Photographing Zion Fall 2020: Episode 1
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- This video kicks off my video series from my fall 2020 visit to Zion National Park. As expected in many ways, this was a very unusual trip.
Order "Between the Wind", My NEW Book with Kozo Books:
www.kozubooks....
My New eBook about Patience and Landscape Photography:
www.benhorne.c...
If you enjoy this Ad-Free content, help me follow my dream!
www.benhorne.co...
My 2020 Portfolio Box Set:
www.benhorne.c...
Newsletter Signup:
www.benhorne.c...
My Large Format Resource Page:
www.benhorne.c...
My Complete Video Kit & Settings:
www.benhorne.c...
PRINTS Available at: www.benhorne.com
- MUSIC IN THIS EPISODE -
"A Ticket To Childhood" by L-Ray Music: Licensed through PremiumBeat.com
www.premiumbea...
"From a Distance" by L-Ray Music: Licensed through PremiumBeat.com
www.premiumbea...
- VIDEO EQUIPMENT -
My Video Camera: amzn.to/2rNNQy2
My Wide Video Lens: amzn.to/2vLaBZy
My Normal Video Lens: amzn.to/2Iptu5z
My Microphone for in the Field: amzn.to/2ItwhuB
My Backpacking Video Camera: amzn.to/30ZYYcP
My Backpacking Microphone: amzn.to/30Uk7oO
My Voiceover Microphone: amzn.to/2JeXRgS
My Waterproof LED Video Light: amzn.to/37RJnP4
- HIKING EQUIPMENT -
Super Comfortable Sleeping Pad: amzn.to/2M8NScw
My Hiking Boots: amzn.to/2M9R0oA
Super Lightweight Bivy: amzn.to/2tdNEdd
My Cozy One Man Tent: amzn.to/2teyswq
The Best Trekking Poles: amzn.to/2MKpbnJ
- FILM EQUIPMENT -
My Film Changing Tent: bhpho.to/2JYjWDu
Dark Cloth & Rain Cover: bhpho.to/2K23Fcl
My Favorite Cable Release: bhpho.to/2yzgzxw
- SOCIAL MEDIA -
Twitter - / benhorne
Instagram - / benhornephoto
#photography #landscape #largeformat
Don't stop making the trip videos. These are the people's parks and you're being a wonderful steward by bringing them to thousands who can't visit. And you're a good example of how to enjoy the country's best resource. John Muir would approve.
Thanks Jeb! I'll definitely keep making the videos, but I may very well have to change some things depending on the location. It's tough to find that balance.
Hello, Mr. Horne. It is really wonderful to see you. Please realize that you are a blessing to many of us. If you can reach one, you have done your job.
I understand your sentiments concerning the environment, for I feel the same. Some people just do not care about being clean and leaving a place nice for others to enjoy as well. It is extremely frustrating. I just cannot understand filthiness. I truly do care about another individual's enjoyment. I was raised to keep clean, and leave it clean for the next person. Heck, if you cannot even get people to clean up the waste material from their pets on public grass, sidewalks, etc., what can you expect them to do in a natural park? be filthy. All of this can put a damper on a trip. I truly understand. All right, I have vented.
Mr. Horne, don't lose heart. Keep photographing, for you never know whom you're engaging. There are people who cannot get out of bed watching. A teenager in a slum may be watching, you just never know. Keep doing. Some of us are listening and learning. God Bless you and your family. It's good to see you up and at it.
You had me on this video the moment you dismantled the stack of rocks someone mindlessly put there. As you know this is a huge problem and the Park Service and the Forest Service kindly ask everyone (in writing on most kiosk) to not stack rocks on Federal lands. It's simply unnatural and serves no practical use. On the flip side. Ben you've really honed your video skills and your images are simply awe inspiring. Your story telling has reached a level I think most youtuber's never reach. Here's to your continued success.
Thanks Robert! As a back story with that cairn, I actually didn't notice it when I set up that video shot. It was only after I hit record and was walking into the scene that I saw it, so the cleanup was completely impromptu. I plan on doing a video on the topic of cairns pretty soon. Sure, there are some that are left behind for navigation on difficult trails, but those are not very common. I don't mess with those ones. It sure is sad to see how people litter the environment with "recreational" cairns. It's a bit like someone going to someone else's house then stacking their dishes and cups on the kitchen floor.
Hello Ben,
First off thank-you for yet another great video of your experiences and images, I believe were all in appreciation of your gift as an image maker. I to have struggled with concerns of sharing locations in fear of being over run and have seen first hand the devastation of areas over loved. I do see that you have the passion for the outdoors and the opportunity with your leadership, share with others your values of leave it better than you found it. This platform of your video can help in a way to educate the thousands of new people to outdoor experience an ethic to live and appreciate nature by. I to have been actively picking up after others for decades a value instilled from my father in my early years of outdoor exploration with my family. You are on the right track to helping others learn from good example and respecting nature as we explore. As for toilet paper well... two friends (young mothers) on an much needed day hike/break from the kids discovering a favorite lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near our home festooned with paper and other trash. Convincing other friends to watch the kids the next day each went back bringing their expedition sized packs lined with plastics bags and filled the packs. We can all take from your example and help others learn so yes please keep doing what you do so well, and thank-you Ben.
