Friday, November 26, 2010

Film Photography Podcast Journal / An Interview with April-Lea Hutchinson

April-Lea Hutchinson

An Interview with April-Lea Hutchinson
Film Photography Podcast Episode 22 / November 26, 2010


Listen to Episode 22




Stream, Download, iTunes or Zune
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/


above: April-Lea Hutchinson - Self Portrait

April is a film photographer and model from London, Ontario. Shooting primarily with Polaroid and Holga cameras, April says in her own words – “I look for emotion to tell a story and reveal the beauty in my characters. Beyond the aesthetic qualities imparted by instant film and long exposures, my empathetic relationship with the person in front of the camera infuses my images with comfortable intimacy and perhaps a touch of nostalgia.”






above: Images by April-Lea Hutchinson
below: On the set with April and model Kate (Image by Michael Raso)


On set with April-Lea Hutchinson

April's website:
http://aprilleaphoto.carbonmade.com/about

April on Flickr.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/so_amused/



Music for Episode 22 courtesy of "The I"
MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/theispace
FaceBook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-I/6307732187?v=wall

About The Film Photography Podcast:
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com

Friday, November 19, 2010

Film Photography Podcast Journal / Episode 21 / November 19, 2010

Film Photography Podcast / Holga Polaroid montage

Living in the Plastic Age: Topics include Holga, Vivitar PN2011 and plastic cameras, 110 film update, testing the Ansco Pioneer 616 camera, three big giveaways and more. Hosted by Michael Raso with Duane Polcou and John Fedele.



Stream, Download, iTunes or Zune
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

2009 pdnPHOTO Expo - New York
above: Eastman Kodak's Scott R. DeSabato - shot on Kodak 400asa 110 film (Pentax Auto 110 camera)

Discussion of 110 film and the amazing Pentax Auto 110 camera

“After the success of Kodak's 126 cartridge "Instamatic" cameras, 110 was introduced in 1972 to take advantage of improvements in film allowing smaller format negatives. The first Kodak cameras being branded Pocket Instamatic.”
http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/110_film

Kodak Kodachrome 64 - 110 Film

Camera Nerd - Pentax Auto 110
above: Joe Kolbek with the Pentax Auto 110

Toy Camera discussion includes HOLGA 120N (w/ Polaroid back), the Meikai 4553SSN and the Vivitar PN2011

Holga 120N

Emily Savill's Vivitar PN2011

Duane’s BOOK OF THE MONTH”
Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1 - Southern Utah

Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1 - Southern Utah

Tips on what to look for when purchasing expired Polaroid film.



FPP’s new You Tube Channel!
http://www.youtube.com/user/FilmPhotographyTube

Ansco Pioneer 616 camera test
The camera was designed by New York-born industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss who had made telephone designs for Bell Telephone Laboratories before. Kodak introduced 616 film in 1932. The film is 70mm wide. YouTube segment from the show (below)



Film Photography Podcast / Ansco Pioneer 616 camera

(above) Duane prepares to test the Ansco Pioneer (with massive 50+ year old bulb) on space suit protected subject – Joe Kolbek (below)

Film Photography Podcast / Ansco Astronaut

Contest Giveaways!

This month we’re giving away:

Kiev 6C 120 camera

Vivitar PN2011 35mm camera

Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (book) by Michelle Bates

PLASTIC CAMERAS Toying with Creativity by Michelle Bates

To enter our camera giveaways, please send your name, address and a small bit about yourself (and your photography) to FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com

Please put the name of the giveaway in your e-mail header and please remember that if you wish to enter more than one contest, you’ll have to send a separate e-mail for each one.

Til next week, this is Michael Raso signing off!

Film Photography Podcast / Kiev 6c camera test
Portrait of me – shot by Duane using the Kiev 6C camera.

Special thanks to Dan Domme, Emily Savill, Rob Nunn and you, the podcast listener!

Monday, November 15, 2010

"100 Polaroids" CHICAGO Book Party and Exhibition

THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT NYC Party for Patrick Sansone's book "100 Polaroids."

Pat Sansone will be signing his book "100 Polaroids" this Friday, 11/19 in Chicago, IL. Pat is one half of the band The Autumn Defense and a member of the band Wilco.

