Feeling the Bokeh?

Ken Rockwell often has interesting (if controversial articles).  But feeling the Bokeh is not controversial.  I'd actually never thought about this, but how does your lens render the out of focus areas of an image?

After some examination my preliminary appraisal is the My Rollei has the best Bokeh:

Out of focus areas are soft focus and not harsh or contrasty.

I really should use this camera more, so I've decided to make it my dedicated Caffenol camera.

Road to London Mine

Mosquito Range, near Mt Bross.........

Welcome New Blogger Friends!

We finally reached that magic number!  I always send out a special greeting to new friends on decadal increments:

From my 'lost rolls' recently scanned a beautiful Stamp Mill near Mt Bross, Mosquito Range, Colorado.

Back at the Gallery, Soon?

Before my illness I used to be an active member of a local arts coop.  Hoping to get back to this in the Spring:

Fern Valley #2: Another View.......

Same water, new perspective.........

Fern Valley #1: Silky Waters......

From Rocky Mountain National Park.

Keeping it Real For Black History Month

As some people ponder whether "OUR" interests will be maintained in the New Egypt.  I have to say that seeing a people achieve real FREEDOM is worth the risk.........

Slave Jail at the Underground Railrood Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio:

This building was found inside a tobacco drying barn in Kentucky.  Why the barn was built around it no one remembers.

Slave Jails were used as holding places while transporting Slaves to auction.

More Signs of the Times........

A favorite sign from Idaho Springs, Colorado:

And other 'Signs of the Times'.  Also some intriguing signs found Here.

Night Moves: Ice Sculpture

We didn't make it to Breckenridge this year, but I hadn't shown anything from last year's event..........

Turns out the sculptures photograph best at night.

Castlewood Canyon

With just enough clouds to make the red filter work...........

Caffenol: Oh my God it works!

If you have ever heard that B&W film can be devveloped in Coffee, well, yes it can!  And I've tried it, although not with the best results.  But try again I will..............


I started with some Rollei Retro 400.  Don't remember why I had it, so why not try a film I don't care about first.  Load it in the Holga so I won't be 'wasting' a roll of 35mm 36 exp.  Shoot in a day and try developing.  Follow this link for a History of Caffenol, also a great resource.  He has really worked on the the details of the technique.

One of my neighbor's gardens

As you may notice a major problem with Caffenol can be fogging.  Regardless of using KBr, the best results are obtained be using a fog resistant film such as TMAX.  I'll try that next.

A local tree up close.....

Fences

Another problem you can see is uneven development. 

But I think Caffenol definitely fits into my world of experimental photography and alternative processes.  Although my love affair with high speed films may or may not be compatible with Caffenol.

Are you ready for Caffenol?

Is this Photography?

I pose the question is a scanned image a photographic process?  My photo influence, Don Anderson, would say YES!

 What's your opinion?

Fences.........

Fences in the snow was the subject of one of the blogs I follow.  Sorry they don't have a subject list.  But if you pick through you'll find 6 or more Fences......

Near Winter Park, Colorado

Best of the Blog 2010 Update

Best of the Blog has been Updated.  No clear winner this year, although Volcanoes had the most comments followed closely by Holga/Plastic Cameras.

I will be updating my website all month and will post notices for specific page updates.

Serious B & W: Mechanics

Enough Color for a while.  Let's move back to the main theme of this Blog:  Serious B & W:

You'll find that I love old mechanical devices........

Gears, probably from a water pump?

Waldorf Mining District, Near Argentine Pass