The books better than the film……….

This blog post is a step away from the norm. It’s a start of a new category, where I post about books I have read.

Im not anti TV or movies, I will consume that latest blockbuster, but I shy away from watching series on the telly, as I get more enjoyment out of a good book.

My daughter is very politicised, attuned to current afffairs of domestic and international governments.

My lad is obsessed with movies, the casting, method acting. One actor that has grabbed his attention is Danial Kaluuya.

I saw a couple of trailers on IG for Judas and the Black Messiah and decided I would take a break from the norm.

This is the story about Fred Hampton, the leader of the Black Panther movement in Chicago in late 1960’s and his downfall, aided by the collusion of the Chicago PD, the FBI and an informer of the name of William O’Neal.

I don’t want to provide too many spoiler alerts, but Hampton was a messiah, building the panthers up to prominence, which put the fear of god into J Edgar Hoover, and resulted in his assassination at the age of 21!

Kaluuya is awesome as Hampton.

My reading theme at the moment is the civil rights era of the USA, so this itch was very much scratched with the period of the movement.

I was absolutely compelled to read this book, after watching Judas and the Black Messiah.

Daniel Kaluuya was immense as Fred Hampton.

I am ashamed to say that I was not fully aware of the events leading upto the complicity of state bodies in his assasination, nor the fight to clear his name after his death at the age of 21. The book goes into more detail of the challenges Hampton’s lawyers faced with the judge at the time.

What a legacy.

This book is simply essential reading for the 1960's civil rights movement.

Widen your horizons

I was doing some digital spring cleaning (read reviewing Lightroom and the website) and I discovered a series of photographs that sit outside of my usual street photography genre.

These related to long exposure, drone, architecture and the odd landscape.

These were my preferred shooting stills before I moved to Brighton in 2014, and decided to concentrate more on Street Photography.

I had a DJI Mavic Pro Drone, for a little over a year. I bought it for the family holiday to Florida, but inevitably, when an adult gets more joy out of the device (me) than the kids, I thought it was time to sell it to another (adult) suitor in 2018. At a cost of £1300 it was a little too steep an investment, not getting used regularly.

I do miss the drone, the unique perspective it gave, but the constant fear of losing the signal to the drone was a little unsettling. I never quite had the bravado to fly around Brighton pier, seagulls actively attack drones. Coastal wind was also a nightmare. The above shot at Beachy Downs (white cliffs), was quite scary, whilst it was a sunny day, the change in wind conditions was an issue, as it would pull the drone off course.

What I did find a comparable breeze (pardon the pun), was using the drone in the sunshine state of Florida. The near still wind conditions, meant that you could really push its capabilities.

In Florida, the challenge in some urban areas, was the signal splitters that hotels had, as they had helipads, this made them designated no drone fly zones, so if you were stupid enough to try (I wasn’t / didn’t), the drone would disconnect from the handset and fly off.

The highway shot above was taken on the overseas highway on the unforgettable drive down to Key West. Simply magnificent. I was able to get a video of the stunning vistas, which are here.

I noticed that a new model has come out, the DJI Air 2s, with a reduced price and increased functionality…………

I have always enjoyed taking long exposures, not sure why I have drifted away from this genre. I think its maybe because it is a little pastiche?

I really enjoyed the zen like relaxation in setting up the shots. The victorian lighthouse above is at Dovercourt Bay in Essex, its a splendid piece of architecture.

The shot across the River Thames at Westminster Bridge of the Houses of Parliament, is a particular favourite of mine.

Visiting Berlin in 2015, I found the only way to evidence the magnitude of the Jewish Memorial Museum, was an abstract long exposure. A spectacular piece of architecture.

Architectural photography has also inspired me, living so near to London, I am very spoilt with the diverse, exceptional buildings for consumption.

1 More Place in London, is an inspiring location, providing the snapper with plenty of abstract opportunities to picture the buildings.

The second image of Battersea Power Station, was captured a few years before the development works have transformed the site.

The seaside rugged coastline, was taken in Cornwall, breathtaking landscapes. I must get back to Cornwall soon.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the Gondolas are from Oxford, at the Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.

Anyway after consideration, I have decided to offer a selection of the above images for sale at my Etsy shop, if any of these take you fancy, you can review the listings.

Until next time, keep snapping.

A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.

Scanning colour film negatives

Scanning colour negatives have been a thorn in my side for a number of years.

Hello, World!

I have quite a frugal set up when it comes to film photography. I buy my B&W film in 100 foot bulk rolls, I develop all my B&W and Colour film and also scan at home.

