Going Way Back

[Michael Hiles]

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This is on the Palatine Hill in Rome. We joined in a tour guided by a history student who took us from looking at scenery to understanding one of the world's most important histories.

[Ernstblofeld]

Just like a sketch. Beautiful.

 

Ernstblofeld

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[stuny]

Michael -

 

Gorgeous.

[MarkP]

Yes, it looks like an etching from the 1800s.

Lovely. Well done.

 

I note your subscript motto states that one shouldn't see how it was done but how was it done?

 

Mark

[pauledell]

Michael,

 

A lovely timeless picture that could have looked like this decades ago. Wonderful composition, beautiful tones and crisp sharpness.

 

Paul

[Michael Hiles]

Thank you all - I appreciate any and all comments.

 

I note your subscript motto states that one shouldn't see how it was done but how was it done?

 

Mark, I don't mind talking about technicalities - I just don't want the technique to obscure the emotional effect of the picture.

 

This was made with an M2 and a 50mm Summicron, on Ilford XP2. I saw a possible picture, judged the expose (no meter), focused and pressed the button. After scanning, in Photoshop Element and Silver Efex Pro I tinkered a little with contrast, brightness and "structure" (seems to be the same as sharpness), until I got what I thought looked good. I almost always look for full tonal range, and I try to retain good detail in the shadows to give an impression of full spectrum. In Silver Efex Pro I usually use the minimum Selenium toner, and I darken the edges very slightly. If you notice any of these manipulations - I have failed in my objective. I then do the boarder/frame to give a sense of an "on the wall" picture. I also tend to only do things I can reproduce in the darkroom.

 

More than you ever wanted to know, I am sure.

Edited December 15, 2011 by Michael Hiles

[tmldds]

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Michael,

 

A wall-hanger. Beautiful!

 

Tri:)

[BlackDE]

This is on the Palatine Hill in Rome. We joined in a tour guided by a history student who took us from looking at scenery to understanding one of the world's most important histories.

 

Very nice!

 

Bernhard

[roguewave]

Michael, this is very handsome. Much enjoyed.

[Michael Hiles]

Tri, Bernhard, Ben,

 

Many thanks. Very much appreciated.

[Stealth3kpl]

I have the same photo in colour. I didn't scan it but, looking at your B+W version I might just do that, convert and compare

 

Oh, I just found it in colour. I prefer yours.

Pete

Edited December 16, 2011 by Stealth3kpl

[Michael Hiles]

Pete, Very nice pciture indeed. It is a lovely scene, particularly when the history is kept in mind.

 

I have a quiet reluctance to compare B&W and colour photographs. The mediums are not the same in my view. Like comparing water colours and oil painting and sculpture. The technical similarities are obvious, (lens, image formed directly from light etc.) but in my view it ends there. In my case I never make a picture where I have not decided in advance what medium and technique I am using. And in fact I rarely make colour pictures any more. I am always striving for, and mentally atuned to, a rich B&W print framed on the wall. Others (perhaps thounds) will disagree.

[Stealth3kpl]

Yes, I intended to convert to B+W to compare but being at work didn't have opportunity. With a new eye, I prefer mine in colour compared to its B+W version.

 

Pete

[backwater]

Michael,

 

A lovely timeless picture that could have looked like this decades ago. Wonderful composition, beautiful tones and crisp sharpness.

 

Paul

 

I agree with Paul.

[Michael Hiles]

Thanks Stephen. Apprecated.