FLORENCE & GERTRUDE
MONOCHROME EDITIONS
In our quest for capturing the essence of the world around us we find a connection with the simplicity and nostalgia of an old black and white film camera. The tactile experience of winding the film, the anticipation of the developed image, the imperfections and variations that film inherently possesses - all these elements imbue the work with a sense of romanticism and humanity. The monochromatic palette of black and white film forces the focus solely on to the composition, lighting and texture of the scene, rather than being distracted by colours. It distils the image to its purest form, the resulting photograph is not only aesthetically pleasing, but emotionally evocative. The organic nature of film aligns with our artistic vision, it allows for a level of unpredictability and serendipity in the final image lending it a distinct character and soul.
The Bronica S2A is a classic piece of equipment, it allows the photographer to capture the world in a way that is both true to ones artistic vision and emotionally resonant. The medium format film size gives an unparalleled level of detail and resolution, with images that are rich in tone and texture. Its modular design allows for easy swapping of lenses, viewfinders and film backs and the mechanical design, durable construction and manual controls offers a superior level of reliability and longevity. Ours was purchased new in 1976
One of the most satisfying aspects of using the Bronica is the sound of the shutter with its distinct and satisfying "clunk" noise signalling the capture of the image. This mechanical sound serves as a tangible reminder of the photograph being taken and the physical process of capturing the moment. Vastly different from modern digital cameras the sound of the shutter serves as a reminder that photography is not just about capturing an image, but also being an active participant in the process of image creation.
We prefer to produce our work just as the image was taken with adjustment for exposure, tone and contrast but without manipulation or 'photoshopping', We do however like to experiment with a variety of printmaking techniques including traditional intaglio, lithography and relief printing, constantly trying out new ideas and ways of doing things. In the studio we have our trusty old Tofko press 'Lady Henderson' and it's watched over by Keith. Please enquire for details of our limited editions.