Test Subjects

This quarter plate was taken at the beach. I developed the plate emulsion side down, thus the scratches. Its hard to tell which way is up with out a notch guide. I think I might start cutting them into my plate.

When I'm shooting film for tests- content isn't so important. I try to keep it interesting enough so I don't die of boredom processing the test.

During the Exposure

4x5 photography is supposed to 'slow you down' and to me, it does. I pre-visualize before I set up my tripod, go through the elaborate process of using the camera, then spend an hour re-visualizing the shots while I develop in the dark.

Film is expensive

Today I sent out 19 sheets of 4x5 velvia to Color Services in Needham, Mass. The film is 2.50 a sheet and costs 2.65 to process in total 97$. How can that be worth it?

Quality.

I wanted to visted Color Services before committing my film to them. I have been processing my own film throughout collage and I didn't like the idea of giving up that control. I woke up early, got my coffee and set up my tripod behind the coffee shop. I shot a few holders, and then drove down to the lab.