Having already had one go at this, I got out again this week with a view to getting some proper shots for the postcard element of this project. This time I used my old Canon with a zoom lens, 18 – 135mm, to give a bit more flexibility that was offered by my Leica and 50mm set-up. Interestingly enough, whilst I expected to be using longer focal lengths, it looks as if more shots worked out at around 35mm. Set at ISO 125 and f/16 throughout, the other interesting thing is that the exposures were all quite long, around 1/40s, despite the very bright sunshine (it was a really hot afternoon!) but I had already made the decision to use a tripod to maintain uniformity of point of view. From my experience to date of the 4×5 camera I think I will wait for a slightly more overcast day. The film that I use seems to work better in flatter light: if it is too bright the lighter areas tend to wash out and be over-exposed. (I could use a ND grad filter but I have not had enough practice with them on this camera to feel comfortable and confident yet.)
Having decided after the first shoot to drop the war memorial I have added a couple more sites instead. There is another pair of shops (butcher and dress hire – what a combination, but it is that sort of village!) that I would have liked to include, or at least try out, but unfortunately there is almost always a car or other vehicle parked in front that gets in the way, as was the case the other day. I nevertheless feel that I have enough subjects for present purposes now.
Here are the contact sheets from this latest shoot. The next step will be to select the final views and make them into postcards. (I think I will have to Photoshop out the lady in pink in front of the convenience store.)
Mark Robinson's OCA Landscape, Place & Environment Blog 