Bicycle GourmetImage Tips

Producer/Director/Author Christopher Strong shares the human, senic, cultural, culinary, and historic “Treasures” discovered during the filming of his TV series – BICYCLE GOURMET'S TREASURES OF FRANCE.

Image Tips

PHOTOGRAPHY. Digital or analog? Both flavors have their pros n’cons. Digital is squeaky clean, more convenient (plugs directly into the computer/printer, displays the image immediately (no processing) and, the cost/quality ratio is good. Analog (Like……you know…….like…………with film) offers, first of all, a much better cost/quality ratio. Due to the prevalence of digital equipment. So, bottom line, buying a do-able 35MM SLR (single lens reflex, the most common variety) is waaay less spendy than a comparable digital unit. Also, Film has a “look.” Not necessarily softness, you can’t get with digital. Plus, the same type of film by different manufacturers, renders colors (and black and white tones) with perceptible differences. The most obvious advantage of a “normal” camera, is the ability to shoot infrared film. This “special effect film” available in black and white, and color, is sensitive to heat as well as light. Therefore, it has only a “relative” ASA. (designated film speed: i.e. – sensitivity to light) The effect of black and white infrared (with which I have the most experience, is to render greens/browns(i.e.…trees, landscapes) varying shades of white/grey. Producing an artistic ethereal effect.

It was this film I used for the majority of my series: “Ruined Beauty. ”Since infrared is a film, not an “effect”, it cannot be “simulated”(to my taste, anyway) by “effects” filters/computer software. You want it? – you need to shoot analog. And, you really need to want to shoot it. Because:

1. It’s triple (at least) the price of ordinary black and white/color film.
2. Not available everywhere.
3. Must be loaded and unloaded in complete darkness.
4. Very few labs process it.

(Here in France, where I hang my hat, there is only ONE!)

BOTTOM LINE:

1. How much do you want to invest?
2. Do you want holiday souvenirs?, or professional work?
3. Is weight a consideration?

The following advice applies to yer garden variety SLR:

1. Any camera (avoid Eastern European Brands) will do. Start (before your adventure) shooting one type/speed of film with one lens. This will enable you to make your mistakes (and learn from them) in your garden. Not at the once-in-a-lifetime-golden-light on the ancient Chateaux photo op.
2. Take twice the film you think you’ll need. It’s the least expensive item.
3. FILTERS. Color film – other than a skylight filter(which filters out the excessive blue of daylight,( and is usually on any camera you’d buy – a polarizing filter is all I’d take. This filter, with a rotating ring, deepens the color of the sky, adds contrast to clouds, and removes reflections from glass and water. Black and White Infra-red - I use a 25A Wratten filter. This is a medium strength red filter. There are lesser and a greater strengths. But this one, for me, gives the best infrared effect.
4. LENSES. Less, is……like……….you know………..like……..more? 99% of my work is shot, hand held, with a 35-105 zoom with macro. My second lens is a 70-300 zoom, which spends more time in the case than on the camera. But, when you need it – you need it!
5. TRIPOD. ONLY if: 1. you’re going to be shooting long exposures at night, or video. 2. Weight is not an issue. That said, my tripod, which weighs a kilo (2.2 lbs, for the metrically challenged) is fine for my video cam in a strong wind.
6. VIDEO. Digital. Mini- DV format. The only way to fly! Buy the camera with the highest resolution you can afford. With “firewire” (direct connection to your computer.) Shoot in SP mode. Minimum 16 bit stereo audio. Buy your tapes in “bricks” of 20 at warehouse discount retailers.
7. MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE – There are only two kinds of cameras. The cameras you have with you. And stolen cameras!

MORE “TREASURES OF FRANCE” at www.soulmuse21.com

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