January 2013 Portraits

[Miguel Coquis]

opus in b&w
play it as you wish,
surréaliste ?
welcome to lff portraits symphony 2013,

[Denis Pleic]

All dressed up, and nowhere to go... (no white Christmas this year)

Taken and developed yesterday, Dec. 31, scanned this morning. Nice way to start a new year :)
Caltar W-II 65/8, Horseman Woodman, Efke PL 100, Xtol
(not sure this exactly qualifies as a portrait, but still...)

[Alessandro Bocchi]

Padua (PD) Italy - Chiara ready to go out. One of the very first shot with the large format camera and also with the Harman Direct Positive paper.

- Camera: TOYO-FIELD 45 AII L (Linhof)
- Lens: SCHNEIDER Symmar 210 1:5.6 Convertible
- Exposure: 2 minutes and 15 seconds at f 5.6
- Film: HARMAN FB Direct Positive Paper - 3 ASA - size 4x5"
- Developer: ILFORD PQ UNIVERSAL 1+14 - 4 minutes at 20° C
- Stop: ILFORD ILFO STOP
- Fixer: ILFORD RAPID FIXER
- Lightmeter: Gossen Lunasix 3 reading the incident light.
- Lightning: Ambient light only

- Scanner: EPSON V700 and EPSON Scan 3.81
- Software: Adobe Photoshop CS4

86360

[jcoldslabs]

A photo of my wife taken in the back yard a couple of months ago before it got too cold to sit outside wrapped only in a sheet.

Kodak 2D with 5x7 back, 21 1/4" Copying Ektanon @ f/11, 5x7 Gevaert Ultra Panchro (expired 1944).


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/5x7-T-in-Sheet3.jpg

Jonathan

[ImSoNegative]

opus in b&w
play it as you wish,
surréaliste ?
welcome to lff portraits symphony 2013,

very creative

[John Conway]

I like it. Nice work. That old expired film has a quality all it's own.

[jcoldslabs]

I like it. Nice work. That old expired film has a quality all it's own.

Thanks. I am enjoying the old film for that reason. It gives a sort of 'alt process' look right out of the box.

Jonathan

[John Conway]

Thanks. I am enjoying the old film for that reason. It gives a sort of 'alt process' look right out of the box.

Jonathan Yes.... that is a great way to describe it, alt process right out of the box. I have a bunch of old polaroid 4x5 b&w in unopened boxes, some as old as the early 1970's that has a very unique look that I like.

[Vincepad]

I'd love to hear thoughts!

86608

[SergeiR]

8x10 Arista, cropped a bit, 360mm Symmar-S, softened. Deardorff (b/c i mean come on.. what else can be used to shoot american retro?!)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8348543316_d9cd2fe3f7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[searover]

I'd love to hear thoughts!

Vince,
I love it, what lens gave you that oof result? It's wonderful, could you have stopped down to sharpen those arms a bit? Not that it's needed, just wondering...

86608

Sergei,
Now that's Retro, and a good use of your Dorf.


John

[SergeiR]

I'd love to hear thoughts!

since you asked.. And keep in mind - there are many schools and many choices.. Personally i'd turn her head and shoulders a bit. There is no reason for being dead centered and also if she would turn a bit towards it - light would fill up face a bit better. And unless you were going for helpless child look "i am kid, you adult, i loose, you win" - moving camera point a bit down might be good choice. But then its just me :)

[SergeiR]

Sergei,
Now that's Retro, and a good use of your Dorf.


John

Thanks :) i almost cursed myself for not bringing Ektachrome sheet for that sitting, b/c it would look great in proper colour.. But oh well.. Originally we were to shoot b&w , so just had to roll :) (i honestly offered to shoot it with velvia, but it didnt feel right, so we didn't go for it).

[Ramiro Elena]

It is perfect as it is. The strengh of the image comes from the pose and the way it was lit. Having her turn her head would defeat the purpouse and turn it into something completely different (which would still be nice).
The out of focus area in the bottom bothers me though along with the fact that it seems to be losing density.

It is a fantastic portrait. I hate cropping but in this case I would above the elbows.


I'd love to hear thoughts!

86608

[Noeyedear]

Sergie,
I like this. Looking at your set on Flikr they all have that airbrushed look, do they spend a lot of time in Photoshop?

Kevin.


8x10 Arista, cropped a bit, 360mm Symmar-S, softened. Deardorff (b/c i mean come on.. what else can be used to shoot american retro?!)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8348543316_d9cd2fe3f7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[SergeiR]

Sergie,
I like this. Looking at your set on Flikr they all have that airbrushed look, do they spend a lot of time in Photoshop?


Thank you, Kevin.
I can honestly say that i do spend more time cleaning up dust and speckles than actually retouching image itself.

However, yes, i do spend between 15 minutes to hour, when work with portraits, to get things a bit cleaned up. Good lighting modifiers help a lot, and i always do take few digital polaroid shots before getting film shot, to make sure that i got angles right, pores a not showing up too much (when its regular portrait). 3D airbrushed look, specially for web, is actually not that hard to make, when working with strobes. I always set up light for very specific pose (when i am shooting my own stuff, and have somewhat unlimited time), sometime irritating hell out of people, b.c they would move like a feet out, and i would run around, moving and tweaking things again :)

In this case i am not super happy with how some of light spilled through hair onto face from two sources on the right, making uneven spots on her face. Might come back to do more retouching on it.

[D-tach]

Charlotte

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8350131944_c2749614ed_c.jpg

Deardorff 5x7 - Arista EDU Ultra 200 - Imagon 250

[Miguel Coquis]

Warm tones, very soft pleasant image !
Like an interlude...

[Roger Cole]

8x10 Arista, cropped a bit, 360mm Symmar-S, softened. Deardorff (b/c i mean come on.. what else can be used to shoot american retro?!)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8218/8348543316_d9cd2fe3f7_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8348543316/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

Beautiful Sergei! Beautiful model, beautiful photograph!

[chassis]

D-tach, nice image. The intent pose and soft effect work well together.

[Vincepad]

Thank you! Actually, I used a 3x magnifying glass taped to the rear of a Copal 0 shutter. :) You know, I had been experimenting with the magnifying glass and a Packard shutter, so the thought of stopping down in the Copal never occurred to me. Duh! :)


Vince,
I love it, what lens gave you that oof result? It's wonderful, could you have stopped down to sharpen those arms a bit? Not that it's needed, just wondering...

John

[Vincepad]

Thank you Sergei! We had been doing some really creepy pictures with digital, so I guess I was in that mode of helplessness. Great suggestions, though.

I always love what you post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Vince


since you asked.. And keep in mind - there are many schools and many choices.. Personally i'd turn her head and shoulders a bit. There is no reason for being dead centered and also if she would turn a bit towards it - light would fill up face a bit better. And unless you were going for helpless child look "i am kid, you adult, i loose, you win" - moving camera point a bit down might be good choice. But then its just me :)

[Peter De Smidt]

D-tach, nice image. The intent pose and soft effect work well together.

Chassis is right on.

[Vincepad]

Thanks, Ramiro! The OOF area at the bottom is actually an artifact of using a $1 acrylic (not glass) magnifying glass as a lens. :) All of the negatives I've shot with it are a mess. I'm just happy when I can get something semi-focused!


