Member-only story
My First Photography Portfolio
This Image Is Still My Favorite From Those Early Days
This is my response to Duvy’s prompt, on Photography 101.
Yesterday Duvy wrote a story of her first portfolio, what it meant to her, and her favorite image from those early days. You can read it here.
My Beginnings In Photography
I made this still life in 1975. I had just started using my brand new Mamiya C220. It was a twin lens, medium format camera. It made square format images on 120 film. I was in photo heaven using this new creative tool.
I had also recently finished reading Edward Weston’s Day Books. It was a life changing experience, especially for my 22 year old self.
My photo buddies had a primitive darkroom set up in a bedroom closet. From them I had learned to develop my own film, and make my first prints. This magical process was spellbinding. I knew this was my calling, as much as any 22 year old can know. But I knew.
My First Still Life Photograph
I liked this photo because it was my first still life. Not only did I make the photo, I had also created the subject of the photo. The process of arranging, and balancing, the four elements was another creative challenge and process. Even at this young age I loved making things and building things.
