Codwolds.
Thank you!
One of my favourite films on this channel. Amazing quality.
I appreciate that. Thank you.
Before watching this episode, I want to thank you for making The Contact Sheet podcast! I just listened to my first one where you interviewed Tim Franco. I had some e-mail contact with him last year about starting out in photography and I think that he has such an incredible story. Also, you did a great job interviewing him, like you weren't interrupting him and you gave him a lot of time to tell his story. 10/10, will listen again 😄
I appreciate that! Really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for listening.
Well done, Snowdonia is incredeble !
Thank you. It sure is!
I am always looking forward to your videos but with this specific video you have definitely surpassed any video you've done before. Amazing!
I appreciate that, thank you! This is one of my favourites as well.
Wow! This has got me so hyped to see more of Wales. Absolutely had me glued to the screen.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed. So many amazing places to visit in Wales.
Wow, thank you for this Kyle, I have so many brilliant memories here. In my 20s and 30s I climbed so much in the Dinorwig quarries, I kind of had a love affair with it as I enjoyed climbing on the slate enormously. My claim to fame is I once pointed out to famous British Mountaineer Doug Scott where to place his foot so he could successfully climb the crux of a slate slab route he was climbing next to one I was climbing. Now, I'm a film photographer I learn so much from your wonderful videos, thank you and keep up the great work.
That's so awesome to hear, Steve. Definitely were a lot of climbers there when I visited, and it really did seem like the coolest place. I can see how you would get hooked! Really glad you enjoyed this one.
@@KyleMcDougall It is a wild place to be that's for sure. A quick question Kyle, I noticed you were not using your Intrepid 4 x 5 for this trip, what is the one you using in the video?
Taking a trip all over Wales next week as part of a project that my friend and I are embarking on, definitely most excited about spending a couple days exploring what Snowdonia has to offer. Looks absolutely stunning!
You'll love it! I can't wait to get back.
amazing video Kyle! Stunning!
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an incredible scenery! And great filmmaking and photos Kyle!
Thank you!
love the production value of this!
Thank you.
Didn't know you moved to the UK. Welcome, I guess you had your share of sunny days in this video for the year. :) Hope to see you in the Snowdonia with two mad people carrying 4x5 in the mountains.
Thanks! Yes, surprisingly great weather for this trip, hah! Such a beautiful area. Can't wait to get back!
Great photos and even greater that you got all the nice footage as well!
Thank you 🙏
amazing place
Stunning video Kyle
Thank you!
Wonderful scenery, especially for bnw photography! Thanks for sharing that experience and totally agree that experience is important. Photos need to have that emotional back to be good photos (as you got from there).
Thanks for watching.
Wow, incredible! awesome cinematography as well. Man that second place I could visit everyday for a year and I bet you could find a new way to shoot it!
Kyle the production value on this was insane. Thanks as always for putting work in on these incredible videos and taking us on this journey with you
Thanks, Steven. I appreciate that. Had a lot of fun making this one!
On second day, the village looks like the Earth Bender's village, before, (as you walk in), and after the Fire Bender's pillaging. (Blame my grand nephews, for watching all of The Last Air Bender series) Very surreal, and extreme jealousy inducing footage. Thanks for doing all the hiking for us oldies, looking forward to the color study. Peace
Thanks, William!
Man I enjoy your videos so much
Thanks, Zach!
Lovely photos, lovely video and a lovely narrative. I love the mountains of north Wales, thank you
Thanks, Daniel. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Kyle.. this is just amazingly beautiful. I commend you for the storytelling as well. I can definitely say this reminds me of your route 66 trips..Great job.
I appreciate that! Glad you enjoyed this one. Can't wait to get back up there.
That quarry is a project in itself, such a cool spot! Also the second to last shot was my fave. Needs to be shot on 4x5.
Indeed! You can spend weeks there and probably still discover new things.
I would love to go there with my Z7 even.
Your videos are like a meditation on photography. I also love the image at 13:34 and the little hazy look.
Really happy to hear that. Glad you enjoyed!
Incredible location, loved the XA images. Very jealous, can't wait for your next adventure here!
Cheers, Oliver. And yeah, such an incredible spot!
Really enjoying this channel, keep up the great work!
