Conversation with Ron Winsett
By Ron Winsett
Wasatch Icons; R25 A filter, Kodak Tri-X 400 developed in 510 Pyro
What is your favourite photo or print made with 510 Pyro? And what is the story behind the photograph that makes it special to you?
A tough question to answer but, I would have to say my photo of the main staple Wasatch mountains, which are quite close to where I live. Throughout my 26+ years living in Salt Lake City, I’ve spent countless time skiing, climbing and hiking in the Wasatch mountains. This past snow season was record breaking, leaving pockets of snow in the mountains well into the summer. I decided to hike up one evening and sleep on Twin Peaks (a neighboring 11330ft tall peak) to watch the sun set and rise. It was such a spectacular evening and to have the mountain to myself and my Fuji GW690 and several rolls of film was blissful. The moon just so happened to be up at the perfect time to capture this photo. I have this photo printed and hanging in my office and continually look at it.
Tell us more about yourself!
I am a general building contractor specializing in finish carpentry and wood work, as well as part time photographer shooting outdoor race events, corporate gatherings and my personal landscape work. I would have to say that the outdoors drive my photography passion. There are so many magical moments in the outdoors and having a camera with me whether I’m hiking, skiing, backpacking, or just walking the dog, the camera is just part of my kit. I’ve probably forget water or food more times than my camera. In addition to photography I love crafting furniture, building my own picture frames and being on my bicycle.
How or why did you get into shooting film photography?
Farm and Tree; Kodak Tmax 100 developed in 510 Pyro
From a young age until now at age 50, I was really into photography. I was constantly taking photos of random things and back then there was only one option: film. Once digital came out… that’s all I shot, and it wasn’t till the past two and a half years that I have really gotten back into film. I think one of the main drivers for getting back into film, was to truly learn more about photography, film stocks, developing and just an over all different way of capturing images. I love the way film looks, the process, and the community behind it. I’m fortunate to have a great photo shop within walking distance from my house that keeps a huge supply of film stocks, not to mention an amazing staff.
Although my motivation is always 150%, I feel like I was a bit sloppy when I was only shooting digitally. Film photography has really helped hone in my skills, it’s a constant learning process, and that challenge keeps me motivated. You really need to be on your game to shoot film, I have had so many failures, leaving on the lens cap, forgetting the film entirely, exposing incorrectly, forgotten cable release, broken cable release… the list goes on and on. Film keeps me on my toes, and forces me to take more time and think proactively before I take a picture.
Puddle; Kodak Tri X 400 developed in 510 Pyro
What has been the best photographic advice you ever received for your particular type of photography?
Shoot what inspires you and do it for yourself, keep at it and don’t give up. All my film photography is my personal passion, I shoot for myself. Working for others is a whole different ball game, and film is not part of the game.
What is your current photo project (or planned projects) are you working on?
Stansburry Island, Great Salt Lake; Ilford Delta 100 developed in 510 Pyro
Currently, I’m getting ready for showing my work about the Great Salt Lake at one of our local libraries. It will be a mix of digital and film images of color and black and white. I plan on building all the frames out of reclaimed wood from the old trestle bridge that ran across the Great Salt Lake.
Where are you heading next with your camera gear and what will you use?
As ski season starts to ramp up, I’ll be taking my camera with me on backcountry ski trips. A trip to Costa Rica in December and a Grand Canyon pack raft trip in February. When I’m cramped on space and weight, I take the Nikon FM3A and a few prime lenses. If I have space, I bring the Fuji GW690, and if I have lots of space then the Fuji GX617 gets a spot. I always try to bring a light weight tripod, red, orange, and R72 filter.
Kodak Tri X developed in 510 Pyro
Give a shout out to your favourite Youtube channel(s)!
Shoot Film Like a Boss, Nick Carver, The Photographic Eye, Martin Henson, Todd Korol, Nico’s Photography Show, Expressive Photography
Give a shout out to your favourite photographic retailers and/or labs!
Essential Photo Supply.
Just an amazing store selling used equipment, as well as new. They also have a lab and a small printing service.
Which film cameras do you own? And what’s your favourite?
Canon AE-1, Fuji GW690 ii 90mm, Fuji GW690iii 60mm, Fuji GX617, Nikon FA, FM3A, Nikon F4 and the Mamiya C330s.
For my favorite one, that’s a tough question. I love the Fuji GX617 for the blow up big panoramas, the Fuji GW690 is probably my go to for photo landscapes, and the Nikon FM3A for day to day walk around. I think the Mamiya C330s is the most fun to shoot with but it is beastly with 3 lenses and filters.
Tree; Kodak Tri X developed in 510 Pyro
What do you consider as must haves (non-photography related) for your camera bag for your photography trips?
Food, water and clothing that accommodates the outdoor situation.
What is the best piece of photography kit you have been gifted?
Canon AE-1 given to from my dad in my early teen years, and still use that camera today.
What attracted you to the Zone Imaging 510 Pyro film developer and what do you like about it?
I was shooting infrared film and someone had recommended 510 Pyro, so I gave it a try, and really like it. It’s my go to developer for most films. Plain and simple it works very well, I’m not going to get technical. My main driver is the community behind it, there is a person I can reach out to when I have questions. There are a lot of developers out there, but not many with a face behind it and can help you out when you have a problem.
And finally, who do you think deserves a feature on our blog in the future?
Daniel Zalenski.
Ron was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He studied at Dixie College, Utah, in 1993, and relocated to Salt Lake City in 1998. He enjoys climbing, biking, skiing and photographing all these activities for family and friends. He has had a 30 year career designing, crafting, and completing residential cabinet and remodelling projects.
As a self-employed contractor beginning in 2005, he was able to make his own schedule and live an alternative outdoor lifestyle, adventuring from Utah to Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado and as far as Alaska and Costa Rica.
In 2019, Ron began shooting outdoor events such as the Wasatch Powder Keg, Utah Ski-Mo, and Bike Utah’s Mid Week MTB series, as well as corporate events for Park City tourism entities. He achieves making thrilling action photos by carefully scouting the terrain and locating the best (and often most precarious!) spots to get his shots.
His photos can be found on his Instagram - @ronwinsettimages - and his website - https://ronwinsettimages.smugmug.com/
