I’m finding close up work equally, if not more, enjoyable than making images of open vistas at the moment. I always did enjoy close up work when I was a digital user only but as it takes a lot of hard work and thought setting up an LF camera for these types of images, I think I’ve unconsciously shied away from this type of work whenever I could.
Awkward positioning
Recently though, due to mainly overcast skies, this has given me the opportunity to look for more innerscape-style images. One such image was made in mid February when John and I scoured Swaledale all day trying to find something to make an image out of. We finally ended up at Wainwath falls - a series of rather small, unassuming cascades compared to the much larger falls found further downstream. Almost giving up hope as the light was starting to fade I came across today’s image - Flowing Diagonals. Diagonals in an image are very powerful and here I spent over half an hour just composing the image through the finder before settling upon a composition I felt could work. I wanted to be sure that all the main lines intersected at the corners before leading into the image.
Flowing Diagonals
The difficult part was setting up the tripod as two of the legs had to be positioned in the water at extreme angles (see image). Then mounting the camera in a near vertical position called for a lot of concentration as it was easy to become disorientated under the dark cloth and I didn’t want to end up in the drink myself. As I was quite close to the subject I had to allow a little exposure compensation using guess work as I obviously had no place to position the Quick Disc, which I normally use to help me with close up work.
Finally, holding the tripod very steady due to a slight movement from the water on the tripod legs, I managed to make an image which I am pleased with - simple but effective.
Technical Data: 150mm, 1s @ f22, Provia 100F
As usual you can find this image and more in the ‘Recently Added’ section of the Gallery, Enjoy.
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:54 am
Mark.. this is a really beautiful image… simple and gorgeous! I know how stressful it can be setting up for these kind of images… you must have had to have a long sit down afterwards to chill out! Best wishes
Pete
June 12th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Thanks, Pete!
I must admit to rather enjoying these types of images, maybe because they’re a more controlled environment and take a little more thought and imagination possibly? It certainly takes a lot longer setting up the camera as you’re well aware, but that’s what us photographers enjoy about photography anyway isn’t it. I’m particularly enjoying the technical challenge of working out how to accomplish my goal when I see an image I think would work.
Mark