subtle color can be useful [Archive] - Large Format Photography Forum

Ron Bose

30-Aug-2007, 12:49

This is nice, I really like it. The natural split-lighting is terrific.

As a generic 'feel' image it's excellent. As a portrait of a particular dancer, I'd like to see more detail in her eyes ... they're kinda lost.

jetcode

30-Aug-2007, 13:11

I'd like to see more detail in her eyes ... they're kinda lost.

Can't wait to get a real scan because this one has enough noise in the shadows.

Henry Ambrose

30-Aug-2007, 13:15

Nice.
A little reflector fill to her face would improve it a bit.
(as Ron previously noted)

naturephoto1

30-Aug-2007, 13:15

Joe,

Nice image. Do you want to start this as a new picture post of subtle color????

Rich

Dick Hilker

30-Aug-2007, 13:16

Beautiful! It illustrates perfectly that "less is more." So many color shots seem to shout, "Look at me! Aren't I colorful!" withiut any other reason for being. By using only as much color as necessary to make your statement about the form and beauty of the dancer and her surroundings, you've allowed the viewer to concentrate on what's most important, rather than being distracted by any extraneous elements. Bravo!!

jetcode

30-Aug-2007, 13:28

Joe,

Nice image. Do you want to start this as a new picture post of subtle color????

Rich

yeah, add away, the more images the better

jetcode

30-Aug-2007, 13:31

Nice.
A little reflector fill to her face would improve it a bit.
(as Ron previously noted)

With a quallity scan I can get that however if you look close enough to the shadow side you will see it is distorted, that's how bad this scan is. That will be fixed at the end of September when I get a real scanner and scan the whole session which has some other very nice images in 8x10 and 35mm. Good story in the making of this image as well. It was a good experience.

naturephoto1

30-Aug-2007, 13:34

Dan Fromm

30-Aug-2007, 13:56

Rich, what made the red under the arch? And where was the sun relative to the camera?

jetcode

30-Aug-2007, 13:58

OK Joe,

I did not want to intrude on someone else's thread. Photo Taken in 1995 of Mesa Arch, Sunrise in Canyonlands NP, UT. Image taken with Linhof Technikdardan 45 S, Rodenstock f6.8 75mm Grandagon N MC. Provia 100, exposure NR.

Rich

If I may, I find that photographing the desert is not a simple task. The reason I say that is that there is a lot of same colored textures where shape and delineation get a bit lost. In this particular image the highlight is the nice lighting under the arch. However if that is the subject then it is obscured by a fairly meaningless landscape. Not to be unfair here but in fact this exact terrain begs for careful composition to create the necessary elements that attract the eye and mind. Not a simple task.

Rob_5419

30-Aug-2007, 14:01

I don't know why when I see ballerinas in that kind of contrived pose, I'm always dreading and checking and then realising: thank goodness she's shaved her armpits.

You know women who don't shave can be so incredibly hairy. One American journalist was so flabbergasted once by Madonna's armpits she exclaimed: "God! I can't believe how hairy she is. When she raised her arm I thought that was Tina Turner coming out".

Nice pic Joe and thanks for showing. Subtle works :)

naturephoto1

30-Aug-2007, 14:03

Hi Dan,

The light coming up under the arch is the sun as it is coming up from below and to the left of the image. You can see the sunlight passing through the bush on the left side of the arch. As the sun is coming up it is skimming, wrapping around, and reflecting off of the bottom of the arch.

David Muench made it known that this happens on some mornings. Most images that you see of the arch are a close-up of the arch showing the sunlight and the Washer Woman and other structures beyond the arch. Additionally, a little beyond the arch there is a cliff that drops of perhaps 1000 feet or so.

I shot this differently relying on the arrow shape bare rock coming from the lower left as a leading line to direct you to the arch. I considered using a Grad ND filter, but since detail is just holding in the clouds and the sky opted not.

Joe,

Part of what is being lost in this image in this size is that there are many footprints that are visible in the sand in the foreground. Here is a case where larger is better.

Rich

jetcode

30-Aug-2007, 14:18

Nice pic Joe and thanks for showing. Subtle works :)

she's 16

Helen Bach

30-Aug-2007, 14:22

Wendy House, Sullivan County, New York. 2006. 4x5 Pro 160S, 80 mm SSXL.

http://gallery.photo.net/photo/5006410-lg.jpg

roteague

30-Aug-2007, 14:45

Wista 8x10, Kodak EPP, does every color image need to be super saturated?

