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| Captured with a 4x5 Speed Graphic fitted with a 178mm Aero Ektar Lens 1/60th at f2.5 |
I have been struggling with the notion of why I still bother to take pictures. Photographs seem to be more disposable than ever and even I hardly make prints anymore. Photographers that cut their teeth in the darkroom lament the loss of their craft in our digital age. But, I have come to see this differently now. Some photographers will gravitate toward whatever makes their lives easier, and can't wait to upgrade their camera so they are a better photographer. While others will scour flea markets for the perfect brass lens to fit on their handmade camera or beloved Kodak 2D. Ultimately it is our personal choice as an artist and nothing more, neither approach is more true or superior to the other. Only by being true to our personal vision and using whatever tools necessary can we become better artists.
Why do I choose antique cameras fitted with giant pieces of rare glass, when I could just use instagram and photoshop? Because, I'm still in love with the tactile portion of photography. The way a brass lens gleams in the sunlight or turning out a custom lensboard in my wood shop. Watching the image come to life in the darkroom still raises my pulse. For me the dedication to building and maintaining my camera equipment and shooting on film is an essential part of the photographic process.
My images are no better or worse because of the tools I use to make them. Some may gravitate toward this process while others will shrug and walk away. I've come to realize photography is not about making money for me, I'm no good at the business of photography, but will forever love the medium.
So if you would love to sit very still in front of outdated equipment and will settle for 10 black and white frames instead of 200 RAW files, then I am your photographer.
Good Health and Travels,
David Hayes
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| Captured with a 4x5 Speed Graphic fitted with a 6" Petzval 1 sec at f3.5 |
