In the ever ending search for new landscapes to photograph I find myself scouring the coastline for hidden coves and areas which are less trodden. This particular scene was taken at Bude during a low tide. The rocks are to the south of Summerleaze beach close to Compass cove.
When I head out to take photographs for the day I tend to take at least 2 cameras with. Generally it will be my Fuji X-Pro1 with an 18mm lens and a film camera. For the last year or so I have taken my Noon pinhole camera with me.
Using both digital and film formats has allowed me to get two very different interpretations of the same scene, each with their own particular look and feel.
Camera: Fuji X-Pro1
Lens: Fuji 18mm (35mm equivalent 28mm)
Aperture: f11
Shutter Speed: 1\250th sec
ISO: 400
Camera: Noon Pinhole (6x6, 6x9 & 6x12 format)
Lens: None
Aperture: f207
Shutter Speed: 6 sec
Film: Fuji Acros 100 (Medium Format)
When it comes to which photograph I prefer I do tend to lean towards the pinhole photograph, I prefer the slow shutter effect and the ethereal atmosphere created by the softness. I dare say my tastes will change over time and when it does I will always have the digital version to fall back on.
If there was one thing I wish I could have done would be to have used a 10 stop filter for the Fuji’s 18mm lens. This would have given me the slow shutter to smooth out the waves whilst maintaining sharp details of the rocks.
There are many choices for a photographer when it comes to attaining a particular look to a photograph. Many effects can be achieved in post production software, however for me this process starts with the camera I choose.