I perceive colors to be brilliant and saturated in the real world, so I see nothing wrong with capturing it that way on film. Saturated colors can be subtle as well.

Great image, BTW.

Ken Lee

30-Aug-2007, 14:47

Subtle can be nice.

I like shooting when it's snowing.

Lucas M

30-Aug-2007, 15:00

Ferns. The green of vancouver island.

David A. Goldfarb

30-Aug-2007, 15:09

Polaroid Type 809, Gowland 8x10" Pocket View, 10" WF Ektar, 1/25 sec., f:16, 1A filter, Winter 2005

Paul Metcalf

30-Aug-2007, 15:55

"Subtle can be nice"

I agree. But it is hard to not get caught up in saturated color.

PViapiano

30-Aug-2007, 16:38

Jetcode...

Great photo...and you're right...every photo does not have to be super saturated, or sharp as a tack. Because LF photography inherently is a very technical endeavor, I think most people are oriented toward the textbook-LF-style. However, as many on this forum have shown, emotion, feeling and artistry are or should be a part of every photographer's repertoire regardless of format.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful photo!

jetcode

31-Aug-2007, 10:06

here's to subtle color!

Ken - really enjoy the snow monochrome/color textures, great example
David - the sky has a surreal tone to it making the image other worldly
Paul - great image, clean, well composed, sharp, subtle, I would probably spend an hour debating whether to crop a bit from the left, but that's me.

and thanks everyone for contributing in image, kind words, and commentary.

jetcode

31-Aug-2007, 10:14

Wendy House, Sullivan County, New York. 2006. 4x5 Pro 160S, 80 mm SSXL.

Hi Helen,

You have some really nice images. I like House VI and Sidewalk Snow #1. These are outstanding photographs and my favorites of your work.

Joe

Paul Metcalf

31-Aug-2007, 11:16

Paul - great image, clean, well composed, sharp, subtle, I would probably spend an hour debating whether to crop a bit from the left, but that's me. Thanks Joe. Bringing in the left makes me want to bring in the bottom a bit, too, like below. Not sure if I'm now encroaching too much on the space in the image now. Electronic editing is way too fast for my liking, analog cropping tends to limit my excursions because I get bored messing with an image after a bit. My scans are done just for electronic inventory so far, they are poor-man scans at best on a crappy flatbed scanner at work. I'll make an investment in a scanner some day.

jetcode

31-Aug-2007, 14:08

Thanks Joe. Bringing in the left makes me want to bring in the bottom a bit, too, like below. Not sure if I'm now encroaching too much on the space in the image now. Electronic editing is way too fast for my liking, analog cropping tends to limit my excursions because I get bored messing with an image after a bit. My scans are done just for electronic inventory so far, they are poor-man scans at best on a crappy flatbed scanner at work. I'll make an investment in a scanner some day.

This image has a great set of elements all blanketed in winter light and snow. One of the best landscapes I've seen in a while because it's unique. I always look for art in landscapes. The tree is not enough, what is it's artful relationship with the environment. How do I get that on film. This is the beauty of photography and every once in a while something extraordinary appears and I happen to have a camera.

I'll be fixing my scanner problem in a few weeks. A nice high end flatbed. I'll be working all winter to pay for it. The glory comes in being able to scan a couple of hundred negs, long on hold, without having to pay $85 each. Hallelujah.

jetcode

31-Aug-2007, 14:11

Thanks Joe. Bringing in the left makes me want to bring in the bottom a bit, too, like below. Not sure if I'm now encroaching too much on the space in the image now.

That crop is beautiful. A well balanced set of elements. Want to sell me a small print?

Paul Metcalf

1-Sep-2007, 13:29

Joe-
Well, I'm honored, but here's the deal. All I have is a crappy scan of my 4x5 transparency (from which this small jpg was created). I normally print on Ilfochrome, but don't have any prints of this right now (if I do it will be a 16x20 - I'm not at home as I'm typing this). Not sure when I'll get printing again, usually my color printing sessions are one big long endurance event, and with the cost of Ilfochrome/P3 I try and avoid waste. Are you looking for any special? (I don't do this for a living so I'm not "conversant" in selling prints).

jetcode

2-Sep-2007, 07:59

Stephen Willard

3-Sep-2007, 19:49

I am not sure if this image qualifies for subtle color, but here goes...