Thanks Michael! It truly is sad how certain locations can become overrun in a matter of no time. The metal monolith in Utah is an example. There are people who flock to areas for whatever purposes-often self serving-and they have very little regard for anything else other than the "mission" they are on. It was back in 2013 that I started seeing this first hand, and that was when I started becoming more and more discreet about where I was. I never really liked to use location names, but then I started filming at certain angles to make locations less discernible, being intentionally misleading, etc. I even put a video out about this many years ago, and there were some people who simply didn't understand, and were agitated by the fact that I wouldn't name locations. Thankfully there has been a change in recent years, and I think people are starting to see the impact. People respect most what they work the hardest for, and any time something is freely given away, there will be those who will not respect it, and will do harm to the location, especially if it is easy to reach. It seems that simply being a consideration person is no longer enough. Not only do we have to be very mindful about what we show, but we also have to make up for those who make poor choices. That was a great story about your friends who went back and cleaned up the wilderness area. We need more people like that in the world!
If there is such demand for these very special places I would support a much higher entrance fee for peak periods. Thanks for carrying on in the tradition of the masters. It’s great to see.
I agree that a higher entrance fee might help to thin the heard a bit, especially those who have malicious intentions.
This year has been excessively worse with the litter. A lot of parks near me that i was dying to shoot in were closed for most of the summer months to repair paths that were damaged by people and all the trash. Its very disappointing how people can just treat these places like its their damn living room. Thank you for setting a great example sir. Happy and safe travels!
Makes me wonder what the inside of some of those peoples homes look like? Are they filled with trash as an extension of their own horrible habits, or do they just reserve that for the outdoors? Really makes me wonder sometimes.
Very inspirational not only for the photography but living places better than you found it. COVID hiking places (easy hikes) have trashed places here to in North East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia too. The COVID crowds have definitely taken its toll on the landscapes for sure.
It's so sad to see how our outdoor places have been treated during the pandemic. Though I understand that some people are venturing outdoors for the first time as a result of the pandemic, the lack of respect toward the environment is truly shocking. This all should be common sense, but there is such a self centered mentality these days, and it's only getting worse.
2:40 Not all heroes wear capes...sometimes they wear backpacks.
Heroes need no capes
Out loud I said "yes, thank you!"
The funny thing is that I didn't notice that cairn while setting up that video shot. It was only after I hit record and I was walking into the scene that I saw it, so it was actually a very candid moment taking it down.
Why do people hate rock balancing so much?
This year has brought out the Best and worst in people World wide 🤔
I hope the Best persists into the Future 👍
Great view of Orion as a link to your meal 😄
The Last pine shot looks Very Nice 😄 , a nice break from Autumn colour.
Shame about lost key! 😳
I did find it a bit amusing that I traveled all the way to Zion on a fall color trip, and my first subject was a pine tree. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting Stuart!
Beautiful video Ben, and Beautiful capture too. You really were able to convey that sense of calmness and peace early in the morning lost in the middle of a canyon. I love how the hill folds into three separate layers that go from closer to further away from the bottom right corner to the upper left one. It really helps to lead the eye and adds an interesting layer and depth to the image. Stunning work, as always!
Thanks Kevin! That little slice of calm off the beaten path was very welcomed. It was nice not hearing cars, people shouting, or seeing litter strewn about. Seeing all of that left a bitter taste in my mouth, but thankfully some of that was reduced by doing my part to clean the place up-especially after a long day of finding interesting things to point my camera at.
Loved the final image. The two smaller trees framing the larger tree is master class. For certain, a new portfolio image so early in the trip. Congratulations.
Thanks Michael! I wish I could say I was able to sustain that productiveness for the rest of the trip. The photo of the pine tree shows the value of spending time scouting, and perhaps leaving a subject or two on the table for the next visit. I knew when I found that tree last year that it would make a great subject early in this years trip. That way I can get right to work without spending as much time scouting at the start of a trip. I found a few more subjects for next year as well. I love how it's an unending process.
0:37 I literally have that exact shirt.....and haircut.
Lol
I'm pretty sure that makes us fashion icons. Thanks for watching buddy! :-)
Omg you do xD
Thanks good chuckle and a sub... both of you :D
Fantastic to see your trip out here Ben. Can't wait to watch the rest of the story.
Thanks as always David!
Awesome video Ben, and really excellent shot of the pine tree. And wow, four sheets! Yeah, this fall season in Zion was certainly a little "different"
Thanks Rene! Yeah, that's all the Velvia I took with me that morning I believe I had some Provia as well. When I exposed that final sheet, the green pine needles on the tree were glowing in the warm light in a really cool way. It almost looked unreal, and I had to back it down a bit for the photo. I'm really hoping that once the pandemic is behind us, things will get back to normal in Zion, but it sure was sad to see how people had abused the park. Thanks for watching!
Hi Ben ! Wonderful video !!!
Thanks Evgeny!
Looking forward to what’s next of your trip.
This year the solitude has been broken that Ive feared in past years would do so through social media. Those quiet solitude places have been filled with people who have a different view than the typical who have treked into the wilderness. At the same time closures to places like Yosemite resulted in a bounty of plants, insects, animals and clear vistas.
Disheartened to say the least in where I am at by the actions of thousands throughout the Sierra and in Bryce/Zion this year. There were many WTF angry moments. Hoping for a better 2021.
Thanks Chuck! I'm really hoping that things will improve in 2021 as well.
