Making a Photograph: Simple Steps to Produce a Work of Art
When I am out and about with my large format camera, It seems that many people passing me by can’t help but keep one eye fixated on the giant three legged monster I have been hauling around with me for the past few hours. On occasion, someone will strike up a conversation simply to inquire about the antique camera. Does that actually work? How are you able to buy film in this day and age? These are just a couple of valid questions about this piece of antiquity. They also wonder about my workflow and In order to explain it simply, I had wrote this article; My process on making a photograph into a work of art.
Part 0: Field Equipment
Here is a very brief overview of what I bring with me out in the field. I don’t want to dwell on the topic of equipment or gear long because that is not the purpose of this article. However, as a point of reference here are some notes about my load-out.
Camera: Gundlach Korona View Camera (5x7 inch model) manufactured c. 1909-1930.
Lenses: Zeiss Kodak Anastigmat No. 5 (210mm) f/6.3; Ilex Paragon Anastigmat 12” (305mm) f6.3; Graflex Optar 135mm f/4.7.
Film: I always have black and white film (Orthochromatic is my favorite), 2 sheets in each film holder.
Tripod: Really Right Stuff TVC-34L with BH-55 Ball Head. Novoflex quick release plate.
Light Meter: Pentax Digital Spotmeter. This allows me to measure relative brightness so that I can dial in an accurate exposure.
Backpack: Osprey Talon 22. Everything except the tripod fits snuggly into this pack.
Other Accessories: Creative color filters, Shutter release Cable, Magnification Loupe, Bubble Level.
Part 1: Visualization
My eyes and ears are constantly tuned into whats happening around me, framing the world into tiny rectangles we call photographs. Before I even set out the door with my camera, I like to have an idea or pictorial theory in my mind of what I intend to make as a photograph. In this way I am not wandering aimlessly, but still searching for a specific motif. As I am in the moment, the creative instinct can fall into place decisively as a fleeting image like, Henri Cartier-Bresson, or patiently and methodical as Ansel Adams. In the end, I try to remember that the fine print is the finale of the work I do. What brings me true joy is witnessing my thoughts slowly evolve into to a framed print hanging on a wall for everyone to enjoy. To demonstrate the process in this article, I photographed my cat, Muffin, falling asleep on her favorite big blanket.
Part 2: The Photograph
Once a subject is selected, I set up the camera and frame up the picture the way I envision it on the ground glass. The view camera is slow and requires a fair amount of planning and patience to take a photograph accurately and correctly. Rushing the process can result in devastating errors that can only be seen hours or days later. So, it’s good to stay grounded in the present as I try my best not to rush anything. I keep detailed notes about all the films I expose and develop to minimize any mistakes I might make. Having a good workflow and sticking to it certainly helps me focus on the natural beauty in front of me, and in this case my cat’s eyelids getting more and more heavy as I bring the camera into focus.
Part 3 : Develop and Print
The shutter going click, is only the beginning of a photograph’s journey in the process of becoming an actual, tangible picture. After firing the shutter, the film which holds the pictorial information, must be developed in order to be used in any further application. Once developed, the film can be viewed as a negative and inspected for any errors made in the process thus far. However, the negative image is not pleasurable for viewing, but it can be applied in the darkroom as a tool for a photographic print where the real magic is made.
In my glorified darkroom (also known as my bathroom), I place the negative in contact with a piece of photographic paper, pressing them tightly together with glass. Exposing the paper with a lamp, the negative draws an image on the paper and produces a positive, known simply as a print. Watching this process slowly appear before your eyes in the darkroom is nothing short of breathtaking. I instantly became hooked to this process when I first experienced it in college. To me, working in the darkroom is just as exciting as being out with the camera because I get to bring my vision to its physical form.
Part 4: Display
As a artist and a photographer, nothing is more rewarding than to see your own sweat and tears manifest into a beautiful slice of life that you can hold in your hand and cherish. The best way to appreciate it is by framing and displaying it in your own home. This is a fundamental crescendo to the purpose of a photograph. To fully experience photography prints must be made and for the print to be truly appreciated it must reach people.
My process of making a photograph starts in the mind and ends with the enjoyment of the final print. The process is a lot of work, but the reward is both satisfying and enjoyable. I look forward to making many more photographs and many more prints in the many years to come.
If you find yourself interested in topics such as visualization, camera work, development, printing, etc… you can look forward to future blog articles where I dive deeper on details about each topic. Until then, thank you for reading.
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