With an overcast day here in Oella, I ventured across the street and down the mill race path to my muse: the Patapsco River. I walk the riverbank two to three times a day with my dog. I know the area blindfolded. I run for miles in the extensive park that runs along the river. I wanted to try for some black and white shots. With tree branches stripped of their leaves, a slate grey sky, grey rocks, and brown duff, I had a muted palette to work with. I setup my Gitzo tripod in the water near some rapids and framed a shot. Set the focus. Took a meter reading. Did a custom white balance. Hmmm. Needed something to make it work. Ah! It needed time. As in lots of time. Out came the ten stop ND filter. Out came the polarizer. Out came the remote shutter release. Locked the mirror up, screwed on the now twelve stops of exposure loss and set the remote for 1:30. Now we’re talking.
So, what do you think? Winter in black and white. Does it work for you? Which shot do you like best? Leave a comment with any questions you might have.
.jpg "Patapsco River Rapids 2")
Black and white time exposure of the Patapsco River rapids at Oella, Maryland. ©www.geoffreybakerphotography.com
.jpg "Patapsco River Rapids 1")
Black and white time exposure of the Patapsco River rapids at Oella, Maryland. ©www.geoffreybakerphotography.com
Jim - wow, you made some magic here my friend.