Pat Sansone / 100 Polaroids

While on the road with his music, Pat shot Polaroids across
America and abroad. FPP friend and listener Chelsy Usher will be attending and shooting....Polaroids for FPP. Stop by!

Friday, November 19 · 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Johalla Projects
1561 North Milwaukee Ave, Second Floor
Chicago, IL

Event page on FaceBook

"Johalla Projects is excited to host the release party for 100
Polaroids, Patrick Sansone’s new book of photographs. This past
summer, we exhibited Sansone’s polaroids in the Art of Touring; these images were the product of years of travel with his band, Wilco, that begun as a therapeutic activity to relieve the stress of touring.Though untrained as a photographer, his compositions reflect the vernacular style of Walker Evans and Amy Stein and present a conceptual landscape of America as seen through Sansone’s eye."


Pat Sansone and John Stirratt in a segment of an interview with The Autumn Defense on Chicago TV show "Corporate Country Sucks"

Can't make the event? Pick up Pat's book from The Wilco "Kung Fu" Store

THE IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT NYC Party for Patrick Sansone's book "100 Polaroids."

Pat Sansone was interviewed on Episode 18 - October 25, 2010 (recorded at the NYC book signing). Listen below or follow link.



http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

The Film Photography Podcast announced the WINNER of our "100 Polaroids" book/camera giveaway on Episode 20 - November 12, 2010 (An Interview with The Impossible Project)

Lauren on the Boardwalk
Lauren was the winner of the Pat Sansone "100 Polaroids" giveaway
photo by FPP listener Mat Marrash

Listen to Episode 20 (An interview with The Impossible Project)


http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Friday, November 12, 2010

Conversation with Dr. Florian Kaps and Dave Bias of The Impossible Project

Film Photography Podcast Journal for Episode 20 / November 12, 2010

Film Photography Podcast Episode 20 / The Impossible Project

Passion and new film for Polaroid Land Cameras: Michael Raso’s Conversation with Dr. Florian Kaps and Dave Bias of The Impossible Project



http://filmphotographypodcast.com/
Listen above or Stream, Download, iTunes or Zune

Film Photography Podcast Episode 20 / The Impossible Project

Film Photography Podcast Episode 20 / The Impossible Project

Film Photography Podcast Episode 20 / The Impossible Project

IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT SPACE NYC / Kodachrome

IMPOSSIBLE PROJECT SPACE NYC / Kodachrome

Impossible Project Space NYC
Images © 2010 Michael Raso

The Film Photography Internet Radio Show
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com/

The Impossible Project
http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

Impossible Project NYC Store
http://shop.the-impossible-project.com/stores/ny

Film Photography Podcast Flickr Group
http://www.flickr.com/groups/filmphotographypodcast/

Monday, November 8, 2010

Celebrating The Impossible Project

blog by Michael Raso

When Polaroid announced in 2008 that it would cease production on all of its instant films, no one would have dreamed that in two short years a group of entrepreneurs called The Impossible Project would be able to once again produce instant analog films for Polaroid cameras.

Impossible Project Space NYC / Fall 2010

As producer and host of The Film Photography Podcast, I’m thrilled to announce that Impossible Project’s Dr. Florian Kaps and Dave Bias will be my special guests on the upcoming November 12, 2010 (Episode 20) Internet radio show.

http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Impossible Project PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

I’ve been shooting and experimenting with Impossible Project films since they were released earlier this year. I would like to share some on my favorite images shot on Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush Instant Film (below)

Desiree Saetia / Polaroid Portrait

Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

"And one man in his time plays many parts"

Autumn 2010 Photo Walk - Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

Autumn 2010 Photo Walk - Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

Autumn 2010 Photo Walk - Impossible PX 70 Color Shade / First Flush

Images © 2010 Michael Raso



The Film Photography Internet Radio Show
http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com/

The Impossible Project
http://www.the-impossible-project.com/

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Film Photography Podcast Journal / Episode 19 / November 5, 2010

show notes by Michael Raso

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

A great year for film! The future of Film Photography explored at the 2010 PDN Photo Expo, NYC.





