I haven’t actually taken any photographs for almost a year and am currently compiling things and creating an online portfolio (website coming soon) – but I thought I’d post a special photograph to the Quick Shot category.
This photograph has a bit of a story behind it, and some history.
It was 2007 and I was trekking in the Swat Valley, southern Hindu Kush in the North West Frontier Province in Pakistan.
Now, little did I know but a few days after I left war broke out there with the Pakistani Taliban attacking (and blowing up) the hotel and ski resort I was staying at.
The Swat Valley is lush, green and alpine with awe-inspiring vistas – but the people are interesting too. Most people are either Pashtuns (or Pathans) from various tribes, or Kohistani folk (an Indo Aryan people who live further north between Swat, Dir and Chitral)
I had my trusty Contax G2 – which is a super fast Range Finder with superb lenses – and unlike a clumsy Leica you’ll not miss a shot with this. My favourite lens is the Carl Zeiss G Planar T* 45mm f2 and Had it attached.
I had arrived without any Film – and after hours searching I managed to source some in Islamabad Fujifilm HQ – a few rolls of Fuji Sensia 100 which i’m told is a non-Pro version of Fujichrome Provia 100F (and I’m told the Agfafoto CT Precisa is also Provia)
This lad was at the ski slope in Malam Jabba, Swat, and was trying his best to flog me some snacks – visitors were scarce so i don’t blame him for trying – the light was diffused, and quite beautiful with the sun (occluded slightly) low in the sky – he was rabbiting on and on so I set the aperture to f2.8 (the best for this lens) lifted and shot – the meter and focus was nailed – after developing I really liked the slide – and I’ve an approximation with this scan from an Epson 4990.
You are right my Friend: film is fantastic. Really better than digital.
Contax G and Zeiss Contax G lenses are best lenses on earth.
Thanks you so much.
Eric
https://www.eyeem.com/u/saulaire
Thanks again guys
The 45mm Zeiss G Planar had that 3D pop and look when Shot at f2.8 especially.
Someone told me that years ago on the old contaxg site.
Very nice picture. Once I did want to buy the G2 camera with 35mm and 90mm lenses, but I was hesitent, gladly the digital era came to surface. I bought D80 instead. But G2 is a good performer, no doubt about it.
The most interesting areas are often the most dangerous..you were very lucky.
I like the light and the round shape of the basket balances beautifully with the curved shape of the road /fence/wall. Really good shot.
Btw one can’t see much of the basket but I think it’s still how my brains work this composition and make the basket complementary to the curved background.
Can’t let this slip by without saying thanks for posting. It’s well done and a great capture.
Best Regards,
Roger
I didn’t buy any of his snacks – he was an annoying git.
Sometimes the strangers we “take” pictures of find us photographers annoying gits!
Never had the displeasure of being in that situation.
Thanks guys
The 45mm G planar shot at f2.8 gives a 3D pop I haven’t seen with any other lens – it’s the Perfect One Lens – better focal length than a 50mm and so versatile enough for everything.
And the G2 is a legend – I’ve sold all my cameras except for that as it’s better than any I’ve ever had including MF ones – get one and keep it to accompany your digital gear.
I love the picture, perfect composition, colours, perspective, connection with the subject: smile, gesture, eyes, distance / closeness to the viewer… great!
What a 3 D look, very very nice.
simply superb photo, as always !
Still wish I never sold my G2 but I am using the Teacart adapter and the 35mm and 90mm lenses on my A7rii.
TechArt
TechartPro
Beautiful image. (I hope you bought one or more of his snacks from him!)
Very 3D
That’s an amazing capture—perfect lighting, warm colors, and 3d pop. Most of all great subject and composition. It makes me want to go there and meet this guy and see this place.
Love the story AND the pic!