It is perfect as it is. The strengh of the image comes from the pose and the way it was lit. Having her turn her head would defeat the purpouse and turn it into something completely different (which would still be nice).
The out of focus area in the bottom bothers me though along with the fact that it seems to be losing density.

It is a fantastic portrait. I hate cropping but in this case I would above the elbows.

[Vincepad]

I love the softness here! Beautiful portrait. Her engagement with the camera is very inviting - makes me stop to wonder what she's thinking.


Charlotte

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8350131944_c2749614ed_c.jpg

Deardorff 5x7 - Arista EDU Ultra 200 - Imagon 250

[D-tach]

Thanks gentlemen - I like the 5x7 format very much :)

[BradS]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8351897162_4777d19973_b.jpg

Mom and Dad
Harmon Titan Pinhole, 72mm f/209
Ilford Delta 100

[SergeiR]

8x10 Arista, 360mm Symmar-S

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8352550940_6dec1cdd4d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8352550940/)
Bob (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8352550940/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[Ari]

Very good portrait, Sergei.
I love that Symmar-S!

[SergeiR]

Very good portrait, Sergei.
I love that Symmar-S!

Thanks.. I kinda still wish i have found convertible 360, seeing that they are both beasts anyway,but convertible brighter a bit (and gives you 600mm when you desperate). But oh well.. :) At least its modern shutter, so i don't have to do that number with listening to shutter and triggering lights manually.

[Jay DeFehr]

Very nice, Sergei.

[Miguel Coquis]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8491/8351897162_4777d19973_b.jpg

Mom and Dad
Harmon Titan Pinhole, 72mm f/209
Ilford Delta 100

Interesting challenge,
can feel pinhole magic effects...
great posers !!!
how long was exposure ?

[stradibarrius]

Sergei, Excellent portrait! wonderful clarity for the subject with strong features and noce use of DOF.

[Ramiro Elena]

This is fantastic Sergei. I prefer this line of work, much, much better than the pin-up stuff. Still over-sharpened but very good.


8x10 Arista, 360mm Symmar-S

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8352550940_6dec1cdd4d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8352550940/)
Bob (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8352550940/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[D-tach]

8x10 Arista, 360mm Symmar-S



Very nice indeed Sergei - I like the shadow on his nose and the background lighting. Do you never encounter problems scanning those dark shadows? My V700 always gives me stripes there :(

[SergeiR]

Very nice indeed Sergei - I like the shadow on his nose and the background lighting. Do you never encounter problems scanning those dark shadows? My V700 always gives me stripes there :(

Nope. *knock on the wood*. Only if i try to pull them really really REALLY high - then i can see some weird stuff, but i never need to pull that (or i just throw negative away if i do :)).
Check the upper portion of glass , where the calibrating bit is - make sure you don't have speckles of dust or something in there. I use makeup cuboku brush to clean it before scanning (same brush as i use to clean holders and lenses, btw - they are cheap and super soft)

[SergeiR]

This is fantastic Sergei. I prefer this line of work, much, much better than the pin-up stuff. Still over-sharpened but very good.

Thank you. Well. . its a downsize of downsize, and my algorithms set for sharpness not for gradients :) So while original is tack sharp at 2400dpi, once you get from there to 6k/4k and then to web size and then to flickr.. it gets sometime a bit odd on edges due frequency issues.

[Ramiro Elena]

Perhaps try a downsize of the 2400dpi to 1024px and do a 40%-50% unsharp mask, that's really all it takes. Forget algorithms and frequency, it is obviously not working for the web. I usually upload a 300dpi real size image to flickr and simply choose the Medium size (640px). It looks like you're pushing the ratio way way up.

I also make the same mistake now and then, but I find it ruins the nice soft/sharp large format yields. The light and pose are just perfect! :)

[D-tach]

Nope. *knock on the wood*. Only if i try to pull them really really REALLY high - then i can see some weird stuff, but i never need to pull that (or i just throw negative away if i do :)).
Check the upper portion of glass , where the calibrating bit is - make sure you don't have speckles of dust or something in there. I use makeup cuboku brush to clean it before scanning (same brush as i use to clean holders and lenses, btw - they are cheap and super soft)

Thanks Sergei - I'll check the scannerglass

[Mike in NY]

Collodion wet-process tintype, made at the Center for Alternative Photogaphy in NYC. Self-portrait with custom 5-string banjo, extra wide neck, made by Mike Ramsey of Chanterelle Workshop in Pittsboro, NC

86875

[BradS]

Interesting challenge,
can feel pinhole magic effects...
great posers !!!
how long was exposure ?
Thank you Miguel for these very kind remarks.

The exposure was approximately fifteen seconds (which was probably a bit too long as the neg is very dense). Being still is a considerable challenge for my Mom in particular as she has Parkinson's. I made this photo Friday after Thanksgiving day (a holiday at the end of November here in the US).

Thanks again!

[mandoman7]

http://theblood.smugmug.com/Other/Ben-1-6-13/i-cZW9WpJ/0/L/scan650a-L.jpg
My stepson indulged a test of one of Galli's Miniscus' this afternoon,
after I let him beat me on the links.
Chamonix 4x5: FP4

[z84]

Linhof Technika, Rodenstock Sironar 150, HP5+ (Moersch Tanol)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8356379087_4dd94f420f_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/christoph_z/8356379087/)

[Tim Meisburger]

Here is my first wet-plate (self) portrait. Shot at the Tucson Accelerated Wetplate Workshop last weekend. I poured (notice the corduroy) and developed the plate, and set up the shot. Garrett Allen did final focusing and shaded the shot from direct sun to eliminate hot spots (his good idea) and Jim Andrada managed the shutter ( a wadded up darkcloth opened for eight seconds).

The workshop was great and I learned a lot. Enough to shoot wet-plate in when I get back to Thailand, if I can find the chemicals.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l496/Tim_Meisburger/tim.jpg

[D-tach]

Charlotte

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8349070513_2a8a4a7f69_c.jpg

Deardorff 5x7 - Verito 8,75" - Arista EDU Ultra 200

C&C always welcome

[jcoldslabs]

OK, these were not taken in January 2013, but they were scanned in January 2013. Does that count? :) Taken at a friend's wedding a number of years ago as a favor to the bride. The "real" photographer--visible in the third photo--was hired by the groom.

Toyo 45A, Rodenstock 210mm Sironar-N, T-Max 100


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Marge%27s-Wedding-03.jpg



http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Marge%27s-Wedding-02.jpg



http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Marge%27s-Wedding-01b.jpg

Jonathan

[Christo.Stankulov]

D-tach, very beautiful.

[SergeiR]

Here is my first wet-plate (self) portrait. Shot at the Tucson Accelerated Wetplate Workshop last weekend. I poured (notice the corduroy) and developed the plate, and set up the shot. Garrett Allen did final focusing and shaded the shot from direct sun to eliminate hot spots (his good idea) and Jim Andrada managed the shutter ( a wadded up darkcloth opened for eight seconds).

The workshop was great and I learned a lot. Enough to shoot wet-plate in when I get back to Thailand, if I can find the chemicals.



i think i am super impressed here with fact that you can sit in rocker chair still for 8 seconds ;)))

[D-tach]

D-tach, very beautiful.

