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

Field Mag Editor's 5 Favorite Photo Essays of 2018

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)

Eric-Greene-AUS-Camp-1

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."

Elias-Carlson-Glacier-BW-11

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. “

Hiemstra-Hike-Rainier-hero

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.”

REN-ROX-Lanzarote-Spain-11

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.”

GH-Japanuary-2018-20

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."

Related articles
What Is a Via Ferrata & the 11 Best Spots to Try It in the US
An Abridged Guide to the Via Ferrata & Where to Find a Course Near You

This fixed-route blend of rock climbing and hiking has origins in WWI and is experiencing a resurgence amongst adventurers of all ages

Community, Not Customers: A Q&A with Usal Founder Michael Washington
Community, Not Customers: A Q&A with Usal Founder Michael Washington

How the Los Angeles-based brand unites modern nature enthusiasts through retreats and workshops (and merch) championing inclusivity and accessibility

How to Trick Your Friends Into Hut Hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains
How to Trick Your Friends Into Hut Hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains

On a shotgun hiking trip in Spain, one writer proves you can put your friends through hell and have them thank you for it too

Cold Plunge Guide: 8 Best Cold Plunge Tubs of 2024
Cold Plunge Guide: Everything You Need to Know About This Hot Wellness Trend

The history, health benefits, and how-to’s of this increasingly popular endeavor, plus eight of the best cold plunge tubs for your at-home routine

Portable Sauna Tent Guide: How They Work & Which to Trust
Portable Sauna Tents, a Cost and Heat Efficient Trend You Should Know

A peek into the steamy world of portable sauna tents to uncover how they work and why they are just so hot right now

How to Build a DIY Sauna in Your Backyard for $5,600
How to Build Your Own DIY Sauna for Less Than 6K: A Step-by-Step Guide

Canadian builder Andrew Szeto shares a full build breakdown, including cost, time, tools required, and pro tips from his whimsical backyard sauna

More articles
Field Mag Editor's 5 Favorite Photo Essays of 2018

Gallery Mode

Author

FM Editors

Back to article