About My Image Making: While I have been around photography for quite some time, it is only in the past few years that I have zeroed in on the type of image making that I wish to pursue. My interest today is mostly in attempting to find the art in monochrome. This is not to say that I do not create color images, in that I do go for those. My general philosophy is to search for what I believe is the photographer’s holy grail: the great composition. From there the effort should be for the best possible image I can make given the composition from the scene I wish to work with. That could be color or black and white.

Because I tend to seek out scenes (and their best compositions) that lend themselves to black and white, it is understandable that most of my work is in that mode. I have read that quite a few professional landscape photographers set their camera up so as to see black and white in the view finder or lcd screen. As I understand it, that helps them visualize their scene in the best way possible --- given their intent to create a monochrome image. I tried that for several months; nevertheless, to be honest, it was just not working for me. I find that is ok, since I am trying for the best image for that scene, be it color or black and white.

In line with my goal to maximize the quality of the image at hand, I shoot in raw format. From there I have the flexibility to work the data so as to generate the image as best as I can. I have heard of some very talented photographers that prefer to get it right in the camera from the very start and shoot in jpeg format. I admire that. But, I have to confess that I do not have that sort of expertise and skill to bring the in-the-camera-jpeg process off.

Behind the Scenes: Over the years, I have used various cameras, which include Nikon, Pentax, Yashica, and lately Fuji. Today I exclusively use a Fuji medium format setup, consisting of the Fuji GFX 50Sii paired usually with their 35-70mm F4.5 - 5.6 lens. In the near future I plan to add a few more Fuji lenses to my kit, such as the yet-to-be released GF 20-35 zoom. To support my camera and lens, I deploy an FLM CP30-S4 II tripod paired with an FLM CB-43FT II head. For times when I do long exposures, I enjoy using the Firecrest Ultra/Pro Joel Tjintjelaar Signature Edition 100mm Long Exposure Kit. That kit includes 3, 6, and 10 stop ND filters, along with a circular polarizer. To carry my setup around I have a Shimoda Explore V2 25 pack.

As alluded to in my first post above, I normally shoot at f11 in raw format, exposing to the right a bit so as to maximize usage of the Fuji camera sensor. From there I convert the images to TIFF format after applying several standard adjustments such as lowering the highlights and bringing up the shadows. It is at this point where I convert to black and white within Photoshop. I am a disciple and student of the processes and tools from Joel Tjintjelaar’s BW Vision Pro X 2022 software. Additionally, I like to use Silver Efex Pro 3 out of the Nik Collection. For black and white images, I might create an adequate number of selections that serve as the foundation for dodging and burning critical areas of the image so as to add depth and promote visual interest. In my mind, the name of the game is to present a pleasing visual journey for the viewer however it is done.