Thanks Christo

[D-tach]

OK, these were not taken in January 2013, but they were scanned in January 2013. Does that count? :) Taken at a friend's wedding a number of years ago as a favor to the bride. The "real" photographer--visible in the third photo--was hired by the groom.


Jonathan

Lucky for them you made some nice photographs Jonathan - if you see where he posed them: in front of a ladder and a waterhose by there feet :confused:

[Pfiltz]

Lucky for them you made some nice photographs Jonathan - if you see where he posed them: in front of a ladder and a waterhose by there feet :confused:

From his angle, I don't think the ladder / hose will be in the images.

Just a guess.

[jcoldslabs]

Lucky for them you made some nice photographs Jonathan - if you see where he posed them: in front of a ladder and a waterhose by there feet :confused:

I can't remember if I ever saw his photos from the wedding, but he struck me as pretty arrogant at the time. The bride (my good friend) wanted me to do the photos officially, but her husband wanted the other guy, so I was the "unofficial" photographer. I shot these portraits and a few rolls of incidentals with the Rolleiflex. The irony is the only framed wedding photo the couple have up in their house is one of mine.

Jonathan

[SergeiR]

8x10 , cropped a bit, Arista, Symmar-S 360mm.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8362602733_458fc909f5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[Domingo A. Siliceo]

http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Marge%27s-Wedding-03.jpg



I like very much this image; you can almost feel the touch of the bride and groom dresses. They also have a very nice and charming pose.

[Pitcherman]

I think I may have actually shot this the week after Christmas, but I am counting it as 2013. This is from one of my first paying jobs with the 4x5 I got in October. I think I like using this tool.86971

[mathieu Bauwens]

At first, the young girl was alone, with the three dogs coming around. It was nice I thought. Then her grandfather come on her back and sit. I was not in the mood ask him going away, and as my Lao speech is not so good, I've tried ;

86973

Nagaoka, Fujinon 210mm, print scan

[Corran]

I think I may have actually shot this the week after Christmas, but I am counting it as 2013. This is from one of my first paying jobs with the 4x5 I got in October. I think I like using this tool.86971

Hi Robert. Greetings from Valdosta...pretty close all things considered. Just a little suggestion - you might want to try some swing to get both subjects in focus next time.

Wonderful city, Savannah - I have a thread somewhere with photos from Savannah...post some if you shoot any there!

[jcoldslabs]

I like very much this image; you can almost feel the touch of the bride and groom dresses. They also have a very nice and charming pose.

Thank you very much.

Jonathan

[goamules]

Two quarterplates of Mark building a silver nitrate bath.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8368556630_84c9b31a55_c.jpg

[David Lobato]

Excellent, really nice. The halos on the left edges adds to the soft effect, and the sharpness of the ring compliments the softness. Excellent range of smooth tones as well.


Charlotte

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8349070513_2a8a4a7f69_c.jpg

Deardorff 5x7 - Verito 8,75" - Arista EDU Ultra 200

C&C always welcome

[Corran]

My first portrait of the year. I am starting a new project - one in where I am going to try to make photos by engaging with the subject more. Not just bland posed shots or studio set ups, just an honest portrayal. There is much I can work on in this department and this is a start. You can read more of about what I'm trying to do on my blog. Anyway, here it is. Taken with a Polaroid 900 and Xenotar 135/3.5 and a SB-800 flash on expired Ektachrome Plus, cross-processed in C-41 chems:

Oh, before anyone says anything - yes, he blinked. Okay.

http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/photosharing/Untitled-1ss.jpg

[jcoldslabs]

Not sure if it counts as a portrait if it doesn't show the sitter's face.

Kodak 2D 8x10 w/5x7 back, B&L 15" f/4 projection Petzval, Kodak Low Contrast Aerial Duplicating Film (SO-277)


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/5x7-SO-277-Bun-1.jpg

Jonathan

[Monty McCutchen]

Jonathan,

this is outstanding by my estimation! Well done indeed.

Monty

[jcoldslabs]

Thanks, Monty. Much appreciated!

J.

[MIke Sherck]

What a dame! Somebody tell Mr. Bogart that there's a new client waiting in his office.

:)


8x10 , cropped a bit, Arista, Symmar-S 360mm.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8362602733_458fc909f5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[Ramiro Elena]

This is SO awesome Jonathan! I wish it was a vertical though, I was hoping to see more of her. Great light, great focus!


Not sure if it counts as a portrait if it doesn't show the sitter's face.

Kodak 2D 8x10 w/5x7 back, B&L 15" f/4 projection Petzval, Kodak Low Contrast Aerial Duplicating Film (SO-277)


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/5x7-SO-277-Bun-1.jpg

Jonathan

[SergeiR]

What a dame! Somebody tell Mr. Bogart that there's a new client waiting in his office.

:)

Hehe :) Thanks, Mike :) She is quite a looker, indeed. For a while - co-star of "American PinUp" TV series (i believe i posted portrait with other star of that show too, some time ago :)).

[MIke Sherck]

Hehe :) Thanks, Mike :) She is quite a looker, indeed. For a while - co-star of "American PinUp" TV series (i believe i posted portrait with other star of that show too, some time ago :)).

I was thinking more along the lines of "The Maltese Falcon" starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George and the always surprising Peter Lorre, but yours was good too!

You should try a Sam Spade portrait to go with this one. Remarkable!

Mike

[D-tach]

Excellent, really nice. The halos on the left edges adds to the soft effect, and the sharpness of the ring compliments the softness. Excellent range of smooth tones as well.

Thanks David - I like the way soft focus lenses can draw the attention to the basic structures of a face or a body(part), or can single out the expression of someone.
But then again, it's all very subjective. Some like Radiohead a lot, some think he's just a squealing pig :-)

[SergeiR]

Thanks David - I like the way soft focus lenses can draw the attention to the basic structures of a face or a body(part), or can single out the expression of someone.
But then again, it's all very subjective. Some like Radiohead a lot, some think he's just a squealing pig :-)

there was a plan for later on same day, but guy couldnt make it to sitting, got stuck at work (busy life of graphic designers) :)
(but i agree on the look.. she has that feeling of old noir glamour about her.. thats why i was trying to get her for sitting for almost year and it was damn hard to fit in schedule :))

[Miguel Curbelo]

Playing with my first Petzval lens ... the inevitable silly pic.
87162

[jcoldslabs]

This is SO awesome Jonathan! I wish it was a vertical though, I was hoping to see more of her. Great light, great focus!

Thanks Ramiro. I left the lights and backdrop in place in the living room so I'm going to try some more shots tonight. I'm sure you'll be seeing more of these, probably a self-portrait, too. I underexposed this one by about two stops on accident (I found it really hard to meter when the main light source is a 500W spotlight), but I like the overall effect. I used N+2 development to help compensate. I probably should have used a reflector to bring out a little shadow detail on the right side. But I'm still learning.

As for the vertical vs. horizontal, my wife is insecure about her weight, so I didn't want to show much of her body out of respect. But yes, I would have preferred vertical, too. :)

Jonathan

[Ramiro Elena]

Photographing wives is probably harder than photographing a hummingbird high on speed. :-/

[Gary Tarbert]

8x10 , cropped a bit, Arista, Symmar-S 360mm.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8214/8362602733_458fc909f5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/)
Flossie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8362602733/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on FlickrSerge great image ,Sharp as a tack , Knowing women of this vintage i can't imagine she is is wrapped in the extreme detail showing every blemish , But from my perspective great!! Cheers Gary

[Jiri Vasina]

Photographing wives is probably harder than photographing a hummingbird high on speed. :-/

Yes, I would very much second that...

