Always great to see one of your videos drop, but even more so during these times. You bring a calmness, a patience that is needed right now. Great image. I hope you're staying well through this.
I often watch people only directing their lenses only towards the spectacular skies. Only a few seek the beauty that light paints at the ground. Love the second exposure. It's like the simple result of a complicated math of opportunities created by the 360 degree sunset around you.
Thanks Michael! It definitely takes some willpower to resit grabbing the camera and aiming it at a different subject, but I know I would likely walk away with nothing. I learn so much about a location by sticking to my first instinct, and seeing it through. I would love to get a photo of the broader scene with those clouds some day though. After seeing how the light was in person, I now have a better idea of how to capture it in the future. Thanks as always for the great comment!
Relaxing and no stress days are often the best. I have been going on Fall color trips for a few years myself. Sometimes you can drive for hours and find nothing. Like you, when I get a few shots done, suddenly a lot of stress and strain goes away and I feel like I can be more choosy on what I shoot. So I understand your feelings in these videos. Keep up the great content.
Thanks as always Danny! There is definitely something very important about getting those first few shots out of the way. It really helps guide the rest of the trip. That's why my goal is to capture at least one photo each day. It might not always make for the best photo, but it keeps me on my toes.
Man... hats off to you for sticking to your guns with that light. I'd have been like a headless chicken trying to recompose... and that normally means I come away with something half baked. Just love the tones on that second shot especially and the contrasting textures looked sublime. Hope to see a finished version in a future vid. Thanks as always.
Thanks Kieran! It truly was a very special evening out in the dunes. Though I didn't get a photo of the wonderful light in the sky, it was a wonderful way to end a day of rest. Things will kick up a bit as the trip continues. Some of my favorite photos from the trip are still to come. :-)
Great stuff as always. Those images are interesting. I understand your need to sit on them to decide how much you like them. The more I look the more I enjoy them for certain. And yeah, the craziness of pointing the camera at a bunch of dirt when there are all those wonderful colours all around you! Great job sticking to your guns with your shot! Cheers!
Another great video. Especially appreciated you sticking to you composition and anticipated light. I certainly would have been tempted to chase some of that amazing light. I have seen though which I am sure you know that chasing eye candy often distracts from the more meaningful image. Thanks also for the tip regarding calculating bellows extension. I’ve always found that intimidating. Will have to try that circle. Thanks for you work. It is really appreciated.
Thanks as always Larry! The side benefit of not chasing the light is being able to simply enjoy the moment, and it sure was beautiful that evening. You'll really like the Quick Disc. It makes the entire process quite easy, and it's super lightweight which is great.
The mark of a truly skilled landscape photographer, Ben; knowing your plan and sticking to it. The result being some beautifully lit, truly interesting images with an abstract feel, Instead of “wow, super colourful sunset tonight” pics with no real composition...the internet is creaking under the weight of those already! I completely agree, better to enjoy that sunset for yourself in the moment :0) I also sound extremely worthy and pompous here, lol, so must also fess up to being guilty of falling into the nuclear skies shot trap myself, far too many times 😬
Thanks Martin! Those skies can be so wonderful to witness in person, but I've really learned to embrace those more moody moments with very subtle light - moments that don't seem particularly special at the moment, but they look beautiful when framed on a wall.
Thankful for the consistent videos of BH. So many of my photography channels have gone to daily talking heads just so they can post something...it's nice to have a good production with content.
Thanks Randy! I only have a few episodes left though. 😬Let's hope this situation with the virus lifts a bit so I'll be able to venture out into the wilderness again. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
I like them! Especially the first one. It has a nice sort of nude tone to it that I really like. And the two different textures of sand look very interesting.
I think you'll come around to the photos. They have some lovely form in my opinion. Also, getting to see that 747 is neat! Thanks to a lifelong love of aviation I always go into spotting mode whenever I hear an aircraft passing by.
Thanks! They are some images that I will perhaps return to on a rainy day. I scanned the first one and worked on it a bit. There's just something about it that feels a bit unbalanced. Maybe that's the sort of thing that a slight tweak will help with. We'll see. I will say that I was a bit envious of the view that the 747 pilot had while flying through Death Valley. I don't know for sure how high up it was, but it didn't seem all that higher than the mountains, which rise to about 11,000 feet max. It sure was cool to see!
