Leica M9 + Sulfuric Acid = terrifying experience

Amazing travel, story and job Kristian! There were also an accident in the nearly past if I can remember. Wants to go there too... regards, Jos Runarka
 
Amazing travel, story and job Kristian! There were also an accident in the nearly past if I can remember. Wants to go there too... regards, Jos Runarka

There have been quite a number of tourists who have lost their lives there, most are kept quiet. Some from falls down the mountain and some from intoxication, which I narrowly survived. My advice to anyone considering a trip there is to pay one of the workers there to guide you through it. I did, but my guy went off to mine, while I was left alone.
 
interesting to think that your leica M9 probably involved sulfuric acid at some point in the production process..
 
This is perhaps the finest series I've seen posted here on RFF. Excellent work!!!

Best regards,

Bob
 
I feel very blessed to view your work here. This is as good as any photojurnalistic reporting I've read & seen at Magnum. They should feel honored to have you one day. You have put your soul into this docu. & we can feel & see it. You should consider to really persue this...again thank you!
 
Thanks for sharing your adventure. Your photos are so superb and stunning that I feel all spine tingly. I feel like a gushing teenager yuck!
 
I'm overwhelmed and honored that I'm receiving this positive feedback. It only makes me wish I lasted longer than 5 minutes down there. I wasn't planning on ever going back after that experience but the feedback and making me rethink it. I remember while leaving there that if I could get the courage I'd do it again but as an in depth story.

Thank you everyone, it was so nice to shoot something other than celebrity for a change, something that got me started with photography in the first place - the reason I'm on here.
 
The B&W shots really conveyed the harshness of the environment. And I agree that the shots of the children add great balance to the series.

Good thing about digital RF is that you don't have to choose B&W over color. You can have both.
 
The B&W shots really conveyed the harshness of the environment. And I agree that the shots of the children add great balance to the series.

Good thing about digital RF is that you don't have to choose B&W over color. You can have both.

That is very true, but the other reason I love digital besides the obvious is the ability to choose ISO's at will.
 
I watched the James Nachtwey documentary several years ago and remember how moved I was by the sulfur piece. Your work moved me in the same way and is a wonderful complement to the documentary. It is among the finest work I've seen posted here on RFF.
 
Great work Kristian. I agree with your decision to do B&W although I was glad to see some color images to get a feel for that aspect. I've had some mild doses of sulphur dioxide and I can attest that it's nasty. I was just amazed that you managed to take an excellent image of the worker that got you out even while you were still choking on the stuff. Just really wonderful images and story.
 
Great work Kristian. I agree with your decision to do B&W although I was glad to see some color images to get a feel for that aspect. I've had some mild doses of sulphur dioxide and I can attest that it's nasty. I was just amazed that you managed to take an excellent image of the worker that got you out even while you were still choking on the stuff. Just really wonderful images and story.

Well, I remember thinking I have to shoot this guy so I remember him and what he did for me. I also intend to return now and give him a copy of the picture.
 
I am new here, and photos like these will keep me coming back for more. This is absolutely stunning work. I too like the film look of the B/W images, but the color version of the workers carrying the chemicals is truly spectacular.

You certainly made the best out of a dangerous experience!!! Bravo!!!
 
I am new here, and photos like these will keep me coming back for more. This is absolutely stunning work. I too like the film look of the B/W images, but the color version of the workers carrying the chemicals is truly spectacular.

You certainly made the best out of a dangerous experience!!! Bravo!!!

Thank you, and welcome. I'm sure you'll love the work from all the talented photographers on this forum.
 
Really nice Kristian, makes me want to hit the road again :) For the subject matter color may seem the logical choice, but I first saw your posting with the B&W and wasn't missing anything, the B&Ws are just beautiful and add to the feeling in a way the color can't. A big advantage to the M9 being able to do both with out changing cameras/film.

And the 28mm v3 is amazing (and the way you use it!) Maybe one of the most under rated Leica lenses ever.

Thanks for sharing, you've inspired a lot of folks here.
 
Outstanding work, far beyond the ordinary, and even beyond the very good. These shots must go into a book of yours!
 
Back
Top Bottom