Saguaro Cactus and Wind Clouds, Tucson, Arizona
I made this image using Tri-X 4x5 film. I reticulated the sheet film to enhance the grittiness of the desert. I used a 25R red filter, and a polarizing filter...
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I made this image using Tri-X 4x5 film. I reticulated the sheet film to enhance the grittiness of the desert. I used a 25R red filter, and a polarizing filter to enhance the contrast and tonality of the image.
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Feb, 2017Views
1450
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Awards
Winner in Landscapes in Black and White Photo Challenge
Peer Choice Award
People's Choice in The Sonoran Desert in Monochrome Photo Challenge
Peer Award
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Genius
Virtuoso
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
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sweetpea72
February 07, 2017
I so miss the desert!! I used to live in Tucson,many many moons ago lol
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AngelLappmarkSe
January 01, 2018
Amazing capture in the dessert! Well done. Greetz Angel. Lappmark Sweden
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photograph of the Saguaro and Wind Clouds was made on Mount Lemmon, outside of Tucson Arizona.Time
The image was made around 5pm. I usually study my composition using a viewing card, along with a viewing filter to see tonal mergers and decide upon a filter to change and separate the tones before setting up my camera.Lighting
The side light encountered in the desert adds to the depth of this composition, in addition to bringing out the texture of the desert, the needles of the desert plants, the light also gives a sense of desert heat. The light felt warm against my skin, as the incoming monsoonal storm filled the air with the smell of rain, and cooled the breeze. Relaxed, I became part of the scene, and printed the photograph as I felt the scene.Equipment
I made the photograph using my modified 4x5 Wista. The lens use was a Schneider 210 Symmar-S. I used a Gitzo XL carbon fiber tripod, and a 3 way gitzo head. My meter is a modified Pentax spot meter that is designed to measure linear zones. After determining my placement of tones, I made an exposure, which I processed N+1. I live in Arizona, so I know that I could intentionally reticulated some of the Tri-X sheets; this image is a result of that process. I wanted to do this to support the feeling I had of the heat of the desert and the cold front of the incoming monsoonal storm.Inspiration
The light, the storm, the desert inspired me to take the time that a 4x5 camera set-up allows. The wind clouds created an otherness to the composition, and created an interesting image in what would have been an ordinary photograph.Editing
I had scanned the original photograph.In my camera bag
A 4x5 modified Wista, 210 and 120 schneider lenses. A pentax spot meter, viewing card and viewing filter. A 6x7 Pentax with a 28mm lens. When I use digital equipment, I use a Nikon D850 with a prime 28mm lens, and a Nikon coolpic P7100.Feedback
When photographing in the desert, bring lots of water, and a cell phone. Also bring a multi-tool especially one with a pair of pliers to pull out jumping cholla from your shoes, and other parts of your body. Be aware of the shadows when looking for pictures for that is where the rattle snakes hunker down during the day. Have fun, and enjoy the environment, but respect the desert for it can and will hurt you if you're not attentive. The desert will offer you an inner personal enrichment.
