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I took my first photograph in
May 1953, later that year I developed my first film and made my
first print. Like many others the magic of seeing the image appear
in the dev tray was like a bowl of water to a thirsty dog and the
habit was formed. Since that day I don’t think there has ever been
a time in my life when I did not own a camera of one sort or the
other, though many of the good ones were often sold in times of
need. I always managed to replace them eventually, I have no
allegiance to any brand or model of camera, to me a camera is like
a pair of shoes if they fit well and feel comfy that’s all that
matters and I defy anyone to tell me which camera took which image.
I used to make 20 x 16 prints from 35mm negatives that would match
medium format and it was not the brand of camera that made it so,
but an understanding of light and how to record it, then process
and print the film. In fact some of my favourite images were taken
with a homemade camera. I have read and studied photography through
the years but never really followed fashion, believing images are
made in the mind and with the thoughts and skills of the
photographer in the darkroom, or as is today in the light room
where the computer replaces the enlarger. To me it’s much the same
technique and without the influence of some marketing mans
brainwashing blurb. I have no particular preference for what I
shoot I look at image making with an open mind as can be seen in
the diversity of images on the site. I never ask a photographer
what camera and lenses he uses just because I like his images,
imagine asking your favourite author what typewriter he uses. The
camera and lens is a mere tool for recording what you see in the
minds eye, the skill is in capturing and recording the light that
attracted you in the first place and learning the skills to put it
into print. Every image will require different thoughts from the
last; all too many people today get caught up in trying to learn
the science behind the computer and image manipulating programs.
There is no formula or set of mathematical numbers that will make
you a better photographer, same as there is no camera that will do
the same. Forget auto everything and go and learn to drive your
camera instead of being a passenger you will enjoy it far more
learning about light instead of lightroom.
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