Exploring Photographic Equipment

Different photography equipment can create different effects and I think it's useful to try a variety to find what works best. Some of these I have or have tried already, some I would like to use to create work. Not necessarily in photography based work but could be applicable to other areas of my studies.

Digital SLR (single Lens Reflex) camera is my go to tool for taking my photos. These are sophisticated pieces of equipment which I am still learning about. They advance so fast but even if you own an older model and can use it successfully. It's an accessible tool as anyone with the money can buy a good camera and start from there. It's one of my treasured most possessions. I am constantly finding new ways to use it. The more you Use a Camera the more you find your own view of the world and a style of your own. An advantage to these is that you can edit the image to bring out the colours of alter the exposure. I generally like to frame my photographs right whilst I'm taking them and only having to play with the other elements.

I also use Instax/Polaroid alongside my DSLR. I like to see what kind of image it will take of the same view. Sometimes the colour is desaturated or the setting was wrong and there is just a faint silhouette. It's a timeless tool. I could imagine each photo being precious, and I treat them the same way. I don't let just anyone handle my Instax cameras. Polaroid is still around but the recipe for the film was lost when the polaroid company disbanded. So they started the Impossible Project film which is basically experimental, so when you use it there is no guarantee that it will work, or work properly. It's a camera that I always take alongside a digital to compare the difference. I like to use the black and white Film for more tonal images.

Film cameras are something I grew up using. I had a Kodak Ektralite in my pocket as a child. I have used film in recent years. I stock piled film found in charity shops, alongside various film cameras. I think it is still a very relevant photography tool. The act of taking a photo is more precise. You don't get to see the image straight away. But then that can also be exciting. For instance the film that I have is expired. If I start taking photos with it will it still work? What will the quality be if it does? All of these possibilities excite me about using film. I find you are much more careful when using film and you take longer on a composition. I have used an SLR film camera and it's so weird switching between that and a DSLR. Then having to wait to see the result after. 

I am really interested in using Light sensitive paper or as it's also called a Photogram, a way to 'print' a photo. I love the idea of a piece of paper developing a silhouette of an object. I think it would be useful in pattern making for print or to make interesting abstracts. It works by placing the paper in daylight, and placing an object on top and waiting for to develop so that the negative space turns blue. I have only seen images on the Internet, and they usually involve foliage of some kind, would be fun to experiment with something different. maybe lace fabric or something quite intricate to see how it works. 

I couldn't not mention Camera Phones. I carry mine everywhere. It's one of those things you don't really think about. I used to use my phone before I bought my DSLR. There are so many apps and lens' you can use to add to your photos. I use an app to edit my photos and I have magnetic lens'. If you use it right no-one can tell if you used your phone. You can still create a sense of depth of field by tapping the screen, an action which also affects the exposure. Or zoom in and achieve a macro effect. 

I recently saw work created using a Photocopy machine parts of bodies photocopied then collaged together to create and image. A kind of big instant camera. I love the copy and paste style it creates. It would be interesting to make a life sized collaged self portrait. 

I have always had an open relationship with Photography. It's more than just pointing a lens at something and taking a photo. You have to see the photo in your head before you push that button. You can't rely on the editing software or app to fix everything, it is there to enhance things your camera couldn't pick up. It's also meant to be fun, I can't wait to try out some ideas with these and probably more that I will discover.