Just Leaves

[dofmaster]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4088992503_42c275257e_z.jpg
4x5, Rodenstock Sironar-S 150/5.6, Velvia 50

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4061808696_f460f70e9c_z.jpg
4x5 (cropped), Rodenstock Sironar-S 150/5.6, Velvia 50.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5087008196_315a12dc3c.jpg
6x9 (cropped), Fuji GSW690III, Velvia 50.

[Jim Cole]

Dofmaster,

The top one is wonderful!

[drew.saunders]

Well, there's a mini pumpkin and a wooden bowl turned over, but the leaf is the center of attention.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5209131613_65ae05e5c7_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/drew_saunders/5209131613/)

[Shailendra]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2801/4088992503_42c275257e_z.jpg
4x5, Rodenstock Sironar-S 150/5.6, Velvia 50

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/4061808696_f460f70e9c_z.jpg
4x5 (cropped), Rodenstock Sironar-S 150/5.6, Velvia 50.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5087008196_315a12dc3c.jpg
6x9 (cropped), Fuji GSW690III, Velvia 50.

Love the last image..

[Randy]

Leaf skeleton.

Probably shot on Tri-X and processed in either HC-110 "B" or D-76 1:1. Been a long time. Shot in a cemetery in Pineville, Louisiana back in about 1985. I think I used a Horseman 4X5 with a Caltar ll 150mm lens.

[Vaughn]

Leaves, Merced River, Yosemite National Park

Scanned 5x7 carbon print

[Robert Brummitt]

Here are three I have done. I love leaves.

[Ken Lee]

I really like the middle image of the Maple leaves. Just lovely !

[mdm]

5x7 Shanghai 100, Pyrocat M, 210mm Sironar S

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QmQjKxnDU-c/TSvLFyhvLWI/AAAAAAAAAoU/TNB-Cjf0N38/s1600/Scan-110111-0006-1.jpg

[David Woods]

nice shot David

[mdm]

Thanks, I like this one best myself. But I am still not getting what I am aiming for. Luckily flax bushes dont have legs. I am aiming for a stouffer step wedge with lots of contrasty edges.

[cjbroadbent]

Just leaves, Forget cheese and tone-mapping. 5x7 180mm Sironar in a Technika.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OR3U2BmIDuk/TT1wLfMIpxI/AAAAAAAAGa4/WrRNmFzspwU/s800/cheese%26veg.jpg

[mdm]

Pictures speak louder than words.

[Jim Becia]

Japanese maple leaves.

[Jim Becia]

Here's an image with leaves, watercress and reflection. Taken in Zion on 5x7 film.

[Ken Lee]

http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/0006Sqrt5.jpg
In the Greenhouse
Kodak 2D, 240mm Fujinon A
5x7 HP5 +, D-23

[walter23]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b377/walter2323/o-canadah.jpg

Lith print from 9x12 Voigtlander Avus negative. The print is quite a bit nicer looking than this scan; it really has a metallic shimmer to the tones.

[mdm]

Getting there.

[ThePhilosopher]

My first shot in a long while, cross-processed PortraVC:
http://www.bartkophoto.com/Film/Portra45VC/Portra45_xpro_001s.jpg

[cjbroadbent]

Lettuce leaves.
4x5 Ektachrome 120 Sironar on Linhof Standard.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_OR3U2BmIDuk/TUwc53zl7DI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/ZEKsMahjeN8/s800/cabbage.jpg

[Fred Renich]

This is my first post on this site.
The shot was taken in the fall of 2010 just after a rain.
Canham DLC 45, Nikon 210mm lens and Provia 100.
Fred

[mdm]

More Flax

[mdm]

Apricot coloured rose.

[Joe O'Hara]

Leaves on the ground...

[Richard M. Coda]

I am playing with some "terrestrial" leaves this week (that I have been hoarding now for almost a year) but in the meantime I will post this one taken at Carmel River State Beach, CA in 2007.

http://www.pctype.com/rcphoto/test/kelp2_800px.jpg
Arca-Swiss, TMax 100, Nikon 120 Macro
IIRC I used a red filter.

[FlashThat]

awesome! I like the effect of leaves.. real crisp!

[Darryl Baird]

http://www.darrylbaird.com/LF/Images/Tominon75mm.jpg

Tominon 75mm lens

[rich caramadre]

Ferns, Orcus Island, WA.

[Kirk Gittings]

Very nice Darryl!



Tominon 75mm lens

[Jim Becia]

I call the first one "Summer's End." Taken somewhere in northern WI with my 4x5 and a 150 Sironar S. The second one is called "Decaying Leaves" and was near the small town of Upson, WI.

[cjbroadbent]

Vinyard things and leaves on 4x5 Ektachrome.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_OR3U2BmIDuk/TYTIu6VZ85I/AAAAAAAAITQ/T1WCIiNO8Kk/s640/vineTools.jpg

[Heespharm]

Vinyard things and leaves on 4x5 Ektachrome.


how you come up with the things to photograph and the scene setup is amazing to me... once again a masterpiece

[Jim Cole]

how you come up with the things to photograph and the scene setup is amazing to me... once again a masterpiece

+1

[cjbroadbent]

Thanks Hees an Jim.
I just went to a Vinyard.
Here's (https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_SxMFkw703t3H0k_LPci7A?feat=directlink) more vine cure stuff, more pharmacutical than bio.
I still don't know what the leaves are for. Bark, paste and switches for tying - Ok, but maybe the leaves get tied in against peronospora.
This was my camera-neutral approach. Shoot LF like a Leica.

[Zaitz]

What was your lighting there? Love your shots.

[Tri Tran]

I rarely shot leaves but here it is.
8x10 / 18 in.

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/5982/japmaple.jpg (http://img862.imageshack.us/i/japmaple.jpg/)

[mdm]

Apalling bokeh. A 50mm f1.8 Nikkor would kick that lens's rear into the next state.

[tonkhang]

I rarely shot leaves but here it is.
8x10 / 18 in.


It's superb . I like it .... congratulations !!!

[Attack]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4058049398_a2861c8e50.jpg
snag
4x5
dagor 210

[Mark Sawyer]

Lovely, Tri Tran! The background just sparkles... Maybe you should do more leaves!

[Steve M Hostetter]

Tri,, really nice!

[dperez]

Tominon 75mm lens

This is very nice!

[dave_whatever]

Here's one from last winter:

http://www.daveparryphotography.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/gallery/home-turf/dp_burbageleaf.jpg

Taken with a 150mm symmar-s, I had to use a 6x7 back to crop in tight enough. I can't remember exactly but I think I probably had to use a Nikon 5T closeup filter too. Velvia 50.

[Tri Tran]

Thanks Mark, Steve & Ton. You guys have very keen eyes. Pretty bad ass lens that I have recently found.

[Hector.Navarro]

Great photographs everyone, here's one of mine:


Alamedas, Tubutama.

Negative: BN45.0333A, Date: January 2010

Camera: Cambo SC 4x5
Objetive: Tominon 127mm
Film: Kodak Tri-X Pan
Exposure: 1 sec. ƒ45
Filter: Yellow #8

[David Woods]

HP5 scan of a 5X7 neg 300 semmar lens

[briand]

Great Photo's.
Here's my meager attempt. Taken a few days ago in a friends Backyard.
SinarF2, Schneider 210 @ f22 acros 100. scanned Epson V700
Cheers All. :D

[mdm]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PoRTjBcNCQQ/TgVEOrw0zlI/AAAAAAAAAwk/6VNMfgsJDSw/s1600/HeliarLeaf.jpg

[mdm]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbahbe0SzIQ/TgbIgY6-AiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/MDCfQ5aroMA/s1600/droplet.jpg

[Miguel Coquis]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kbahbe0SzIQ/TgbIgY6-AiI/AAAAAAAAAxs/MDCfQ5aroMA/s1600/droplet.jpg

Wonderfull...!!!

