Monday Snow

Deceptively simple and great composition. I like the muted lighting/tones too.

quite impressive tonality and dramatic composition ....

this is a very serene, calming image. I would like to know the agitation routine and development time if you would care to share.
Dan

Sure thing Dan,

Rodinal 1+50 for 60 minutes. I have used 1+100 for similar results, but with perhaps a little less density. I agitated for 10 seconds at the start of development, 10 seconds after 20 minutes, and 10 seconds after 40 minutes.
The temperature was kept around 21 degreesC.

I've done the same procedure with a single agitation after 30 minutes, but on my last attempt ended up with bromide drag - hence the additional tank twisting. The negs look quite similar, and fact I still had processing problems.... seems the reels were a little scummy.

Quite often I use the process when I am unsure of my metering technique or where images have been made under different lighting conditions. Increase the time to 90 minutes, increase the dilution, play with the temperature.... the results just seem 'right' regardless.

Cheers,
Ciaran

Wow Ciaran, this is sublime indeed! Just stunningly beautiful.

very beautiful shot, the contrast between the bark and the tree really makes this image come alive. i am sure your developing method had alot to do with that. thanks for sharing your developing procedure i will have to give it a try myself................frank

Ciaran your picture carries terrific impact with it. I'm wondering what is the deciding factor in opting for long development times?

Cheers
Vincent

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Vincent: there is no single decider, but rather a combination of micro contrast and what seems like an extended tonal range as a result. I'm not really someone who goes in for technical discussions, scientific measurements or unrequired complications - but having tested the process out of curiosity, I have found the little extra effort involved produces results I am most happy with.

There is no 'silver bullet', but the procedure works for me.

If you are after a technical explanation of how it works, I am not the one to ask - but a quick search on 'stand development' or 'semi-stand' will show enough explanations.

Cheers,
Ciaran