Leica M9 + Sulfuric Acid = terrifying experience

tom.w.bn said:
Really nice photos and what an experience. But I think the place is a place for colour, isn't it?
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You're quite right but I avoided showing colours as I feel that in most cases the colours dominate the images as the sulfur is so bright and I didn't want that to be the focus of my images. Also the bright beautiful colours give the wrong impression of the story. They make the images look more tourist-like, again which is something I wanted to avoid considering the background to this story, and how best the images represent my experience.

But considering you asked, here is some colour for reference.

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Though there was one image I liked that didn't work in B+W because colour is what makes it work.

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Kristian.....You have a great website as well and a very broad range of work and interests. I agree that this project works best in black and white.

Regards,

Joe
 
After looking at the comparison photos in colour I think your decision for black and white is right. The b&w pronounces the reportage aspect about the labour better.


leicashot said:
You're quite right but I avoided showing colours as I feel that in most cases the colours dominate the images as the sulfur is so bright and I didn't want that to be the focus of my images. Also the bright beautiful colours give the wrong impression of the story. They make the images look more tourist-like, again which is something I wanted to avoid considering the background to this story, and how best the images represent my experience.
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leicashot said:
Thanks, I'm glad everyone is enjoying them. Only wish I had more time there to make a more complete series as I didn't yet shoot any faces or shoot anything that evokes much emotion. Oh well, maybe next time.
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Well, both the photos and your commentary evoked emotion in me. Thanks for posting.
 
ironhorse said:
Kristian.....You have a great website as well and a very broad range of work and interests. I agree that this project works best in black and white.

Regards,

Joe
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Thank you. My website isn't exactly designed for me to get new work. Most people ask what kind of photographer I am, and I never know how to respond. For now, I'm pretty much an entertainment photographer, but documentary is overflowing in my blood and I need these little projects to release it.

Although I have to admit, learning new styles and being flexible has equipped me with skills I never imagined I'd have, and allows me to do more creatively for clients and personally. Thanks for the feedback.
 
leicashot said:
Though there was one image I liked that didn't work in B+W because colour is what makes it work.

L1005145.jpg
Click to expand...

This is exactly what I love in this picture - you see the hard labor, in colors.
The color interaction in this magical place is too vivid to be ignored, despite
the strong narrative of the hard work.

Still, great images and excellent reportage.
Thanks a lot for sharing.
 
ionteresting photos (and story). i like it.
the color versions are also good. especially the last one where the workers stand out a bit more due to the yellow rocks they carry.
 
Simply fantastic images! At first glance I found the color images distracting, especially after both viewing the B&W's and reading the entire photo essay. This was possibly due to the unexpected sureal colors of the sulfur lake and bright yellow color of the sulfur containing rocks themselves. After a few minutes I mentally rearranged the photo's in my head, dispursing the 3 color images among your B&W's and descriptive words and I think they actually lend strength to the entire story and send a powerful message that no matter how beautiful something might look superficially, something sinister might be just underneith the surface. (or around the corner as you experienced). Thank you for posting and glad to hear you're alright.

Dave (D&A)
 
Excellent really first class images. Great story, and I don't think I'd like to experience that smoke storm! Reminds me a little of my trip to huang shan in An Hui China a few years ago. All of the stuff on the mountain is carried around by workers on similar basket arrangements. I found it hard to carry around my Hasselblad and 5D that day. These workers carry huge loads day in and day out up and down the mountain. Unbelievable.
 
Those are some truly outstanding photographs. They really made me feel like I was there. However cliched a phrase that is, it was really what struck me about your shots.
 
I had been wondering about colour and am glad you included the yellow of the sulphur - it reminded me of seeing the rich yellow of sulphur washed up on the beach from a factory near Corynth, Greece in the 60's. Some amazing black and white work though.

mangie
 
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