Some input on my first real low light film photographs

[menthel]

I hope this is in the right place. I recently was best man at my Brother's wedding and also took along my M6 and 35mm V3 summicron and Voigtlander 50mm f1.5 as well as a roll of Neopan 1600 and two of HP5+. I developed my own films but didn't have the best selection of developers for the job; using Ilfosol 3 for the Neopan (a mistake I think) and rodinal at 1:25 for the HP5+ (both of which were pushed to 1600 iso). I am pleased with some of the photos and as expected for such poor light in some situations ended up with some harsh contrast but usable photos.

However, this is my first go at such shooting and developing and would like some input into the photos. I have chosen my 6 favourites (if this is too many please accept my apologies!) and the others are on my flickr account. All input and constructive critiscism greatly appreciated and any hints and tips on improving greatly received.

The bridegroom prepares... (Neopan 1600 in Ilfosol 3)

Richard and Kathleen Wedding Neopan 1600-2.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

The happy couple. (HP5+ @1600 in 1:25 rodinal)

Richard and Kathleen's Wedding HP5+ @1600 1-22.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

Dancing! (Neopan 1600 in Ilfosol 3)

Richard and Kathleen Wedding Neopan 1600-28.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

Cake. (HP5+ @1600 in 1:25 rodinal)

Richard and Kathleen's Wedding HP5+ @1600 1-18.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

Relatives. (HP5+ @1600 in 1:25 rodinal)

Richard and Kathleen's Wedding HP5+ @1600 1-25.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

Relatives dancing. (HP5+ @1600 in 1:25 rodinal)

Richard and Kathleen's Wedding HP5+ @1600 2-31.jpg by menthel, on Flickr

 

[Timmyjoe]

Jim, nice work, especially for your first attempt. I come from a documentary/photojournalism point of view, so I believe capturing the moment is what is crucial. I will accept harsh contrast and large grain if the "moment" is captured.

In what you show above, I really like #2, #3, and #5. Because you captured the people in the moment. To a lesser extent, I also like #1 and #6 although the "moment" doesn't seem as strong. As far as the cake picture, as it is basically a still life composition, doesn't really work for me in it's high contrast/grainy form.

Again, nice work, keep it up.

Best,
-Tim

 

[menthel]

Jim, nice work, especially for your first attempt. I come from a documentary/photojournalism point of view, so I believe capturing the moment is what is crucial. I will accept harsh contrast and large grain if the "moment" is captured.

In what you show above, I really like #2, #3, and #5. Because you captured the people in the moment. To a lesser extent, I also like #1 and #6 although the "moment" doesn't seem as strong. As far as the cake picture, as it is basically a still life composition, doesn't really work for me in it's high contrast/grainy form.

Again, nice work, keep it up.

Best,
-Tim

Tim, thanks so much for your input. I did take the 'reportage' (not sure I like that word! 🙂) approach to it and do agree that some of the atmosphere and feeling has been captured. The cake shot, looking back at it would have been much better shot in colour and more naturally and quite frankly probably digitally in the conditions that were available- luckily there was a real wedding photographer available for that! Again, thanks for the encouragement and input.

Jim

 

[krishilife]

Hi,

As much as I like film, grain in low light photography doesn't work for me. That's why digital works better in this field. I like film, and I don't have digital yet, but I'm envy, when I see all those beauty shots in night time, and grainless reflections in out of focus lights. This is the reason I prefer intelligently used flash, and low ISO slides. Of course it works only indoor. Outdoor I have no choice but going for 400 ASA.

Kris.

 

[menthel]

Hi,

As much as I like film, grain in low light photography doesn't work for me. That's why digital works better in this field. I like film, and I don't have digital yet, but I'm envy, when I see all those beauty shots in night time, and grainless reflections in out of focus lights. This is the reason I prefer intelligently used flash, and low ISO slides. Of course it works only indoor. Outdoor I have no choice but going for 400 ASA.

Kris.

Thanks Kris. I had my 7D and other kit inthe car but quite frankly didn't want to use it and wanted to try something new! 😉 I also quite like the higher contrast, grainy look so thought I would give it a try. I will get a better deveolper more suited for pushing next time though.

 

[dogbunny]

I think you can do a little bit better. I think the 5th pic shows what you are capable of, but there are some focus issues which have nothing to do with overall development. I'm not saying it has to be tack sharp, but you want to get the most out of what you are working with. I also like the 3rd and the last. I'm not a big HP5+ fan, but you seem to be doing a decent job.

fun, fun, fun.

 

[zauhar]

Great photos, especially the dance floor.

I like grain and high contrast, but of course your future non-relative clients may or may not appreciate the more "documentary" look. ;-)

In any event, I hate the look of flash, and natural light gives these shots a lot of character. I am sure your bro and his bride are pleased with the results.

Randy

 

[menthel]

I think you can do a little bit better. I think the 5th pic shows what you are capable of, but there are some focus issues which have nothing to do with overall development. I'm not saying it has to be tack sharp, but you want to get the most out of what you are working with. I also like the 3rd and the last. I'm not a big HP5+ fan, but you seem to be doing a decent job.

fun, fun, fun.

Thanks, the focus is off on the first shot, I think it has ended up on the woman's shoulder. The others may look a little soft because i quite frankly think my canoscan 9000f may be terrible. I shall continue to try harder with the focussing etc though! 😉

Great photos, especially the dance floor.

I like grain and high contrast, but of course your future non-relative clients may or may not appreciate the more "documentary" look. ;-)

In any event, I hate the look of flash, and natural light gives these shots a lot of character. I am sure your bro and his bride are pleased with the results.

Randy

Thanks. I can reassure you there will be no 'clients' in the future, I have strong feelings about wedding photography and none of them are good! 😉

 

[Haigh]

You nailed those moments Jim. Nice work.

 

[menthel]

You nailed those moments Jim. Nice work.

Thanks very much!

 

[Richard G]

Nice work. How did you meter?

 

[menthel]

Nice work. How did you meter?

Using the M6 meter and then compensating as I saw fit. No real rhyme or reason to the adjustments more uneducated seat of the pants stuff really.

 

[Damaso]

I like the last one best of all. Remember, shooting in low light is not always about trying to produce an even exposure. Sometimes you want to embrace the darkness! Remember what HCB said: Respect the light, even the lack of it!

Cheers!

 

[menthel]

I like the last one best of all. Remember, shooting in low light is not always about trying to produce an even exposure. Sometimes you want to embrace the darkness! Remember what HCB said: Respect the light, even the lack of it!

Cheers!

Thanks. I like that one a lot too, the 'beams' of light that capture the dancers really gives an interesting atmosphere.