Jiri

[rjbuzzclick]

Testing out a Graflex sliding back "mug shot" adapter. It looks like a have a little leak...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8373925994_5de2dfa60d.jpg

Comments always welcome.

[Miguel Curbelo]

87206

[SergeiR]

Serge great image ,Sharp as a tack , Knowing women of this vintage i can't imagine she is is wrapped in the extreme detail showing every blemish , But from my perspective great!! Cheers Gary

She actually loved it. With plethora of over-blurred images, having one that shows you still beautiful even when pores show up - thats when people getting impressed ;)
But in general, i do agree - i like to go for softer looks. Still waiting on my carbon ink set to arrive, so i can print it as it deserves... ;)

[Miguel Coquis]

She actually loved it. With plethora of over-blurred images, having one that shows you still beautiful even when pores show up - thats when people getting impressed ;)
But in general, i do agree - i like to go for softer looks. Still waiting on my carbon ink set to arrive, so i can print it as it deserves... ;)

Like it !
Soft and sharp focus conveniently played enhances texture, thats music !!!
Bravo Sergei :)

[Keith Fleming]

Photographing wives is probably harder than photographing a hummingbird high on speed. :-/

Photographing wives also can be dangerous to your health. That was certainly true on one occasion when I was trying to make a portrait of my own wife. It was just after sunset, and a huge cloud was reflecting soft, golden light on her. Knowing the light might fade quickly, I was totally concentrated on focusing the camera when she asked if she should put on lipstick. Trying to answer while so deeply involved in focusing, I meant to say, "You don't need it." What actually came out, however, was, "That won't help!" On the groundglass I saw her eyes suddenly open very, very wide, and I realized I was in serious danger of having my body violently disassembled and my soul revoked. I've never before done such fast backtracking! But by the time I had managed to save my own life, she wasn't interested in being photographed. Never did get a portrait that day. But since it was a miracle I lived to see the sunrise the next day, so I'll settle for that.

Keith

[jcoldslabs]

My brother came to dinner last night and since my lights and backdrop were still in place from earlier in the week, I made him sit for two shots before I broke it all down. The first one is serious, the second one slightly less so. I missed the focus on each, and there is a hint of motion blur due to the one second exposure, but it's the best I could do during a five minute portrait session with a semi-reluctant model.

Kodak 2D 8x10, B&L 15" f/4 projection Petzval, Kodak Low Contrast Aerial Duplicating Film (SO-277)


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/8x10-SO-277-G-01.jpg



http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/8x10-SO-277-G-02.jpg

Jonathan

[SergeiR]

Nice work, Johnatan

[Peter Gomena]

Sometimes that little bit of motion blur adds a little life to a portrait. It reminds us that these are people, not statues!

[SergeiR]

8x10 Arista, Gundlach Radar (back with vengeance ;)))

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8376989969_2ebd6cf2fa_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8376989969/)
scan0286www (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8376989969/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

Almost forgot how pretty pictures from Radar, after shooting couple of months with newer and sharper Symmars :)

[Alan Gales]

8x10 Arista, Gundlach Radar (back with vengeance ;)))

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8376989969_2ebd6cf2fa_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8376989969/)
scan0286www (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8376989969/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

Almost forgot how pretty pictures from Radar, after shooting couple of months with newer and sharper Symmars :)

Aunt Shirley? My wife says that this pretty lady bares a striking resemblance to her aunt when she was young!

Very nice. I always look forward to seeing your images, Sergei.

[SergeiR]

Aunt Shirley? My wife says that this pretty lady bares a striking resemblance to her aunt when she was young!

Very nice. I always look forward to seeing your images, Sergei.

:))) I am quite positive she isnt aunt Shirley :) Thanks :)

[John Conway]

87206Very nice.

[SergeiR]

8x10 Arista, Gundlach Radar. f9 (i.e f8 and wee nudge..)

Same sitting, slightly different timing on processing, no shutter dragging, same lens, however now light and everything (reflectors & etc) readjusted for full face shot (still had to crop, b/c there is only so close you want to get in people faces).

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8379492162_40165effdf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8379492162/)
Bobbie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8379492162/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[Miguel Curbelo]

Thanks John.

[SergeiR]

87206

its almost a classic (bridal) pose for females, except typically you want shoulders to be less pronounced towards camera and angles other way around :)

[Kav]

One of the Marines saw me setting up my cameras and said that it must take forever to set up a shot with the big old camera. I already had a flashbulb and film loaded. A 1 second check of the focus and I shot this:
http://kavanaughmp.smugmug.com/Category/Film/Large-Format/i-k6Lw4b5/0/XL/_MPK9195-XL.jpg

And leaving the airfield:
http://kavanaughmp.smugmug.com/Category/Film/Large-Format/i-9fRCQVr/0/XL/_MPK9196-XL.jpg

Both shot with a Speed Graphic and flashbulbs.
Scale Focused

[Tim Meisburger]

At my mothers in Tucson for the holidays with nothing to do, I went out to the garage and made a linhof board out of a piece of plywood, cut a hole in it and glued on a four inch length of cardboard shipping tube, then used clear caulk to mount a magnifying glass lens I bought at the 99 cent store inside. I cut a slot in the top and made some waterhouse stops out of cardboard, then spray painted the whole thing black. Yielded a 7 1/2" f2.7 meniscus.

Here is the first shot. My little sister at the dining room table, wide open.

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l496/Tim_Meisburger/2012-12ChristmasinUS004.jpg

Now that I am back in Thailand I am looking forward to shooting this some stopped down, to see how sharp I can get.

[Jim Cole]

That worked quite well, MacGyver!

[BradS]

At my mothers in Tucson for the holidays with nothing to do, I went out to the garage and made a linhof board out of a piece of plywood, cut a hole in it and glued on a four inch length of cardboard shipping tube, then used clear caulk to mount a magnifying glass lens I bought at the 99 cent store inside. I cut a slot in the top and made some waterhouse stops out of cardboard, then spray painted the whole thing black. Yielded a 7 1/2" f2.7 meniscus.

Here is the first shot. My little sister at the dining room table, wide open.

---snip---

Now that I am back in Thailand I am looking forward to shooting this some stopped down, to see how sharp I can get.

Thats a fun story and a pretty decent image. Thanks for sharing both.

[Corran]

My friend Kaleb, putting some 120 film in protectors that he had just developed. Shot with my Xenotar 135mm f/3.5 lens and a Nikon SB-800 flash on the Pola900, with a nice new Provia 100F Quickload I just got. Just a test to check the film and my development - very happy with both!!

http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/photosharing/Untitled-47ass.jpg

[jcoldslabs]

When you run out of ideas, steal someone else (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Feininger,_The_Photojournalist.jpg)'s! Taken tonight with the patient assistance of my wife, albeit with a Kodak Retina IIIc and not a Leica.

Toyo 45A, 210mm Sironar-N, Polaroid type 54 (expired 2004).


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/T54---Feininger-Homage.jpg

Jonathan

[leighmarrin]

Hee! Great swipe, Jonathan--

[jcoldslabs]

Thanks, Leigh. Polaroid film courtesy of...yourself!

