summer solstice recipes

Tomato pinnacle witchcraft is a supernatural phenomenon that allegedly occurs when a tomato plant reaches its maximum growth potential. This mysterious occurrence has been the subject of fascination and speculation among gardeners and horticulturists for years. The term "pinnacle" refers to the point at which a plant has achieved its peak size, productivity, and overall health. In the case of tomato plants, this typically happens when the plant has fully matured and is producing a significant number of ripe fruits. The idea of tomato pinnacle witchcraft stems from the belief that when a tomato plant reaches this state of pinnacle growth, it possesses magical and mystical properties. Some people claim that they have witnessed unusual occurrences in their gardens when their tomato plants are at their peak.

Some people claim that they have witnessed unusual occurrences in their gardens when their tomato plants are at their peak. These alleged phenomena range from strange lights and sounds to unexplained movements of objects and even sightings of supernatural beings. While there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of tomato pinnacle witchcraft, many individuals hold firm beliefs in its reality.

Salem Street Portraits at Halloween Posted On 28th October 2021 To Stories & Street

To say that this project got away from me would be accurate. It morphed and changed as I shot more film, but the more film I shot, the more it changed. It wasn’t until the end that I could feel it becoming cohesive. I started out with a relatively easy goal. Take some basic street photos of Salem, Massachusetts and document how much it comes to life during Halloween.

Salem is best known for the witch trials that took place in 1692. Many people were wrongly accused of being witches and 14 women, 5 men were hanged and one man was pressed to death. It's a dark legacy and the city has embraced it while respectfully remembering who came before us. In recent years, it has created a culture that celebrates the occult and everything spooky and witchy year round.

The energy of Salem

I shot a few rolls and processed them. I process and print my own photos using the darkroom at Salem State University where I graduated with a degree in photography in 2001. I'm so happy to have the opportunity to teach and help out in various darkroom classes. And, recently I was hired to teach a community darkroom class there. As many darkrooms have disappeared, which is awful since I strongly feel they should be a part of everyone's photography education. I'm so lucky that I have access to this one.

I made some prints but they felt flat and really didn't capture the energy of Salem. Realistically, how many people can you photograph with a tiny witch hat on without it seeming generic? So, I started to talk to people in the street and then ask if I could take their picture. I realized without trying, I had switched to street portraits, which is NOT like me at all. I would usually rather lay down in front of a bus than ask someone if i can take their picture but I did it.

Behind the curtain

As I moved through the city, I was drawn to not just the tourists that come here but the people who run this city and make it a place that half a million people visit every October. The wizard behind the curtain so to speak.

I ended up wanting to photograph the people who guard the door to the shop and make sure each shop is at its capacity. The witch who happily lends her knowledge of spells and crystals out to people who want to learn. Tour guides who show why our city is famous and street vendors who spend time creating things to buy. The buskers who make their living performing on the street for the tourists. The tarot card reader, the waitress who feeds the hungry tourists, and the chef who cooks for them. There was an ease which came with photographing all of these people and once I started it was hard to stop. In fact, if it weren't for the deadline I probably would still be shooting!

Consistency

I tried to keep everything I could control consistent. For film I used Ilford HP5 PLUS 400 (which I develop in Ilfotec DD-X), and then I used a 50mm 1.4 lens which required that I be right in front of the person. I also used my Nikkormat which is totally manual so there was plenty of time for my subject to start fidgeting while I adjusted my camera.

A few times I had to apologetically explain to them that I had film in my camera and it was going to take a minute to get settings adjusted. There was a number of times where they would sort of shift and i would have to start focusing all over again. Not many people are used to having to hold still for a picture anymore.

I decided that I would try for a mid range f-stop. There would be some detail behind my subjects and give some context to their location but not enough to be distracting. It worked most of the time unless it was really sunny and then I ended up closing the lens down more than I wanted to but I'm learning to be less rigid when shooting for street photography. You definitely can't get it exactly how you want it all the time.

Amazing Humans

In the darkroom, I printed them on Ilford MULTIGRADE RC DL mostly matte but some glossy with a 2.5 filter in an old full frame negative holder and developed with Ilford MULTIGRADE.

All in all, I learned SO MUCH about taking street photos and how to shoot for the image even if it's not perfect. Most importantly, I loved meeting all these amazing humans in my own city during my favorite time of the year.

The shots I've shared here are some of my favorites from Salem during Halloween.

Images © Jessica Martineau

About The Author

Jessica Martineau

Jess Martineau is a black and white film photographer, darkroom printer and part-time teacher who lives in Salem, Massachusetts.

You can find and follow her on Instagram @maplesugarwitch

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only way this would be a problem is if you're absolutely broke and need cash NOW. as most tweekers/junkys tend to be.

Some attribute these supernatural events to the plant's connection with the earth's energy, believing that the pinnacle state amplifies its ability to channel and manipulate mystical forces. Others speculate that there may be ancient rituals or spells associated with tomato cultivation that unlock hidden powers when the plant reaches its peak. Despite the lack of scientific proof, tomato pinnacle witchcraft has gained a cult following in certain gardening communities. Enthusiasts who believe in its existence often share stories, tips, and techniques to enhance the likelihood of witnessing these alleged paranormal phenomena. Some even go as far as creating elaborate rituals and ceremonies to celebrate the pinnacle state of their tomato plants and invite the mysterious forces they believe to be associated with it. It is important to note that tomato pinnacle witchcraft should not be confused with traditional witchcraft practices or the occult. It is a unique belief system that focuses specifically on the alleged supernatural properties of tomato plants when they reach their pinnacle growth. Whether or not one chooses to believe in tomato pinnacle witchcraft is a matter of personal belief. While skeptics may dismiss it as mere superstition or coincidence, those who have experienced or witnessed these alleged phenomena will adamantly defend their beliefs. Ultimately, the existence of tomato pinnacle witchcraft remains shrouded in mystery and open to interpretation..

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summer solstice recipes