However some clients who saw my black and white portfolio began asking if I would use film again and print the results for them in the traditional 'analog' way i.e. in the darkroom. This came as a surprise, nevertheless I got out my Hasselblad medium format camera again and started using it.
I disassembled my darkroom after 'going digital' in 2003; so for print making I have found an awesome darkroom space to rent at Gallery 44: Centre for Contemporary Photography. Whenever possible I make my black and white prints by hand, in the darkroom, on fibre based paper and process for archival quality.
Now, when making b/w photos of people, I use both digital and film platforms, sometimes during the same session. This can be tricky, since each of the camera systems requires is a different type of tool that requires a different approach. However, I love working with that challenge because the results can be really powerful. Since switching from a film camera to digital can break the flow of the shoot, I divide the portrait session into 'digital' and 'film' segments; this helps me make a smooth transition between the two approaches.
When using both platforms in a session I usually start shooting with my Canon 5D MkII and an 85mm lens - I also love using my 50mm - 1.8. It's light, sharp and discrete - a beautiful lens for portraits. This allows plenty of shooting with no concern for film and processing costs while also creating a nice warm up period - a time for the subject and I to relax.
After the rapport is established, at some point, I switch to my Hasselblad with a film back (usually on a tripod). I like the 150mm and 80mm Zeiss lenses. For black and white I use two films, Kodak 320 TXP and Kodak 100 TMX; these give me the feel I like in my portraits. Dividing the session like this gives me the space necessary to slip into 'medium format film mode'.
