My definition of timeless is skewed quite a lot, because "timeless" depends on not only the qualities that make a (for example) Plus-X image have it's peculiar exposure characteristics, but also the PRINTING that makes the print look that way. So, my definition is that any negative scanned for web viewing (and I've scanned all of mine for better access) is by my very far-out definition not timeless. It doesn't look right. A 9600 dpi scan of an underexposed B&W negative is going to pull up more details than it is possible for even Ansel Adams to print out of it. That doesn't make it wrong, it makes pulling a better image out if it easier!
Timeless means:
- No significantly datable elements outside of the subject of the image
- Processed and printed in something close to the original media.
So, a digital image of a print, or a digital image of a projected slide, to me, are more timeless because it's about the look associated with the memory, not just the specific subject.
Several people have posted very fine images that I don't categorize as timeless, I categorize them as excellent, high quality, well composed images that are not distracting. The main element is well composed, well exposed and there is a minimum of visual clutter. I think that's closer to what people tend to term "timeless".
But honestly, I enjoy it all!
Steve Krause
Mike Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I posted this on another forum and thought it
> would be interesting to hear all of your thoughts
> on this one:
>
> Hey everyone,
>
> As many of you know I'm very much into railroad
> photography particularly steam railroad
> photography. I was talking to a photographer
> friend of mine the other day about people's
> tastes, which are all very different. We are
> continually surprised by how some of the "pros" of
> the hobby are enamored with a certain timeless
> image, but the general public are not and vice
> versa.
>
> So, as kind of a short answer survey: What makes
> an image timeless to you? There is no wrong answer
> here!
>
> Feel free to post any pictures you have that serve
> as an example of a timeless image.