[mdm]

Thanks for that. That was with a 210 heliar that turned up locally for a reasonble price. I never thought I would own one and doubt I will ever part with it now. No skill on my part, just a truly wonderful lens.

[Miguel Coquis]

Thanks for that. That was with a 210 heliar that turned up locally for a reasonble price. I never thought I would own one and doubt I will ever part with it now. No skill on my part, just a truly wonderful lens.
...here is one Heliar 300 barrel&mentor 13x18 cm (5x7")
I enjoy leaves too !!!!


http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Coleccion/feuilles-3.jpg
Japanesse Maple Tree Leaves

[Joel Truckenbrod]

Blue Bead Lily Leaves, Young Ferns, Crosby Manitou State Park, Minnesota - Shen Hao FCL57-A, Fujinon 250mm, Ilford Delta 100 in Xtol 1:1

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/truckyj/BlueBeadLilyLeaves-Ferns-CrosbyManitou-11.jpg

[vinny]

Damn! That's nice.

[h2oman]

Yeah, very nice image Joel.

[mdm]

Enchanting!

[MumbleyJoe]

Wow, Joel, that's fantastic!

[Miguel Coquis]

Blue Bead Lily Leaves, Young Ferns, Crosby Manitou State Park, Minnesota - Shen Hao FCL57-A, Fujinon 250mm, Ilford Delta 100 in Xtol 1:1

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/truckyj/BlueBeadLilyLeaves-Ferns-CrosbyManitou-11.jpg

great massive impression !

[Miguel Coquis]

...some light leaves
CZJ 165 mm f:2,7
Delta 13x18 (5x7")

http://macoquis.caraldi.com/scaled/Coleccion/Feuilles-002.jpg
Light Leaves

[atlcruiser]

crown graphic
135/4.7
fuji FP-100C45


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5886623378_a2d2d072a9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/5886623378/)
cc mid704.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/5886623378/) by urbanlandcruiser (http://www.flickr.com/people/53092319@N04/), on Flickr

[Maris Rusis]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5284664592_5d10b024bb_b.jpg
Agave and Herbs, Soft Focus


Gelatin-silver photograph on Fomabrom Variant 111 VC FB, image area 19.6cm X 24,7cm, from a Fomapan 200 8x10 negative exposed in a Tachihara 810HD triple extension field view camera with a 400mm f11 single meniscus lens.

[Michael Wynd]

Really really nice Maris
Mike

[Maris Rusis]

Thanks Mike. Sometimes the light, the lens, and the subject go well together!

[mdm]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ItxjaQR0lCc/Tg-5kkmHIGI/AAAAAAAAAy8/fCFDhynNnxM/s1600/Flaxv1.jpg

[Ken Lee]

http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/l36.jpg
Hostas, 2011
Kodak 2D, 180mm Fujinon SFS
5x7 HP5+, D-23

[h2oman]

A well-worn subject, but one I never tire of shooting:

[Harley Goldman]

http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/l36.jpg
Hostas, 2011
Kodak 2D, 180mm Fujinon SFS
5x7 HP5+, D-23

Beautiful, Ken.

[Harley Goldman]

This is almost just leaves. Maples in Zion NP, fall of 2008. Fujinon 240mm, Velvia 50.

http://www.harleygoldman.com/images/large/RedWebLg.jpg

[jon.oman]

Wow! That is nice!

[dsim]

This is almost just leaves. Maples in Zion NP, fall of 2008. Fujinon 240mm, Velvia 50.


That's a beauty of an image.

[chassis]

h20man, very nice. I like the tones, lines forms and mood. Pretty much everything. What was the exposure?


A well-worn subject, but one I never tire of shooting:

[h2oman]

Thanks for the compliment, chassis. I've got sort of my own homebrewed way of developing that generally seems to work. I shot that with HP5+, rated 240. f32 1/3 with a 150mm lens, for 1 second. I then used what I think is N+2 development in D-76. Something like N+4 might have been more appropriate, but I just expand the contrast some more when "developing" in Lightroom. I have a similar image from a year ago that is a bit higher key, but I think I like this one a bit darker. Since posting it, I have decided to lighten it up a little, but not much.

Just got back from an outing with a friend to shoot more corn lilies (and some other stuff).

[dlin]

Grasses and Lotus Leaf
TMY developed in Pyrocat HD
Print on Ilford MGWT toned in selenium and thiocarbamide

[h2oman]

That's beautiful, Daniel - up to your usual high standards. I like the choice of crop, and everything else as well.

[Ken Lee]

DItto on that. This really needs to be seen on a calibrated monitor, because so much of the content is the lovely tonality.

[dlin]

Thank you, h2oman and Ken.

All the best,
Daniel

[RoMFOTO]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/6217694894_82981437e9_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertmayer/6217694894/)
Autumn - Leafs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertmayer/6217694894/) by Mr.RJ-M (http://www.flickr.com/people/robertmayer/), on Flickr

Here in Germany it's autumn again. Linhof Kardan + e100g + Schneider 150mm

[David Rowland]

62175
walker 5x4 SF 150mm symmar, fuji velvia, english lake district

[Maudee Frickert]

All of the pictures are stunning :-)

[mdm]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt_PLojPtsk/TpDgWBkesJI/AAAAAAAAA28/zNwliPiSgn4/s1600/Scan-111009-0001.jpg

[Bush]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt_PLojPtsk/TpDgWBkesJI/AAAAAAAAA28/zNwliPiSgn4/s1600/Scan-111009-0001.jpg

excellent! What will you print it in?

[mdm]

Thanks. I wont be printing it.

[gsinico]

http://gelatina.altervista.org/pics/color/col_landscape/ramo_foglie_gialle.jpg

maybe this fits also Autumn thread... but I should choose one at once!

[jp]

Spencer Port-land on a speed graphic, tmy2 in PMK.

http://www.f64.nu/photo/tmp/lff/img442.jpg

[Jim Cole]

Here's one from yesterday. Fallen leaves at a local park. 4x5 Arista Edu Ultra 100 in Rodinal 1:100. Exposure time about 6 minutes with a Schneider 210 lens. Scanned and contrast increased in Photoshop.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6242394788_4d7c751df7_b.jpg

[gsinico]

http://gelatina.altervista.org/pics/bn/bn_nat/Leaf.jpg

leaves

[jacobby]

Share a picture of bamboo leaves. Please bear with the scratches made during loading of film to reel for developing.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6246051855_1005720f8a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27940083@N06/6246051855/)
Bamboo leaves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/27940083@N06/6246051855/) by ==--== (http://www.flickr.com/people/27940083@N06/), on Flickr

[Iga]

http://s017.radikal.ru/i431/1110/3d/a8844880dcf2.jpg

[h2oman]

aspen leaves 4x5 150mm sironar-N

[Tom J McDonald]

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6259956375_7b15a493af_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68285466@N02/6259956375/)
Palm (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68285466@N02/6259956375/) by TomJMcDonald (http://www.flickr.com/people/68285466@N02/), on Flickr

[RPippin]

Playing around in my living room with an old Calumet 4X5 I picked up a couple of years ago for about $50.00 and an old Dagor lens. Foma 100 film, don't remember the f stop or speed.

[MumbleyJoe]

Sorry for the large size :eek:

http://www.tylerwestcott.com/2011Oct24/corn_lilies_rainier_tylerwestcott.com.JPG

Corn Lilies, Mount Rainier National Park (last weekend)
Tachihara 4x5, Caltar II-N 150mm, Ilford FP4+ in HC110(h)
Scanned from a contact print.

