2012-01-30

Google Reader Serendipity

004_R1174718, originally uploaded by infrar3d. Unrelated to the post other than being 4:3.

Kirk Tuck's weekly article at The Online Photographer this week was about aspect ratios, and how his preference is for the square. I think Mr. Tuck's article may have been at least partially prompted by his recent purchase of a Panasonic GH2, which has an actual multi-format sensor, although 1:1 is still a crop. I hope we see more sensors made this way.

Mike Johnston later posted a small follow-up on his preference for rectangles. In between these two articles, I also saw this post about proportions as they relate to comic book frames by Frank Santoro, via Austin Kleon. Here's a quote.

Finding the squares on a given proportion is what one's mind does instinctively.

He goes on to compare the square to whole notes in music. It's interesting when the feed reader gets lucky that way.

Me? I'm still getting used to 4:3 with my GRD2. I shot with it in 3:2 mode when I first got it, but I'm warming back up to 4:3. It's essentially the same proportion as my old peel-apart Polaroids and quarter-plate Speed Graphic.

2012-01-18

Digital Black & White Printing Services

I've just found out today that Adoramapix stopped offering Ilford Multigrade Express RC as an option a few months ago. Guess I should print more often. I spent some time today looking around for another printer that uses this paper, so far I've come up with Mpix.com, Fromex.com, and digitalsilverimaging.com.

I ordered some prints from Mpix today, even though they only carry matte finish and I'd really prefer glossy. I talked to Mpix customer service and they just have one machine dedicated to black and white, so no prospect of getting glossy paper in the future. At least they're fast. I already got the confirmation email that my order has shipped.

I'll probably try Digital Silver Imaging next. They've got their own printing application you install, and that seems interesting.