Greg Molyneux Photography

Tag: black and white

Contrasting light in grayscale.

  • Testing the water

    Manahawkin, NJ photographer Greg Molyneux takes a long exposure black and white photograph of the bay and abandoned docks on Great Bay Boulevard.
    Testing the water — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 50 | EXP 300 sec

    For months now I’ve had my eye on an ND filter. I’ve been coveting the sublime long exposure work of talented fine art photographers and hoped to someday begin learning their craft and working it into my repertoire. After a bit of research—and some savings—I figured out everything I’d need to get a filter mounted on my convex 14mm wide angle lens. A simple threaded filter on a flat lens was not an option for me.

    Today it all came together. My filter mount, adapter, and 10-stop ND filter were finally off of the internet and into my hands. After a brief period of test setup in my house, I figured out how the system would work, repacked my camera bag due to new found size constraints, and headed out to Great Bay Boulevard for my first round of experimentation. My buddy Jeff was hip to come along which was key this time out as having an extra pair of hands proved helpful—sliding 6.5″ by 6.5″ filter plate into position while trying not to smudge any of the resin filter is quite a task. I probably will invest in some linen gloves in the future.

    The picture about was taken (started) about 5 minutes after sundown and was an open shutter for a total of 300 seconds—that’s 5 minutes for those scoring at home. I can’t wait to get back out and try again tomorrow!

  • A subtle loss of clarity

    A black and white photograph taken by Manahawkin, NJ, photographer Greg Molyneux of the south facing marshes of Great Bay Boulevard in Little Egg Harbor Township.
    A subtle loss of clarity — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 100 | EXP 1/15

    Yesterday—this being posted a day late—was shaping up as one of those sunsets that look good on paper. A quick look out the window 90 minutes prior to the sun’s scheduled egress looked promising; bountiful clouds with dramatic bottom-side shadows littered the sky. I was pleased. Yet as it has done so many times before, the fickle clouds made their final escape no less than a half hour prior to sundown, leaving a blank canvas of deepening blue sky.

    Disappointed? Maybe a little. But I still liked what I saw. I had a suspicion my location and the clear sky color gradient would make for a more than serviceable black and white. After a few test shots trying to make something out of nothing I abandoned the tripod and took the camera in my hands. Occasionally I do this thing in the fading light where I move my hands across the horizon from left to right as a lazy shutter—1/15 of a second in this case—makes its exposure. This creates a softened blur that if you’re lucky enough evokes its own kind of whimsy.

  • Snow noir

    A black and white abstract photograph of a street light with falling snow. Shot with plentiful bokeh in a film noir style. Taken by Manahawkin, NJ, photographer Greg Molyneux.
    Snow noir — 14mm | f/8 | ISO 5000 | EXP 1/40

    Nighttime snow will forever mean one thing: incessant checking of the streetlights for evidence—and intensity—of falling snow. Snow lovers know what I’m talking about.

    This winter has been somewhat vexing. There’s been plenty of snow but not enough opportunity for my camera and me to exploit it. With tonight’s passing clipper, I was not to be stopped. Even if it meant a quick jaunt to the streetlight one house down. But hey?

    With one quick exposure into moderately falling snow and a streetlight I’ve gazed up at so many times before, my camera made real what my mind imagined. I knew immediately this was destined for a very deep sepia treatment and one cool outcome. I hope you enjoy.

  • Kicking Around on a Piece of Ground in your Home Town

    Low key black and white macro photography of a Small Blue butterfly resting on a hydrangea leaf
    Kicking Around on a Piece of Ground in your Home Town — 100mm | f/8 | ISO 400 | EXP 1/320

    I remember photographing this Small Blue butterfly like it was yesterday. She made for the most patient of subjects, giving me a solid five minutes to position, hone in and shoot. I intentionally underexposed for a low key effect, and then in post processing with Sliver Efex Pro 2 I bumped up the brightness on the Small Blue to give her the visual weight she deserves.

    The show is all about this here butterfly.