The How and Why of Photography

This has been on my mind a lot lately. People talk about gear all the time. We spend hours researching just the right lens, camera combination., all the accessories involved, editing software etc. How much time do we invest in understanding why we make images in the first place? Also, how much time do we invest in the how part of images? The process of actually making the image. This will be my focus over the next year.

I believe equipment is irrelevant. I’ve shot with everything from a quaker oatmeal box pinhole camera to a Leica Q2 and everything in between. I’ve made images that I love with all of them. For me it is more about what I have learned about making images, over the last 40 years, that leads to the images I love.

So I hope to share that with you. All the things that are behind how and why I make images. I’m looking forward to this new journey and seeing where it takes me.

Until Next Time,

John

A.I. vs Original Thought

A.I. is here. I actually use it to proof read these blogs. It can be a wonderful tool. I believe it can also create issues. I’ve been battling with the idea of simplicity, using A.I. to make my life easier. There is so much it can do. The problem is that there is so much it can do! Am I giving up control? Am I shortchanging you, the reader? Do I just go along with the suggestions it makes?

As an artist, the idea of creativity is key to who I am. For me creativity starts in my brain, that is what makes it my art. If I ask A.I. to come up with ideas for me, is that the same thing? Is it still my art? I don’t have the answer. I know that I can use it as a tool to expand on my art. Coming up with an idea is mine and mine alone. I have to ask A.I. a question before it responds. Is that question enough for the starting point of my art? Does the art then belong to the bot that spurs it on, or is it still mine because I asked the original question and then ran with the answer or response?

We will all be grappling with the above over the years to come. New technology creates new questions. It will be up to all of us to determine what the answers are and how we move forward. I was watching an interview done many years back. Prince was talking about the internet and computers. “It’s cool to get on the computer, but don’t let the computer get on you.” (Prince, Link). I want to believe that my art is my own original thought or creation. I hope that is, and continues to be, true!

The Next Four Years and My Art!

I guess I didn’t expect what happened last night. Being naive I believed people would make the right choice. For me it was a decision between right and wrong. Millions of people made that wrong choice and I’m having a hard time understanding it. Putting politics aside I have to wonder how you can check a box next to a persons name that makes fun of the disabled. That insults other human beings. That bullies and intimidates others to get ahead. All the things that I was taught as a child around care and respect all tossed aside.

I chose the image above for a reason. That child is innocent. They had no control of the events that led up to the receiving of this flag, to take the place of a loved one lost to war. Knowing that for the next four years a man that I have no respect for and no faith in will be responsible for decisions that will impact those left behind. The degradation of our nation began with the 2016 election and has continued ever since. I thought we could leave this idealogy behind and work together for the common good, finding compormise to move forward. I remember a day where I may not have liked the choice but I respected the individual that was chosen. That is no longer true.

If you voted for him, help me understand how you could look beyond all the ugliness, all the hate. I desperately want to understand. Right now that is hard. I want to blame you for all that is to come. The chaos will come, it is the unfortunate byproduct of this person. He exudes confrontation, hate and ugliness. I am afraid for the future of our country and the safety of my family.

Over the next four years Ii will try to escape into my art. Find something meaningful to place my energy. My politics are as much a part of me as my photography is. I will somehow combine the two in projects to come. I understand that many may disagree with me and that is ok. I know who I am and what my values are, do you?

Until Next Time,

John

Inspiration (Part 3) Websites and Social Media

Websites

What inspires me has been the theme in this series and this is part 3 and the final part. Over the last year I have been in a creative rut. I have been searching for new ways to learn and grow my art. There is so much available out there, but where to start? for this section I look toward something old and something new.

I have been going to the Art Institute since I was a child. Born north of Chicago, my Aunt took me there regularly. I fell in love with Monet, Georgia O’Keeffe and Serat. This website reminds me of why I love art. As An adult I am learning more about the why of the artists. Why did they create and the thought process behind their art. I also look to this site for new inspiration as they are always adding to their collection and highlighting artists that are new to me. Check it out HERE!

