Hi all

I finished the stockholm foto's (I promissed way back) and also have some portraits shot from a neighbour girl.

Commentzz pleazze

http://www.photo.net/photodb/user?user_id=426947

thanks Reinier

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), March 04, 2002

Answers

Have you considered using a tripod with your Holga?

-- Wilhelm (wmiotch3400@hotmail.com), March 04, 2002.

Reinier, first ignore the assine comment above... That aside, the work is undoubtedly strange on several levels (which may be a plus). I like much of the imagery. Much of it seems to need editing... a number of weak images. But there are many very strong, strange & funky images as well... Technically, most of the images look washed out & thin. I would rather see images with a broader span of zones. The new images of the teenage girl are okay, not exciting; the Stockholm images are better. My overall advise is to edit OUT about 2/3's of the total images & you'll have a far stronger portfolio... Good luck!

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), March 04, 2002.

I think most of the flatness in the pictures is due to the scanner I use (which is a cheap flat-bed). I film scanner will arrive a weeks or so (Acer Scanwit 2420) which should improve things. Also I have set my screen somewhat dark, so things may look better in my screen than it does on others.

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), March 04, 2002.

PS and some studio lights, that will be added to the equipment rather then using normal a 100W spot and a 20W halogeen light shielded with paper,should maalso improve things

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), March 04, 2002.

Just a quick comment on your way of seeing.... I really like the way you saw the big McDonald's "M" and used it to frame the two subjects. This is one of those icons that we've all seen and probably never though to use. While the idea was clever, I would spend some time with it. The third person in the back robs from the symmetry, and you might want to tighten up the framing a bit. Maybe even think about shooting from inside while people on the street are framed. Play with it a bit and see what you can come up with.

Again, I like your way of seeing in the clutter of the familiar.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), March 04, 2002.

Reiner,

thanks for posting. Given that I'm born/raised in Stockholm (but haven't lived there for + 6 yrs), that folder holds particular value to me.

I like the one w/ the lady waiting for the buss (at Kungsträdgården). It captured the atomsphere of busswaiting on a cold winter day in Stockholm (mildly depressing experience) but essential for most Stockholmers as public transportation is imperative. Good framing, the unfocus doesn't bother me much in this situation.

The other one that speaks to me is the City Center one (taken at Sergelstorg, one of the uggliest places and generally most disliked in Sweden!) It's the busy entrance to the main train & metro station in Stockholm, and a place that attracts people from all walks of life. Nice composition w/ the road cutting across the photo.

Cheers,

pat

-- pat (modlabs@yahoo.com), March 04, 2002.

Hi, Reinier

I liked the two "Centres". You seem to have an eye for composition though still in need of further development through practice and practice and . . .

There is something that intrigued me to some extent: I have been to the city only once and though during winter I noticed that there are many places and opportunities to excercise your composition to a larger extent than you did this time. Any constraints ? Maybe need to shoot more film? I remember in that day I shot some 6 rolls and some 15 to 20 slides in total are good ilustrations of the city in my concept. Many more are well made but mean nothing special. That is why I was telling you about practicing: I still feel too far from the category of photographer who makes more good than so so images so that in lack of more talent I try to make do with more effort. And I try to improve my odds trying different angles, exposures, DOF values, etc concerning subjects that I think are worth the effort.

I assume that it has a lot to do with the editing exercise Patrick mentioned.

Keep posting, please. Best regards, Reinier.

-Ivan

-- Iván Barrientos M (ingenieria@simltda.tie.cl), March 04, 2002.

Patrick, just because you did not understand my criticism does not give you the right to call it asinine.

-- Wilhelm (wmitch3400@hotmail.com), March 04, 2002.

Maybe Wilhelm can explain his enlighting comments to us.

Note that the shots were all made with sensitive film, Neopan 1600 for the portraits and Tmax3200 for Stockholm. I really dislike the Tmax grain (first time use) and next time I will use neopan 1600 for night. But many shots can use the 3200, so maybe it is better to push Neopan, rather than using Tmax 3200

The portraits were made with the aid of a 100W bureaulamp and a 20W halogeen spot, both covered with white paper to soften the light. I hope to buy some studio lights and/or a softbox one day if I can find the money.

Reinier

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), March 05, 2002.

Reinier, thanks for these shots. I lived in Stockholm for a couple of years myself and recognize some old haunts. Now I live in Gothenburg, down south.

All the best,

-Duncan http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MUGers

-- Duncan (airborn@euromail.se), March 07, 2002.