Twisted

Shooting with a wide angle lens can lead to all kinds of problems. In modern digital cameras, the geometric distortions are usually corrected automatically, but when shooting on film, you get to see your lens's faults recorded for posterity, so to speak, along with the subject of your photograph. Of course, you can correct your scans a little bit if you are so inclined. In this case, too, the ravages of time have contributed to some of the sag.

Tasting notes: Leica R8, 35mm Summicron; Ektar 100, summer.

Where I'm coming from

A frequently given piece of photographic advice is something along the lines of, 'after you take a photograph, turn around and shoot what is directly behind you'. I was on my way to the beach on a trip to Los Angeles and I wanted to make a few images of the sunset. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Funny, when I actually lived in LA, I seldom bothered to go to the beach, but whenever I return, it is usually at the top of my list of locations to photograph. At any rate, the first image I took was a standard beach shot. This is the 'looking back' photograph. Kodak Ektar 100, Leica R8, 35mm Summicron.

Barthes's got your back...

A convenient feature of some medium format cameras like the SL66 or a Hasselblad are the interchangeable film backs. You can have a roll of black and white loaded in one back, and a roll of color in the other, for example. Whatever combination of film stocks that you want. 

Thinking about photographing a bouquet of Gerber daisies, it might seem that the obvious choice would be to capture the scene in color. To that end, one of my Rollei's film backs was loaded up with Ektar, and I do think the color image looks great. Yes, the colors are highly saturated, but not out of line.

Day of the dead...

Who can resist taking pictures of Fall foliage? The leaves of trees catch our attention throughout their life cycle, but they are perhaps most beautiful at the end of life. They can be captivating even after falling to the ground. I wonder what evolutionary advantage that might confer? Hey, let's not overthink things here. Maybe it is just a gift. Quick, grab your camera before the wind ruins the composition. 

In this case, as I often do, I reached for the Rolleiflex SL66, the 80 mm lens, and a roll of Ektar 100. Note to self: always have a roll or two of Ektar around in the Fall.