I don't know how those of you who routinely produce actual silver prints can deal with posting JPGs online (which is all I typically do). As soon as I saw the contact print of this I loved it! Scan it and put it online... ugh, it just doesn't compare. I don't expect others to love this particular photo (of course I hope someone likes it) but I'm sure some of you can relate to that feeling.

[mdm]

I know the feeling. Try adding the texture of a watercolour paper into the equation.

[MDR]

Tyler I have to admit I quiet like your photo even though it's only a jpg :-)

good work

Dominik

[MumbleyJoe]

mdm - I can't even imagine. :) I find it really tough to actually find REAL prints to look at (silver, digital, or otherwise) anywhere, and hate to think I'm missing out on just seeing photos online.

MDR - Thank you much!

[DanK]

Grape leaves - 4x5 - FP4+ - little geronar 150mm - Print scan - Oriental MG FB

(Mounted my last 'good copy' of this and can't find my notes to make another - so this is one of the re-work prints, trying to match originals - still a grade or so off - lost my shadow depth)

Comments - Critique - Welcome - Thanks

[Laron]

autumn leaves at Kannenfeld park, Basel. 210mm schneider symmar on expired ektachrome.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6308905863_d184502d06_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44054100@N00/6308905863/)
Kannenfeld park leaves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/44054100@N00/6308905863/) by Aron Lorincz (http://www.flickr.com/people/44054100@N00/), on Flickr

[Harley Goldman]

LONELY

From the high country of central Utah last week.

Chamonix
Fujinon 240mm
Velvia 50

http://www.harleygoldman.com/images/large/LonelyWebLg.jpg

[Tom J McDonald]

Harley, that is a very beautiful photo.

[andress007]

http://www.hot.ee/andress/leht_.jpg
SinarF2, RDPIII, Apo-Rodagon N 80/4

[Harley Goldman]

http://www.hot.ee/andress/leht_.jpg
SinarF2, RDPIII, Apo-Rodagon N 80/4

Beautiful colors and detail in the leaf. Is that on the hood of car, by any chance? I would not mind a bit more room around the image to the leaf edges are not cut off, but still works quite nicely.

Cheers

[andress007]

Harley, thanks! It's on dark glass, shot in studio.

Here is another one, with some room around:
http://www.hot.ee/andress/loza.jpg

[tedw6]

Not strictly leaves. Here is a dahlia I shot at Hatfield House gardens near London. Linhof Techno, Rodenstock 80mm f2.8, fuji acros 100.

[Harley Goldman]

Here is another one, with some room around:


Real nice color and detail. It really pops.

[matthew blais]

4x5 and HP5
16x20 silver gel
Shot in May printed last week

[Jim Fitzgerald]

4x5 and HP5
16x20 silver gel
Shot in May printed last week

Matt, hard to show how nice this looks on the web. This print is very nice when you hold it in your hands.

[Ken Lee]

http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/l64.jpg
Apple Leaves, 2011
Sinar P, 210mm Macro Sironar
4x5 TMY,D-23

[Nikola Dulgiarov]

A little deviation from "just" leaves
8x10 paper negative
contact print
CZJ Tessar 300/4.5 @ f16
the exposure time was 45 sec, so I ran to the background as the figure, and then came back to finish the exposure
http://photo-zona.net/images/user63930/album22385/large/1321388599_ovod4832_Scan-111107-0006res.jpg

[mdm]

I like that a lot Nikola. Thanks for sharing it.

[h2oman]

Ken,

How much bellows extension do you need with the Macro-Sironar to get that sort of an image?

It's a very nice image, by the way!

[Ken Lee]

How much bellows extension do you need with the Macro-Sironar to get that sort of an image?

I didn't measure. The magnification was around 1:3. We can calculate it using the following formula: R = (t-f)/f

where R = magnification ratio, t = bellows extension, f = focal length

Here R = 1/3, f = 210mm, and t is unknown

1/3 = (t-210)/210
1/3 * 210 = t - 210
70 = t - 210
t = 280mm

So I guess I used around 280mm of extension.

[Steve M Hostetter]

example: a 300mm takes 12" of bellows extension to focus at infinity ... for every 3" of extentesion ( 1/4th) beyond is a half a stop..

[dlin]

McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana

film: TMY in Pyrocat HD
print: Ilford MGIV toned in selenium and thiocarbamide

[DanK]

McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana

film: TMY in Pyrocat HD
print: Ilford MGIV toned in selenium and thiocarbamide


Love this...Excellent Image...

Dan

[Harley Goldman]

Zion National Park, on a trail in the canyon a couple of weeks ago.

Chamonix, Fujinon 240mm, Velvia 50.

http://www.harleygoldman.com/images/large/MaplesWebLg.jpg

[Harley Goldman]

McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana

film: TMY in Pyrocat HD
print: Ilford MGIV toned in selenium and thiocarbamide

Real nice, Daniel. Love the look of the processing.

[atlcruiser]

Zion National Park, on a trail in the canyon a couple of weeks ago.

Chamonix, Fujinon 240mm, Velvia 50.

http://www.harleygoldman.com/images/large/MaplesWebLg.jpg

Sweet....gotta love the velvia!

[dlin]

Real nice, Daniel. Love the look of the processing.

Thank you, Dan and Harley.

All the best,
Daniel

[gsinico]

A little deviation from "just" leaves
8x10 paper negative
contact print
CZJ Tessar 300/4.5 @ f16
the exposure time was 45 sec, so I ran to the background as the figure, and then came back to finish the exposure
http://photo-zona.net/images/user63930/album22385/large/1321388599_ovod4832_Scan-111107-0006res.jpg


you ran not so fast, you stand still for a while!
I like it, nice photo.

[gsinico]

http://gelatina.altervista.org/pics/color/col_still/stilleaves006.jpg

Peonia leaves in my garden last week.

Testing the sinaron 135, Velvia 50 of course!
a bit cropped...

[Harold_4074]

I should possibly have put this in the Still Life thread, but it seems at home here :)

(30 cm Heliar, FP4+ in PMK; scanned from a print.)

[Robert Oliver]

http://robertoliver.zenfolio.com/img/s11/v37/p447694513-4.jpg

Sycamore Leaf
Oceanside, CA
Chamonix 4x5 w/ Rodenstock 180mm Sironar
Kodak Tmax 100

[Robert Oliver]

http://robertoliver.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p431378219-4.jpg

Aloe Brevifolio
Oceanside, CA
Canham 4x5 w/ Rodenstock 120mm Macro
Kodak Tmax 100

[Gary Tarbert]

I should possibly have put this in the Still Life thread, but it seems at home here :)

(30 cm Heliar, FP4+ in PMK; scanned from a print.)Hi harold , One of the things i find hard to come to grips with in this image is the competing textures in the background, Just my 2 cents and others may disagree .Cheers Gary

[Gary Tarbert]

http://robertoliver.zenfolio.com/img/s9/v13/p431378219-4.jpg

Aloe Brevifolio
Oceanside, CA
Canham 4x5 w/ Rodenstock 120mm Macro
Kodak Tmax 100Love this !! , Don't get too close to this plant looks savage!Cheers Gary

[Jim Cole]

McCormick's Creek State Park, Indiana

film: TMY in Pyrocat HD
print: Ilford MGIV toned in selenium and thiocarbamide

I'm a little late to this one, but very nice, Daniel. McCormick's Creek is our favorite park for camping in Indiana.

[Jim Cole]

Brevifolio
Oceanside, CA
Canham 4x5 w/ Rodenstock 120mm Macro
Kodak Tmax 100

Robert,

A very nice capture!

[James Hughes]

Hi all. I'm still new to LF photography, but I figured I'd give the leaves a try. This is from a walk this past Sunday. I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions on photographing subjects like leaves!

