THE perfect image

[FrankS]

Earlier today I took what I believe will be the PERFECT image! (I know I'll jinx everything by saying so out loud, but...)

I was visiting my parents this weekend and Friday's mail came through for me with the Hexar RF camera and Leica Summar lens I recently bought. I took some pictures inside my parent's house, but I also noticed some interesting window light and asked my father to pose for a shot for me. I angled things so that his glasses were reflecting the window and turned all white. Additionally, the window light was very directional and lighted him obliquely emphasising his facial features and the texture of his sweater.

AE on the Hexar RF, and the Summar lens is uncoated so there may be some glow from the highlights (including glasses.) The background was a blank, unlit wall so there should be no distractive background elements.

If it comes out like I've envisioned it, it will be a perfect image. If not, at least I have that image in my mind's eye! (Maybe I shouldn't even develop it!)

I need to buy fresh developer and fixer before finding out how it will turn out. Just wanted to share that. Will keep you posted.

Has anyone else taken the perfect image? Did you get it, or did something mess it up?

 

[Ash]

I can vaguely remember the feeling, but I can't remember the outcome last time that happened to me.

I think this is the closest I've got to having a 'perfect shot' moment

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/second-belated/richrollei/Untitled-4xx.jpg

I managed to get just enough shape in the background, and to me, correct exposure for the foreground. We were at the top of a metal fire escape and the wind picked up at just the right moment.

 

[nikon_sam]

My perfect picture is of my wife and daughter standing in a local college courtyard...I knew while taking the shots that it would be special...all I had to be concerned with was nailing the proper exposure...I was using a Zone VI 4x5 view camera...getting the shot was work but worth it.
The shot is the most perfect I have taken...I cannot find one flaw in it and believe me I've looked at this picture many times...
It's one of very few shots that I am proud to display in our home.

 

[MadMan2k]

Nice. Good luck, I hope it turns out as well as you envision now.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I look forward to seeing this image Frank i've heard the summar can produce wonderful images.

 

[raid]

This thread makes me look back sadly to my Summar lens before it was stolen. Maybe someone here can direct me to a good Summar.

Raid

 

[dspeltz]

My perfect picture is of my wife and daughter standing in a local college courtyard...I knew while taking the shots that it would be special...all I had to be concerned with was nailing the proper exposure...I was using a Zone VI 4x5 view camera...getting the shot was work but worth it.
The shot is the most perfect I have taken...I cannot find one flaw in it and believe me I've looked at this picture many times...
It's one of very few shots that I am proud to display in our home.

Would you repost the picture. The link did not work

 

[Richard Black]

Perfect Shot

Perfect Shot

I don't know what the criteria is for a perfect shot is, but here is the one I believe is the best I've ever taken. My grandson was just born and I was in the delivery room with a Jupiter 9 wide open. It has technical issues but from a scan I love it.

 

[sf]

I think I have taken a couple that I would call "perfect"

But, of course, this is THE perfect image in my collection. I can't think of anything that would make it better. In my opinion, the perfect shot in your collection is the one you always look at and say, "yeah, that was a good shot." And you have no regrets about the framing.

 

[fishtek]

Good for you, Frank!

For me, the "Perfect" image isn't about the technical qualities of the photo, although I keep hoping for competence. The shot should evoke something special, not just be a pretty image. It should bring up a memory, an emotion, a story, or somehow connect me to the subject. I'd bet that the picture of your Dad will do all of those things.

For me, I've got a picture of my first grandson cradled in his father's hands shortly after he was born. I haven't done anything better.

Regards!
Don

 

[MadMan2k]

shutterflower: Wow, that one is awesome. It would look so good in a big print, 15x30 or so.