Trailer Park Queen
Teresa Gunn - 4x5 Ilford 100 DELTA
Contact Sheet
Had to do it, I just had to break out the 4×5 view camera and run some film. Ilford 100 Delta b&w to be exact. The subject Teresa Gunn is a singer songwriter and social activist. Her Trailer Park Queen shows have been captivating fans and audiences in San Diego for years. Over the years I have photographed Teresa using virtually every format possible. Even using an 8 mm movie camera with Tri-X film stock. Teresa has always been open to allowing me room to experiment. My reason for using a larger format is simply to slow down the portrait process and concentrate on my subject. It’s too easy to grab a digital camera and blast away a few hundred frames. The sad truth is this can create a disconnect between my subject and me as an artist. Shooting film forces the to slow down. Giving me the opportunity to craft the image, not just record a snap-shot. The process of setting up the gear, lighting the subject and focusing the camera is time intensive and well worth that investment. Knowing I won’t even see an image for several days is refreshing. I can’t explain it but just that short time of disconnect between shot execution and actually physically holding my film up to a light-box is compelling. For myself this is the main difference between shooting film and capturing digital. I am grateful for the advances in technology that allow me greater flexibility and options when shooting with digital cameras. And for the Artists and Photographers just now learning to study light, they have advantages my colleges and I didn’t have when starting out. Instantly having results without an investment in time or money, working without the physical and organic limitations inherent of silver based processes. At the end of the day, I am still staring at a computer screen trying to make those digital captures look like they were shot on film.
Teresa Gunn - 8mm Bolex / Tri-X Film Stock
Lovely write up, I’m just starting out with film so it’s nice to hear that you are still so drawn to it after years of use. It does have a certain quality that I find immensely attractive. Those are a great series of shots too.
Cheers
Ade
Ade,
Thanks for checking out my post. I enjoyed your post, “A New Bronica” You will have fun with that camera.
Cheers
Jeff
FANTASTIC Portrait!
Thanks Jim!
Dude! an 8mm Bolex! I used to use those things in the 70′s, very cool little cameras.
Your commentary about using film true – each time you pull a roll or a sheet holder out of the wash for the first time it’s totally like opening presents on your birthday.
What’s a roll of film cost these days? Shudder to think about it.
Yes sir Mr. Whitehouse it seems that D-76 still runs through my veins! I noticed almost no film at Calumet the other day