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Susan's Bottle

© John H. Siskin

Susan's Bottle

Uploaded: October 05, 2006

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Comments

Lonnie M. Scott September 26, 2008

WOW...so simple and unique. I really like the background gradient colors. Well done!! #1005800

John H. Siskin September 26, 2008

Hi Lonnie & Christine
This image was made with a 4X5 film camera and I had a few tricks that I don’t seem to be able to use with digital. For instance this image was made with two exposures on the same piece of film. The first is the exposure outside the window. I did this by using a Kodak slide projector to make the image outside of the window. I projected the image onto tracing paper, which was behind the window. After I exposed this I put down Duvateen cloth over the tracing paper so that it wouldn’t reflect light into the rest of the shot. I also made the spot on the bottle with another Kodak slide projector; these projectors can make good lighting tools. There is also a large light source to provide openness in the rest of the shot. The other thing that makes this shot unique is that I assembled the lens from old Kodak close up filters. I used to use these hand made lenses with view cameras frequently. They provide me with the ability to have very soft highlights while maintaining reasonable sharpness in the mid tones and the shadows. Modern lenses are optimized for sharpness and detail, but that is not always the best way to approach a subject.

Lighting is like writing a story: if you have good tools and understand how to use them you can create a powerful image with a strong emotional pull.

Thanks so much for your interest in my image. John Siskin
#6517876

Laura E. Swan level-classic September 26, 2008

Hi John!
Nice to see you posting. There is a feel to this shot that I like. A mood. Very intriguing! I think you achieved your desired effect! Well done! -Laura #6518361

John H. Siskin September 26, 2008

Hi Laura,
I’ve been busy. Shooting a lot of construction. The mood in this shot is achieved by the way the lens interacts with the light. I really enjoyed building lenses. I hope to do some more work with the 4X5 and these lenses soon.
Thanks, John Siskin
#6518452

Sherry McClead September 27, 2008

Wow with the colors and the glass at first I thought it was Laura... not a surprise she found it before me... the soft light and focus are dreamy...that was my first word... dreamy... is there a gennie in there?? Is that where you got all your cool equipment?

Your stuff always gives so much to think about... thank you so much for sharing with us.

Sherrybear :} #6518691

John H. Siskin September 27, 2008

Hi Sherry,
Most of the tools I use tools I already had, slide projectors for instance. I saw someone using a little spot light to light a cup, and wanted to find a way to make small controlled spot lights. I realized that I already had a tool that could do this: the Kodak Slide Projector!
Thanks, John Siskin
#6520537

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