At some point after years and a lot a rolls of film I came to the following realization. In terms of photographic results, what matters is what your film can see (Record) not what you can see. It doesn't matter how grand, or beautiful, or subtle the scene is before you. When it comes to the final image what matters is what your film is capable of recording. As a photographer you must learn the strengths and weaknesses of a film and apply them to the scene before you to best capture the experience.

The only way I have found to do this is to standardize on one maybe two types of film and shoot only those. Sure I'll try the latest emulsion that comes along, but I look at these as taking test rolls, not as doing photography. By sticking with one brand of film and shooting roll after roll, you will know how it will behave in any given situation.

The key questions to answer are: What is the films latitude? That is, what is its ability to handle the brightest to the darkest areas in a given exposure? How bright or how dark can an area be, in relation to the rest

How does the film render color? Through the film's eye, is green water green or does it become blue or maybe an odd shade of purple? Is red really red or is it rendered orange, etc.?

My standard film is Velvia for both macro and wide. But you could pick any one of Kodak's or Fuji's current transparency films, in the 50 to 100 ASA range. The key is to commit to a film and stick with it. After shooting enough rolls and having spent enough time leaning over a light table, you will begin to see what your film sees.

Your questions and comments are welcomed.

Randy Morse
E-Mail: RMorse@rickeng.com
(619)278-2436