New hardware and rediscovery.
I recently was reissued with a new laptop by my employer. My previous laptop was 4 years old and it was really starting to show its age. It had a really small hard drive by modern standards and was running on an older chip, Intel if I remember correctly. It got to the point where would hunt down large fies and delete them often and regularly. I would also have to quit applications to free up resources frequently. Just turning it on was a ritual that lasted what seemed minutes. Now this current model a Mac Book Pro with an M3 chip feels almost instantaneous and has enough room for me to install any and all applications that intrigue me enough to install them.
In the interim I have switched mastodon instances as well. Something weird happened and I just couldn’t get through to my old instance. My new instance is called sunny.garden. Things there are ticking away nicely there. I am slowly curating a list of interesting accounts to follow.
Having a nice new tool to work with is always interesting and my interest in obscure corners of the internet has been revived. Take the gemini protocol for example, not the AI assistant by Google. I downloaded the dedicated browser and am currently poking around trying to find interesting capsules as they are called to follow. I have posted a “toot” on mastodon seeking interesting people out, the hashtag #geminiprotocol has proved fruitful as well.
Here’s a brief explanation of what gemini is and does.
Gemini is a new internet technology supporting an electronic library of interconnected text documents. That’s not a new idea, but it’s not old fashioned either. It’s timeless, and deserves tools which treat it as a first class concept, not a vestigial corner case. Gemini isn’t about innovation or disruption, it’s about providing some respite for those who feel the internet has been disrupted enough already. We’re not out to change the world or destroy other technologies. We are out to build a lightweight online space where documents are just documents, in the interests of every reader’s privacy, attention and bandwidth.
Meanwhile, I’m still using my iPhone 14 pro to capture the world around me, ‘Affinity Photo‘ to process these images and Neofinder to organise them. All made that much more easier with my new fast and powerful laptop.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Urban Overcrowding, and the 21st Century flâneur
Urban Overcrowding and the 21st-Century Flâneur: From Calhoun’s Rodents to Smartphone Wanderers
I recently discovered Cahoun and his ideas about population densities, which got me wondering about 21st century flânuers.
In the mid-20th century, American ethologist John B. Calhoun conducted a series of experiments that would later become iconic in discussions about urbanization and overcrowding. Known as the “Behavioral Sink” experiments, Calhoun’s work involved observing rats in a controlled environment where space was limited, and resources were ample. As the population grew, he observed increasingly aberrant behavior among the rats—social collapse, aggression, and apathy. The findings of these experiments were often used to suggest that similar effects might occur in densely populated human cities. But what do Calhoun’s theories mean in the context of the 21st century, where the urban landscape is not only crowded with people but also with smartphones and the digital realities they create?
The Smartphone Camera: A Tool of Exploration and Alienation
The smartphone camera has become the essential tool for this new flâneur. It is an extension of their gaze, a way to document the urban experience in a way that is both personal and shareable. But this tool also raises questions about the nature of observation and participation in the modern city. Is the smartphone camera a way to connect more deeply with the urban environment, or does it create a layer of separation, distancing the user from the immediacy of their surroundings?
In many ways, the smartphone camera has become a way to reclaim the city from the overwhelming noise and chaos that Calhoun predicted. The act of photographing a street scene, a stranger, or a fleeting moment of beauty is a way of asserting control over one’s environment, of carving out a small space of order and meaning in the midst of urban entropy.
Urban Overcrowding Revisited: Calhoun’s Theories in a Digital Age
Calhoun’s experiments on overcrowding painted a bleak picture of what happens when living beings are crammed into a confined space with limited opportunities for escape or privacy. The 21st century, however, offers a different perspective. While urban areas are indeed more crowded than ever, the digital realm provides an outlet—a space where the modern flâneur can roam freely, capturing and sharing their experiences with others.
Yet, this digital escape is not without its own challenges. Just as Calhoun’s rats exhibited behaviors that were detrimental to their well-being, today’s urban dwellers may find themselves struggling with the pressures of constant connectivity, the demands of social media, and the blurring of lines between public and private life. The smartphone camera, while a tool of exploration, can also become a source of stress and alienation, as the need to document and share can sometimes overshadow the simple pleasure of experiencing the moment.
The Future of the Urban Flâneur
As cities continue to grow and evolve, so too will the role of the flâneur. The smartphone camera will likely remain a central part of this evolution, shaping the way we see and interact with the urban landscape. But whether this tool will help us navigate the challenges of overcrowding and digital saturation, or whether it will contribute to a new kind of behavioral sink, remains to be seen.
