Post Processing

Eucalyptus Trees Between Arcata and Eureka Veteran's Day 2010

I find that I need to spend some time "living" with images after I load them into the computer before I can even realize which ones I will print. My process of image selection is similar to what it was when I used film. Only there needn't be much of a time lag for me to see the "negatives".

When I first looked at this image the other day, I immediately posted it to this blog as it came from the camera. The next day I looked at it some more, and realized that the image did not fully convey what I saw when I took it. It still does not.  What it now conveys is what I interpreted the image to be. Not what the camera saw, and not exactly what I wanted to see, but an interpretation of all the above. Anyhow, this image makes me happy. Compare it to how it looked the other day.

Midway

The Midway Drive In Theater

The last time I photographed the Midway's screen was about thirty years ago. It is amazing to me that this screen is still standing. The "Y" is pretty well gone from "Midway", but otherwise it seems the same to me. My previous work was done in black and white. I painted one of my prints with photo oils. I think I have a slide of it somewhere.

I just watched a documentary on Ansel Adams. It was well done, and I learned a lot about him and myself. It seems that by the time he was my age he had slowed down, and did not have the drive of his youth. One of the people interviewed thought that his earlier work was his best.

I hope this is not true for me. I know that I am slower then I used to be, but I like to think that I still have the vision, and that my maturity will permeate my images like a nice marinade.

Midway Sunset

Mega-Mega Pixel Photographs

75 Mega Pixel Photo

The original photograph of the Eureka First Presbyterian Church is a huge file. I am able to get such large and detailed photos by using the tilt-shift lens and stitching together several 20+ mega pixel images. This opens lots of potential for me, and there is much more to come. I wish I could share the true quality of this image here, but I am unable to figure out how to make that happen.

Early Morning Trolling

Lloyd Building

I went out again today, and spent some time with the Lloyd Building. There were cars in the lot, and so some of my possible shots were blocked by autos. Therefore, I had to work around them, and I think I got close to getting something that I may call a keeper. At least I am not tossing these back into the water - yet.

Eureka Theater

I am slowly getting an idea of what I am looking for at the Eureka Theater. The image above is heading the right direction. A subsequent image came closer, but still not quite "it".

The Eureka Theater

This image shows the range that the 17 mm lens has. I am using lots of rise in this shot, and have not really worked the edges.

I should state here that many of the images that I place in the blog are works in progress, and not necessarily final prints. I think by sharing these in this manner, I offer an insight to my process.

I am still pondering the idea that these photographic outings are for me walking meditations. I am not looking for a photograph - at least I am not thinking about finding a specific photograph. My process is more intuitive.  I think my process is more like our dog Sadie's when she goes for a walk. She does not think about where she is going, but she pays close attention to her nose. She follows scents, and sometimes stops and really takes in particular smells. That is how it is for me as I photograph. I don't think about what I am looking for. Yes, I do have an idea of what or where I am going to shoot, but sometimes as I am walking toward a predetermined spot I "smell" a completely different photographic opportunity.

Lloyd Building and Parking Meters

Wash Dry Here

Catch of the Day

Catch of the Day

Yesterday I went to the marina to buy some tuna from the skipper of one of the boats. While I waited for the crew to prep my order I grabbed a couple of shots. This one is my "catch of the day".

It is almost seven in the morning, and it looks like it is clear weather, so I am going back to Eureka for the sunrise lighting.

Church

Temple Pillar

I went to Prairie Creek this afternoon in hopes of catching some sunlight on the fall foliage, but instead of sunshine it was overcast. I drove to one of my favorite spots, and as soon as I started down the trail I felt the presence and sanctity of the place. It took no time at all for the images to reveal themselves, and soon I was photographing a prayer. All the while as I walked, looked and composed the photographs I was in a state of oneness with everything around me. I experienced a fullness of being, and belonging. It was as if I were part of the environment, and not an intruder with an agenda. 

One Of The Many Forms

In the Cathedral

Photographing Downtown Eureka

The Lloyd Building, Eureka, September 30 2010

I got a bit of a late start this morning, and when I got to town the sun  was all ready up, and traffic was quite busy. I still am excited about the prospects that I found, and I intend to return until I can get some of these without any autos in the scene. I wonder what others think about how the images are affected by the inclusion of cars and trucks? Maybe the vehicles add a time-stamp to the images. I am quite hung-up on the notion of photographing without the inclusion of vehicles and people. Perhaps I am attempting to create a timeless portfolio. Regardless, these scenes are quite inspiring to me, and photographing buildings such as these makes me a happy man. 

Empire Furniture, Eureka, September 30, 2010

No Free Parking, Lloyd Building, Eureka, September 30 2010

Backside of RAA Gallery, Eureka, September 30, 2010

One City Block in One Frame

The Eureka First Presbyterian Church, September 29, 2010. I cropped this a bit on the top and bottom, but it is one frame with the 17mm tilt-shift.

Arts Alive Eureka Saturday, October 2, 2010

North Jetty Number 47

I found out yesterday that this image was selected as Best of Show in the photography division for the Redwood Art Association's Fall Exhibition. The award ceremony will be at five-thirty this coming Saturday before Arts Alive! I intend on being at the gallery most of the evening, and would love to greet friends and family there any time that evening. The gallery is really a very nice space and is located at 423 F Street, Eureka right next to Plaza Design. I hope to see you there.

Autumn Mornings

The Arcata Post Office, September 12, 2010

I understand that autumn does not begin for another week or so, but it sure is in the air. This is surly a beautiful time of the year here on the north coast. The quality of the lighting is just superb. I went down to Arcata before sunrise today, and experienced the sun's creativity as it painted the town with its best light.

People's Records, Arcata September 12, 2010

I only used the 17mm tilt/shift lens today. I am impressed with the contrast and clarity that this piece of glass transmits. I am starting to get the feel for the movements, and perhaps the eye for the wide field that this lens provides.

So far these images represent the ones I like best from today's shoot. I do wonder what images of mine that others would chose as their picks.

Green Beans, Bicycle, and the Jacoby Storehouse, Arcata, September 12, 2010

I worked at the Redwood Artists Association's gallery Friday as the gallery attendant for the day. While I was there I really looked at the 147 images hanging on the walls, and made my own selections as to the "best of show". In most cases my selections were different than those of the judge. This caused me to wonder "why did I select the piece that I entered?" Is my judgment of my own images somehow askew? Would I be better off collaborating with others in the selection process? Did I pick the cream of the crop for this post?

Ladakh Update

Thupten and a Friend in Leh 2008

I got a call  from Thupten a couple of days ago (he uses a borrowed cell phone). They are well, but it is getting colder, and living in the tent is becoming more difficult. The good news is that they received the second package which contained more clothing and toiletries. "The toilet paper is very useful."

I urged Thupten to buy a cell phone so that we can have a reliable method of speaking to him. I think he worries about costs of things, and I think he is reluctant to spend the money we sent him. I assured him that he should spend the money as he sees fit, and not feel that it is ours any longer (yes he can now access the funds). I told him about the third package that is now in route.

Thupten is considering taking his family to eastern India for the winter. He said the name of the place, but I could not understand. It is a holy place.

He expressed over and over his gratitude to all the support that they are receiving. I too thank you for all the assistance. This very real family is directly benefiting from all of our generosity and support.

Tenzin Angmo 2008

Continuing the Eureka Project

In the Quiet of the Morning, Eureka

The primary reason I bought the new Canon 5dMII was so I could use a Canon 17mm Tilt/Shift lens (A tilt/shift lens is one that has built-in tilt, shift and rise movements). This allows for perspective control corrections similar to those of press and view cameras. I recently obtained a Canon 17mm T/S lens, and I was able to go out this morning to give it a workout.

I owned and used a wooden Korona 4"x5" view camera for years, and understand what various movements can accomplish so using this lens was not entirely new to me. Nontheless, it is going to take me awhile to "get it down".

Ragg's Rack Room

The Ritz taken with 24-105mm lens

I know that as with anything, it will take awhile for me to learn the ropes with this lens/camera combination. One thing I realize is that I am going to have to learn how the lens focus works when I use the tilt function. Some of my images are very sharp where I focused, but soft at the edges even though I had the lens stopped down to f 11 or f 16.

The Ritz taken with 17mm TS

The lighting at this time of the year in the mornings and evenings is of the quality that I most appreciate. That light brings out some of the qualities of the buildings that I photograph. I think too that the light brings something in me that helps me become more centered. Maybe this has to do with the Earth being near equinox. Maybe I am at my own personal equinox.

Carson Block