dylan barnes | blog

Tag: film developing

  • Part of the Process: Colin Staehle-Lantelme

    Part of the Process: Colin Staehle-Lantelme

    Part of the Process is a series of posts that puts the spotlight on film photographers and DIY film developers.  These features provide unique experiences and perspectives on shooting and developing film while also showcasing diverse talent and film photographers around the globe.  If you are interested in being featured, feel free to contact me!

    Name: Colin Staehle-Lantelme

    Location: Naples, Florida, USA

    Links:

    Website

    Instagram

    What other websites or blogs do you keep up with to feed your photographic interests?

    Usually just YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook but i do like to try and find websites of full bodies of work.

    What attracted you to film photography? How did you get started/introduced to shooting film? How soon after did you start developing?

    Honestly the mixture of a really bad break up and a tab of LSD is what kickstarted my passion for film. My roommate at the time had the day off from school and knew I was having a bad time dealing with the break up and offered to trip with me. Before we left our apartment I grabbed my Nikkormat at the last second (first time i used it in about 4 years).

    I remember looking through the viewfinder and saying one of two phrases the entire day “It’s going to look like this” or “that could be a shoegaze album cover”. I got the roll back from the lab a week later and every shot was perfect. Since then, photography has been therapy for me. Soon after that day, I signed up for this community darkroom class in Orlando and continued to rent out the darkroom months after.

    Olympus XA2
    Agfa APX 400

    What do you like to shoot on a regular basis?

    Growing up in the fashion industry I’ve always been drawn to fashion photography. But I do love shooting skateboarding and musicians as well. I always take a few portraits of all my subjects as well.

    Whenever I go to shoot a new client, I usually treat the shoot like we are just hanging out.  I try to have some introspective conversations, make their thoughts stimulating.  It usually makes the shoot a little smoother and brings more emotion into the model. I usually get a bowl of ramen with them after the shoot, too.

    Nikkormat EL
    50mm f/1.2
    Ilford HP5+

    What formats, cameras, and films do you shoot? What do you like about the formats, cameras, films you prefer? 

    For 35mm I shoot with a Leica M6 and an Olympus XA2. I recently switched from digital to exclusively film for my professional work.  The M6 just offers me a feeling of complete reliability. I used to shoot on a Nikkormat EL and it used to be a nightmare.  I’ve had to refund clients because of that camera. The Olympus is great for my more “experimental” projects as a lot of my work is inspired by psychedelics so the XA just offers something simple and durable for me . All I have to do is focus on composition and hit the shutter.

    Leica M6
    Voigtlander 35mm F/1.4
    Kodak Tri-X 400

    For medium format, I use a Hasselblad 500C/M. That was my dream camera since I started shooting (almost eleven years now). It’s what my cousin, Brian Lantelme, (who is a massive drive in my work) used in the 70’s and 80’s when he was shooting the Transgender and Drag community in New York City. Other than the camera being a flawless machine, and the 6×6 format somewhat forcing me to push my composition boundaries, choosing this camera was mostly cathartic.

    Olympus XA2
    Agfa APX 400

    I recently got into instant photography which i use a Polaroid 450 Land camera. I just love the feeling of showing a client a shot during a shoot. Especially with the beautiful colors Fujifilm FP-100c has to offer. My standard film used to be Ilford’s HP5+ and Fujifilm Pro400H but since the announcement of Kodak’s Ektachrome making a return and the rumors of Kodachrome coming back, I felt obligated to give Kodak all my money. I primarily shoot with Tri-X400 and Provia 400 now.

    What types of film do you develop?

    Mostly black and white.

    Nikkormat EL
    50mm f/1.2
    Ilford HP5+

    Tell us about your first experiences in developing your own film.  How did you muster the courage to give it a shot? What resources did you use?

    My teacher, Peter Schryer, walked me through the process. It was a euphoric experience, between the sounds of the flickering lights and the ac unit kicking on and off, and the smells of the chemicals, it became nirvana. I was probably listening to Velvet Underground or My Bloody Valentine (my usual go to darkroom soundtrack).

