How I got this picture - David Jones Posted On 15th March 2022 To Magazine & How I got this picture
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Dave's photograph received so much engagement and interest when we shared it to Instagram, we had to get in touch so that we could ask how he created this shot.
- Technical info -
Film Used
ILFORD XP2 Super 120
Format
6x6 Medium format
Camera
Mamiya 6
Lens
55mm f4
Exposure time
4½ minutes
Other equipment
Benro Tripod
Location
New Brighton beach lighthouse, Merseyside.
Firstly, tell us the story behind this image. What inspired you to shoot it?
I was working in New Brighton for a client (I’m a professional photographer) and after the shoot I noticed a storm coming in and the light looked incredibly dramatic. I grabbed my film camera and headed straight for the beach. The tide was out so I could get close to the lighthouse and fill the square frame keeping the lighthouse central. I took 3 shots, one using the cameras internal meter, one long exposure and one more frame to the side where a rainbow had appeared. I used ILFORD XP2 super because I think it’s a fantastically versatile film with excellent latitude. As the clouds where so fast moving I wanted to see what a long exposure would result in.
Did you come across any challenges?
During the 4 ½ minute exposure the storm arrived at my location and the final 2 minutes I had to try and guard the camera from the high wind and hail. I wasn’t sure if the image would remain sharp.
What process did you use (Tripod? Set exposure time? Filters?)
I used a tripod, cable release, 10 stop ND filer and a red filter. I used a phone app to get a basic exposure and then another app for the filters and reciprocity.
How did you process it?
I used a lab to process the film, ILFORD XP2 is great as it is a C41 processed film and any lab can process it. The lab also scanned the negatives for me and the image was lightly edited in Lightroom. Just a little contrast and a very light vignette. Nothing more than what I would have done in a traditional darkroom.
What about printing?
I am yet to print the shot, I'd love to print it in a darkroom, like I used to but I don’t have the means these days.
Image © David Jones
About The Author
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David Jones
David Jones has been a professional photographer for 22 years, he is a professional corporate and event photographer that is based in the North West England.
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