I made this portrait of Peiyin on 4×5 green sensitive x-ray film during a demonstration on how to use a large format camera. The x-ray film can be processed under a safe light so students can ease into the darkroom processes with confidence. Later on when we get to 35mm they will have to load film in total darkness. For now, they can learn about how the camera technology influences the style of images that can be made. Early film photography was not very sensitive to light so the exposure times were too long to record action or even a smile.
The process of using film also gives me the opportunity to demonstrate how to make a contact print. Here is a test strip and print of Gage that I made as part of a demo.
The film is extremely fragile and scratches easily. I have learned to embrace the imperfections and appreciate the way in which it differs from the hyper-perfection of digital imagery.
