StanMac Loc: Tennessee

One person’s opinion is a good as another’s, I suppose. Then again, maybe not.

Stan

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

In the vernacular from whence these images were created: "Keep on truckin', Dude!!"

But my artist's brain has one request......please find images with the total face and try colorizing it.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

The negative comments are basically unrealistic. First of all we are looking at 45-50 year old Plus-X or Tri-X photos, two relatively grainy films. The photos were not taken to exhibit great technique, but great subjects and compositions. Once the images were transformed into jpg’s, there wasn’t a lot of post processing that could fix any perceived problems. If these appear to be “snapshots”, not great works of photo manipulation, then so be it. The celebration of the human body, in natural poses and in a natural setting, and the uncontrived comfort of the subjects is enough.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

I like and enjoy your choice of subjects and your images. I would enjoy them even more if you increased the contrast and sharpness using software that is available now. Just a suggestion. Shooter41

flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

👍🏻👍🏻

gastech1949 Loc: Imperial Beach, CA.

Technical Quality from Plus X film negatives that are 40-50 years old is more than acceptable. Most of my B&W negatives from the same era are in barely usable condition. Kudos to you for your fine work.

wbk56

You clearly have worked with some beautiful/natural looking models and captured a bygone era where tanlines were sexy and b/w was an art. Anyone can nitpick to try to show their superiority etc. Suffice to say, I have enjoyed your posts immensely.

AzYooper Loc: Sun Lakes AZ (Almost Phoenix)

Jim, I concur with all of the positive comments. I have enjoyed your photos since you started posting them. It's the only reason I check this group on a daily business. When you took your short sabbatical, I was really sad and disappointed. Just because one does not comment, does not mean they are not enjoyed. I would not try to critique them because they are always the best of the images in this section. I love the simplicity and carefree spirit they evoke. Young college girls just having fun at the beach with probably no intention of long-term modeling, but still adventurous enough to give it a try for you. I'm sure many of them are enjoying the prints you gave them, as they, like all of us, aren't quite as "pretty" as we once were. I could go on, but this is already longer than it should be. Even though I don't comment. or certainly critique, please know that i and others are looking and enjoying all of your posts and as photographers, we know the commitment and effort you expend. Now, how about a few more of those old Milwaukee shots, I used to enjoy.

pumakat

I think your use of natural light is, for the most part spot on. The models are lovely and the collection as a whole has a dreamy, evocative feel. I for one really appreciate your work. Thank you for all you have given us

longmg Loc: South Shore, MA

Jim, I have to say that your work interesting and excellent, with that said I post only a few comments because of my limited knowledge of gray scale photography. I have never worked in a darkroom or for that matter worked with anything but digital equipment. In todays times it’s doubtful that I will ever be able to walk to the beach and capture images as you have. So I look enjoy the images and think about the great opportunities that you had. Please don’t forget the main reason that you captured the images, I imagine it was too share them!

toxdoc42

a great groups of images, beautifully shot, gorgeous model! My only suggestion would be to extend the range of "values." You seem to be limited to greys, which is good, but why no true blacks?

morkie Loc: Simi Valley CA

Jim - I just became aware of your collection and postings. Two comments - first, my preference would be to increase contract slightly and possibly add a slight vignette. My initial reaction was that the images reminded me of B&W from the 70s. As I read down you postings I learned that is the origin of these postings. I now wouldn't change a thing! Second, I truly appreciate the images - they invoke many mempories - thanks

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Jim I believe you didn't quite understand what ArtzDarkroom was endeavoring to share with you...
ArtzDarkroom was sincere and on point albeit his thoughts may have eluded you...
Semantics and syntax often stand in the way of precise communication to this end I will simply post an illustration of what ArtzDarkroom was alluding to...

Additionally I would suggest you invest some quality time researching Ansel Adam's Zone System in as he did a splendid job of quantifying the subtle variances in eleven zones of tonal gradation and how they work in harmony to convey a deeper narrative by means of grayscale density.

Best Advice? Open an account of flickr, Jim it is there you will encounter those currently at the zenith of the craft...
Hope this helps or is at least food for thought...

Oh, you might review Richard Avedon, Dovima with Elephants, Evening Dress by Dior, Cirque D'hiver, Paris, 1955.
Richard is a master who took B&W to a level that few before had ever managed... Although Peter Lindbergh's portraiture is epic... he truly understands the very essence of the feminine spirit... please study Peter's work also...

As always I look forward to more of your breathtaking artistry Jim... Thank you so much for sharing...

(Download)

RogStrix Loc: UK

a voice of reason...
Thank you for demonstrating your editing skills.