Shot in the style of Jane bown.

[John Bragg]

Here is the result of a recent photo shoot with my 90 year old Mother. I set myself the task of shooting a simple available light portrait with a film slr and 85mm lens set at 1/60th second @ f2.8 just as Jane worked. I always admired her work, and enjoyed the freedom of such a simple set up. I used a Nikon F100 with AF Nikkor 85mm f1.8 and HP5+ @ Ei200 developed in HC-110 dilution H.


My Mother at 90. by johnbragg1, on Flickr

 

[jesse1dog]

A lovely idea and by the look of it a willing subject.
Haven't looked at Jane Bown's work recently so not too many of her shots come to mind.
Wondered in your photo if a darker background would have added something, or even mother being further from the light - just musing! I wasn't there and don't know the constraints.

 

[John Bragg]

Thanks John. I had thought about a darker version, and the negative is very capable of a number of interpretations. I am enjoying this combination of film and developer as it produces negs that are a joy to work with.

 

[Joe Vitessa]

Got any without her smiling or maybe looking away from the camera? I don't think I've seen too many smiles in Jane Bown photos! I'm a big fan, too.

 

[charjohncarter]

Good one John, HP5+ looks good.

One size fits all type of photography, but when you do that you get (eventually) very consistent results. She reminds me a little of Ralph Gibson; he didn't take the same shot over and over but everything else was the same.

Here is a piece from PhotoNet on Jane Brown's technique:

http://photo.net/black-and-white-photo-film-processing-forum/00N2mv

 

[John Bragg]

Thanks Helen, Joe and John for the positive feedback. I will probably shoot more with this setup and post them as time goes on. It was my first film with the F100 and also first time using the Nikkor 85, so I am doubly pleased with the outcome.

 

[charjohncarter]

John, you have a sense for portraiture (something I lack), you should make it a part of your photo passion.

 

[John Bragg]

Thanks John, your kind words mean a lot to me. I am working on it, and I think I will be making good use of the 85mm.