35mm · Film photography · Photography

Weddings and protests

I’m sure that someone could have made a much better photograph from this scene, but I was limited somewhat by my location (peering through a window at the Photo North exhibition) and the 50mm lens I had on the camera. It was a great juxtaposition of events: a wedding photograph being taken on the steps of the council offices (at top left), and a Gaza demonstration.

Gatherings

Nikon F80, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF-D & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 12 April 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Outside a museum

Apologies for another post of few words*. I’ve had to pick up my wife and her sister from the airport today (they’ve visited their other sister who lives in Spain) and the three hours or so of driving has taken it out of me a little, especially as it’s still quite warm at present. At least the route home was quite scenic, and gave me some inspiration,

Today’s photo was made when visiting Photo North in Leeds, amazingly already three months ago!

*Actually more words than I expected to write.

Outside Leeds City Museum

Nikon F80, Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 AF-D & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 12 April 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

An emporium and some of the things within (but no cloth cat)

This will probably mark the last of my Castleton trip photos, and it’s another shot of the Carlton Emporium, but this time with a glimpse of some of the things available for purchase within. I got strong Bagpuss vibes looking at this place – I wonder if a girl named Emily works there? 🙂

Carlton Emporium-2
Venus and friends
Safety lamp

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Dandelion gravestone

I wasn’t sure how this photo would turn out when I took it. The lighting was quite challenging, with a dark, backlit gravestone, with a bright halo of leaves and a bunch of glowing dandelion sugarbabies in the foreground. It worked out better than I expected, with the F80’s meter making a good job at balancing the scene and capturing the lichen on the gravestone.

Dandelion graveyard

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Paragliders

Paragliders taking advantage of the thermals close to Mam Tor. This was probably right at the end of the 28-300mm Tamron’s range. Unfortunately, the image has scanned with a lot of grain, so it’s difficult to make out much fine detail (although the image otherwise looks sharp enough).

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Cement works

In the midst of the picturesque Hope Valley stands the cement works. This used to be owned by Blue Circle Cement when I was younger, but the plant has been in the hands of multiple businesses since it was first built in 1929. The current owner is Breedon.

Despite the structure being quite a contrast from the otherwise scenic agricultural surroundings, it provides quite a striking focal point and the sight of the building and chimney features frequently in landscape photographs of the area.

I have a memory from a long ago school trip to the area where someone mentioned that it was an eyesore and spoiled the scenery, whereupon the teacher explained that, while that might be the case, the operation also provides a large number of jobs for the people who live in the area.

Hope cement works

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Jackdaw

Fear not, the blog is not about to become a source of wildlife pictures, but I thought I’d post this picture of a lone Jackdaw today. I’ve been out with friends all afternoon and am a little tipsy, so felt a relatively straightforward post might be the best option…hic…

Jackdaw

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Photography with friends

My recent day trip to Castleton was shared with a group of online friends who I know from a photography forum. I’ve been on similar outings in the past, but this was the first one since the covid pandemic.

I’m normally a lone-wolf when it comes to photography. I can immerse myself in what I’m doing without distraction, and I find I rarely make my best pictures if I’m with company. However sometimes it’s nice for photography to be a shared experience, especially when your companions share the passion and (sometimes) the disappointments. Even more so when they are fellow film shooters.

It was a good day and I hope to repeat it before too long.

Togs in the wild
Towards Peak Cavern
Halfway to the castle
Towards the Devil's Arse

Nikon F80, Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD & Ilford HP5+. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 9mins @ 20°

Taken on 18 May 2024