Thanks, Dave.
amazing video! and the views - wow! i hope one day i will have a big trip through the UK and i will bring all of my film cameras with me
Loved this. The fact that you came away without any photo you're really happy with is a testament to your standards. I personally really liked the 35mm shots (I've developed a real affinity for Fomapan lately. Especially when photographing scenes that aren't "clean").
I appreciate that, Shaun. Yeah, sometimes it's hard for me to judge how images are going to turn out while I'm creating. Often I have to sit on them for a while before I see the value in some. That being said, I did enjoy a bunch of these, just nothing really grabbed me.
Such an amazing place and so glad you just enjoyed being there so much. I love industrial Wales and its history. I also read the novels of Alexander Cordell; you certainly see these places with different eyes after reading and bring any visits to vivid life. 'This Sweet And Bitter Earth' is set in the North Wales quarries to begin with. Great link to Musicbed too. The best films always have awesome soundtracks and your choices are spot on.
Thanks, Kevin. I'll have to look those up! I'll definitely be returning to explore more in the future. And yeah, Musicbed was a great fit for this video. They've been a big part of so many of my projects over the years so I was excited to be able to partner up for this trip.
Definitely the experience! I've often said that my photography is simply the excuse I use to be out and about exploring! Great video.
Thanks, Alan. For sure. It's a huge part of it for me!
Great video and as usual filled with great images. I have somewhat of a personal link with that part of Wales, as that's where I get my surname from. During the slate recession in the 1880's my Welsh ancestors moved down to the South East of England to find work and kinda stuck down there.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Adam!
I was waiting for Steve O'Nions to pop out from behind a building.
I hope you will make another video when you revisit with some color film! Even though the buildings and the stones are all grey I think its the contrast with the greenery that makes this look so beautiful. 11:13 would be a cool picture, with the two windows framing the green mountains in the distance.
I definitely plan on a return trip and also filming it.
I'll be visiting Snowdonia soon and I think I'll have to check these out! Also, the XA is just phenomenal! Great work man.
Thank you! The XA is one of my favourites.
This is probably one of my favourite videos you’ve ever done.
Thanks, Nick!
Beautiful Kyle. Loving your dedication, philosophy, production values and work. Like, when you walk away from the camera into the scenery I always imagine you going back, collecting the camera and setting up for the next shot.... I could never be bothered doing that :)
😁 Thanks, John! It's definitely a bit of a struggle at times, but always worth it in the end. Glad you enjoyed this one.
What a great place.
Well, what a great episode beautifully filmed
Glad you enjoyed, Dave.
Oh and btw those images are BEAUTIFUL
Great video Kyle! I had to stop at the beginning and got caught up researching the quarry and it’s history before finishing the rest of the video. It’s all really interesting. Also there was a point around the nine minute mark where I noticed some music was playing in the background that sounded very similar to some music that plays on your podcast. It made me want another episode sometime soon lol. Hope you’ve been well!🤘
Thanks, Mike! Yeah, it's such a fascinating place! I can't wait to get back. Also, new episode will be up on Monday. And hopefully returning to regular schedule after that.
Great Video. I love the image at 8:59
Thanks, man. 🙏
You really gave me a renewed love for the XA and I've been using mine more since your previous video on it. And I would definitely say the experience is vital. Though, I personally continue to find a balance is the sweet spot on a shoot. If I can have a good and even better, memorable experience, be it a solo trip shooting landscapes or working with people and come away with one or two shots I'm happy with, that is a good day of good work.
Definitely! It's all about finding the right balance. Cheers!
Great video and images!
Thank you, James
Foma shots are sick man!👌
Thank you. 🙏
Looks like you should have been snapping some of those 35mm frames with the 4x5. The next to last shot would have been pretty nice! None the less looks like a hell of a time!
Yeah, I often tell myself the same thing once I'm back home looking at the 35mm frames!
WOW!!! Soooo cool! I love those sorts of places, abandoned stuff. In my country it feels like this kinds of places are never let alone. Either vandals smash the place or the township will soon get the permission to tear it down. 😔 Some places are left alone for quite some time but not many...
These two places are definitely one of a kind!
Every time you film yourself walking away from the camera all I can think about is how you have to go immediately pick it back up. haha
Great video though. Love the musings on image vs experience.
Glad you enjoyed this one, Jace. And yeah, definitely adds a bit more work to the process, haha!
Amazing video again Kyle! Being awed by your videography all the time makes me wonder do you think any differently when composing shots for video and stills?
