I like the textures here, Joel. Is this what you thought you were going to get when you set up the shot? It's often difficult to know what a slow shutter speed will reveal and it's pretty pricey to experiment with 4x5 sheets of film.
I'm admittedly a bit unorthodox in how I approach large format photography. Instead of using a light meter, I use a digital SLR to both find compositions as well as meter the scenes. It also allows me to experiment with shutter speeds if desired...a bit of a digital Polaroid if you will. I find this encourages experimentation and minimizes costly mistakes. I also prefer looking at a histogram, and find that it gives me very accurate readings, thus I seldom bracket my exposures.
So in short, I had a very accurate idea of what I was going to get here.
Joel, it may be unorthodox but I think it's a great idea...and it's one I've specifically recommended to a number of people who wanted to start out shooting large or medium format but were very, very shaky on exposure, even with a good handheld spotmeter).
Posted by Toni Lankerd on December 28, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Joel..your method may be unorthodox, but if it works...it doesn't matter. Good composition and exposure. I like the repeating lines in the top and bottom with a different texture thrown into the middle...very nice!
Posted by Brian Vance on December 28, 2008 at 5:11 PM
I think this is a gorgeous abstract. The colors combine for a unique yet inviting take on the patterns in the water. Very well seen and captured. I would consider a slight crop from the top to extract the darkish URC. Very small nit of a very compelling image.
I also like the discussion that has developed. I'm wondering what DSLR you use, and what went into your thinking as to why the 4x5 would be the best tool for this image. In other words, is your 4x5 out-resolving your DSLR by enough to make for a significant difference in this instance? Thanks for sharing this image.
Thanks for the additional comments. Yes, I agree that it doesn't really matter about what tool is used for metering - as long as the results aren't compromised in any way. I should note that I don't use a digital SLR to meter because I don't understand how a light meter works. Reading a histogram, interpreting the data and then transcribing desired exposure on to film still requires an understanding of exposure. Furthermore, film operates a bit differently than digital due to it's response curve, and that has to be understood in order to get the best results. I just prefer it because it gives me visual feedback rather than numeric.
Brian, good call on the tiny crop you suggested. I agree that it would slightly improve the image. Thanks! As far as your other questions, I use an olympus E-500 dSLR. I chose it because I got it dirt cheap, and it's aspect ratio is fairly close to 4x5 (it's 4:3 rather than 2:3). It's not a great camera, but it has worked for my intended purposes. I use it some for macro on occasion, but I'd like to get something better. As is, I'm only happy with 8x10 prints out of the camera - granted, that is because they need to hold up next to my large format prints! Also, yes, the 4x5 significantly out resolves the dSLR, even in shots such as this. There is both a tonal and detail difference. The main reason to use it here though, is because the 4x5's movements allow me to get the entire frame in focus wide open, and I can then choose whatever aperture/shutter speed combo that I feel best gives me my desired result. If I had a good full frame dSLR (rather than a budget 2x crop factor camera), and tilt/shift lenses, I doubt there'd be any gain using the 4x5 film camera in this case.
Posted by Kevin Trinkner on December 30, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Nice colors and textures here.
I actually use my Dslr the same way if I'm also shooting on my 4x5. I will try things on the digital and see how I feel about them. When ready I switch to 4x5 and expose my slides...
Even if your method is unorthodox as long as helps achieve the beautiful images that you make it works for me. "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs" -Ansel Adams
Discussion
11 repliesTechnicals: Tachihara 4x5, Fujinon 250mm, Fuji Provia 100f, 1/4 sec. @ f11
Phil, this was taken mid-summer actually.
I'm admittedly a bit unorthodox in how I approach large format photography. Instead of using a light meter, I use a digital SLR to both find compositions as well as meter the scenes. It also allows me to experiment with shutter speeds if desired...a bit of a digital Polaroid if you will. I find this encourages experimentation and minimizes costly mistakes. I also prefer looking at a histogram, and find that it gives me very accurate readings, thus I seldom bracket my exposures.
So in short, I had a very accurate idea of what I was going to get here.
I also like the discussion that has developed. I'm wondering what DSLR you use, and what went into your thinking as to why the 4x5 would be the best tool for this image. In other words, is your 4x5 out-resolving your DSLR by enough to make for a significant difference in this instance? Thanks for sharing this image.
Brian, good call on the tiny crop you suggested. I agree that it would slightly improve the image. Thanks! As far as your other questions, I use an olympus E-500 dSLR. I chose it because I got it dirt cheap, and it's aspect ratio is fairly close to 4x5 (it's 4:3 rather than 2:3). It's not a great camera, but it has worked for my intended purposes. I use it some for macro on occasion, but I'd like to get something better. As is, I'm only happy with 8x10 prints out of the camera - granted, that is because they need to hold up next to my large format prints! Also, yes, the 4x5 significantly out resolves the dSLR, even in shots such as this. There is both a tonal and detail difference. The main reason to use it here though, is because the 4x5's movements allow me to get the entire frame in focus wide open, and I can then choose whatever aperture/shutter speed combo that I feel best gives me my desired result. If I had a good full frame dSLR (rather than a budget 2x crop factor camera), and tilt/shift lenses, I doubt there'd be any gain using the 4x5 film camera in this case.
I actually use my Dslr the same way if I'm also shooting on my 4x5. I will try things on the digital and see how I feel about them. When ready I switch to 4x5 and expose my slides...