Accidents. Very happy accidents.
Allow me to begin by saying that this is not intended to be a ‘screw digital’ post, as there have been many. My studio has fully embraced digital photography and most of my commercial work is shot with the 1ds MarkIII, a 21MP camera that creates stunningly beautiful images. And the ability to have the art director view the shoot in progress is one area that digital has a firm hold over film.
That being said, here is one example of why I still love shooting film whenever possible.
I was in San Diego a few weeks back shooting 2008 Olympian, Brady Ellision for Phoenix Magazine. I shot primarily digital but I also brought my medium and large format cameras for additional options. I didn’t end up shooting with my medium format but did pull out my 4×5. And thank God I did. This particular frame got exposed as it was pulled out of the film holder and in doing so helped create a look beyond what I could have imagined. The flames, the colors saturation and the burn of the light leak all go along with the imagery and mythology of an archer. And to be blunt, I just dig it.
To quiet any of the cats who think it’s all crazy Photoshop work, I decided to photograph the actual chrome on my studio light table to show that it’s not fake.
NOTE: I didn’t intend to have two posts back to back that have images in reference to each other and don’t see it continuing along this path. Then again, a month ago I didn’t intend on having a blog that continued along any particular path. So you never know, if you know what I mean.
Very cool indeed. I love that there is still enough information in his face to make out his expression. He is an intense kid and this portrait accentuates that. You make me miss film. Keep up the beautiful work.
J.
You will find my friend in this creative life nothing is an accident. Your creative ‘will’ played itself out here. Stunning! Keep up the great work and continue to hit them out of the park!
I love film, nothing like it.