THE DARK SLIDE

For the years that Marie and I ran our studio, we used Hasselblad cameras and accessories. In my opinion, it was the finest film camera ever made. It was solid aluminum and made in a modular fashion. You had the camera body, then you attached a film magazine to the back, a lens to the front, and a viewfinder to the top. Hasselblad made countless variations to the modular parts to satisfy any photographic need.

Well, here’s the dark slide story. You see, you loaded the film magazine once it was removed from the camera. The dark slide protected the film from exposure during this process. Once loaded, you would then attach the magazine to the camera back and remove the dark slide. This would allow the film to be exposed by whatever image you chose to shoot.

It was at a wedding reception that I was feeling confident and creative. Feeling so, I went about shooting a roll of film creating some neat images. With everyone eating (you never photograph them then) I was free to do as I pleased. Got some cool shots of the property and other interesting images I knew the couple would want. All of a sudden Marie asked me why I didn’t remove the dark slide. ON NO! I immediately detached the magazine, threw away the film since you can’t rewind it, reloaded a new roll of film, removed the dark slide and gave it to Marie. I then went about to shoot the “shots” I already shot. Our customer bought a number of them for their wedding album. DARK SLIDE DEFEATED!

Quite often we forget the obvious when we do the obvious over and over again. Ever happen to you? Love to hear your story. Leave your comment below. Thanks – Hank

DUSK OR DAWN?

Both are quite appealing in photography. The sunrise gives a unique copper color to all the subjects it illuminates while the sunset shows as a beautiful gold tone. The challenge we have as photographers is to be ready for either “event” at the right time of day. Both appearances only last about 5 to 10 minutes at most. Therefore, you need to be ready to go prior to sunrise and in place for the sunset.

As a black & white film photographer, obviously I’m not capturing color. What I enjoy is the quality of light only present at these two times. Yes, you can photograph all day long from any and all angles but the early morning and evening light has a special appeal in making a fine art photograph as opposed to a shot at noon.

Have you tried either of these time “events” in your photography? If so, leave a comment as to what you captured and why. Thanks - Hank 

 

TO DO OR NOT TO DO – Did you ever think just that about building a photography business assuming you wanted one? Well, my wife and I did just that and started a portrait and wedding business years ago. We did baby portraits, family portraits, environmental portraits, school portraits, executive head shots, sports, photojournalism, corporate contract work, and then some. However, weddings were the most time consuming of all. Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays and then all the days in between for prep work.

 More than 15 years ago, I was President of the Professional Photographers of America – Central Jersey chapter. The members I was most close to have all abandoned wedding photography as did we. Nevertheless, there are many wedding photographers today who are doing quite well no doubt. Are you one of them? If so, what do you like the most about it? When my wife and I closed our studio, I sold all my very high-quality professional equipment but I kept enough to pursue what I’ve always enjoyed, B&W fine art photography from film.   

What do you enjoy from your hobby or your business? Would love to hear your story. Please leave a comment below. Thanks - Hank

 

GIVING – It’s always a good thing if you have an opportunity to donate your work for a worthy cause. My grandson attends an elementary school in New York City and as is the case in many schools, there are items and events that are outside the standard school budget. Therefore, the school staff organized an auction of all types of salable goods and/or services. My contribution was an 11 x 14 matted print of “Summer Snow”. The principal advised me that the print sold well and helped to generate needed revenue along with all the other auction entries. It’s always good to give.

Have you had an opportunity to donate something from your hobby or business? If so, leave a comment with your details. Thanks - Hank

 

COOL NEWS - If any of you have the Disney app on your TV, go to National Geographic, then to Cosmos, and then to season 1 - episode 13. In the first 5 minutes you’ll see some of my 1939 World’s Fair night shots that Cosmos paid a license fee to use which they found in

https://www.webbersphotography.com/c/1939-worlds-fair

The image above was not chosen thought it's one of my favorites, however, three other photos were. Pretty neat. Perhaps an Academy Award is next (ha ha). No harm dreaming big.

Have you had the opportunity to exhibit your work be it photography or some other medium that appeals to you, something you enjoy? Please leave a comment about your passion