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6056/6390609917_714eb54a45_b.jpg

[h2oman]

James,

I'm not that keen on your composition, and the few out of focus leaves distract me a bit, but I think that your tones and the sense of depth are both very nice. However you are getting from negative to what I'm seeing on my monitor seems very successful! I suspect you will be turning out some really wonderful work soon.

[James Hughes]

Thanks h2oman. I'm definitely looking to improve my compositional skills, and I certainly agree this one could be much stronger. It seems that some folks can reach into a pile of leaves and find a photo. This was one of my first attempts trying my hand at that;)

[Steve Hamley]

Young blackberries in blooming oat grass, very early morning light.

Fujinon 125mm (the early one), Ebony SV45U and Velvia.

Cheers, Steve

[r.e.]

A little deviation from "just" leaves
8x10 paper negative
contact print
CZJ Tessar 300/4.5 @ f16
the exposure time was 45 sec, so I ran to the background as the figure, and then came back to finish the exposure
http://photo-zona.net/images/user63930/album22385/large/1321388599_ovod4832_Scan-111107-0006res.jpg

Nikola,

You are doing some very imaginative work and it's clear that you like to play with what a camera can do.

If you aren't already familiar with him, I'd like to suggest that you look at the work of the French director Michel Gondry, especially his short films and music videos. Many of them, especially his early work, which I suspect you might find interesting, are on this video: http://www.amazon.com/Directors-Vol-Director-Michel-Gondry/dp/B0000DBJ9J/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322118439&sr=8-1

Gondry has said that he was heavily influenced by the work of the National Film Board of Canada, and in particular by the work of a man named Norman McLaren. If you are not familiar with McLaren, I think that you might find it interesting to have a look at his films. To do so, go to http://nfb.ca and enter his name in the search box. McLaren won an Academy Award for a short film called Neighbours, which is one of the films that influenced Gondry, but you should also look at a film called Pas de deux. You might also do a search on the NFB site for a fellow named Ryan Larkin, who made purely animated films. If you like his work, there is a film on the NFB site by Chris Landreth that is about Ryan Larkin, and called simply Ryan, that won the Academy Award for animation short in 2005. When Landreth came to the podium at the Academy Awards show, he publicly acknowledged the role that students at Sheridan College in Toronto played in making the film, students not all that much older than you.

Just some stuff that you might find interesting.

[Ken Lee]

I'd appreciate any feedback or suggestions on photographing subjects like leaves!

On one hand, leaves are a great subject for Large Format. They are patient - the ideal subject for exploring View Camera adjustments.

On the other hand, they are hard to photograph - much harder than something obvious like a light house at sunset - because they are arranged at random: we have to find the photograph. It becomes a more a matter of our attunement than anything else.

You might find it rewarding to experiment with shooting the same scene, under different kinds of lighting. Or as an exercise, look through the various photos in this thread, with nothing but lighting in mind.

[h2oman]

"It seems that some folks can reach into a pile of leaves and find a photo."

Some here might disagree with me, but don't be afraid to reach into the pile and do a little rarranging, if you can do it without making them look unnatural. I was recently given this advice by a person who had studied under Walker Evans and Paul Caponigro.

By the way, this has been my experience: I'll see beautiful images by someone like Ken, of fairly commonplace things. I think "Oh, there is a lot of that kind of thing out there, it shouldn't be that hard for me to make a photograph like that." then it turns out much, much harder than it looks. I have spent hours wandering through large patches of corn lilies, which a number of photographers (John Sexton, Bruce Barnbaum, Ray McSavaney, etc.) have made wonderful images of, and I've only managed a couple decent, but not really that great, images.

But I've really enjoyed just being out there, trying. Good luck!

[Ken Lee]

In that vein, the leaves I shoot are mostly from one tree in my yard. They arrive only once a year, and fall into a pile for only a day or two before "Fall Cleanup" removes them. Sometimes they never make it into a pile, because of the wind and rain. I have to wait another year.

So there's a very short window of opportunity, with long delay between them: enough to look over the photos several times and toss out most of them as... duds.

Next year I'll get it right :rolleyes:

[James Hughes]

You might find it rewarding to experiment with shooting the same scene, under different kinds of lighting. Or as an exercise, look through the various photos in this thread, with nothing but lighting in mind.

Thanks for the suggestion. I definitely need to try out photographing the same scene repeatedly to see how it works out. I'm not sure if leaves will be my first repeat subject though;) I live in Virginia near Crabtree Falls, so I'm tempted to return there often... (Oh, and I go by Seneca Rocks often enough that I need some better pictures there...)


In that vein, the leaves I shoot are mostly from one tree in my yard. They arrive only once a year, and fall into a pile for only a day or two before "Fall Cleanup" removes them. Sometimes they never make it into a pile, because of the wind and rain. I have to wait another year.

So there's a very short window of opportunity, with long delay between them: enough to look over the photos several times and toss out most of them as... duds.

Next year I'll get it right :rolleyes:

How did the photos turn out this year?

[Ken Lee]

How did the photos turn out this year?

I made a number of exposures, and managed to get mostly duds again. I posted one of the better ones on this thread a few days ago (number 357). Here's another:


http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/fl32.jpg

[Michael Roberts]

Ken, I like this one very much. It also seems to me that it could be stronger if you flip it vertically, though you might consider that to be too conventional a composition.

[ROL]

Having now reviewed the entire thread I can now definitely say three things:


There are many truly remarkable images, prints or otherwise.
Some have streched the definition, Just Leaves, quite a bit.
I haven't actually posted here yet.



Corn Lily Abstract
110 Schneider, TXP 320 (PMK Pyro)
http://www.rangeoflightphotography.com/albums/Sequoia-Kings%20Canyon/Corn%20Lily%20Abstract.jpg

Story here (http://www.rangeoflightphotography.com/index.php?p=pages&title=cropping-a-negative#xcropping).

[atlcruiser]

I made a number of exposures, and managed to get mostly duds again. I posted one of the better ones on this thread a few days ago (number 357). Here's another:


http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/fl32.jpg

Wow Ken, There are always a few photos I come back to again and again; this is one. I feel a mild irritation that I cannot produce photos such as this :)

[Ken Lee]

David - Thank you very much !

One helpful approach - for this sort of photo especially - is sharpening different areas of the gray scale separately. See this brief explanation (http://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/tech/index.php#Sharpening).

[Zaitz]

Ken, you have such a unique style. Such a simple photo but it's wonderful.

[Ken Lee]

Ken, you have such a unique style. Such a simple photo but it's wonderful.

Thank you very much. It's hard to see our own style... if we have one :rolleyes:

Speaking of style, I've long admired the style of this photo by George Tice, entitled "Oak Tree, Holmdel, New Jersey, 1970". It's the first Palladium print I ever saw, and at the time I didn't even know what that meant, but it looked more like a sculpture wrought out of Palladium, than "a picture of something". We can see the same effect in Paul Strand's 1954 portrait of Murdoch McRury (http://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/like/index.html#ps), who appears to be made of Bronze.


http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/GeorgeTiceOakTree.jpg

[cobalt]

...been a while...
4x5 calumet, 210mm caltar. tmax

[Steve Gledhill]

Taken a couple of weeks ago in my garden. It's a bit stark, perhaps that's the point? Comments welcome as it's an image I'm not too sure about ...


http://www.virtuallygrey.co.uk/files/9311/2557vineleaftable.jpg

Vine Leaf

[chiphotography]

Simply Beautiful

[Struan Gray]

Comments welcome as it's an image I'm not too sure about ...

I love the idea - the strong tonal contrast allied to the shape contrast between jagged edges and smooth curves.

It doesn't quite work for me for two reasons. First, the tabletop recedes, and looks like a three-dimensional planar object, while the leaf is a planar object that seems to be straightforwardly perpendicular to the lens axis. That could be used to set up a tension between the two mutually inclined planes, but in this case it feels awkward.