Imagine the surprise on my housemate's faces: I'm sitting quietly, headphones on, watching the video and drinking my tea and I let out one unexpected and obnoxiously loud laugh over "I don't, like, know how to do decimal points and stuff when it comes to letters..." XD You're great, Ben.
The panoramic valley light and sand pattern are amazing. Pretty neat you got to see a rare 747 in flight, especially GE's engine test plane. I was wondering about the rumbling noises I hear in the video, which I also heard in Diego's video.
Thanks Bryan! It seems like there are at least 2, and possibly three times a day that fighter jets fly through the park. They always show up in pairs. They are fun to watch, but they certainly mess with the audio at times.
Great video Ben! That image is amazing and the dedication and patience for the shot is impressive. Also, the silence in Death Valley is one of the many things I love about the park.
Thanks! The silence sure is great out there isn't it? I also like the sound of the wind when it comes in waves, and you can hear it blowing through the bushes before it gets to you.
Just given way to temptation and ordered Between The Wind. All the up-market copies have gone, but I’ve got a cheapo version on order. :-). Something to look forward to whilst I’m locked down.
Thanks Nicholas! There are perhaps some photos that I will come around to with time. There's something about them that feel a bit unbalanced, but maybe there are some ways of working with that. We'll see. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the great content. I call these mornings Coffee with Ben. haha. The quick disc looks great. Just getting ready to dip my toes into LF and as I have researched the bellows factor has given me the most consternation. Thank you. Hope to have the gear I need to start shooting this week and as always you are a great inspiration. Only hope my photos are half as good as you produce. All the best and hope you and yours are safe and healthy.
You'll definitely like the quick disc. Before I switched over to it, I did some comparisons with my previous method of measuring the bellows, and the quick disc gave me the same results every time. It's nice not to have to bring the tape measure and calculator with me into the field anymore.
What a great way to start the day. One of the themes that is in everyone of your videos is the application of patience. Something that I have a hard time with but thru your videos I'm learning. Thank you for sharing the 'Quick Disc". I've always hated trying to figure out the bellow compensation. This is simple and easy fix. I agree with your assessment of your pics for the day. Nice, but nothing that really grabs me. Still you have had some great pics from this trip. and a great day out in Death Valley
Thanks Michael! Patience is definitely a necessity, and you'll love that quick disc. When I was new to large format, I remember doing some long division i the sand of a slot canyon because I forgot to bring a calculator with me. It sure is nice to get the exact number without having to measure or do math.
Whilst there is nothing comparable to Death Valley here in Cornwall, we DO have some pretty spectacular sand dunes and very often the wind to sculpt them along with other good stuff like Marram grass. So I now have a place, a composition in mind for my Intrepid 4x5 and even a time of day. Thank you for the guidance. BTW, as a cheeky comment what IS it you have on your head, looks like your grandmother's D'oyly??
The dunes with the grass can sure make for some great subjects! You'll do well with those. Whenever I'm out in the dunes or on the salt flats for much of the day, I throw a bandana under my hat to keep the sun off my neck and ears. This way I don't have to constantly put sun screen in those areas. It also helps since the light can be quite intense on the salt flats. The bandana really helps reduce the radiated heat.
Very enjoyable Ben. I know I would've been tempted to have changed the composition and pointed upwards but I know that with shooting film it's more of a production to change. I had an evening like yours on a trip I took there in March. There is no better place than Death Valley when the sky puts on a show. It will be interesting to see if the images grow on you with time. Hoping to join you tomorrow for your Q and A. - G
You brought two nice results from this evening, but they would always remind me of the great sunset and the 360 degrees of possibilities. I felt the same way on my trip, one of the two formats was ready for shooting and there was a situation where you could swing back and forth. I will always have an extra tripod with me to be flexible with my small 3D printed 6x17 camera. Greetings and stay healthy, Seb
A 6x17 camera definitely would have done very well with the crazy color that evening. The dunes were well aligned with the clouds in the sky. I do miss my 6x17 camera at times, but even if I had mine with me, I doubt I would have thought to haul it out in the field with me that day. It sure was fun to use though, and sure was great for chaotic scenes.
