I postponed posting this photo because I was planning on scanning it in. In the end, after tirelessly postprocessing the scanned photo, I opted for the digital version. I had forgotten how difficult, annoying, and unrewarding scanning film is. Not to be badmouthing film, as it does have it's distinct advantages. I just prefer the ease and speed of digital, especially when I have neither the time nor tallent to make film look as good as digital. I have included the film version for comparison. Note: they are quite similar, but there are some noticable differences. You might have to look closely (putting them side by side or something) in order to see them.
the comparison:
The digital version is clearer and more defined, with a more prominent even gradient. At least in the upper portions of the photo, I prefer the smoothness and color/boldness of the gradient in the digital shot. The film version isn't without it's advantages, however. The background in the film version is more even with better lighting near the bottom of the frame. There is also some fringing on the spikes in the far lower right corner of the digital shot, whereas the film version displays only mild blurring. It did take me a whlie to decide after I got them both the way I wanted them, but I preffer the clartity and sharpness of the digital shot. The decision has since grown on me.
I have some black and white shots coming, though I can't guarantee if they'll be any good. Hopefully they will provide a break from the everpresent nature photos and allow me to yet again display my experimentation.
categories: desert nature
May 11th, 2005 at 5:05 AM
Great Perspective. the gradient from the bottom right to the top Left is Superb. :)
May 11th, 2005 at 5:24 AM
Tough decision between the two. I love them both. I think I even like how the film version doesn't fade to almost like a "white" towards the bottom right.. Either way.. They're both good.
May 11th, 2005 at 6:03 AM
Woah. Send that in to the postcard company. I love the gradient background. You might want to take out that little black spot at the top of the cactus. What time of day did you take this?
May 11th, 2005 at 7:15 AM
Wow. Excellent perspective! The gradient sky provides a lovely backdrop.
May 11th, 2005 at 7:38 AM
The light on this cactus is truly beautiful.
May 11th, 2005 at 7:40 AM
absolutely amazing! The lighting and color is perfect!!
May 11th, 2005 at 7:46 AM
Wow, this is a great photo. The fact that you shot it in digital and film rules. You're talented dude!
May 11th, 2005 at 8:33 AM
amazing shot ryan. the perspective is perfect... and that sky is sick.
May 11th, 2005 at 8:54 AM
Amazing! I really like this. What time of day was it?
May 11th, 2005 at 10:45 AM
Majestic. Gorgeous. Perfect.
May 11th, 2005 at 1:22 PM
I too love the gradient background. I keep having a feeling that the photo is oversaturated, however I don't know exactly why.
Another great shot ;)
Oh, and I just now found out that your number 27 on the "hot photoblogs" list, congrats!
May 11th, 2005 at 2:08 PM
Thanks for all your comments!
Mark: Saturation is perhaps too much, I don't know. I actually had to desaturate the film version if it makes you feel any better. ;)
Michael: It was twilight (6:28 PM) according to the exif data listed above. ;)
Miklos: Yes the gradient is of better quality in the film version. If i would have posted it instead of the digital photo, that would have been why.
Concerning ratings: I've been moving around on the hot photoblogs list; one day it's 20, the next is 37. It is noteworthy to mention (maybe) that I am 362nd in the photoblogs.org rankings. Between 500 and 250 there aren't a lot of difference between favorites, so it's easy to move up through there, but once you get into the 200's they get further apart. That also mans that moving from 500 to 350 in several days isn't really a big deal. ;) Thanks again for your support!
May 11th, 2005 at 3:18 PM
The low-angle light and the deep, deep blue of the sky are beautiful.
May 11th, 2005 at 6:05 PM
ryan man, you really are shooting some superb work. The light on this is just stunning. I dont get to see these things for real being on the wrong side of the pond, and everytime I see those clear skies I get a little jealous when I stare up a dull grey skies loaded with light polution over here.......ooohh for some night shots out in the desert.....my left arm.....looks like a trip to scotland is going to be a must this summer :) cheers mate ;)
May 11th, 2005 at 10:06 PM
Speaking of great lighting!
May 11th, 2005 at 10:10 PM
I like the your presentation of the digital version quite a bit better. You mention that you desaturated the film version, so I should mention that, before reading the comments, I first noticed the lack of vibrant orange color as being one of the main differences.
It's a very nice shot, quite pleasing. It's one of those shots where I think it would work even better if shot with a high-quality digicam to capture the increased depth of field (and therefore better definition of the upper section).
That's not to take anything away from the shot- it's definitely a good one.
May 11th, 2005 at 10:53 PM
wow! brilliant colour and vignetting... great capture.
May 12th, 2005 at 12:06 AM
Hmmmm.. this looks familiar. ;-)
This came out really well!
May 12th, 2005 at 12:07 AM
You really hae a winner here, Ryan! I have always found it very hard to make convincing shots of saguaros but the angle and perspective solve the problem beautifuilly and of course the light is quite magical. I like my cacti "warts and all" so I'd leave in the black spot!
May 12th, 2005 at 12:23 AM
great colors, perspective and gradient.
and yes, digital cameras are, by far, better than film cameras at least for the web and maybe low-res prints too.
hope we can see your b&W experiments soon ;)
May 12th, 2005 at 12:44 AM
brilliant!!!
I like the the dramatism of this shot.
I'm adding you to my favs.
May 12th, 2005 at 1:44 AM
I really like the elongation of this shot. Also the lighting on the cactus.
May 12th, 2005 at 2:54 AM
Wow. This is stunning. Great perspective and superb color saturation.
Thanks for your comments at my blog. Very glad you stopped by, since it led me to your blog. You've got some wonderful stuff here. I'll be back. :)
May 12th, 2005 at 7:55 AM
This is great Ryan. I love to see colors that are compliments of each other. The oranges and blues really work well together here. Awesome.
May 12th, 2005 at 9:32 AM
Fantastic...stunning colors...!!!
May 12th, 2005 at 6:03 PM
You were right..the gradient is much better at the digital one.
It's interesting how the sun lit the cactus from the left, yet on the left side the sky is darker :)
May 12th, 2005 at 10:51 PM
stunning and monumental, this appears hundreds of feet tall. beautiful color and texture.
May 14th, 2005 at 1:23 AM
calendar shot. perfect!!