Big contrast range, not entirely controllable by ND grads, so I pulled out the QL Fuji Pro160S to see how it fared. I like the results and shall be using more in similar situations.
Hengistbury Head certainly brings back the memories for me -- it was our usual day out as a kid. Once we spent a week's holiday in those chalets, probably late 1960s or early 1970s. Happy days!
It is a disappointing fact that the older huts with their accumulated character are being replaced by brightly coloured anodyne modern ones as the owners try to play keep up with the Loaded-Jones'. Solar panels are the norm...... and very ugly they are too! What is wrong with a bit of hardship/character building austerity so that the kids can appreciate luxury in later life?
EEEEEE by 'eck, the towels we 'ad when we was kids were rougher than sandpaper......
I find it facinating that you see in black and white and colour and often wonder how you decide which to use, especially as this image would work equaly well in both mediums. Thats a rare talent you have and I'm envious.
Shame about the solar panels. I remember it was fairly basic when we went.
We used to catch a rowing boat over onto the head and then they had a little road train to take you about. Finally, on the way home we'd always have some cockles with loads of vinegar! Haven't been back there since the late 70s or early 80s.
I tend not to think too conciously about how/why I use both colour and B+W and go through phases of what I shoot. I go out with an open mind about and react to the conditions. One of my better Forset photos was made when I had gone out trying to make some B+Ws, struggled horrendously and then saw this glorious scene so reached for the Velvia! Some images just don't work in B+W and others have potential for both. With the 5x4 set up, a simple change of filtration allows the image to be made on both film types, so i can decide at home which I prefer. Composition is the same (am I just lazy here) as the relationship between the spaces and shapes are balanced on the GG. An extra 1 or 2 sheets of film might feel extravagent to some, but having gone to the effort of finding an image and setting up the shot properly, I am easily persuaded to give it a go. I suppose that 10% of my shots fall in to this category.
In terms of determining factors, I tend not to shoot B+W where similar toned colours definging the shapes. If the light is grey and lifeless, the B+W generally gets preference over the colour film, unless there are some nice detail shots to be obtained.
Mike, The ferry now has a motor, the land train is going strong, but I prefer to use my bike to get there save time. So far I have avoided the cockles.... but might give it go next time I am there.