Rocks and stones

[Donald Qualls]

Welcome back Donald.

Thanks. I may be able to start making some new negative scans (I can load film holders and developing tubes in a changing bag) soon. I've got film in the freezer and most of my chemicals are homemade (and HC-110 syrup keeps forever), so I should be able to pick up where I left off in 2008. Just a matter of finding the time to get the cameras out.

The entire image seems to work as a "rule of thirds" illustration.

Maybe that's why I like this one so much. Just wish I hadn't scratched it in the tray while processing (the scratch isn't huge, but I can't keep my eye off it; I may try cropping it off when I can print this).

[SergeiR]

8x10, 120mm S-A, some dorking with rear standard to change projection

Log by Sergei Rodionov, on Flickr

[alexn]

A fresh one from me.. Also posted in the Landscapes thread... Probably more fitting here...


"The Wash"

Chamonix 045N-2 : 210mm f/5.6 : Fomapan 100 @ 50
Dev : Rodinal 1:50 - 6min 30sec


This was one of the most technically difficult shots I have ever executed with large format. To gain the desired perspective and attain focus for this shot I employed a rear standard forward tilt, rear swing to the right, extensive front fall, front shift to the left, front swing to the left and a sizeable front forward tilt. I was able to make this shot at f/16 while retaining sharpness throughout and considering the rock in the lower right of the image is only about 6ft from the camera, and the ones in the top left are closer to 30ft away I thought that was a pretty good achievement.. On top of all those shenanigans, the sun was rising over the point almost dead in front of the camera causing glare off the rocks and sunflare on the lens... I ended up using a CPL to cut some of the glare off the rocks and used my hand to shield the lens from direct sunlight whilst balancing precariously upon a rock with my back turned to the open ocean as I made my exposure... All things considered, I feel this has come off rather well... At least it was easy to meter.. haha.. Middle grey was just about everywhere as these rocks are all granite...

[Old_Dick]

Hi Alex,

Wonderful piece of work. I appreciate the technical description, helps the wannabe's like myself to move forward.


Warm Regards
Dick


What is that watermelon doing there, anyway? (Banzai Institute)

[jp]

I like that Alex! Energy and light portrayed well.

[jp]

img566 by philbrookjason, on Flickr

This is a nearby rock I like at the beach. I like to shoot in in differing lighting and tide conditions. Owls Head Maine. 4x5 speed graphic, 203 optar lens, fp4+ film in pyrocat hd

[Heroique]

A fresh one from me. Also posted in the Landscapes thread... Probably more fitting here. "The Wash."

Plus I really like the degree of motion you've caught.

A shutter speed not too fast, not too slow.

Thanks to your choice, I can "hear" the turbulence. ;^)

This is a nearby rock I like at the beach.

Nice image, this one pleases my sense of touch!

I can "feel" the granular texture in both highlights and deep shadows. Not always an easy task with rocks in my experience.

I also like the sense of wasting away, or erosion. Slow motion movement...

[jp]

Thanks Heroique;

Here's a tip for anyone using B&W film for rocks. It's got things in common with photographing skin. Texture/grit of rocks can be enhanced or smoothed with filters just like all the old books tell to do for skin. Yellow, then orange for a smoother rock complexion, green/blue for the gritty or speckled/freckled direction, etc.... and of course lighting angle is important.

[Myxine]

Rhyolite by L'Eidolon, on Flickr

Some sexy volcanic rocks for your appreciation. Chamonix 45 and 150mm

[StoneNYC]

Rhyolite by L'Eidolon, on Flickr

Some sexy volcanic rocks for your appreciation. Chamonix 45 and 150mm

Really is sexy too!