I just tell myself “He ain’t heavy, he’s my….camera!” walking with my big Fuji in the sweltering heat of a surprise Summer day. Yesterday was a brisk 60. One day later, it’s 90 in the shade, if there was shade. It’s summer in the city and the streets are filled with photographic inspiration. It’s a big, hot street and I’ve got my big, increasingly hot (more on that later) camera, and it all works out. Testing my personal invisibility, I add the tulip lens hood – three more inches of “Does anyone notice now?”. Once again, the answer is “Nope!” I’m taking photos, everyone is living their lives. It’s The Matrix and you are its Medium Format Photographer. On we go.
I’ve been thinking about the difference between shooting 35mm full frame and entering Medium Street. 35 is predictable, rhythmic, an easy street dance. Medium format is carrying a barbell to ballet class. I could be on automatic with my manual Leicas, it is a comfortable flow. But Medium format is different. Medium format street photography is a lesson about being mindful. The camera is too large to disappear in your psyche, you become mindful of your new partner in image creation. Sometimes you laugh and get along. Sometimes, you and your medium format camera seem to work at cross purposes; you’re thinking one thing but the camera is doing something else.
Yesterday was a photo walk that yielded mediocre results and I felt a bit dejected. I edited my catch and critiqued it. How could my camera and I come to agreement next time out? What changes would put us in sync? When I become mindful of my partner, those changes make my photos better. Today my catch yielded several really nice images and my enthusiasm returned.
So going Medium is going Mindful. It’s paying attention in a new way, to get a new kind of street photography. You’ve got a heavy partner who has needs. Sometimes adjusting to light, sometimes needing a break from the heat (yes, it’s more sensitive to heat), sometimes rethinking the level of light and time your partner needs to capture your idea. Medium format is a partnership. That’s good. Partnerships, when acknowledged, can be incredibly rewarding. And your Medium partnership can be incredibly detailed, fulfilling, and immersive, but can never be taken for granted.
So there’s a bit of my truth; medium format street photography can be difficult. Because it’s mindful photography. But it’s so worth it. Be mindful. Be Medium.
Short Stories on Medium Street
Walk and watch. There are small plays all around you on Medium Street, if you learn to see like a street photographer.
Dark Shadows on Medium Street
What better holiday than Halloween to discuss dark photography. An evening dining al fresco. A rainy night stroll. A walk down a
Walking With Vivian
What is street photography? Depends on who you ask! It’s a metaphor, it’s a memory, it’s a frozen moment, it’s a document
Old Friends and a New Lens on Medium Street
Sweaters? Dark mornings? How did that happen!? Chicago is grudgingly surrendering its idyllic 2024 Summer. As the smell of pumpkin spice crowds
Just Breathe On Medium Street
Electric fusion of Mexican Latino rhythms, tacos, tiny magical alebrije dogs and frogs, carved from wood and whimsically painted. Families in flag
Artistic Skinship on Medium Street
Twice a year Chicago hosts the largest “Call to Arms” in the country. The Villain Arts Chicago Tattoo Festival fills a cavernous
Dog Days of Summer
Dogs, dogs, dogs. You meet many interesting people during photo walks and dogs are some of the most interesting “people” that you
A Multi-Cultural Medium
Chicago is a tapestry of cultures and every summer they celebrate in the street. Every weekend, festivals honor neighborhoods, foods, authentic dress,
The Museum Is the Medium
Street photography belongs in the museum, and not just in frames, hung on the walls. Museums are temples of art, color, geometry
