35mm · Film photography · Photography

Kissing gate

Kissing gates’ primary purpose is to allow human passage while restricting that of livestock. The origin of the name is supposedly because the gate “kisses” it’s frame when it opens and closes, although the more romantic later etymology alludes to couples in close proximity taking the opportunity to kiss in the confined space.

They can be a real PITA if you have a backpack and a tripod, let me tell you!

Kissing gate

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 21 March 2026

Film photography · Medium Format · Photography

St. Winifred’s church, Holbeck

St. Winifred’s church in Holbeck, Nottinghamshire, a former private chapel build for the 6th Duke of Portland between 1913 – 1916.

Holbeck sits within an area of Nottinghamshire known as The Dukeries, because at one point there were four ducal seats, one of which – Welback Abbey – was home to the Dukes of Portland, who still maintain ownership of the estate along with the Dukes of Newcastle.

It’s a significant estate and much of it is private, although there are public rights of way allowing visitors to explore the area. I have more photos to come at a later date where I did just that.

Church path ascending
St. Winifred's church-2
St. Winifred's church
Church window
Grave rows and a willow tree
Church path descending

Yashica Mat 124G and Ilford Delta 400. Ilfotec DD-X 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 24 January 2026

Film photography · Medium Format · Photography

Approaching sheep

I had to work fast to get the sheep in shot before they became obscured by the gate. As soon as they saw me they began to bleat and make an approach. Perhaps I look like a farmer. Or maybe they’re used to passersby giving them treats. I had no sheep snacks upon me, alas.

A field of sheeps

Fujica GW690 & Kentmere 100 (@400) Rodinal 1 hour semi-stand development. 1+100 in 500ml of water, with a couple of extra ml of developer added.

Taken on 2 August 2025

35mm · Film photography · Photography

House beyond a gate

I’ve been attempting to scan some medium format Provia 100 this evening and I’m not sure I’m happy with the results. Slide film can be a PITA to scan sometimes and it’s hard to get the results to look like the actual image on the film.

This has resulted in less time than anticipated to update the blog, so this is a bit of a quick post, although it does feature a picture that I really like.

The house beyond the gate

Nikon F80 & Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD. Ilford HP5+ (@800), Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 10mins @ 20°

Taken on 16 February 2025