They sure look like they're just floating there. Here in San Diego, we have a rather short runway, so we seldom ever see them. They're a special treat when I see them in the sky.
Hi Ben - I'm really beginning to appreciate your videos - bit like slow cooking - absorbing, relaxing but with a tinge of tension - will you really get the shot you want! Switching to a totally mundane level - have you ever investigated getting a Tilley hat (maybe an Airflo) for that hot baking Death Valley sun? I've no connection to them but you really should check them out for that sort of environment.
Thanks so much Tony! I've heard a lot of people recommend them, and it's definitely something I should look into. I enjoy the Outdoor Research hat I have because it folds down quite small, and holds its shape well when you unfold it. It's also very lightweight, which helps on backpacking trips. I pair it with a bandana to give my neck and ears some sun protection when walking out on the sand and salt. Thankfully the temperature is very mild in Death Valley during the month of January. I believe the hottest it got was in the mid to upper 70's, but once you get some direct sunlight reflecting off salt or sand, it sure feels warmer.
Ektar would have definitely made life easier for some of those scenes, but if I can get away with slide film, that will always be my first choice. I love the experience of looking at the film with a loupe, and it sure makes the process of deciding between photos much easier. I stick with Ektar for scenes with a very large dynamic range, but most of the scenes I shot on this trip were within the abilities of slide film.
I´ve been waiting for this video all week. I got all set up (coffee, couch, comfy clothes) and I love it. Sometimes you´re a little bit too harsh on yourself, I understand that in order to come up with a great portfolio each year for your print-box you kinda have to enforce this upon yourself, but this two images are stunning, the intricacies of the small details in the cracks and in the sand brought up by the amazing light you enjoyed that night are beautiful. The kind of picture I´d enjoy hanging on my wall so that I could see it everyday. Great work as always Ben! I was wondering, is this the last day you stayed in Death Valley before going to Zion? And also, have you ever thought about talking a little bit more about what goes on behind the scenes in order to produce such a high quality video content? I´d love to see something like and learn a bit more about the production side of things. Stay safe, and I can´t wait for next saturday! :)
Thanks Kevin! We'll see how I come around to the photos with time. As it is now, I feel like they are a bit unbalanced. It might be the sort of thing where I can find an even better subject to work with on a future trip, but we'll see. I did however come around to one of the sand dune photos in the Episode 6 video. I didn't like the images at first, but after a bit of a crop, I came around to it. Once I'm done posting the videos, I plan on making some behind the scene videos to tell a bit more about the process. I'll likely do one next week about how I create and record the voiceovers. That's the toughest part for me.
I have a question for you. At 14:11 on your video there is a square on the ground by your tripod leg, What is it? i have seen it other videos too. I like watching your videos.
It's called a Gray Card (most are literally cards). Very briefly, it provides a target that is mid toned (gray) which helps in determining exposure. Mostly this might help in fast changing light. More commonly today used for setting a neutral white balance to avoid color casts due to light conditions. An internet search will give you sites with a much more useful explanation.
Just as Jim mentioned, it's a neutral gray target that I can point my spot meter at to determine the exposure for the scene. I use it mostly when the light is changing quickly. That particular gray card pops open, and is made of a rubberized material so it is weatherproof. The gray card came quite handy on this trip. It gave me the confidence to photograph in some light that was otherwise quite difficult to work with.
Ben, can you please explain the rights to camp in DV and Zion ? Can you sleep anywhere in your truck in a lay-by or on rough ground away from the road as in Breaking Bad; wild-camp off-track in a tent or, have to always return to an organised campsite ? Cheers.
