Rock Creek Campground Bridge

I had a change to capture this image in digital couple of years ago which I really liked, but I always wanted to revisit this and capture it in Large Format. On our most recent family camping trip to Rock Creek Lake, I just did that. One challenge I had was the sun was behind me, and it was casting an intense sunlight on the aspen tree to the right which was beyond the 5 stops, therefore it had to be developed at N-2. Overall I really like the results. It gave me a very workable negative to scan. 

Rock Creek Campground Bridge, Sierras, Chamonix 45n-1 with Rodenstock 90mm, Tmax 100

Mission Trails Oak Tree in 4x5

I live near Mission trails park, which is minutes drive from where I live. This photo is to me as Half dome was to Ansel Adams, and by that I mean I made a lot of realizations and learned a lot about exposure and development of black and white film and zone system. I am also quite happy with the result. It gave me a negative that I could work with with well exposed shadows and highlights that were not over-blown. I use a hybrid system which involves developing the film with chemistry, then scanning the negatives and work with digital file in lighroom and photoshop. 

For this image, I used my Chamonix 45n-1 camera with Rodenstock 90mm lens, and Tmax 100 film. I exposed it at exposure index of 50 and developed the film 7.49 min at 69F. I used Rodinal at 1:50 dilution in constant agitation in a Jobo 2500 tank which I used on an Ilford motor agitator. 

Oak Tree, Mission Trails Regional Park, Chaminix 45n-1 with Rodenstock 90mm, Tmax 100 4x5

Back To The Basics, Well Sort Of!

About two years ago, I invested in a 4x5 large format system. I have since grown that system with two lenses, a Nikon 150mm and a Rodenstock 90mm, new holders, a stock of film, including 11 boxes of Fuji Velvia 50 just prior to discontinuation, and the trusted light meter from Sekonic, the 758. 

I recently also purchased a Fuji GX617 panoramic camera with the 90mm lens. 

I took both of the cameras on my recent trip in October, from San Diego to Redwood State Park, and finally to Portland, OR. I didn't know what to expect from the Fuji, since I had never worked with medium format, let alone the beast of 6x17 camera. 

I had an opportunity to shot the 6x17 at Half Moon Bay at the Moss beach, with the rows of Cypress trees. I shot some old Fuji Velvia 100F which came with the camera, and Ilford FP4 which is currently my favorite B+W film. I must say I am pretty impressed with the results. the photos are sharp and the metering is spot on. 

I used the 4x5 camera at Half Moon Bay and at the Portland Japanese garden, shooting the famous Japanese Maple. Other than small amour of light leakage in one corner, I really like the result. For the maple tree, I shot with Portra 160, which is very forgiving film. It has a huge latitude, so if you mess up the metering, well, chances are you didn't! The color is very subtle. Its great for trees. I think Ill be using this film a lot more than Fuji Velvia. 

Film Holders in Ziploc bag, stored in a small cooler

Chamonix 45n-1 with Nikon 150mm

The special ziploc has a pocket which is used to place the identification note. It does not touch the film holder

Fallen Tree, Half Moon Bay, Moss Beach. Ilford FP4, Fuji gx617 90mm

Chamonix 45n-1, Rodenstock 90mm, Portra 150

Oak Tree, Redwood State Park, Autumn 2013

On my most recent trip to the redwood State Park, I found the most amazing Oak tree which was covered with green, yellow and orange leaves. As the sunlight acted as a backlight, illuminating the tree with the most amazing colors. The photo does not do the actual scene any justice. The photo was composed of multiple portraits shots made with Nikon D800E and 50mm 1.8 and stitched in Panorama Maker. I shot the same tree with the Fuji GX617 and Fuji Velvia 100. I will have to see how it comes out. 

2013 International Loupe Awards

This was my first year participating in the International Loupe Awards. I submitted 4 photos, one of which was awarded a Bronze award. 

Convict Lake at sunrise with rainbow

Epson Pano Awards 2013

This was the first year I participated in the Epson International Pano Awards. 

I submitted two photos. Both of these were made with Nikon D800E, multiple shots made in portrait mode, and stiched using Panorama Maker. Im proud to say that both of the photos were awarded Bronze. I'm hoping to participate in the years to come. I look forward to using my new Fuji GX617 camera with the 90mm lens. 

Mono Lake Sunset with Moonrise

El Capitan Meadow Oak trees in the Snow

Dancing In The Snow

This is shot at Yosemite Last January, at the El Capitan Meadow. It was shot with the Chamonix 45n-1 4x5 camera with Nikon 150mm lens. 

Yosemite winter 2013 El Capitan Meadow Oak trees

Elm Tree and Half Dome

This past January, I finally was able to make it to Yosemite for snow photography.  

I was also able to obtain few shots using my Chamonix 45n-1 4x5 large format camera. For this particular shot, I used Rodenstock 90mm lens which is equivlent to 28mm lens n 35mm format. I shot with Fuji Velvia 50, which I was able to buy few boxes before they were discontinued. This shot, which has beautiful blue sky, was scanned with my Epson v750, and coverted to black and white in photoshop using Silver Efex 2.0. 

I must say that I really like the black and white version.  

Chamonix 45n-1

Rodenstock 90mm