"The camera for an artist is just another tool. It is no more mechanical than a violin if you analyze it. Beyond the rudiments, it is up to the artist to create art, not the camera." - Brett Weston

Some individuals hide their technique, or guard it like an old family secret. Perhaps they believe that a specific developer, film or paper they use holds some of the mystery and potentially an answer to the significance of their photographs. However, photography is a delicate balance between science and art, with the individual photographer at the core. The equipment never has last second ideas about printing or composition; the person standing behind the camera or crafting the finished print can only make these decisions.

On that note a bit about my craft & equipment.
Camera: a large format Zone VI Studio 4x5 field camera.
Lens: one, a Schneider 180mm Apo-Symmar.
Tripod: Manfrotto 3021N with 3030 Pan/Tilt head.
Exposure Meter: Adorama Ambient 1° Digital Spot Meter
Film: I have used Ilford FP4 (rated at 64) for years, also HP5 (rated at 200) if some extra film speed is needed. About 3 years ago I began using Kodak T-MAX 100 (rated at 50) and I like the results I have been getting.
Exposure Calculation: Always the Zone System. In addition to being a remarkable tool for visualization, the knowledge gained about the materials and how they react to light is invaluable. How can anyone successfully make consistently strong images by leaving every variable to guesswork? The Zone System takes away the guessing.
Film Developer: Kodak D-76
Paper: Ilford Multigrade Fiber Based
Paper Developer: Kodak Dektol
Printing: I do all of my own printing using either an Omega Enlarger with a condensor light source, or more recently contact prints with only a bare frosted light-bulb.
all images & information © 2006 Randall Bruce Garnick
 
last updated 5/2006. also visit rbgwebdesign.com