Have you experienced this ? Same negative, different interpretation

[DennisD]

In the mid 1970's, just out of school, I lived in NYC and enjoyed photographing different city sites on weekends. One photograph was of the World Trade Center from the foot of Vesey St where new construction was still underway. The steel framework provided interest with the trade center building as a backdrop. I visualized and printed the image as a "straight" photograph. See below.

Forward to Sept. 9-11. Several friends were lost in the disaster and several others, only by chance, barely avoided being caught in the buildings that morning. Life here in New York and around the country had changed.

After the destruction, I found that my feeling about printing the image as well as my interpretation of the image itself had changed - almost without my realizing. I was printing the image for a show a few years later. As I was working on the print, I found I was seeing the image differently than before. Darker sky, lighter building. The resulting print felt somewhat surrealistic when placed aside the original. The look felt appropriate.

I'm wondering whether others have experienced a difference in how you've interpreted and printed an image as a result of a significant (or not so significant) event or other change.





4x5 TRI-X, Graphic View, 90mm S. Angulon

[bobwysiwyg]

I think both time and circumstances can alter one's view and interpretation of an image. I've taken some 40+ years ago I thought were nothing to write home about but now, not so much. Conversely, some I thought good/intersting are now "what was I thinking?"

[Kirk Gittings]

every time I print a negative I look at it as an opportunity to do something better or different with it. I don't feel bound by my earlier interpretations.

[Merg Ross]

every time I print a negative I look at it as an opportunity to do something better or different with it. I don't feel bound by my earlier interpretations.

A la Ansel, and a few others --- you're in good company! I feel the same way.

Dennis, a fine composition, congrats!

[Ken Lee]

We can make similar revisions later on, just by a change of matting and framing.

[Jim Noel]

One of my favorite activities in the darkroom is to find a 50-60 year old negative and reprint it first in silver,which was the original method, and then, if suitable, using whatever alt processes I happento be working in at the time. I learn a lot about vision doing this.

[DennisD]

Thanks to all - bobwysiwyg, Kirk, Merg, Ken and Jim for your insightful comments.

Kirk, you're right about trying to improve upon previous attempts. I also do the same.
In the case of the WTC image it felt as though it would be thoughtful (or important) to set the post 911 image apart from any prior printing.

Thank you Merg. I'm most appreciative of your compliment.

Jim, your idea of printing in silver and then alternative is great. If possible, please post a comparative sample at your convenience. I'm sure the differences can be compelling.

[Kirk Gittings]

They both work very well in their own way. I'm partial to the darker one though.

[Alan Gales]

I like the first one but I think it could use a little more separation between the sky and the building. I like the second one much better. I wonder what if you compromised between the two?

[Vaughn]

...your idea of printing in silver and then alternative is great. If possible, please post a comparative sample at your convenience. I'm sure the differences can be compelling.

Two different processes...platinum and then carbon. Images taken at the same time, processed a little differently for the process.

Base of Bridal Vail Fall (both 8x10 negatives)