Hi Gary! In Death Valley, there are quite a few designated campgrounds. Some are paid, and others are not. The free ones are often quite primitive and remote. It is also possible to remote camp in Death Valley, but for that you need to drive at least 2 miles down a side road from certain established roads. For example, let's say there is a dirt road that is designated as one you cannot camp along. If there is a smaller side road branching off from that road that has no camping limitations, you can drive 2 miles down that road, then set up camp in an appropriate place. Keep in mind that traveling 2 miles down one of these side roads is bound to get quite rough. This sort of camping requires 4WD, excellent ground clearance, and off road tires. There are many regulations that pertain to camping in Death Valley, so it's best for you to check their website for all the details. In this video, you see me drinking tea along the side of the road in the morning. It's worth mentioning that I wasn't camping there. I was camping at the Texas Springs campground, but I am an early riser and I don't want to wake the other campers, so I drive to a nearby area where I can make breakfast, record video, and not disturb anyone. I was merely parked along the main road to watch the sunrise. Zion is a completely different story. It is a very small national park, and with exception of some backcountry camping in designated areas that require a permit from the rangers, all the camping is in established campgrounds. When I visit Zion, I stay at the Watchman campground, and I book my site 6 months in advance. Hope this helps!
Thanks greatly, Ben. I’m never going to be visiting these National Parks as I’m in the UK and still got a lot of Europe to explore. :-) I’m a very keen photographer, car camper and tent camper. I’m fascinated by your explorations and often wondered why you return to campgrounds when you have all you need onboard. I’ve fitted out a Range Rover for sleeping and cooking and move to locations for sunrise and sunset. Made a massive reduction in lost time and lost opportunities. Thanks for responding.
The auto caption thinks there is applause at the beginning of the video, like you had an audience in the desert. What didn't you like about the photos? Were you expecting more contrast?
That's hilarious about the applause! Yeah, in that scene I was hoping for a bit more contrast, but it does scan quite well. It's a photo I will have to sit on for a while to see how I feel about it. The good news is that it's technically quite solid.
Love it - you say listen how quiet it is and all I hear is my tinnitus 🤬 The results look almost fake colour and I would be very tempted to try then in monochrome or maybe tinted.
The Tinnitus sure robs you of that experience. That sure sucks! It still would be really great to witness in person though. The scale of the place is also quite interesting. It's quite difficult to judge how far away something truly is.
"I just want you to listen to how quite it is here" *turns off video sound in the edit, laughing in an evil way* "Pretty crazy how it makes your ears ring"
That definitely leaves me quite exhausted by the end of the day, especially after quite a few of those days in a row. On my spring backpacking trip last year, I did 35,000 steps in a day, much of it while wearing a 60lbs pack, and my legs weren't happy with that.
The silence of DW was such an eerie feeling! Loved it :)
It sure is isn't it? The other place that's eerily silent is the redwoods.
Watching your videos is always a pleasure. A lot to learn and a lot to do. Thanks Ben!
Thanks as always Vishwas!
Always great to see one of your videos drop, but even more so during these times. You bring a calmness, a patience that is needed right now. Great image. I hope you're staying well through this.
Thanks so much Tony! I hope you are safe and well also!
I often watch people only directing their lenses only towards the spectacular skies. Only a few seek the beauty that light paints at the ground. Love the second exposure. It's like the simple result of a complicated math of opportunities created by the 360 degree sunset around you.
Thanks Michael! It definitely takes some willpower to resit grabbing the camera and aiming it at a different subject, but I know I would likely walk away with nothing. I learn so much about a location by sticking to my first instinct, and seeing it through. I would love to get a photo of the broader scene with those clouds some day though. After seeing how the light was in person, I now have a better idea of how to capture it in the future. Thanks as always for the great comment!
Relaxing and no stress days are often the best. I have been going on Fall color trips for a few years myself. Sometimes you can drive for hours and find nothing. Like you, when I get a few shots done, suddenly a lot of stress and strain goes away and I feel like I can be more choosy on what I shoot. So I understand your feelings in these videos. Keep up the great content.
Thanks as always Danny! There is definitely something very important about getting those first few shots out of the way. It really helps guide the rest of the trip. That's why my goal is to capture at least one photo each day. It might not always make for the best photo, but it keeps me on my toes.
Man... hats off to you for sticking to your guns with that light. I'd have been like a headless chicken trying to recompose... and that normally means I come away with something half baked. Just love the tones on that second shot especially and the contrasting textures looked sublime. Hope to see a finished version in a future vid. Thanks as always.
