Field Mag Editor's 5 Favorite Photo Essays of 2018
Psychedelic film experiments shot off the coast of West Africa, B&W landscapes from Glacier National Park, and so much more in our personal top film picks
Author
FM Editors
It’s been another fruitful year for film photography, both at Field Mag HQ and elsewhere. Our community of photographers dedicated to the grain has only grown, and we look forward to another year of celebrating their analog efforts in the outdoor world. Until then, we’ll look back on our personal favorite photo essays published in 2018.
From the vivid film experiments of Spanish photographer Ren Rox shot in the Canary Islands and the stark B&W images of Montana’s legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road to our fourth annual section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, this year offered no shortage of visual adventure inspiration.
Dig in below, and get hyped for 2019.
(PS - want to join our community and contribute? Here’s how)
5. Off-Grid Surf Tripping Along Australia’s Great Ocean Road
"For several days we explored indistinct trailheads and remote beaches at the ends of dirt roads, while frequenting tiny towns to find drinkable water and public showers. I surfed in the strangest places braving frigid, cold water beneath sun-scorching heat. We boiled coffee on the sand at sunrise, prepared dinner on the tailgate of the Cruiser at sundown. And we drove.
There’s an undeniable satisfaction in being out of service in a 30-year-old truck without the modern resources we’ve come to depend on."
4. Capturing Montana's Legendary Landscape and Glacier National Parks’ Most Famous Road on Medium Format Film
“It's not a stretch to say that Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is a masterpiece of engineering. Meticulously planned to be as unintrusive as possible when viewed from its higher sections, this winding mountain road offers a bang for your buck factor that's hard to surpass. “
3. Trading City Life for a Week of Hiking, Camping, and Alpine Lake Swimming on the PCT
“We found some serious wilderness this year. It felt more remote than years past. And I for one welcomed it with open arms. After living in New York City for nearly a decade these moments have become increasingly valuable. To trade living among nearly nine million people for a few days of lakeside camping in a truly untouched landscape with no modern distractions nor noise—save for the occasional elk bugle—is an experience well worth the effort.”
2. In-Camera Film Experiments Create a World of Psychedelic Images Shot Off the Coast of West Africa
“My days were spent roaming about the island, with many a memorable drive going west to east with the sun behind. The roads float around hundreds of these young volcanoes, with sparse vegetation in the form of lone palm trees, gigantic cacti, and alien-like lichen that serve as visual reference in the vast nothingness. Like Mars. When the night falls, you can almost hear the stars.”
1. Japanuary In 10 Days: A Visual Exploration of Central Hokkaido, Home to the Best Snow of Earth
"Ski untouched waist-deep powder, eat ramen, sushi, and ice cream, visit 7-Eleven, drink cold beer and hot green tea from vending machines, soak in onsen, repeat."
Published 12-20-2018
