In early 2021 I was challenged by a valued mentor, Laurie J Klein, as to how my vision had changed because of a year in Covid Isolation. Inspired, in part by photographers like Stephen Shore, I decided to move from primarily black and white to color – in particular to change how I “see” and find those images, what is often referred to as Vernacular Photography, that we often walk past without seeing the inherent image.
I decided that I would use a prime lens at 35mm viewpoint and that all images were to be framed in camera at 1:1. This image was created in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in October/November 2021 where I was attending a workshop for “Day of the Dead” with Santa Fe Workshops. I was entranced by the color, texture and architectural details found in many of the buildings.
This image was one of a series where I tried to find the beauty of San Miguel in the details of the city. I was drawn to the colors and the contrast in texture between the upper and lower sections and how the architectural detail divided them. The wire along the upper section was just a bonus for me.
Using a 1:1 format and a prime allows me to take the time to use intent in creating images. I will see something that attracts my eye but until I look into the viewfinder and have an opportunity to move around and frame what I see – when that image appears then it is time to create the image. I still tell myself I’m using film and only have a limited number of exposures so I need to be sure before taking the image. When I process images from this project in LRC, I am applying a Kodachrome film simulation and then increasing contrast and lowering highlights – trying to get closer to a film feel than a pristine digital image
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
The contrast between the upper and lower sections of the image and the architectural detail in the middle. The color is, to me, happy and draws your eye to the image.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
This was taken in mid-afternoon. I would like to have taken images in early morning and then late afternoon to see how the colors change according to the light.
Frederick Fenyvessy shared this photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Frederick Fenyvessy, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Equipment and settings
Fujifilm X-T4 + Fujinon XF23mm F1.4
f/8, 1/45 sec., ISO 800, hand-held
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