Just finished the episode. Great to see you back out. It really sucks that people have taken to the outdoors and are so disgusting. I think it is on those of us that truly love the outdoors to try to educate people, so thanks for not giving up on these videos.
Thanks Travis! It really is sad, but in many ways, simply being a reasonable person is no longer good enough. We need to make up for the misdeeds of others.
Ahh the great key debacle 🤣 1 loss, 1 or several big gains. Time well spent in Zion and a great image to bring home, well done Ben 👏🏻🤙🏻
Thanks Joseph! Yeah, it was a bit of a freak incident that led to me losing the key, but I'm glad I was able to expose some film that day.
very excited about the fall 2020 episodes.
Thanks Mathias!
A really nice image Ben! Love the subtle warmth on the canyon walls.
Thanks Simeon! The glow that morning was truly beautiful. It was also interesting because the sun was reflecting off slightly warm colored sandstone, and that warm light really made the green pine needles on the large tree so incredibly vivid. I actually had to tone down the greens a bit to keep them in line with what one would expect.
Acadia NP was very crowded in October as well ... so many people glad to be out after the lockdowns and travel restrictions. (I keep my keys zipped and tethered to a pocket inside my camera bag.)
I've heard from many people across the globe, and their experience sure was echoed yours and mine. It really is sad how people have been inspired to visit these outdoor places, yet had no bearing on how to behave. It really shouldn't be all that difficult. I'm looking forward to when the current situation is behind us, and things get back to normal a bit. When it comes to the keys, for the rest of my trip, I made sure to attach the key to the plastic clip inside my backpack. That proved to be a good habit, and once I returned from the trip, I found a way to stash a key outside my vehicle... just in case.
I've come to really look forward to these! Yes!
Thanks Josh!
Sorry to hear about your car keys and window; probably a good idea to start attaching your car keys to your gps satellite locater from now on ;0) Great episode, look forward to the rest of the series.
It sure was a bummer about the key, but thankfully I have good insurance and was able to get the window replaced with a $0 deductible. For the remainder of the trip, I made sure to attach the key to the plastic clip inside my backpack. After returning, I found a way to stash a key outside my truck just in case this happens again. It would be especially bad if this happened during a backpacking trip where I'm really far off the grid.
Really excited to watch this :)
Thanks Kevin!
Hey Ben, just a question. Do you also use the ZV1 for the shots when its dark? I am thinking in getting one. Thanks mate.
Hi Rhawi! I found that ISO 3200 on the ZV1 is quite good for video, so I wouldn't hesitate to use it at that ISO setting. When combined with the fast lens (on the wide end), it should do quite well when it's a bit dark. I'll be going on a backpacking trip soon and the ZV1 will be my video kit, so we'll see how it goes for the evening/morning shots when it's still quite dark. I think it'll do quite well though, based on my experience on other trips.
@@BenHorne Thanks man. I pulled the trigger on one and its already with me. Before I used to use a RX0II but it is a bit finicky. Will keep a special eye on your next videos for mentions on ZV1 video quality/settings. Happy shooting.
Question for you, Ben. Do you need permission/permit to take some of your photos off the trails?
Hi Zack. Zion is a very accessible place, and there are many back country areas that are rolling hills of sandstone slickrock. There aren't any trails in these areas, but these areas can all be explored and photographed without a permit. If a person wants to do an overnight trip, a permit would be necessary, and only certain areas are set aside for this. There are also permits issued for technical canyoneering routes. Keep in mind that these are wilderness areas and there is no cell reception, so a person could certainly get themself into trouble pretty fast. It's also very important not to post trip reports that refer to specific locations, GPS coordinates, or anything else along those lines. There are some beautiful areas out there that are true wilderness areas, and if information is revealed, it can have a negative impact on these pristine areas. That's why I'm very careful not to say where I am, and I'm often misleading about the specifics in the videos.
Loved the video (especially your intro) Ben, and the shot. Pity about the car key, and I'll bet you never lose one again. Looking forward to the rest of the series, and your calm, melodic voice telling yet another fabulous story of Zion.
Thanks Andrew! You're definitely right about not losing the key again. It was a bit of a freak circumstance, but now I'll be sure to clip the key into my backpack, and I also placed a spare key somewhere in the outside of my vehicle. Thanks for watching and commenting!
1:05 Prius 🚙
Good eye! 😉
You want a reward for how green you are? Just pick the trash up. The irony of talking about picking up trash 3x in your video and then littering your keys. If you were so green, you'd drive a fuel efficient car. We watch you for your film shots and the journey. Don't beat a message into your followers.
Though I realize your post is tongue in cheek, I honestly would love to have an electric car that was not only capable of heading to the areas I venture offroad, but also there was the infrastructure to charge that sort of vehicle in remote towns. I think that day will come at some point, but it will be a while until such a vehicle was also affordable.
When it comes to picking up trash, my primary objective with these videos is to tell the story of these trips. Yes, I'm here for photography, but when you show up to a beautiful location, then wander through a slot canyon that was pristine in previous years, only to find that people have scratched their names into the soft sandstone walls, then littered the canyon with toilet paper and human waste, it sort of takes away from the experience.
