Photography

2023-07-26

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Complete fail while loading a new roll of film into the Pentax K1000 this morning. The film lead would not stay in the take-up spool after several attempts. A quick look online tells me that this is a known issue in the photo community as well as the fact that there is no real fix for it. Frustrated. Thankfully the film roll was a freebie bonus from the manufacturer. But I really wanted to shoot with that film stock!

I did perform a successful test of the new Shiftcam iPhone grip on a photowalk this morning. The shutter button on the grip was responsive and fluid. Even though the case has a tight fit in its case and locked in with a magnet, I was still wary of the iPhone slipping out. I need a few more walks with it to totally feel secure enough in it to relax. 

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In previous post I’ve shown a Field Notes notebook in the photo which was the inspiration for this webpage. The analog notebook is used to document and organize my film notes such as dates, film used, ISO, and the event the film roll is used for. 

Example: 

“7/15-7/25 Kodak Ektar H35 camera. Ilford HP5+ B&W 35mm film. 36 exposures at 1/2 frame yielding 72 exposures. Black & White night shots and urban photography.”

Other practical applications for the field notes book will include lands well-scaped, a portable Dorian Gray, drawings drawn, erased and redrawn, camera obscura, sunsets witnessed, Polaroids shaken, urban canvassing strategies, concentric thoughts, personalized personalizations, portraits of personable persons, found objects, lost objects, broken things, beautiful things, ephemeral ephemera, scenic scenery, collected collections, eclectic electric expressions, memorable memories, and a whole lot of shitty captures meant to pass off as art. 

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I’ve just shot my last frame on the Kodak H35 camera using Ilford HP5+ BW film this morning. Now I am looking for a local developing lab. I want to have the roll developed, receive the negatives and a contact sheet and also to have them digitally scanned for the archives. Not an easy request in a smaller city and the demise of print labs everywhere. Up next, is the Lomochrome Metropolis 35mm film using the Pentax K1000 camera. Stay tuned…

I Don’t Like This About Film Photography

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I don’t like overpaying for film rolls. Film photography is not a niche market anymore. It is resurgent. Time for the prices to come down.

I don’t like the fact that I lose one roll due to loading issues inside the camera when the spool rejects the film. 

I don’t like wasting frames due to over/under exposure, composition, blur or, or, or…

I don’t like waiting for images to come back from the lab. 

I don’t like working out how to store all the prints and negatives. 

I don’t like the fact that I do not have a darkroom to develop and make prints at home. 

I don’t like film photography snobs and how they look down on digital photography.

I don’t like checking various websites for a good deal on film rolls and being disappointed.

I don’t like explaining to people that film photography is a thing and not a fad. 

I don’t like film photography. I LOVE it.  

I Like This About Film Photography

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I like the science of film developing with the smell of chemicals in a darkroom.

I like the magic of film developing when your image appears like an apparition after being immersed in those chemicals.

I like the fact there are no storage cards, no cables, or complicated touch screen menus on your film camera. 

I like the manufacturer’s branding on film packs the same way I enjoyed the VHS, cassettes and album covers. 

I like the email notification that tells me “your prints are ready to view!” 

I like the way I feel when I breathlessly open up that envelope containing my prints for the big reveal.  

I like hearing the shutter click. I like feeling the tension in the spool when advancing to the next frame. I like feeling the tension release when I’ve re-wound the spool to secure the roll. 

I like the way that each frame on the roll  can have its own unique exposure or grain or grit. 

I like seeing the negative strip when held against the light. It is ethereal. 

I like having a physical, tactile piece of chemical paper in my hand that has preserved a memory. 

Preservationists

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“We’re all so frightened by time, the way it moves on and the way things disappear. That’s why we’re photographers. We’re preservationists by nature. We take pictures to stop time, to commit moments to eternity. Human nature made tangible.

People are taking more pictures now than ever before, billions of them, but there are no slides, no prints. Just data. Electronic dust. Years from now when they dig us up there won’t be any pictures to find, no record of who we were or how we lived.”

Ben Ryder, Kodachrome

Changes

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For the past fifteen years, I’ve maintained a website dedicated to my photography. I have been an active photographer for thirty years. In those fifteen years my website has endured, it has seen a lot of changes in server hosting, domain name changes, design and now a new name- MojoChrome. Formerly known as “Photo Mojo” and “PhotoDenbow”, the new brand “MojoChrome” moniker is an homage to a brilliant film emulsion process from Kodak called Kodachrome that has since been discontinued. It also serves as an intention to get back into analog film photography over digital. I’ll still be a hybrid shooter of course, and even the digital work will be post-processed using a different technique I call “mojochrome.” 