In the end, the 21st-century flâneur, like Calhoun’s rats, is a product of their environment. But unlike the rats, they have the power to shape their experience, to choose what to observe, what to document, and what to share. The smartphone camera is both a lens and a mirror, reflecting the complexities of modern urban life and offering a way to make sense of it all. Whether this leads to greater understanding or further alienation is a question that only time will answer.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
The Overcomplication of Modern Digital Cameras?
In the beginning?
Are digital cameras over complicated?
In the age of film photography, cameras were mechanical marvels—simple, intuitive, and designed with the photographer in mind. You could pick up an analogue camera, load a roll of film, and with a few simple adjustments, you were ready to capture the world. The focus was on composition, light, and the moment, not on navigating a labyrinth of menu options.
Fast forward to today, and digital cameras have become technological wonders, packed with features that promise to enhance the photographic experience. However, with all these advancements, we’ve lost something crucial: simplicity. Modern digital cameras, with their endless menus and obscure settings, often feel more like a puzzle to solve than a tool for creative expression.
The Beauty of Analogue Simplicity
Analog cameras were designed to be user-friendly. The most important controls—shutter speed, aperture, and ISO—were all at your fingertips, often in the form of tactile dials and levers. These cameras invited you to engage with them physically, to understand how each adjustment affected your image. The process was deliberate, and the learning curve, while steep, was rewarding. Every click of the shutter was a conscious decision, a moment of artistry.
In contrast, modern digital cameras often bury these essential controls under layers of menus and submenus. Want to change your ISO? You might need to scroll through three screens to find the setting. Need to switch from one autofocus mode to another? Be prepared to dive into a complex menu system that requires a manual to decipher. This shift from physical to digital controls has distanced photographers from the tactile experience that made photography so engaging in the first place.
The Hidden (and Obscure) Menus of Modern Cameras
One of the most frustrating aspects of modern digital cameras is the sheer number of menu options available. While some of these options can be useful, many are buried so deep in the menu system that even seasoned photographers struggle to find them. These hidden settings can make it difficult to customize your camera to your specific needs or to troubleshoot issues in the field.
For example, consider the various autofocus modes available on many digital cameras. On the surface, this seems like a great feature—until you realize that switching between modes requires navigating a series of nested menus. By the time you’ve found the right setting, the moment you wanted to capture has passed. The same can be said for features like white balance adjustments, custom function buttons, and even something as basic as formatting a memory card. The user interface has become a maze, where once it was a clear path.
Information Overload: Do We Really Need All These Features?
Another issue with modern digital cameras is the overwhelming number of features and settings. Do you need to choose between 15 different picture styles? Is it necessary to have three different ways to activate the shutter? While these options might be useful in specific situations, for most photographers, they add unnecessary complexity to the shooting process.
The more features a camera has, the more potential there is for something to go wrong. Accidentally set your camera to the wrong mode or turn on a feature without realizing it, and you could end up with a batch of unusable photos. This complexity can be especially daunting for beginners, who may find themselves overwhelmed by the number of choices they have to make before they can even take a picture.
The Price of Progress?
It’s easy to understand why camera manufacturers have packed so many features into their products. In a competitive market, they need to offer something new and exciting with each release. But in the pursuit of technological innovation, they have sacrificed usability.
As photographers, we should be able to focus on capturing the moment, not on navigating a complex menu system. There’s a reason why many professionals still prefer using older, analogue cameras, or why some opt for digital cameras with simplified controls. These tools allow them to engage with their subject, rather than with their gear.
A Call for Simplicity
It’s time for camera manufacturers to reconsider their approach. While technological advancements are important, they shouldn’t come at the expense of usability. We need cameras that empower us to create, not ones that hinder our process with unnecessary complexity.
Let’s bring back the simplicity that made photography accessible and enjoyable. Whether through more intuitive design, customizable interfaces, or a return to tactile controls, the goal should be to make cameras that are tools for creativity, not puzzles to solve.
In the end, the best camera is the one that allows you to capture the world around you without getting in your way. Let’s hope that future designs will reflect this simple truth.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Wordless Wednesday 20240814
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Unlocking the Potential of iPhone Photography with Apple ProRAW
Photography has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and the advent of smartphone cameras has revolutionised the way we capture moments. Among these, the iPhone has consistently stood out, setting benchmarks in mobile photography. With the introduction of Apple ProRAW, the iPhone’s photographic capabilities have been elevated to new heights, offering unprecedented control and quality for both amateur and professional photographers.