The Ansel Adams Gallery is located in Yosemite Valley and is a must see if you are traveling there. The website is an amazing place to see the works of this amazing artist as well as that of new artists inspired by his work. I have been striving to make landscapes in this style and love how my work has progressed over time because of his influence. See the website HERE!

Social Media

In this section i’d like to talk about the new social media I have discovered. There have been so many changes that have negatively impacted how photographers showcase their work on social media. There is the constant search for a site that can be that place where people can actually see our work. With this in mind, I have been looking, and found the two below that seem promising.

I’ve just discovered Substack. With apps for both iPhone and iPad as well as web based, it is a great platform to showcase not just your work but who you are and why you create. You can either use it like social media to post ideas, art or showcase others or create a newsletter that you can publish through the site. People can subscribe to your feed and be notified by email when you post. You can subscribe to my feed HERE!

This app just hit my radar and i’m not sure where it will go. It is gaining in popularity rapidly, with photographers. The jury is still out but it is interesting. You can join HERE! My username is @jpwineberg. It does require a beta test on iOS and iPad OS.

I hope you have enjoyed this series. If you have any questions feel free to post below. I would love to hear from you. Now back to making images!

Until Next Time,

John

Inspiration (Part 2) Books and Publications

In this series I am exploring new and creative sources to help me grow as a creative. This entry is about the books and publications that I have been enjoying lately that have helped spawn new ideas and directions in my work.

This has been an amazing addition to my book collection. I find myself rereading chapters over and over. This book is great for understanding the creative process and what holds us back. It has been instrumental in teaching me a new way to look at art and how I create. Rick Rubin presents his amazing perspective in this wonderful book. Find It Here!

Framelines Magazine is something I look forward to every quarter. It highlights amazing film photographers old and new. Includes interviews and images from a broad spectrum of photographers. While it is based in analog photography, it has influenced my digital style as well. I enjoy seeing different interpretations of street photography both in color and black and white. I often go back to previous issues to reexamine the photographers for inspiration. Find it Here!

A recently discovered publication, Magazine B highlights different brands and what makes them unique. The Leica edition above is just one of the series available. Interviews, images and the stories of famous brands that you may use are covered in this beautifuly presented magazine. I have the Leica, Disney and Moleskine editions. Find it Here!

I enjoy holding books and magazines in my hands. I miss the day of the physical newspaper delivered to my door. These help me to look at things in a new way. They have opened my mind to new possibilities in my work. At 58 I am still learning and growing as an artist. In some ways I feel like I am just getting started.

Until Next Time,

John

Inspiration (Part 1) YouTube

This is the first in a series where I share my inspiration. I’ve been in a creative rut lately. I am trying to expand my vision by exploring new creative possibilities. Below are some channels that I have discovered that have helped me learn and grow as a creative.

Levi Allen, Adventure Film Academy

I’ve been following Levi Allen for years. His slack line series is amazing. He has two channels but the above has had some interesting content around creative ruts and the issue of perfection killing creativity and progress. Some amazing stuff here!

Jamie and the Jam

Jamie wanders with his analog setup and shares his process and adventures. I avoid gatekeeping at all costs and this channel has no pretense and is fun to watch.

Matt Day

Matt Day has been making videos for so many years and has maintained a relaxed, authentic and creative channel! There is so much to learn from Matt through his channel, everything from film photography, printing techniques and including his humble nature! I don’t believe there is a channel that is more real.

These are just a few of the channels I enjoy and draw ideas and inspiration from. It is nice to have this resource for my photography and creative journey. When I was in my 20’s none of this existed and you had to rely on local mentors or costly classes to learn and grow your craft. Resources are endless in the modern age and I am hoping to learn and grow as a creative through my exploration!

Until Next Time,

John

Image Quality vs Content, What's More Important?

The above image is a scan of an 11.5 x 8 paper copy. I don’t have the original. For those that aren’t a fan of the San Francisco Giants, that is Buster Posey (Former Catcher) and my Father. The approximate year is 2014. I apologize but I don’t know who the photographer was otherwise i’d give them credit.