Photography Workflow Using The iPad Pro M1

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I had first published this guide in early 2019 in an effort to simplify my post-process photography workflow using the 2018 iPad. After decades of desktop and laptop processing, I wondered if the iPad was a solution for me. 

Previous year articles from 2021 and 2019

Can the iPad replace the laptop for my photography post-process? 

So much has changed since then that I have continued the series and decided to write a new post about it. The evolution in gear, software, and process has been a fun process to look back on and wonder how we managed to get anything done at all. But where there is a will, there are many ways. I will cover what my photography workflow looks like, but ultimately, everyone needs to choose what’s right for them. Workflows are personal and modified as needed. This topic seems to be a crowd favorite because each year these posts receive a lot of traffic and attention (thank you!) 

A few months after that last post, I upgraded to the 12.9” Apple iPad M1 (5th Gen) and fine-tuned my workflow. Now, I also upgraded the laptop to the 2021 MacBook Pro M1, and it is no slouch. However, the photo workflow is different, limiting and feels almost antiquated. For now, the MacBook is a tool for me to curate my digital photo archives using AdobeLightroom and that’s it. Here are some of the ways an iPad is more beneficial to me: 

Multi-input workflow

Photography is a hands-on experience, and it is a joy to continue this on the iPad. Much like using your hands to develop your film negatives, so too are your fingers, the keyboard, and the Apple Pencil for finer control. Using a mouse to manipulate images is too impersonal for me now. 

Storage

Thanks to the iPad and cloud services, there is an easier, more secure way to store images you’ve taken. This allows me to focus more on what I want to do (photography), rather than moving files around. I have 2 TB of iCloud storage waiting to receive my image uploads from either my Nikon D90 camera or the iPhone. There is another 1 TB of storage in the Adobe cloud. Current images I am shooting are uploaded, stored and easily accessible on any of my devices. 

My data transfer and storage needs to be effortless, to the point I don’t have to think about it. I mentioned the MacBook and my archives previously- that’s the only time I want to think about storage. I do organize images on the hard drive and then migrate them into the Archives stored on the 10 TB external hard drive. 

Performance

The iPad has been granted a full-time job from me. It is the most powerful, fastest, and most interactive device I own. The ability to handle images in RAW format while asking for more work to do is remarkable to me. Battery life is spectacular, although it has a massive screen. Speaking of that massive screen, nothing makes me happier than reviewing my photos on such a beautiful screen. Much like the analog contact sheets, I can sort through quickly and determine which are the keepers and which get tossed into the digital bin. That M1 chip really knows how to process faster and distribute power evenly. 

Mobile

Sure, the 12.9” iPad is large, and the magic keyboard that it magnetically attaches to adds weight. But it is still smaller and lighter than lugging a laptop with all the dongles, charger and cables around. Something else I am enjoying is the 5G connectivity. The ability to travel, make images, load them up into the cloud instantly is nothing short of brilliant. Want to check the forecast for the next day’s shooting? Care to watch that video tutorial of local street photographers while you travel? Start post-processing your images and have them secured until you get back home? Publish your work while on the go? It is all possible with that iPad.

Hardware & Software

Below is what I minimally use to produce a maximum photography workflow. 

Apple 12.9” iPad Pro (5th gen) – My mobile photo lab.

Apple Pencil – Precision editing tool

CharJen Mini stick- A USB-C adapter with SD card port, charging port

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro – All in one keyboard & cover 

Apple Photos – Store, review, edit. 

Adobe Lightroom – for photo post-processing, organization

iCloud – for backup and syncing across devices using Photos app

Adobe Creative Cloud – for backup and syncing across devices in Lightroom

Extra Tools In The Darkroom

Capture tools include Nikon D90, iPhone, iPad Pro and a collection of analog film cameras. Post-processing labs include Adobe Lightroom, Pixelmator Pro, VSCO and Hipstamatic. Portfolio and galleries that host the final images can be viewed here or on Flickr.

Conclusion

The iPad is a great workspace for editing your photos. It is my personal, mobile photo lab. I can process my images in bed or on a plane, or even in between photo shoots when I am out and about. This makes the iPad the perfect tool for my photography.

Kodak Ektar

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With 35mm film costs rising like everything else, I thought I’d try the new Kodak Ektar H35- a new half frame camera. Instead of the standard 36 exposures I can get 72 out of one roll of film. Cannot wait to go out and shoot, then develop this test roll.

Minnie

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I just acquired the 1976 Minolta AutoPak 110mm film camera and I am loving the simplicity. Add one AA battery for exposure and flash, then load my Lomography Metropolis 110 film and I am off to capture 36 exposures in all it’s retro glory.

Lightweight, fits in my pocket and I love the minimal design.

Zen and the Art of Photography Pt 2

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After my previous post I have thought of even more active practices to apply a mindset for more purposeful photography.

