ola_lagarhus

<p>W. Eugene Smith's photograph has been used in various ways over the years. A photo teacher told me<br>

he bought an LP once - not because of the music, but it had Smith`s 'The Walk to Paradise Garden` as cover photo.</p>

<p>Literally speaking, I don`t know. But in the near future I plan to be using the coming<br>

Bessa III, made by Fuji. 6x6 and 6x7 formats in one camera, made by Fuji.<br>

Ola</p>

It`s a long time since "American Girl" by William Mortensen was

discussed here. But, someone who learned from Mortensen around

1956/57, told me M. used the `Contour Light` for this one, set up in reverse to the illustration in the book: PICTORIAL LIGHTING (light to the left of the camera). I have the 1947 edition of the book, that also includes this picture.

I think Mark Tucker is a very fine photographer.

Ola

Thank you so much for your answers. Well, back to the photograph -

I think the main light is above lens axis. And the more I study the light/shade relationships, the more I think of it as a masterpiece.

Maury Cohen wrote: `He was known for using serious negative retouching to accentuate highlights and shadows.`

Maybe Mortensen used some of his negative retouching here as well...?

Ola

I`ve found some info on the web regarding the American photographer

William Mortensen, and it seems like he used only a couple of lights

for his portraits. What do you think of this one?

http://www.thescreamonline.com/photo/photo06-

01/mortensen/americangirl.html

His main light for this picture is close to the camera on his left.

Do you think he used just one light for this photograph? Well, he

must have used gobos and at least one reflector as well.

Ola

I have a Tech III 5x7, and I have not used another large format camera for more than 20 years. Well, it`s heavy!

I`m just curious to know what Scott means when he writes:`I find that for a field camera, you can do a whole lot with a tec III... more so than with alot of the other fields that are out there.`

Here:

http://www.betterphoto.com/exploring/MakingBackDrops.asp