Large Format Landscape Photography S2E7: California Desert

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In this weeks video, I return to a familiar location to try and improve on a photograph I made in the previous video. I'm not 100% sure I got the best conditions, but I did make some new photographs from different locations nearby.
Website: www.shanedignum.com
Instagram: / shanedignum

[@132indo]

I like the first shot because the salt river looks more intricate

[@jc-tt9jj]

the last few of the dunes were awesome. I wouldn't mind if the photos were left on the video for longer than they currently are.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll add more time for the photos on the videos going forward.

[@TheThomasites]

​@@shanedignumsince the quality of video isn't near as good as the image, a pan across some of the details as well?

[@ruudmaas2480]

I like them all.

[@shanedignum]

Thank you!

[@kcoxx691]

I like the second picture. Great work

[@RewDowns]

I agree, I like the second composition better. Both amazing shots though!

[@bernardkealey6449]

Another great video, thanks Shane. You’re coming up to first anniversary of the channel, hope you keep enjoying making these for us.

[@shanedignum]

Thank you! Yeah, that year went by quickly. As long as you all keep watching, I'll keep making them. It's a fun creative outlet too.

[@selzzaW]

I definitely agree that the second salt creek shot is better. It's a lot simpler, and the cleaner sky doesn't pull away from the creek.

[@rd7911]

The last two (dune) shots the best! (semi abstract).

[@philipculbertson55]

Opinions on photos, at least for me, changes as I live with them for awhile but for me, I preferred the shot of the creek with the Y shape. I think it had to do more with the fact that the mountain was larger and more inviting to explore. Wonderful videos Shane. I think I heard Ben Horne mention your channel and that is how I found it. Ben's, Chris Darnell, and yours are my favorites. I love the BW dunes shots. Just magnificent.

[@davidbaures1256]

Shane - New subscriber here, glad you make these videos and share your knowledge and journey. Really enjoy seeing the exposures you make, such excellent work. Inspires me to plan a trip and shoot some film. Please keep the videos coming!

[@xijiang2728]

The dune shots are nice.

[@larrylindell1027]

The single s curve minimalist shot was my favorite

[@mdbdoc]

Amazing photos… the first sand dune image was incredible. Holy smokes.

[@shanedignum]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

Another beautiful video in a magnific place, all the photographs are beautiful, the last two photographs are my favourites!!Many thanks, superb work Shane!

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Nat! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@im_filmdude]

Both shots are very attractive, nice work!

[@shanedignum]

Glad you like them!

[@PeterFullen]

Another great video!!

[@shanedignum]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottlowe7667]

Glad you went back and got the shot with the rocks and the moon. Looked great!

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Scott. Funny enough, I still don't think I got it. I might have to return next year. That's how it goes.

[@jonasleeb3455]

Those last shots were amazing! I definitly prefer the shot you took of the salt thing in the morning its amazing as well. As others pointed out i feel like the pictures are not left on screen for long enough to fully appreaciate them.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Jonas! Yeah, I"ll start leaving them on the screen a bit longer. Thanks for the input.

[@eltinjones4542]

Always a pleasure to watch 📷👍

[@shanedignum]

Thanks as always for following along.

[@LarryManiccia]

Really nice images Shane. Glad I stumbled upon your channel. The detail in that second dune image was incredible. Also loved the cleaner second composition of the salt creek with the mountains in the background.

[@bernardkelly235]

I think you're right. The second S-curve does look stronger overall. Looking forward to the pop-top video.

[@shanedignum]

Yeah, I agree. Thanks. I'm looking forward to installing the pop top. It's been a plan for a long time.

[@andrew_nepsund]

Shane, I really enjoy these videos. Photos are phenomenal and I just love the relaxed nature as well as the small tidbits I learn and take away from each one. Can't wait to see you chop the roof off that G wagon! :D

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Andrew! I'm happy to hear that. Slightly nervous about cutting the roof off of my truck, but I think it'll be worth it.

[@robinhope3009]

Enjoy your videos and great photos Shane look forward to the next also like to here your light meter settings a great meter by the way Reg ROB

[@shanedignum]

Thank you. The Pentax spot is a great meter, the only one I've ever used.

[@SD_Alias]

Very beautiful scenery and pictures…

[@dont-want-no-wrench]

those are great. amazing how different it looks on bw film

[@michaeldignum6284]

Every shot looked amazing. But the dunes #1 was my favorite.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Dad!

