Photo series: A foggy morning on the Wakenitz

Sunday morning, and the view out of the window revealed a thick fog that bathed everything in a mystical backdrop. It was still early in the morning and I wasn't quite sure if I should go out and take pictures. But the thought of not capturing this unique atmosphere finally made me grab my camera and set off.

I decided to use my medium format camera, the Fuji GA645Wi, which is equipped with a 45mm wide angle lens (equivalent to 28mm in 35mm), which is ideal for landscape photography. I had loaded an Ilford FP4+ film at ISO 125, which I knew would give excellent results - experiences I'd had in previous photo sessions, which you can see in this blog post. I also knew that I would need my tripod to ensure the stability of the images, especially with the longer exposures to be expected on a foggy morning.

Not wanting to waste any time, I took my bike and within minutes cycled to the Wakenitz, a nearby river and beautiful nature reserve. This trip promised creative inspiration and a welcome break in nature.

The magic of the early morning

When I arrived at my first destination, a light morning fog was drifting along the path, creating an almost magical atmosphere. I set my camera on the tripod and composed my first picture, capturing both the ramified branches of the trees and the special mood of the morning. The first people were already out and about, mainly joggers who were also taking advantage of the fresh air and morning calm. I was able to capture this element well, as well as a small detail in the composition of the picture that adds an extra dimension to the whole.

At that moment, a woman came to swim at the water spot, which is a popular access point for locals. She was also quite impressed by this place. I took another photo of the tree, which was right next to the water and looked wonderful in the diffuse backlight. Then I moved on.

The fog slowly began to clear, but I stopped once more to take a photo of the impressive group of trees at the edge of the path.

Rays of sunshine through the fog

After a while I made my way through the neighbouring forest to the pier overlooking a small private island. Here the fog still lay over the water, while the sun's rays were filtering through the canopy of the surrounding trees. The interplay of light and shadow created a stunning setting that I was determined to capture.

I was so impressed by the mood and the location that I took the rest of the pictures here until the film was full. Luckily I had another color film with me, which I also used.

The beautiful colors of the trees and the beginning of autumn, combined with the sun's rays breaking through the fog, made the scene too tempting not to capture in color. Unfortunately, I haven't got around to developing the film to see if I like the black and white or the color better.

FP4+ film Results and Next Steps

The Sunday morning on the Wakenitz was not only a creative break, but also a valuable reminder of the importance of appreciating the beauty of nature. The Ilford FP4+ film once again delighted me and delivered very good results, capturing the special atmosphere of the misty morning. I am very pleased with the images and look forward to a next project in the darkroom where I will enlarge some of the images.

Photography has shown me once again how enriching it is to stop and enjoy the diversity of nature. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of the mood of the fog and capture your own special moments!