Second, the table seems to be receding from bottom right to top left. The geometric reduction of the size of the curlicues, and the way their edges become more evident all seem to proceed more to the top left than to the top right. That too is unsettling in a wonky sort of way. I've created similar effects photographing sand ripples on a beach with a combination of rise, shift, tilt and swing. Move the lens axis too far off the centre of the image and your brain starts to see a lurch sideways in the resulting image.

Too much, I'm sure. Motivated by the fantastic feel of the basic idea.

[Ken Lee]

"Comments welcome"


http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/vinetable.jpg

Perhaps there is just too much of both elements, with an emphasis on neither. This version, while not entirely true to your original seeing, places one above the other, so to speak.

My guess is that in color, the leaf appeared more separate from the background: the background was more of a background, and the leaf was more obviously the subject. In B&W, they merge a bit - so perhaps it's helpful if introduce some difference of our own.

[Steve Gledhill]

I love the idea - the strong tonal contrast allied to the shape contrast between jagged edges and smooth curves.

It doesn't quite work for me for two reasons. First, the tabletop recedes, and looks like a three-dimensional planar object, while the leaf is a planar object that seems to be straightforwardly perpendicular to the lens axis. That could be used to set up a tension between the two mutually inclined planes, but in this case it feels awkward.

Second, the table seems to be receding from bottom right to top left. The geometric reduction of the size of the curlicues, and the way their edges become more evident all seem to proceed more to the top left than to the top right. That too is unsettling in a wonky sort of way. I've created similar effects photographing sand ripples on a beach with a combination of rise, shift, tilt and swing. Move the lens axis too far off the centre of the image and your brain starts to see a lurch sideways in the resulting image.

Too much, I'm sure. Motivated by the fantastic feel of the basic idea.

Struan,
Thanks for your perceptive comments. They helped me understand the image better and my discomfort with it. My reworked version (below) in part addresses your observations by reducing the table's size by trimming to a square. It keeps all of the contrasting shapes but without the dominance and effect of the slope being so obvious. Also, with the leaf being larger its plane dominates the table's plane.


"Comments welcome"

...

Perhaps there is just too much of both elements, with an emphasis on neither. This version, while not entirely true to your original seeing, places one above the other, so to speak.

My guess is that in color, the leaf appeared more separate from the background: the background was more of a background, and the leaf was more obviously the subject. In B&W, they merge a bit - so perhaps it's helpful if introduce some difference of our own.

Ken,
Completely agree and have reworked to subdue the white table - but I decided against softening it as you've done. And, as I like square format images, this format helps to reduce the impact of the table. And I allowed more room around the leaf than in your version. I've also slightly modified the contrast in three areas of the leaf to give (to my eyes) a more balanced image.

I found the leaf sitting on the table but not quite placed as in the image. Initially it was the colour contrasts that caught my eye - the leaf was almost fluorescent red, yellow, orange, green. I don't do LF colour, perhaps I should! But I thought it would work in b&w just as well.

I'm much happier with this version where the leaf is more prominent and the curly table supports rather than being equal ... :)


http://www.virtuallygrey.co.uk/files/9311/2557vineleaftablev2.jpg

Vine Leaf - v2

[Zaitz]

Thank you very much. It's hard to see our own style... if we have one :rolleyes:

Speaking of style, I've long admired the style of this photo by George Tice, entitled "Oak Tree, Holmdel, New Jersey, 1970". It's the first Palladium print I ever saw, and at the time I didn't even know what that meant, but it looked more like a sculpture wrought out of Palladium, than "a picture of something". We can see the same effect in Paul Strand's 1954 portrait of Murdoch McRury (http://www.kenleegallery.com/html/like/index.html#ps), who appears to be made of Bronze.




That is beautiful and one of the reasons I am trying palladium printing. That look is incredible. One guys work really pushed me into it. I'm not sure if it is originally LF but the work is beyond fantastic I think, hope this is ok to post:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/igorsv/3979255097/

Igor Svibilsky

[Ken Lee]

Beautiful.

[mdm]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BL-cw1kN7YE/TtlOYJnqYDI/AAAAAAAAA6o/lp-ZEQqk2vo/s1600/Scan-111203-0002-1-1-1.jpg
21cm Heliar, Delta 100, D23
I made a sharper negative with more DOF but I prefer this one.

[Vaughn]

Humbug Mountain, Oregon Coast
Scanned 8x10 carbon print

[jcoldslabs]

Leaf trapped in ice. Toyo 45A, Rodenstock 210mm, Polaroid type 665 film. Negative scan.

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/665%20-%20Leaf%20in%20Ice.jpg

[chassis]

Very nice mdm.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Vaughn, I love this. I can't wait to see it.

[mdm]

I was attracted to the pattern of the leaf in the contrasty light. A bit of movement in there softens it up a little but the sharper negative made at a smaller apperture is a little too confusing, so this one won.


Very nice mdm.

[Edward (Halifax,NS)]

Ornamental Grass
CC400
210mm f/5.6 Sinaron-S
T-Max 100

[Preston]

Clustered, Sonora Pass Country, CA

http://www.gildedmoon.com/images/canp/708-1cr-Web.jpg

Tachihara 4x5
210mm Symmar-S
Velvia 100
October 2011

--P

[Harley Goldman]

Real sweet, Preston!!!!! Great simple little scene.



Clustered, Sonora Pass Country, CA

http://www.gildedmoon.com/images/canp/708-1cr-Web.jpg

Tachihara 4x5
210mm Symmar-S
Velvia 100
October 2011

--P

[mikebarger]

Clustered, Sonora Pass Country, CA

http://www.gildedmoon.com/images/canp/708-1cr-Web.jpg

Tachihara 4x5
210mm Symmar-S
Velvia 100
October 2011

--P

Indeed, very nice!

Mike

[rpalm]

"Lunch"

Tachi 4x5, Delta 100, Rodenstock 150

http://homepage.mac.com/rikpalm/w9lunch.jpg

A couple days ago I walked out of my office and found this leaf on the tile walkway. I thought it look very cool, I picked it up and started pawing through the planter picking out some other not so dead leaves. A coworker came out about that time when I had a handful and quickly quipped "Are you looking for your lunch?" it was pretty funny. (I think I will frame him up one) About a minute later another person comes out and asks what am I doing… I quickly said "lunch" with a smile!

so the title of this leaf is "Lunch"

R


I shot it on my computer desk, with black coth draped over the monitor and I used the desk lamp to light it.

http://homepage.mac.com/rikpalm/lunch-setup.jpg

[atlcruiser]

deardorff 810
45 reducing back
300 Fujinon W
HP5+ @ 200
rollo pyro 1:2:50 10.5 min

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6578601251_e9bbfee337_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/6578601251/)
0911 BW 810005.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53092319@N04/6578601251/) by urbanlandcruiser (http://www.flickr.com/people/53092319@N04/), on Flickr

[jcoldslabs]

To continue the yellow theme. (Eliot Porter I'm not.)

Toyo 45A, Rodenstock 210, Ektachrome 100 plus.

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/4x5%20-%20Backlit%20Yellow%20Leaves.jpg

[Scott Schroeder]

5.5X6" ambrotype Lith prints
http://www.schroederworks.com/Lith/Lithleaf_001.jpg


http://www.schroederworks.com/Lith/LithCedar_001.jpg

[DanK]

5.5X6" ambrotype Lith prints


Excellent Scott !!!

If you don't mind me asking, and if you don't mind sharing, what lith dev and paper combination are you using?

I'm partial to LD20, but looking for a new paper...

