I don’t know exactly when and where I saw portraits taken on large format for the first time, but I remember I was deeply impressed by the beautiful tonality, the smooth gradation and the shallow depth of field. Now, after getting comfortable shooting medium format, I thought it is time for me to give it a try.
I decided for a Graflex Speed Graphic with a Aero Ektar 2,5/178 mm lens. Using f/2,5 with 4×5″ sheets, it’s like having a f/0,65 lens when shooting 35mm, at least with respect to DOF. But the really cool thing is that you can get very creative with this shallow focus by customizing its location using the tilt and swing capabilities of the camera. Or you can use them the “right” way, such as getting the subjects eyes back into perfect focus when his or her head is turned sideways.
For my first portraits, I would need a very patient and cooperative model, I thought. Someone who doesn’t wiggle between focusing or gets impatient when things take ages. I immediately thought of Astrid who I worked with before. And I was very happy when she agreed to visit me at my place.
We started with a few polaroids, or better said Fuji instant films, but most of the time the surroundings and light were not suitable for color. As negatives I had five holders filled with two sheets of Kodak TriX 320 each, resulting in ten shots in total. I exposed at ISO 200 and developed in Xtol 1:1 for 10,5 minutes at 20°C.
And that’s it. My first portrait shooting on large format. I think we could have done worse 🙂
great light, great frames, excellent work. keep it up with the Aero. 😉
Absolute gorgeous image gallery. I know how tedious large format can be, but you did a great job – both of you!
nice shot with great model,
so difficut for lowkey shotting
I love number 5, the one with the big tilt. But the others are great as well. Fantastic bw. Thanks for sharing!
man these are amazing
You must have the register of the film holders and ground glass really accurate on your camera and have a first class lupe. Congratulations on superb results.
Thanks Ken, I think I was lucky and found a good camera/lens combination 🙂
Enjoying all the images but the 2 and 5 totally gets my eyes perhaps because they are in color and the way its compose.
Wonderful set of images, large format portraits are always fascinating.
Hi, Florian,
really nice and very inspirative work! Keep on going and sharing!
If you have the time to answer two questions I would apreciate it very much.
First I would like to know ( and maybe also ohters ) which developing technique are you using? Manual agitation or a processor?
Second how do you scan your negatives?
kind regards
Theo
Hi Theo, I do manual agitation every 30s and scan my negatives with an epson v750pro. The scanner is great, I even use it for 35mm.
Your photos are all the emotions and feelings .. I loved your style of photography
Absolutely stunning set! Love the softness.