I know that this is not a perfect image. That is the point of this post. This is an important image for my family. My Father passed 7 years ago and all we have are our memories. Baseball was a huge part of his life and this image is one that we will cherish forever.

My Stepmother had this image and asked that I digitize it and try to clean it up a bit. I know I could have used AI and other tools but I chose not to. I prefer the imperfections. The subject is more important to me and the quality of the image is secondary.

I believe we spend too much time working toward perfection that we forget why we make images in the first place. Telling a story is the goal as well as to elicit an emotional response from the viewer. This is what I spend my time doing when making images. Thinking through why i’m making an image. Asking myself the significance of the subject or the story i’m trying to tell. We remember the images that are significant to us. Looking back at a lost loved one or reliving an emotional event that happened in our lifetime or the lifetime of those we love. Significant social events, disasters, wars and so much more have significant meaning for us. Images can, almost, make us, or help us, relive that moment.

Focus, composition, depth, all things that can help an image, but the subject will always make or break it. So the next time you pick up your camera, place something in the frame, think about the story you want to tell and how you feel! Help someone else feel the same when they view it. Make it count!

Until Next Time,

John

An Old Roll of Film

I was cleaning out my office the other day when I found an old roll of film. This has happened before and there is a prior article regarding what I found. This roll was of a shoot I did with a model some years ago. I was just getting started working with figure art models. I was shooting primarily digital with the occasional film roll. For this shoot I shot just the one roll of film and a ton of digital. At the time I didn’t have a relationship with a lab and didn’t want to take it to the local camera shop. I had all these preconceived notions regarding this genre of photography, more in a future post. I put this roll in a drawer and forgot about it. I sent it off, not knowing what was on it and was wonderfully surprised when the lab uploaded it.

@googlymonstor Nikon FE2, 35mm F1.8 Lens. Kodak TriX

I’ve been working with this amazing model for more than 7 years. We have done so many shoots and this was one of the earlier ones. I have worked so hard in this genre. There are so many names for this type of photography, fine art, art nude, figure photography. For me it is about the art of the female form. Light, shadow, personality, emotion or lack thereof. I have been drawn to this type of photography over the years. I have worked with several models, all unique and amazing. You can see my images HERE!

@googlymonstor Nikon FE2, 35mm F1.8 Lens. Kodak TriX

I prefer a natural look to my images. Not overproduced or edited. I request that the models don’ wear a lot of makeup or have their hair done. The reality of who they are is part of the image. I enjoy working in this models space. Being relaxed and comfortable is is important for my images. I believe it adds to the overall feel of the image.

@googlymonstor Nikon FE2, 35mm F1.8 Lens. Kodak TriX

As a photographer I don’t like the idea of being pigeon holed into a specific type of photography. I enjoy portraits, landscapes and city scapes. Art nude, impied and figure photography is just another space to explore. I learn with every image and photo shoot. I learn from the models what works as well as what doesn’t. I will continue to push myself as I continue my photographic journey. At this point I care more for what I get out of it than what other people think. Art is subjective. I create b because I have to. It is how I express myself. My thoughts, feelings, ideas expressed through an image.

If I don’t care what others think then why post, or share? There may be others out there that feel as I do. They may be sitting, wondering what it would be like to do something different, outside the box. They may be feeling anxiety around what other people think or repercussions. What I hope is that this pushes that person to take a chance. You will never create something of beauty if you never try. Failure happens but is how we learn. We can grow and change only if we put ourselves out there. IT worked for me, it can work for you!

Until Next Time,

John

Why We Should Print Our Images

Growing up, all my images were printed. Digital didn’t exist. You couldn’t look at the back of the camera to see your shot or use a computer to review, edit and upload your images. When you finished a roll you took it to the local camera store to have it developed. If you were so inclined you had a dark room in your house or school. I would convert my bathroom into a darkroom, pasting a “Do Not Enter” sign to the door. My middle school and high school also had darkrooms. I developed and printed everything I shot, good or bad. It was a process I had to learn over time.

