Often when shooting with new people, I am asked to see the photo immediately after it is taken. When I explain why I can’t show them, their first reaction tends to leak uncertainty. The way I choose to shoot and process my own photos is a risky choice from a commercial standpoint; companies would rather have a raw file that they can manipulate to their liking. But in an instant world, there is something about slowing down with an alternative process that keeps my short attention span engaged and interested. It’s the bare bones approach to post processing that interests me. A feeling that can’t be found through today’s standard digital processing.
This is my journey to reach the Post Process.
Shot on a Hasselblad 500C/M, Mamiya C330, and Bronica SQ-A
Plan. Plan on having no plan.
Drive. Drive out here, rush over there; bitter cold temperatures and precipitation can be fickle.
Be certain. Certain that finding an ideal location is uncertain.
Be careful. Weather does not lend itself well to camera gear. Jumping off buildings and down stairs can prove to be equally precarious.
Sleep well. Bring a pillow; sleeping on the ground is more comfortable that way.
Wake up. Hope your boots are dry.
Coffee. You need it.
Food. You can do without.
Shovels. You can’t.
Film. Is hard to roll in the cold.
Handwarmers. Get them.
Layers. You can never have too many of them.
Work. Lend a hand, cause a button is easier to push than a trick is to land.
Be polite. Even though you’re getting the boot.
Patience. Is a virtue that gets you more chances; be grateful in that situation.
Relax. Dot your I’s, cross your T’s, and don’t fucking blow the shot.
Check the focus.
Press the button.
High fives.
Explain. That it’s film and they can’t see the shot yet.
Hope. The results aren’t guaranteed, but don’t tell anyone that.
Beer. Drink one, moving snow all day in the cold isn’t easy. It’s well deserved.
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