PhotoIndica Blog » Film http://www.photoindica.com/blog Fri, 10 Sep 2010 02:53:32 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Hybrid digital darkroom workflow http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/21/hybrid-digital-darkroom-workflow/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/21/hybrid-digital-darkroom-workflow/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:10:53 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=731 Dunn Meadows (Indiana University Bloomington): Digital Darkroom WorkflowMany of you that follow my blog know that I use film for some of my work. Sometimes I get asked if I have a wet darkroom and my answer is no, but I did at one point. I got rid of it when I purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon D70. I also got [...]]]> Dunn Meadows (Indiana University Bloomington): Digital Darkroom Workflow

Many of you that follow my blog know that I use film for some of my work. Sometimes I get asked if I have a wet darkroom and my answer is no, but I did at one point. I got rid of it when I purchased my first DSLR, a Nikon D70. I also got rid of all my film cameras including my favorite Fuji GW670. But for the past several months I have started building my arsenal of film cameras again and I couldn’t be happier. I however decided not to rebuild a wet darkroom and instead chose to take a hybrid approach. I shoot film but all the post-processing and printing is done using a digital workflow. Here are some details about the hardware and other products I use:

Digital Darkroom Hardware:

Scanner: Nikon Coolscan 8000 and Coolscan 4000
Scanner Software: Vuescan Professional Edition
Computer: Macbook Pro with 2.5GHz Intel Processor and 4BG Memory
Monitor: Dell E248WFP
Software: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop CS3
Printer: Epson R2400
Monitor Calibration: Colorvision Spyder Pro 2
Calibration Software: ColorEyes Display Pro
Photopaper: Epson Somerset Velvet, Hahnemühle FineArt, and Ilford Premium Plus

I couldn’t be happier with this arrangement, I get all the benefits of shooting film including access to cameras that would cost thousands for equivalent digital versions. I enjoy the process of manipulating images a lot more than I used when doing the same in a wet darkroom. I however do realize that all my time spent in a wet darkroom have trained me well to get the most out of my digital darkroom. The image you see above is what I envisioned and created in the digital darkroom and what you see below is the actual capture itself. What do you think?

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/21/hybrid-digital-darkroom-workflow/feed/ 0 Holton Valley Farm [Before and After] http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/10/holton-valley-farm-before-and-after-in-my-digital-darkroom/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/10/holton-valley-farm-before-and-after-in-my-digital-darkroom/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:19:38 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=718 BEFORE After working on this image in my Digital Darkroom this is what I got. Tools used: 1. Adobe Lightroom 2 – Preset Punch and Sharpen Landscape 2. Photoshop CS3 – Levels, Healing Brush, Selection Tools, Layers and Layer Masks, and Adjustment Layers AFTER Related PostsHow to load 35mm film in a Medium Format Holga [...]]]> BEFORE

After working on this image in my Digital Darkroom this is what I got. Tools used:
1. Adobe Lightroom 2 – Preset Punch and Sharpen Landscape
2. Photoshop CS3 – Levels, Healing Brush, Selection Tools, Layers and Layer Masks, and Adjustment Layers

AFTER
Holton Valley Farm (Kentucky)

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/10/holton-valley-farm-before-and-after-in-my-digital-darkroom/feed/ 0 The bond we share http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/08/the-bond-we-share/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/08/the-bond-we-share/#comments Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:27:07 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=715 The Bond we Share.....We all go through life making connections and building relationships. These relationships could be with other humans, animals, and even inanimate things. How many of us haven’t given a name to our car or talk about our electronic devices as if they were a person. This bond is especially strong between humans and animals. We [...]]]> The Bond we Share.....

We all go through life making connections and building relationships. These relationships could be with other humans, animals, and even inanimate things. How many of us haven’t given a name to our car or talk about our electronic devices as if they were a person. This bond is especially strong between humans and animals. We humans depend on them for just about everything – food, clothing, even work.

The above photograph was captured in Downtown Indianapolis near Monument Circle. You will find many of these horse drawn carriages parked around the circle waiting for passengers. Sometimes you see a couple out on a romantic evening and at other times you see kids just enjoying the ride. The passengers change all the time, but the horse and the carriageman stay the same. They enjoy a special bond and you can see it in how they communicate and respond to each other. I took this photograph after walking around the circle a few times. I did not have any expectations as to what I wanted to photograph that day. But when I saw this scene playing out in front of me I knew I had something special.

