Updated: September 6, 2021
This video kicks off my January 2020 visit to Death Valley National Park. This series will include 8 episodes that document my trip to both Death Valley and Zion National Park. Thanks so much for watching!
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Ben that was an amazing video. I so appreciated the vulnerability and despite all the frustration your final images were superb.
Hi Ben, watching videos and descriptive narration, your channel and you has become one of my top 5 photographic channels and indeed one of my favourite youtube photographers. I note the comment of one of your readers about the benefits of digital and yes I also shoot with the D800 but nothing replaces the tactile feeling and enjoyment of loading plastic into holders and clicking the mechanical shutter release. Well done Ben, may your inspiration continue to entertain us all for the foreseeable future. Take care m8, regards Graham Furlonger.
The shots are sooo good man!
You seem to have a pretty good life. Why so much self pity?
Lovely vlog Ben, I can’t imagine how frustrating it just be using the film system! The images were stunning either way mate
The light @ 14:38 is awesome. I like the fact you still get nervous and frustrated, for me, that just proves you still have the passion, Ben, it's all part of it. I've been shooting for over 40 years and I still get that way when I make mistakes or flubs along the way. The final image @ 18:45 is spectacular. I look forward to more of this adventure.
As always I enjoy accompany you on your journey and in particularly the sharing of your feelings, thoughts and frustration. As you surmised what you experienced was self inflicted. You are putting too much pressure on yourself to produce. May I offer some unsolicited advice? You and I (and most photographers) this is our passion but not our profession. Take time to enjoy the journey and don't worry about what comes out of it. After all, we are doing this for pleasure not profit.
Nick carver 's big brother.
I really like the blue hour photos, soft, calm light. I recognise the pressure I also put on myself to find some good photos to show in my videos, last time I was out on location I went out relaxed and let the images come to me rather than try to search for them (which can create added pressure). Look forward to the next episode 👍
Be kind to yourself. I would consider having a digital backup and make pictures on both. It would be great to see a comparison.
Don't you see.. it is the growth, that we all crave. Thank you.
These! Are the moments that make life worth living. Just remember ONE thing Ben. If it was easy.. every one would do it. Please keep up the good work. Oh and one more thing.. FAIL and fail often. I may even buy a book and I am a cheap curmudgeon
great plate! Is the scene always inverted on a large format? Ben, we all have a hiccup… when I think large format, I think Ben Horne. It's all gonna be good. Keep it up sir, we all have our pressures. Keeps you sharp! This channel is unique!
Great Work Ben -Dig your storytelling
beautiful images ben. love your work
Your exposures are great and your compositions are brilliant. Don't worry about you shooting film – I've had the same thoughts, then shot some digital and felt empty. The grass is always greener on the other side. For me, digital is easier and there is less pressure, but it doesn't satisfy me the way film does.
Amazing work mate, love the composition!
Awesome video!!! You got a new subscriber
Hey Ben, welcome to the excitement and frustration that is photography. Yes, we tend to put too much pressure on ourselves sometimes to produce. But for whom do we shoot. Hopefully, first and foremost for ones own satisfaction and pleasure. As a friend of mine has told me, "Don't worry about what others think. Shoot what makes you happy. If you don't like it, go and capture another scene." And one other thing, don't forget that in addition to the self-imposed pressure, this was MANY hours into a very long day and the mind can kind of shut down on you without warning. Keep it up, Ben. Looking forward already to the next episode. Jim
You need to chill out man! Let it happen. If this was a woman, your performance anxiety would've literally deflated that experience too! You already know how to do everything you need to do and then some. Let it happen. Be in the moment. Embrace the routine. Enjoy it. When you do this, when you remove the pressure, you fly like you are almost on auto pilot. All the years of experience takes over and you will get the shot. If you don't get it, don't sweat it because it won't just ruin this experience but also the next. Do what you do Ben. You are a Large Format, Film Photographer. Each photo is a representation of your knowledge, skill, technique and perseverance. Quality not quantity. Perfection is a fools quest. Capture the moment and let the moment speak for itself.
Questions will always be arising. Why don't you just try bringing an additional digital camera, so you know you'll be getting the scene, even if you run out of film – might be taking a lot of pressure from you. Additionally: have you noticed how beautiful your large format camera is looking with the sunset reflecting in it? That's a great subject of it's own and tells a bit of your story, so, in my eyes, it's well worth being document as well 🙂
Great stuff as always Ben. Everyone gets these good and bad days, feeling like we shouldn't be doing what we are doing even though we have been for a really long time. But, it's when we press on and continue to learn that we can do it, when we sometimes get those biggest satisfactions from doing them. Cheers and keep on doing what you do!
Great job Ben, sometimes it can be frustrating, but just think of all the fantastic images you have captured over the years, although I could see you shooting with a medium format Fujifilm digital. Thanks for sharing and stay safe
Hey what photographer doesn't scew up, many times. At the end of the day you got one fabulous photograph though. Great composition.
When you got to your scene I thought how calming and meditative your process seems and was wondering if you were ever tempted to use digital and all its options. Then… moments later, you had your mini panic attack. It must be a challenge to pass up a shot sometimes. Appreciate you Ben
Caught up on ALL your videos, it was nice to see you develop in a span of 10 years… Lots of lessons learned as someone who discovered photography just one year ago. My dream is to be able to capture images that are worth to be printed and i think i found a direction i want to take my photography to, thanks to your story! Preordered your book i will appreciate it so much knowing the story and the effort behind each photo… Keep inspiring people as you do!