Stream, Download, Zune or iTunes
http://filmphotographypodcast.com/

Mat Marrash / PDN Photo Expo NYC
(above) Mat Marrash photographed with the Polaroid Spectra AF camera on Impossible Project PZ 600 Silver Shade Instant Film

First up, Duane and I interviewed FPP listener Mat Marrash. Mat trekked out from Ohio to visit NYC. He had his Temba camera bag stuffed with cameras!!!

We also met up with FPP listeners Michael Calleia and Robert Tuttle. Both guys spent a few minutes with Duane and myself discussing cameras and film.

Unique Photo Guys
(above)Unique Photo guys Mike Zawadzki and friend at the PDN

I chatted with Mike Zawadzki from Unique Photo about Unique supporting film and hands-on instructions on using film cameras.

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

Michelle Bates (pictured above) was at the Freestyle Photographic booth signing copies of her new book – “PLASTIC CAMERAS Toying with Creativity.” She was kind enough to chat with me about her her new book and experiences with Holga cameras.

PLASTIC CAMERAS Toying with Creativity by Michelle Bates

We’re giving away one copy of Michelle’s new book on The Film Photography Podcast. To enter, please e-mail your name, address and a paragraph about yourself (and your photography) to: FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com
Entries must be in by November 19, 2010. One winner will be picked at random on our December podcast.

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

Eric Joseph from Freestyle Photographic Supply (pictured above) had a brisk chat with Duane discussing the bright future of film photography.

Film Photography Podcast's  YouTube Channel

We recently launched our YouTube channel with the hope of bringing more of our audio segments “to life” via video. The URL is: http://www.youtube.com/user/FilmPhotographyTube

Below is the most recent video: “How to Use a Polaroid Pack Camera.”



Duane and I were thrilled to interview Keith Canham. Keith (pictured below) is owner of Canham Cameras, Inc., specializing in custom made, large format cameras designed for professional photographers. Keith’s special project is working directly with Eastman Kodak and photographers around the world to assure that film stock is available for large format cameras.

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

2010 PDN Photo Expo NYC

Scott DeSabato, Marketing Manager, Professional Film, Eastman Kodak Company (pictured middle above w/ Duane Polcou and Keith Canham) was on hand to share and discuss information about new film stocks and the bright outlook for film photography. According to Scott, “It’s been a great year for film.”

You can hear all the interviews above and more by listening to Episode 19 – November 5, 2010 film photography podcast at http://filmphotographypodcast.com





Note: The Film Photography Podcast is weekly through December 1st!

Upcoming Shows:

Film Photography Podcast Episode 20 / November 12, 2010
Passion for Instant Film Photography: A Conversation with Dr. Florian Kaps and Dave Bias - The Impossible Project (pictured below)

pioneers.
Image © Casey Holford

Film Photography Podcast / Kodak Ektar 25 / Kodak Pony II Camera

Film Photography Podcast Episode 21 / November 19, 2010
FPP Studio (pictured above) roundtable with Michael Raso, Duane Polcou and John Fedele

Film Photography Podcast Episode 22 / November 26, 2010
A conversation with artist April-Lea Hutchinson
April (pictured below) is a photographer / model from London Ontario

April-lea Hutchinson
“My work as a photographer is part of a longstanding relationship with the camera that began with modeling. I have a fondness for film and a deep desire to photograph people as people, breaking from expected norms of beauty. In my work, I look for emotion, try to tell a story, and reveal the beauty in my characters. Beyond the aesthetic qualities imparted by instant film and long exposures, my empathetic relationship with the person in front of the camera infuses my images with comfortable intimacy and perhaps a touch of nostalgia. I create timeless images using a mix of Medium Format and Polaroid Film. I am a purist at heart.”
- http://aprilleaphoto.carbonmade.com/about

Special thanks to

Regular contributor Rob Nunn
http://www.robnunnphoto.com/

Webmaster Gregg Dumont
http://www.killerreviews.com

Write to The Film Photography Podcast
FilmPhotographyPodcast (at) gmail.com

See everyone next week!
- Michael Raso

All Images © 2010 Michael Raso (unless otherwise noted)

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Digitizing Film Slides Without A Scanner

Guest Blog by Rob Nunn
robnunnphoto.com


Slide Viewer Fixed To Front Of S5700




In Film Photography Podcast 18 (October 25, 2010) Michael Raso mentioned how he had developed some film he found in a second-hand camera, and how special it was to have the film developed to look at these photographs from a by-gone era, with no idea who the people are in the images. This reminded me of a couple of years ago when my Dad gave me a box of old slides he had taken in the 1960's to see if I could transfer them to digital so we could look at them again.


