I love the mood of this photo. As I studied it more, my curiosity is aroused. The shadows would indicate the sun is fairly low to the left and somewhat behind you. Either early morning or late afternoon. I can't figure out how the sky above the buildings turned out so much brighter than the sky higher up, considering where the sun is. Could you tell us a bit more about this photo?
You are right, the sun was setting to the west, to the left of me...I do not know why the sky right above the buildings is brighter. I like taking photos in black and white but mine always seem to be pretty stark black and white, clouds very rarely show up, I figure it is something I am doing wrong but I don't know how to fix yet. ??? On the day I went up there, it is northwest of me, the sky was very clear, hardly any clouds at all that day. This was also at the beginning of spring...May I think, and the sun was already starting to set about 6:30 - 7pm instead of 4 or 5 pm. I don't know if that can make a difference either...the sun was still setting either way. Mountains in that area too. I can't think of anything else, trying to remember everything that day that might be of help. Wish I knew, but honestly can't say as I am still fairly new at this.
Betty
"When you aim for perfection you discover it is a moving target".
I checked out "Old Bldg, Deaver, WY" and I see what you mean. I guess I'm going to have to pay more attention to "other" areas of the sky at sunset to see if I can understand this. I don't have enough experience at B&W film to be of any help.
Bill
Me too, new I mean. I do have a polarizer on order but have been waiting for a while to get it. I should call and see if it has come in yet. I haven't checked since last week. From what I understand it might help. Almo??? Can't the light (white) in the bldgs blow it out a little too?
"When you aim for perfection you discover it is a moving target".
clouds tend to show up more when you use a red filter. It makes the sky darker. It also helps to burn in the sky (if you develop your own prints) longer to bring them out. I usually use a red filter when it's bright out because it makes everything pop and takes out some of the contrast. The only problem then, is that you have to use slower shutter speeds. If you find your pictures are too contrasty, it could be that you're not developing the film for the correct amount of time. The temperature ties into that because the colder the water, the more time you need to develop and the same thing as it gets warmer. Although, 68 degrees is what it should be at. You also have to deal with temperature when you make your prints. If it's too cold, the print will have more contrast, if it's too warm, not enough. The ratio of water to developer in your tray and the filters in the enlarger all tie into it as well. So, there are a lot of different factors in how the finished product turns out. Im assuming you were discussing film cameras. If not, then disregard my rambling post.
I wish I developed them myself. I don't. We are talking about a film camera tho, so you were on the right track!
"When you aim for perfection you discover it is a moving target".
I like taking photos in black and white but mine always seem to be pretty stark black and white, clouds very rarely show up, I figure it is something I am doing wrong but I don't know how to fix yet. ??? On the day I went up there, it is northwest of me, the sky was very clear, hardly any clouds at all that day. This was also at the beginning of spring...May I think, and the sun was already starting to set about 6:30 - 7pm instead of 4 or 5 pm. I don't know if that can make a difference either...the sun was still setting either way. Mountains in that area too. I can't think of anything else, trying to remember everything that day that might be of help. Wish I knew, but honestly can't say as I am still fairly new at this. 