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    ( pdf: 620 kB ) |
OSB – project
concept I portrayed the mine survivors using a large format camera. Similar large format portraits already formed part of my earlier photo projects. Not only by the special image qualities of the 4x5 inch negative combined with a portrait lens influenced this decision – the act of photographing is also different and important for the desired result. Creating a photo portrait using such an "old-fashioned", protracted method meant that the subjects being portrayed often had to sit still for minutes on end while the composition and focus were adjusted. In order to ensure that their face remained in the focus range, which was only a little more than a centimetre with an open aperture, they could move neither backwards nor forwards. Due to the relatively long focal distance the physical distance between myself and the subjects was also large, with me disappearing behind the large camera, hidden under a dark cloth or sometimes just my own T-shirt. Plus the fact that we had to communicate through interpreters or with sign language. In short: unlike a "quick snapshot" with a 35 mm camera, this form of portrait demands a lot of patience and willingness to cooperate from everyone involved. |
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By taking one of the (usually two) pictures on Polaroid material I could immediately give one copy of the picture to the subject. This meant that a key artistic aspect of the work, namely a barter trade on the spot which concludes the encounter for both parties. |
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I personally find this form of photography particularly fascinating. Its precision demands concentration and commits the photographer and the people portrayed to reach a mutual agreement, a close collaboration, so that the picture is a success. I had the feeling that we did this in intensive encounters that were sometimes very personal and pleasant for both parties. With a large format camera you can very rarely take photographs without being noticed. Snapshots are therefore practically impossible. |
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The people are usually aware that they are being photographed. The unwieldiness of the equipment, the slowness of the method and the relatively high costs demand clear composition and close collaboration with the subjects. This is not a disadvantage! The picture is produced jointly by everyone concerned. Each photo becomes an event, a small performance that – if successful – is great fun for all involved, as well as for the people watching! |
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 ( pdf: 66 kB ) |