[@sdkgodeacs]

The morning shot is more compelling, the simpler single curve feature works, but I do love the clouds in the evening shot.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks. I feel the same way. The moon was setting just outside of my composition that morning. That would have been a nice addition.

[@andrewsimpson5436]

Love the dune shot and yes both S shots have a battle going on in the transition but that's maybe just being picky. I'd go with the 2 into the S with the Red filter as a favorite. Thanks for the efforts and bringing us along.

[@shanedignum]

Of course! Thanks for following along.

[@mikebarker9187]

Love your videos and work methods.

[@shanedignum]

Thank you!

[@paulatterby7507]

Great video, very interesting to watch. The second S curve and first dune shot are my favourites, lovely compositions. I occasionally use large format, 5x4 and understand how difficult it can be. I think you have a great lifestyle over there and really envy the freedom to travel off road like that. Nothing like it in the UK.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Paul. I agree with your choices. Those were also my favorite from the trip. Look at the 2nd dune shot again, you'll see a large Penguin head. I thought that was very interesting. My family is from the UK.

[@RandyPollock]

Enjoyed the video as always and the images. Looking forward to your vehicle video hope all goes well with the conversion.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Randy. I hope so too! No turning back once it's cut.

[@Super.Quasar]

Another great video, Shane. I prefer the salt creeks because of green Y curve and especially the quarry in the hillside. . Look forward to seeing you crop the top of your G Wagon. I think I have the same tripod, but I do admire your camera and stop watch.

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Gary! I don't mind either of them. I was hesitant in the field, but the film looks good. Keith Canham makes great cameras. The stopwatch is a Meylan with a 10 second sweep. $40 on Ebay.

[@alfredanheier4779]

Good work, as you usually do. I like that you show your results right after the shot, but you could show them a bit longer, I had to pause the video a few times to get a better look at your shot. The almost abstract sand dunes came out well.

[@shanedignum]

Hi Alfred. Thanks for the suggestion on leaving the photos up a bit longer. You're not the only one to suggest that. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@JimNorman-op1cv]

Those bright mountains and sky might have been knocked down with a neutral density graduated filter allowing the rocks to come up a zone or so. I really like the composition.

[@shanedignum]

Very True! I just don't own Lee colored filters, otherwise I could have stacked an Orange and a 2 stop grad ND. It's on my list. N-1 worked out just fine.

[@crazymightyduck]

Шикарно, пойду сделаю поесть, налью чай и буду смотреть!

[@MichaelWellman1955]

After looking at the scene I was thinking that your sky/mountain would be really blown out or the shadow area really dark but was surprised how well you compressed everything for a wonderful tone image. I love the red filter image, that came out with some beautiful tones across the range. Have you printed these or are these digital images that we are seeing? The second day pics with no clouds were good but I still love the red filter image. The sand dune images were your best (IMO). They were stunning. I'm loving your B&W work. What your thoughts of B&W vs color?

[@shanedignum]

I definitely fall into the N- camp. Produce a less contrasty neg with all the information there and turn up the contrast when printing. These are just quick scans of the film. I love black and white. I've been shooting B&W for a while, this is just my first time digitizing the film. I prefer keeping it 100% analog. Thanks for the thoughtful response. I’m glad you enjoy the photographs.

[@markbloor7649]

great vid shane,as always, hows the darkroom ?

[@shanedignum]

Thanks, Mark! It's currently under 4ft of snow. I'm hoping to make more progress this Spring and come out with an update video.

[@Cone-dq2ie]

哇 好久不见

[@haimtoeg]

always enjoy your videos, and still waiting to see your darkroom.

[@shanedignum]

I know! Once Winter is over, I"ll get back out there and finish up a video.

[@richardstollar4291]

WOW - that's a fantastic stopwatch you have - details please :)

[@shanedignum]

It was a $30 eBay purchase. It was made by Meylan, model 228. My particular stopwatch has a 10 second sweep.

[@gbv360]

Just a question of curiosity. Why sometimes you use a kind of cottom fabric (I dont not know the name of this device) in order to protect and cover. So you cover your head and then figure out something, sorry I cannot explain very well in english. What is the proposal, cause sometimes I realize that you use and sometimes not. Thanks

[@shanedignum]

I believe you're referring to my dark cloth. I use that to compose the image on the ground glass. I use it every photo, it just doesn't always make it into the video.

[@williamhyde7310]

It is so he clearly view the proposed shot which is shown on the glass screen on the back of the camera.