Frigid Rock and Fir in August
GPS: 40~25.132’N 105~55.930’W
4x10 Wisner field camera
Nikkor 500mm Lens
f/22.0 @ 8sec
No filters

roteague

3-Sep-2007, 21:44

This is probably the most subtle image I have:

http://www.visionlandscapes.com/Images/HI5255A.jpg

Sorry if it isn't subtle enough for everyone.

jetcode

3-Sep-2007, 22:12

This is probably the most subtle image I have:
Sorry if it isn't subtle enough for everyone.

I love the islands - who cares if that glowing sunset isn't flat and uninviting, makes me lust for the islands and the late afternoon trade winds that always come in around 4.

roteague

3-Sep-2007, 23:16

I love the islands - who cares if that glowing sunset isn't flat and uninviting, makes me lust for the islands and the late afternoon trade winds that always come in around 4.

You are always welcome to come and visit. I love showing people around, and I know a lot of spots to photograph.

BTW, this is a sunrise, from Lanikai Beach. The islands you see are known as the Moku's, and are a bird sanctuary. This spot is about 5 miles from my home.

jetcode

3-Sep-2007, 23:21

You are always welcome to come and visit. I love showing people around, and I know a lot of spots to photograph.

BTW, this is a sunrise, from Lanikai Beach. The islands you see are known as the Moku's, and are a bird sanctuary. This spot is about 5 miles from my home.

Robert,

Which island are you on? There are some trees on private property around Hana on Maui that I really want to photograph. It would make such a lovely panoramic. Of course the islands are simply gorgeous though I have been to Maui 3 times and Oahu just for airport service so I have not tasted all the islands.

Joe

roteague

4-Sep-2007, 08:45

Robert,

Which island are you on? There are some trees on private property around Hana on Maui that I really want to photograph. It would make such a lovely panoramic. Of course the islands are simply gorgeous though I have been to Maui 3 times and Oahu just for airport service so I have not tasted all the islands.

Joe

I think you must mean that stand of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. I met the farmer who owns the propery and planted them a few months ago. I took a few images of it, but haven't had the film scanned yet (sorry, the attachement is from a D200). I live on Oahu, and have been here for almost 10 years. This island is basically city these days. My favorite island is probably Kauai.

jetcode

4-Sep-2007, 11:13

I think you must mean that stand of Rainbow Eucalyptus trees. I met the farmer who owns the propery and planted them a few months ago. I took a few images of it, but haven't had the film scanned yet (sorry, the attachement is from a D200). I live on Oahu, and have been here for almost 10 years. This island is basically city these days. My favorite island is probably Kauai.

No, actually this stand is not rainbow and is fairly short and the grove looks to be at least 30-50 years old. On the right hand side as you enter Hanna. It's residential property. Someday I will come back to Hawaii and bring my camera.

Ben R

4-Sep-2007, 11:36

Robert, ever thought of making it a pano? The boat seem a bit lost rather than making the photo as it should.

roteague

4-Sep-2007, 11:40

No, actually this stand is not rainbow and is fairly short and the grove looks to be at least 30-50 years old. On the right hand side as you enter Hanna. It's residential property. Someday I will come back to Hawaii and bring my camera.

I remember that one, yes they are very old and twisted trees. But, I forgot what kind they are. Perhaps a stand of Koa, which would be difficult to get access to.

roteague

4-Sep-2007, 11:43

Robert, ever thought of making it a pano? The boat seem a bit lost rather than making the photo as it should.

I have thought about it, and may do an alternate presentation as a panormic in the future. However, on the actual print itself, the water lapping the shore in the foreground is much more visible than on the scan. That is the main reason I've kept it the way it is. But, that doesn't mean I won't do a panoramic of it in the future.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Ben R

4-Sep-2007, 12:32

I've got plenty examples myself of subtle colour but non LF, don't want to be stoned!