See other interesting B&W work at The Weekend in Black and White Blog

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/08/the-bond-we-share/feed/ 2 Googly Eyes Turtle http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/05/googly-eyes-turtle/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/05/googly-eyes-turtle/#comments Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:41:43 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=705 Googly Eyes Turtle [Innocence]The above image is from one of the first rolls of film that I shot on a used NIkon F4S camera. The lens is a Micro-Nikkor 60mm AF-D lens. Related PostsHybrid digital darkroom workflow Thu 21 Jan 2010Holton Valley Farm [Before and After] Sun 10 Jan 2010The bond we share Fri 08 Jan 2010How to [...]]]> Googly Eyes Turtle [Innocence]

The above image is from one of the first rolls of film that I shot on a used NIkon F4S camera. The lens is a Micro-Nikkor 60mm AF-D lens.

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/05/googly-eyes-turtle/feed/ 1 Seeing what others miss and making it your own http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/03/seeing-what-others-miss-and-making-it-your-own/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/03/seeing-what-others-miss-and-making-it-your-own/#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 13:26:05 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=675 Somewhere, IndianaI was telling someone over lunch that photography changed the way I look at the world. Before I purchased my first camera, I would go around my business, never took in my surroundings, and almost always never interacted with locals. That changed after I started photographing, I started noticing and appreciating my surroundings more and [...]]]> Somewhere, Indiana

I was telling someone over lunch that photography changed the way I look at the world. Before I purchased my first camera, I would go around my business, never took in my surroundings, and almost always never interacted with locals. That changed after I started photographing, I started noticing and appreciating my surroundings more and more. When I look at a building I wonder what was the architect thinking when he drew the plans. When I look at an old and decaying tree stump I try to look for the beauty in its rotting structure. That was the case when I took the photo above. I was coming back from a weekend trip to Lake Patoka about which I blogged last year and instead of barreling down the interstate I decided to take one of the side roads. This road was not paved at all. It was gravel and the going was a bit rough. As I kept driving down this path I noticed this meadow to my left and how beautiful it looked as the sun was rising. I pulled to the side of the road, set up my camera, and got to work before the sun got too high and the light too harsh. The camera I used was a Hasselblad 500C/M with a 60mm Distagon Lens + Polarizer and the film used was Fuji NPC160 Color Print Film. I am sure many have driven down that gravel road before, but I don’t think anyone ever stopped where I did and took a photograph to preserve that moment in time and space. This photo has given me ideas for other projects that I plan to pursue this year.

Somewhere, Indiana

Your landscapes are around you. You don’t have to travel to some exotic locale or National Park – look around you, keep your camera handy, and more importantly keep your eyes open.

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/03/seeing-what-others-miss-and-making-it-your-own/feed/ 0 How to load 35mm film in a Medium Format Holga 120S Toy Camera http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/02/how-to-load-35mm-film-in-a-medium-format-holga-120s-toy-camera/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/02/how-to-load-35mm-film-in-a-medium-format-holga-120s-toy-camera/#comments Sat, 02 Jan 2010 12:53:35 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=664 How to load 35mm film in a Medium Format Holga 120S Toy CameraRecently I wrote on how I used my favorite 35mm Black and White film, Ilford HP5 Plus, in a modified Holga 120S Medium Format Camera. Many have commented (On Flickr) and I really appreciate that. I did receive some inquiries on how I loaded the film in the camera and kept it in place. Before [...]]]> How to load 35mm film in a Medium Format Holga 120S Toy Camera

Recently I wrote on how I used my favorite 35mm Black and White film, Ilford HP5 Plus, in a modified Holga 120S Medium Format Camera. Many have commented (On Flickr) and I really appreciate that. I did receive some inquiries on how I loaded the film in the camera and kept it in place. Before I show how I did it here is a video on Youtube showing how others have done it:

Unfortunately for me I did not have pieces of foam lying around so I improvised. Instead of foam pieces I used a Bic ballpoint pen. I cut two pieces (you will have to experiment just a little to get the right size) and made notches on one end of each piece to fit into each end of the 35mm film spool. Make sure that the film is centered while you experiment, you will just have to eye ball it.

I then inserted the pieces of Bic pen on either side of the film spool and loaded it into the camera.

Make sure you absolutely remember to do this: I made sure that the film counter window is tapped up on the outside and inside with black electrical tape. You will have to do this because unlike 120 film which has a paper backing 35mm film does not have one. If you do not cover the counter window the film will be exposed to outside light – which could be very bad.

Once you have the lid closed tape up areas (Like in the photo above) to make sure that there are no more light leaks or eliminate any accidents.


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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2010/01/02/how-to-load-35mm-film-in-a-medium-format-holga-120s-toy-camera/feed/ 0 Man and his dog in Central Park (NYC) http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/30/man-and-his-dog-in-central-park-nyc/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/30/man-and-his-dog-in-central-park-nyc/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:20:35 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=642 I love dogs, we have three of them (2 Jack Russell Terriers and a Dachshund). Our dogs always seem to know when we are happy, sad, or sick. They do not mind getting harassed by a hyperactive toddler or ignored when work and life gets in the way. They keep our feet warm while we [...]]]>

I love dogs, we have three of them (2 Jack Russell Terriers and a Dachshund). Our dogs always seem to know when we are happy, sad, or sick. They do not mind getting harassed by a hyperactive toddler or ignored when work and life gets in the way. They keep our feet warm while we type away on the computer or watching TV. The simple act of walking ones dog seems to melt ones worries away. To me it is a sacred ritual – one that strengthens the bond between a man/woman and his/her dog.