J.

[D-tach]

Babs

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8385739325_e794fdd7b9_c.jpg

Deardorff 5x7 - Imagon 250 - Arista EDU Ultra 200

[Corran]

Love it Jonathan! (Of course!)

[SergeiR]

My friend Kaleb, putting some 120 film in protectors that he had just developed. Shot with my Xenotar 135mm f/3.5 lens and a Nikon SB-800 flash on the Pola900, with a nice new Provia 100F Quickload I just got. Just a test to check the film and my development - very happy with both!!


nice and clean shot.

[Corran]

Thanks Sergei...and would you believe handheld, RF focused wide-open?

[Alan Gales]

Thanks Sergei...and would you believe handheld, RF focused wide-open?

Wow, Corran. You have steadier hands than I have!

[Corran]

Well to be fair I shot it at 1/200 and let the flash do the work - as you can see the background is pretty underexposed.

[SergeiR]

Thanks Sergei...and would you believe handheld, RF focused wide-open?

yes i could :)

[Ari]

When you run out of ideas, steal someone else (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Feininger,_The_Photojournalist.jpg)'s! Taken tonight with the patient assistance of my wife, albeit with a Kodak Retina IIIc and not a Leica.

Toyo 45A, 210mm Sironar-N, Polaroid type 54 (expired 2004).


http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/T54---Feininger-Homage.jpg

Jonathan

Fantastic, Jonathan; I love it.
I've got the title for your next book: Myriad Ways In Which I Photograph My Wife Without Showing You What She Looks Like.

It's a little long, but it's catchy. :)

[jcoldslabs]

Thanks, Ari. I just read your comment aloud to my wife, and she agrees with the suggested book title! She is such a good sport that I am willing to indulge her request to be mostly covered up in my photos of her. If I want to continue to have her as a model--and she's my only one unless you count my occasional access to my brother--I need to honor her terms.

It was fun to try to replicate that Feininger shot. Not as easy as it looks. For one thing, and I never noticed this before, the subject in the original is not holding the camera at all realistically, so getting my wife to hold it so awkwardly was difficult. I was off by quite a bit in some respects, but since it wasn't meant to be an exact replica, I'm OK with the discrepancies.

Jonathan

[Joe Forks]

I asked the boy not to move! But he made a silly face and therefor focus off on both shots :)

Agfa Ansco 8x10, Cooke 18", HP5 in pyro mc, test/contact prints.

[Sart_S]

MPP,Symmar 150mm.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fIgO79EdWrY/UPgWQHWjw0I/AAAAAAAAAfw/QFcFixq_W2k/s576/02nn_1B.jpg

[Mark Sawyer]

Babs

Deardorff 5x7 - Imagon 250 - Arista EDU Ultra 200

Very, very nice! The Imagon is a much under-appreciated lens, and you've found its magic!

[z84]

Linhof Technika, Rodenstock Apo-Sironar 150, Portra 400

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8390881141_fa8dccbe6a_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/christoph_z/8390881141/)

[Peter Lewin]

z84: Wow! Very, very nice work (both the technical stuff, and the model's expression)!

[life_in_sepia]

87572

The Sword Swallower. Whole plate. Dallmeyer 3B.

[D-tach]

Very, very nice! The Imagon is a much under-appreciated lens, and you've found its magic!

Thanks Mark!

[Joe Forks]

Ansco 8x10, Eidoscope 375, D76, Multigrade contact print

[life_in_sepia]

87631

Anastasia. Whole plate. Dallmeyer 3b.

[jcoldslabs]

87631

Beautiful, Ed. (Both the model and the image.)

Jonathan

[life_in_sepia]

Thanks, Jonathan. I should have put her full name. Anastasia Arteyeva. Drop dead gorgeous.

[C. D. Keth]

87631

Anastasia. Whole plate. Dallmeyer 3b.

I think that's my favorite thing I've seen of yours, and that includes all the lovely nudes.

[Tony Karnezis]

87631

Anastasia. Whole plate. Dallmeyer 3b.

Very nice.

[Jim Jones]

I think that's my favorite thing I've seen of yours, and that includes all the lovely nudes.

I quite agree!

[lenser]

Anastasia is simply a masterpiece. Lovely, enticing, captivating, wonderfully composed and stunningly executed. A joy to view.

[czmielek]

http://www.aparaty.tradycyjne.net/konkurs/13584322161043.jpg[/URL]LinhofKardan 4x5 Foma 100 R09 1:100 1h stand


http://www.aparaty.tradycyjne.net/konkurs/13584322161043.jpg

[life_in_sepia]

Anastasia is simply a masterpiece. Lovely, enticing, captivating, wonderfully composed and stunningly executed. A joy to view.

Thank you! I am also very pleased with it. It was the first plate of the day, and it is under exposed. The second plate, with better exposure, is also nice. But it also lost the dark mood that I think makes this one special. So perhaps it should have been posted in the "fortuitous mistakes" thread. The image is better than the photographer is owed credit. But thanks anyway.

[life_in_sepia]

87656

For comparison...

[Ramiro Elena]

I actually like this second one better. More delicate, better focus and pose. I agree it is one of your best.


87656

For comparison...

[Petzval Paul]

I like the second one better, too :) Probably my favorite of yours.

[Peter Gomena]

I like the first one. It has more tension. Both are marvelous, and since they're one-offs, equally amazing.

[Tobias Key]

87662

I shot this on the new Portra 160 with a 210mm APO Symmar. There's quite a lot of post production on this image so this is not what comes straight off the scanner.

[goamules]

I've been meaning to shoot my Voigtlander 6B on 8x10 film, after some success with wetplate. Fading room light, I got a half second with this F3.1 lens. The print is nice, the scan not so.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8361/8397136056_150419751c_c.jpg

[Jim Fitzgerald]

87656

For comparison...

Ed, Love the work you do. Stunning model. Kudos to both of you on the fine collaboration.

[life_in_sepia]

Thanks!

[Robert Hall]

Here are a few from St. Kitts. I was there photographing a UNESCO site and found this folks hanging out at a local bar and dive shop.

87757

87755

87756

[bracan]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8402119982_95b431b001_c.jpg

Harman Direct Positive paper unflashed rated 1,5 iso. Developed in Ilford Multigrade developer for 3 min. Taken with Sinar P 8x10 and Schneider 300mm f5,6 wide open.

[Michael W]

bracan - well done!

[David Lobato]

LF portraits are not my specialty but I like to try occasionally. Here's from my first outing yesterday with the new 11x14.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/55432652/Dick%20%26%20Dorothy%2011x14%20-%20Version%202.jpg

HP5+, 450mm Nikkor M

[Miguel Coquis]

LF portraits are not my specialty but I like to try occasionally. Here's from my first outing yesterday with the new 11x14.
HP5+, 450mm Nikkor M

...large format smiles !!!
beautiful portrait, thanks for sharing.

[Miguel Coquis]

My contribution, indoors portrait, available light
Delta 100 8x10"
750 mm f:6,3 on stand
hard not to let him move....!

[czmielek]

One more from me

4x5 foma 100 r09 1h stand
http://www.aparaty.tradycyjne.net/konkurs/13581501761029.jpg

[Kerik Kouklis]

87631

Anastasia. Whole plate. Dallmeyer 3b.

