Creative: August Self-Publishing Project, Chapter Three

20 Comments

Okay, the gear. What and why? My first piece of advice is don’t do what I do. What I’m about to do isn’t recommended, and yet I’m going to do it anyway. If you are embarking on a project just take one camera and one lens. Leave the rest at home and save yourself some trouble. Me, I’m driving my new Tacoma which has become a photo-barge of sorts. And bike barge, camping barge, etc. It’s like a bloated whale oozing it’s way down country roads. I have the space, and I’ve been on the road for several months, so I’ve got a lot of stuff with me.

As you will see I have three primary systems for this little voyage, but I’m pretty sure I’m only going to use two. The Hasselblad will remain in the bag for the entire trip. The reason? I lost my nine-stop, neutral density filter, which was the ONLY reason I brought the camera in the first place. It’s gone. I’ve looked and don’t want to buy another. So, I’m moving forward with the Fuji Instax, just for fun, and to have something tangible along the way, and my trusty Fuji XT2. This project is comprised of old, analog work and whatever NEW imagery I can make on this trip which will all be done with the XT2.

A lot of you are probably wondering where my Leica is, or why I don’t shoot film on this project. Good questions. Nothing wrong with my Leica, and I have a freezer full of film, but this methodology doesn’t work for my life at this point. I don’t have time for film. The day I get back from this trip I’ll have major projects due for BOTH of my jobs, so shipping film and waiting, getting scans done, paying for it all, etc. is a luxury I no longer have.

Also, I’m not really that concerned about the photography at this point. I’m concerned about story, so the imagery is important, yes, but it’s not the sole focus or purpose. AND THE VIEWING AUDIENCE FOR THE BOOK ISN’T A PHOTOGRAPHY AUDIENCE. The tiny audience is comprised entirely of family members. They are representative of the vast majority of people who will view your work. They don’t care what camera I used, or what my composition is. They are looking for familiarity, memory, surprise and connection. And yes, great photography enhances these things, so I’ll be on the lookout but it won’t drive me like it did in the past.

I need great copy. This is time consuming and challenging but it must be done. I just booked a hotel room for two nights, instead of camping, because I know the hotel will allow me more time to work with less time allotted for building camp, setting up tents, dealing with bugs, etc. I’m on a tight timeline.

Also, as you will see here, the final image is of an acrylic drawing. I am doing a series of these based on the eclipse, which is 1/6 of the entire project. I have little desire to photograph the actual event, nor do I have the right lens. I don’t even have glasses to view it. But I have truly enjoyed making these “paintings.” (My future will have a lot more of this type of work.)

As you can see, all of these items are secured in my Atlas packs which I’m finding to be a perfect fit for my needs. I’m actually backpacking at times so these are perfect, and they don’t look like camera bags. They are light and comfortable. I’ve also got my entire audio setup with me, and will be recording ambient sound as well as an interview or two IF I can somehow find the time. I’m not sure I can do all these things. If I pull off a few stills and some good copy I’ll be happy.

Five hundred and fifty miles tomorrow, the last fifty on dirt. Lots of scrambling, picking up family members, etc. A few days of work and then 1100 miles back to California where my real work awaits. People keep asking if I’m excited and my answer is “no.” I’m nervous. Butterflies. I don’t think this project means anything to anyone else. In fact I know it doesn’t, but it means something to me. I know what it takes to do good work, and I know this trip isn’t setup to afford that kind of time or access, so I will be nervous about making ANYTHING worthy of adding in.

Fingers crossed. Leaning forward.

Comments 20

  1. Reply
    1. Post
      Author
  2. Reply

    Bon voyage Mr M.
    A good gear post always keeps the hordes happy 🙂
    Use what works, like you say no-one gives a F&&k what camera you used. Those who do have basically missed the point of the image already. Glutton for punishment taking the ‘blad as a space filler in the bag 🙂
    Glad you’re making “your” pictures, getting out and expressing your feelings on what you discover out there. Looking forward to seeing what you make of it all but mostly I’m happy that you’re back at pulling on that thread and scratching the itch inside yourself.

    1. Post
      Author

      Mark,
      I would be using that darn Blad for ONE style of image, but without that filter…can’t do it. I need to track another one down. Or not.

  3. Reply
    1. Post
      Author
  4. Reply
    1. Post
      Author
  5. Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Thanks Joe,
      New work for me, for sure. No idea what I’m doing but it’s entertaining.

  6. Reply

    Seeing the Star Wars logo I’m reminded of a quote from Carrie Fisher, ‘Instant gratification takes too long’. Apt for instant film, don’t you think?

    1. Post
      Author
  7. Reply

    May the Force be with you.
    I may have missed a post but did the Tacoma replace your Subaru?

    1. Post
      Author

      Ivars,

      Yep. Subaru was lemon. They eventually bought it back after six months of fighting me. Tacoma is major upgrade.

  8. Reply
    1. Post
      Author
  9. Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Eric,

      I almost got a Sprinter but driving that around LA is no fun at all. Hence the Tacoma.

  10. Reply

    ND 9 stops, that’s a lot of shallow DOF gone now.

    Some catching up here for me on the unread posts.

    Great to read your automotive troubles are gone with the wind. A last little gear question: single cab or double cab?

    Very curious what’s coming out of your Usain Bolt style of work. Enjoy it. Yes, a bit jealous…

    1. Post
      Author

Leave a comment