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Alison DuFlon
{K:36566} 8/25/2004
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This is an adorable photo, she does look like a cupie doll. You will have to find her one. Beautifully shot, great lighting and I like the crop alot. Thanks for the comment on Siesta time. Alison
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A K
{K:8499} 8/23/2004
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What a CUTIE!! I love that little curl of hair spiked up on top. She does look like a cupie doll indeed. VERY cute. Those eyes are just adorable - so big and blue.
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Matej Maceas
{K:24381} 8/22/2004
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Regarding C41 monochrome films, I think Ilford's XP2 is actually not so bad (I mean the film itself, not lab-made prints from it), but I agree regular B&W is best :-)
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Aurore Lynch
{K:1687} 8/22/2004
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Tmax always drove me nuts too. The worst is if you do your own processing... pain to develop right. Tmax is picky and maybe good for those zone system fanatics, but TriX is a great all-purpose b&w film for all conditions (it can be pushed and pulled very effectively). I also LOVE the look of Fuji Neopan 400, just beautiful grain and contrast. I've been using TriX exclusively for a long time because it's so versatile (and cheap!) but looking back through old images inspired me to pick up more neopan, you just can't beat that look.
Of course, real b&w costs a fortune to print. You can get a flatbed capable of scanning it pretty cheaply now, though, so negs-only developing and then scanning and maybe going back later to get prints of your favorite images is going to be the best way to go (unless you have the cash to burn; hey, go for it! lol). And don't even think about shooting that C-41 b&w!! The grain is ugly and the contrast is really flat; basically, it's the consumer-grade b&w (anything else automatically gets the 'pro' label cause it can't be processed and printed for 6.99 at the quickie lab).
Whereabouts in mass are you? I grew up there (born in springfield). I'm sure you can find a nice custom lab nearby, I live in a medium-sized city and we've got at least two REALLY great ones (with traditional darkrooms for fine printing) and a handful of other less specialized but nonetheless still professional labs. I still recommend ritz (actually i go to wolf, could be slightly different) for processing negs, they do a fine job and it's quick and less expensive.
Certainly you can get slower films if you like. I've never blown up any such images so I can't say much there. You should be able to search images by film here on usefilm though. If you're unsure of what to buy, try to find a knowledgeable salesperson at ritz and let them know what you're looking for in a slow film. Hopefully you'll get some good advice.
You sound like me 3 years ago. heehee. It will be interesting to see where you go with all this pho-to-graphy stuff. ; ) The difference between what I was shooting at your 'stage' and what I'm doing now are night and day. Have fun!
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Sara Cosby
{K:2704} 8/22/2004
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Thanks for your help Aurore. I have been thinking of trying one of the more professional colors films when I use up what I have. (I know, I know trash what I have) ;) I do get my film processed and printed at Ritz, no walmart for me in a LONG time except when I'm back home and my mom can't wait to see my snapshots. But real film with a decent chance of a decent shot I'll only take to Ritz (only professional/semi-professional lab I know of in Central MA --I don't want to haul myself to Boston just to drop off and pick up film.)
I have been wanting to try Portra VC and either NPH or NPS. I would have thought for indoors I would have wanted NPH, but I'm seeing a LOT of good results from other UF users in natural light indoors on the NPS, too. (I know, I know get both and try them) ;) I think I used up the HQ200 and I *think* I have 3 rolls (24exp) of Gold200 left. I'm apprehensive of 400s, I always hear they don't enlarge well, but maybe that's b/c I've always been in the consumer lines.
I have purchased some Tri-X Pan 400 B&W b/c I was getting frustrated with my TMax 400. We'll see if I like the Tri-X any better.
Thanks for your feedback, both on liking the muted colors AND on the film. ;)
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Aurore Lynch
{K:1687} 8/22/2004
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This appeals to me for some reason (really not my type of image at all). I think the muted vintage-y colors affect me somehow. But to now contradict myself I must encourage you to get away from the consumer film! The colors can be ok, sometimes, in the right light, but are usually not great, sharpness is less than ideal, and the grain is always hideous. Probably an effect of the film being tweaked for 'all-purpose' imaging; i.e. it can be stored at room temperature longer, will give more acceptable results when used in different lighting, and then it is usually developed at wal-mart. I don't shoot much color but if I did it would be Kodak Portra 400vc or Fuji NPH 400. Gorgeous colors and spectacular grain texture. And a nice versatile 400 speed. Not sure what light they're optimized for. You can get more information via google. I buy my film at ritz/wolf or bhphoto.com.
And as it happens, I like the soap bottle included in the image. The cropped version has this look like 'I'm a snapshot but I'm trying to look like a portrait photo' which doesn't work cause there's a faucet in the background, while the original version says 'I'm just a really cool snapshot'. Personally I prefer the honesty of the original, and it's sorta kitschy, too, which always appeals to me. Crop just a little off that side, leaving the soap bottle, and see how it looks. Along with the crop you already made on the right.
And you know, if you like this square frame, you might look into medium format... heehee. You'll never go back...
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Ning Fandango
{K:1277} 8/21/2004
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To me the cropped version is definitely better. Well, look at her eyes and hair and action - great capture!
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Jimmy Payne
{K:21163} 8/18/2004
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I like the cropped version better also. It emphasizes this little cupid doll and her lovely wide eyes. Your neice is a little doll, for sure and you got a wonderful shot of her.
Jimmy
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Trish McCoy
{K:15897} 8/17/2004
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I liked the cropped version better. and yes she does look like a cupie doll. just precious.
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Pat Fruen
{K:12076} 8/17/2004
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I love this one! Looks vintage with the muted colors. I love her expression and she really does look like a cupie doll.
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Sara Cosby
{K:2704} 8/17/2004
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This is the original hee hee I'm so biased.
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