What is Apple ProRAW?
Apple ProRAW is a powerful feature introduced with the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max, and subsequently available in newer models. It combines the advantages of shooting in RAW format with the computational photography benefits of the iPhone’s image processing. This hybrid format captures more data than traditional JPEGs or HEICs, providing greater flexibility in post-processing while maintaining the sophisticated enhancements of Apple’s computational photography.
The Strengths of Apple ProRAW
Incredible Detail and Dynamic Range
One of the most significant advantages of shooting in ProRAW is the increased detail and dynamic range. Unlike traditional compressed formats, ProRAW captures a wider range of light and color information, which is particularly beneficial in challenging lighting conditions. This means shadows and highlights retain more detail, and colors appear more natural and vivid.
Enhanced Post-Processing Flexibility
ProRAW files offer unparalleled flexibility in post-processing. With the extensive data captured, photographers can make substantial adjustments to exposure, white balance, and color without degrading the image quality. This flexibility is akin to what professional photographers experience with high-end DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
Retaining Apple’s Computational Photography
One of the unique aspects of ProRAW is its integration with Apple’s computational photography features. When shooting in ProRAW, you still benefit from features like Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night mode. These computational enhancements work in tandem with the RAW data, resulting in images that are both technically robust and visually stunning.
Professional Editing Tools Compatibility
ProRAW files are compatible with a range of professional editing tools, including Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Apple’s own Photos app. This compatibility ensures that photographers can use their preferred software to make the most out of their images, leveraging advanced editing capabilities to achieve their desired results.
Improved Low-Light Performance
Low-light photography is often a challenge, but ProRAW significantly improves performance in such conditions. By capturing more data, ProRAW files allow for better noise reduction and detail preservation in low-light environments. This means night shots and dimly lit scenes are clearer and more detailed than ever before.
Practical Tips for Shooting in Apple ProRAW
Enable ProRAW in Settings
To start shooting in ProRAW, you need to enable it in the Camera settings. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and toggle on Apple ProRAW.
Mind Your Storage
ProRAW files are significantly larger than standard JPEGs or HEICs, so be mindful of your storage. Consider backing up your photos regularly and managing your storage space effectively.
Use Editing Apps
Take advantage of editing apps that support ProRAW. Apps like Adobe Lightroom or Apple’s Photos app provide robust tools to tweak and enhance your images, making the most out of the RAW data.
Experiment with Lighting
ProRAW excels in various lighting conditions. Experiment with different environments, from bright sunlight to low-light scenes, to see how ProRAW can capture and enhance the nuances of each setting.
Combine with Other Features
Don’t forget to use ProRAW in conjunction with other iPhone camera features. Try capturing images in Night mode, using the ultra-wide lens, or experimenting with Portrait mode to see how ProRAW enhances these functionalities.
Conclusion
Apple ProRAW represents a significant leap forward in mobile photography, merging the best of computational and traditional photography. For iPhone users, it offers a powerful tool to elevate their photographic endeavors, providing greater control, flexibility, and quality. Whether you are an amateur looking to improve your shots or a professional seeking a portable yet powerful option, Apple ProRAW unlocks the true potential of iPhone photography. So, go ahead and explore the world through your iPhone lens with ProRAW, and experience the next level of mobile photography.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
The Timeless Allure of Silver Gelatin Prints: A Journey through My Urban Landscapes
In the ever-evolving world of photography, where digital images dominate the scene, the silver gelatin print remains a testament to the timeless beauty of traditional photographic processes. I am among many artists who have continued working with this medium. My work not only highlights the aesthetic charm of silver gelatin prints but also underscores their enduring significance in contemporary art.
The Silver Gelatin Print
Silver gelatin prints are a type of black-and-white photographic print made using a gelatin emulsion containing light-sensitive silver salts. This process, which has been in use since the late 19th century, involves exposing photographic film or paper to light and then developing it through a series of chemical baths. The result is an image with rich tonal ranges and exquisite detail.
The Beauty of Silver Gelatin Prints for me are:-
Rich Tonal Range: One of the most striking features of silver gelatin prints is their ability to render a wide range of tones, from deep blacks to delicate highlights. This tonal richness gives the images a depth and dimensionality that are often lacking in digital prints.
Textural Quality: The physical texture of a silver gelatin print, with its fine grain and subtle sheen, adds a tactile dimension to the viewing experience. This quality can make the images feel more tangible and real.
