Actually more like mountains of snow.  Recently took a short trip up to the smokey mountains and there was lots of snow. I did not get the chance to shoot much up there, we were pretty busy and it was a really short trip.  I was able to use a roll of FP4 I had laying around and I have to say, I really like that stuff.  Developed in some Tmax at recommended times and temperature it came out a lot nicer than I remembered it to be.  I definitely plan on replenishing my stock of the FP4 for future use.

I could really really use some of this right now.  I am now drinking a regular coffee but this morning is different. I need my double red-eye of two shots of glory induced into regular coffee and cream with a small amount of sugar. I think in fact I would pay 100.00 for one at the moment. Here is to a great morning and hopefully yours is more awake than mine.

ILFORD FP4, Nikon FE2, Developed in Kodak Tmax RS

Double Deuce

I know that everyone is worried about Kodak’s future, especially the future of film. I am concerned as well, but right now I remain optimistic.  I just hope that Kodak decides to keep their Portra line of film. The Portra film is fantastic and the colors scan really nicely.  I am just getting used to having Portra around.  If the worst was to happen and Kodak ditches film all together, then I guess we have some alternatives such as ILFORD (seen below), but I really hope Kodak gets their act together and does not leave film products out of the equation.

ILFORD HP5 – Nikon Processed in Kodak Tmax RS

Everyone loves their instagram shots so I thought I would put some instagram-like images up.  I know there is no cool filter on these but I will only go so far.

I am still working on completing this project.  As I mentioned late last year, we encountered some problems while trying to complete the spaces project. Namely getting access to the interior spaces of most buildings listed. I hope to resolve these issues or at least find a workaround I can live with and find a way to press forward. For the parts I can immediately control like project scope re-write, I will be editing soon.

14th (and 15th) taken during the New Year.  The  T4 is a fantastic little camera for a point and shoot. I think a lot of it of course has to with the Carl Zeiss lens.
Kodak Portra 800 , Yashica T4

Sometime in late 2010 I bought a couple of film cameras on a whim.  By early 2011 I decided to abandon digital and go back into the loving arms of film for good.  After making that decision, I set out to get some more gear.  In fact what I ultimately ended up doing was finding and buying every film camera I have ever wanted while growing up.  For the most part I got everything super cheap sans the Leica and Pentax LX oh and maybe the Mamiya. Besides those cameras, everything else was affordable. I successfully rescued dozens of cameras from the terrible fate of neglect and dis-repair. Which is a good thing, because I think a camera should be used and not be neglected and collecting dust. My rational for buying duplicates of some of the gear was simple. I might need parts some day to fix the main camera. Well, it made perfect sense to me anyway.

Now that I have been using film again for a solid year I have had time to reflect on my decision.  First it has been a very positive thing for me to move to film. I once again enjoy the process of photography. The organic feel of choosing the right film, taking the photographs, and developing each roll in a soup that will give me the desired look to fit my mood.

Now the negative part. During these situations it seems there is a negative to counterbalance an insanely positive situation.  If you were wondering what the negative is for me in this scenario it is a simple pit fall really.  I now have too much kick ass gear that I enjoy using.

What this has transpired to is uncertainty and added trepidation on picking equipment.  It happens before I travel or even to go on a simple shoot.  Aside from being a believer in not letting equipment go unused, I also believe that it is not the camera that dictates a superior photograph.  Sure there is some really super great equipment out there, but that  does not mean having a fantastic expensive camera will make you take better photographs. Of course a superior camera does not make for better photography as I see it but it does mean you have a kick ass camera.  I think you can take really good photographs from even cheap crappy cameras.  Everything is in the eye of the photographer, but I digress.  Even with that knowledge the line of cameras I have, makes my choices difficult. I do favor some of my cameras more than others, but I want to give them all equal time in the field. As stupid as it sounds I sometimes feel guilty when I take a camera out more than the others.  Ok yes I know that is ridiculous but now you are starting to see the silly thoughts that go through my head.  The bottom line is it makes packing for a trip a long drawn out and unnecessary process. I take more cameras than I need.  In the end I often use just one camera even though I pack three. I waste energy and thought when I could be using it on preparation and picking my film.

Now it’s the beginning of a new year and I have found a way to resolve my issue.  I plan on being more productive with my side projects  this year. I will produce more series and finish more projects, in general more focus (no pun intended).  To make traveling and documentary projects go more smooth I have created a camera schedule.  This allows an unbiased approach to which camera to use.  I mapped out the year in two month increments. Each camera gets its two months in the sun and I have my Leica and medium format cameras as anytime cameras.  This way no matter where I am going or what I am shooting I will just grab the camera of the month.  I do not know why I did not think about this sooner. Here is to an efficient productive year… cheers

There is something to be said for true statements that are repeated throughout our lives but often ignored.  Statements like:

It can always be worse >> Things happen for a reason >> The porcupine does not like to be cuddled >> Polish women are dangerous, they break hearts!!  :) ok that last one was a stretch… or is it

I am off to the Smokey Mountains.  But I will return next week with some more photographs hopefully.  Enjoy your weekend.

ILFORD HP5 developed in Tmax RS

Fuji ACROS developed in Rodinal

When I was done investigating the oil rig on my brother in laws farm I got the feeling I was being watched.  It did not to take long to see why.  White face was staring me down as if trying to communicate right into my brain with her eyes. Willing me to do what she wanted me to do with sheer will and eye contact.  Her actions were more like that of a love starved dalmatian than a cow.  Following my every move and checking every few seconds to make sure I was in fact still there.  The others were caught up in her intensity as if something great was going to happen.  They happily followed her direction.

Ilford HP5 developed in Kodak Tmax