Painting with Light

Over the weekend, James and I got together again to photograph that rock and a few other things with the plan of finalizing the rock sometime next weekend.

Not wanting to get into the trouble of setting up studio lights, especially for a small little rock, I decided to show James an alternative lighting method: the flashlight.

It’s actually quite the simple technique and one made quite easier with the instant gratification of digital cameras — though I do miss shooting a whole roll of film and having no idea what you got, if anything, until the film was developed. Those were the days. The method involves a long exposure (we were anywhere between 15 and 120 seconds), a completely dark room and using a flashlight to pick out little highlights. Then repeat until you get something you like. The first sample really shows how unpredictable and random it is while the second picture is a bit overlit and just looks like a normal shot. Sadly, my little maglight broke so I’ll have to invest in a new one before trying this again.

Also helps to get some black construction paper to form a small cone to help focus the light to a tiny point. Excellent for picking out those little highlights and details.

The technical terms for this are “hosing” and “painting with light”. Personally, I prefer the latter term over the former.

April 21, 2009 at 4:20 pm | Theory | 1 Comment »

Back to Signal Hill

The trip last weekend to Middle Cove beach didn’t happen due to scheduling conflicts and by the time we made it this weekend the pack ice had made it’s way out to sea. We’re talking about heading back when the capelin start coming down the coast just to see all the people. Apparently it’s crazy how many people go there.

We did, however, find a rock that I’ll photograph later for a logo for an upcoming site. It’ll take some photoshop work but we’re pretty happy with it!

On the 11th I did get out for another hike around Signal Hill now that the main trail along the base is finally open. Towards the front of it facing Cape Spear found a little spot just off the trail a bit and well protected from the wind. It was here that I came across this guy:

I really miss black and white and thinking about getting a small darkroom together for my Holga.

Later in the day my friend James and I came across five icebergs just off the coast of Cape Spear. Haven’t looked at those pictures yet, but if there’s anything good I’ll post it soon.

April 12, 2009 at 5:33 pm | Hiking | No Comments »

Hiking Signal Hill Pictures

Just two that I thought I’d share from the hike on March 29th, 2009.

This I liked simply for Cape Spear far in the distance.

And here you can see the wall of ice heading our way.

And me, in shadow form.

All in all it was a pretty fun hike and I’m looking forward to a trip to Middle Cove Beach tomorrow.

April 3, 2009 at 6:45 pm | Hiking | No Comments »

Hiking Signal Hill

No matter how many times I hike Signal Hill — and it’s been quite a few — it’s always like a welcome breath of fresh air. Something about being on top of a giant hill, the wind whipping your coat around and knocking your arm just as you take the photo that is simply reenergizing. If a bit of a fun challenge.

Got a few shots while I was up there and took in the start of the ice flow that is slowly creeping its way into the harbour. Hope to post a few soon.

March 29, 2009 at 8:10 pm | Hiking | No Comments »