From: T. Scott Thurmond <tthurmond9@comcast.net> Date: Fri, 25 Oct 2002 07:12:00 -0400 Subject: Re:Scott Thurmond's image, Gallery, Oct. 19, 2002 Thank all of you for your comments on my image, "The Old Gatehouse." I'm hoping that this gets through since, for some reason, I've been unable to post to the Forum from my present address. Mt. Hope cemetery was constructed in 1838, as was the gatehouse (although I think it's been restored at least once), and is considered one of the finest examples of a Victorian cemetery in the country (a lot of Victorian Gothic monuments and crypts, a great place at Halloween). What's also interesting is the terrain it's built on, which was formed by receding glaciers, and the fact that it is also forms part a larger arboretum with some rare trees (I've seen at least one American Chestnut tree). It's the final resting site for Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Paul Robeson, the entire Bausch and Lomb family (or most of it, anyway), and many famous scientists and entrepreneurs. It's also one of the most photographed parts of Rochester (RIT and University of Rochester students are always in there looking for that next great shot). When I was in Rochester I lived two blocks from there and spent many hours just walking around among the grave sites, very relaxing. Anyway, back to your questions; Bob, I've used grayscale conversion in Photoshop , as well as channel selection and the Channel Mixer. I've also used Russell Brown's technique for color to B&W conversion. While Russell's technique is the best of the lot, none give the same level of control over the different tonal regions that Convert to B&W gives. It's very nice software, and I'll probably end up buying it (there's also a professional version of this software). Oh yes, Emily, the T-Max and Tri-X settings are pre-progammed to give the effects these two film types impart. Not sure how successful this is (my image was done using the Tri-X effect). Thanks again for your suggestions. Marilyn, the gatehouse is still very much in use, but by The Friend's of Mt. Hope. A volunteer organization that tends some of the more ornate, and famous, grave sites, and gives history tours of the cemetery. They also have a published book of photography of the cemetery, which, unfortunately, is out of print. Craig, welcome back, and sorry about the divorce! I enjoy shooting in B&W, but since I've left Rochester (I'm living in Greenbelt, MD) I no longer have convenient access to a darkroom. I've threatened to evict my cat from his bathroom and turn it into a film processing darkroom, but he's been pretty adamant about not giving it up (and I have the scars to prove it!). Once again, thanks for reviewing my photograph, and I hope to be a more active contributor to the Forum in the future (if we can get this email problem straightened out). Scott
