Photography Journal

   4 by 5 Results ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I took 8 pictures when my friends and I went to take photos with the 4 by 5 toyo field camera at the school studio. I knew I would not have enough time to develop them all, so I placed them in a dark bag to process later. I did, however, develop one that day to ensure that there was an image on it. When I developed this one, I left the dark bag open a bit so the rest of my negatives had  little bit of exposure on each one.  Luckily, we got that new SP 445 developing tank and I used that to develop the other 7 negatives. A silly (and should not have happened) mistake, but the effect is ok on most of the images! --------------------------------------- The look I was going for: Dark and dramatic ------------------------------------ And, so, the results: **These are only pictures taken of the pictures - scanned images will be uploaded once they are done** Dexter P...

 4 by 5 Film Development ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ How to develop 4 by5 film We were shown how to develop 4 by 5 film using trays and chemicals.. the similar to the way you would enlarge a photo in the darkroom, except in complete darkness.  I came across a YouTube video on developing large format prints using 3 different methods. One is using the SP-445 developing tank. I wanted to buy one, but these run a cost of about $129 per tank, with a long delivery time.  A week after I looked into this, one showed up in our class! So I think I will try this method instead of developing 4 by 5 film the old fashioned way, in complete darkness and chemicals in trays.  I looked more closely at the SP 445 developing tank, and came across this instruction sheet from Spearman Press. It is a beneficial guideline to using the tank.  Here are some key checklist items to look at prior to developing: Make sure the 'O...

    Lighting: Godox 860 II C Flash --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I bought the Godox 860 II C flash flash a while ago, and have used it for many sessions to add more light. Now that I am beginning to be more advanced in my portraits and creative ideas, I would like to learn more about this flash, how to use it, and the various functions it has! The video below describes the functions of this flash.  Triggers I am looking at for this flash: XPro X2T The video below explains the difference between these two, plus the X1. My biggest debate is whether to go with the Pro and the TCM feature or the X2T with the bluetooth feature and additional top shoe mount. I am leaning towards the X2T and cannot wait to try it out! After watching the video, I learned a few things: 1. TTL stands for "through the lens", and gets a meter reading through the lens of the camera. 2. TCM stands for TTL Convert to Manu...

Portrait Lighting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Up until now, I have mainly used natural lighting as my main source of lighting for my portraits. I have played around with lighting in creative aspects, and that is where I would like my portrait niche to lie.  I found this great (8.5 minute) video on 5 common key light patterns . Although I have learned all about lighting I have never really put it all into action. This page on SLR lounge also shares this information, along with the video, and the examples shown below each one: Flat: Light faces directly into the subject from the angle of the lens Butterfly Lighting: Light comes from directly in front and above the subjects face Loop Lighting: Light above subject (25-50"), angled to the subject's face (25 - 50") Rembrandt Lighting: Light from above subject and at a stronger angle than Loop Split Lighting: Light comes directly 90 degrees to right or left of subje...

  Portraiture: Shadows with Digital camera --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Being inspired by  The Richard Avedon Foundation  and  Sally Mann  for portraiture, I decided to try some shadow work with my digital camera.  My goal is to utilize similar, or new, techniques in the school studio with the Toyo camera! I am very excited to utilize this camera and the resources at the school.  Techniques used for the above images: flashlight strainer food grater fern panty hose << BeYou.BeTrue. Always >> I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on these images! 

  Portraiture: Shadows ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After doing some research, I am going to do creative portraitures, which will include shadows.  Richard Avedon  inspires and encourages this through it's contemporary and creative framed shots and movement.  His creative portraiture is unique and when I reviewed his work, I got inspired to do something creative, and from a unique perspective.  The black and white of the photos emphasizes aspects of this life we do not always see. We see in colour daily, but to see in black and white is one of the most powerful and beautiful aspects of this world. Film helps to bring out the inner beauty of the people and world around us that we do not always see.   Natalia Semanova, Mouthpiece and Headphones by Tom Binns, New York, April 30, 1998 The image of Natalia above shows such creative and inspiring messaging. It is...