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October 2009
The story behind it
01/10/2009
I am in the Lands of Gerês, in the mountains, at the end of afternoon. The light is magnificent. Silence surrounds me. My ears amplify the slightest noise. On getting to the place I see a herd of native horses (Garranos) grazing along that peace. I get close to them, keeping close to the ground. I move with only one camera. I don't want to disturb them. This is a moment of happiness! It only finished when I regretted showing a slight distrust when a particular horse gets close. The animal immediately felt it and, due to that, moved along. I paused work eating and savouring the place from the top of a round rock. Going back, I see this gorse bush, over a darken background. It's work again. The horses observe me, from the distance.Comment
Technical issues
01/10/2009
This was registered with a DSLR, the Nikon D700, with the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM lens at 24mmm, f/5.6 and 1/60s, ISO 800. I used tripod and the on-camera flash, in manual mode at +1.5EV. I wanted to get the background underexposed, making sure that the yellow gorse flowers were well lit. The photograph was taken in RAW, converting it later to B&W simulating a red filter. Contrast was increased only slightly. No more tweaks.After this photograph I did the same but exposing with film, the FUJI Velvia 50, since I do think it is worth a large print at the highest quality.
Critial review
01/10/2009
Simple and not obvious - two important ingredients in fine-art photography. The B&W results in a particularly rich photograph, for the lines, shapes and light at stake. The composition, highly imposed by the wide-angle, is defined by a dark line/band at 2/3, broken by a bush in the distance, and by the dilated bush below. The lit flowers as if form an explosion of lit particles, in contrast with the dark background and bush, in compression. The weight coming from this clash is tremendous, intensified by the symmetry chosen. Beautiful! Just as I wanted it.Where you should place it
01/10/2009
Either from this photo or from its film version, a large print will just attract the sight and emotions of whoever sees it. Be it in an office or a living room. It is a collection photograph. It imposes itself but, at the same time, keeping it all very simple. It should be well lit and placed on an empty and simple wall. It will not go well with a highly decorated place. In terms of frames, I'd say that a thick golden frame, baroque style, would be stunning. More weight and contrast, adding to those of the photograph. Tha Bomb, if I am allowed some humour.
