So far I've learned a few things.
1) Photoshop is a every bit as valid to use as a tool as techniques that would have formerly been done in a darkroom. You ain't judged on your idea of purity, but on the quality of your images. Why would you hobble yourself by not learning how to make intelligent use of your tools.
1.1) Don't think you can rescue a badly shot picture with photoshop. Then same limitations you had in a darkroom you'll have in PS.
2) Really examine what you like in the photography of others. Try to express that in your own, but don't be limited by it.
3) Garbage in, garbage out. Some garbage is friggin amazing, so be careful what you toss out. Film gives the gift of distance. I really didn't like Prince when I first heard him, it took time to appreciate him.
4) Any one who claims to be the best at anything (or acts like it) is setting themselves up for a fall. Be neither too humble nor too proud.
5) Photography (art) is a life path, not a rest stop. Be diligent and patient.
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Currently in love with the 6x7 & 6x6 formats. There is a fabulous geometry there -- both formats are slithery and concrete at the same time. Just switched to a 50D from a Rebel XT -- OMG incredible, so much more expressive freedom. If you are contemplating the upgrade, do it. I'm a life long Minolta and Canon man, and I couldn't be happier (until I can afford full frame!).
Ooooh, just added a Mamiya 645J to my tool chest. Wow, what a joy to use, develop and explore... I'm deeply in love.
Oh, oh, oh, oh!!! Now a Mamiya 7ii - amazing, sexy, incredible, fantastic.
Developing in 777 - beautiful looooong scale, luminous, sensual!
Another Mamiya - in the guise of a Tower 20B 35mm. I am officially hooked (again) on rangefinders. SLR, fine... Rangefinder, OMG!
The madness does not stop! Now a Linhof Technika IV (4x5). Giant negs, amazing detail. Weighs a little more than a junior high school soccer team.
From bad to worse :)
Have added Mamiya 6 iv Folder - Very, very, very cool it has great glass. Think there might be a tiny light leak in the bellows.
Yashica Mat 124G - appears to be late in the production run. Every bell and whistle, case and all. This is an awesome camera.
Century View Camera (5x7) -- about 1901-1903, bellows in great condition. Still have to get a couple of film holders and figure out how best to develop the film.
Polaroid SX70 (and a ton of other 600/660/Spectra polaroids)
"23" back for the linhof - 6x9cm format.
Still loving PMK/Pyro. Just wear protection.
Now working on alt process.
I add, with great delight, a Mamiya Universal Press Camera. The glass (100mm/3.5) is awesome and very large format in its look. It's very similar to the Linhof, but feels a little simpler (the coupled rangefinder makes a big difference). Using the 6x9 format. Great looking negs. Back to using Harvey's 777.
- JoinedFebruary 2006
- OccupationMurshid
- HometownTucson
- Current cityTucson
- CountryUSA
- Websitehttp://www.onthesilkroad.com
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