Mystic England
In 1988 I spent six weeks in Berkshire, England. Inspired by the proximity with primeval historic sights in the surrounding area I made frequent expeditions. The first four are on my very first roll of 35 mm TMZ film. I had to have it developed locally, as it would not survive an x-ray machine on the way back to the U.S. Both the local film lab and I were hoping for the best on this new (at the time) film. We got lucky, or maybe I was just lucky to chance upon an experienced technician.
I shot Stonehenge several times, from dawn to after dark, in color and B&W. This set is from a late November dawn when I rented the site for exclusive use so that I could photograph within the circle. There was a light frost on the ground, a full moon peeking between the uprights and grazing sheep on the distant hillside. As the sun came over the horizon. I switched to color negative film in my 4x5 camera. I've printed three of them here on B&W paper and have now purchased a scanner to provide color renditions, which are the final eight entries here.
The West Kennett Barrow is a hill-top burial site constructed of huge stones and covered with soil. Having seen it during the day on the way to Cornwall, I purchased a box of votive candles and a flashlight for my return. Since I was uncertain about night-time access, I walked up the hill in total dark, arriving at midnight. There was flickering light inside the barrow so I paced around the hill for an hour waiting for whoever was there to finish their own ceremony. Upon entering the barrow I faced a dilemma: One candle was still burning. Should I add my dozen to get maximum light, or should I stop short of an unlucky 13? These shots are about 15 s in duration (luckily I had my tripod with me).
Read MoreI shot Stonehenge several times, from dawn to after dark, in color and B&W. This set is from a late November dawn when I rented the site for exclusive use so that I could photograph within the circle. There was a light frost on the ground, a full moon peeking between the uprights and grazing sheep on the distant hillside. As the sun came over the horizon. I switched to color negative film in my 4x5 camera. I've printed three of them here on B&W paper and have now purchased a scanner to provide color renditions, which are the final eight entries here.
The West Kennett Barrow is a hill-top burial site constructed of huge stones and covered with soil. Having seen it during the day on the way to Cornwall, I purchased a box of votive candles and a flashlight for my return. Since I was uncertain about night-time access, I walked up the hill in total dark, arriving at midnight. There was flickering light inside the barrow so I paced around the hill for an hour waiting for whoever was there to finish their own ceremony. Upon entering the barrow I faced a dilemma: One candle was still burning. Should I add my dozen to get maximum light, or should I stop short of an unlucky 13? These shots are about 15 s in duration (luckily I had my tripod with me).
