Explore Benalauría’s Rustic Charm with Film Photography

A scenic black-and-white view of the hillside village of Benelauría, surrounded by mountains, featuring white buildings, terracotta roofs, and lush palm trees, set against a backdrop of lightly cloudy skies.

Benalauría, a charming small pueblo blanco (white village) nestled in the Genal Valley of the Serranía de Ronda. It is a picturesque white hillside village located in the province of Málaga, Andalucia, Southern Spain and is renowned for its chestnut farming.

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In early November, I embarked on a trip to Benalauría to explore the area and capture my experiences using vintage film cameras and black-and-white film.

A week in Benalauría

I visited Benalauría to explore and photograph its chestnut forests, particularly the vibrant autumn colours. The beautiful Bosque de Cobre (Copper Forest) is especially striking during this time, when the foliage turns into a breathtaking display of colours. However, the autumn arrived quite late, and the colours were nowhere near their peak during my stay. Despite this, I still thoroughly enjoyed exploring and capturing the beauty of the Chestnut Forests of Serranía de Ronda.

With extra time on my hands during my one-week stay, I took the opportunity to explore Benalauría and its surrounding villages. I was captivated by a harmonious blend of authentic rural charm, rich cultural heritage, nature, and local traditions. Wandering through the labyrinth of steep, whitewashed streets and immersing myself in the peaceful, slow-paced life of the village, and capturing this on black-and-white film using vintage cameras was a highlight in itself.

So, without further ado, let’s move on to the photographs to see what I discovered.

Film Photo Details

I chose to use my Nikon FE2 and Mamiya M645 1000s as my main film cameras, both loaded with Kentmere 100 film. Unfortunately, I was having focusing issues with the Mamiya, so only a few photos appear here. I have since replaced the focusing screen, which has fixed the problem.

I developed the film in Spur Acurol-N, 1+70, for 9 minutes @20C.

The photos were digitised using a Nikon Zf mirrorless digital camera with a Tokina AT-X Pro Macro 100mm f2.8 D lens and processed using DXO Photolab 8 software.

Film roll No. 458 and 463.

But, enough talk, let’s look at the photos I took…

Click on any photo for a larger version.

A scenic black-and-white view of the hillside village of Benelauría surrounded by mountains, featuring white buildings, terracotta roofs, and lush palm trees, set against a backdrop of lightly cloudy skies.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A charming narrow pathway winds through Benalauría, lined with picturesque white buildings adorned with vibrant plants and flowers, leading to a welcoming entrance, with hills visible in the background.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding cobblestone street lined with white buildings adorned with balconies and greenery. A vintage street lamp hangs on a wall, while a sign reads "Calle Estación.” The scene captures a quaint, historical charm in black and white.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone alleyway in Benalauría, featuring whitewashed buildings adorned with climbing plants, a decorative path, and a lamppost, creating a charming and serene atmosphere.
Camera: Mamiya M645 1000S, Lens: Mamiya Sekor C f2.8 55mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f11,
GPS location
A bustling outdoor plaza surrounded by trees, featuring tables filled with diners enjoying their drinks and meals. In the background, charming white buildings and a few pedestrians create a lively atmosphere in this picturesque setting.
The main Village Square
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
An old stone fountain (fuente) with five spouts, water flowing gently from each, set against a textured brick wall in a narrow street. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting architectural details and the calming sound of water.
The Fuente Grande with five caños
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/500 sec, Aperture: f2.8, GPS location
A narrow, cobblestone alleyway lined with white houses, featuring decorative balconies and hanging plants. Vintage street lamps illuminate the space, creating a charming atmosphere under a cloudy sky.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom,
Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding street in Benalauría, featuring potted plants and lush greenery. Traditional balconies adorn the buildings, with intricate details and a vintage lamppost adding charm to the scene. Black and white photography enhances its timeless appeal.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom,
Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding street with stone steps and whitewashed buildings, adorned with potted plants. A vintage lamp hangs above, creating a charming, serene atmosphere in a picturesque setting.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom,
Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f5.6, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone street winds through the picturesque white-washed village of Benelauría, flanked by charming houses and lush greenery, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the timeless beauty of the architecture.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow square lined with small trees and stone benches and Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, featuring an arched doorway. A hill rises in the background, creating a serene, picturesque atmosphere in black and white.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom,
Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A winding stone pathway leads up to a small fuente inset into a textured stone wall with a black iron railing. Above, a decorative window with burglar bars is set against a white wall, while a small fountain can be seen near the base of the slope.
A recently added fuente
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow alleyway with whitewashed walls and cobblestone paving, featuring traditional Spanish architecture and decorative tiles. A lamp hangs above, adding charm to the serene, monochrome setting nestled among lush greenery.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom, Exposure: 1/60 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A weathered wooden door located at the base of stone steps, surrounded by potted plants. The scene is in black and white, emphasizing the rustic charm of the wall and steps.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f3.5 35-105mm zoom, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f5.6, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone street in a whitewashed village features two cats resting. One cat sits upright in the foreground, while another relaxes on the steps near potted plants, all framed by charming architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding street in Benelauría featuring whitewashed buildings with decorative balconies and flower pots. The cobblestone path leads up to a scenic view of distant hills under a cloudy sky. Black and white photography captures the quaint atmosphere.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding street in Benelauría, flanked by whitewashed buildings with traditional architecture. Two people stroll down the cobblestone path, surrounded by greenery on the hillside above. A vintage street lamp adds charm to the scene.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone street winds between whitewashed buildings with wooden doors, framed by lush greenery and a decorative potted plant. A streetlamp casts gentle light, creating a serene atmosphere in a quaint village setting.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
A narrow, winding alleyway with a stone path adorned with decorative tiles, flanked by whitewashed walls and overhanging greenery, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere in black and white.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f11, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone street winds through quaint white houses with tiled roofs, framed by lush greenery. The scene, captured in black and white, evokes a charming atmosphere of a picturesque hillside Spanish village.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/250 sec, Aperture: f8, GPS location
An old stone building with elaborate architecture and metal balconies overlooks a mountainous landscape. The scene features lush greenery and a distant view of rolling hills under a clear sky, creating a serene and picturesque ambiance.
Camera: Nikon FE2, Lens: Nikkor f2.8 28mm, Exposure: 1/125 sec, Aperture: f11, GPS location