I still have some of those prints. I love having something tangible to hold and enjoy. During COVID, like others, I looked for projects that used my hands. I learned how to make sourdough and I started working with my old film cameras again. I didn’t go so far as to develop my images, for many reasons, however, I did start printing again. When I received the film scans from the lab I printed every image on 5 X 7 matte paper. Shooting black and white, I loved the look and feel of the matte finish. I don’t have a fancy printer, just a standard inkjet photo printer. I’m loving the results. It took a bit of time to understand the Lightroom Print module. There was a learning curve. A few test prints and I was dialed in. I’ve added a white border to remind me of the way I printed when I was a kid. Every image had a border. I’ve never liked full bleed images. Just personal preference.

As I printed my images I noticed a big difference between what I saw on my computer screen vs what the print looked like. I learned about my monitor and the specific settings that needed to be changed so that the two would align. I could go into all the details but know that every display and printer are different and need different types of calibration or combination of settings. I found mine and couldn’t be happier with the results. My advice would be to research your own printer and monitor combination to discover the necessary steps.

The image above shows the back wall of my office. I regularly switch out these images. It is like an art instalation in my own space. As I get older nostalgia plays a big part in my art. Remembering what it was like, as a kid, to experience images. What it felt like to hold and work with a manual camera. Avoiding what I call “IG” or instant gratification. Delaying the enjoyment of the image but instead enjoying the process more. No menus or digital filters to worry about. Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO, my best friends in the creation of the image. Keeping it simple and taking my time. A mindful moment with camera in hand.

Until next time…

John

Exploring Light and Shadow

Not every image is made with the intent of sharing, with the exception of this post of course. The learning process is forever and some images are for that and only that. My last adventure was an experiment. I’ve been shooting with the Leica Q2 for almost two years. I love the images from this camera but I wanted to try something new.

I’ve been following the work of Allan Schaller and love his high contrast style. I wanted to test the Q2 to see what high contrast might look like . There is a preset for jpegs called BW HC or Black and White monochrome high contrast. This is intended to increase the definition between light and dark within an image. Dark portions appear darker and lighter appear even lighter and the definition between the two are accentuated. I always edit from the raw file but use this setting to see the possibilities through the viewfinder while shooting.

As I wandered I sought out images with stark contrast. Strong shadows and defined light.

Testing your equipment is key to understanding how it responds to different situations. Every camera and lens combination has a distinct look and feel. When people ask the question “what camera should I buy?” it is impossible to answer. You need to work with a system to determine what your style will be. It will be unique to you and how you shoot with that camera and lens. 40 years later i’m still playing with light and shadow and camera/lens combinations. These images are part of that process.

The luxury of shooting black and white is that the definition between light and dark is excentuated. There are only shades of gray. The white clouds are better defined, the blue sky is a dark gray, not taking away from the greater image. The structure visible and defined against the sky. This is invaluable for helping me to create my art. As I continue to work with this camera, I have a better understanding of what my images will look like. I can have a vision and make it a reality. The fun of photography is learning as you go. The more images you make, the more mistakes, the experiences you gain over time, the better the final product. The fun of photography is the constant learning. I can make something new and exciting by trying something different. I have to think outside the box and push the limits of what i’ve learned in the past. I am inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe who didn’t obey the rules. She created what she loved and listened to her minds eye.

If there is one thing to take away from this it is to push yourself. Try something new. Play! Learn! and most of all have fun!

Till Next Time,

John

Am I An Artist?

This is my struggle lately. Validation is in short supply. Is that the reason to question my art? I make images all the time. Some work and others don’t. I write these blogs, I love some and others, hmm. Regardless of all of this I still create. I still put myself out there, for better or worse. If every artist created with the sole intention of pleasing the audience we would not have most of the art that exists. Most artists create because they must. This is true for me. I create because the idea of not creating is painful.

I’ve photographed so many subjects, landscapes, portraits, city scapes, street scenes and so much more. I’ve done paid work for large corporations and for individuals and families. I’ve shot weddiings, didn’t love it, and I’ve shot events. Now I shoot for me. I wander with my camera searching for new, meaningful images. I want my work to mean something. Telling stories, showing emotion, anything emotion is my goal. This is hard. Not every image meets this goal, but I still shoot. When I shoot film I hope for two or three images that excite me. If there are more than awesome but no far reaching expectations from the 36 frames. When I shoot digital I expect the same. two or three great images will make me happy and feel like the outing was a success.