Thanks Kieran! It truly was a very special evening out in the dunes. Though I didn't get a photo of the wonderful light in the sky, it was a wonderful way to end a day of rest. Things will kick up a bit as the trip continues. Some of my favorite photos from the trip are still to come. :-)
Awesome - looking forward to next week and beyond! Hope you guys are keeping well.
Great video. Love the slow, contemplatitive pace. It mirrors how you work.
Thanks Graham! There is something very rewarding about the whole process. I sure look forward to getting out there again!
A superb series of vlogs from Death Valley Ben, a pleasure to watch, as always
Thanks as always Jon!
I love that calm and cool approach... lovely images too.
Thanks Krishna!
Really enjoy these thoughtful stories. Great stuff man.
Thanks so much!
Great stuff as always. Those images are interesting. I understand your need to sit on them to decide how much you like them. The more I look the more I enjoy them for certain. And yeah, the craziness of pointing the camera at a bunch of dirt when there are all those wonderful colours all around you! Great job sticking to your guns with your shot! Cheers!
Thanks as always for watching!!!
Fantastic process, that is dedication, great job Ben and thanks for sharing. Stay Safe
Thanks so much John!
Your pacing and narration are pure meditation. Excellent work.
Thanks so much Jared!
Another great video. Especially appreciated you sticking to you composition and anticipated light. I certainly would have been tempted to chase some of that amazing light. I have seen though which I am sure you know that chasing eye candy often distracts from the more meaningful image. Thanks also for the tip regarding calculating bellows extension. I’ve always found that intimidating. Will have to try that circle. Thanks for you work. It is really appreciated.
Thanks as always Larry! The side benefit of not chasing the light is being able to simply enjoy the moment, and it sure was beautiful that evening. You'll really like the Quick Disc. It makes the entire process quite easy, and it's super lightweight which is great.
Thanks, enjoyed it. And ordered your book to show some support. Cheers.
Thanks so much for ordering a copy of my book Peter! Much appreciated!
The mark of a truly skilled landscape photographer, Ben; knowing your plan and sticking to it. The result being some beautifully lit, truly interesting images with an abstract feel, Instead of “wow, super colourful sunset tonight” pics with no real composition...the internet is creaking under the weight of those already! I completely agree, better to enjoy that sunset for yourself in the moment :0) I also sound extremely worthy and pompous here, lol, so must also fess up to being guilty of falling into the nuclear skies shot trap myself, far too many times 😬
Thanks Martin! Those skies can be so wonderful to witness in person, but I've really learned to embrace those more moody moments with very subtle light - moments that don't seem particularly special at the moment, but they look beautiful when framed on a wall.
Fantastic images!
Thanks so much Slavomir!
Really enjoy this series from dead valley!! The second photo is my favorite when it comes to the light!!
Thanks Sander!
Thankful for the consistent videos of BH. So many of my photography channels have gone to daily talking heads just so they can post something...it's nice to have a good production with content.
Thanks Randy! I only have a few episodes left though. 😬Let's hope this situation with the virus lifts a bit so I'll be able to venture out into the wilderness again. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
@@BenHorne I hear ya. Here in Tennessee all the state parks are closed and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains are closed.
I like them! Especially the first one. It has a nice sort of nude tone to it that I really like. And the two different textures of sand look very interesting.
Thanks Ceilih! It was a really interesting scene to find. I still feel like I could do a bit better with that subject, but we'll see!
I think you'll come around to the photos. They have some lovely form in my opinion. Also, getting to see that 747 is neat! Thanks to a lifelong love of aviation I always go into spotting mode whenever I hear an aircraft passing by.
Thanks! They are some images that I will perhaps return to on a rainy day. I scanned the first one and worked on it a bit. There's just something about it that feels a bit unbalanced. Maybe that's the sort of thing that a slight tweak will help with. We'll see. I will say that I was a bit envious of the view that the 747 pilot had while flying through Death Valley. I don't know for sure how high up it was, but it didn't seem all that higher than the mountains, which rise to about 11,000 feet max. It sure was cool to see!
