Large Format Disaster Photography

[Richard Wasserman]

A large unoccupied warehouse in Chicago caught on fire Tuesday and I went there yesterday to see what was going on. At one point there were 200 fire fighters involved—when I got there they were down to about 20, but were still pouring water on the site. I was among a fairly large group of gawkers and press photographers. Just about everyone, of course, was using digital of various persuasions ranging from phones to high-end DSLRs, to one guy with a bright pink iPad. I did meet an off duty fire fighter with a Nikon F and Tri-x who was there photographing his buddies. Interestingly I was the only one using 4x5—why was that?

[BrianShaw]

I saw that on TV -- AWESOME. It is equally awesome that you photographed with LF.

[BarryS]

...Interestingly I was the only one using 4x5—why was that?

Because all the newspaper photographers got there before you and rushed back to the papers with their Speed Graphics, so they could soup the negatives and print 'em in time for the early edition.

[C. D. Keth]

Because all the newspaper photographers got there before you and rushed back to the papers with their Speed Graphics, so they could soup the negatives and print 'em in time for the early edition.

I like this explanation. Lets go with that.

[Brian Schall]

Could you consider an iPad as large format? It is much larger than an iPhone.

[ShawnHoke]

Richard, that first shot is amazing. Good that you were there representing!

[austin granger]

Actually, I'm kind of surprised there weren't any other large format photographers there, because I know the first thing I thought when I saw it on TV was; "Damn I'd love to photograph that!" Anyway though, I'm glad at least one of us did it, and did it right.

[Vaughn]

It caught on fire again, so you have (or had) a second chance!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21196645

[ImSoNegative]

Because all the newspaper photographers got there before you and rushed back to the papers with their Speed Graphics, so they could soup the negatives and print 'em in time for the early edition.

+1

[Richard Wasserman]

Thanks everyone! It was a bit of fun being the only large format photographer at the time—it seemed as if almost as many photos of me were taken as of the fire...