Archival Durability: Silver gelatin prints are known for their longevity. When properly processed and stored, they can last for over a century without significant degradation, making them a preferred choice for collectors and archivists.
The Process?
The process is in some ways cathartic. It is most definitely slow. Attributes that some see as an antithesis to contemprary digital photogrpahy. Some of my best ideas come to me while I stand over the sink watching the print develop. I have a dedicated playlist on my iPhone for music that contributes to a mental state that borders on meditation. These traits are part of the driving force behind my continuing to work with silver gelatin prints in this way.
My Urban Landscapes
My urban landscapes are a perfect illustration of the beauty and versatility of silver gelatin prints. my work attempts to captures the essence of city life with a unique blend of realism and artistic interpretation.
Contrast and Clarity: my prints are characterised by their striking tonality and impeccable clarity. The play of light and shadow in his urban scenes brings out the intricate details of architectural forms and textures, creating images that are both visually stunning and deeply evocative.
Mood and Atmosphere: Through his use of silver gelatin, I am able to convey the mood and atmosphere of urban environments in a way that digital images often cannot. Whether it’s the misty aura of a city morning or the stark shadows of a bustling street at night, my prints strive to evoke a strong sense of place and time.
Timeless Quality: There is a timeless quality to my urban landscapes that transcends the ephemeral nature of digital media. My imagesask to to exist in a space between past and present, capturing moments that are both fleeting and enduring.
The Art of Seeing
Through my work I try to encourage viewers to see the urban landscape with fresh eyes.I use meticulous attention to detail and composition to invites you to pause and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes. The use of silver gelatin prints adds an element of craftsmanship and tradition, reminding us of the rich history of photography and its continuing relevance.
In a world where digital photography is ubiquitous, the silver gelatin print stands as a symbol of the enduring power of traditional photographic techniques. My urban landscapes exemplify the unmatched beauty and emotional depth that this medium can achieve. Through my lens, you are hopefully reminded of the timeless allure of the city and the art of seeing the world in all its nuanced splendor.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Wordless Wednesday 20240724
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Wordless Wednesday 20240717
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print
Silver Gelatin Printing?
My Silver Gelatine Printing Process
Here’s my process for making a print on silver gelatine paper. Printing on silver gelatine paper is rewarding and relaxing. It is not cheap however, so my process aims to tease as much detail as I can out of test strips before commiting to a full sheet of 8 x 10 inch silver gelatin paper. It is the ultimate way to relax, if I am not printing to a dealine, ie and exhibtion.
Process the film.
Dry it and cut into strips.
Set up the sink.
With Developer, Stop Bath, Fixer One.
Make a contact sheet to edge black.
Edge black is the pont where the edge of the film disaapears. So I start by making a test wedge usually of 3 second bursts. After the stop bath, and fixer a quick rinse. Turn on the lights and look for the time that the edge of the film no longer shows, that is my time for the whole contact sheet. This has 2 disinct technical advantages. I can assess my exposures and development of the film. Noting any deviations that may be needed at the enlarging stage.
Process the paper, Devloper 2 minutes, Stop 30 seconds, Fix 2 minutes.
Wash the final outcome for 10 minutes.
Dry and anotate, file away.
Choose a negative to print.
Peruse my contacts, and choose a negative. Either form my archive or from the current contact sheet I’m working on.
Set up ealarger making sure the negative is in focus, sometimes, I shoot out focus on purpose.
Expose for the highlights and change filters for the shadows, or split filter, mostly split filter these days. Test until I’m happy with the outcome, this may mean some extra burning and dodging to acheive a ‘balanced’ print.
Process
Process the paper, Devloper 2 minutes, Stop 30 seconds, Fixer one, 2 minutes.
Rinse.
Fixer two, 2 minutes, Hypo Clearing Agent, 3 minutes, and archivally wash [10 minutes for resin coated papers, 60 minutes for museum quality fibre based paper].
Dry, & flatten
Mount if I am exhibitig the work framed.
About the author.
Stuart Murdoch is an Artist and Part time Photo Educator, with over 30 years of teaching experience. He has also nearly 40 years of silver gelatin printing under his belt. He contemplates many things photographic. His ruminations include his own work as well other’s and the aspects of technology that impact on the sharing and consumption of Photographs. And of course the act of making and taking photographs in the 21st century. Photobooks sit quite high on his radar too these days.
☛ Website | Flickr | Instagram| s2z digital garden | Tumblr | leave a tip, or buy a print