Urbanautica

I recently came upon this very interesting link to the world of photographic exhibitions. Urbanautica highlights the global scene and presents  a wonderful insight into the visual domain!

The Battlefield Collection

I have just released a series of three fine art photographs commemorating the Anglo Zulu War battles of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift. Printed on Archival matte paper, using pigment inks, each signed images is supplied in a custom presentation tube and will make a stunning addition to a private collection or as a centerpiece in a corporate, office or home environment.

Unfortunately a computer monitor cannot display the fine detail and delicate nuances inherent in the actual prints. The collection may be viewed at:-                                     http://www.underbergstudio.co.za/UNSthebattlefields.html

Isandlwana - Then and Now

I was recently given an original Boer war photograph depicting the Natal Field Artillery approaching Isandlwana and, although it was probably taken fifteen to twenty years after the historic Anglo Zulu battle in 1879, it is very interesting. Having visited the area a number of times recently, I compared a colour image of mine taken from a similar viewpoint and what struck me most was the change in vegetation.  

Walker Bay

Late afternoon on the beach at Hermanus. A wave caught me by surprise and I lost my glasses - but it was worth it! Good weather, good shooting and good company.

Images captured with hand-built pinhole camera on Fuji Acros. Developed in Caffenol. Malcolm's tripod.

Cape Town Duo

The pinhole camera accompanied me on our recent trip to Cape Town. Thanks to Malcolm for the generous loan of a tripod - could not have shot without one!

Captured on hand-built 6x6 pinhole camera on Fuji Acros developed in Caffenol.

Land Rover Heaven

I recently met a dedicated and enthusiastic Land Rover restorer who has a few interesting bits and bobs lying around. Enough to make a grown man cry!

Five More.....

The Last Four.......

Hassleblock Super Wide Pinhole Camera

My recently completed 6x6 ultra wide pinhole camera. Focal length of 15mm - f75 - 138 degree angle of view.

Three images from the first test roll. Fuji Acros developed in Pyrocat-HD.

Ziatype Revisited

A few Ziatype prints processed recently. Pure platinum/palladium - pure magic!!!

Garden shed captured with handbuilt pinhole camera on Fuji Acros developed in Caffenol. Window captured with Hasselblad and 80mm Planar on Fuji Acros developed in Pyrocat HD. Enlarged negatives digitally printed. Images printed on Arches Platine with 75% palladium and 25% platinum.

Lourdes Relics

Relics from the once prospering Catholic mission of Lourdes somewhere between Kokstad, Umzimkhulu and Creighton.

Images captured with Hasselblad SWC on Fuji Acros.

Intaglio Type

I have always been fascinated by the classic photogravure process so popular with early twentieth century fine art photographers. Probably the chief deterrent has been the high toxicity of the chemicals used. The term, "many photographers died for their art", was a literal reference to the demise of many early practitioners who succumbed to chemical poisoning! The fairly recent introduction of photopolymer printing plates has resulted in a "greener" and safer approach to intaglio printing. For the last few months I have explored this as a possible printing alternative for my image making. The learning curve has been steep and has been exacerbated by the fact that some specialist equipment is required - such as vacuum press, UV light source, photopolymer plates, ink, etching paper, enlarged negatives and an etching press!

Plates inked and printed on Fabriano etching paper.

Cedara Station

The derelict and deserted station of Cedara is a sad reminder of our once vibrant rail network.

Worldwide Pinhole Day

Worldwide Pinhole Day is an annual event open to photographers everywhere. Pinhole images taken on a designated day are submitted and form part of the international gallery. My image was captured at Cobham reserve with a hand-built 6x6 pinhole camera on Fuji Acros.

Flight

Another oldie. Photographed near Cork, Southern Ireland. Nikon F90X with 50mm lens. Kodak Tri-X developed in HC-110.

Lone Tree

Lone tree on the way to Bethlehem. Nikon F2 with 50mm lens. Ilford FP4 developed in ID-11.

Geometric Forms

I managed to capture one shot of the interior of a shopping centre before being told that photography was not permitted. Must be because the CIA or some other secret organization have offices nearby!

Anyway, not wanting to pose a threat to national security, I put my camera away and made a discrete exit. (Maybe I should have used my cell phone?)

Abandoned Caravan

Once someone's proud holiday home-on-wheels, this sad and forlorn looking caravan stands abandoned - waiting for the elements (or vandals) to reduce it to a wreck.

Waves

The soporific and relentless rhythm of the waves is a source of never ending fascination.

The Old Mill

I went to visit the old mill after a series of severe windstorms recently. Several farm buildings in the district had suffered damage and I feared the worst. Fortunately the old mission buildings survived with only one door, my favourite, having been ripped off it's hinges.

Rollei SL66 with 50mm Distagon and Fuji Acros developed in Pyrocat-HD