I love a sharp negative and photographic print as much as the next guy. I strive for proper focus. Who doesn't? But there are times when it's not about the tack sharp focus, but about the moment. When the shutter can't quite still what's happening, but it still captures it. Like these two photos of... Continue Reading →
Shooting a Wedding on Film
"Wait, whaaaaaattt?" That doesn't sound like what you would expect nowadays with all the technology available, the Sony, the Canon, the Nikon. Have you seen the mirrorless? "Next you'll say you're not going to put them online." Yes, that would be my preference, to deliver you actual photographs printed and framed and in leather photo... Continue Reading →
The Soul of Film Photography
What is soul and how does it apply to a photograph? Is it real or are film photographers just making it up? You know, when we talk about a film photograph having soul, unlike our digital photographs. I know for me, I see it. Clearly. I’m also connected to the photograph and the subject—they’re friends—so... Continue Reading →
Why Do You Make a Photograph?
I have an either/or question: Why do you make a photograph? Is it to make a photograph that people will like? Hit the heart button on Instagram? The Like Thumbs Up on Facebook? Is that your delivery medium? Is it to make a photograph that needs to exist in the world? That hangs on a... Continue Reading →
Four Photos, Just Four Photos
Four. (4). Just 1+1+1+1. I've been going out with the Graflex Speed Graphic and Ebony 4x5 with the purpose of making photographs. But not some unknown number of photographs, four photographs. Just four. Can you imagine going out and shooting only four photographs? Just four exposures? I only bring two film holders. Yesterday, (I'm only... Continue Reading →
A Crossroads in the History of Photography
We are at a crossroads, now more than ever. At first it was just digital technology as a new way to capture light and make a picture. We all embraced it because it was no cost, no worry, shoot shoot shoot and delete later, or don't. (Because let's face it, we don't delete, we just... Continue Reading →
A Life On Screens
I asked my Father today if he remembered life before television. He said he did, and it was a world where a lot of people read books and newspapers, played games and got together with friends and a barrel of beer. The reason I asked is because I realize that since the invention of TV,... Continue Reading →
The Magic is Missing in Phone-Snappy World
True story happened yesterday. I met a young couple, mid-20s, and we were talking about film photography. I told them how they could get one roll of black and white film from Mike's Camera and shoot one photo a month in an old Minolta SLR they had, and after three years they'd have a wonderful... Continue Reading →
Film, Huh, Good God, What is it Good For?
I traveled this month, a road trip from Colorado to California, and if you know me, I pack a variety of cameras. I don't go anywhere without at least one Leica. And I brought a Rolleiflex for some portraits, and at the last minute put a 4x5 camera and some film and a changing bag... Continue Reading →
A Night at the Pool Hall
Leica M2, 50mm Summarit f1.5, Kodak Tri-X Film