Making of the Picture
Equipment
The photographer now uses a Mamiya RZ67 Professional II medium format camera with a series of Mamiya lenses [Sekor Z 50mm f/4.5W, Sekor Z 110mm f/2.8W and M 180mm f/4.5 L SB].
Film
The photographer exclusively uses ILFORD Delta 100 Professional black and white film. ILFORD Delta 100 Professional is a medium speed, fine grain, black and white film. The film is ideal for pictorial and fine art photography.
Processing & Printing
After a high quality lab (Toronto Image Works) processes the film, the photographer spends many hours in the darkroom to bring out the feeling and essence of what was viewed. Using dodging and burning techniques, the photographer hand prints the images on Forte Polywarmtone Plus FB Museum Weight white paper. The Hungarian manufacturer Forte is one of the last manufacturers to maintain a full range of traditionally formulated fiber base papers. This paper is not a developer-incorporated paper, thus it is processed in conventional black & white chemistry. Using this process and the quality paper, photographs will last more than fifty years when displayed or stored in an appropriate manner.
The photographer prefers using the traditional method of processing because it allows for capturing the true details of the photograph. With the exception of dodging and burning, the photographer is recording what has been seen when the shot was taken. Nothing is removed from the picture. With the exception of studio work, the photographer uses existing lighting and I feel that traditional processing betters allows for the printing of the image. Finally, it is a wonderful feeling to see the image come alive in front of you.
Photographs are framed/matted using archival materials by Images & Frames.
Studio and Darkroom Facilities
After four years of sharing darkroom faculties with other photographers, the photographer is now sitting up her own studio and darkroom facilities in Toronto. The studio is located at 146 Thirtieth Street, Toronto.