Quality 👍😀
Both images are excellent and made the most of some wonderful light.
Thanks so much Stuart!
this is a true inspiration, thanks for sharing this content and motivate others.
Thanks so much for watching Iyán!
Imagine the surprise on my housemate's faces: I'm sitting quietly, headphones on, watching the video and drinking my tea and I let out one unexpected and obnoxiously loud laugh over "I don't, like, know how to do decimal points and stuff when it comes to letters..." XD You're great, Ben.
So glad you enjoyed it Brian! :-)
The panoramic valley light and sand pattern are amazing. Pretty neat you got to see a rare 747 in flight, especially GE's engine test plane. I was wondering about the rumbling noises I hear in the video, which I also heard in Diego's video.
Thanks Bryan! It seems like there are at least 2, and possibly three times a day that fighter jets fly through the park. They always show up in pairs. They are fun to watch, but they certainly mess with the audio at times.
Great video Ben! That image is amazing and the dedication and patience for the shot is impressive. Also, the silence in Death Valley is one of the many things I love about the park.
Thanks! The silence sure is great out there isn't it? I also like the sound of the wind when it comes in waves, and you can hear it blowing through the bushes before it gets to you.
Ben Horne agreed. Definitely little things like that are so special about dv.
Just given way to temptation and ordered Between The Wind. All the up-market copies have gone, but I’ve got a cheapo version on order. :-). Something to look forward to whilst I’m locked down.
Thanks so much for ordering a copy Gary!!
Great stuff Ben! Thanks for taking me along!
Thanks as always!!
Thank you, as ever!
Thanks for watching Arild!
I actually love the photos. I think you might change your mind in time.
Thanks Nicholas! There are perhaps some photos that I will come around to with time. There's something about them that feel a bit unbalanced, but maybe there are some ways of working with that. We'll see. Thanks as always for watching and commenting!
Thanks for the great content. I call these mornings Coffee with Ben. haha. The quick disc looks great. Just getting ready to dip my toes into LF and as I have researched the bellows factor has given me the most consternation. Thank you. Hope to have the gear I need to start shooting this week and as always you are a great inspiration. Only hope my photos are half as good as you produce. All the best and hope you and yours are safe and healthy.
You'll definitely like the quick disc. Before I switched over to it, I did some comparisons with my previous method of measuring the bellows, and the quick disc gave me the same results every time. It's nice not to have to bring the tape measure and calculator with me into the field anymore.
What a great way to start the day. One of the themes that is in everyone of your videos is the application of patience. Something that I have a hard time with but thru your videos I'm learning. Thank you for sharing the 'Quick Disc". I've always hated trying to figure out the bellow compensation. This is simple and easy fix. I agree with your assessment of your pics for the day. Nice, but nothing that really grabs me. Still you have had some great pics from this trip. and a great day out in Death Valley
Thanks Michael! Patience is definitely a necessity, and you'll love that quick disc. When I was new to large format, I remember doing some long division i the sand of a slot canyon because I forgot to bring a calculator with me. It sure is nice to get the exact number without having to measure or do math.
Whilst there is nothing comparable to Death Valley here in Cornwall, we DO have some pretty spectacular sand dunes and very often the wind to sculpt them along with other good stuff like Marram grass. So I now have a place, a composition in mind for my Intrepid 4x5 and even a time of day. Thank you for the guidance. BTW, as a cheeky comment what IS it you have on your head, looks like your grandmother's D'oyly??
The dunes with the grass can sure make for some great subjects! You'll do well with those. Whenever I'm out in the dunes or on the salt flats for much of the day, I throw a bandana under my hat to keep the sun off my neck and ears. This way I don't have to constantly put sun screen in those areas. It also helps since the light can be quite intense on the salt flats. The bandana really helps reduce the radiated heat.
Half way between A and B is ... A# !
Sounds about right! Thanks Robert!
I absolutely love the second photo, can't wait to see a larger/potentially refined version of it in the film review. Great video all around.
Thanks so much Reid!
"...and I'm pointing my camera...at the ground." That's good stuff.
Thanks Scott!