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/30/man-and-his-dog-in-central-park-nyc/feed/ 0 Winter fun with Holga http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/29/winter-fun-with-holga/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/29/winter-fun-with-holga/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:55:46 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=636 SnowscapeWell before your mind wanders in the wrong direction, Holga is a cheaply built plastic camera with a crummy plastic lens – and the primary reason why many like it. No two cameras are the same which is a testament to the absolutely horrible quality control procedures if there are any to begin with. Despite [...]]]> Snowscape

Well before your mind wanders in the wrong direction, Holga is a cheaply built plastic camera with a crummy plastic lens – and the primary reason why many like it. No two cameras are the same which is a testament to the absolutely horrible quality control procedures if there are any to begin with. Despite its short comings the Holga has endeared itself to many artists and serious photographers with its quirky and sometimes other worldly results.

I purchased my Holga in 2004 for some $20.00. Unlike other cameras that might quit working in freezing cold winters of midwest, Holgas are remarkably reliable. With just one shutter speed and aperture setting there is nothing to worry about other than getting the photograph. Just the other day I took it out, loaded it with my favorite 35mm Black and White film and went for a walk at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

Using a film smaller than the recommended format gives you some interesting results. In this case you will notice, assuming that you still remember what a developed 35mm film looks like, the area with sprocket holes is also exposed giving it a cool border effect. Many spend ungodly amounts of money to get the same effect in Photoshop – oh the irony.

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/29/winter-fun-with-holga/feed/ 4 Hey IMA – I Wanna Blog http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/23/hey-ima-i-wanna-blog/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/23/hey-ima-i-wanna-blog/#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:17:56 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=612 I heard on Twitter that the Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of my favorite places to hangout with my camera, announced a competition to select a blogger for the 2010 season. My first reaction was cool – I should try out for it. I had written a few blog posts based on my experiences at [...]]]>

I heard on Twitter that the Indianapolis Museum of Art, one of my favorite places to hangout with my camera, announced a competition to select a blogger for the 2010 season. My first reaction was cool – I should try out for it. I had written a few blog posts based on my experiences at the IMA and I continue to draw inspiration every time I visit the museum. One experience in particular set off a chain of events that resulted in a photograph that I consider to be one of my favorites. The IMA had an exhibit last year titled: On the Road Again with Jack Kerouac and Robert Frank . The exhibit had on display 83 photographs taken by Robert Frank which were accompanied by a 120 feet long original typescript of Jack Kerouac’s novel “On The Road”. Jack Kerouac is said to have written this novel under the influence of drugs and caffeine over a period of 20 days.

My curiosity aroused I went over to the nearest Public Library and borrowed “The Americans”, a collection of photos by Robert Frank some of which were on display at the IMA as part of the exhibit. I spent several days pouring over the photographs, studying them, and hoping to learn to see the world as Robert Frank did through his camera. Several months later I saw an opportunity to do what Robert Frank did but on a very small scale. The Indiana State Fair just started and I thought that this would be a perfect place to photograph people from different parts of the state and socioeconomic backgrounds. You can read more about that project on my blog post: The Americans (PK Edition) [Images from The Indiana State Fair 2009]. The composite from that project is below:

Indiana State Fair 2009 - The Americans (PK Version)

Click on the Photo to View The hi-res Version

You see if I did not go to the IMA that day I would have never heard about Robert Frank or Jack Kerouac. I would have never had the inspiration to do a project like this. It is for this very reason I keep going back to the IMA.

So IMA staff – if you are reading this blog post please please please consider me to be your next blogger.

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]]> http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/23/hey-ima-i-wanna-blog/feed/ 1 Woman in alleyway http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/22/woman-in-alleyway/ http://www.photoindica.com/blog/2009/12/22/woman-in-alleyway/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 11:33:35 +0000 PK http://www.photoindica.com/blog/?p=608 I am not sure when exactly I took this photograph. I do remember this scene though. I stumbled upon it while walking around downtown Indianapolis one evening. I did a little bit of post-processing to bring out the details and also to draw attention to the woman in the background as she was entering the [...]]]>

I am not sure when exactly I took this photograph. I do remember this scene though. I stumbled upon it while walking around downtown Indianapolis one evening. I did a little bit of post-processing to bring out the details and also to draw attention to the woman in the background as she was entering the dark alleyway. The road leads the viewer right to the woman who seems to be going somewhere as she was pulling a bag.

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