I have some catching up to do since I didn’t post last week’s images. I keep falling short on shooting, printing and posting. It is a challenge to balance everything and there are times I ask myself why I am doing this. Just when I think I’m nuts to invest the time and energy in the 3 Prints Project I seem to have an epiphany. It’s too long to go into detail but I had another revelation. I see a path leading somewhere important so I will keep shooting.
My friend Gordon and I met at Saint’s Cafe this morning to look at the week’s work. Each time he hands me his contact sheets and prints I know I am in for a visual treat.
Gordon purchased a new (to him) Rolleiflex camera and had a test roll of film to show me. These waist-level cameras are amazing little machines once you get used to them. I left wanting one myself. For some years in the 1970s I used one of them a lot.
After some prodding Gordon has embarked on a series of “happy” pictures of his family. It sounds simple and easy but I know myself that I tend to be attracted to more emotionally intense images of people and for some reason reject the happy ones as cliche. Or something. I probably need to do this myself.
On to the pictures.
I continue to shoot near home. I have put aside any beliefs that I must seek out new or exotic locations. I find the familiar surroundings I travel through every day hold rich stories if I can pay attention. I walk past this willow tree almost every morning and it always seems a little different. I’ll keep making pictures of it until I don’t see something new. And then probably some more.
Our garden provides frequent subject matter — during dog walks or morning explorations. As spring time progresses the place changes almost constantly.
I try and keep the Leica M6 handy for moments where the light changes for an instant like it did on this morning when sunlight streamed through a fog for a few moments.
More illuminated fog. The small rangefinder camera serves to make sketches and allows me to practice. A person wrote on a forum recently that compares what I am doing to a musician practicing scales. I am exercising my eye and my technique in preparation for a performance.
I like the metaphor.
This past week I have been shooting with the Mamiya 7 rangefinder camera. This shoots a larger negative and is a bit slower in operation. I’ve not warmed to the camera but there is an elegance to the prints made from the bigger negative.
I am fascinated by trees. I am another tree photographer. If I am diligent I can work up to rocks in streams.
Sigh. You’ve made me long for my pre-digital days again. Messing around in smelly chemicals (Rodinal!), trying to eek out great B&W prints via dodging/burning/different contrast papers and filters, using film cameras (120 and 4×5)…
Thanks for inspiring me to think seriously about getting back into all that again.
And BTW – those are wonderful prints!
Admittedly this is an awful place to put this, but I’m in need of help that I’ll bet you can provide. I got off the interstate yesterday and went down into Tyrone looking for the Sheetz that I can see from the highway, but all I found was a Choice gas station before I decided to turn around without getting lost. Is there an easy way to get to the Sheetz?
Thanks, Steve!
Joe
Anonymous: I’ve considered more than once retiring the film based chemical processes but I always return. There is something inherent in the process that works for me. Perhaps it holds something for you as well.
And thanks for the kind words about the pictures.
Joe: I sent you an email on the location but in case it didn’t arrive…
Turn right at the traffic light when you exit the I-99 ramp and come into town. Go past the Burger King and two more blocks, turn left and Sheetz should be on the right at the end of the block.
I often stop there on the way home from Altoona and points south and west.
Steve, thank you! I remembered the really cool night shot you posted of Tyrone when you were using somebody’s motorcycle a while back so I figured you’d know where the Sheetz is.
Joe
I might have to return to a smaller camera after reading your post this week. I haven’t figured out a way to tote my 4×5 along on two wheels and I miss shooting with a Leica. Keep using film, Steve… your eye is always inspiring.
They are beautiful photos! I especially like the way you have captured the magical light of the fog.
It’s amazing how much warmth you capture in black and white.
Fondest regards,
Jacl
Twisted roads
Hello!
Thanks for your comment at my blog! I m not sure if the translator made everything clear to you-since I write in Greek- but if you have any questions about what exactly I wrote,feel free to ask me!
Once again congratulations on your wonderful photos!! I already use them as wallpapers,and they look really great!
thanks for sharing them with us! 😀
Your photos are amazing. The willow tree reminds me of an old woman, sort of starting to shrink, with her arms hanging before her.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today –
I was going to say the tree looked like a Star Trek monster. Then I saw the comment by Lover of Life. I guess my artistic views need a little tuning up!
Dear Steve:
I just wanted to say thank you for all the effort you put into this blog, and to wish you and your wife a Happy Easter holiday.
I was going to tell you that it was your blog that originally inspired me to launch my own. But then. I was afraid the crowd might hold it against you.
Fondest regards,
Jack Riepe
Twisted Roads
Patefermente: I’ve thought now and again that I should be another 4×5 camera to take along on the Vespa. I think it is a dream better left unfulfilled and I stick to the Leica or the Mamiya 7 for film.
And I’ll keep shooting film until it doesn’t make sense anymore…
Anastasia: Thanks!
Jack Riepe: As always thank you for your words of support and encouragement. And I’m proud to have had a hand in your decision to start blogging. The blogosphere is a richer world because of you.
To a friend in Greece: Glad you find the pictures fun to look at. Ride safe in that beautiful place!
Lover of Life: Thanks for the comments on the willow tree photo. Every time I walk past it is seems like something different.
irondad: I know exactly the Star Trek creature it looks like. I can see it but don’t remember what it was called.
I like the way you write and the way you ride a Vespa !
Your B&W pictures are really nice and I guess it should be a pleasure to have the real print in your hand. I like specially the two pictures with the changing light!
bravo,
robert blu (from RFF) writing from Italy, the country of the Vespa!
Hey Steve
I have stumbled across your blog…I am a year new to loving a sliver GTS 250 of my own.
But my first love is photography (40+years)
Nice prints.
cheers
Frank
ps: I still shoot film AND digital
fotographzfrankjackson.tumblr.com