In the Attics

[Pete Askew]

These are a short series of images taken really as a scouting exercise. I plan to re-shoot them properly on 6x6 film and print and tone them in a similar way to the images presented here. They were shot in the attics of our apartment building which are used for storage by ourselves and our neighbours and, occasionally for drying washing). This is a big space (about 80 sq m with a height of at least 6 m) and the attics have never been renovated, which is getting pretty rare these days in Germany, and they probably never will. They are uninsulated and so are very hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter and the only natural light is through the small roof lights you can see in the images. I could have used HDR to capture the highlights but was quite happy to let them blow out as that is the impression you get when you first go in: a dimly lit area with almost blinding shafts of light coming through. And I love the way these light up the motes of dust that are always floating around up there.

 

[Ralph Thornton]

Pete,
You have an interesting eye for subject matter. I like the diagonal versus vertical lines on the last image. I think letting the bright spots blow out is a good idea.

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Ralph. It will be interesting to see how film responds to the lighting. I will probably under-rate Delta 100. Ideally I'd like more grain so I might have to give that some more thought though.

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Great set pete!! Reminds me of my nans attic.... Who strangely enough lives in Germany!! Lol. Great to see the film coming back out... I've definatley got the itch for it now. Love how you've caught the dust in no# 3. more please!!

 

[Vic Shaw]

I love the first and second. I played with the first and getting rid of the light source makes it much more interesting. I found i was draw to the window and didn't pay that much attention to the floorboard, but once that main highlight has gone for me it was a great image to explore.


Vic

 

[Pete Askew]

Thta's a good idea Vic, I hadn't thought of that. When I re-shoot them I will take some without the source of light in them. I do have a couple from this morning that don't and I'll re-visit them.

 

[Paul Lange]

Its the 3rd one for me because I think its the less obvious shot and I like they way the dust has been lit up to. The PP really brings that out. The forth I find a bit macabre because it looks like a Victorian murder scene photo (sans body).

 

[Hamish Gill]

I love these Pete!
I'd be tempted, although I'm not sure it's up you street(?) to stage some bedding in the last on...
I to love the dust in 3, an the coat hanger... I think that's a nice subtle sign of life that adds something to the image!

 

[Pete Askew]

Thanks Hamish, thanks Paul. Maybe I persuade Ina to act as a corpse when I re-shoot (I tied the last one up in a tarpaulin and used in it shot 1 ). I doubt it as the floor is none too clean!! The plastic sheeting in the last shot is because in the winter, if it is windy and snowing' fine snow creeps in under the tiles and gets onto the boards. Then if it gets warmer (it usually just sublimes) it melts and can get to the ceiling of our kitchen!

The roof is also full of old dis-used TV aerials from the GDR.