Portrait

Of all the shots in my back catalogue, this is the one I’m proudest of. Taken six years ago, this was part of my first personal photo project. Taking advantage of the Government’s edict that parents could take a certain amount of unpaid leave to look after children, an opportunity presented itself where I needed to take a month off. I decided that I would spend the month following my two year old daughter around and capture that period of her life.

I decided on a 1 camera, 1 lens, 1 film approach for the month. My choices were a Nikon F100 (I really do miss that camera), a 50mm F1.8 AF-D and because most of the shots would be in the house I opted for Kodak T-MAX 3200 as my film.

This shot was taken as she was settling down for the night and was lit with a single bedside lamp, a simple and natural setup.

I love this shot. I like the composition, the way she is staring at the camera. I love the grain and the contrast of the film. Kodak really made a great film in the 3200 T-MAX emulsion. Most of all I really love the lighting, which for me, makes this image.

A sad anecdote: I posted this image elsewhere shortly after it was developed and someone commented that it was out of focus and too soft, suggesting I should have chosen a lower ISO. It made me realise that there was a generation of photographers growing up without understanding the finer points of film, especially a film like T-MAX 3200. Made me feel very lucky to have grown up on film.

Brough Station

These scans are taken during college evening classes taken a few years ago! This was an evening out shooting at Brough railway station. This was my favourite from that night. a long exposure as the train arrived and a second long exposure as the train left. It always reminds me of a classic black and white movie.

The second image kind of sums up the style I had at the time. I was mostly about shades, shadows and textures, and I loved how this turned out.

Both shot on Kodak Tmax100 and when printed up on Agfa paper looked nice and punchy.

I do miss playing around in the darkroom.

Leeds, part II

Well, the results are in and the F60 produced some nice results. It was clear that the low light of my early morning walk to work is too much, even for TMAX 3200, so I took some on my way home, as the light was fading slightly. With no clouds in the sky, there was plenty of light to play with.

I’ve often thought these would make an interesting image.

Looking East from Leeds City Centre.

I finished the film at Millenium Square, which has plenty of photographic potential. The Mandela Gardens are a highlight with water features and art work and well worth it. Another visit is in order I think.