Phases of an LF photographer??

[Patrik Roseen]

Hello, after exploring the wonders of LF-photography (4x5") for 18 months, I have realised that my photography is undergoing certain changes or maybe maturing into different phases?

When I started out my main interest was to make as sharp and truly looking photographs as possible by altering plane of focus, restore falling lines, using smallest physical aperture etc.

When reading different photobooks of advertising and 'fine art' photographs I was inspired to use the movements to create a narrow and tilted plane of focus with movements and largest possible aperture.

Now I am looking at portraits and still life's where there is no movements used at all, short DOF using the largest aperture and long lenses. Sooo much different than when I started out 18 months ago.

And to add to it, I am even tempted to beat up the negative in any way possible, Thank you very much F Skott ;-), to give the photograph that mysterious look.

Should I be worried - or is this something we all go through? And what will I be doing next...design my own lenses?

[Ken Lee]

There are no rules in this game. Just enjoy yourself. We are lucky to have time to play.

[j.e.simmons]

You should be very worried. It sounds as though you have been possessed by the spirit of that heretic Mortensen. Say three St. Ansels and wear a hair shirt for the rest of the day.
juan

[Jay DeFehr]

Hi Patrik.

I've never been interested in the kind of ultrarealistic landscape stuff you mentioned, and getting enough sharpness has never really been a major concern of mine. I'm much more interested in emotional content than technicality, and most often make portraits at max. aperture, with minimal movements. I beat my negs up enough without trying, and am still working on making defect-free negs. Recently I've been working with VERY slow films and loooong exposures, which requires a skillset I'm still working to develop. Whatever your approach, have fun!

Jay

[Christopher Perez]

Well said.

Who knows, maybe someday you'll even develop great vision as a result of experimenting with things you enjoy?

... Whatever your approach, have fun!

[Capocheny]

Patrik,

FWIW, I agree with all the above posters and, especially, those who advise that you just have fun.

That said, I'm also of the opinion that you can't can't the system without having gone through it first. So, by going through the "traditional" methods (so to speak)... you can then start to deviate and develop your own path.

There's certainly nothing wrong with the evolutionary process... all it requires is time!

Cheers

[Brian Ellis]

Everything you metion seems to me like progress except the idea of beating up your negatives. Messing up the negatives was a big thing in fine art circles 10 - 20 years ago. While it will no doubt become another generation's "next big thing" sufficient time hasn't yet elapsed for that to happen. So doing it now will only make you look unhip, uncool, etc. You need to wait at least another decade before it again becomes cutting edge.

[darr]

Strange fascination, fascinating me
Ah changes are taking the pace Im going through

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
(turn and face the strain)
Ch-ch-changes

...etc, David Bowie

Enjoy yourself!

[Ed Richards]

Remember to only mess up copy negatives.:-)

[tim atherton]

Remember to only mess up copy negatives.:-)

nah - film's cheap!