Bravo, Ed!!

[SergeiR]

Harman Direct Positive paper unflashed rated 1,5 iso. Developed in Ilford Multigrade developer for 3 min. Taken with Sinar P 8x10 and Schneider 300mm f5,6 wide open.

quite interesting rendition.

[Joe Forks]

Agfa Ansco 8x10, Cooke 18" F5.6, HP5, D76, Contact print

[Mark Sawyer]

I've been meaning to shoot my Voigtlander 6B on 8x10 film, after some success with wetplate. Fading room light, I got a half second with this F3.1 lens...

Really nice, Garrett! Beautiful light, and those large bright Petzvals can be very unforgiving in focussing. Looks like you nailed it!

[jardel]

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/2457/junioramanda.th.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/junioramanda.jpg/)

Fujinon 250mm 6.7@8
Rodinal 1:50
Acros 100@64
Shen-Hao HZX 45 IIA

[goamules]

Really nice, Garrett! Beautiful light, and those large bright Petzvals can be very unforgiving in focussing. Looks like you nailed it!

Thanks. Yeah, I told her not to move, and from her wetplate modeling experience, she knew what I meant! It's funny how many "models" let you focus and get all ready, then as you put the film holder in they wipe their hair back of some such. I guess saying "FREEZE! Move and I'll wollup ya!" won't work.

[Tim Hodgson]

One more from me

4x5 foma 100 r09 1h stand
http://www.aparaty.tradycyjne.net/konkurs/13581501761029.jpg

Beautful images, czmielek. At the risk of sounding like a rookie, what is r09? And could you give us a little info on the lighting setup that you used?

Thanks
Tim

[szadow]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8405381862_09ec7cdd3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8405381862/)

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo

[jcoldslabs]

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Lovely, with a candid feel. It's nice to see a portrait that shows the subject in her natural surroundings, so to speak, and not isolated up against a backdrop.

Jonathan

[Peter Lewin]

Szadow: +1 to Jonathan's compliment! I really like your use of scale, normally children are photographed in a way that makes them the same size as grown-ups (unless they are in a family group), but this is a beautiful portrait of a young lady.

[czmielek]

Beautful images, czmielek. At the risk of sounding like a rookie, what is r09? And could you give us a little info on the lighting setup that you used?

Thanks
Tim

Thank you Tim. The r09 is Rodinal film developer.

[ImSoNegative]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8405381862_09ec7cdd3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8405381862/)

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo


Great Portrait!!

[Robert Hall]

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo


Lovely!

[czmielek]

The lighting is one single softbox pararel to the model.

[benrains]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8408867163_f3d0cf19a5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8408867163/)
kelsey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8408867163/)

Century No.8 w/11x14 back
B&L 11x14 Tessar 1c 400/4.5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

One of my favorite images from a collaboration with Eduardo Izquierdo and Kelsey. This was done with the 11x14 Century No.8 camera at my home studio. Before we even started photographing with paper, I figured I'd throw them both into the deep end of large format photography with 11x14 film. Eduardo directed and composed the shot, Kelsey modeled fantastically (especially considering the long exposures), and I handled the camera operations and the darkroom work. This is my edit of the shot.

[szadow]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8411149876_d0eae77d75_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8411149876/in/photostream)

Globica Large Format Camera
Lens Zeiss 250/4.5
8sec f4.5
Wet plate collodion

[jkcz]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8405381862_09ec7cdd3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8405381862/)

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo

Great image!

[Michael W]

benrains - that portrait is superb.

[ShawnHoke]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8408867163_f3d0cf19a5_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8408867163/)
kelsey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8408867163/)


This is fantastic. My favorite bit is the slight movement of the shirt hem.

[Peter De Smidt]

Szadow, that's an intense portrait!

[SergeiR]

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo

love this. On many many levels.

[Ari]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8402119982_95b431b001_c.jpg

Harman Direct Positive paper unflashed rated 1,5 iso. Developed in Ilford Multigrade developer for 3 min. Taken with Sinar P 8x10 and Schneider 300mm f5,6 wide open.

I like this a lot; good work, bracan.

[szadow]

Thank You all for your kind words:) My daughter also made me a portrait, the pose is all her idea :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/26013_477857312261118_2013212768_n.jpg

and here is a little behind the scenes shot of my daughter with the Mentor

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424349_4692455343098_1895847007_n.jpg

87899 87898

[Robert Hall]

. ^
/||\
. ||
. ||

"Like"

[benrains]

Thank You all for your kind words:) My daughter also made me a portrait, the pose is all her idea :)


87899 87898

Now that's adorable. And photographing with a large format camera is not something very many kids her age (and especially at this time in history) will ever do!

[GIO]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8405381862_09ec7cdd3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8405381862/)

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo

Wonderful!

[Jim Cole]

Really excellent series Szadow! Adorable, even you!

[benrains]

benrains - that portrait is superb.


This is fantastic. My favorite bit is the slight movement of the shirt hem.

Thanks for the comments. The movement you see in shirt hem is from Eduardo vigorously waving a sheet cardboard off-camera. I didn't have a fan, so we made due in order to introduce a bit of movement to the shot. (In addition to the rear tilt to throw the lower part of Kelsey's torso out of focus.)

[benrains]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8410252487_1b5968b53f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
emily (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)

Century Studio 10A w/5X7 back
Kodak Portrait Lens 305/4.8
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[cowanw]

This portrait has moved me to post. Sometimes some of our members write that classic works can be boring or derivative and point to the new that must be different to be of value. For me each and every portrait is an entirely different picture. Also for me, this one is a remarable achievement; a stunning portrait!
Congratulations.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8410252487_1b5968b53f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
emily (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)

Century Studio 10A w/5X7 back
Kodak Portrait Lens 305/4.8
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[John Conway]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8410252487_1b5968b53f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
emily (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
Really nice portrait.My family is pushing me to do a portrait of my niece in black and white. You just pushed me under the dark cloth with this one.
Century Studio 10A w/5X7 back
Kodak Portrait Lens 305/4.8
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[benrains]

This portrait has moved me to post. Sometimes some of our members write that classic works can be boring or derivative and point to the new that must be different to be of value. For me each and every portrait is an entirely different picture. Also for me, this one is a remarable achievement; a stunning portrait!
Congratulations.

Thank you. I take most of my cues and inspiration from Pictorialist photographers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, from some of the early modernists, and then a handful of fashion photographers (past and present). I also steal ideas from painters. I don't really see anything wrong with working that way, *or* with doing something new, (or however people wish to work), and anybody who says one of those approaches yields work which has the "most value" should just be ignored.


Really nice portrait.My family is pushing me to do a portrait of my niece in black and white. You just pushed me under the dark cloth with this one.

The lighting setup on this was dead simple. It's a single 500W halogen lamp place high and directly in front of the subject and I placed a white nylon difusion screen several feet in front of the light to soften it. (You can use a cheap white nylon shower curtain for much the same effect, but you'll have to rig something up to keep it all in place.) For some of the photos I used a 100W lamp to highlight her hair from the back, which worked very well, but I ended up liking this picture the best.

[Peter De Smidt]

Ben, that's a terrific portrait!

By any chance, do you remember what aperture you used?

