Charles;
Well, your fear has come true.
I'm no expert on Ansel's life or his photos. But his work has
definitely had an impact on me. His book trio (Camera, Negative, Print)
is as good as anything that I've seen on those subjects. His grasp of
the technique and the technical is outstanding. And his results speak
for themselves. Even if some would call them just more mountain
pictures, as I've heard some do.
Your exposure/development method will work, but the zone system is much
more precise and predictable. I wish I had been able to take a workshop
with Adams. I have done workshops with a couple of his better known
students, and these guys are phenomenal photographers in their own
right. Their respect for Adams and his methods is oft repeated.
The downside is, Ansel has made it extrememly difficult to make a good,
original B&W photograph in my favorite photo destination, Yosemite.
George
Charles Loeven wrote:
>
> <<Yup, they are quite inspirational. Other places to view them is Best
> Studio
> in Yosemite Valley, CA and the Wilderness Society headquarters in
> Washington,
> D.C. For a real treat, read a biography on Ansel, like Nancy Newhall's
> Eloquent Light, then view the old family snapshots at Best's Studio, then
> sit
> on the front porch. One can almost see Virginia Best and Ansel in their
> courtship years. (Nope I wasn't on drugs). It was simply a very moving
> visit
> after so many years of studying his life and teaching photography students
> about him.>>
>
> I fear we are going to start an Ansel Adams thread with this but here goes.
> As much as I admire Adams and his work as a photographer and a savior of
> National Parks , I don't care much for following his techniques.
> Now don't read that wrong, I do believe in his zone system and all that.
> I just would not want to do it myself. Or maybe I am just not talented
> enough!
>
> If you do your own processing of B&W, Just expose for the shadows and
> develop for the highlights. If you bracket a little you would have it.
> (easy in 35mm)
> "
> Much of his effect was created in the darkroom. Look at "Moonlight over
> ......."
> (I forgot the town) it was in the exhibit. That sure wasn't a straight
> print.
>
> Can you imagine Ansel Adams bracketing 2 shots under and 2 shots over with
> an
> 8x10 Deardorf? He would have needed another mule to carry the extra film
> holders!
>
> Charlie
>
> Charles Loeven
> cpl49@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
george :>)
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