The
images that are displayed in this website come from a wide variety of equipment
that I have either owned or had access to over many years. If there are any
questions about a specific image please contact me. One thought about
equipment, I do not think that it matters too much what camera is used. There
are really only two technical issues that I think will improve images. The
first is knowledge of the equipment and process, understanding what happens
when the shutter is pushed is important. The second is good quality lenses.
This will improve sharpness and overall contrast of images. Photography
is about vision, not equipment. Digital cameras have changed
rapidly in the past few years. I have now owned two DSLR cameras. The first
was a Canon EOS 10D 6.3 mega-pixel camera. I found that this camera
produced beautiful images that I have used to produce prints up to 18 x 24inches.
I currently use a Canon EOS 5D 12.8 mega-pixel camera. It is a definite improvement
over the 10D in both color and resolution. My main reason for switching is
the full frame (24mm x 36mm) sensor in the camera. This has allowed me to
shoot with wide-angle lenses. I use the same lenses of the digital bodies
that I use for my 35mm film body. I shoot all images in a raw format to
provide the maximum information to work with. I generally do not manipulate
images to remove or include objects. I work primarily with the contrast,
color balance, saturation, and sharpness, as well as the equivalents of “dodging
and burning”. I try to produce the image as best I can through exposure and
other “in camera” controls. This reduces the amount of editing later. Panoramic images: These panoramic
images are created using a digital camera and combining the images. The
individual images are shot in sequence and then combined using stitching
software. I usually use the PhotoStitch software that was supplied with the
Canon digital cameras. I have found
that combining images can be difficult and requires some experimentation. Small
and Medium format
images 35mm format: Most of the images here
are produced with a standard 35mm SLR camera with a very wide selection of
lenses. I regularly use lenses ranging from 15mm to 800mm for all types of
photography. Until recently I used the manual systems from Canon (F-1n and
a range of prime lenses from 17mm to 400mm). When I upgraded systems I
stayed with Canon. (EOS 3 body) I am currently moving away from 35mm film.
I stopped using 35mm black and white film a few years ago. All black and
white images I currently produce are done with a 4x5 view camera. All of
the color images that are from film are shot on slide film, usually either
Kodak Ektachrome or Fuji Fujichrome. Lenses that I currently use: Canon 28-200mm Sigma 15-30mm Sigma 50-500mm Sigma 28mm Macro Medium format: While I have not owned
a medium format camera, I have had access to a few different models
including Fuji, Bronica, and Hasselblad.
I have found the square format to be very interesting and challenging
to use, as it is very different than the rectangle that we are used to
seeing. 4x5 format: I
currently use a Toyo 45A field camera. This is a compact camera that folds
into itself. It is also a rugged camera that has withstood my many abuses
of hiking and traveling. I have been using a 90mm, 135mm and 180mm Schneider
lenses. I have found that the camera movements of a large format camera
make it beautifully suited for landscape work. Although it requires an
additional level of dedication to learn it has been well worth the effort.
While I primarily use it for black and white photographs I will very often
shoot color transparencies with it as well. I use a one degree spot meter for
the black and white film. This allows me to accurately measure the zones
and place them accordingly. I process all BW film by hand. Over many years
I have adapted my own techniques to produce high quality negatives. Also,
all black and white prints are custom printed by hand. So far I have
managed to do all the black and white work myself, a tradition I plan to
continue for as long as possible. I do not use a lab for any black and
white images. This preserves the high quality of the final images.
Technical Information
Digital images
Large format