Cheers,
Dan

[Scott Schroeder]

Hi Dan. I'm only two weeks into lith printing.....
I still have much to learn and experiment.
This is fomabrom variant IV developed with easylith 30:30:1000,selenium,bleached.mt3
this was my first bleaching and mt3 attempt.
I like fomabrom but want to try fomatone again to see if I can get less grit when I want it. I'm not too crazy about over doing the color and fomabrom definitely meets my color pallette.

[DanK]

Hi Dan. I'm only two weeks into lith printing.....
I still have much to learn and experiment.
This is fomabrom variant IV developed with easylith 30:30:1000,selenium,bleached.mt3
this was my first bleaching and mt3 attempt.
I like fomabrom but want to try fomatone again to see if I can get less grit when I want it. I'm not too crazy about over doing the color and fomabrom definitely meets my color pallette.

Thanks Scott...appreciate the info...

I really enjoy the grain and gritty look, but have only found one paper that had a similar appearance - old Kodak Polymax Fine Art FB with LD20...

I am going to have to give Fomabrom a try...

Thanks again,
Dan

[h2oman]

70896

Oak leaf on ponderosa pine needles.

[Ken Lee]

70896

Oak leaf on ponderosa pine needles.

I'd love to see that larger. It has a very handsome metallic quality.

[lbenac]

Awaiting the berries...

45N2 Nikkor-M 200/8 - FP4+ Pyrocat 1+1+100 cropped to square

http://www.lucbenacphoto.com/img/s11/v37/p185459846.jpg



45N2 Siromar-N 135/5.6 - FP4+ Pyrocat 1+1+100

http://www.lucbenacphoto.com/img/s3/v39/p229749279.jpg


Cheers,

Luc

[jcoldslabs]

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Efke-Test-12b-EI-25-FINAL.jpg

ICA Universal Palmos 275 (9x12cm), Zeiss 15cm Tessar (uncoated), Efke PL100 in HC-110 Dil. G
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Jonathan

[mathieu Bauwens]

Nagaoka 4x5 inch
Symmar 180mm
Efke 100/R09 1+50

71514

[cpercy]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/7072605881_f0388f52e0_z.jpg

Some iris leaves in my dads backyard.
With a Deardorff 5x7 with a 4x5 back slightly cropped.
shot on Tri-x

[cpercy]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/6929591384_4f675488d1_z.jpg
Some water lily leaves and pods collected on an photo outing and photographed at home using a cheap clamp light and shirt box tissue paper.
Old Calumet Monorail on TRI-x 4x5
V700 scanner to PS this is about the 5th scan I've done have hundreds if not thousands to go.

Not quite as fun as seeing it develop in the tray under safelight but almost it comes up negative on the monitor then turns positive.
Manipulations can begin immediately in PS and feed directly to the Epson R1900. Very fast gratification for an impatient person such as myself.

All comments technical and critical welcome, very thick skinned crusty old guy here.

[sly]

Cpercy - I love your iris leaves. I'd like it even better with a bit more cropping on the left to remove the 2 leaves on that side.

[cpercy]

Yes, I need to do something with that edge. I printed this once a long time ago for my mom with the cropping/printing different and I like hers better, guess I'll have to pay a visit to see what I did.

[dupont07]

Simple and beautiful, what lens did you use, Cpercy?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/7072605881_f0388f52e0_z.jpg

Some iris leaves in my dads backyard.
With a Deardorff 5x7 with a 4x5 back slightly cropped.
shot on Tri-x

[cpercy]

An old Kodak 203mm f7.7 Ektar still my favorite lens ever.
Sharp from 1:1 to infinity and very portable.

[Harley Goldman]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/7072605881_f0388f52e0_z.jpg

Some iris leaves in my dads backyard.
With a Deardorff 5x7 with a 4x5 back slightly cropped.
shot on Tri-x

Beautiful lines and wonderful curves. This one works quite well.

[James Hughes]

Here's a shot from a few weeks ago... It's from my first batch of Arista.EDU 100 4x5 rolled BTZS style in Dektol 1:1.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6940108636_37abe1eb0c_z.jpg
I definitely like cpercy's shot above and Ken Lee's leaves in general. Can you guys share how you get that, for lack of a better way to say it, delicate contrast?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[jcoldslabs]

Not sure if these are leaves or seed pods. More of the plant was meant to be in focus but the wind spun the stem around in the bottle right at the moment of exposure. Next time I'll try it indoors.

Speed Graphic, Aero-Ektar, Polaroid type 665 P/N film (expired)

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/665---Pods-in-Bottle.jpg

Jonathan

[mdm]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iLQUzFMvCTA/T55NVBFIl3I/AAAAAAAABKY/oiI-l_n4g3A/s1600/web.jpg
A dodgy one I like from a year or so back. Should have stopped down more.

[jcoldslabs]

Another try:

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/665---Seed-Pods-II.jpg

Jonathan

[Tony Karnezis]

I like both photos, Jonathan, but especially this last one. I particularly like the way the light and dark leaves work together. Please do more.

[jcoldslabs]

Tony,

Thanks. I agree that the second image is stronger. It shows off the delicacy of the dried stems and leaves a bit more. And I do plan on doing more photos of these things. I'll try some artificial lighting on them next time, but I am a novice when it comes to that. We'll see how it goes.

I love the translucence of these dried plants so much I have to make sure to collect a whole bunch of them this fall so I'll have lots of them on hand. Not sure what the plant is called. I'll have to do some research.

Jonathan

[cpercy]

Tony,

Thanks. I agree that the second image is stronger. It shows off the delicacy of the dried stems and leaves a bit more. And I do plan on doing more photos of these things. I'll try some artificial lighting on them next time, but I am a novice when it comes to that. We'll see how it goes.

I love the translucence of these dried plants so much I have to make sure to collect a whole bunch of them this fall so I'll have lots of them on hand. Not sure what the plant is called. I'll have to do some research.

Jonathan

Its a Money Plant. Lunaria Annua

[jcoldslabs]

So it is, thanks for the help. The Latin name is lovely. Now if I can only find the "help-me-make-some-money" plant I'll be set!

Jonathan

[cpercy]

So it is, thanks for the help. The Latin name is lovely. Now if I can only find the "help-me-make-some-money" plant I'll be set!

Jonathan

I'm pretty sure they arrest you for having those in you possession.

[jcoldslabs]

Ahh, right. THAT plant. Not looking to lose my house over some gardening, but I could use the money....

J.

[Joe O'Hara]

In the style of Master Lee.

If anyone can tell me the species of this plant, I would appreciate it. I found them growing
in a swampy place along with skunk cabbages, but they are obviously a different plant. I
thought they were rather attractive.

[jcoldslabs]

I thought they were rather attractive.

Likewise! Really nice lines and sense of motion in this image. The curl and lines of the leaves lead your eye gently all over the frame. Very nice.

Jonathan

[David Schaller]

False Hellebore, aka Indian Poke.

http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veratrum_viride

[Joe O'Hara]

Thanks, David. Really, I should get a proper field guide and key them out myself.

[bigguy88]

Another try:

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/665---Seed-Pods-II.jpg
http://www.edslrvideo.com/line.jpg
Jonathan
i like the look and feel here. thank for sharing.

[jcoldslabs]

i like the look and feel here. thank for sharing.

Thanks. I think the translucent pods look better with light behind them as opposed to shadow.

Jonathan

[Ed Bray]

I was so inspired by this thread that I visited the Briar Patch that is part of my back garden and captured the image below, I thought I had already posted it but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Schneider 150mm Xenar on my Toyo C, using TMax100 film. The film was processed in Caffenol CL using the semi-stand technique.

