Trees and a river

[Rob MacKillop]

I'm making a study of my local river, a few shots every month over the course of a year.

Leica Monochrom. 7Artisans 50mm f/1.1.

 

[Rhonda Smith]

I have done that with a small pond where there are lotus blossoms. Still have to get the winter shots. Good fun to see how they look in the different seasons.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I've just realised that Sally Mann has been ripping me off unknowingly






Seriously, though, I do like what she has done. Hers are collodion prints, which is not something I want to get into (not liking chemicals at all) but I do like the effect.

 

[Pete Askew]

A super project, Rob and I really like this image - I'm also a great fan of Sally Mann too.

Why don't you start a blog thread on the project (a bit like Chris's)? It would be nice to see the images in one place.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I've been humming and hawing about what to do with the project. Aim for a book, and/or an exhibition, or an online blog? The first two options could be expensive for me, the latter free. I'm tired of just shooting everything that does or doesn't move, and want to work on a larger project that could be more fulfilling and possibly more meaningful. It's time to step up in my photography, just not sure what exactly to do.

 

[Pete Askew]

I know what you mean and although I have several projects ongoing, they seem to have stalled, and I think that is because I am missing the physical element. I need to print more images rather than just having them on screen.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

My thoughts exactly. I'm getting good prints every month now from Ilford of my "best of" for the month. That might only be one shot, or half a dozen if I got lucky. 10x8 minimum. I far prefer looking at prints than on screen. But who would buy a book if not from a publisher with a history of photographic monologues? Zines are popular for the indy crowd, but I'm not one of those. You have time very proactive in annoying people into buying one, which I can't be bothered with. But if I get a print of one good shot a month of the river project, I'd have enough for a small exhibition in a year. Framing is expensive, though.

 

[Pete Askew]

An exhibition would be great and if you find a local venue and a time would add just enough pressure to keep you going I suspect. I'm always attracted to the self-publish print-on-demand services (eg Blurb) and I have bought several books of people images from these.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Is there any point in making a Blurb book from LR while living in Europe? Isn't it an American-based printer? There would be added shipping costs to consider.

 

[Pete Askew]

I'm pretty sure when I last looked they came from the Netherlands, so maybe they have more that one printing facility available. I'd need to check. There are others though.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Sepia version via Auld Nik Silver.

 

[Pete Askew]

Lovely stuff. The warmth transforms the image I think. And you?

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Yes. Glad you think so too. I agonised over the tone and strength of the sepia. Still wondering if it is too much, but it's probably about right.

 

[Pete Askew]

I think so.

 

[Brian Moore]

Yes. Glad you think so too. I agonised over the tone and strength of the sepia. Still wondering if it is too much, but it's probably about right.

I think the toning here is good. I went through a phase where I was applying sepia tone to a lot of B&W images. Now I look back on them and wish I hadn't. I now realize I was heavy-handed with the sepia.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I understand. Restraint in all things...even beer!

 

[Brian Moore]

I understand. Restraint in all things...even beer!

Nope.