Padstow Mayday.

[John Bragg]

Here are my shots taken at Padstow "Obby Oss" celebrations. I hope you like them as much as i enjoyed the day, and the experience of shooting monochrome reportage. Just wandering with a Leica M6, 28mm Elmarit, and some Tri-X. Please feel free to critique as your comments will be appreciated thanks.

 

[John Bragg]

Any critique or comments are welcome thanks.

 

[Flat Twin]

Nice shots, brings back memories of living in Falmouth for three years whilst at university ten years ago. I went to the Mayday celebrations a couple of times. I also shot a project on the Padstow lifeboat and its crew, I went out with them on exercise many times in all weathers... crazy! I miss Cornwall and its unique light...

Regards,

Simon

 

[Vince Lupo]

Interesting subject matter -- looks like it was a fun time. Aesthetically, I'm drawn more to the closeups of people, rather than the 'general' shots.

Strictly from their appearance on my computer screen (they may look different on yours), the blacks appear more 'grey' than 'black', and I'd like to see a bit more punch to them (actually, now that I look at the highlights, some of them seem a bit blown).

I realize that a few of the shots have bright sunlight and darker shadow areas (and was probably tricky, lighting/exposure-wise for you), but maybe darkening them down a bit might give the tones a bit more 'oomph'. Maybe try darkening everything down by about 30% and see what happens?

 

[John Bragg]

Thanks for the comments guys. Vince, the lighting was brutally harsh and very difficult. All the participants were in white to further complicate things. The trouble in most cases here is that the shadow detail is vital to the story, and as you say they look fine on my monitor. Development was in HC-110 H and exposure was made to favor the shadow areas and film rated at ei200.

 

[Michael Markey]

Lovely John.
The light in Cornwall is unique isn`t it I do miss it.
Managed to get down there often in the past.
The 28 comes into its own in those narrow streets.

 

[j j]

The London Inn shot stands out for me; lots of details to examine. Looks like a proper English (sorry: Cornish!) fun day.

I think that if I were processing the scans I would favour a little less grey and a little more black in some shots (for example, the accordion) but I appreciate what you say about the difficult (but lovely) light and I like the high key treatment.

 

[bobbyrab]

Nice set John, but I'd agree with others that they look a little light and without a black point on my calibrated monitor. That said, it may be the look your after, or it could be you have a very punchy monitor.

 

[John Bragg]

Nice set John, but I'd agree with others that they look a little light and without a black point on my calibrated monitor. That said, it may be the look your after, or it could be you have a very punchy monitor.

Thanks for the kind and helpful words. Bizarrely a little darker may work, but I wanted a luminous high key look. It is a fine balancing act with such a high contrast scene.

 

[John Bragg]

Lovely John.
The light in Cornwall is unique isn`t it I do miss it.
Managed to get down there often in the past.
The 28 comes into its own in those narrow streets.

Thanks Michael. The streets are indeed narrow and the Elmarit is great with very little distortion for a 28. .