PS sorry for my English…
Hi Ben, you are human, hurrah.! Your doubts, frustrations, and inward-looking are all traits of a true artist and a human. Keep at it as I, along with a lot of other fans, just love your work. please what Vlogging camera do you use? it seems to do a very good job. Regards Peter from Tasmania
Great video Ben. Thanks for sharing. You mentioned taking a break to listen to a podcast. I’m always on the look out for a good new podcast – can I ask what one you went to there in the valley?
The pressure of the achievement or let's call it the veil of doubt. You know what you can achieve and you know what you want to achieve. Yet, before you achieve it, you're certain you'll never achieve it again. Maybe it was only luck on those previous trips. You know for a fact that "Mr. Famous Photographer" would have had no problem with the things you struggled with. So maybe you should quit pretending to be a great photographer, or even a photographer at all.
Then all of a sudden your mind starts working as it should. You get caught up in the moment and now you can see clearly what you want from a scene. The question of particulars becomes meaningless because you know the goal is just within reach, if you only work a little harder on it and that drives you to work that much harder. It's like a veil has been lifted from your mind. Every doubt that you felt before now seems laughable since now you know, you have achieved it and you will achieve it again.
It's interesting that the veil of doubt is forced upon us when we start our adventure but it seems the only way to get rid of it is to achieve that which we set out achieve. I've yet to not feel it in the beginning of an adventure and the same seems to be true for you. Being aware of it should help us overcome it as you alluded to in the video. I look forward to seeing the rest of the trip, good work Ben!
I really enjoyed your honesty and feelings in the moment.
great stuff as usual…but….you didn't get passed by a Prius..
OK … I get your frustration here, but that’s still one of my favorites of your DV compositions …
Day one jitters. Your angst was painful to watch. I think that when we shoot on the first day, especially after driving, it becomes almost a fatigue driven argument with our own sensibilities. History shows that film is your "thing" and in the end you got an image that provided a wonderful image. I remember in 2018 being in similar light, only north of Furnace Creek. Standing in one location for hours, waiting for the magic light and second guessing every composition that I had pre-planed. In the end I was over the moon with what I got. I look forward to seeing the rest of your trip Ben.
I really like to watch your stories. Here's an idea. Behind a scenes video, editing stage. I'm very curious about colour processing here, your videos always looks so nice.
This is the first video of you that I've watched. I am amazed. Great content.
Strange as it may sound but it was nice to see you talk about struggles during the fleeting light. Although I have now started to shoot only black and white in 4×5, if I let the guard down it is a sure shot for a round file. Always look forward to your videos Ben. And now the book. Ta
Well Bummer!! I guess they don't call it Death Valley for nothing. I have to say though I see beauty in the photos you took. Stay thirsty.
Not sure if this would be useful or not, but there's an app/service called what3words that might help you keep track of locations. They've divided the entire earth into 3-meter squares, each with a unique 3-word address. It could help you keep track of very specific locations in your notes. (Don't worry, I don't work for them)
beautiful photograph … I am not a pro photographer ..but, in my humble opinion I think probably mixing it up with different formats like 6X7..digital..etc may spice things up a little….anyway, what do I know…pls don't put so much pressure on yourself..your viewers/subscribers won't go anywhere…you're awesome & doing fine.. 😊👍🏽always a pleasure to watch your videos
The last one you showed turned out really well! I'd hang that on my wall, and I consider myself somewhat picky.
Ben, another tip is get you a string of LED lights and string them across the engine and under your 4Runner. Those mice don't like the bright lights and will find another place to play.
I believe I went through a similar moment about 8 years ago. I had been shooting medium format film landscapes for about 22 years, and had been frustrated by so many photographs that had been lost on account of not being exposed properly, and the limitations in the number of compositions I would expose. When Nikon came out with the D800 and a 36 megapixel sensor (24 was the highest prior to that), I made the switch to digital, and never took another film foto again. It opened up so many more opportunities, and allowed for a higher success rate. Now with medium format cameras sensors up to 100MP, details may actually approach that of 8X10 film, but most importantly, with much greater dynamic range!! And one more point, if I may. Take it from someone who is probably twice your age, carrying a pack that is probably 1/4 the weight of what you’re carrying now, even with a wider array of glass, will expand your vision and creativity, as well as save on much wear and tear. Your knees and back will thank you long into the future. Someone suggested to me renting gear as a way to test out a new lens or camera before purchasing. That may be something to consider. The discerning eye and experience you’ve accumulated over the years, illustrated by your excellent large format work, will not be lost because you’ve altered the tools you use for your craft.
I've been facing a two week creative block in both photo and video. It just doesn't seem to be connecting. It's funny how you have these moments. I needed to hear it's not just me. That other people have those moments of frustration. Guess I'm going to open my eyes tomorrow and grab that camera again. Also I highly recommend watching your videos on a big screen. It really gives you the feel of the location. Excited to see the next episode. Stay healthy my friend. 🥂
I needed me Ben Horne today. Sounds like a good trip to follow along.
I like the image. My personal attitude is that I love capturing the images, not worrying about how I metered. Just one of the reasons I would never shoot film again. The film still must be scanned, then processed in LR or PS or another program, thus shooting on film is only partly an analog process.