Paul Metcalf

4-Sep-2007, 13:15

Subtle is that subtle does... but I do prefer my Azo contact print of this bit better.

jetcode

4-Sep-2007, 14:14

I remember that one, yes they are very old and twisted trees. But, I forgot what kind they are. Perhaps a stand of Koa, which would be difficult to get access to.

The only difficulty would be getting owner approval, the trees are at the end of a really nice grassy area. It has been 4-5 years though since I've seen these trees and only for a few minutes. I've nver seen a living Koa tree but the wood is amazing.

amilne

4-Sep-2007, 16:09

Subtle can be nice.

I like shooting when it's snowing.

Where is this, Ken? I think I've been there. (I'm hoping you'll check this thread after five days.)

Joel Truckenbrod

4-Sep-2007, 16:27

Very nice images folks and good topic.

In my very limited experience, "subtle" (low saturation) color oftentimes seems necessary to communicate certain scenes and moods. While I oftentimes enjoy saturated images, I don't always think it's the best route depending on the scene. This particular image (taken a couple months ago) was made at the edge of the day, just after the sun had dropped below the horizon. Due to the low light values in the shadows, the quickly fading remaining daylight, and reciprocity failure, a rather long exposure was needed. If interested, feel free to read the full story here: http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/bbs.cgi?a=vm&mr=21323&b=vf19&st=0&la=400&ph=1&sid=5686&u=5686

Tech Stuff: Tachihara 4x5, Fujinon 90mm, Fuji 160s, 2 stop (soft) gnd, 8 min exposure

Dusk, Ilgen Falls, Tettegouche SP, MN
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/truckyj/IlgenFalls1-07.jpg

naturephoto1

4-Sep-2007, 17:16

This is another subtle color image taken looking down Shafer Canyon in Canyonlands National Park. Image taken in 1995 with a Linhof Technikardan 45S, Rodenstock f5.6 Apo Sironar S, Horseman 2X Extender, Heliopan 3 Stop ND Grad, Provia 100. Exposure NR.

Rich

Brian Vuillemenot

4-Sep-2007, 17:28

Bisti Badlands, New Mexico, 150mm lens, 3 minutes @ f/22 on Velvia 50

PViapiano

4-Sep-2007, 17:42

Joel...once again, a knockout image!

Thanks...

roteague

4-Sep-2007, 17:47

The only difficulty would be getting owner approval, the trees are at the end of a really nice grassy area. It has been 4-5 years though since I've seen these trees and only for a few minutes. I've nver seen a living Koa tree but the wood is amazing.

I'd like to go over there again, perhaps towards the end of the year. If they can ever get the Superferry running regulary, I would travel inter-island more often.

Rory_5244

4-Sep-2007, 17:57

..and Joel posts another incredipicture!

Randy H

4-Sep-2007, 18:33

(The following taken from another thread. Just been thinking about colours, both highly saturated, and "subtle")
We take pictures, and we print them according to our own "perception" of the "correct" color. But is it indeed how others "perceive" them? I Think I understand correctly (correct me if I'm wrong) that eye colour has a lot to do with the amount of melatonin in the front of the eye. Would not that affect the colours that your "brain" is seeing? Much like the different colour filters on your enlarger? And could that not explain why some pics that you think are some of your better works, others "perceive" as so-so? And if this is so, would a picture taken and printed by a person with blue eyes be more apt to be viewed as "colour-correct" ( printers idea of correct) by another blue-eyed person, more so than a person with dark brown eyes? And vice-versa? So are your "saturated" colours really saturated? Amd just how "subtle" are your pics?

Rory_5244

4-Sep-2007, 21:38

Iris colour is not related to colour-perception. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain which modulates diurnal rhythm function. Melanin content governs iris colour. Colour perception is the same for everybody unless you've got a defect, genetic or otherwise.

Ken Lee

5-Sep-2007, 07:56

Where is this, Ken? I think I've been there. (I'm hoping you'll check this thread after five days.)

It's Aldrich Street in Granby, MA

Christopher Perez

5-Sep-2007, 08:32

Lovely as ever is your work. Wow.

Subtle can be nice.

I like shooting when it's snowing.

paulr

5-Sep-2007, 10:23

This guy's approach to color always struck me as interesting:
http://www.urbanlandscape.org.uk/bflowers/mega.htm

They often appear monochrome, but then you notice small areas of color. And it's not a gimmick ... that's what his landscape is really like.