Proof Of Practice..

As some may know, and others not, that I have been teaching my wife how to use a camera, both for her own personal enjoyment, and for assistance in studio.
Well, I did a previous photoshoot with a lovely model (Patricia) who is just a treat to work with.

"Looking Away" - Aug. 26 2012 Photoshoot
Exakta VXIIa 35mm SLR - Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 50mm ƒ/2.8
Fuji Acros 100ASA Dev. in HC-110 Dil. M (1+250)
Blazzeo 180W/s Key w/Shoothrough Umbrella
Sunpak 622 Pro-Auto Bounce Fill Lamp
Canon 199a Speedlite B/G Lamp

As you can see, it was a really great shoot, and I used both Portra, and various B&W film, including 4x5 (Efke IR).

That said, of course, I did have my wife along for the adventure.  Helping setup the set, and assisting me with holding a camera or two.

Well, she also wanted to give her own camera a try, which is a Canon EOS IX7, an APS SLR, which has a film size, exactly, the same size as an APS-C sensor.  Well, not exactly, the film size is slightly larger (in the fact that each frame is 16:9 instead of 2:3).

I did add a slight "soft-focus" effect in post using Adobe CS5.

The thing is, the story isn't so much about this photo.  Yes, I can say all the great things about the photo, and how the expression is perfect.
But that's just it, this isn't about the photo I took at all.
Sure, it's lovely, and well exposed.  The image has everything going for it, from the lighting, to the expression on her face, to even the crop and background separation.

Using a film format that has been considered to be a format not capable of being used for professional portraits or professional photography.  Well, I can see that for landscapes, and even 35mm is a little small for high resolution landscapes, but for portraits, I think that APS film can hold its own, even with enlargements beyond 8x10(8x12).

"Looking Away" - Aug. 26, 2012 Photoshoot
Canon EOS IX7 - Canon EF 28-90 ƒ/3.5-5.6
Kodak Advantix APS 200ASA (Expired 2006)
Blazzeo 180W/S Key w/Shoothrough Umbrella
On-Camera Flash (Popup no diffuser)
8x12 Print scan

"Intent" - Aug. 26, 2012 Photoshoot
Canon EOS IX7 - Canon EF 28-90 ƒ/3.5-5.6
Kodak Advantix APS 200ASA (Expired 2006)
Blazzeo 180W/S Key w/Shoothrough Umbrella
On-Camera Flash (Popup no diffuser)
8x12 Print scan

So proof is in the print that yes, not only can APS film hold its own, but you can teach the "Art of Photography".

It's moments like this that make me realize that I have done a lot more than just teach how to use a camera, but to have opened the strings on someone's imagination.

So if you have some APS film that you don't want, send it my way.  I'm sure that we can make some very good use of it.


Did you hear?  Film is still a vibrant, and wonderful choice for photography!  Why, so much that there is a Podcast specifically dedicated to the joys of shooting and using anything Film related.  From 110 to 4x5, Polaroid and Impossible film, to Fuji peel apart instant film.  That's right!
The Film Photography Project is the place to go for everything film related!  From cameras, to film, to just learning about the darkroom!

Check out the Film Photography Project today, and rekindle your love for film photography.

Until next time, keep those shutters firing!