My first LF image...

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 28, 2012386 views24 comments

This is the first image I've kept/printed using the LF system. I began playing with large format about a year ago as means to explore a different tool, but to also challenge myself technically and photographically. All too often I was finding myself rushing through the photographic process with digital and fire off more images than what was really necessary and not taking the time to work at slower pace. I think using this format has definitely helped me be more productive, in the sense, that I take my time and throughly evaluate what it is that I'm composing and photographing.

This is an isolated image of an unnamed waterfall inland from Lake Superior. The wonderful thing about this waterfall is the fact that there is a lake about 200 yards upstream. The flow over the waterfall fluctuates greatly based on the current precipitation, so it never looks the same. LARGE image is available, it is much better!

Thanks for all the feedback on my last post, I really appreciate it!

Ben

ToyoView 45A - 215mm lens
Fuji PRO 160S - 1/4 second (I think) - f/32 - pushed 1 stop in development

Comments

24 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 28, 2012 at 6:26 PM

Beautiful first image!! Real nice. Congrats.

I find my LF work is much better than my digital. I put more thought and soul into it. I have tried to do the same with digital, but I don't seem to succeed. My philosophy is to go with whatever works for me and that is LF. I also really enjoy the setup, etc in the field. Much more zen.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Olson on February 28, 2012 at 6:39 PM

Harley,

Thanks, I appreciate it! I should clarify, this isn't my first LF image, probably my 20th, but it's the first one I've kept!

I really do like working with LF, but it will never be my main tool... LF has made me appreciate my response time to changing lighting situations, working in low light more easily and the lens versatility of my digital system. But I do like to use both, and if I have the time to invest in setting the LF camera up I will choose to do that over digital for perspective control, increase in resolution and just the excitement of using LF!

Registered on April 7, 2007, 169 Posts, 725 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on February 28, 2012 at 6:50 PM

This is gorgeous Ben. Did you also develop this yourself (I used to)? Love the glistening rocks and your selected shutter speed.

On a side note, I did a little bit of LF back in the mid '80's but found MF better suited to my shooting style. After going digital in 2006, I found I missed the qualities of film. I recently decided to supplement my digital work with MF again and purchased a Pentax 67ii after seeing the results I obtained using Ian's spare Pentax 6ii on a Transient Light Workshop. Film in general does take more work but it is very enjoyable for me.... again, after being away from it for so long. The one thing I have to remember to do is record settings used and need to carry a little notebook with me more often.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Olson on February 28, 2012 at 6:54 PM

Eva,

I did not develop this myself, as much as I would like to get back into developing film it just isn't an option for me right now. I find myself needing a notebook too! I always forget the settings I used and always have to guesstimate! Thanks, I'm really glad you like it! I just need to start using the LF camera more... It's been a while...

Registered on April 7, 2007, 169 Posts, 725 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 28, 2012 at 7:03 PM

I really like the rich blacks and the pure whites, Benjamin. Your comp is very well thought out, too. Excellent work with the LF.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on February 28, 2012 at 7:34 PM

The large version is excellent Benjamin. Looking forward to seeing more LF!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Schrayer on February 28, 2012 at 10:16 PM

...and a fine debut it is.

I like the strong contrasts here as well as the various layers in the composition. Looks like the change in formats is working out well for you.

Registered on May 28, 2004, 114 Posts, 2890 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on February 28, 2012 at 11:05 PM

Yep, that LF thing is working. Beautifully concentrated comp -- all good stuff from border to border. Makes me long for the old days a little (but not enough to set up my darkroom again). Nice to have both digital and LF available. Both have their own different was of helping us learn.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on February 28, 2012 at 11:23 PM

Congrats on the new system! Looks like you've already got the hang of it, lovely image - the tones look spot on.

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on February 28, 2012 at 11:31 PM

Yeah, that's very nice. I think at some point, I will acquire a LF system myself. But like you, I can't see it replacing my digital work all together, but adding to it.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on February 29, 2012 at 12:23 AM

Benjamin,

This is quite nice, indeed. The tones are wonderful. This is especially true since this is a conversion from a color negaitve. I like how the texture of the water is complimented by the blocks of rock.

The processing looks spot-on--good job!

Like Harley, I find that LF fits me better than other formats and cameras. I really appreciate the control I have over the plane of focus and depth of field and being able to see the details on the ground glass. I also like working with LF because it slows me down enabling me to esperience the time.

Keep after it; you've made a great start!

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on February 29, 2012 at 3:14 AM

it is for that very reason i keep using medium format film and would consider moving to LF. it works for me. nice image!

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on February 29, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Very nice, Benjamin. Love the flow in there. Can't wait to get back to all my gorges and waterfalls.

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on February 29, 2012 at 7:37 AM

This is lovely, seems like a very good first image! The lights and tones here are very nice, and I like the chosen ss for the waterfall!

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on February 29, 2012 at 10:02 AM

this is so good, i like it

Hamed

Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 29, 2012 at 12:04 PM

Hi Ben, This is really nice! The large version is very enjoyable to look at!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on February 29, 2012 at 12:26 PM

Ben, this is a wonderful image no matter what the format. Welcome to the world of LF too. As impressive as the overall composition is, as well as your early usage of the LF camera with this image, I think the finished conversion and processing is as good as it gets. Good luck with your future LF images and hopefully you will obtain many more as nice as this scene.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Olson on February 29, 2012 at 3:26 PM

Thank you all for the feedback, I wasn't sure how this image was going to be received!

Registered on April 7, 2007, 169 Posts, 725 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 29, 2012 at 9:08 PM

I like the larger version. Wonderful tones, contrast, and textures.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on March 1, 2012 at 1:17 AM

Nice work with the LF, the comp is very nice as are the tones.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Walt Sterneman on March 1, 2012 at 9:34 AM

This is a lovely composition Benjamin. The detail is very nicely positioned and the shutter speed is just right.

Registered on March 24, 2010, 73 Posts, 1268 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on March 1, 2012 at 3:43 PM

Ben,

I'll echo Paul B's sentiments. Excellent all the way around. A great subject, exposure, tonal range and processing all handled well.

Dont' want to dwell on the LF thing too much, to each our own I guess. But your observations seem spot on. A couple things, it does force one to slow down by default and that a good thing, but can be limiting. Limiting as you already mentioned, in fleeting light. So it's not for every situation, BUT as they say, chance favors the prepared and the more you can anticipate conditions and be patient it's not too difficult to catch that fleeting moment. anyway...

Wonderful image and a great job filling the frame.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on March 2, 2012 at 11:54 PM

Incredible, Ben. the range of tones is really amazing and the rock with those reflections looks so wet I want to reach out and touch it. Superb.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Adam Gibbs on March 3, 2012 at 1:49 PM

Nicely done, Ben!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 168 Posts, 870 Comments