    Just the feeling of being able to create photos from start to finish was very rewarding. Honestly the best advice i can give is be patient, explore different techniques, and play good music (makes the development time seem not as long).

    Hasselblad 500C/M
    60mm f/3.5
    Ilford HP5+

    What is your development process like now?

    So I always start with picking music, usually some sort of shoegaze. I pour my chemicals then start loading my development tanks. During the rinse phase, I always smoke a cigarette to time my cycle. For enlarging, I usually make a base print of all the pictures i want to enlarge, dry them, then make my notes for cropping, dodging and burning. Then work on my final prints.

    What’s your processes regarding scanning, enlarging, and/or printing your work?

    I actually scan every roll and create a contact sheet for each roll. I enlarge my own images as well.

    What equipment are you using to develop your film and why?

    For my enlarger, I use a Besseler 67SC with a Rodogon 80mm lens, Paterson tanks, Epson V500 scanner, and just various old odds and ends. About 90% of my darkroom was purchased through a good friend of mine named Michael who owns Kiwi Camera Services in Winter Park, Fl. He gave me a killer deal on everything, and is still providing insight and little gifts here and there. Last I was there for a gallery showing, he gave me a vintage bottle of retouching ink. He’s the man! For chemicals, I use all Kodak powder solutions, D-76 for developer.

    Nikkormat EL
    50mm f/1.2
    Ilford HP5+

    Are you content with where you are now with your shooting and developing? Do you have any future plans or ambitions?

    I’m never content with my work, which is what pushes me to continue. I love that I found something I can completely obsess about and constantly learn from. I’m actually moving to Denver to peruse a career in journalism, for both the writing and photography aspects. I used to be a literature major, so writing as been a big part of my life.

    Have you completed any notable projects or in the process of creating something from the film you have shot and developed? Feel free to give a solid summary of each project.

    I’ve done a lot of personal projects and commissioned work, but my favorite project was shooting Tampa Pro 2017. One of my friends started a blog/zine called SR50 in Orlando and he offered me the job. It was 3 days of partying with the heroes of my adolescence.  I got portraits of professional skaters like Jamie Thomas, Torry Pudwil, Lizard King and Geoff Rowley (tons more, too). Being able to just sit on the ramps and get the shots I actually wanted was so surreal. I actually had a spot in a gallery with some of my enlargements from Tampa Pro.

    Leica M6
    Voigtlander 35mm F/1.4
    Kodak Tri-X 400

    While i was living in Orlando, I shot one of Aesop Rock’s shows. My homie, DJ Zone, who did the scratching on his newest album, got me photo passes last minute. I got to the venue like three hours early and tried to sneak in. I saw Rob Sonic outside smoking a cigarette and I decided to try and talk to him I asked him “Hey, you with the Social?”  He replied, “Nah man.” I said, “Damn I am just trying to see my homie Patrick.” He replied with “Oh, you’re Zone’s homie? Come with me, I’m Bobby, if anyone gives you shit, tell them Bobby sent you.” It was a wild experience.

    Nikkormat EL
    50mm f/1.2
    Ilford HP5+
    Nikkormat EL
    50mm f/1.2
    Ilford HP5+

    What advice can you give to others who are interested in shooting and developing film but are apprehensive about getting started?

    Just dive in!  It’s a rewarding experience. Find a cheap camera and never leave it at home.

     

  • Now Developing on Analog Talk Podcast

    Now Developing on Analog Talk Podcast

    Last week, I got to sit down and talk with Christine and Timothy of the Analog Talk Podcast to talk about film photography (obviously), teaching and passing on the craft to the children, using a darkroom, and scanning your negatives. I hope you enjoy listening us nerdtalk as much as I enjoyed hanging out with these two awesome people!