Critique welcomed.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/7002934216_a5fef1392a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edbray/7002934216/)
Bramble Leaves (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edbray/7002934216/) by Ed Bray (http://www.flickr.com/people/edbray/), on Flickr

[Dr_Rocks]

73361

Great thread here. Took a shot of these tiny ferns a few weeks ago. They were about 2-3" long, and really tested the bellows extension on the camera! 150mm xenar, TMAX 400.

Critique wanted! I'm new to this large format thing.

[Jess C]

In the style of Master Lee.

If anyone can tell me the species of this plant, I would appreciate it. I found them growing
in a swampy place along with skunk cabbages, but they are obviously a different plant. I
thought they were rather attractive.


They look a lot like corn lily. Are they from the same family as the false hellebore or one and the same?

[Ed Bray]

73361

Great thread here. Took a shot of these tiny ferns a few weeks ago. They were about 2-3" long, and really tested the bellows extension on the camera! 150mm xenar, TMAX 400.

Critique wanted! I'm new to this large format thing.

I find looking at the image uncomfortable, I find I want to turn the monitor 90 degrees anticlockwise.

[mono]

Corn lillys.


In the style of Master Lee.

If anyone can tell me the species of this plant, I would appreciate it. I found them growing
in a swampy place along with skunk cabbages, but they are obviously a different plant. I
thought they were rather attractive.

[Ken Lee]

http://www.kennethleegallery.com/images/forum/birch.png
Oak Leaves and Fallen Birch, 2012
Tachihara Field Camera, 200mm Nikkor M
4x5 HP5+, Pyrocat-HDC

[Joe O'Hara]

They look a lot like corn lily. Are they from the same family as the false hellebore or one and the same?

According to the article in Wikipedia, they are in the same family as corn lilies (Veratrum). The article also tells us that they are one of the more poisonous plants in North America, and that the locals in the old days used to use them to poison their arrows with. Make of that what you will.

[Jess C]

http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/birch.png
Oak Leaves and Fallen Birch, 2012
Tachihara Field Camera, 200mm Nikkor M
4x5 HP5+, Pyrocat-HDC

Very nice delicate tones and texture. Excellent!

[Ed Bray]

http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/birch.png
Oak Leaves and Fallen Birch, 2012
Tachihara Field Camera, 200mm Nikkor M
4x5 HP5+, Pyrocat-HDC

Fantastic image, I can only dream to reach that level of excellence.

[Harley Goldman]

http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/birch.png
Oak Leaves and Fallen Birch, 2012
Tachihara Field Camera, 200mm Nikkor M
4x5 HP5+, Pyrocat-HDC


Real sweet scene, Ken, but I would not mind the whites a little whiter on the tree.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Harley... I thought that at first too but then all the subtle light gray tones would be compressed a bit. I think it could be printed either way. For a digital image the highlight contrast could be tweaked a bit (I would) but it really depends on personal opinion. I'm betting that Ken wrestled with that very decision. It's a beautiful image either way.

[Ken Lee]

Given how monitors drift and vary, it's hard to be sure what others are seeing.

Although the subject is autumnal, the photo was made in early Spring. The sun was partially obscured behind a cloud - so it doesn't have the kind of intensity we associate with cold clear autumnal days - but that made it possible to encompass the brightness range of the subject and render things softly. When printed large, the light areas have a trace of texture, which I prefer over a bolder rendition.

Although I like the softness, it may be a problem which I didn't anticipate, because I'm stuck with my own memories of the subject.

I should put the image away for a year or two, to better see it as others do.

[Old-N-Feeble]

Hey Ken... I haven't shot a damned thing of any value (outside of work) in 30 years. Back when I was shooting for my personal pleasure and was too close to my own image and unsure of how I wanted a final print to look I started going through all my many photo books for similar images so I could critique those. After I tore apart other similar work then I was better able to disconnect from my own image and tear it apart too... and I did plenty of that.

The problem is there will always be doubt in our own minds. We ask ourselves if we could have done something better. Of course we could have because there's always better. Images can evolve over time if we so choose. But at some point we have to let go and be satisfied.

It's a fantastic image exactly as it is. I probably would have popped the highlights a bit and maybe just printed a tad lighter but I'm not the photographer and it doesn't mean I'm right. Hell... I'd sure like to see a high-key version of your birch and leaves... FWIW.

[Ed Bray]

http://www.kenleegallery.com/images/forum/birch.png
Oak Leaves and Fallen Birch, 2012
Tachihara Field Camera, 200mm Nikkor M
4x5 HP5+, Pyrocat-HDC

Ken, may I ask how you arrived at the digital medium please? Did you scan straight from the negative, or have you made a wet print first and then scanned the print?

If the answer to the question above was 'scanned from the negative' can I enquire as to what make/model of scanner you use please? As the amount of detail really is fanastic.

TIA.

[Ken Lee]

Ken, may I ask how you arrived at the digital medium please? Did you scan straight from the negative, or have you made a wet print first and then scanned the print?

If the answer to the question above was 'scanned from the negative' can I enquire as to what make/model of scanner you use please? As the amount of detail really is fanastic.

TIA.

I scanned the negative, and did very little adjustment afterwards. I explain most of my procedures here: http://www.kennethleegallery.com/html/tech/index.php (www.kenleegallery.com/html/tech/index.php)

Also note that the photo is not a JPG but a 16-bit PNG. The file size is not as small as with JPG compression, but the image is more faithfully reproduced, without the typical artifacts of JPG.

For this photo I used the BTZS method of incident metering where we simply meter for the open shadows, make note of the subject brightness range and develop accordingly.

This is an interesting case because using the Zone System, some people (like me) might have a hard time deciding where to "place" the shadow tones. A Birch tree looks "white" to the eye, whether in sunshine or shade. I confess that I have often avoided close shots of Birch trees for this reason, but no longer.

[Ed Bray]

Thank you, off to have a read now.

[Ken Lee]

"the amount of detail really is fanastic."

One thing to keep in mind is that the subject itself, has visual cues that convey an impression of sharpness and detail.

Have a look at Christopher Broadbent's work - here and on his own site (http://www.christopherbroadbent.pro/Portfolio/index.html) - he's a master of lighting and placing things in such a way that each item is... articulated :)

Also, there are many ways to sharpen an image. I have found that it's best to sharpen the darker and lighter areas of the tonal scale, separately. That's also explained on the page previously mentioned.

[Old-N-Feeble]

I sometimes paste a copy of the original image on a new layer, over-sharpen it just a little bit, then play with the sharpened layer's opacity. Sometimes I'll use the eraser with medium or light pressure to partially erase areas I want sharpened less. This also helps control micro-contrast. I'll sometimes fiddle with adding another far too sharpened layer with too large of a radius to tweak even further. The latter is best done lightly (low layer opacity) and sometimes best set to Darken or Lighten Layer Modes... can even go a step further creating one of each so controlling the effect in shadows vs. highlights is independent. It's interesting to adjust the curves of each the Sharpened layers to tweak even more.

[RHITMrB]

Some new leaves rising above the old leaves. Chamonix 045N-2, Nikkor-W 150mm f/5.6, very expired Fuji NPL 160.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7212263398_26b61f563d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhitmrb/7212263398/)
Untitled (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhitmrb/7212263398/) by RHITMrB (http://www.flickr.com/people/rhitmrb/), on Flickr

[Zaitz]

Plant Leaves:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7335705706_d8be58b5e6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zboumeester/7335705706/)

4x5 Ilford HP5+
Speed Graphic
180mm Zeiss Tessar
f/22
2 seconds

Rodinal 1:25 for 4.75 minutes in a 4x5 btzs tube.

[Michael Wynd]

Zaitz, that is beautiful.

[cjbroadbent]

Zaitz. What an eyeful! This is a black and white that stops you in your tracks.

[Zaitz]

Zaitz, that is beautiful.
Thank you!



