The (Quite Worthwhile) Cost of Film Photography

If a roll of film goes up by a dollar, it's still worth it. Yes, I saw the news--Ilford announced a 15% price hike starting August 15. That's the state of the international economy, a world full of supply shortages and the cost of making the best film on the planet. We need to support...

Do People Still Make Family Portraits To Hang In Their Homes? Young People, Too?

So, as some of you know, I make museum-quality silver gelatin hand-printed family portrait photographs using real film in vintage wood cameras. It’s a specialty for sure and the photographs are not easy nor inexpensive to create.  A friend said to me that I’d be lucky to give a photograph away, that no one wants...

“I’M NOT THAT BUSY”

I abhor the way every working photographer when asked how it's going replies, "I'm so busy." Automatically. Whether they are or not, they think it's a badge of honor. "So, so busy."Busy isn't the most important thing to be. A good balance of work and free time is important, not just running from one job...

Watching and Documenting the Lives of Others AKA Joining the Circus

I've been fortunate to be able to be a working photographer all my life. From the moment I left college, I immediately got work as a photojournalist, then a staff photographer position at a large daily newspaper, and then have worked as a freelance commercial, advertising, and editorial photographer, totaling 35 years in photography. During...

RIP Digital Photography (2000-2022)

I have a bold statement to make, but hear me out. It's a conclusion that comes as a result of this post from July 30. With the majority of people (perhaps not you if you are a photographer) no longer using dedicated digital cameras, point and shoot cameras, bridge cameras nor DSLRs, and exclusively now...

Making a Series of Film Portraits on Your Terms

Made on black and white 4x5 film, this is the lead photograph from the shoot. I have a friend Clark whose Father collects classic cars and used to work for Kodak. I had never met his Dad, but told Clark that he sounds like someone I need to photograph. And so I did. I brought...

Photography Rights Grab: A Beggars Banquet–VisitLongmontColorado at the Feast

Most people you couldn't get to beg for anything. There's social shame in asking for something for nothing, trying to get something without paying its value to its owner. But when it comes to photography, there is for some odd reason no social stigma to begging and attempting to taking it all. (I think what...

I Went to Disney World. No Photographers. No Cameras In Sight.

That thing at the top of this post, when printed on paper, used to be a cherished snapshot. A photographic memory. Not anymore. Now, it no longer exists. What's the first thing you think to pack when you go on a vacation to somewhere special? A camera of course. (Or if you're me, several!) Sure,...

Photographers’ Main Problem Today: “We Don’t Know What To Shoot.”

Cameras are pretty good these days. In fact they're incredibly good. Lenses, too. Tack sharp, excellent. Software. Hardware. All working fine. Yet, I keep seeing posts from photographers made with the latest gear and the best lenses and the most exquisite bokeh making boring photos of nothing. By far, the biggest problem I see plaguing...

“There’s Nothing Out Here.”

Every time I go out to the lake, I bring a Rolleiflex with one roll of 120 film loaded, ready to make 12 frames. I drive alongside the lake's south side and look for a place to park while looking to see what looks photogenic. And none of it does. No photos. Some people using...