Black and White Prints

Test Strip 

Exposure time = 5,10,15,20,25 seconds

Aperture = f/2.8

Magenta dial = 0

           

Forgotten Factory
The photo shows the derelict remains of an old, industrial building; a huge contrast from an area where business was once thriving.
I considered the rule of thirds when taking this photo to achieve an effective outcome. The building fills about 2/3 of the space. I like the fact that the photo captures the texture of the flaking paint and crumbling brickwork and shows the exposed joists and boarded up windows and doorways.
To print this photo, I set the exposure time to 28 seconds and the aperture at f/2.8. I set the magenta dial to 85 to create a higher contrast image. I then used the dodge technique to shade the building section so that I could allow the sky area to have a further 10 seconds exposure with the magenta dial at 0; this made the sky part darker to finalise the image.

Test Strip

Exposure time = 2,4,6,8,10 seconds

Aperture = f/5.6

Magenta dial = 0

 Graffiti Doorway
The photo shows vandalised doors covered in graffiti tags. The local council have failed to clean up this doorway, creating a negative impact and a rundown, scruffy appearance in the surrounding area.
I took this photo with the doors slightly off centre to create an effective composition. The photo captures the texture of the old, peeling poster and the crumpled leaves. The large, white graffiti lettering is the lightest element of the image; this makes it appear more prominent, clearly highlighting the issue of vandalism in the area.
To make this print, I set the exposure time to 4 seconds and the aperture at f/5.6. I set the magenta dial at 30 for a higher contrast image.

Test Strip

Exposure time = 2,4,6,8,10 seconds

Aperture = f/5.6

Magenta dial = 0

Grim Reality

The photo reveals the peeling paint, disintegrating brickwork and exposed metal girders of an old, derelict industrial building. This decaying structure is an eyesore for local residents and visitors.

I like the variety of textures that can be seen on the building’s surface. I took the photo from a low level looking upwards to create an interesting, side viewpoint shot.

To print this photo, I used the exposure time of 5 seconds, set the aperture at f/5.6 and set the magenta dial at 10 for an increased contrast.

Test Strip

Exposure time = 2,4,6,8,10 seconds

Aperture = f/5.6

Magenta dial = 0

Rubble Remains

The photo shows a neglected site of high-climbing weeds, heaps of brick rubble and broken sign fragments at the foot of some steps. I took this photo to portray that parts of the town are rundown, unkempt and in need of attention.

The camera moved slightly as the photo was being taken, resulting in a blurred shot. I think this complements the negative meaning that the photo is trying to symbolize. I think the signs jump out of the image as their light tones contrast with the darker tones of the other elements in the picture.

I printed this photo at a 5 second exposure time, at aperture f/5.6 with the magenta dial set at 30 for a higher contrast. I then applied the burning technique on the signs for a further 5 seconds.

Test Strip

Exposure time = 2,4,6,8,10 seconds

Aperture = f/5.6

Magenta dial = 0.

 

 The Abandoned Mill

Decaying brickwork, crumbling cement and boarded up windows are all that remain of this fragile structure which was once ‘Cranfield Flour Mill’. The photo is a harsh reminder of the closing down of businesses, resulting in a rise in unemployment.

I think the photo is striking due to the unusual viewpoint. The central pillar forms a diagonal line which draws the viewers eye up and through the image. The holes in the brickwork intrigue the viewer and they wonder what is inside.

To create this print, I set the exposure time to 7 seconds, the aperture at f/5.6 and kept the magenta dial at 0.