Untitled, March 2009
I was lucky enough to enroll in a large format photography class this semester and gain access to everything from a Deardorff, Wista, Sinar, and Toyo 4 x 5, to an obnoxiously cumbersome 8 x 10 camera. After a year of shooting between 35mm and digital images I was more than ready to slow it down. Of course there are arguments for and against thinking too much before you take an image, but either way, I was ready to take a step back. Every weekend for the past month I’ve strapped a rickety Wista 4 x 5, tripod, lenses, accessories, a bagged lunch, and an extra sweater to the back of my bike. Early Saturday morning I’ll head down to the Staten Island Ferry and make my way to that island where people say nothing exists. Prior to my first visit I told my friend, “I’m going to Staten Island, got any advice?” She simply said, “Don’t go.” I laughed, but always got a similar response when asking people what there was to see there. I figure, in a way, that’s what intrigued me. How can a place so large that is so close to such an interesting city be so not worth a visit?
Gabby, January 2009
Using the 4 x 5 has been a trip, and a wild one at that. The above image which is grossly blurry and underexposed was my first color negative. Even when it seemed like all was going right, the slightest amount of wind would joggle my tripod and suddenly clarity was lost. Since my first few trials I’ve managed to produce well-exposed negatives, but I’m always having problems with sharpness. Either the depth of field is too small or most commonly the film plane isn’t lined up with the lens and I’m unintentionally tilitng or shifting the plane of focus. To properly shoot with a large format camera is to give yourself a lesson in patience.
Untitled, February 2009
When something finally catches my eye I hop off my bike, lock it up, and unload the tripod, camera, lens, and other pieces. I set up the camera, tightenting all the knobs, attaching the lens and cable release, throw myself under the black cloth, focus, meter, and shoot the image. I then have to break it all back down and attach it all to the back of my bike. This whole process takes about 15 minutes if I’m quick. Not to mention that every image adds up to around $8 including what it costs to process the sheet. My first few runs would stress me out completely. Every time I would pass something or someone that I found even vaguely interesting, I would have an internal debate as to whether or not it was “worth it.” To compromise I now keep my 35mm dangling from my neck to shoot those images that don’t make the cut. As for the prints, the clarity is completely unprecedented. I’ve found myself printing 16 x 20s just to marvel at the lack of grain and impact that images have on that scale. I’m excited about the project I am working on although I’m not sure where it’s going or where it even began. I do know that using a large format camera seems to ratify your status as a photographer. I more than enjoy the random conversations with strangers and its presence makes people more inclined to pose for a portrait. It’s funny because before I took the class people warned me about the biting cold and how freezing and impossible it was to deal with the cumbersome equipment in the winter. Despite all that after I’ve biked six miles, am exhausted, freezing, and my knees are killing me I really feel like I’ve done something. It gives a certain preciousness to every negative. Oh and the best part about every trip is finally reaching the giant hill that leads down to the Staten Island Ferry. It’s like the final hoorah before I leave the island. Although, one day, while careening at (probably) 40 mph I’ll probably kill myself (at least that’s what my Mom says).
Michael George :: Mar.14.2009 ::
My Photography ::
No Comments »
