Looking at a Camera Lucida

Most of you have heard of a camera obscura before.  It's that pre-photographic tool that was used to make accurate drawings in the days before photography.  But what is a camera lucida and how is it different from a camera obscura?

Well, a camera obscura is a device that is basically a darkened room.  That's where it gets the name.  Camera comes from the latin word for room or chamber, and obscura comes from the latin word for darkened.  So a camera obscura is a darkened room.

Lucida is a word that comes from the latin word for bright or light.  And so, a camera lucida is a room that is bright and lucid.  That's because it can be used without being in the dark.  So a camera obscura and a camera lucida are completely different.  They really don't have any relationship except that they are both pre-photographic tools that are used to make accurate drawings in the days before photography.

The camera lucida was invented in the early 1800s.  It was was used by scientists, artists and travelers to get a very accurate drawing of the world.  Back then, if someone wanted a picture of something they saw, they had to draw it because photography wasn't invented yet.

A camera lucida works by creating a kind of superimposed image over the top of the drawing paper.  It isn't a projection, it just kind of looks like it.  A person looks through a prism to see both an image of the drawing paper and an image of their subject at the same time.  Then all they have to do is trace what they see and the picture looks pretty good.

I just posted a new video of a camera lucida in action.

Enjoy!

Film or Digital? Why not both!

Ever since the arrival of digital media, there has been a debate about whether to use film or digital.  But is doesn't have to be just one or the other.  In fact, many professional photographers are enjoying a combination of both methods!

Film capture and digital output allows a photographer to enjoy all the unique color traits of film photography, without sacrificing the advanced editing that digital methods allow.  The film can be scanned at a high resolution to create a quality digital file.  The file can then be edited and shared in the virtual world or it can be sent for digital printing.  

Film photographs keep their natural color beauty when scanned.

Though there is a larger investment in each piece of film, the overall cost can be lower for the film/digital workflow.  Digital cameras are in constant need of replacing, whereas a film camera will continue to work with little maintenance for a lifetime.  

Film to digital is also an economical option for photographers using medium or large format.  Medium format or large format digital backs for cameras are too costly for most artists, and even most professionals.  By using film capture, a photographer can continue to enjoy all the detail of the larger capture area, without having to spend $20-$50 grand at B&H.

Hasselblad H5D-200c Multi-Shot Medium Format DSLR Camera Body B&H # HAH5D200CMS MFR # H-3013708https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1078381-REG/hasselblad_3013708_h5d_200c_ms_digital_camera.html

By keeping the film, the photographer has a highly stable, archival back-up storage method.  This is much more reliable than a digital only workflow.  With digital, there is a constant fear of programming failure and aging.  A damaged or outdated digital file is often unrecoverable, but a scratched negative can still be saved.  

Want to know more about scanning?

I recently finished a demo on film scanning with the Epson 750 scanner.  Enjoy!

Absentee blogger

So, you've been checking the site and wondering where the Photo Teacher Blogger has been?

I've been taking some time off blogging to work on my YouTube channel!

I'll still be posting some things here as supplements to my course website and videos.

Check back soon for more!

Learn the VIEW CAMERA at CCSF!

This fall semester, I'll be teaching View Camera again at CCSF.  It's on Saturday afternoons.

This is a great class for students who have taken a darkroom class before, and want to expand their knowledge of photography.  The view camera is a very versatile tool, and a must for those who want to continue with a career in photography.

Some of the benefits of the view camera:

• Film based - no digital capture 
• Large format film records more detail.  
• You can process one picture at a time for more control
• Ability to control the placement plane of focus
• Ability to control perspective and distortion
• Easily create multi-exposure pictures
• Optical tricks - disappear in the mirror
• Get an instant print with an Fuji instant film back.
• Cool factor - you'll look great sporting one of these cameras!

Enroll in Black and White Photography!

Learn  Black & White

Photography

In a great new lab with cameras to borrow all semester!

There are several open slots in my Black and White class on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Come join us!  We have 35mm cameras to borrow the whole semester, and a great new lab at Fremont campus.  It's a great class for working adults, and anyone wanting to explore the darkroom.

You can drop by for more information Tuesday January 26th 3-6, or you can sit in on the class 6:30-9:40pm.  We get into the darkroom for some fun day two.

Visit Ohlone.edu for enrollment information.  Here's your options:

Black & White photography (ART-133A-2) 064835

This traditional photography class is great for beginners.  You will learn how to use film cameras, process film by hand and to make black and white prints in the darkroom.  

Intermediate Black & White photography (ART-133B-2) 064837

For students who have completed 133A, this class includes more technical instruction, and more freedom toward your artistic goals.  

Advanced Black & White photography (ART-133C-2) 064838

This course is for students who have completed 133A and 133B.  The course includes even more opportunities to refine your technical skills.