So I continue my journey, taking my cameras out into the world to capture what I see, both with my eyes, my mind and my heart. Am I an artist? I’m not going to wait for you, or anyone else, to decide, as that is who I am, and nobody can change that.

Until Next Time,

Take Care,

John

Pliny the Younger/Russian River Brewing

I recently took a tour of Russian River Brewings’ Windsor, CA location. The release of Pliny the Younger was coming to an end and I wanted to have a taste before it was all gone. I have discovered that you can try Pliny while on the tour, along with two other beers and you don’t have to wait two to four hours to make it happen.

I brought along my Leica Q2 to document the day. I love high contrast and have a preset on my camera that gives me a preview of what the images will look like. I edit from the raw files in Lightroom and use the provided black and white with red filter preset and then some minor adjustments depending on the image. I’ve been shooting Kodak black and white film for over 30 years and love the look of TriX. My digital work has always leaned toward the TriX look. I thought of purchasing the Q2 monochrome but didn’t want to be limited. I am tempted by the M10 monochrome but would have to sell a kidney to make it happen.

Without color, light and shadow is most important. Over the years I have learned what colors are darker or brighter in images. Seeing patterns of light and understanding gray scale took years. Shooting film over the years, with no electronic viewfinder to show the me the way, I learned with each roll. I remember my first mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X100T. Seeing the digital image through the viewfinder, being able to make changes and see the results before making the image. It felt like cheating but loved it all the same. I’m jealous of photographers just starting out as the learning curves is drastically shortened by new tech. Well, new relative to my scale.

I’ve captured this staircase on more than one occasion. I would love to see what it would look like closer to sunrise or sunset. The tour doesn’t allow you to just linger. In addition, you have to hold your tasting glass throughout the tour. I could spend hours in this room making images. The metal tanks, staircase, hight ceiling. So much fun and so many angles and subjects.

People ask me why black and white? There are several reasons. The first is that it reminds me of when I was a kid, with my first camera. I was spoiled that my middle school had a dark room. Watching my film turn into an image in the chemistry, was magical. The second reason is that I see in black and white. I know that sounds strange. As I stated earlier, shooting black and white film over the years has taught me what an image will look like. I can see the image in my mind. Lastly, the distraction of color. When you look at an image, you see it differently because it is black and white. It has an old timey feel, taking you back in time. For me it is more emotional to capture images this way.

I hope you have enjoyed these images. I’ve made a short video regarding this shoot. Click here to check it out.

Until next time,

John

San Francisco With the Leica Q2

My favorite way to make images is to wander with my camera. I try not to have a set plan. I like the freedom to shoot what I want, when I want. Categories of photography are a constraint and I avoid them at all cost. My creativity feels stifled when there are too many rules or constraints. I took off for San Francisco to go for a walk with my Leica Q2. I did have the goal of working in black and white. Additionally I created a preset that was high contrast. I shoot in both DNG as well as JPG. The JPG, with the preset applied, gives me an idea what the creative possibilities are for the DNG file.

Deeper shadows, darker sky, texture, details pop. I love this look. I have always leaned toward more contrast in my images. For years I have shot film with a red filter on my Nikon FE2. Kodak Tri-X is my film of choice lately, which has more contrast than other film stocks. Alan Schaller is a photographer I recently discovered. His images include a ton of negative space and is rich with contrast. I have to admit that he has influenced this shoot.

This image is all about light and shadow. The strip of lit texture, negative space, a bit abstract but pleasing for me. Experimenting is key in growing as a photographer. Lately i’ve been striving to break free of conventional constraints. Thinking more creatively. Creating art with my camera is the goal. This is just one step in that process.

Understanding color in black and white photography is key. That sentence sounds funny but it is true. The building in the background is a deep red. Knowing that it will translate into a deeper shade of gray prepares me for the overall image. The shadows of the poles, the scooter, crosswalk hashmarks and the building in the background make this image more interesting or visually pleasing.

