Long road trips through remote locations can offer unique photography opportunities, especially when you’re open to discovery along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the creative process, with unexpected stops and scenes presenting themselves. This kind of spontaneous exploration is what makes shooting on the road so rewarding, even if conditions aren't always ideal.
Coming to you from Kyle McDougall, this engaging video captures the experience of road trip photography, highlighting the blend of planning and discovery. McDougall sets off on a journey through rural Wales, armed with his 4x5 film camera and a Hasselblad digital. He mentions how some trips, like this one, are less about specific projects and more about having fun, experimenting, and seeing what unfolds along the way. It’s a refreshing way to approach photography—leaving room for serendipity while staying open to any scenes that might catch your eye.
One of the notable spots McDougall visits is an old garage, complete with vintage gas pumps still standing in their original condition. The charm of these forgotten places, slowly being reclaimed by nature, is palpable. He sets up his 4x5 camera on the road to capture the scene, showing the lengths he goes to for a shot, even when it’s a little awkward. It’s a reminder of how patience and willingness to adapt can lead to great images.
Later, McDougall revisits a location he previously photographed—a long-abandoned lead mining community. The overgrown tombstones and ruins create an eerie atmosphere, which he captures beautifully in black and white. Despite the persistent rain, he sets up multiple compositions, adjusting his settings and capturing the contrast between dark skies and the landscape. The slow pace of large format photography forces a mindful approach, where every shot matters, adding a different layer to the experience. Check out the video above for the full rundown from McDougall.
