4 weeks ago
86
Many of us us aren’t new to taking portraits of strangers, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less challenging. But if you’re up for a bigger challenge — literally and figuratively — you might want to use a bigger medium. Go big or go home with a large format camera, just as George Muncy of NegativeFeedback recently did with an 8×10 camera!
For the uninitiated, Muncey first shared some basic facts about the 8×10 camera he used. It’s actually a lot simpler than your average digital camera. Essentially, it’s just a light-tight box where you attach a lens on one end, and a ground glass focusing screen on the other. The controls are also as simple as it gets. Because of the size of the negative, you get some beautifully detailed photos out of it.
So, if it’s all so simple, where’s the challenge? As Muncey himself put it, the camera is slow, huge and obvious — definitely anything but candid. As such, it can be intimidating both for the photographer and the subject. Now, imagine if you’re photographing a stranger!
Muncey also mentioned some of the cons or limitations that you’ll likely encounter with a large format camera like this. So, hopefully his insights will help you decide if it’s the right tool for you, whether you’re photographing strangers or not.
Have you ever taken portraits with a large format camera like this? Tell us about your experience or share your photos in the comments below!
Tell your story with the second annual Visual Storytelling Conference!
Experience four days of interactive, online training sessions featuring a range of educational content with experienced photographers and content creators. This free event kicks off with a series of technical boot camps to build essential skills, followed by live, online sessions on photography, video, business and social media. Join live from March 10-13, 2022!
- Posted on October 22, 2024
By shopping with our partners and affiliates, you help keep content on Photofocus free. Click here to learn more.
Joy is a film photographer, writer, and visual storyteller based in Manila, Philippines. She is drawn to conceptual portraits and surreal imagery, which she also strives to flesh out in her own work. Her photos have been featured on Flickr and several independent film photography blogs and magazines.
Thanks to our partners who make Photofocus possible
Radiant Photo – Radiant Photo superior quality finished photos with perfect color rendition, delivered in record time. Your photos — simply RADIANT. The way they are meant to be.
Mylio Photos – Access your photos from anywhere, without the cloud! Easily showcase your photos on-the-go, resolve duplicates, find faces and look for those stunning locations.
B&H – B&H is a world renowned supplier of all the gear photographers, videographers, and cinematographers need and want to create their very best work.
MPB – Grab used but perfectly working cameras and lenses for less, or turn your old gear into cash by trading and selling them on MPB!
English (US) ·
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments