Category: Glimpses

California Poppies

I’m a bit behind on the BW project, but all because of working on the scanning software and getting it to process black and white.  I have a Pakon scanner, which is fab for 35mm film.  I spent a couple of days ironing out and learning the software, as well as applying patches which allow more than color negative and C-41 black and white film.

This is the first image I have gotten back from the developer doing something I have never done before – pushing film.  Mark at If Time Stood Still made a wonderful picture of his youngest daughter, specifically the image called The Lunch Date.  He shot Ilford HP5+ and pushed it.

Using his instructions, I did the same.  The result is really pleasant, and seems to push contrast to level I like.  Since I prefer shorter scaled B&W to longer scale in general, this is a good technique to know.

Mark processes his own film B&W, as well as color, and scans his film, too.  (Altogether, I think he is an amazing photographer, especially of his family.)  Go visit his site!

So, more to follow!

Heart of the Pine

Today I am going to break the silence of the Silent 365 project.  I’m a bit behind, but I’ll tell you why.

I have been working for hours on managing the software quirks for the Pakon 135 scanner I use for 35mm film.  I finally have it working where I can do color negative film, positive / slide film, C-41 black and white, and genuine black and white.  Post processing is done primarily in Lightroom and On1 Photo Raw.  It’s a good feeling that I can scan my film in a good scanner which produces better results than a flat bed.

Ah, the benefits of retirement!  Time to solve problems and stay focused on them for a long time!