Visual oddities are worth capturing. Things that are out of the ordinary are more commonplace in a city environment. A blend of art and culture in a smaller space than other places in the world. All you have to do is look and they will present themselves.

A man standing in a booth being watched over by a honey bear in a top hat. An image I couldn’t resist. Murals like this are all over the city. It would be interesting to find the artist and discover the motivation for the art. Like the prior image, a visual oddity, open to interpretation of each passerby.

Lately i’ve been drawn to images that are looking through to the subject. In a prior post I mentioned my interest in chain link. This image reminds me of that. Patterns, light, shadow, all combining to make an image that is up to the viewer as to what it is or what it means to them. For context, this is an outdoor dining space or parklet, outside of a restaurant. For me it represents an end to the isolation we all felt during covid. Like a museum exhibit, behind a type of wall or window, to be observed, a memory to be preserved.

You may be asking yourself, what’s the purpose of all this? What do I hope to gain through this photo walk? With every image I learn something. I learn about the camera, the lens and how that combination works with light and shadow in all its’ possibilities. I learn about myself through when I choose to activate the shutter to capture the image that is preserved. I then take all that information and carry it to the next shoot, where I will try different techniques or a different location or type of lighting. The idea is to make something better each day, share my love of this craft and share the images born from that love!

Till next time,

John

Chain Link, Long Term Project

I want there to be purpose to my images. For years i’ve taken random images. Pointing my camera at things of interest as they appear before me. I never go out with a grand plan. I want to change that. Long term projects are something that I have been working toward lately. Coming up with ideas has been a struggle. I wanted to find something that I could find anywhere. Something that was creative in nature, so not simple to achieve. During my last photo walk through downtown Healdsburg I discovered several locations where chain link was involved. Several images stood out to me from that roll.

Chain link is everywhere. My goal going forward is to look for it and create interesting compositions invlolving it. I can’t wait to see what I find and where I find it.

Till next time,

John

That One Shot!

Out of 36 images on a roll of film I’m happy if there is one shot that I absolutely love. When I see that a new roll has been uploaded by the lab I use, i’m excited to look them over. To see my results. Hoping that the images were exposed correctly, that they are in focus. More than that I am looking for images that were the reason I took my camera out in the first place. Every time hoping to create something that resembled art. An image that was more than a snapshot. I’ve learned that if there is one image per roll of film, that I absolutely love, I am happy.

Something I love about film is that I feel more purposeful. I have 36 frames to fill. I take my time, knowing that the image is immortalized on the negative. I can’t selectively delete it. Make it disappear, as if it hadn’t happened. That difference is significant. It changes the way I shoot, the time I take to frame, focus and choose the perfect settings for that moment in time.

Digital is more forgiving. Images deleted by the 100’s, never to be seen again. Not worrying about the cost of creating many images of the same thing. The cost is for the equipment only. No processing fees, no film to buy. A benefit is that you can experiment more and learn in the moment. If it works, you know right away.

That one image, the keeper, the one that I show to friends, family and those that come across it on my social media platform of choice. An image that I'm proud to show off. That is the goal. Lately it has been at least one per roll. Sometimes more, but at least one is that image.

The above shot is one of those shots. This was taken at the Taos Pueblo. A bucket list image for me. A location i’ve wanted to shoot for years. The shadow of the ladder on the wall, the texture of the wall and the wood of the ladder. It all lined up for me.

Standing by a lake in the Sierra’s this scene presented itself. The angle of the log, the reflection in the water. The rock, adding to the scene. The bleached out color of the log prominent in the image.

The angles in this image are off a bit but that is why I love it. The reflection of the pole on the roof. The angle of the actual poll, seeming not quite right. The window frame and dark panes. The texture of the wood, weathered and battered over time. The minute I saw this image I fell in love with it.

Three different images from three different rolls of film. Each one is that one image for me. The one image that made it worthwhile to have traveled to that spot with my camera to make images. Images that remind me of why I make images. I see things in a way that is unique to me. I strive to capture that and then figure out a way to explain what I see through these images by sharing them. A glimmer of hope that may bring some emotion or positive reaction to someone somewhere. A glimpse into my mind, heart, soul, through my images.