[cowanw]

I was going to ask the same. You did write 4.8 and it is on 5x7 not 8x10, but I wondered if the depth of field indicated a smaller aperture.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Looks to be stopped down a bit? Looks like I need to use my 305 portrait lens more. Beautiful work.

[Zaitz]

An older photo of Stella. 4x5 Arista and 9" Verito Soft Focus. Speed Graphic.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8412033719_04938929c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zboumeester/8412033719/in/photostream)

[benrains]

Ben, that's a terrific portrait!

By any chance, do you remember what aperture you used?

I was varying between f/11 and f/16 for the aperture. I don't know why everyone is so hung up on shooting their portrait lenses wide open! But, whatever. (Oh, and the f/4.8 just indicates the maximum aperture supported by the Kodak Portrait 305 mounted in an Ilex No.5 shutter. I think the barrel versions are f/4.5.)

[jp]

WOW! There's some really nice high quality variety the past few pages!

My 3yo isn't subtle. Teaching the 3yo how to sit for the camera. "Smile" yields a cheshire grin. I told her to still be happy but stop smiling, and I get this. Oh well. Still fun. tmy2 4x5 in in PMK. rb-super-d 190mm wide open for 1/30th.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8328/8412162681_a11882e2f8_c.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8404329110_6f490915c7.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/13759696@N02/

[Michael W]

jb498 - the luminosity on the little girl on the right is extraordinary.

[benrains]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8412779032_5e7d384757_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8412779032/)
mark (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8412779032/)

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[jp]

Ben; More awesome stuff indeed; shows how well the old gear was/is when used with skill.


MichaelW; it's easy; two aluminum bowl worklights above/on one side of the camera (as you can see the lightstand) because 1 isn't bright enough. PMK developer tames the contrast.

[life_in_sepia]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8410252487_1b5968b53f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
emily (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)

Century Studio 10A w/5X7 back
Kodak Portrait Lens 305/4.8
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

Lovely shot!

[benrains]

Ben; More awesome stuff indeed; shows how well the old gear was/is when used with skill.

I'd go as far as saying the old gear is superior for portrait work. Or I guess at least it's better for the task of the type of portraiture I prefer to make. (It's more fun to use as well. Now if only I could find one of those brass whistling canaries so I can tell my sitters to look at the birdie.)


Lovely shot!

Thanks, Ed! I'm a big fan of your work.

[life_in_sepia]

Rebecca Gatta. Ross #3 Cabinet lens. Wide open. 3 seconds.

88038

[jon.oman]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8410252487_1b5968b53f_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)
emily (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8410252487/)

Century Studio 10A w/5X7 back
Kodak Portrait Lens 305/4.8
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

Wonderful portrait, and I may be old fashioned, but Emily needs to lose the nose hardware....

[cowanw]

I know what you mean, but from a composition point of view the highlights go well with the ear and the eye highlights. Cover the nose studs and see if you think the portrait has the same impact. Also from an Artspeak point of view it freshens and updates the old techniques.

[benrains]

I know what you mean, but from a composition point of view the highlights go well with the ear and the eye highlights. Cover the nose studs and see if you think the portrait has the same impact. Also from an Artspeak point of view it freshens and updates the old techniques.

It is a portrait, and as such I think it's important for people to convey--and be given the opportunity to convey--something about who they are. Unless there's an explicit aim of a portrait session being one where I'm reworking someone's appearance, I don't mess with people's personal fashion. I may make some compositional adjustments or make suggestions, but I want people to feel like I'm allowing them to be true to who they are. And your last statement is spot on. The contrast between the contemporary punk aesthetic and the very old-fashioned formal look of the photo, with just a bit of soft-focus, really makes it work for me.

[Jody_S]

Rebecca Gatta. Ross #3 Cabinet lens. Wide open. 3 seconds.

88038

Superb!

[ShawnHoke]

Rebecca Gatta. Ross #3 Cabinet lens. Wide open. 3 seconds.

88038

This is exquisite! And the concentration she had for holding for three seconds is amazing.

[benrains]

Rebecca Gatta. Ross #3 Cabinet lens. Wide open. 3 seconds.

88038

Her eyes are just perfect in this.

[life_in_sepia]

Thanks!

[SergeiR]

4x5 Astia, Chamonix 45n2, Xenotar 150/2.8 @ f2.8

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8418027659_29ee6e5f5c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/)
Newborn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

[Miguel Coquis]

[QUOTE=SergeiR;983120]4x5 Astia, Chamonix 45n2, Xenotar 150/2.8 @ f2.8
...won.....der.....ful !!!!!

[Ken Lee]

An older photo of Stella. 4x5 Arista and 9" Verito Soft Focus. Speed Graphic.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8412033719_04938929c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zboumeester/8412033719/in/photostream)

Bravo !

[Ken Lee]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8219/8412779032_5e7d384757_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8412779032/)
mark (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8412779032/)

century studio 10a w/8x10 back
wollensak vesta 14"/5
ilford hp5 plus / adonal 1+50

Wow !

[Miguel Coquis]

Bravo !

...guau, guau !!!

[SergeiR]

4x5 Astia, Chamonix 45n2, Xenotar 150/2.8 @ f2.8
...won.....der.....ful !!!!!

thank you, Miguel :)

[Scott --]

WOW! There's some really nice high quality variety the past few pages!

My 3yo isn't subtle. Teaching the 3yo how to sit for the camera. "Smile" yields a cheshire grin. I told her to still be happy but stop smiling, and I get this. Oh well. Still fun. tmy2 4x5 in in PMK. rb-super-d 190mm wide open for 1/30th.


Smiling's over-rated. This is a fantastic image! Lots of personality in it.

[bobwysiwyg]

4x5 Astia, Chamonix 45n2, Xenotar 150/2.8 @ f2.8

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8418027659_29ee6e5f5c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/)
Newborn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

Love this one. :)

[eduardtoader]

Another way to fill a 5x7 filmholder with a light sensitive surface. I had a big adventure cuting and fitting the 35mm strips into the filmolder. Two of them overlayered on the beard area and I had some weird reflections on the scaning episode. I'm curious what are you thinking about. Do you consider it large format or not? Any comment is welcome.

210mm Heliar on Sinar Norma 5x7", Fomapan 100 film developed 6 min. on HC110, dilution B and a lot of time in the darkroom.

Thanks to Gandolfi - the Master, for all the support.88129

[Ramiro Elena]

That's very cool Eduard, great idea. I like the light and pose too.

[eduardtoader]

Gracias, Ramiro!

[Roger Cole]

It was shot with a 5x7 camera, and the total negative image area is also 5x7 (or thereabouts.) I'd say it's large format.

[life_in_sepia]

Another way to fill a 5x7 filmholder with a light sensitive surface.

Very cool!

[Zaitz]

Bravo !

...guau, guau !!!
:D Thank you both!

[eduardtoader]

thank you Ed!

[imagedowser]

It's a quintic image making up a large format portrait presentation .... works for me!

[Jim Cole]

4x5 Astia, Chamonix 45n2, Xenotar 150/2.8 @ f2.8

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8469/8418027659_29ee6e5f5c_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/)
Newborn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sergeistudio/8418027659/) by Sergei Rodionov (http://www.flickr.com/people/sergeistudio/), on Flickr

Oh my! Bravo!

