Ferry Park Trees
This Story Behind Every Photograph is as much a “self-help” exercise as any I’ve ever shared. At this point for me film photography and all related equipment and execution has become so second nature I rarely have to actually think out the process. It has become a simple puzzle that is assembled in a very specific order all targeted at reducing friction and freeing up the creative thought process.
So, jumped ahead from last month’s Story Behind where I detailed the last shot I made with my Chamonix View Camera before it went to a new owner. In preparation for a 6 week vacation / photo trip with my wife to many attractions in the West I had to borrow a 5×7 Deardorff view camera from a good friend. I had owned that exact camera for 30+ years so there should be no issues…Right? Fully understanding that daily use and setups lead to the least amount of friction leaving my mind to wander in creative thought. In a few days I ventured off to the Connecticut River area and found an interesting stand of trees close to the parking lot and walked the backpack and tripod in just prior to sunrise. As misfortune would have it, the tripod screw used for the previous Chamonix camera was too large for the Deardorff, see the accompanying photo. 
Not using the multi-use tripod screw for the past three years simply highlights my memory is no longer a strong point. Without that tripod screw film photography was done for that particular morning. However, a lesson was learned and a potential nightmare was averted. Had I left home for 6 weeks with 35+ pounds of film photography gear and the incorrect tripod screw, any chance of film photography would have been lost due to me “assuming” all necessary equipment was ready to go! Most people know the acronym for Assume…in this case it would have only meant ME !
Returning a few days later to the same location, this time with a more complicated approach. As time was now closer to our departure date the setup was ramping up to what is likely to playout many times when visual imagery calls out to me. That challenge is seen on the right side of the tripod in the form of a powerful Sony digital capture camera seen in the photo below.
Deardorff + Sony
The artist in you will always be a student. Brilliant!! Your search for beauty and knowledge has made you a very wise man, Steve. I admire you and your many talents, but your love of family and making memories grabs my heart!!❤️ As always, thanks for sharing!!
Yes, Steve is a true Renaissance man. As my violin teacher used to say – “too easy for the beginner, too difficult for the professional”.
Even though I do not use film like I used to, more sensor work due to age and health, I still very much enjoy your monthly blogs. Your writings are as unmatched in content as your photographs are unmatched in beauty. Thank you for sharing.
Sherm an old dog can learn a new trick. You learned it quickly and with amazing results
Patience may not be your strong point Steve, but look how far you have come!! Your photography is amazing & your stories with them are inspiring! As someone who loves to take pictures, I guess there is hope for me!!
Keep on having fun & thank you for sharing your wonderful trip with us!! ❤️
I empathize with your struggles as I ponder the same questions. Film is getting more expensive and harder to obtain and silver gelatin paper has the same problems. As I approach 70yo the physical challenges of LF/ULF makes things even more challenging. I have considered the switch over to digital for its economy, ease to get photos, and the dynamic range is amazing (not to mention what you can do in PS). However, my main obstacle is that I don’t find it as much fun. I came back to analog in 2018 because I wasn’t having as much fun in my digital photography. This is not my profession. I do this for the love of photography and I don’t get that from digital.
From the set up to the darkroom (and there is no place as sacred as your darkroom) to the print. It is challenging, time consuming and requires skills to get a good image. Anyone can take a good photograph with digital but it takes a true master, like you, to take a good analog image.
I understand why digital is favored and have no problems with those who work in that format. There may come a day when I will have to go back to digital but for now, I am enjoying the world I grew up and take solace in it–analog.
As always Steve, thank you for sharing your thoughts and images.
Steve, with your determination and skills you were definitely going to succeed. Through your photos, your artistic ability continues to tell your story. You are a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. You are creating so many beautiful memories for your family to treasure. Thank you for including us in this amazing adventure.
Spectacular B&W yet again. It’s funny you say “Patience is not your strong point”, I disagree. In order to catch a life time of spectacular photos you must endure a lot of patience indeed.
I’ve known you for a bit and have only seen your work for 3 years now. If I may, let me tell you my outlook……. You have left your comfort zone many a day and thank goodness! Without the rewards of you stepping out your comfort zone your followers couldn’t experience you Spectacular Photos through your camera! Thanks SS
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SS, As always, I thoroughly enjoy reading your missives…whatever the message. You love photography and evidently writing! I enjoy being able to get a thought about you as a grown up. Stay well. Enjoy the family.