Till next time,

John

What Kind of Photographer Am I?

@googlymonstor

Over the last ten years i’ve struggled. I’ve struggled to define my photography by a genre. Landscape, Portraits, Street Photography, Documentary etc…. This has been to my detriment. Not having a niche is damaging for creating a presence and building a following online. This seems to be the key to succeeding as a photographer in today’s world. I used to make money from my photography skills. This was during the transition from film to digital, from 2001 until 2009. As time went on, digital content and online revenue streams became just as important as in person assignments. I never gained a solid footing online and my business slowly disappeared. I’m actually ok with this. One thing I learned is that the fastest way to ruin a passion is to make it your career.

I love photography. I had to decide what that meant to me. I learned that I didn’t want to be constrained by a specific type of photography. I don’t just shoot portraits but I love portraits. I don’t just shoot landscapes but I love landscape photography. The same could be said for street. While i’m not a traditional street photographer, I love city scapes and occasionally include a person here and there. I believe I have solid skills in all of these types of photography. Why would I want to focus on one over the other? the same could be said for film vs digital. Why would I want to stop doing something that I love just because there is a new option available. Don’t get me wrong, I love the cost savings of digital as well as the ease of use for auto focus, resolution and overall benefits of new technology.

So what kind of photographer am I? I call if “Photographer GP”. There are doctors that are specialists and there are doctors that are general practitioners. I love the concept of being a general practitioner where photography is concerned. I shoot what I want, when I want and I use the tool best suited to that moment in time. I use film when I want that aesthetic but also have digital in my bag if the need arises. I have my Fujifilm X-T4 for video and landscapes. I have my Leica Q2 for everyday carry but also have the Leica M6 in my EDC bag. Portraits can be done with any camera. That’s right, I said it! Film, digital, 28mm, 35mm or even 50mm. It all depends on the style, look and feel you want from your image. So a general practitioner I am, and will continue to be. I’m willing to take the hit where popularity is concerned. Who knows, maybe I will start a trend. Open the floodgates for those that feel the same, constrained by the modern day expectation. Free yourself and your photography. Shoot whatever your heart desires. In my opinion you will be better off because of it. Follow your passion and just shoot!

Till next time,

John

Voigtlander 50mm F1.5 Nokton/Leica M6/Kodak Trix

A year and a half ago I found a used Leica M6, in perfect condition, on KEH. This was the holy grail of film cameras for me. Since then I have been playing with different lenses. I’m not in a position to purchase a Leica lens so looked for something that worked for my budget. I started with the TTartisan 50mm. I discovered that the lens isn’t calibrated out of the box and the only way to calibrate it is with a digital Leica. There are other ways but it involves manipulating a film camera in a way I wasn’t comfortable with. So I moved on to Voigtlander. I discovered the Voigtlander 35mm F1.4 Nokton and have been shooting with that for the last year. I love that lens but there was something missing. In the 80’s I bought a Nikon FE2 and it was paired with the Nikkor 50mm F1.8. I have been shooting with that combination for over 38 years. After some research and looking at my financial situation, the Voigtlander 50mm F1.5 Vintage MC lens made the most sense.

The images below are from my first roll shooting with the Voigtlander 50mm. It is more of a test roll. I prefer a more crisp, sharp and contrasty image. This is why I opted for the multi coated version instead of the single coated. Most of my life I have shot Kodak TriX and continue to do so. I love the look and feel of this film and am glad that it still exists. This first roll didn’t disappoint.

This last image is my favorite. The layers, chain link, tracks and bridge. Framed by the trees. This image and a few others from this roll have inspired a new project, shooting through chain link. While this is the first roll, I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to more rolls and deeper projects with this setup.

Till next time,

John

Film Photography Resources

Over the last year and a half I have jumped back into film photography. I shot film from the late 70’s until 2003 and then digital took over. Recently I’ve added a new camera in addition to my Nikon FE2, purchased in 1985. The Lieca M6 has always been the holy grail of film cameras for me. I was lucky enough to find a mint condition version. It is a new way of making film images, for me, and has been so much fun to learn. I want to share with you the resources that I have used throughout the last year to help me with my journey back to shooting film.