That's the point about cleaning up the area. It was something that needed to be done. Simply being a reasonable person is no longer good enough these days. We need to go out of way to clean up after those who have less than stellar judgment. I mentioned it because it has a profound impact on the trip. The other option was to show the video of me cleaning up the actual piles of human waste.... but that was a bit less savory. DM me if you want to see the footage though.
Thank you Ben for taking the time to pick up other peoples trash and setting a good example.
Thanks Savage. It was one of those things where I knew it just needed to be done. Although it was certainly quite disgusting, it felt great afterward, and helped clear my mind to allow me to concentrate more on photography.
Ben, do what you do. From what I have seen elsewhere, 2020 was a bad year for people who don't "normally" go out GOING out and making a mess of things. Being able to watch your videos, exploring areas I'll never have the time to explore in the way that you do -- it's a great service to us all. Thank you! :)
That was an excellent photo!
Thanks Mads! I'm sure glad I knew about that tree from a scouting hike last year. Otherwise I would have had a tough time finding such a great subject so early in the trip.
Amazing how you capture what most just walk by.
Thanks Julius! That's one of the things I love about photography. There is so much potential all around us, and whether we choose to see it or not is entirely up to us.
Brilliant video Ben, filled with your thoughtful, empathetic and selfless actions and words. The world needs more people like you. Sucks about the car key, but good attitude. Very similar to when I destroyed my Mavic Air 2 a few weeks ago!
Thanks Alister! It was a very strange experience this year, and in many ways, seeing the litter and vandalism was a bit like trying to get work done on a cluttered desk. It wasn't until I took action and cleaned up the place that I was able to clear my mind and get to work. That sure is a bummer about destroying your drone. Those are the moments where we learn a bit more about ourselves, and what really matters. I've had many of those moments through the years.
@@BenHorne Keep inspiring Ben. A truly lovely human being.,
Cracking video Ben. I’m a bit frustrated, as I kind of want too binge watch the whole series now. But I cant which is kinda good as I’ve got my own editing to do from the Dartmoor National Park in the UK (very different experience) I was wondering and maybe PM me as I don’t want the question to detract from your beautiful video and photography. How are you keeping things add free with YT new policy on monetisation? Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks Brian! I wish I could say all the other videos were already done, but I'm still working my way through them. On the plus side, once it's all done, I'll be able to start thinking about getting out there again. We'll see though. When it comes to the ad free stuff, although youtube said they were going to start putting ads on videos regardless of if they are monetized or not, I haven't seen the impact of that yet. I'm hoping it's not widely implemented, but we'll see.
“The plan today is to visit a pine tree” ❤️
Sure makes for a great fall color trip eh? :-)
Looking forward to the next episode Ben. Carabiner is your friend for your keys ;-)
Thanks Jon! I usually secure the key to a clip in the lid of my backpack, but when I was about a hundred yards away from my truck, I realized, I forgot to pack some snacks for the hike, so I dropped my pack, went back to my truck, and returned with a handful of granola bars. In the process of doing that, I left the key in my pocket as opposed to putting it where it normally goes. I'm just glad I had a spare. Otherwise it would have been a much different sort of situation.
What a joy; to have a Ben Horne Video that inspires us lesser large format 'togs to go out and shoot. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
Stunning image..nice to see u Ben !! i dont know whats wrong w humanity anymore,, no respect for nature ..no respect at all for anything theres going to be a time that everything is going to be replace ..artificial its a different generation now ..may GOD BLESS US ALL!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks so much Juan.
Ben, so sorry for your loss (we are 5th Gen 4Runner owners too)... ;-)
FYI, sometimes the smallest windows (especially the fixed ones) are the hardest to find and most expensive to replace...
Hi Paul! Thankfully this story had a happy ending. The bid to replace the little window was the same as replacing the larger window in the same door, but by breaking the little window, it had a far less significant impact on my trip. There was some rain/snow predicted in the later part of the trip, and taping over the small window was much easier to do. In terms of replacing the window, the great news is that my insurance covered it with a $0 deductible. On the paperwork, it said the cost of the window replacement was around $200, which isn't all that bad, all things considered. I now have a key somewhere externally so I won't have to break the window again (thankfully), but if I was in a situation whereI had to do this again, I still think the little window was the best way to go since the impact on the rest of the trip was minimal.
It's a very sad indictment on society when beautiful places are left scarred by thoughtless individuals who leave their litter. Sadly it's not confined to the continental U.S. Here in the small village where I live in N. Wales people leave their litter in the meadows and fields next to the River Dee. As you say...disgusting! The positive side however are your wonderful travelogues and photographs of areas I am unlikely to be able to visit in my lifetime. So thank you for the joy you bring through your vlogs. B.T.W. if people haven't bought either your book or box set then they should do. They will not be disappointed with either!
Thanks as always Thomas! It really is sad to see how people treat these wild places. It seems bizarre that a person would even feel the desire to visit a place like this, only to leave so much devastation in their wake. I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and one possible conclusion I've come to is that these people don't realize that other people venture into these areas, or find beauty in these areas, so they think the impact they have with litter, and vandalism won't be seen by others. It's just far enough from the road to be easily accessible, yet hidden from view from those casually passing by.
Outstanding image, Ben. Thanks for cleaning as you go; many of us do. And don't worry about adding to the tourist traffic; you keep your whereabouts quite vague. Cheers for a great video and sorry about the lost key. The photo was worth the cost!
Thanks John!!
