I was lugging a 4x5 studio view camera along Long Beach the morning after a 3 day storm. Everything was banal in the wide world view so I decided to look at details. Coming across this I set up and was glad for the tilt function of the camera. This is about a 3/4 crop of the whole negative. I printed for a mid-tone slightly dark feel. It is one of my favorite images, even though it was taken 40 years ago. Quiet and elegant. Plus-X, N+1.
Specific Feedback Requested
Just looking for honest reactions. To a pre-digital image, where darkroom skills ruled, not digital dexterity. :^)
Technical Details
Is this a composite: No
To quote Minor White, “The camera was used faithfully.”
Guy, first off, welcome to NPN. I know you will find this a fantastic place for you to contribute.
I think this is an incredible image. B&W is perfect. I can’t believe it was 40 years ago. Wow. I’d love to know what film you were using (oh, Plus-X), and what camera too. I can see how the tilt function made this image work so well. Full focus front to back.
The composition, the positioning of the plants/leaves, and the subtle shadows combine for perfection. The detail in the sand texture is also adds to the whole.
With such an impressive first post, I can’t wait to see more of you work.
BTW, I need to get up to Long Beach more. Maybe when I retire.
Grhen, I am totally enjoying this image and want to say Welcome to NPN. Excellent composition and wonderful image. I came from many years of film myself but mostly in 35mm.
A studio camera is a load to lug along! Welcome aboard. Really nice image. It is quite subjective but I would be inclined to bring in the white point a bit just to give a slight boost to the contrast. Otherwise, looks great.
I used to shoot 4x5. My B&W films were Acros and Delta 100. I liked the less grainy look of them compared to a Plus-X. It was fun to process my own.
Looking forward to seeing more of your work and reading your thoughts on that of others. Again, welcome aboard.
What a wonderful find, so well printed! The softly lighted undulations in the sand work so well with the curves and graduated tonalities in the leaves.
Welcome to NPN – I look forward to more of your work and comments.
Welcome to NPN Guy, this is an excellent first post. I look forward to seeing more of your work, you are off to a great start.
I like the stark and somber mood of this image. I don’t do much B&W work myself, but I like to see cool toned images like this, it takes the somber mood up an extra notch. The composition is very well done, I love how the stalks of grass radiate out to touch the surrounding mounds, it makes everything interconnected, and more cohesive.
[quote=“Harley_Goldman, post:5, topic:24078”]
…subjective but I would be inclined to bring in the white point a bit just to give a slight boost to the contrast. [/quote]
Harvey, I know it doesn’t appear so, but the white point on the shine on the forward grasses is at 90%. Taking it higher doesn’t suit my vision and makes the sand scream, but I can see how others may like it.
