Experimenting with developers

[skylark]

Hello, I have tried Cooltone/developer and paper on the attached two images. The first image is cooltone dev/cooltone paper and the second cooltone dev/std MGIV paper (both RC).
I have tried to get midtones approx the same on both, though the first image looks darker. Both printed at the same grade.
I have already been advised to push the local contrast by enhancing the neg but wondered what people felt about
(a) The composition/subject matter
(b) Which, if any, is the preferred print.

Thanks ; CJB
1 Cooltone/cololtone

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2 Cooltone/MGIV

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[2Stupid2Duck]

I think I prefer the second, but you are really treading on personal taste here (I suspect that's why nobody commented yet). My major problem with the image is the composition. The image is a bit busy for me.

I think a more solid composition (working with your shot) can be seen if you draw a line down to include only one third of the shot from the right (that would make it portrait). So the 2/3rds on the left would go.

Conversely, if you are dead keen on the chair, cut the right third off (lose the whole of the second tree almost).

Just understand, these are all personal views as composition always is.

 

[cosmonaut]

As far as the print, I like #2. As far as compostion, I think you did well going black & white for a cemetary. I think also I might have done more with the fallen tombstone. The over all picture also seems soft...
Greg

 

[skylark]

Thanks for the critiques.
Yes composition is very personal, but I do like to hear the views of others. One of the big issues for this is the square format, as commented you could lose some of the shot and go portrait but I like the 6 x 6 format so have kept it busy (a fellow photographer has commented that I should re shoot a close up of some of the elements).
As for softness, I have switched from Ilfosol-S after this film as the second set of negs is never as crisp and hard as the first. I am also going to experiment with Selenium as intensifier to boost contrast.

And is there any other way of shooting than Ilford BW film ?

Cheers CJB

 

[cosmonaut]

Composition is not my strong point, and I am not familiar with the film ypu are using. Have you ever used e-6. I am experimenting with it....

 

[skylark]

If you mean developing e-6 I have no experience of this. PM me if you are talking bout techniques of using e-6.

Cheers CJB

 

[Travelamy]

I like the scene, but would prefer the gravestone to the right to be in focus. It seems too messy.

I like the second paper better