Great photo of that tree. I've wondered the same thing about going to places that used to give me solitude but now are literally flowing with people. There are more California, Texas and Florida plates in the trailhead parking lots here than Idaho or Wyoming combined. I found I can still get farther in the backcountry than they can or know how to. Your videos are good. People viewing can have a sense of what a place means to a person especially if that person is willing to clean up their nasty toilet paper. Many people visiting these areas are new to the outdoors and just don't know better, while a lot are just blatantly apathetic. They might have seen somebody balance one of those stupid rock things and think its cool and so they try it. The example you set in kicking those over, or picking up the mylar balloons or the toilet paper is good for people to see. I think its good you keep filming your trips for these reasons.
The crowds definitely don't venture very far. They mostly stick to areas near the road and that's where all the litter, vandalism, and human waste were found. It was truly disheartening to see how poorly people were treating the park. It seems that simply being a reasonable person and NOT littering is no longer enough. We really need to make up for those who can't be bothered with being a reasonable person.
Ben I hope you continue vloging your trips. They are breath of fresh air as well as very inspiring. I have taken the moto "Leave it better than you founded" as well as the Scout's credo of "leave no trace" as integral parts of the two photography groups I belong. This is in part inspired by your videos as well as Phill Monson. I have also started a campaign (within the groups) to educated people on the harm of cairns and rock stacks.
Thanks for watching Glidden! Though I do plan on continuing the videos, I think I need to find the right balance of perhaps showing some locations and not others. I have always been very mindful about the specifics of what I show, but with some locations, even that might not be enough. It's so fantastic to hear that you're carrying the message as well. It seems we have reached a point where simply being a reasonable person is no longer good enough. We need to make up for the misdeeds of other people. I will say though that it can be rewarding at times. When I saw all of the litter and vandalism in Zion this year, it was a bit like trying to work with an extremely cluttered desk. It was impossible to see beyond what was in front of me. By cleaning up the trash I found, I was able to get to work. That small deed really gave me a much better mindset.
lost keys SUCKS! May I recommend using one of those Peak Design anchor links to secure the keys inside your backpack. In any case between the trash collection and the lost keys I finally decided to donate. I look forward to the rest of the trip
The ironic thing is that I have one of the Peak Design anchors on the key for my 4Runner. My wife as a Corolla, and the keys look similar at first glance, so I put one of those anchors on my key to tell them apart. For the rest of my trip, I used that anchor link to snap into the plastic buckle in the lid of my backpack. It worked like a charm, and it's definitely a habit I'll keep up. I also relocated the spare key to somewhere else so I can get to it without breaking a window.
I was supposed to be there last March, but our friend Corona put a stop to that. Now rescheduled for April of next year. We'll see. Looking forward to the next installment.
I'm really hoping that things will be better next year, both with the virus, but also with the out of control crowds who were wreaking havoc on the park. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Sorry about the key and window. It use to be a coat hanger or fishing line would do the trick of opening the door. But like everything else, technology has made our life simplistically more difficult. Looking forward to the next video
Yup, it really has changed things. Thankfully I had a spare key in my truck-though to be honest, I wasn't 100% sure there was a spare key inside when I broke the window. The window replacement was covered with a $0 deductible because I have good insurance, and you'll see how the key situation unfolds later in the trip. Thanks for watching and commenting David!
Another fantastic video! Great work, Ben!
Thanks so much Scotty!
An authentic, centred and inspiring way to make photographs. Thank you.
Thanks Philip!
Thanks for the continuing series, I wouldn't like to not be able to watch you and your vision. Also thanks for doing your part to help offset the folks who don't either know better or don't care. I routinely pick up things while I am out hiking. Over visitation is a huge issue in almost all parks. I sure don't know what the solution is though.
Thanks for doing your part Dennis! As sad as it is, simply being a considerate person is no longer enough. We need to do our part to make up for those who think it's okay to abuse these locations. I certainly hope to keep filming these videos, but there might be some trips I go on in future years where I simply leave the video camera behind. Some areas are better suited for the videos than others. Thanks for watching!
I think you ended up on the right line of thought in the introduction. Don't stop filming your videos that shows love and respect for photography and parks/nature. If there's an adjustment to be made it's showing people even more the correct way to treat these places and to show them the ways they can be a positive impact (leave no trace, righting observed wrongs).
Thanks Chris! It really is a challenge at times because Zion is such a beautiful place, but I'm afraid of the impact the videos have. Though I know that the people who watch the videos aren't the type that will deface a place like Zion, there are so many hidden places in Zion that even if I try to be very discreet, I fear it will have an impact. When I was hiking to the areas with the pine tree in this video, I was thinking about how a written blog might be the solution, but I love using the medium of video to tell these stories.
Awesome video Ben. And thanks for bringing up the subject of trash in the parks. It’s a constant battle but all of us doing little things here and there will add up.
Thanks so much for watching! On the plus side, I noticed that there were other people cleaning up the areas as well while I was there. I cleaned up three areas in particular, and there were a couple others areas on my radar, but by the time I returned to them, someone had already taken care of it. Sadly it's no longer enough to simply be a considerate person and NOT litter. We really have to make up for those who seem to think it's okay.
Great video and image Love the detail of your large format images. The fact that you made the effort to clear up others' mess makes you a special human being. Thanks for the example.
