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  I've missed developing black and white film. It's really great and so much more exciting (I find) than getting your digital photos loaded up on the computer. There's so much built up anticipation for these shots: you start to wonder how the shot turned out right after you've taken the shot; then you still have to develop it; then you have the negatives and you've just gotten a small taste, like an appetizer, but not until you scan them (or print them) do you really know how they turned out. So for me scanning each shot is like getting a little present;-) Film is so different psychologically and emotionally. Or maybe I'm just crazy. Posted by Gaja at May 3, 2005 01:25 AM © All images are copyrighted. Please contact me for permission or licensing. Trackback PingsTrackBack URL for this entry: Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Softly: CommentsFantastic grain, these are wonderful images. Posted by: miles at May 12, 2005 11:14 PM The second shot is one of the most beautiful I've seen for a long time. Posted by: Tintil at May 7, 2005 04:02 AM Great sequence, I don't know how you manage to make close-ups with a 50mm! the DOF is excelent. Very well done. Posted by: Nuno at May 6, 2005 02:09 PM wow, beautiful soft and delicate treatment. love the focus how it moves in and out throughout the frame. Posted by: zerosun at May 6, 2005 11:55 AM Both these photos look lovely, Gaja. The flower in the bottom one seems diaphanous. Posted by: Paulo Ribeiro at May 5, 2005 11:25 AM I love the second one, it's... I don't find the word... like "inmaterial" (?), almost abstract, but still you can find what is it. Posted by: Diego at May 4, 2005 11:04 PM i think I know what you mean about the whole film process. There's nothing more frustrating that going through all that though and finding yo've got nothing to show for it. on the flip side though when it works it is a tremendous feeling. These shots are clearly a case of the latter. Beautiful results. Posted by: Smallest Photo at May 4, 2005 02:28 PM Very artistic photographs. I have some insight (certainly not an expert) into how the mind responds to rewarding events. It seems to me that what you describe when processing film would be classed as "variable reinforcement". Its not dissimilar to fishing, shopping for bargains, gambling etc. If the reward is received on a variable ratio then there is increased frustration and anticipation which makes the reward very powerfull. However if the reward is received on a fixed ratio then it has less of an effect as its predictable and expected. I however do not use film. For myself and many others there is not point of reference, we can only assume that using film adds an element to photography that we don't have. Thats my theory anyway... My comments are usually much shorter...:) Posted by: Graeme at May 4, 2005 11:26 AM Great abstracts. I especially like the second one. Nice lines and tones. Posted by: Shad at May 4, 2005 09:18 AM I never developed film but I think I understand what you mean. Something physical maybe... Posted by: Andreas at May 3, 2005 04:53 PM I totally empathize. I just took a darkroom course and am spending way too much time blowing old B&W negatives (complete with gimmicky film strip edges)!!! Love the anticipation tha film involves. Posted by: GKP at May 3, 2005 03:56 PM I totally empathize. I just took a darkroom course and am spending way too much time blowing old B&W negatives (complete with gimmicky film strip edges)!!! Love the anticipation tha film involves. Posted by: GKP at May 3, 2005 03:55 PM Absolutely gorgeous, both of them...I love the tones and depth of field, especially in the top photo...just beautiful! Posted by: Lara Barrett at May 3, 2005 01:20 PM It's images like these that make me want to shoot film again - digital is great for the learning curve and making more rapid creative decisions, but nothing can come close to the wonderful alchemy of the film workflow. Maybe a bit of dust touch-up on that second image? Beautiful flowing curves there - almost seems like there should be an eye peering out from those petals... Posted by: Turfdigger at May 3, 2005 12:59 PM These images are beautiful, everything about them. I particularly like the 2nd one for the abstractness. Thank you! Posted by: Diane Varner at May 3, 2005 11:54 AM I'm not sure if I can fully appreciate the quality of film that has been scanned (I struggle with this as well) but you've come as close to it as I've seen so far. Beautiful work!!!! Posted by: owl and dragon at May 3, 2005 09:06 AM One word: AWESOME!!! Posted by: Chantal at May 3, 2005 03:48 AM Your absolutely right about film...there is so much more anticipation... Love these shots! Depth of field is great! I love the mood as well. These work very well in black and white. Awesome captures!! Posted by: Ryan Rahn at May 3, 2005 02:29 AM I absolutely love these photos. Stunning. I can see them in a museum. Posted by: naomi-sarah at May 3, 2005 01:34 AM Post a comment |