Finally got round to processing some Ilford FP4 35mm film that I took using my Hassleblad Xpan Wide Format Camera. Slightly pleased, not totally. Here’s some starters for ten, I will add to this post as I scan and process some more films. One down, five to go.  With some of the bigger views, you’ll notice some vignetting on the edges, this is a “feature” of the Xpan, and can be fixed with the use of a graduated centre spot filter – I quite like it the way it is.

Janet's Foss, nr Malham Yorkshire Dales

Ribbleshead Viaduct, Xpan and Ilford FP4

Virgin Super Voyager on Settle Carlisle Railway

Malham Cove Black and White Xpan

Stainforth Foss, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Malham Tarn Sunrise, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Lone Tree and Limestone

Ribbleshead Signal at Stop

A signal at STOP on the approach to the Ribbleshead Viaduct in the Yorkshire Dales.  Aside from dust cleaning this was a black and white conversion with a gentle “S” Curve applied

Scalebar Force, Settle, Yorkshire

Having been without a decent rain fall in many months these waterfalls in and around Malham and Settle in North Yorkshire were shadows of what they could have been as the water levels were so low.  That said, I enjoyed having the opportunity to take shots of them.

Stainforth Foss

Janet's Foss, Malham, Yorkshire

Catrigg Force Black and White, Stainforth, Yorkshire Dales

Two Weeks in the Yorkshire Dales

Spent a lovely relaxing 2 weeks on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park near Settle.  The weather was fantastic, particularly the first week when we had clear skies and temperatures topping 20 Degrees.  As I was almost having a holiday within a holiday when my wife and the kids were going back to Sheffield for two nights, I made a conscious effort not to go too mad with the cameras when I was with the family.  As a result, most of my photography exploits were confined to the last Tuesday and Wednesday of the holiday when they were away.

Being based near Settle, it is a veritable candy box for landscape and nature photographers as you lie between the wilds of Ribbleshead with its sweeping viaduct and Malham with it coves and limestone pavements.

For me when I did get out, it was essentially ” a game of two halves” – lone trees and waterfalls (sorry @timallemphoto!).  The Tuesday was a bit blowy and very cold when compared to the weather of the previous week.  The Wednesday was a lot better, a near perfect dawn casting excellent light (for the short time that it lasted).

Most of the stuff I did whilst away was digital, but I did have my Xpan and my wideangled Lomo with me too, so once I have processed and scanned them I’ll post them up on the site.

Here’s some shots of just how busy the country side can get the week before Easter.  From the quietness of this to whats below.

Gordale and Crowds

In my time, I’ve been a climber and a caver (though to look at my gut you’d have to question that!), and I can tell you that the left of the waterfall is pretty hairy.  I’m honestly surprised that there wasn’t an accident, given the fitness level of people and the crowds all queuing to  get up.  After the boulder choke there is a steep flight of “stairs” with a very sustained climb.  People were taking their kids up this!

Gordale and Crowds II

Whilst doing this shot I became aware of a female mallard and her brood.  I wasn’t quite expecting to see ten little ducklings parade in front of me.

Mallard Ducklings in Gordale (click here to download)

Morning in Gordale, Malham, Yorkshire

My wife thinks this looks too HDR like, but it isn’t an HDR shot at all.  I’ve stacked a polarizer and an ND8 Grad here and then converted it to Black and White with a slight “S” Curve.

Technicalities aside, this is Gordale near Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.  A place which I had to myself at 0800 in the morning (save for a female Mallard and her TEN chicks), but a couple of hours later would be more like Piccadilly Circus.

Lone Tree on Limestone Pavement, Malham, Yorkshire

The day’s first light touches this tree situated on a limestone pavement near Malham in the Yorkshire Dales.  This was only a few moments drive from my first location of the day, but there was the added jumping over a wall and getting caught on a fence (squeak!) in my rush to get to the spot.  A spot already “occupied” by Dorcas and a group on one of her Fotodayz courses.  We chatted for a bit and then we were off again on our separate ways (them to breakfast and me to potter around Gordale).

Here is a black and white shot of the same tree.

Lone Tree on Limestone Pavement, Malham, Yorkshire (Black and White)