p.1 #1 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
This tree stood precariously under some ominous looking thunder clouds. Looked like it was asking for it! Imagine the rush I was in to compose, focus and click. But what struck me was the light bark against those deep, dark clouds!
I used a light yellow filter to get some definition out of the clouds on T-MAX 100 B&W film. I may have shot this in color too.
p.1 #2 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
Hi Avi
A really eye-catching and superbly composed picture ! I'm really taken with the wealth of fine detail , the width of the tonal range and that gleaming lone tree is superbly balanced against the rest of the image . The dappled lighting is very effective and emphasises the depth of image you've captured here .
Surely this must be one of your top ten B&W pictures ?
p.1 #6 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
Color? Who needs color in a image that seems only created to dream in b&w?
Excellent image. The tones, composition and beauty of this shot are absolutely superb.
Congrats!
p.1 #10 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
Thanks everyone for the comments and feedback.
I know thw caption is a little bizzare. I thought of captioning it the 'Veins of Life' or some such thing as the tree seem to look like a complex system of arteries and veins, but it looked...........well, dead .
I am shooting quite a bit in B&W these days with the Large Format and liking it immensely. With high resolution films like the TMax100 or even the Type55 Polaroid, it's amazing as to how much minute detail the format captures. I would like to try out some Tech Pan 25 ASA film to see if it pushes the limit even further.
Thanks again.
p.1 #11 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
In essence, and I say this with total honesty...probably one of the best black and whites I've ever seen for tonal range...I mean, the best I've ever seen in any coffee table book, publication, or gallery. It's right up there with Minor White et al...I can't find anything that I don't like about this image. You've captured the blackest blacks and the whitest whites with no underexposure or blowouts. The gradations of hue are reciprocal to the mood of the scene, and the whole image just JUMPS at the viewer.
The detail is only hinted at on screen. I would imagine those twigs and brush at the bottom must just be superlative on the original film.
Stanzman said it. "Print it, frame it, and sell it."
p.1 #15 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
I'm impressed with the overall quality of this image....the detail and the lighting are outstanding...I love B &W photos...I'm sure your print could hang next to the masters of B&W photography past and present...it is really outstanding.
p.1 #17 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
Larry PM'd me about this post and I'm glad that he did. I wish that I had the command of the English language that he possesses for then I might be able to find the correct words to describe this work of art. I can only imagine what a large print would look like. The scene, photographer, and equipment blended in a perfect marriage. Extremely well done!
p.1 #18 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
A very beautiful capture; the tonality between the blacks and whites is amazing! You might just revive everyone elses' interest in B&W film photography
p.1 #19 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
Don and Nutek, I am glad I found an audience with the humble B&W image. Personally, I am drawn more to B&W than color imagery but love both. There is a photographer named Intae Kim whose B&W photographs inspired me to try out some work in the medium. If you see his work, you will be inclined to shoot B&Ws also, I think.
p.1 #20 · Premonition to a Storm......was Lightning Rod
And to think I almost passed this one by based on the subject line! What can I say that hasn't already been said? This is an exceptionally striking and dramatic image, beautifully composed and exposed. You've really captured the essence of a lone tree standing tall and brave in the face of an impending storm. This image recalls the feeling I always have when witnessing a brewing thunderstorm -- an inner excitement that's so difficult to contain it makes me want to burst forth with some audible sound that is not fear itself, but may nevertheless be born of fear. I don't know if that makes sense, but suffice it to say that the lighting, the compo, and the motion I see in this image all combine to make this scene very real for me. Nicely done, Avi!
was the light bark against those deep, dark clouds!
What can I say that hasn't already been said? This is an exceptionally striking and dramatic image, beautifully composed and exposed. You've really captured the essence of a lone tree standing tall and brave in the face of an impending storm. This image recalls the feeling I always have when witnessing a brewing thunderstorm -- an inner excitement that's so difficult to contain it makes me want to burst forth with some audible sound that is not fear itself, but may nevertheless be born of fear. I don't know if that makes sense, but suffice it to say that the lighting, the compo, and the motion I see in this image all combine to make this scene very real for me. Nicely done, Avi!