So it isn’t a pumpkin head on fire, as that first Sonic Youth album cover showed it. We still found this scarecrow as scary as anything out of True Detective, albeit found on the top of Sharon Mountain in Connecticut, not the Louisiana bayou. Leica M, 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
Thanksgiving 2015, Sharon, CT.
We had great fun out West principally using the Leica Monochrom (typ-246) to capture images of Jackson Hole in black and white. Every once in a while, though, a natural experiment takes place where we come across an image we took in color that is virtually the same as what was captured in black and white. Monochrome has stopping power, timelessness. Ah, but sometimes color nails it. You be the judge.
That’s the way our M-240 caught the sunset underneath the Sleeping Indian, with the 75mm APO-Summicron-Asph. And this is the way our Monochrom caught it with the 50mm APO.
We thought the black and white image was nice enough to print. But we now believe color wins here, hands down. Yes, you do not need a monochrome-only camera to make such experiments, but as readers of Tulip Frenzy know, we like the idea of deliberately going out to take monochrome-only images. This time, though, we’re glad we brought along the M.
Leica Monochrom (Type-246), Dumbarton Oaks.
Leica M, 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
All pictures taken by the Leica M and either the 28mm Summicron or 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
Since the advent of the iPhone, the Tidal Basin at Cherry Blossom time has taken on a frenzied atmosphere, as crowds press in to have their pictures taken, by others or themselves.
Even when beauties show up for their portraits, it’s hard to believe their friends can get a clean shot without several smartphones in the foreground.
Oh sure, there are faces that can be isolated from the crowd.
And sometimes it’s fun to see people posing amidst the blossom frenzy.
But the advent of Selfie Sticks is a pretty horrifying development, and if you note, even the toddler seems to be taking a selfie.
And then it seems the only way to stand out and have a memorable image taken is to mug for the camera — your own camera.
But as you can tell, it was a lovely night, and after a long winter and a late bloom, the blossoms this year are truly awesome.
Blacksmith whimsy under parlor curtains. Usual set up: M-240 and 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
We see it at last. Spring is here. Leica M, 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
It will barely get into the 40s in D.C., on the final weekend in March. This was where things stood in Golden Gate Park a week ago. Leica M, 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph.
Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park, 3/21. Leica M with 50mm APO-Summicron-Asph. When will we see such sights on this side of the country?
Tulip Frenzy 