Mamiya 7
April of 1999. A most important time in my photographic life. With a few weeks of research and juggling of finances, the Mamiya 7 arrived via mail order. The shipping of the camera signaled the reshift of my priorities back to photography after a four-year hiatus. Those years were spent working in advertising though not in a creative capacity.
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One of the first places I desired to photograph with high anticipation, Grand Central Terminal. Thinking creatively with a different mindset going forward. Switching from 35mm to medium format. If you’ve more than basic knowledge in photography, you may understand how changing equipment can change the way one sees and photographs. I was overjoyed in challenging my creativity beyond what I had achieved up to that point.
Grand Central Terminal has many points of exit. Here, the intersection of Madison Avenue and East 47th Street. The Helmsley Building reflected off of 380 Madison Avenue before it was renovated
Twenty-five years of history with the same camera. With no desire to switch out every year or two for another one. It just wasn’t necessary.
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, snowing, raining, hazy, hot, humid. Weather was not a crucial deterrent in going out to photograph. The constant need to photograph with this camera was the motivator through the years. Hurricanes, torrential downpours and extreme cold—those would keep me inside!
From taking the photographs to developing the film and prints. Both color and black & white. Excitement in the process from beginning to end. Landscapes, cityscapes, street, documentary, abstracts, people, plants, flowers, nights, days, emotions, human condition, and anything else photographable within the bounds of creativity.
In all my years on the web, I haven’t spent much—if any time talking the technical aspects of photography. The photograph is always the destination, not how I got there. That’s not to say that gear isn’t important. It’s just not the most important thing for me. Today is the one day I break with that practice. To praise the camera that lifted me to great heights of exhilaration. Ah, you noticed I didn’t use any technical photo-speak. No need to. Immerse yourself in the photographs. Look, feel, engage, dream, laugh, cry, smirk, whatever you want or need to do in response. Or not.
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Late Added Bonus - Slideshow
Two-minute slideshow with photographs from this story, and others I selected but didn’t include to keep this newsletter to a concise length.
I appreciate you taking time in your day to read this newsletter through.
Til next time…
Cheers
I missed this at publication. I'm glad that you are complementing your 10 Frames with essays. They add to the history and texture. Also, as the world works in funny ways, I was just looking at a used Mamiya 645 yesterday. I'm not ready for it, but it's looking to be in my future once I feel confident in the printing process. Your essay may be put me over the edge in the smaller medium format world.