It certainly has been an interesting week. A lot going on and a lot of ground to cover on the blog. The only unfortunate thing is that I didn't take advantage of the beautiful weather to get out shooting climbers today.

Quick note: Amie has been having trouble sending outgoing mail from home on her laptop with OSX Leopard 10.5.7 (?) I think. Not sure why it is happening, but a quick solution seems to be setting a custom port for the outgoing server of 25.

On distribution of the new book:

We may be having a party? I wasn't really planning on a proper book launch but it is a vague idea. Regardless, it seems very likely that we will be selling the book through the Rhode Island Rock Gym (and possibly Rock Spot in Boston). The books are on the way now so things should be happening soon.

Riva
Deborah Harrington over at Riva Salon + Fitness had her opening party this past week. We designed the logo (over at isquared). This is a quick pic taken when Amie went in for a hair appointment. The salon is over on Mineral Spring Ave. in North Providence if you want to check it out.

Hey guys/girls,

I've had a chance to work on the proof and I anticipate putting up something within the next day or two. I'll post it on the facebook site and here. So, checkback soon!

Best,
James

P.S. This photo isn't in the book... but it just reminded me: don't try to boulder to impress the girls.

note: I may be getting stingy with posting photos - so I went the opposite direction in this post. I showed a bit more of shot "sequences." Also - I'm embracing facebook. So, Please consider becoming a fan - I'd appreciate it.

The day after my aunt passed away I took an all day trip to Pawtuckaway state park w/ a crew of people I know through the Rhode Island Rock Gym and Rockspot. Getting up at 4:45am to go anywhere is a bit of a stretch for me. But, seeing as I didn't have to do the driving I was sitting pretty. Upon reflection I was worn out emotionally and tired physically, so a bit of time in the woods doing something I love was just what I needed.

Amie dropped me at RIRG, Nikki drove us to Rockspot, and Nick drove us to and from Pawtuckaway. Not too shabby.





I was trying out Fujifilm Pro 400h for only the second time. I had acquired some short-date in anticipation of a particular project that didn't quite materialize. If you look at Jose Villa or Jonathan Canlas (both killer wedding photographers - both film shooters - both sponsored by Fujifilm) They get a great look out of the Fujifilms. Jose Villa says part of his process is to overexpose by a stop or two. So, while I was fooling around I gave this practice a go as well.

I have to say I have never been enamored with Fuji negative films. I don't know what it is. I love fujichrome. But, fuji negative film has its own color characteristics that have never gotten along with me. Something cool/green about them. But, looking at other people work with the same stock they get killer images. So, it may just be me.

It is an interesting film that looks better overexposed by a stop or two. This would suggest to me that it is overrated as to the actual ISO. But, in truth I think it just softens the color palette a fair bit. It turns out I really like the look for wedding work - not so much for my own bouldering work.

I like shadows. Shadows define the edges of people and objects - both critical in bouldering. Where as weddings seem to be about soft, light, airy imagery, Ryan (currently rep'ing locally for Mamut) commented that my images are dark. I hope he doesn't mean underexposed. But, dark they may be. I am not trying to portray bouldering in the same light (not a pun - I actually mean it) as weddings are portrayed.

Film reacts in a non-linear way to light. Just like tape in audio recording there is a shoulder (I can't find a good simple explanation of a shoulder on a curve to link to). This means that you don't blow out highlights as quickly as a linear response digital system would. Thus highlights and shadows are captured differently. In digital you tend to expose for the highlight, where in film you expose for the shadow.

Anyway, back to climbing. It was a great escape. I needed a break after an emotionally trying time. I got to celebrate and make some new friends. I also ate some tasty - really good - pulled pork for dinner at the Texas ... Texas something or other. Longhorn Grill? I don't remember. Aside from the line-dancing and the birthday saddle I would recommend it.

So, I will have to get up there again. Maybe next time in the snow.

A different technical note. I had a number of shots with blown edges from light leaks. Apparently Fujifilm 400H loads slightly differently than other films I have used in 220. I think the leader is a bit stiffer. So, make sure you really squeeze on the leader at the beginning of the role. All in all, a good experiment but I like my tried and true a bit more. I will master this 400H yet.

These pics can all be blown up to a very large size - so the 600x600 pixel image may not really capture the ultimate impression the pics would make when printed larger. Unusually for me I actually shot with two lenses this time (as opposed to one fixed prime).

Don't steal the photos please. Always ask.

I'm embracing facebook. So,

Please consider becoming a fan - I'd appreciate it.

- James