I use a modest setup, an Epson V600 flatbed scanner, its fit for purpose when scanning medium format negatives, but generally so so for 35mm, with a passable use for instagram. I am in the process of upgrading to scanning with my DSLR, but that is for another blog post, a work in progress.

B&W scans I have somewhat nailed, I am very happy with the workflow, its almost faultless.

Colour, on the other hand has been a little bit more of a slow burn.

There seems to be quite a migration to Negative Lab Pro, with some big hitter YouTube film photographers giving it the full endorsement. I have never quite gotten on with it. Whilst the software has the appropriate algorithms, I find the GUI to be a little unsophisticated, with the outputs generally based on the old ‘eye ball’ test.

I have found much more success using Silverfast. I love their use of Negafix, which to put it simply is colour file stock profiles. They work really well.

I recently was asked by a IG friend about scanning and rather than send them a detailed longwinded email, I thought I would do a video screen capture.

I also thought that it might be good to upload these to the YouTube, for general consumption.

Therefore here are two guides, using Silverfast to scan in 35mm and 120 colour film negatives, whilst they are broadly identical, there is a very small differences, with the resultant outputs bearing the fruit of the change.

I hope these come in useful and save you a lot of trial and error. It’s always good to share the wealth.

Until next time, keep snapping, or in this instance keep scanning.

Which side are you on?

Well 2021 seems to be bedding in nicely, we’re halfway through March 2021, nearly a quarter of the year done. Good god.

I took some inspiration off IG recently, so decided to pop out at the weekend, WITHOUT any film cameras on me and shoot entirely with the a7iii. What a very special camera it is.

The main reason for this was that I decided to undertake some ‘spring cleaning’ over on IG. I have been of late, struggling to mix both digital and film photos on the same stream, it wasn’t giving a me a consistent theme / thread.

After pondering this for what seemed like an eternity, I decided to jump in.

My main account had something like 1400 photos, so I decided on quite a clinical strategy:

1) Cull c.1,000 photos on my main account and dedicate it entirely to film

2) Set up a new digital street photography account and start afresh with a nil following.

Whilst its a bit of a faff to navigate two separate accounts, I have found that a rhythm is soon achieved. The follower count is also steadily rising.

The major benefit I’m finding, is that the dedicated photos on the search page are more tailored and interactions with viewers to the stream is that more bespoke.

I find that my shooting style and approach to film vs digital is different and having two separate accounts to explore these mediums in 2021, will be exciting.

until next time, keep snapping.

A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.

Buy cheap, buy twice.

I’ve been using a bulk film loader for my black and white film, for the last 4 years, coupled with developing and scanning my own film its a real A to Z process of film photography. Thoroughly engaging and cheap!

Whilst the investment into the system is c. £150 (£60 for the bulk loader, £20 for the reusable canisters and then a bulk roll of film), the (financial) benefits are soon reaped.

I historically have taken this ‘mindset’ to the next level, more often than not, buying non premium film stock. This has historically suited me well. As a single parent to two kids, I have historically had very limited time to shoot on a weekend afternoon, or generally in good light.

As my kids are now 13 and 17, we are getting out a little later on the weekday evenings and also at the weekend.

As part of my ongoing 12 month Brighton Beach - Winter Summer project, I wanted to get out of an evening to cover the social scene as we enter into Spring and lockdown / restrictions relating to COVID-19 start to unwind.

I decided to buy a 100ft bulk roll of Ilford HP5+, as the film has a strong reputation for excellent latitude.

I went out on Monday of this week, to see the sights of the beach sea front. Sunset was at 17:31 and I was shooting from 16:30 - 18:45. With this in mind, I loaded up the Leica M4P, set the light meter to 1600 and shot away.

Thoughts in a word. …………WOW!

Whilst shooting Ilford HP5+ at box speed or iso 200, I have generally found the tonality pleasing but a little flat (when shooting in daylight), which is why I generally preferred the denser / grainier look of Kodak Tri-X 400 or cheaper stocks, such as Rollei Retro 400s:

That said, my outing this week, pushing Ilford HP5+ to 1600 has been a rebirth. I have been blown away by the tonality and lack of excessive grain, especially when I am using a flatbed Epsom V600 scanner, which is renowned for having poor capabilities, regarding 35mm film negatives:

Not only does iso 1600 allow for late night shooting, it also allows for excellent zone focusing options at f16 in good light for street photography.

