The 52 Project: Rules Revisited...Again

If you know this reference, I <3 you!So, now that the cat is out of the bag (and by cat I mean mountain lion), let’s examine how adding an even older, large format camera to mix effects The 52 Project as a whole. First, let’s go over the founding purposes of this project:

1. Getting out and shooting film - I’m still doing this, just slower and with larger film
2. Trying out new films - Ditto
3. Posting my findings and progress - completely unchanged by format change

On the whole, nothing Earth-shattering will come of posting one or two 8x10 shots per week instead of posting a few more shots from a roll of film; besides, it’s not like the Hasselbald is dead, I still use it a whole helluva lot. Now let’s think about what adding large format to The 52 Project can provide:

1. More discussions on cameras - there’s much to learn with view cameras
2. New work-flow - there’s also more that needs to be done to ensure an image shows up
3. The Zone System - we’ll talk when you’re older :p

So let’s review, adding the 8x10 not only preserves the integrity of The 52 Project, but it also broadens the spectrum of material that can be incorporated into this year-long study. Sweet for the readers, most-assuredly death for me. X___x

Something Good: The readers will be getting more content while I play around with new toys.

Something Bad: I can’t afford a bit of this 8x10 business. Oh, and film is nearly $6/sheet.

Something Learned: Routines must not be my thing. I’m always redrawing the rules and letting them evolve with my new photography exploits. For those of you who embrace this change, thank you, you won’t be disappointed. 

The 52 Project, Week 16: The National Dachshund Races, No Seriously

Okay, it’s story time. Three years ago, I was informed through the majesty of the Internet that each year Findlay, OH hosts the National Dachshund Races. \_o__0_/ WHAT?! I can’t make something this awesome up: http://www.weinerrace.com

Naturally, I’ve made yearly attendance to this ridiculous race something of high holiday priority.

Cute in the name of justice.
 

Scan 1: Cops and Robbers

Yes, it is wrong to put animals in any sort of costume, but I couldn't help myself. In my three years of coming to this event, this was the first year they held a costume contest. You can't fight this level of cute!

This guy finished the contest with 2nd.

Scan 2: Tractor Dachshund

This little guy has lost the function of his back two legs, but not the ability to make everyone around him go "Aww". ^__^

Even her owner is saying "Aww".

Scan 3: Adorable Dachshund

This was just one of many dachsies that was too adorable for words at this event. The eyes really draw you into the frame; too bad he's centered... >__<

A touching family moment. ^__^

Scan 4: Old Folks and Their Dachshund

These guys LOVE their dachshund, and were elated to hear that I wanted to take his picture with "Such a nice film camera." Only thing better than dachsies are pet owners who are appreciative of film.

He needs to be followed by a tuba.

Scan 5: Dudley the Massive Dachshund

This standard dachshund is huge, weighing in at a whopping 46lbs.! Click the photo to goto his Flickr description, detailing all the awards he cleaned up. >__>

Something Good: I couldn’t put the Hasselblad down. Pending better preparation, I would have brought more film. >__<

Something Bad: These little dogs move fast, and my hands are no Canon 1D Mark IV. Oh yeah, and keeping the ASA high was also a key. All the black and white was pushed 1/2 a stop with slightly less agitation in an attempt to pull a bit more shadow detail out.

Something Learned: Standard dachshunds are horrifyingly huge when compared to miniature dachshunds, and even golden retrievers. Dudley and his massive-ness managed to make my day.

Next Week: All the other “crap” that didn’t make it into one cohesive theme. There’s so much of it that it spans two whole weeks and about six rolls of assorted expired film. 

The 52 Project, Week 15: Elegant, Electric, Ektar 100

 Like stated last week, this week is all about color, and boy is there ever color!

Released in 2009, Kodak Ektar 100 film was introduced with the promise of being the world’s sharpest 100 ASA color negative film. Though it seems like a pretty tall claim, as of 2010, there really aren’t that many color negative films that are new to the market. Some more information can be found on Kodak Ektar 100 here:

Kodak Ektar Data Sheet

Stockholmviews Review

Roger and Frances Review

Kodak Ektar Flickr Pool

My $.02, Ektar is vibrant, saturated, and sharp as hell! Let’s cut to the samples.

Color gives this game a very cool feel.

Scan 1: Riverside Park Shuffleboard

Yep, I'm using a subject from last week into this week's post. These old folks were also my first test for Kodak Ektar. They also gave me a chance to explore how it handles incredibly bright back-lighting. 

Nah nah na nah nah!

Scan 2: Scottie Puppy Tongue

Just on my way out of the park after finishing my B&W roll of Tri-X, I came across this adorable Scottie puppy. He was quite excitable and happy to see the camera so close and down on his level.

Their hotdogs are as cool as their stand.

 Scan 3: Jim's Hotdogs at BalloonFest

 Previously the owner of the Findlay famous Jim's Gym, Jim the fitness guru has now forayed into the world of hotdog vending. You should check them out if you get a chance.

Jimshotdogs.net

Jim's Hotdogs on Facebook

For some reason she thinks I'm photogenic.

 Scan 4: Lauren Bagley with Pentax K1000

 Thanks to a Photography 101 class and a lot of bad influence from me, Lauren has become a fellow film nut. Heck, she even just won a copy of Pat Sansone's "100 Polaroids" from the awesome guys at The Film Photography Podcast. Oh yeah, they also gave her a Polaroid camera loaded with Impossible Project Film. Yeah, I'm a bit jealous.

Something Good: Got daylight? Got something that needs to “pop”? Ektar 100 is your go-to!

Something Bad: Not bad so much as a coping point, but this fantastically sharp film needs to be made in a faster version. ASA 100 has a lot of uses, but not nearly as many as say 400. :p

Something Learned: Ektar 100 is interestingly pleasing on skin tones. It has a similar skin tonality of Portra NC with a magenta “kick” while maintaining beautiful yet controlled saturation of pretty much everything else.

Next Week: This blog will be featuring an absurd amount of wieners, that is all. ^_^