Pinhole Photographs

I also went around Benalauría with my pinhole camera. I have always found pinhole photography fascinating, the fact that you can take photographs with a box with no lens, just a pinhole. Amazing!

These are the pinhole photos I took:

A black and white photo of a quiet, narrow plaza lined with small trees and stone benches. On the left is the Santo Domingo de Guzmán church with a bell tower. Soft, overcast sky adds to the serene atmosphere.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 3 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow, cobblestone street winds through Benelauría, flanked by white-washed buildings with balconies. The scene is captured using a pinhole camera in black and white, evoking a serene atmosphere as the street leads towards distant greenery.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 4/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone street winds between traditional whitewashed buildings with balconies and vintage lanterns, creating a charming atmosphere in Benelauría. The scene captures a mix of urban and rustic elements in black and white.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 4/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A panoramic black and white view of Benelauría on a hillside, featuring whitewashed buildings, a paved plaza lined with trees, and distant mountains under a cloudy sky, capturing the serene beauty of rural architecture.
Benalauría from a Mirador (viewing point) at the top of the village
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 3/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow pathway leads to a charming old building covered in vines, surrounded by scenic hills in black and white. The pathway features stone walls and railings, highlighting the tranquil and rustic atmosphere of the area.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 18/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A charming courtyard entrance featuring potted plants, a stone pathway, and a rustic wooden door. The walls are textured and white, with hints of greenery, creating a welcoming atmosphere in a quaint setting.
Probably my favourite pinhole photo on this roll
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 44/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow, cobblestone street winds through a quaint, whitewashed village, featuring lush greenery and potted plants. The scene captures a blend of rustic architecture and charming details, with a street sign partially visible on the wall.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 14/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow cobblestone alleyway leads through whitewashed buildings adorned with lush greenery. The path is lined with a decorative tile pattern, and a lantern hangs from one of the walls, creating a charming atmosphere in this serene, monochromatic scene.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 4/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow, cobblestone street ascends between whitewashed buildings adorned with plants, leading up to a bright section in the background. The scene is captured in black and white, emphasizing the textures of the stones and the architectural details.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 10/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A monochrome image of a quaint pathway lined with potted plants and flowers, leading up to a charming white building with a tiled roof and wrought iron fence, evoking a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 18/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location
A narrow staircase leads to a wooden door, framed by white walls. Small potted plants sit on the steps, adding a touch of greenery to the monochrome scene.
Camera: LeRouge 6×6 Pinhole, Lens: 0.2mm pinhole, Exposure: 40/1 sec, Aperture: f150, GPS location

Further Information about Benalauría

If you found these photographs interesting, I recommend checking out my blog post, Benalauría: A White Village Gem in Southern Spain. It includes over sixty digital colour photographs and provides more information about this wonderfully fascinating village.

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