I load the reusable canisters for 24 exposure rolls, so I expect to get circa 25 rolls from the 100ft roll of bulk film. That works out at £2.79 per roll.

Until next time, keep snapping.

A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.

Housekeeping, its a good thing.

I’m sat here putting the finishing touches to the website update, with a little more time on my hands, whilst we are in this post Xmas / New Year lockdown.

Since my reacquiantance into film, I have added sections relating to Street 35mm & 120, and People 35mm & 120.

Whilst this makes the website a little more lumpy in navigation, I have noticed my shooting style differs greatly between the 3 genres.

Whilst I still carry my digital camera on my walks, I using it more for video, as this is something that I want to develop in 2021, short videos for instagram reels and stories.

Here’s a selection of film and digital images I have taken in 2021:

I mentioned in a previous blog post that the film community is alive and fully supportive, I had a lovely exchange with someone on Instagram, who read my recent blogpost on film photography and wanted to scratch their film itch.

I sent over an email, with some links to camera reviews, resources and blog posts that I have found invaluable. Film is alive and well.

until next time, keep snapping.

A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.

Bookish - My books of the year.

I’m not one for idoling in front of the TV, if there is a show sweeping the nation or a decent film on release, then I may be tempted to sit and watch. But after working on the laptop during the course of the day in the day job, my idea of relaxing - when I’m not taking photos - is reading a book.

Im not a prolific reader, but I do tend to get through more than 50 books, through the course of the year. 2020 was a year that I actively grew my photobook consumption and actively added to my collection, so this added a further dimension to the consumed content.

My Book of the year / Photobooks - Portrait of Britain vol3

I have just finished reading this volume of the popular series. Its an equisite book full of tender portraits and supporting narratives of 200 portraits. This has covered a very unique period in our history in 2020 and that bit more special that my kids bought it for me as a xmas gift. I love it, it’d definitely a book that can be revisited time and time again.

Honourable mentions: It simply would not be right to mention Pete Souza in this category, after his sustained activity on instagram against the Trump Administration. Souza’s book comparing the Trump and Obama presidential styles, should be a firm fixture to any coffee table - shades a tale of two presidents.

Where I find myself - Joel Meyerowitz. This is simply an essential purchase for any avid street photographer. The section on 9/11 is very moving.

Uncommon Places - Stephen Shore. This has taught me that beauty is in the banal. Very inspiring.

San Francisco Noir & Portrait of a City - Fred Lyon. Happenstance brought me to discover Fred Lyon, beautiful black and white images from this California city.

Sports Book of the year book - Angels With Dirty Faces - Jonathan Wilson.

This mustn’t be mistaken for a book about football, its more than that, it covers the political events in Argentina parallel to the rise in the beautiful game and their sporting achievements. Excellent reading.

Biggest Let Down - Ready Player Two - Ernest Cline. So disappointing. I read the first book, before the momentum gathered around the film, thoroughly enjoyed book one, book two, meh.

Biggest Surprise - Shuggie Bain - Douglas Stuart.

A very intimate, gritty and in parts bleak story about the tale of Shuggie Bain and his family dealing with the hardships of 1980’s life in Scotland. There is no doubt about why this novel won the Booker Prize 2020.

Comedy - Jeremy Hardy Speaks - Jeremy Hardy. A wonderful heartfelt collection of works by Hardy.

Dystopian - Qualityland - Marc-Uwe Kling.

Bizarre take on utopian consumerist society, dictated by algorithms. The protagonist is Peter Jobless, who finally hits breaking point, when ‘The Shop’ send him a pink dolphin shaped vibrator. Genius.

Fiction / Historical - World Without End - Ken Follett. This is book two in the Kingsbridge trilogy, about the construction of a cathedral and the impact it has on the community. This book is set 200 years after the first book. Follett is a master storyteller at 1014 pages, this is a complete page turner.

Mental Health - The Midnight Library - Matt Haig.

This is such a lovely tender well timed book, as we all see the challenges and pressures of Covid19, lockdown and the impact on our daily lives. I have really enjoyed Haig's books since the first time I read 'The Humans'. He has such a way writing about mental health

Mindfulness - Surrounded by Idiots - Thomas Erikson. I attended a work training course that consisted of the concepts of red, yellow green blue, which is a development on the Carl Jung introvert / extrovert theory. I was intrigued to read more and was led to this book. This is a very informative and thought provoking read, to provide a better understanding of behaviourial traits and actions.

Non Fiction / Political - White Fragility - Robin di Angelo.