    The episode can be heard below:

    https://analogtalk.podbean.com/e/now-developing-with-dylan-barnes/

     

  • Ongoing Process: One Year Later

    Ongoing Process: One Year Later

    One year ago today, I started Now Developing.  I can’t say for sure that everything I accomplished over the past year revolved around this blog, but I can definitely say that a good chunk of my experiences regarding photography over the past year in some shape or form definitely was either directly or indirectly due to the work or motivation that stemmed from this project.

    In my very first post, I stated that this was something that was going to reinvigorate my creative spirit; and that my mind was starting to overflow with ideas of what the blog could be, become, and contain.  What I don’t think I anticipated was how putting my reflective journey through written discourse and capturing images up to the public of the internet could open up various windows of opportunity, amplify my desire to continue to create, and connect me with so many rad people across the globe.

    Before I jump into the things I am most happy about from the past year, I would like to take a moment to just list out some of the objective data the website has amassed in just 365 days:

    • 42 Published Posts
    • 6,866 Views
    • 4,559 Visitors

    I remember when the blog reach 1,000 hits.  I was ecstatic.  Needless to say, I am extremely honored that at the end of one year the numbers are what they are.  It’s just so…neat.  I know that in the grand scheme of internet traffic, I’m not pulling in millions of hits, nor am I making any monetary gain with this venture.  However, that was never the point.  As the blurb on my About & Contact page says:

    I made this blog in order to record my thoughts, learning, experiences, and reflections as I continue to shoot film and develop images by hand.  In a sense, the images I create and share are a literal and figurative reflection of who I am and who I continue to become.

    But this has been anything but a solo venture.  As I stated earlier, I have come in contact with some pretty amazing people.  People that I believe have now become a part of the Now Developing narrative that I respect, admire, and call friends.  Their support and the inspiration that they impart on me cannot be appreciated enough.  From simple chats, to camera talk, to mailed packages, to making my blog’s logo, it is all appreciated the same at a heartfelt level.  To avoid the risk of forgetting some integral people, I would simply like to say you know who you are and I thank you endlessly.  My gratitude cannot be truly verbalized.

    I have accomplished quite a bit over the past year, and I can truly say that I am proud of the work I have done.  Again, I don’t think I can say I did any of this without the help of others.  I think creating goals is important, however, I think it is just as important to recognize when you achieve them.  So, without sounding too overzealous, I would simply like to list out the things I found noteworthy from the past year:

    • Self published my first book under the Now Developing imprint, twenty seven, twenty eight
    • Started printing work digitally
    • Built a darkroom for me and my students to start enlarging our negatives
    • Working with the Film Photography Project continuously to provide a better photographic education for my students
    • Partnering with Shoot Film Co. to put some really cool things into the hands of my students to assist them in securing their identities as film photographers
    • Able to be a part of the greater artist community in the Tampa Area, participating in displaying works at three different local locations
    • Held two exhibitions outside of the US, both taking place in South Korea
    • Traveled to Japan, and subsequently got to meet, hang out, and share a cup of tea with Bellamy, Japan Camera Hunter
    • Featured on Japan Camera Hunter, highlighting how shooting photos helped me cope with the loss of my father
    • Was interviewed on Analog Talk Podcast about photography as a hobby and passion
    • Provided a platform for other self-developing photographers to share their stories, featuring ten photographers thus far

    While this list fills me with a large sense accomplishment, it is not without a secondary list; a list of goals for the upcoming year to strive for:

    • Host a solo photographic exhibition
    • Host a collective art exhibition
    • Publish two more publications of my own highlighting my time Korea and Japan
    • Publish a collective zine for the Part of the Process featurettes
    • Attempt a Now Developing Youtube channel
    • Travel to meet, shoot, and collaborate with people I have met over the past year
    • Recruit others to share their experiences through contributions on Now Developing

    Overall, I couldn’t be happier just 365 days from my decision to start this blog.  In this past year alone, I truly think I have made my best photographic work to date.

