Michael Keller (keller@wvinter.net)
Sun, 31 Jan 1999 16:46:42 -0500
I have to disagree, Steve. I've seen a few examples of EW's work in real life,
and plenty reproduced (well) in publications, and I think the fact the EW's
prints surpass his materials, equipment and income show that great photos come
from the photographer. I think his prints are wonderful, and I don't "see" the
poor quality materials or other limitations you note.
IAC, no one should start out thinking that money is a limitation on their
ability to create.
Steve Shapiro wrote:
>
> His photographs are wonderful to behold, and only in comparison with what
> was out there then are truly unique. In comparison with what's done today,
> and mostly because of EW, with modern materials the work of today is far
> superior. If he is your benchmark photographer, do yourself a favor and
> don't seek out his original work.
>
> Brett, on the other hand, had everything we have today except finer grain
> film and automatic focus, the latter which he dearly wanted. Ansel accused
> him -- in good fun -- of taking his studio into the field. Brett had the
> white light reflector umbrellas, spray for moisture, flash meters; almost
> like the Abercrombe & Fitch satire of the fisherman with everything but
> never caught the fish. Only flaw in the comparison, Brett brought home to
> big ones.
>
> It is this mastery of the large format, patient darkroom techniques that I
> have seen first hand; and availability of materials with latitude that has
> magnatized me back into photography for in camera negatives that have never
> been surpased by second generation negs in alternative process. But, this
> is like comparing apples with Honda cars.
>
> A clear, meticulously focused large format negative printed to perfect
> contrast in Platinum is unsurpassable, to my eye.
>
> And, rare is the moment that all that can be achieved without laying out a
> few bucks.
>
> We're not talking Brownie Hawkeye, here, and cheap to make it available to
> everybody. Larger than 4X5 is a special dedication; and all the time and
> trouble to make one negative, I don't want to focus through cheap lenses.
> Been there, done that. Cried a lot. I'd rather pay the price and get more
> from the gallery.
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.0b3 on Sat Nov 06 1999 - 10:06:48