Thanks David! In the same way that I have difficulty working if there is clutter on my desk, it's difficult to go on a photography trip and concentrate on photography when an area is cluttered with trash and other vile things. It feels great to do something about it, and seeing an area cleaned up gave me what I needed to keep finding new subjects to photograph.
A couple of comments. When hiking I carry a second key made from a blank with no chip. It lets me get into the Jeep to get my real spare, but costs much less and has no risk of letting someone take the car if they find it (though gear in the car would be at risk). On the litter front, one thing I’ve been doing is when using a vault toilet, I pick up toilet paper on the floor and throw it in the toilet and the wrappers to take back and throw away. I find the toilets tend to stay cleaner since people don’t feel invited to trash them as much. I think the issue is the pandemic has gotten a lot of newbies out camping who don’t know better - hopefully they’ll learn as they go.
That's a really good idea about having the spare as a blank with no chip. It's probably a lot slimmer and smaller that way too. That's also a very good point about the vault toilets and about picking up trash in general. When an area is pristine, it invites less of the insidious litter that seems to invite more.
You can not change people's behavior. Perhaps its the times we are living, people feel its their rights only that matter and the hell with others. I doubt these are the people watching your channel. You have a poetic voice in film making. It's a rare skill. It would be a shame if you stopped.
Thanks Michael. Just as you mentioned, there is a pervasive self-centered view that is truly a plague on our society. I suspect some of it is fueled by social media. Rather than caring about other people or the experience of others, people are too focused on themself. Unfortunately I don't see that changing any time soon. Thanks so much for watching and commenting Michael.
Another enjoyable video and feel your pain with the mess people make but I doubt those watching your videos are the in any way any of those irresponsible ones.
Thanks Andrew. I definitely agree that those who watch these videos aren't going to be the ones causing problems, but we all have an impact, and the trend in recent years has been disturbing. I'm hoping things will settle down following the pandemic, but I fear this is the new normal.
Great video, Ben ! I share your disgust with litter and graffiti. Why people go to places like this and leave trash is hard to understand.
Thanks Mike! My best guess is that these people leave behind the litter and graffiti because they don't think other people find beauty in these areas. It's a bit like finding graffiti in a back alley behind a dumpster. They think other people don't go back there, so it is a "safe" place to leave their mark. It reveals the sad truth of how these people view these locations.
I wouldn't call losing your keys and having to smash your window "starting on a high note", but I admire your optimism.
Amazing photograph and enjoyable video as always, that is for sure!
Haha! Well, we'll see see how the rest of the trip goes. :-)
You are getting better and better at everything Ben, keep growing and keep motivating. Lovely photo by the way.
Thanks Vishwas! It's definitely important to keep growing and adapting to change. In many ways, it was sad to see how people were treating Zion this year, and it really interfered with my experience there. That all being said, it felt great to clean things up, and doing so gave me the motivation I needed to keep finding interesting things to point my camera at. Thanks as always for watching and commenting.
I love this video series. Thanks for going through with it.
Thanks so much for watching Michael!
Loved the video Ben, thanks for sharing , it sad how little respect for the environment some people have.
Thanks John! It really is sad to see how little people value the outdoors. It seems strange that a person would visit a place like Zion, only to treat it so poorly.
@@BenHorne Ben congrats on getting in the international landscape photographer book, I seen your name in there, I just missed the cut 84%!
I keep my extra 4Runner key in my billfold.
Is it the smaller valet key? Even that one seems to be quite thick. I know there are some ways of having a purely mechanical key made that are nice and slim though.
Love the final image Ben, enjoying this year journey. Re Keys: I'm extremely cautions with my keys, I always put my keys in a dedicated pocket with a zipper, feels secure and avoids breaking windows and costing $300. A life lesson.... Cheers
It's definitely a lesson learned for me. In the past, I put the key in a dedicated zipped pocket in my backpack, but there was a series of events that led me to put it in my pocket this time. Early that morning when I was beginning my hike, I made it about 100 yards before realizing I forgot to pack some granola bars. I dropped my pack, walked back to my truck, got a handful of granola bars, and in the process of doing so, returned the key to my pocket. When I put the backpack back on, I left the key in my pocket. For the rest of the trip when I was working with my spare key, I attached it to the plastic clip inside my backpack. I have since added a spare key somewhere on the exterior of my vehicle so this doesn't happen again. Thanks as always for watching and commenting Phil!
@@BenHorne I carry a spare key ground to a minimum size in my wallet.
Whats up with knocking over the cairn stones?
Cairns are increasingly becoming a nuisance. Although there are some situations where cairns are used for legitimate navigation, most people won't encounter those sort of cairns. How can you tell the difference? Well, if they are there for navigating a difficult trail, you'll know it because you'll be using them.
Most cairns you find these days are the recreational variety where people are simply rearranging nature to leave their mark on the land. It's a bit like visiting a friend's house, then stacking their cups and dishes on their kitchen floor. It has become a big problem in many national parks where people are setting up dozens or even hundreds of of them in a small area. This spoils the wilderness experiences of other visitors. We should strive to leave no trace when visiting an area. I'll have a video on this topic in a few weeks.
You're even calm when you lose your keys and have to break a window! I had the same experience with huge crowds in Yellowstone in September. Normally it would be tapering off, but it was a record breaking month. Looking forward to the rest of your trip Ben.
