Patchwork

We had a really good meal in this little town, at a genuinely nice restaurant, but the fact is, things are in pretty rough shape overall. That is what I was thinking about when I exposed this frame. We are probably looking at over a century's worth of additions and modifications, a patchwork of plans, dreams, and possibly a few regrets.

Here's to an enjoyable weekend, fellow traveler.

Its Always About Values

No, not those kind of values. Not today anyways. I'm talking specifically about luminosity values. In working with a monochrome camera, one must pay attention to tonal values. Cuz you can't easily fix 'em in post. The sign on this BBQ place featured two different reds, but in monochrome they rendered almost the same. You really have to look to see the letters. But what surprised me the most was how the double yellow lines in the middle of the road rendered almost the same as the asphalt itself. I was not expecting that.

Attract, Capture, Digest

I've always been fascinated by pitcher plants. Ever since my first semester in college as a botany major. Meat eating plants, what's not to admire? They turn the standard paradigm on its head. The pitcher plant has a simple, winning, three-step strategy for survival: attract, capture, digest. Simple, and it works. Respect. Alas, there's no such straightforward algorithm for human survival, at least that I've come across. Photography, maybe... Anyway, the last couple of times I've encountered pitcher plants, I've only had black-and-white cameras with me, film and now digital. Luckily, they look good in monochrome.

Tasting notes: Pentax K-3 iii M, Sigma 30mm f/1.4.

When Form Follows Function

From what I can tell, no designers were involved in putting this old agricultural building together. The design school is 'willy nilly'. Still, with proper framing, you can get a pretty decent documentary photograph. Like Lewis Baltz and the other New Topographics photographers. 

I especially like the cinder block door stop. 

Tasting notes: Pentax K-3 iii M, Sigma 30mm f/1.4.
 

Vertical Myrtles

Most crepe myrtles I see growing in yards around here have been reduced to mere decorations, yard ornaments coaxed into unnatural positions and growth patterns by yearly pruning. When granted their freedom, however, most crepe myrtles appear to want to grow tall, as high as 30-40 feet in some cases. I tend to prefer these vertical versions, actually.

Tasting notes: Pentax K-3 iii Monochrome, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art lens.

Friday Still Life

The light was especially nice this morning and I was able to find a pleasing composition showing off this week's flowers situated among the mid-century furniture and a few art pieces. I used the monochrome camera that I picked up for my birthday this year. The most obvious property of the camera's sensor is the very low noise. This image was made at an ISO of 1600, extremely practical for handheld photography indoors.

Good light (practical or otherwise) to you this weekend, fellow traveler.

Tasting notes: Pentax K-3 iii Monochrome, Sigma 30mm f/1.4 Art lens.

Peak Magnolia

Magnolia season is peaking at the moment and there are many beautiful flowers to enjoy. Each one is a distinct individual, I think that is what makes them so fascinating. On this day, I chose to shoot in black and white because I happen to like the way that the waxy magnolia leaves render in monochrome. In my opinion, the photos look best when the central portion of the flower is in focus. Kind of like getting the eyes sharp in a portrait of a person. And, on top of everything, I'm working with a new camera, which is also a pleasure.

Tasting notes: Pentax K-3 iii Monochrome and 40 mm f/2.8 lens.