Large Format Landscapes

[Corran]

Forgive me, I was using image plane and film plane interchangeably. Anyway, like I said I've seen folks think they can't change image shape w/o the use of rear movements so apparently it is sometimes misunderstood, semantics or not.

[Vaughn]

Sounds good...of course anyone who has used a small or medium format camera for any length of time knows this.

[alan_b]

Changing the position of the film plane (same as the plane of the back) relative to the scene will reshape the image of the scene on the GG. This power to change the shape of the image is sometimes called a distortion, but should have no negative connotations. We are manipulating the shape (the geometric properties?) of the scene, not 'distorting' it.

Yeah, lots of people use the term distortion, when they're really talking about geometric projection.

Projection - rectilinear, fisheye, cylindrical, etc.
Distortion - barrel, pincushion, mustache, etc. (flaws in the intended projection)

[pdmoylan]

Glad this came to some clarity. Thank you all.

So I guess my ultimate point was, does anyone use rear tilt for creative departure, that is, for other than DOF management? Rear tilt backward from perpendicular film plane with a landscape would elongate, flatten out the view, decreasing the relative size of the distant points (as if with a wider lens), and perhaps with front rise to compensate for the increase in converging diagonals of trees in the distance, for instance. A rear tilt of say 10-15 degrees might be the limit (my guess) where the impact is not too disproportional from norm. Anyone use it intentionally to "distort" the normal view? The Dune image not having any converging issues i.e. trees, it wasn't clear how much rear tilt was used; hence my question.

[John Layton]

Yeah...geometric projection - That's what I meant! Jeesh guys!

About to mix me and the missus our Friday evening Manhattan (actually an East River, but close), and put a match to what will soon be a warm crackling fire. We'd truly love to have all of you join us - but seeing as that's not possible...we'll just wish you all the best for a smooth (and safe) slide into the holidays.

Here...from us to you all - Just replace the word "Madison" (our 48th and final NH 4K peak) with "Manhattan," and you'll be good to go!

[Michael R]

Glad this came to some clarity. Thank you all.

So I guess my ultimate point was, does anyone use rear tilt for creative departure, that is, for other than DOF management? Rear tilt backward from perpendicular film plane with a landscape would elongate, flatten out the view, decreasing the relative size of the distant points (as if with a wider lens), and perhaps with front rise to compensate for the increase in converging diagonals of trees in the distance, for instance. A rear tilt of say 10-15 degrees might be the limit (my guess) where the impact is not too disproportional from norm. Anyone use it intentionally to "distort" the normal view? The Dune image not having any converging issues i.e. trees, it wasn't clear how much rear tilt was used; hence my question.

It sure is sometimes used this way for “visual”/creative purposes, to emphasize near/far relationships and/or manipulate the sense of relative scale of foreground and background objects. Of course, like anything else, often subtle effects are preferred to more exaggerated or obvious ones, but not always. Whatever suits the person making the photograph is fair game. There are no rules.

[David Schaller]

Yeah...geometric projection - That's what I meant! Jeesh guys!

About to mix me and the missus our Friday evening Manhattan (actually an East River, but close), and put a match to what will soon be a warm crackling fire. We'd truly love to have all of you join us - but seeing as that's not possible...we'll just wish you all the best for a smooth (and safe) slide into the holidays.

Here...from us to you all - Just replace the word "Madison" (our 48th and final NH 4K peak) with "Manhattan," and you'll be good to go!

That's a nice one to do last, and you had beautiful weather!

[Vaughn]

Glad this came to some clarity. Thank you all.

So I guess my ultimate point was, does anyone use rear tilt for creative departure, that is, for other than DOF management? ...

It is just another tool in the tool chest and I make a decision to use it or not to use it on most images. But I always check out the relationship of the trees or rocks or whatever along the edges of the image. Having a 5x7 with back tilt only (no front tilt) is challenging, but one looks for and finds images that will work with the equipment one has.

[mat4226]

Under the Waterfall, Ash Cave
Hocking Hills, Ohio



Tachihara 8x10 + 150 SSXL
Ilford HP5+ in Pyrocat HD

[John Layton]

Mat that is totally awsome! Have got to give HP-5 another try sometimes!

So...I have some family (sister and her hubby, niece and hubby w/new baby!) living in Columbus...how far from Hocking Hills?