Thanks Daniel! It was one of those moments when my options were limited, and making lunch was mighty attractive. Thankfully I carry gaffers tape with me and I was able to cover up the window. It's always best to be prepared, and now I have a key hidden somewhere else, so I'll be much better prepared for this specific situation in the future as well.
@@BenHorne if it's any consolation, I bet everyone who watches will be very aware of how easy it can happen now. Many of us will make plans based on your misfortune. Thanks Ben!
Good to see you back at Zion. I've also observed here in the UK that there are more walkers about than usual in nature areas, woodland, etc. during these times of restriction.
Yup, a lot of people are venturing into their local outdoor locations. It's nice for people to connect with nature, but it sure seems that a lot of people have no clue how to behave. Seems pretty straightforward to me, but it was sad to see the damage that people had done in Zion. Hopefully your local areas in the UK have fared better.
@@BenHorne I think litter is the main problem in the UK, especially in the summer when the beaches get trashed - there seems to be a lack of respect. On a family holiday in 2019, we had a few days in LA on the way to Kauai, what really struck me was how clean the streets were (litter free) and even the buildings looked clean, compared to where I live in England. I was not expecting that, maybe it's because we only visited the tourist areas, downtown and the Hollywood area.
Great commitment to the environment and the experience
Thanks so much for watching! It's sad how simply being a considerate person is no longer enough these days. We all need to do what we can to clean up after those who have poor judgement on such things.
Thank you for helping cleaning up such a beautiful place and preserving it for the next generations. Sorry to hear about your car key incident. Best of luck with your work and life. Take care out there.
Thanks so much Sérgio! It was really sad to see how badly people had treated this very special place. Thankfully when I returned during my winter trip, I didn't see any graffiti in the canyons anymore. It had been scrubbed, which was fantastic to see. They also added some more bathrooms to help with the other problems.
@@BenHorne those are great news. People need to understand the importance of preserving these places which can cease to exist if we don't care for them. Inside, though, i know they have a future on this planet, thanks to others, like you, and me i guess, that will always try to keep them safe. I'll drink to that! 👍 Cheers!
I know how you feel, lost my key during snowboarding in powder. jumping around it must of flew out of the pocket. No spare key... god what a expensive mistake...
That sure is a bummer! It makes for a great learning experience though. Did you have a spare key in your vehicle when you were skiing? For the rest of the trip, I made sure to secure my key to the clip inside my backpack. When I got home, I found a way to hide a key outside my truck just in case it happens again.
@@BenHorne The super-magnetic compartment thingy? It's saved me a couple awkward moments.
@@BenHorne hah of course not. Had to hoist the car to an official Mercedes garage and order a new key. Luckily I was insured for the hoisting. But the key... that was painfull. Extra, because I wanted to get rid of the car after winter. But now with corona my car is still here in front of the door, in another country, without belgium permission to drive, needs to be checked. And I don't want to import it for the months i'm here. I hate cars.. Never had good with those pieces of ssshhh... uhum metal.
Reflected light count: 2
I need to up my game. 😂👍
Thank you for inspiring me to get back into film, I've just brought and started using a Mamiya RB67. That sad about the amount of trash there, I take a bin bag the beach every time I go, they are getting a lot better but some new stuff (mostly plastic bottles) keep getting washed in. I got your box set yesterday, I think I will wait until Christmas to open it. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Ben. :)
Fantastic image and love the story telling. ....that prius was just flying😃
Thanks Rakesh! Yup, that Prius sure was on a mission!
2:38 I do that too.
I'm glad to hear that Jay! It really is sad how people feel the need to leave their own mark on the environment. Sure, there are cairns that are used for navigation, but those are actually few and far between. I'll do a video on this specific topic in the coming weeks.
I get so hype everytime the Prius passes!
Haha! Those shots are getting harder and harder to get now. Toyota has a very similar front end on the Corolla now, so it's tough to spot a Prius until it passes me.
haha same here... you just know there's going to be a comment!
Great start of the Zion series and a area that looks so different from the main tourist sites. Good to see that the first photo from the trip, worked out so well that it ended up in your boxset!!
Thanks Sander! It was certainly a great way to start out the trip. Since this was a scene I first discovered last year, it shows the importance of spending a lot of time scouting, and occasionally leaving an image or two on the table for a return visit.
I love natural patterns... I would have taken hundreds of photos on this day :)
Thanks Robert! It is definitely an area I will further explore on future trips. I made all sorts of mental notes of interesting subjects. It was also great to be away from the crowds and to work in peace.
As always Ben a great story ... looking forward to the upcoming series ....
Thanks so much Nigel! Always great hearing from you.
Nicely done! That was a pretty good start to the trip...photographically speaking, at least. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of it goes.
Thanks! It was certainly a.... unusual trip this year, but I look forward to sharing the rest of it. I'm also looking forward to heading back there during the winter when the crowds have thinned out and the place is quiet again.
Another awesome video Ben. Thanks for letting me tag along!
And thanks for picking up after the slobs!
Thanks as always for watching and commenting! Though it wasn't pretty cleaning up the mess, at least it felt good to leave the area nice and pristine. I'm looking forward to heading back there again this winter. Hopefully the crowds will have moved on.
