Technique & Approach #18 - ND Filter - Comparison

A while back I arose before sparrow fart and headed off to the coast at Sandgate/ Shorncliffe. 

Unfiltered - Aperture priority f/8 (ish), 100 speed Ilford, 28mm (manual focus set to infinity)

Variable ND +9 - full manual - f/8, 30sec, 100 speed Ilford, 28mm (manual focus set to infinity)

Either photo has it's own qualities. Both are the same setting, the only difference is the use of an ND filter. Blocking out more light allowing for a much longer shutter duration, the result? Blurred lines. Drama, a cinematic look, I guess. The extreme vignetting comes also from the ND filter and wide angle lens. Both photos are straight from developer / scanner.

A tripod and cable release was used for both and is highly recommended in low light and especially when doing long exposures (< 1/20th). Manfrotto is my preferred brand.

Shot Ilford 100, Canon A1, Sigma 28mm.

Purchased from BH Photo Video New York. They stock a range of photographic accessories. Including filters, film, tripods, etc.

QUT + Botanica

The QUT Precinct would have to be some of my favourite modern architecturally designed buildings in Brisbane.

Surrounding (sort of) the QUT Gardens Point Precinct, is the glorious City Botanical Gardens. So plant. Much photosynthesis. With Qld putting on the best weather all year round, guaranteed greenery. 

All on Kodak Ektar 100, Canon A1.

Grey Street

"Black & white is the new black & white. Film."

Keeping it simple, a vintage camera, lenses to suit, 2 rolls of film. Cinestill bwXX 200 and Kodak Tri-x 400. Styled and inspired by Ruby Reginato and Amber Rose Stewart, set amongst slightly disused warehouses in Virginia Brisbane.  With a sort of cinematic approach, an emphasis on light and lines. So mood. Much mono tone.

Going for a relaxed / casual approach, working with both of the girls in different parts of the yard in the mid afternoon until sunset. A number of fashion items, mixed and matched in a thoughtful way. The sun being the only source of light, working with different shadows and tones, High and low key photographs.

Ruby, on Cinestill bwXX. At 200.

Amber on Kodak Tri-x 400. With the afternoon setting sun, making some beautiful silhouettes and some softer grey tones. 

It's all about the light, considering it's position and how I can sculpt each portrait in a different way. Using a 70-210mm lens for most of the shooting, allowing for nice background dropout. When the light started to dim, the 50mm f/1.4 was perfect.

High key ~ very little grey tones.

Low key ~ with lots of grey variation.