Reach: The Beginning
So, I've got my Graflex Crown Graphic which is a large format camera that I have dated to 1968 using the serial number. I purchased it from my buddy Steve for $100 and it is, without a doubt, my favorite camera in my arsenal at the moment. One of the cool things about this camera is the actual film is 4"x5". Now, think about those old rolls of 35mm film you used to pop in cameras. So, basically everytime I take a picture, I'm loading and unloading a new piece of film in the camera. There's something so genuine and authentic about having such a tangible process with each picture and I just absolutely love it.
Ok...so I've found my favorite camera. Next, I was thinking what I want to do with it. I generally think of photography in terms of projects and concepts and themes and so different things were running through my head. I have an idea for a self-portrait project for some time that I want to shoot with this camera on film using double exposures, but need to practice those double exposures. So, I thought up another little project that will allow me to practice my double exposures in order to gear up for my self-portrait project. And that's when Reach was born.
Reach is a double exposure large format film project that examines the moments when we desperately wanted someone to reach out, not able to see that we were there for ourself the entire time. I've taken three images using three different subjects so far and I really love each one. Yes, we can get into the nitty-gritty and examine the exposure and this and that, but that's not what I love about film. I love that the image was put on that piece of film just the way the magic intended.
I hope this series can be a reminder to each and everyone of us that we are our own biggest supporter and we should be kind to ourselves.
***if you are interested in posing for this series, please contact me at juneann@geminijunemoon.com***