Awesome to see you back in the saddle, Ben! Great image! Even though IG and vlogging does contribute to the destruction of beautiful places, there is inspiration as well. I haven't been back to Zion in many years, but your vlogs remind me of the magnificence. Very sad that there is such a huge element of this country...about half (!)...that wants to trash the beauty. People like you remind many of us of great men like Muir and Teddy Rosevelt and Ed Abbey...Keep up the good work! Oh, and keep that key in a zippered pocket!
Thanks Slavomir! I'm hoping that once we are beyond the pandemic, many of these issues will resolve themselves, but we'll see. There are some locations where I might just leave the video camera behind so I can concentrate on the photography, and not worry about the impact of video. Other options could be a written blog for some locations. We'll see, but it's definitely a tricky subject. Thanks for watching!
So good to explore Zion with you again, Ben, I'll be watching for the rest of the trip. Wondered if there would be a Prius passing your 4Runner, and there was, so you'll understand my laughing to myself watching Avengers:Endgame (we have Teenagers) and seeing an abandoned one in a film scene! xD I hope people pay attention to the mess and start packing out everything they bring instead.
I know the exact scene you are talking about. That one gave me a good laugh as well. :-) Thanks as always for watching and commenting.
Glad you're back in Zion! I missed your videos! Thanks for sharing your creative journey!
Thanks Vincent! Much appreciated!
Gorgeous image of the pine trees, Ben. I love it.
I enjoy your vlogs, Ben. They're informative and relaxing to see the process and hear your commentary about the process and experience. There are times when we something that is not right, we need to say something and do something. Thank you for bringing awareness to the litter problem on public lands and helping to keep our public lands tidy.
2:40 - No cairns! Thank you.
Thanks for watching Bryan! It was definitely an usual experience this year. In many ways, seeing the vandalism and litter was a bit like trying to work with a cluttered desk. It wasn't until I spent some time cleaning it up that my mind also eased a bit, and I was able to get to work. I suppose that's one of the benefits of cleaning up a place that might not be obvious at first, but it sure did help.
A wonderfully natural and gentle image to kick things off with, Ben. Lovely video, just a bummer about the car key!
Thanks Martin! It sure did suck to lose the car key, but at least I had a spare. From now on, I'll make a point of attaching the key to the clip in my backpack.
Beautiful location and gorgeous photo. And knowing how it was taken makes me apreciate it even more. Lately I’ve been picking up trash on my walks, thank you for the inspiration 🙏
It really was a beautiful location, and one to explore more in future years. Thanks so much for picking up the trash you find. It seems that simply being a reasonable person and not littering is no longer enough. We really need to go above and beyond and clean up after those who think it's okay.
Great photo! And, as always, just a delight to spend a little time with you.
Thanks for watching Daniel!
So glad, Ben, that you could start out with such a marvellous shot right away! I was actually very much looking forward to your fall trip this year, now knowing whether or not you would be able to take it. It's always a great pleasure to watch your videos. Cheers from Germany - stay save in SD!
Thanks as always Andreas! It was great to find that pine tree last year, and to have it as a subject to return to early in this years trips. It shows the value of spending a lot of time scouting, and even leaving some shots on the table for future visits. I also find it somewhat amusing that my first subject on this year's fall color trip was a pine tree. 😉😂
Watching your videos always put me in a better state of mind. Sorry about your key.
Thanks Hoot!
Love it! Your words and images are so inspiring. Would be really sad not to see these videos. Thanks so much for taking us along -- especially at this strange time. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for watching and for the kind words. The idea of doing video in some of these places is a tricky subject. It's good to help build a sense of respect for the environment, but we all have an impact, and it's important to understand that impact as well.
Thank you for the video, Ben. I was anxiously awaiting it’s release for “our” annual trip to Zion. Great photo and I imagine it will be part of your next box set. I hope you went back and found your key! Merry Christmas.
Thanks as always Linda! The issue will the key is something I'll address later in the trip.
The photographs are beautiful, Mr. Horne. Thank you.
Thanks as always Courtney!
Another relaxing video coming. Thank you Ben.
Thanks Aaron!
Thanks Ben I look forward to " Next time " stunning.
Thanks Mark!
Are those lights in your lift gate stock or did you add those?
Hi Randy! The lights are stock. I film those videos before sunrise with the WB set to tungsten, so they appear much brighter and whiter than they do to the eye.
Really excited to see you capture those two beautiful images in your 2020 boxset!
Thanks James! It sure was a strange year this year, but I'm really looking forward to getting back out again when I can.
Thank you Ben! This was a breath of fresh air in this crazy year. So glad you made it to Zion and got at least one subject photographed!
Thanks Joshua! It was a bit of an odd trip, but there is always a lesson to be learned from it. I look forward to heading back there in the winter when (hopefully) things settle down a bit. We'll see!
After every video of yours I watch- I want to go out and take pictures, so inspiring!
That's so great to hear! Thanks for watching!
For that much money, I would have gone back for the key! Great shot though.
Hi Chad! I address that later in the trip, but on this particular day, I was thoroughly exhausted after the hike because I spent so many calories getting out there and back. My blood sugar was dropping and I needed to get some food in me. I felt a bit like a bear breaking into a car for a PB&J sandwich. :-)
Loved it mate.
look forward to the rest of the series.
Thanks as always Brett! It was a strange year for sure.
I’ve been looking forward to this. This video did not disappoint. Keep up the good work.
Thanks as always Larry!