Zaitz. What an eyeful! This is a black and white that stops you in your tracks.
That means a lot coming from you, so thank you! That is about as close as I'll get to a successful 'still life'. I moved one leaf a tad so I'll consider that an arrangement by me.

[Zaitz]

4x5 HP5+
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7403414230_e18961a70e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zboumeester/7403414230/in/photostream)

Speed Graphic
178mm Aero Ektar @f/16
2 seconds
Stand developed in Rodinal 1:100 for 1.5 hours.

Tried a Kallitype but haven't got it right yet, so maybe later.

[Ken Lee]

Bravo !

[cpercy]

Speed Graphic
178mm Aero Ektar @f/16
2 seconds
Stand developed in Rodinal 1:100 for 1.5 hours.

Tried a Kallitype but haven't got it right yet, so maybe later.

Very nice, love the sense of light.

[Zaitz]

Bravo !
Much appreciated!


Very nice, love the sense of light.
Thank you.

[Joel Truckenbrod]

4x5 HP5+
Speed Graphic
178mm Aero Ektar @f/16
2 seconds
Stand developed in Rodinal 1:100 for 1.5 hours.

Tried a Kallitype but haven't got it right yet, so maybe later.

Indeed, this is excellent. Did you place them in that configuration, or was it found? Just curious; I know finding ideal closeup situations ideal for view camera work can be a challenge.

[David Lobato]

Scan of a slightly warped fiber base print on the flatbed scanner. Sharpness could be better.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/55432652/Clover%20001%20700LFF.jpg

Toyo 45A, Tri-X

[Zaitz]

Indeed, this is excellent. Did you place them in that configuration, or was it found? Just curious; I know finding ideal closeup situations ideal for view camera work can be a challenge.

Thank you! This was found like that... somewhat. The composition was pretty much the same. I don't have a longer lens and the 7" focal length seemed too close to the top leaves. So I had to prop the right set of leaves down a tad, if that makes sense. We have one place in our backyard where 2-3 ferns struggle to grow nearly right on top of each other (dogs) and I saw this one morning knowing the light would be similar to my previous leaves photo. The next day I tried composed photos with a smaller fern leaf/stem that had broken off. Several looked promising but once I grabbed my camera the wind picked up and it was quite dark. It was also quite hard to place the delicate small fern as the leaves would fold over onto each other easily.

[mdm]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3LC-GKNNGI/T-PY-GSAofI/AAAAAAAABOQ/a5ySDg0utGU/s1600/twist2.jpg
5x7 Delta 100 in Pyrocat M, 210 Sironar S.

[mdm]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zR0oLvu3X6M/T-PYi3TJZNI/AAAAAAAABOE/MN1Ay4midUg/s1600/twist1.jpg
Slight crop from 5x7, Delta 100 in Pyrocat M, 210 Sironar S.

[cpercy]

Scan of a slightly warped fiber base print on the flatbed scanner. Sharpness could be better.



Toyo 45A, Tri-X

David really like this one, beautiful deep tones.

[Shen45]

Plant Leaves:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7335705706_d8be58b5e6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zboumeester/7335705706/)

4x5 Ilford HP5+
Speed Graphic
180mm Zeiss Tessar
f/22
2 seconds

Rodinal 1:25 for 4.75 minutes in a 4x5 btzs tube.

I'm not a plant person but have seen these leaves in the past and they react wonderfully with B&W film. The tones are great as the light plays on the multiple textures. Great image.

[h2oman]

76128

I figured this image is mostly about leaves, so here would be as good a place for it as any!

[SamReeves]

76128

I figured this image is mostly about leaves, so here would be as good a place for it as any!

Best leaves photo I have ever seen here. Bravo!

[cpercy]

"Jane's Hostas"
Hostas from old neighbors garden.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7445527830_93be41ac68_b.jpg

[Jim Becia]

76128

I figured this image is mostly about leaves, so here would be as good a place for it as any!


Wonderful, a flawless and perfect composition as far as I am concerned. Jim

[h2oman]

Thanks for the compliments, Sam and Jim. I'm not sure I would choose my image over many of the others here as the best, Sam, but I'm flattered you'd think so.

[dlin]

I figured this image is mostly about leaves, so here would be as good a place for it as any!

Most excellent, h2oman.

Best,
Daniel

[jcoldslabs]

Leave your extension ladder out over the winter and....

Speed Graphic, 18cm f/4.5 Xenar, T-Max 400 (expired 1994)


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Ladder-and-Vines.jpg

Jonathan

[jcoldslabs]

Another run at the "money plant" seed pods.

Speed Graphic, 15cm f/4.5 Zeiss Tessar (uncoated), 4x5 Tri-X (expired 1994)


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Money-Plant-Pods.jpg

Jonathan

[mandoman7]

dried Rhubarb leaf
Arca Swiss 4x5, HP5, 135mm Fuji, P.Cat
http://theblood.smugmug.com/Other/LF-Forum-Photos/i-pbMp5fV/0/L/scan276a-smb-L.jpg

[jp]

Another run at the "money plant" seed pods.

Speed Graphic, 15cm f/4.5 Zeiss Tessar (uncoated), 4x5 Tri-X (expired 1994)

Jonathan

Very nicely lit and composed!

[jcoldslabs]

Very nicely lit and composed!

Thanks! The light was from the window above the sink in my kitchen. I shot these straight on down the length of them this time, thus the big out of focus blobs from the pods closest to the camera. I can't get enough of these pod things. Later this fall I should be able to pick up some more and try again.

Jonathan

[Patrick B]

Scan of a slightly warped fiber base print on the flatbed scanner. Sharpness could be better.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/55432652/Clover%20001%20700LFF.jpg

Toyo 45A, Tri-X
Superb

[stradibarrius]

Sinar F2 4x5, Schneider 180mm f/5.6, Tri-X 320 @ 160, HC-110, 11m 15s
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7725297194_44b484e1cc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stradibarrius/7725297194/) August-2012-053_Fern (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stradibarrius/7725297194/) by Stradibarrius (http://www.flickr.com/people/stradibarrius/), on Flickr

[David Lobato]

The Big Thicket in East Texas
Toyo 45A, Fujichrome

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/55432652/Big%20Thicket%20Ferns%20001%20725LFF.jpg

[jcoldslabs]

In the back yard yesterday. Speed Graphic, B&L projection Petzval, Polaroid type 64 (expired).


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/T64---Leaves.jpg

Jonathan

[cpercy]

At Bluff Woods State Park

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7855111384_fabbe4c63a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ca_percy/7855111384/)
foilage on a dirt bank (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ca_percy/7855111384/) by cpercy2011 (http://www.flickr.com/people/ca_percy/), on Flickr

[Miguel Coquis]

...plenty off inspiring visuals here !!!
my contribution,
on the wall..., this one progress day after day !

79493
"hiedra"

[Joe O'Hara]

76128

I figured this image is mostly about leaves, so here would be as good a place for it as any!

Lovely!

[Corran]

The scrub palmetto, commonly referred to down here as "saw grass," is probably the most common plant around these hot, humid, and swampy areas in south GA. I really dislike them as they usually have little visual interest and are a blight on the landscape. However, I finally found a scene that spoke to me, after hiking past most likely 10,000 of these guys. I liked the contrast between the light and dark palmettos (top and bottom of the leaves), and for once they weren't marred by broken leaves or chewed on by bugs. Also, finally nailed down a decent development in Rodinal (TMX). The sun also worked with me. I used a 210mm Graphic-Kowa, with tilt and swing to bring things into critical focus. f/22 I think.

http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/photosharing/rbingham210.jpg

[lkkang]

http://kangliatkeng.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/57_punggol_007b.jpg

Zone VI, 210mm Caltar II-E, 5x7 Shanghai 100
ILFOTEC DD-X 1:4, V700 scanned

Billy