Unfortunately I didn't have a scanner at the time, so I had to come up with the odd DIY contraption you can see at the beginning of the post. Although by no means perfect, this gave me the means to scan the old chromes, and I thought it might be helpful to re-visit and share the technique with other "FPPers" who, like me, haven't got access to a flat-bed or dedicated slide scanner.


Capturing Film Slides With The S5700 / S700


I was lucky that included with the slides was an old plastic viewer, and you'll need one too if you're going to have a go at this technique. . Next I had to use my Fujifilm s5700 Bridge Camera. This was important because the camera has a great macro facility, the lens can focus right up close, unlike dSLR's which would require a special lens. If you've got a digital compact, check to see if it's got a macro mode and this will probably work.


I simply took the slide-viewer and used rubber bands to fix it to the front of the camera, adding a Cokin Filter holder adapter to give the viewer a stable base to sit against. Be careful to check that as the camera focusses the lens element doesn't bash against the slide-viewer, and it's also worth turning off the auto power-off function, because with compacts the lens will often move in and out during the power on / off cycle.


Slide As Taken By Camera


The cheap little slide-viewer I had has no light source, so I found the whitest looking bulb in our house, fixed everything to a tripod, and pointed my makeshift scanner in the right direction. I tried natural light, but it just wasn't bright enough. Now I had to set up the white balance. I was going to be scanning a couple of hundred slides, so there's no way I was going to be working in RAW, so I had to get it right in camera. With no slide in the camera the viewer just shows as a white box - perfect. I just took a custom white balance and the camera was almost ready to go.


Once we've got the physical and white-balance side of things sorted, now it's time to take a few shots to check we've got a good focus and that the slide is nice and flat in the holder. With modern Auto Focus systems, this probably won't be a problem. Use the LCD display on the back of your camera to zoom in and check sharpness. The trickier aspect is the exposure. Because the slide isn't filling the frame, the camera sees a large amount of black and therefore over-exposes the area we want. I tried spot-metering, but in the end I found that switching to Manual Mode was the best option, allowing me to capture the most detail.


It's worth mentioning that these 50 year old slides still have way more detail in them than I could capture with the digital sensor in my camera, the reproductions here give you a good idea, but the colours and contrast are much better when you look at the originals, even just through a viewer.


HMS Defender


Once I'd captured the slides, it was time for basic post-processing. Because I "scanned" over 300 slides, it was always going to be real the real basics - levels, colour correction and a pass of Noise Ninja for some of the slides.


HMS Eagle R05


You could spend a lot longer, and in hind-sight I could have blown more of the dust off the slides before I started, then spent more time in post removing the obvious blotches and blemishes you can see in these examples. However my simple slide scanner did it's job, breathing new life into these old slides, and allowing my Dad to share these memories with some of his friends.


Crossing The Line Ceremony


Dad, Anti-Flash Gear


Thanks for reading. You can read more of my articles over at robnunnphoto.com


What Do You Think? Have you had to come up with any DIY solutions to photographic problems, or have you had to digitize old family photographs or slides? Please share your experiences in the comments section below.

_______________________________________________

About:
Launched in October of 2009, the Film Photography Podcast is a 90 minute, bi-weekly Internet radio program, exploring a wide range of topics relevant to the experienced and aspiring photographer using film as a medium. Hosts Michael Raso and Duane Polcou enthusiastically dissect and debate the pros-and-cons of film formats, do-it-yourself techniques, digital technologies, and vintage and contemporary cameras and accessories in a thorough, informative and casual manner. Regular features include Camera tests and reviews, “book of the month”, interviews, a listener-generated Q&A, and film-related giveaways.

Produced in the United States, the Film Photography Podcast is broadcast around the globe via iTunes and direct stream from http://www.filmphotographypodcast.com