Solitaire

[André]

Hi Guys

Is infrared actually classical photography or does it more depend to misc?

As I am very keen on infrared, my first contribtion will be one, of course.



Shot taken with a Nikon D70 and a Hoya R72 filter.
RAW process with dcraw, curves, sharpening and finish with PS.

Enjoy,
André

[eob]

Is infrared actually classical photography or does it more depend to misc?

Hmmm... That's a good question. On the one hand, IR is a special technique. On the other hand, the content of your photo is typically classical landscape. Perhaps we should vote on the answer?

As I said, the composition is very classical. I wouldn't say minimalistic, but certainly simple. One thing that stands out in an odd way is the fence-posts on the left. I would probably make the image generally darker - that way the posts would stand out a bit less. Either that, or lighten them up locally. Delicate tones both below and above the horizon are very pleasing, but I think I would add a bit more saturation (or contrast).

I am also very interested in IR photography and all the undiscovered (by me) possibilities it may have in store. I intend to convert my digital camera to IR-only, as soon as I buy a new camera for my general photography.

[aprilS]

Oh, color infrared!

I've just started investigating how that might be done digitally -- inspired by memories of photog/boyfriend past -- and am so glad you posted this image. (Filter duly noted to my wish list. :)

Back then, he said it was considered "tricky" and didn't fly in competition. I simply loved the effects he achieved with film.

So I consider it a classic technique, carried forward into the digital age.

One thing that stands out in an odd way is the fence-posts on the left.

When I block those out it becomes, for me, a two-note composition. I enjoy the way they extend the horizon left (in an unusual way), and lead me in along the road from the left to the big tree and the little bush, pushing me up right through the diagonal of the sky. I think without them I might stop at the trees.

But maybe I'm thinking too much. :)

[eob]

But maybe I'm thinking too much.

 

[André]

Thanks for your thoughts about my image.

Regarding the fence posts, I tried in a different version to clone them away (and also the tiny church right of the center on the horizon), but that didn't work for me. I left the posts because they let me follow the way towards the tree more easyly.

I haven't thought about them leading you to the sky. But I partially understand what you mean ... I think.

I have done some IR with film (Ilford SFX 200) as well and developed it in my celler dark chamber. But it was quite expensive for me as a pupil and the "learning curve" was very slow. I just resurrected my IR enthusiasm a couple of years ago when I saw my D70 is able to shoot IR without modifying. But that is a different story.

And about the question about classical photography. I agree when you call it a modern way of a classical topic. IR photography is quite old.

Cheers,
André

[eob]

So, are we deciding, from now on, to post IR shots in the CLASSIC section?

[habakuk]

I'd not discuss that topic in terms of the underlying technique, but rather in terms of what the photographer thinks about the shot.

I often have very classic shots beloning imo to the experimental section, because I felt I'm doing sort of an experiment. I'd say, the chosen board makes me go into a different mode for approaching the shot.

Here, if you post that in the classic section, I expect you to udnerstand your own shot as technically IR and maybe therefore experimental - but the intention, the subject, the expression, the message you have is rather classic. So, I approach your shot as a landscape shot, not something that really tries to transcend the landscape shot concept.

That said (and as always it's just one more opinion), I love the way you composed the shot. the leading lines on the left that bringt me right into the depth to the horizon, where I move right and enjoy the dynamics of the tree, and then I see that beautifully balanced echo of the bushes, the tiny echos of the tree on the right side and most important the dark post right of the tree. This really works well.

Emotionally, I get that feeling of timeless space, vast emptiness without feeling lonesome or lost. It makes me wanting to lie down and stay there for a long time.

Thanks for the nice break!

cheers
®

[André]

Thanks for sharing your interesting break in the image.

I see IR just as another photo shooting technique (just as using a polarising filter), that's why it is in the classic section.

Cheers,
André