    I’m elated, to put it simple.  I am filled with ambition and motivation to not only shoot more, but to share more.  To share both my images and my experiences as someone who records individual moments of time.  As always though, the process continues.  To me, nothing is ever quite perfect,  both in my work and through the course of self-actualization.  As cliche as it sounds, it’s not about the result, it’s always about the process.  If you’re willing to take a risk, there’s always a chance for an equal reward.  I feel lucky enough to have obtained that reward.

    Whether you’ve read something here, given feedback, provided content, given me motivation, inspired me, or interacted with me in anyway because of this page, I just want to say thank you.

     

  • Developed Roll: Konica Hexar RF // Natura 1600

    Developed Roll: Konica Hexar RF // Natura 1600

    The following images were taken on a Konica Hexar RF with a Leica 50mm Summicron V3 on Fuji Natura 1600.

  • Michigan

    Michigan

    When I got back home from Asia this summer, I was looking forward to just catching back up with life.  However, it just wasn’t it the cards just yet, at least for another few weeks.  After I completed my last doctoral course (just have to write a dissertation now), I was off to Michigan for a long weekend.

    The target destination in Michigan was Marine City, just across the River from Ontario.  After the worst flight experience I have ever had (shoutout to Spirit Airlines), I arrived In Michigan a day and a layover longer than anticipated.

    The first day of the weekend in Michigan was spent in Marine City.  The old maritime vibe of Marine City is still present as it never moved away from the river or its roots with many historical sites, houses, and museums to check out.  Not to mention you can sit in the grass anywhere along the coastline against the river and watch the boats crawl by.

    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h

    On the main drag of Water Street, there are plenty of antique stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and parks to spend your time.  Looking for a reprieve from my busy summer, I spent most of the first day just taking in the small town atmosphere, drinking the local coffee, and doing some light exploring around town.

    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200
    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200

    Day two was a bit more exciting as I headed into Detroit for the day.  First, I headed to a camera store in Dearborn, just west of Detroit.  Being a huge Eminem fan growing up, I was excited to visit the filming locations of 8 Mile and checking out other iconic spots from the movie.  I also meandered around downtown and hung out in Hart Plaza after seeing the Joe before they tear it down in favor of the Red Wings moving into Little Caesar’s Arena this upcoming hockey season.

    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h
    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h
    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200
    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h

    Walking a few blocks west from Hart Plaza, I ran into an event celebrating the birthday of the city.  Children and adults alike lined up for free ice cream, played basketball, and took photos with Paws, the mascot of the Detroit Tigers.  I even decided to take part and take a few shots with the kids on the court.

    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200

    As run down and abandoned some parts of Detroit were, there was an strong, intangible feeling of brotherhood in the air every where you went.  If you could put, “yeah life sort of sucks sometimes, but we’ll get through it together” into a city’s atmosphere , then that’s exactly what it felt like.

    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200

    There was also something about the city that just exhaled some sort of historical pride that has been carried and passed on through the decades.  It could have been and probably was the echoing of the bustling automative and manufacturing industries of years past.  But there was something about the decay in the city that was also beautiful.  Something like a flower that grows through broken concrete.

    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h
    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200
    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h

    The last full day in Michigan included checking out the massive amount of local antique shops in Marine City for cameras and a drive up to and through Port Huron and taking in the sites of the Blue Water Bridge, just across the water from Sarnia, Ontario.  I managed to pick up two new cameras, a Rollei 35 LED and a Minox 35 EL, both of which I have yet to test out.

    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h
    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200

    There’s just something about Michigan that just felt so…American, but in the best way possible.  In the few places I got to see in the limited amount of time I got to see them, I got to see both ends of a few different spectrums.  Each one of those still aligning somewhere within stereotypical American ideals.

    Mamiya 6 w/ 75mm on Fuji 400h
    Contax T3 on Kodak Color Plus 200

    Overall, the trip was rather relaxed and provided a little bit of a break since I did basically no planning whatsoever.  In that regard, it was a nice way to end my marathon summer.