Back To Basics - An Exercise in Simplicity and Gaffers Tape | Taiwan Travel Photographers

Red ribbons and chain, Dihua St Photowalk, Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

In the digital age, learning photography has never been easier. Sophisticated cameras, quality zoom lenses, automated software, a plethora of books, videos and online tutorials, and of course instant feedback via the LCD screen on the back of the camera. Sometimes though, it almost seems too easy. I first learned photography as a child using a fully manual SLR and it’s probably been years since I’ve shot in that way. Yesterday I organized a photowalk in one of the older parts of Taipei, Dihua St, and decided that it was as good a time as any to go back to basics.

While I didn’t go all the way and use a film camera, I did head out with a single prime lens (50mm f1.8) and I covered the LCD screen on my 5D Mark II with black gaffers tape so that I wouldn’t be able rely on the screen for any feedback. I actually got the tape method from photographer Zack Arias who recently mentioned it on Twitter. Thanks for the idea Zack.

Dried Squid hanging outside a store. Dihua St Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

At first, I found myself automatically glancing at the screen every few shots, only to find a piece of black tape covering it. It didn’t take long though to stop myself from doing this and just shooting. There was a certain sense of freedom in not being able to see what I’d shot and in not knowing whether I’d got the shot right. There was also a great expectation when I got home as I copied the photos to my computer and began the import process into Lightroom. It was very similar to the feeling of picking up a developed batch of chromes and pulling out the light table and loupe in anticipation of seeing the slides for the first time.

Fabric Sample Swatch book Dihua St , Dadaocheng, Taipei, Taiwan

During the afternoon I shot a little over 100 exposures, and my rate of keepers was about the same as it usually is. My exposure was generally spot on, although there were a few where I was 1/2 to 1 stop under. Looking at these, it seems they were the ones where I was rushing a bit. All in all, I’m very happy with the afternoon’s experiment and it’s something that I’ll be repeating again in the future. I urge anyone interested to give it a go and see how you do – and if you do, leave me a note telling me of your experiences. I’ll leave you with a couple more shots to round out the post. Enjoy.

Colorful facemasks hanging on a sale display. Ximending, Taipei, Taiwan

Construction equipment near Taipei Main Station, Taipei, Taiwan

http://www.darrenmelrose.com/blog/ Darren Melrose

Nice photos and write up. I especially liked the first. I understand what you are saying about seeing slides on for the first time too, though any film I shoot nowadays is b&w.
http://www.craigfergusonimages.com cfimages

Thanks Darren. I haven't shot film in years – I don't have the time, patience or money to have everything drum-scanned. Particularly for editorial clients who are increasingly only accepting digital submission, 35mm film would just create a lot of extra work for myself.
http://www.ilanbresler.com/ Ilan

That's an interesting idea, and you hit the right spot for me – I also 'play' with the idea to go “film”, only in my case, I won't settle for black ribbon, I want the real deal
Digital frames just lack that… soul?… film results got.
http://www.craigfergusonimages.com cfimages

I've never been of the school of thought that film has some kind of soul that digital lacks. To me, there's no real difference between a carefully exposed shot on film or on digital – honestly if you put two prints in front of me I probably couldn't tell the difference between which was film and which digital.
Stevo

Great exercise, Craig. I'm going to try this over the weekend. I'm interested to see my results. I haven't shot film since my newspaper days. I wouldn't want to go back to that, but it might be fun to play with. All my film bodies are still in Canada.
http://www.craigfergusonimages.com cfimages

Let us know how you find it. I'll be doing it again at some point because it's a great exercise but probably not too often.
http://ashlin.wordpress.com/ Ashish

Great photos Craig. Especially the first one
http://www.craigfergusonimages.com cfimages

Thanks Ashish, glad you like them.
http://ashlin.wordpress.com/ Ashish

Great photos Craig. Especially the first one
http://www.craigfergusonimages.com cfimages

Thanks Ashish, glad you like them.