Jack Carlson Photography

My 2022 New Year’s Resolution: Shoot Film

Fuji GA645i Medium Format Camera

I (very) recently learned that Igor, my friend and master printer/owner of  the VIP Photo/Video Lab in Park Ridge, IL (www.Vipprolabandvideo.com) processes and prints 120 film in addition to digital and 35mm. Since I just happen to (still) have a medium format camera here at the olde camera clubhouse, I ordered some print film from B+H.  Yes, shooting film will certainly raise the “shoot and hope” level on the acceptability of the resulting images. Yes, shooting film will take me into the photo “slow lane” which will require more thought, effort and time but who cares? The resulting images will be negatives that are 2.7 times larger than 35mm so I’ll be able to have Igor print large size images without problems.  This medium-format film camera has a fixed 60mm lens which is equivalent to 37mm focal length (in 35mm) which will be just fine. For details on this camera, check out Fuji GA645i. I’ll let you know how it’s going. In the meantime:

Do something new in ’22.  Shoot film!

 

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Weekly Photo Tip

The earlier, the better for soft light

Soft light, f20 @ 1/800, 180mm focal length

There was more light than heat outside the Camera Clubhouse yesterday morning which made a perfect setting for some close-up flower pictures. I decided that an ISO of 400 would work well–especially in the shaded areas–and provide hand-holding shutter speeds. That plan worked quite well with only a few images that needed to be tossed into the garbage can. I had enough time to consider the options for camera settings which were mainly focal length and aperture. You’ll remember that these are the two controls that control both image sharpness and background blur. White Balance is only for changing the color from the light source so I set the full sun mode and forgot about it even when shooting into shaded areas. The images surrounding this article are from the morning shoot. Here’s my advice when the sun is out: Get UP and Get OUT with your camera. On days when the sun sleeps in, Get UP and Get OUT to find locations that are good shooting spots on sunny days.

This is more inclusive. F11 @1/250, 70mm focal length.

Be more inclusive. f11@1/400, 122mm focal length.

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About Jack

A classically trained musician since childhood, Jack Carlson always had the “ear” of an artist. It was only a short step to develop the artist’s “eye” as well.

The portfolio of this certified photographer reveals images that emphasize mood and composition. Their purpose is to present a feeling in addition to portrayal of person, place or thing. Sometimes that feeling is nostalgia; other times it is serenity.

Each photograph tells a story.