Thirty-Six Exposures

36 exposures waiting for something beautiful


When shooting digital images in the past, I would try to capture anything and everything with little to show for it. Using a 35mm film camera, you have only 36 exposure of film in one roll so every shot has to count. Digital is cheaper than analog so I can snap all I want, but with film, you have to be more intentional, more deliberate. Setting a limitation of only 36 images with my digital camera is a good thing. I can relax, focus on the present and focus on those images I want.

One Camera, One Lens
In the past, I would walk out with a camera and multiple lenses because “You never know when you’ll need it.” How many of those lenses were used- only the one. How liberating and relaxing is it not to think about that extra weight carried in the camera bag? Again, setting out with limitations creates intentionality.

Simply The Workflow
Shooting in jpeg as opposed to RAW format produces smaller images and faster transfer times to speed up the process. Removing Adobe Lightroom from the workflow allows me to work faster. Apple Photos app has improved to a degree where no other software is needed. However, if I want to process images even more, I have Pixelmator. Both are tied into the Apple photo ecosystem and allows you to focus more on what I want to do, such as make more images.

Delete Social Media
Followers, Likes and heart emojis do not ascertain your photograph’s worth. They do not reflect on what the image means to you. I publish photos without expectations or delusions of grandeur on my own websites because it makes me happy. With your own website you control the aesthetics, no algorithm, no tracking and no advertising. This is Zen.

Also, publish your work digitally, in the form of an e-book or portfolio. It is a better way to distribute to your website followers and loved ones in a .pdf format than print is. This is the way.

Less Gear, More Comfort
Instead of investing in that shiny new camera or lens, put your money into yourself such as a good pair of shoes. When I plan for a photo walk or hike, I want to enjoy the experience, in the moment without discomfort. If possible, donate your unused gear to someone just starting out. New photography from other budding artists is always a good thing.

Airplane Mode
The desire to check your notifications, read email or catch up on the latest news in your feed distracts focusing on the here and now. Your image quality will be affected. Be present in the moment.

Reflection
Seeing your image materialize on photographic paper in a darkroom is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in photography. Likewise the experience when reviewing on your digital device. Apple Photos displays images much like an analog contact sheet. On an iPad it is glorious to swipe through, favorite, delete, edit and save. Looking at each image with intentionality is a rewarding experience after all your time and effort.

Reliving those beautiful experiences in digital or analog

Grounding
Reconnect with yourself in the outdoors while shooting. Focus on your breathing while focusing on your image, then snap. Create opportunities to get out and enjoy your surroundings, there is beauty in everything now go find it.

More Practices To Be Discovered
That’s it for now, but until next time- This is photographic zen. This is the way.

Zen and the Art of Photography

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After studying but putting forth little effort into the zen philosophy last year, I think I will attempt it again this year. But what if I can apply those principles into something I enjoy such as photography? I can create a hybrid of the two and enjoy both even further.
There are more than seven practices of course, but these seem to be fundamental and can be applied to photography.

Curiosity
Having a camera is a passport to explore the world with different perspectives. By keeping an open mind and seeing your subjects differently we can open up new opportunities and more rewarding images.

Focus
Sure, I desire to fly towards exotic destinations and capture those epic scenes, but reality says I must be present in my current situation. This requires the discipline of focus. Likewise if I try to capture all the things around me, I will capture nothing of consequence. Focus on the moment, the subject and the outcome for best results.

Positivity
I am generally an optimistic person but I haven’t been lately. Staying positive in all situations makes me and those around me better. I can get frustrated if a scene or shot doesn’t go my way. If I remain calm, slow down and focus this will lead to happiness with my photography and my life. Fun fact: zen is dependent on happiness.

Seek beauty in all things
Admittingly, this is a challenge for me. I’ve been disappointed in shooting my current surroundings because they were boring, over-shot, repetitive, and wanting more. If I slow down, focus and stay positive. A good photographer sees something in the moment that no one else does. All things do have a certain beauty in them.

Live in the moment
This can be applied under “Focus” as well. A general acceptance of the here and now. An acceptance of myself, and of others. Minimizing distractions and enjoying where I am currently.

Minimalism or simplicity
I’ve done what I can do minimize possessions and to simplify my life, why not do the same for photography? Why not minimize distractions in the viewfinder and focus on something simplistic? This can include simplifying subjects or a scene, simplifying your gear and enjoying the process.

Walking meditation
A lot of issues can be solved with walking. It offers clarity, strengthens the mind and the body. Taking a camera along for a photo walk affords a lot of opportunities. Your mind and body are clear, so now too your images.

Practicing the art of zen photography emphasizes who we are and is reflected in the images we make. Do I make the world around me a better place, am I a better person for it and do my images reflect this? I don’t know but I am eager to apply these practices the next time I go out with the camera.