I appreciate that, Steve. As for the question, I'd say not really. Most of it is just based on intuition. Although video obviously requires a lot more coverage.
Finally, someone not sponsored by Squarespace.
I must (soon) have watched a million Snowdonia videos from landscape photographers. I was a bit surprised to see Snowdonia in your title and was curious about your take. Basically I expected something different and you didn't disappoint! Super nice video, and I learned something new about the area!
I've never considered myself a photographer. To me it's always been about the trip/hike/experience and the images are documentation - hopefully interesting or beautiful documentation, but not art. Interesting to hear a "real photographer" having similar thoughts.
I appreciate that. Thank you! Really glad you enjoyed this one. I'm definitely trying to do a better job balancing the experience with the process.
great video
The images looked great as well, it would be really interesting to know what you felt was lacking in some of these shots?
Cheers, Josh. Honestly, it often takes some time for me to fully appreciate images. I am warming up to some of the ones in this. I'm also overly critical of my work at times.
The images are to back up your experience it helps tell the story of your little adventure!
Absolutely. Glad I took the little Olympus with me.
Ansell Adams said you can use green grass as a middle grey card as far as bk and wh values are concerned so it would be hard to get separation between grass and grey slate buildings with black and white film. I'm not sure how much a green filter would lighten the grass compared with the slate buildings? Or it's opposite a red filter. There could be different hues in the grey slate of course.
Yeah, that was exactly the problem. I have a green filter, but only for my 67 lenses, unfortunately.
Loving your Wales promo videos, diolch yn fawr iawn.
Loving exploring these areas.
I think you missed a dope shot at 8:15. That would have been a great 4x5 shot
To get an idea where the light leaks on the 4x5 come from, it would be helpful to see the whole negative (including borders). There are some tricky places where light can come in, as I found out with my Intrepid 4x5 …
For sure. No light leaks on the borders, just within the frame.
@@KyleMcDougall Then it's not the dark slide resp. the film holder itself - unless it is a wooden one (like those from Chamonix). I had light "seeping in" from around the film holder, because the Intrepid has light-colored wood; but your camera is itself dark, so I don't think that that's the problem. Another possibility would be the bellows mount (this camera has interchangeable bellows, right?).
For some reasons it really reminds me of some places in Breath of the Wild
Was this secretly an advert for the Olympus XA? Because I just bought one and this video is amazing. Thanks for the great content Kyle!
Haha, honestly just love that little camera!
👍👍wow
Absolutely love those images on the XA! Your cinematography is quite breathtaking too, I get pretty inspired by your work. Question, what kind of drone are you using?
Thank you, Christian. I appreciate that! I’m using the DJI Air 2s.
Beautiful filming and gorgeous shots with the Olympus. What speed Fomapan were you shooting with? The whole feel of this video is sublime. Thank you for sharing
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Was shooting Fomapan 400.
great video! ...I liked the Olympus snap's quite a bit ... too bad that the large format shots did not turn out too good but hey the trip and landscape was nice I guess :)
The trip and the landscape were definitely worth it!
Another inspiring video, thanks Kyle.Didn’t realise you had moved here - welcome to the UK! After seeing those wonderful Olympus snaps, I’m tempted to break out my Olympus OM 10 from the 80s, for the first time in decades.What’s the film stock you are using in the Olympus?
Thanks, Pete! Yep, been here since 2020 full time. As for the film, in this vid it's Fomapan 400. Cheers.
What an incredible area. There's nothing like it around Canada. I'm dying to make a trip to Scotland soon, just waiting for the Covid to settle down. Too bad about light leaks on the 4x5 images but a good suggestion on a light backup camera to capture the experience. Waiting for your next adventure. Cheers from Nova Scotia.
Thanks for watching Wayne! I’d like to get up to Scotland as well. Hopefully in the near future.
The Dinorwic are so amazing. I've been there twice now and still want to go back as there's so much potential there. A way better place to explore than Mt Snowdon! hahaha If you ever get back there, don't forget to get to Anglesey nearby. Some awesome coastal shots there.
Anglesey is on the list!
@@KyleMcDougall To be fair, the whole of Wales is lovely. On my list is the coastal road around Wales. But right now, a trip to Scotland is on the cards for me!
Amazing video Kyle. The other film youtubers just had a collective 'oh sh*t' moment. Keep it up man
🙏 Thanks Matt. Lot's of great content out there from everyone.