DIY LED Fresnel Light

I still believe how cool it would be if you had to build all of your equipment to make beautiful images.  So with that in mind, I set out to build my own led fresnel light. I’m pleasantly suprised with the result. Trust me when I say me and electricity are not exactly best buddies!!!. 

I started out with a 100 watt L.E.D chip mounted on a heat sink and a cooling fan. Some 6 inch plumbing fittings and I’m on my way. I mounted the led assembly onto a 4″ abs tube and attached it to the back to hold it in the fixture.

 I got a 6 inch authentic Arri fresnel lens. and mounted it in the screw in cap. The two pvc fittings fit together and slide easily together. So there is a nice flood, spot effect.

The led needs about 32 volts dc. I really wanted to be able to use it on some location work. I found a a voltage booster that take 12 volt dc and boosts it up to 32 volt dc. I had to put a heat sink and a fan to help keep it cool. straight 12 volt runs both fans.  I also have a 110 volt led driver and a 110 volt ac to 12 volt dc to run the cooling fan. I mounted all of the electronics and the battery in the igloo lunch box and 
found a 4 pin connector. I still need to put in a couple switches and do some tests but I’m feeling pretty good about the results

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My New Camera Project. Wide Angle view

I’ve become obsessed with medium format roll film. I thought about purchasing a Hasselblad but still wanted the flexibility of a view camera. Really they still have the arcbody and those are really cool but with a wide angle lens and accessories my budget is really tight. I still love the thought of being able to build something that is capable of bringing to life images that you think of first and bring to light. This camera features a Grafton back to use roll film backs and instant films. ( but thier slowly fading away)  The camera is full of movements and features a beautiful 65mm f4 Nikon lens in a cope 0 shutter. I have a full array of b&w contrast and neutral density filters. So this camera is almost finished (except finishing). and my desire is back for creating new images. Stay tuned.

2015 Brings a brand new project

It has been about 2 years since I have added anything to the blog. I got a bit burnt out and a new job has taken my time but now it’s time for a new project!! I am really interested in Carbon printing. Ok maybe obsessed maybe a better word!. I started out by getting a old korona 8×10. When I bought it she was pretty well on the down and out!. The rail was half there and the gears were shot. No bellows ect. She was pretty well beat up. Now it is all a new. The rail has been rebuilt I add swings and tilts to the front. New bellows and new ground glass. I got a Rodenstock 360mm f6.3 in a Copal 3 shutter. It’s all done and we are about ready to shoot some film!!!. Along the way I built a new UV box and a contact frame. So my intention with this project is to make Carbon prints. I am a little funny about the way I do things. I always seek a challenge,and never just want to do things easy. So yeah you can by the tissue from bostick and sullivan but I figure if I start out making my own than eventually I can add that to my resume of things conquered in the vast world of photography. Eventually my goal is to be able to make my own prints including a dry film emulsion. We are so lucky that we live in a time where knowledge is just a click away. In that we are equally blessed to have people dedicated to craft,that are willing to share knowledge and give you the building blocks to try new things. I will start out with film and work on the carbon process first and then onto the next phase. I hope to have some results soon and will post when I do. Thanks. David

Welcome!!

Mika @2004 20″ x 24″ contact print

Welcome to the Wanderingeyei’s Blog. I am a Photographer in the Seattle Washington area. I have been working in photography, most of my life, Professionally for about 12 years, not only taking pictures but also building custom cameras as well.

My thought was to use this blog to show my imagery. I  wanted it to have value for those who taken the time to look. I thought this would give me a good avenue to give some insight and tips to help the reader take better images and enjoy the craft. I have a vast knowledge of many different fields with in the photographic community.

Thinking about doing this lead me to a revelation. that photography is not about equipment,No matter what film or format, digital or analog. The real truth about photography is the way each individual creates and impacts a feeling, a moment in time that can never be duplicated. It is a simple but amazingly complex world of light, design, and wonderment.  from wet plate cameras to instagram, from the youth that just looked in the viewfinder to the elderly person who has been searching for the perfect image their whole life. This is Photography.

I will say it now I hope this blog will be a interactive view of photography and I urge you to leave comments. Thank you so much for taking the time to have a look

Film or Digital?

Film or Digital? Ten years ago that was the ultimate question. Digital was just emerging and Film was still the driving force in the professional ranks. I can remember the conversations. I’m sure it was similar when wet plate went dry!
I consider myself a purist, I have always used film, The process in the darkroom is what really made me love photography. I used to joke with friends that I was going to put a bottle of fixer next to their computers, just so they would never forget.
Back to the question at hand. With time gone by and a new generation of computer users, coupled with the new generation of cameras, computers and printers, the answer is simple, my friends. Digital is here to stay, and is the norm of the future. With all the pieces working in harmony the images are stunning. I will urge the beginner to do your research and take some quality time in buying the right gear. There are alot of intricate pieces to consider. Especially if your going to do the whole printing process. Make no mistake there is a big learning curve here.
Although film has taken the back seat to the new generation. It is still alive and doing fine thanks. With the close death of the E6 process mostly due to toxic chemicals. The artist out there have gone back in time. Wet plate is in a modern revival, and is a real cool process(more info coming) black &white is still my choice and is still strong and Polaroid films or should I say instant films because of serious crappy business decisions by Polaroid corp. Some where c41 is still there but not for me. And last but not least in my book , daguerreotypes. In the right hands this process is truly amazing and the images are second to none. I said that the wet plate process was perfected by the farmer,while the dags were made by precision watchmakers. In Seattle we are lucky to have Daniel Carillo. Look him up!! He does great work!!
The new things in analog is a new modern giant view cameras in all film sizes from 4×5 to a gigantic 20 x24. I have made a 20×24 and it changes every aspect of making an image. Most of my black &white images are contact prints and shot with my handmade 12×20.
The best part of the analog process is lenses. Every lens will give a different effect and there are thousands of possibilities.. You could spend a lifetime trying new ones but if you are creative, please go down this road.
Also one more aspect or medium I should talk about are the alternative processes. Cyanotypes to platinum printing, truly beautiful and should definitely should be explored.
For me learning these different processes and the use of the wide arrange of cameras and lenses, both digital and analog, will expand and launch you creativity to a whole new level.
For the beginner I would suggest starting at the computer and look at as many images that your brain can hold.

The Art of Light

One of the major factors of photography is light, and the control of it. Lighting is a billion dollar industry and choosing what kind and how to use it is crucial to the image. My favorite by far is mother nature herself. Nothing better than a overcast day, natures soft box!
In the studio there are a lot to choose from. Strobes and mono lights have been the norm for years. Since digital has emerged as the norm, the need for power has decreased and artists have found CFL’S and regular florescent fixtures to be quite useful and unique alternatives without the big expense. There are also tungsten lights and HMI, great for control and have a wonderful light quality.
Most photographers start out with a soft box. They give a nice quality of light and are easy to use. There are all kinds of accessories, soft boxes, umbrellas beauty dishes grids and spots fill cards and gobos (short for go between for blocking) and of course my favorite the Fresnel. I would suggest doing your research and looking at a lot of imagery, and spend some time at the lighting store to select the right gear for what you wish to achieve.