Time to get some inspiration and mentorship before editing some of my own Death Valley photos!
Thanks Gregory!
Very enjoyable Ben. I know I would've been tempted to have changed the composition and pointed upwards but I know that with shooting film it's more of a production to change. I had an evening like yours on a trip I took there in March. There is no better place than Death Valley when the sky puts on a show. It will be interesting to see if the images grow on you with time. Hoping to join you tomorrow for your Q and A. - G
Thanks Graeme! Death Valley sure does put on a great show sometimes doesn't it? I sure love that place.
You brought two nice results from this evening, but they would always remind me of the great sunset and the 360 degrees of possibilities. I felt the same way on my trip, one of the two formats was ready for shooting and there was a situation where you could swing back and forth. I will always have an extra tripod with me to be flexible with my small 3D printed 6x17 camera.
Greetings and stay healthy, Seb
A 6x17 camera definitely would have done very well with the crazy color that evening. The dunes were well aligned with the clouds in the sky. I do miss my 6x17 camera at times, but even if I had mine with me, I doubt I would have thought to haul it out in the field with me that day. It sure was fun to use though, and sure was great for chaotic scenes.
747’s in flight are one of my favorite things.
They sure look like they're just floating there. Here in San Diego, we have a rather short runway, so we seldom ever see them. They're a special treat when I see them in the sky.
Hi Ben - I'm really beginning to appreciate your videos - bit like slow cooking - absorbing, relaxing but with a tinge of tension - will you really get the shot you want! Switching to a totally mundane level - have you ever investigated getting a Tilley hat (maybe an Airflo) for that hot baking Death Valley sun? I've no connection to them but you really should check them out for that sort of environment.
Thanks so much Tony! I've heard a lot of people recommend them, and it's definitely something I should look into. I enjoy the Outdoor Research hat I have because it folds down quite small, and holds its shape well when you unfold it. It's also very lightweight, which helps on backpacking trips. I pair it with a bandana to give my neck and ears some sun protection when walking out on the sand and salt. Thankfully the temperature is very mild in Death Valley during the month of January. I believe the hottest it got was in the mid to upper 70's, but once you get some direct sunlight reflecting off salt or sand, it sure feels warmer.
Why haven't you used Ektar 100 much/at all on this trip? Would it not have made the tricky exposures easier since colour negative is more forgiving?
Ektar would have definitely made life easier for some of those scenes, but if I can get away with slide film, that will always be my first choice. I love the experience of looking at the film with a loupe, and it sure makes the process of deciding between photos much easier. I stick with Ektar for scenes with a very large dynamic range, but most of the scenes I shot on this trip were within the abilities of slide film.
I´ve been waiting for this video all week. I got all set up (coffee, couch, comfy clothes) and I love it.
Sometimes you´re a little bit too harsh on yourself, I understand that in order to come up with a great portfolio each year for your print-box you kinda have to enforce this upon yourself, but this two images are stunning, the intricacies of the small details in the cracks and in the sand brought up by the amazing light you enjoyed that night are beautiful. The kind of picture I´d enjoy hanging on my wall so that I could see it everyday. Great work as always Ben!
I was wondering, is this the last day you stayed in Death Valley before going to Zion?
And also, have you ever thought about talking a little bit more about what goes on behind the scenes in order to produce such a high quality video content? I´d love to see something like and learn a bit more about the production side of things.
Stay safe, and I can´t wait for next saturday! :)
Thanks Kevin! We'll see how I come around to the photos with time. As it is now, I feel like they are a bit unbalanced. It might be the sort of thing where I can find an even better subject to work with on a future trip, but we'll see. I did however come around to one of the sand dune photos in the Episode 6 video. I didn't like the images at first, but after a bit of a crop, I came around to it.
Once I'm done posting the videos, I plan on making some behind the scene videos to tell a bit more about the process. I'll likely do one next week about how I create and record the voiceovers. That's the toughest part for me.
I have a question for you. At 14:11 on your video there is a square on the ground by your tripod leg, What is it? i have seen it other videos too. I like watching your videos.
