This week I will show you some of the tools I use to create light, and what is needed or helpful as a Marywood Photography major. I picked this topic mainly because the large format shots I did the other day, that I was hoping to write about, all have some like leaks. Yoda says it is operator error, but I like to think it was black magic that ruined my negatives.

First couple classes you will be taking are Basic and Intermediate B&W film photography. There are a few cameras to rent from the school, but you really should come with your own that lets you shoot with manual settings and have control over both aperture and shutter speeds. I used Canon and Nikon film cameras, specifically the Nikon N90 and N8008, and a Canon Rebel EOS 2000. I had a nice F5 but was bribed heavily from one of my classmates. I think he got the better of the deal, I loved that camera. But anyway check with Sam for a complete list of cameras.

When you take a photograph, the first thing that light goes through is the filter. I have learned that you need to get a good UV filter. Trust me; I have broken a couple of these instead of costly lenses. Next are lenses. I would suggest ‘full framed’ lenses. Your film camera can take full advantage of these with little vignette effect. If you can afford the nice zooms, consider the one I have been saving money for. It’s the ƒ4 70-200mm that cost a billion dollars! Well not that much but I am a poor college student! Get a good portrait lens like a 85mm, and a good all around lens like a 50mm. I love to do landscapes so I use a 35mm prime lens. Prime lenses really make a difference. Don’t be cheap here, plan ahead, and get the good glass. You can sometimes even use the same lens with your digital camera.

Wow, longer than my usual posts, so I will break it up.

TO BE CONTINUED….