I wanted to delve more into the issues of black folk after participating in three BLM marches with my kids this year. The is an excellent book dissecting the issue on race as 'white fragility'. Many many take away discussion / points. The argument in this book is so eloquently made, middle class white folk diluting established and ingrained racism experienced by black folk, by elevating their own 'issues' and problems (which on the face of it are middle class bleatings).

Non Fiction - Biography - The autobiography of Malcolm X - Maclom X and Alex Haley.

Ashamed that I do not know the full story of Malcom X, his beliefs and impact on the 1960’s civil rights movement. It’s a period of time in American history that I am intrigued by, being originally captivated by the black and white photos of the period, that in most instances, are more impactful than the written medium.

This is essential reading, the prose is consumable and the sheer drive and passion of Malcolm X is clearly outlined in the autobiography.

Non Fiction / History - The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich - William Shirer.

I have been eyeing this 1400+ page masterpiece for years.

I have always had a fascination of WWII history, and a desire to understand the triggers and events that would provide a semblance of understanding of the horrors in this age of darkness in human history.

Shirer's book defines a herculean task of reviewing thousands of captured nazi documents to produce a quintessential tome of the Third Reich and its key figure heads. The Third Reich was supposed to last for 1,000 years, it lasted 12.

This book outlines how a despot misanthropist was able to deliver his master plan on his people and the extent of the barbaric wanton destruction of one man on this world, in his failed pyhrric crusade.

Most Polarising book - American Dirt - Jeanine Cummins. I was compelled to read this novel, following the sustained pr, leading upto the UK release on 21st January 2020. I really enjoyed this book, the tenacity of Lydia Luca and the solidarity with their comrades.

The reviews that have followed have polarised opinion on the portrayal of Mexico by a white American and I can appreciate why this may has upset some Mexican folk (writers and readers). For me, this will only lead me to read more works of this region and issue by indigenous writers, such as The House of Broken Angels or even The Devil's Highway: A True Story, as no doubt the wordplay will be more subtle and the prose more meaningful.

Well thats me completed for 2020, hopefully there are some take aways from the above list for you.

Until next time, keep snapping.

Share the wealth - Film Photography.

Of the many hobbies and leisure activities that I have had over the years, the two that have stood out as having an awesome community, where knowledge, encouragement and help has been in abundance is the motorbike community and film photography community.

I had my fun getting my full bike license at 42 years old (yes a midlife crisis) and rode for 11 months, but after a very lucky escape from a potentially nasty accident, I decided to retire my leathers and continue on a more sedate basis.

The film industry shares many similar approaches to the biking community. When using my film cameras whilst out on photo walks, I have had complete strangers ask me what I’m using? (Normally when I have the Pentax 67 around my neck), or isn’t that cute (when I have the TLR).

It’s the complete opposite when you generally get digital camera snobbery (read all the gear no idea).

The same goes for asking film related questions on Twitter or Instagram, followers or even complete strangers, are happy to share the wealth. I love it. It's what makes the community thrive.

What I have enjoyed about film and the benefits of it, is having one eye of the traditionalist approaches, call it the scientific and one eye on the creative / pioneers that contest the perceived expected norm.

This series aims to share guides and tricks that I have found on my quest to simplify and establish a consistent workflow using and shooting with film.

I don’t aim to plagiarise or steal the authors findings, rather share and credit them.

First up is the groundbreaking blog post by Johnny Patience entitled ‘The Zone System is Dead’.

This is quite simply essential reading deconstructing the longstanding authoritative Zone System by Ansel Adams.

I think this is relevant for film photography in general, but all the more pertaining to street photography. Read in conjunction with Johnny’s other essential blogpost ‘Metering for film’ it demystifies the process of exposing and developing for film, based on the latitude and density of the negative.

I have been shooting at half box speed (iso 400 film at iso 200 in camera), for a couple of years and favour the look and density of the negative. This weekend, I tried developing the same roll at 1 stop over (iso 400 film at 800).

See a couple of examples of the film shot at half boxspeed (iso 400 film speed shot at iso 200 in camera), which is then overdeveloped by one stop at iso 800 development times:

My initial thoughts are you have to pull the whites and highlights to the left in Lightroom, to tweak the highlights, but the density of the negative and the blacks is lovely. I also find there is less tinkering in general.

Hopefully this will help share the knowledge, but definitely head over to Johnny’s blog and read the above two posts!!

until next time, keep snapping.

A selection of the images within this article are available for sale on the Website or Etsy Store, if you would like to enquire about something else, please click the email icon at the foot of this page.