It's called a Gray Card (most are literally cards). Very briefly, it provides a target that is mid toned (gray) which helps in determining exposure. Mostly this might help in fast changing light. More commonly today used for setting a neutral white balance to avoid color casts due to light conditions. An internet search will give you sites with a much more useful explanation.
Just as Jim mentioned, it's a neutral gray target that I can point my spot meter at to determine the exposure for the scene. I use it mostly when the light is changing quickly. That particular gray card pops open, and is made of a rubberized material so it is weatherproof. The gray card came quite handy on this trip. It gave me the confidence to photograph in some light that was otherwise quite difficult to work with.
Ben, can you please explain the rights to camp in DV and Zion ? Can you sleep anywhere in your truck in a lay-by or on rough ground away from the road as in Breaking Bad; wild-camp off-track in a tent or, have to always return to an organised campsite ? Cheers.
Hi Gary! In Death Valley, there are quite a few designated campgrounds. Some are paid, and others are not. The free ones are often quite primitive and remote. It is also possible to remote camp in Death Valley, but for that you need to drive at least 2 miles down a side road from certain established roads.
For example, let's say there is a dirt road that is designated as one you cannot camp along. If there is a smaller side road branching off from that road that has no camping limitations, you can drive 2 miles down that road, then set up camp in an appropriate place. Keep in mind that traveling 2 miles down one of these side roads is bound to get quite rough. This sort of camping requires 4WD, excellent ground clearance, and off road tires. There are many regulations that pertain to camping in Death Valley, so it's best for you to check their website for all the details.
In this video, you see me drinking tea along the side of the road in the morning. It's worth mentioning that I wasn't camping there. I was camping at the Texas Springs campground, but I am an early riser and I don't want to wake the other campers, so I drive to a nearby area where I can make breakfast, record video, and not disturb anyone. I was merely parked along the main road to watch the sunrise.
Zion is a completely different story. It is a very small national park, and with exception of some backcountry camping in designated areas that require a permit from the rangers, all the camping is in established campgrounds. When I visit Zion, I stay at the Watchman campground, and I book my site 6 months in advance. Hope this helps!
Thanks greatly, Ben. I’m never going to be visiting these National Parks as I’m in the UK and still got a lot of Europe to explore. :-)
I’m a very keen photographer, car camper and tent camper. I’m fascinated by your explorations and often wondered why you return to campgrounds when you have all you need onboard. I’ve fitted out a Range Rover for sleeping and cooking and move to locations for sunrise and sunset. Made a massive reduction in lost time and lost opportunities.
Thanks for responding.
I think I'm going to start a new hashtag #benhorneandchill. What do you think?😁
Sounds good to me! 😂
The auto caption thinks there is applause at the beginning of the video, like you had an audience in the desert. What didn't you like about the photos? Were you expecting more contrast?
That's hilarious about the applause! Yeah, in that scene I was hoping for a bit more contrast, but it does scan quite well. It's a photo I will have to sit on for a while to see how I feel about it. The good news is that it's technically quite solid.
Love it - you say listen how quiet it is and all I hear is my tinnitus 🤬
The results look almost fake colour and I would be very tempted to try then in monochrome or maybe tinted.
The Tinnitus sure robs you of that experience. That sure sucks! It still would be really great to witness in person though. The scale of the place is also quite interesting. It's quite difficult to judge how far away something truly is.
Oh, what were you reading btw?
That day I was reading a book called The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.
Curious what book you are reading?
That day I was reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. It was a good story.
Ben Horne thanks Ben!
"I just want you to listen to how quite it is here" *turns off video sound in the edit, laughing in an evil way* "Pretty crazy how it makes your ears ring"
You figured out my secret! :-)
20,000 steps #ironman. amazing place!
That definitely leaves me quite exhausted by the end of the day, especially after quite a few of those days in a row. On my spring backpacking trip last year, I did 35,000 steps in a day, much of it while wearing a 60lbs pack, and my legs weren't happy with that.
Ben Horne enjoy your youth 😉.
You do you, Ben. But I keep having the creeping feeling that you like to shoot yourself in the foot a lot.
Sometimes it's painful to watch.
It's a technique that often pays off in the long run. :-)