Say a Little Prayer - Christopher Belham

Interior of San Miniato al Monte Church in Florence. (That's My Mum in the front row in case you didn't spot her).

Camera:	Contax G2
Lens:	Carl Zeiss Hologon 16mm f/8
Film:	Ilford HP5
Exposure:	f/8 about 8 seconds
Flash:
Support:
Filter:	no
Adjustment:
Posted:	02-Mar-2006

Rating: 8.20 (5 ratings)

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Comments

I am happy

to find an other person that he uses the black & White. Take pictures with B&W means to concentrate itself on the essential things, on the form and the light, without the distraction of the color. B&W is the essence of the image. IMHO Franco

Franco Del Conti     04-Mar-2006 at 01:19

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Happiness shared

Hi Franco Thanks for your appreciation. Given the title and subject of this image, it is probably most appropriate to say that I have a CONFESSION to make to you: I am an entire novice with B+W film. This is only the third B+W film I have ever taken (the first two were total disasters and it was only through being inspired by pictures like yours on the Contax G page that I persevered, believing in the same merits in this medium that you describe).With regard to this image specifically, Providence (Divine Intervention?) must have played a role in the end result, which I was very pleasantly surprised by. It was really an experiment (like all my pictures!) as not only was I unfamiliar with B+W, but also with using the “B” exposure setting and the electronic cable release. Plus I was lucky no-one entered this busy church by the back door during the long exposure, especially as it was a Sunday! I shall certainly be using B+W more often now I feel I am getting more rewarding results back. The irony of this story is that my Mother in the picture is always saying she just doesn’t understand how anyone would want to take print film, let alone B+W in this digital age. I will forward your comments to her with pleasure!

Christopher Belham     04-Mar-2006 at 04:54

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