I think it's a very good photo. Simple and strong. I say simple, but there's a universe in that tree. The contrast brings out the shapes and textures.
I have similar thoughts about other projects. I am a happy recipient of one of Josh Weinberg's zines (it arrived in the post a couple of weeks ago). I'm still working out how to respond, as I've never made a zine.
Thank you Mark! I wanted to ask Josh for a zine but I didn't know how long it would take to be able to produce something physical to offer back to him. Maybe I'll send him a print.
I still need to respond to him with a zine, or a print, or something. I want to encourage his positive attitude and his interest in sharing and exchanging physical prints and publications. I've never made a photo book (aside from the personal books you can make through local photo print services). There's a bi-annual photo book Festival in Wellington (the capital of New Zealand). I attended the last one and there's another happening in August over 4 days. I've decided to fly up and learn what I can. Books are another project worth working towards.
Further, I’d say I like it. I have my own gut reax for more work on the final image. And I loved those moments in the darkroom as you choose a warm or cold tone paper, a contrast grade, considered dodging and burning to bring out the heart of the image. . . Ever considered enlarging the negative to do a platinum print? It might soften the tones making both the lichens on the branches and the sky both wonderfully visible while holding value for the bark.
I tend to agree with Ross, your liking it, yeah, your seeing it, is enough to show it. There will always be detractors, but meaning cannot be defined by without, only within. Meaning is not universal, and when someone shows what is meaningful to them, viewers’ understanding of meaning has the chance of growing.
The photo of the tree is wonderful, full of dark moody atmosphere. The fact that there's no hidden meaning or long detailed description is even better, just "liking it" is more than enough.
After my Kodak Brownie bakelite, I grew up with a twin-lens, falling in love with its huge 2 1/4 square negative. "Ghost Tree" is a lovely image. And with all that apparent sharpness, it projects its character well. Boring? Not to this viewer. I can imagine this photograph between others in a gallery. It would stop me for who knows how long admiring its subject and rich quality.
First of all - I love the photograph! It is perfect! Dark and moody, the texture is wonderful and it stands out and blends in at the same time. It really speaks to me. I am glad you shared it. You liking it should be the main reason to share it!!
I am excited to read about all the inspiration and ideas you have right now. I know that feeling and often have to keep reminding me to focus on one thing (maybe two), because I often end up too overwhelmed to do anything at all. I hope this won't happen to you.
I also hope all your darkroom adventures will be fun and you will share a bit more of it.
I think it's a very good photo. Simple and strong. I say simple, but there's a universe in that tree. The contrast brings out the shapes and textures.
I have similar thoughts about other projects. I am a happy recipient of one of Josh Weinberg's zines (it arrived in the post a couple of weeks ago). I'm still working out how to respond, as I've never made a zine.
Thank you Mark! I wanted to ask Josh for a zine but I didn't know how long it would take to be able to produce something physical to offer back to him. Maybe I'll send him a print.
I still need to respond to him with a zine, or a print, or something. I want to encourage his positive attitude and his interest in sharing and exchanging physical prints and publications. I've never made a photo book (aside from the personal books you can make through local photo print services). There's a bi-annual photo book Festival in Wellington (the capital of New Zealand). I attended the last one and there's another happening in August over 4 days. I've decided to fly up and learn what I can. Books are another project worth working towards.
I'm definitely planning a zine. Just need to find the time :)
Further, I’d say I like it. I have my own gut reax for more work on the final image. And I loved those moments in the darkroom as you choose a warm or cold tone paper, a contrast grade, considered dodging and burning to bring out the heart of the image. . . Ever considered enlarging the negative to do a platinum print? It might soften the tones making both the lichens on the branches and the sky both wonderfully visible while holding value for the bark.
I tend to agree with Ross, your liking it, yeah, your seeing it, is enough to show it. There will always be detractors, but meaning cannot be defined by without, only within. Meaning is not universal, and when someone shows what is meaningful to them, viewers’ understanding of meaning has the chance of growing.
"and when someone shows what is meaningful to them, viewers’ understanding of meaning has the chance of growing". I love this thought - thank you!
The photo of the tree is wonderful, full of dark moody atmosphere. The fact that there's no hidden meaning or long detailed description is even better, just "liking it" is more than enough.
Thank you Ross, appreciate the comment.
After my Kodak Brownie bakelite, I grew up with a twin-lens, falling in love with its huge 2 1/4 square negative. "Ghost Tree" is a lovely image. And with all that apparent sharpness, it projects its character well. Boring? Not to this viewer. I can imagine this photograph between others in a gallery. It would stop me for who knows how long admiring its subject and rich quality.
Erle Grubb
Jackson Heights, NY
Print Design and Production
Wow Erle what an incredibly nice comment. Thank you!
First of all - I love the photograph! It is perfect! Dark and moody, the texture is wonderful and it stands out and blends in at the same time. It really speaks to me. I am glad you shared it. You liking it should be the main reason to share it!!
I am excited to read about all the inspiration and ideas you have right now. I know that feeling and often have to keep reminding me to focus on one thing (maybe two), because I often end up too overwhelmed to do anything at all. I hope this won't happen to you.
I also hope all your darkroom adventures will be fun and you will share a bit more of it.
Thank you for your very kind words Susanne. I'm so glad you liked the shot!
Loving it!
Good luck for this weekend, I hope all goes well 🙂
Thank you Ralph!