Where I Buy Film:
Film Photography Project. Amazing selection and competitive prices, sometimes limited quantities.
Adorama. I earn points over time and can buy larger quantities than FPP.
Seawood Photo. I live in Sonoma County CA and they are about an hour south and have a great selection of film.

Where I Buy Camera Gear
KEH. This is where I found my Leica M6!
Camera Quest Voigtlander distributor.
Leica SF. The mother ship!

YouTube Channels
Paulie B Walkie Talkie. Regular videos on street photographers. Down to earth and inspiring.
Benj Heisch. Elopement and wedding photographer using primarily Leica gear.
Karin Majoka. All about film photography. More than just gear.
grainydays. Very dry sense of humor, did Ii say dry? Mojave dry, 100 year drought dry…

Other Resources
Framelines Magazine. UK based, highlights street photographers.
Coursera Modern Art Series. Helping me take my photography to the next level.
Aperture Photo Books. Inspiration.

Till Next Time!

John

I'm Starting YouTube Again!

Frame from my first video of 2024!

This was harder than it should have been. I know that this is something that I want to succeed at. What does success look like? I’ll tell you when it happens. There are so many variables. One Million Subs? Probably not. I’d be happy with 10k. Hoping to break 1k in the next six months. It’s going to be hard. I’m going to have to commit to making more content. Time is not on my side but it can happen. I just need to be flexible with the available time that I do have. Early mornings, late at night, breaks during the day. These will all be key to success.

Why am I doing this? It’s fun and it is a way to share my passion with the world. I’m not good at social media. I’ve always struggled at parties. I’ve never been a social butterfly. I love alone time and am very comfortable when isolated from the outside world. YouTube is just that for me. I can be alone, even isolated as I create. The social part is the posting of the video. I can respond to comments, give likes and thumbs up from a distance. All this I can do. I feel comfortable in front of a microphone. I have always felt like I have something to say. Curious to find out if anyone is actually interested. I’d like to believe that there is a tribe out there for me. I have to believe. Either way I will leave a legacy for my kids to see and share. Who was Dad? Check out his YouTube channel! That would be cool enough.

Until Next Time!

John

Film or Digital?

Bodie State Park, CA

Some people say why shoot film in the digital age? There are so many reasons why digital is superior. Cost is the number one reason. You can shoot as many images as you wish. No need to purchase film or pay for developing. Digital is instant. You get immediate feedback and results. The availability of new equipment and technology is yet another reason. So why whould I choose film over digital? Three reasons. The look of film is unique. It’s mechanical and it is an absolute blast!

I have never been able to edit a digital photo to look the way film does. I’ve been shooting film since the 70’s and when I load a roll of film I know what the images are going to look like before I take the shot. There is a specific look and feel of a film image. I like the grain. I like the colors that Fuji 400 creates vs. the colors of Portra 400. I love shooting with Kodak TriX and know that I am going to obtain the black and white look that I want.

I enjoy the mechanical feel of an old camera. I’m in control of the exposure triangle. ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed. I like to wind the film and reset the shutter. I love the sound my camera makes when I click the release button to make an image. Manual focus is fantastic and the only option on the film cameras I own. I feel that I am more of the process than the camera when using a film camera.

Lastly, it’s fun. It is something different, and a refreshing change after shooting digital for so many years. I’m not giving up digital by any stretch. I continue to use my digital cameras. What has changed is that I always take my film camera with me as well. There will always be shots that I want on film. Images of my kids on film take me back to when I was young. It’s nostalgic. I enjoy waiting for the images and the excitement when they arrive.

So I choose both film and digital. They can live side by side. You can shoot both and enjoy both. I recommend if you are new to photography, pick up a cheap film camera that has manual controls. Take a digital camera with you and compare the images. You may be shocked by your results. You might also learn a thing or two about photography in the process.

Until Tomorrow,

John