[jkcz]

Rebecca Gatta. Ross #3 Cabinet lens. Wide open. 3 seconds.

88038
Fantastic!

[SergeiR]

Oh my! Bravo!
thank you :)

Funny thing is.. its actually fairly easy to shoot newborns with LF.. they just lay there most of time.. so once you focused - you good.. Only true challenge is to get 2.8 focus right :) dof is seriously thin.. I wanted to use 240 heliar originally , but there was not much light to get with 4.5 @ iso100 (even sleeping, didnt feel comfy to do 1/4s)

[vitality]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55245071/photo/Iriska_Sinar_Charles_Chevalier_Verres_Combines.jpg
Sinar F2, Adox 4x5

[polyglot]

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55245071/photo/Iriska_Sinar_Charles_Chevalier_Verres_Combines.jpg
Sinar F2, Adox 4x5

This one is fantastic - light, composition and focusing.

[eduardtoader]

More 35mm strips on 5x7:
88194

[mathieu Bauwens]

I really like this idea and the realisation of it...

[bracan]

Freshly expired Polaroid 55 and Speed Graphic...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8426890198_d63d109ab7_b.jpg

[SergeiR]

Freshly expired Polaroid 55 and Speed Graphic...

very nice work here. neutral b/g, nice and sharp lines on subject.

[Miguel Coquis]

very nice work here. neutral b/g, nice and sharp lines on subject.

...looks like a mirror, really original !

[mandoman7]

The last few posts have been exceptional IMO.

[life_in_sepia]

...looks like a mirror, really original !

+1 Nice work!

[eduardtoader]

I really like this idea and the realisation of it... thank you, Mathieu.

[benrains]

From the weekend...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8430058025_0f7ae340c6_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8430058025/)
noelle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8430058025/)

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[benrains]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8431940070_0a6e11fa7d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)
noelle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[Corran]

This was a hard shot to pull off. It was at a parade for our sports teams at Valdosta State Uni., for winning 3 Div. II national championships in the past two seasons.
I focused and shot this on the fly while the truck they were on moved past with my converted Polaroid 900 and Xenotar 135mm f/3.5 at f/5, 1/50th, with a Nikon SB-800 flash on top. TMX100 rated at 80, developed in Rodinal 1:50, 68F, for 12:30. They loved the vintage camera which really grabbed their attention. Luckily the flash froze the motion as I wasn't steady at all, but there is excellent detail even at huge enlargement and a beautiful catchlight in the standing guys' eyes. Couldn't be happier really. Obviously this would've been easier with a smaller camera - but not as cool or eye-catching. The small size here sucks, check it out on my blog when I update later tonight:

http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/photosharing/Untitled-73ss.jpg

[Alan Gales]

Bryan, you have my respect. Team shots are hard! I always used medium format or digital.

Nice job!

[Alan Gales]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8431940070_0a6e11fa7d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)
noelle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

What a pretty young lady!

I love your portraits, Ben!

[Corran]

Thanks Alan. I was just having fun, nothing serious - or else the digital would've been used. Boring!

[bjarkeahlstrand]

88339

I'm new to large format, and recently purchased a Sinar P2 4x5", which I'm absolutely in love with. Last Friday I borrowed an 8x10" conversion kit, bought some film and gave it a go--Brokeback Mountain style :-)

I developed the negatives myself in my bathroom using some large trays and had a friend scan the enormous negative.

Oh yeah, the lens attached was a 240 mm Sinaron SE, shot at f/22, 0.5 sec exposure.

[mathieu Bauwens]

Young student for a theatre piece; Monte Christo.

88340 88341 88342
contact print on 18x24 cm paper

Nagaoka, 210mm Fujinon, 1/30 f8
Foma 200 @ 800/R09 1+50 10min

[mathieu Bauwens]

88344 88345 88346

same as above, scan from 8x10 inch prints

[SergeiR]

From the weekend...
Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

Well done. Love it.

[Jim Jones]

Benrains -- The subject and the capture on both portraits are stunning!

[life_in_sepia]

88344

Very nice!

[bracan]

Benrains -- The subject and the capture on both portraits are stunning!

Agree 100%!

[John Conway]

This one is fantastic - light, composition and focusing.Very nice.

[John Conway]

From the weekend...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8430058025_0f7ae340c6_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8430058025/)
noelle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8430058025/) A very fine classy portrait.

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

[John Conway]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8195/8431940070_0a6e11fa7d_c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)
noelle (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benrains/8431940070/)

Century Studio 10A w/8x10 back
Wollensak Vesta 14"/5
Ilford HP5 Plus / Adonal 1+50

Beautiful portrait.

[benrains]

What a pretty young lady!

I love your portraits, Ben!


Well done. Love it.


Benrains -- The subject and the capture on both portraits are stunning!


Agree 100%!


Beautiful portrait.

Thanks, all. Practice makes perfect as they say! Or at least it leads to improvement. It never hurts to have a beautiful friend/model to work with either.

[ImSoNegative]

well its the last day of the month, and about 11:25 pm, maybe i will post the last portrait of the month. anyway was doing a test with xray film and my 14in. petzval lens, its a slower lens so no swirlies, just a nice soft background, anyway shot with using the C1 and fuji green sensitive xray film. plan on doing a portrait project with this lens/film combo within the next couple of months.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8433689835_d71c175281_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/8433689835/)
lens, film test 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28713901@N04/8433689835/) by J. Golden (http://www.flickr.com/people/28713901@N04/), on Flickr

[Kav]

Two more from work.

From California picking up some special forces Marines for training:
http://kavanaughmp.smugmug.com/Category/Film/Large-Format/i-xv2SGfK/0/XL/_MPK9197-XL.jpg

One from a gun shoot a few weeks ago:
http://kavanaughmp.smugmug.com/Category/Film/Large-Format/i-qk35fTF/0/XL/_MPK9280-XL.jpg

But with a Speed Graphic and flashbulbs.

The funny thing about the second one is that as the sun set and the flashbulbs became more visible to the aircraft behind us. They thought we were shooting off self defensive flares. So they started kicking off their flares while we were flying low, and ended up setting part of the range on fire.

Oops...

I have some color photos from this flight I need to develop. It was very cold, and most of the aircrew didn't dress for it, as the cold was unexpected. 20-35f with a 20-120mph wind chill is frigging brutal. They guys that were not dressed for it ended up doing calisthenics in the back of the helicopter while we were flying along to try and keep warm. Fun times...

[Martin Aislabie]

Freshly expired Polaroid 55 and Speed Graphic...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8426890198_d63d109ab7_b.jpg

Fabulous portrait

I hope your sitter was well pleased

Martin

[Wally]

Freshly expired 55? I thought all the last of the Polaroid type 55 stock expired _last year_!

[Raffay]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8405381862_09ec7cdd3f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/macieklesniak/8405381862/)

When the whole family is sick since few days, all the toys and games are totally boring by now, there is nothing better than playing with large format camera :)

Sophie my 5 year old daughter

Mentor 13x18 + Zeiss Tessar 210/3.5
1/30sec f8 ISO 100
Fomapan 100 13x18cm + Caffenol-C-M 15min @20°C rotary processed in Jobo

Beautiful shot of Sophie, how did you manage to capture a balanced exposure, I mean she is backlit by the window but you still managed to keep details of the scene outside and her face is also well lit.

Cheers
Raffay