Bodie: Mining Belt Photo

Photographer’s Note

This is a closeup of a metal belt, part of the abandoned mining equipment found all over Bodie. I'm not sure what this one did, but there was a huge coil of it wound up on a spindle, with this part hanging over. I was more interested in the abstract image it formed than in what it might once have been used for.

Technical: In RAW, sharpened. In CS3, minor Curves.

jwmunro trouve(nt) cette note utile

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zmey (7282) 2009-06-15 10:23 [Comment]

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serp2000 (9637) 2009-06-15 11:05

Privet, Dan,
Good minimalist shot with fine sharpness.
Original idea!
Serghei

jwmunro (6373) 2009-06-15 12:21

Hello Dan -

This is very abstract to say the least. I like this a lot! I think the rusted metal drum that the cable or belt is laying on adds a very nice touch. The completely black BG makes the rusted mining remnants stand out and allows the viewer to focus on the details of the cable - the twist of the cable and the rust/dirt among the twists. The specular highlights off the cable also help this image shine. If I could give more than two smilies I would, it is worth it.

Did you investigate a B&W conversion for this? It might work with the monochrome nature of the scene.

Thank you for sharing.

John

ronners (10) 2009-06-16 16:24

Hi Dan,

I'm not sure how easy this will be to take, but the quality of your composition is much better than the quality of your equipment. I'm struggling to find any sharp part of this image - the flat metal has some detail but there is a lot of sharpness fall off in the top right and lower left hand corners (which I wouldn't normally expect at that focal length) and the cabling is particularly flat. I think it may be a good time to upgrade to better glass my friend.

Ron.