Three Things Before Hitting the Road
Edward Weston, UltraMax, and midday lighting.
Howdy y’all. I’m packing up the car as we prepare for the family’s week-long trip to Cape Cod, MA. Naturally, I’m bringing some cameras and film that we’ll discuss in a minute! First, let’s talk photo project…
Ellis
The Sandlot ball project is coming along nicely. I’ll continue shooting until the season ends in September. Based on what I’ve shot, this is shaping up to be a two-year project.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is lighting. The ball games are almost always at noon or shortly after, making portraiture difficult because I have to find shade or use an ND filter.
I initially felt frustrated over the lack of golden hour opportunities, but I’ve grown to appreciate the midday light. It fits the tone and overall feel of these sweltering summer games.
Edward Weston and Important Friends
Four years ago I was introduced to two longtime friends of my wife’s family — Bob and Kim Retka. I met them during the summer of 2020 while my wife LE (pronounced EL-ee) and I were staying with my in-laws in Philly.
That summer I was shooting a ton of medium-format film and developing everything in the laundry room. Kim, a photographer herself, took notice of my Mamiya and we immediately bonded over the ups and downs of taking photos.
Before they headed back to Virginia, I developed a roll of 35mm HP5 for Bob as he happened to finish a roll while they were there.
A few years later, Bob and Kim were passing through the west and stopped by our house in Denver. After a homemade frittata, Bob and I chatted about Edward Weston. Bob knew much more about the prolific photographer than I did and said he would send me a book of his.
Sure enough, a few weeks later…
I feel lucky to have met Bob and Kim and cherish our friendship.
Side note: The Daybooks are written in a strange steam-of-consciousness that has taken multiple attempts to get through. Weston was an interesting dude.
Packing for Cape Cod
My go-to “fun” camera is the point-and-shoot Yashica, loaded up with some cheap UltraMax. I just realized I typically only shoot 35mm on family trips — the last time I used the Yashica was on a quick trip with my parents to Evergreen, CO.
I’m also bringing the 4x5 with some Portra 160 and Ilford HP5. I’ve come to love HP5, it’s kind of the goat.
Okay, that’s it. Short post this week. Next Friday I’ll be at the Cape sharing some photos taken throughout the week.
Talk soon.
Logan
All three portraits in this post are absolutely beautiful. Love the gritty Baltimore Oriole on the hat in the sandlot portrait. The tones in the B&W portrait are gorgeous.
Have a great trip! Really showing some reserve just bringing a point and shoot and 4x5. I always end up bringing too much gear.
Would be super interested to hear your more in-depth take on Weston or The Daybooks!