Shutterview's Condemned

Here's an utterly amazing shot off of Shutterview, a Canadian photoblog: Condemned; I've just discovered Shutterview, adding it to my list of photoblog tabs in Mozilla (I just called it Mosaic, evidencing the fact that my brain really hasn't wrapped around new technology since 1995 or so).  Arne, who runs Shutterview, is a film-using photoblogger, so he gets bonus points in my book. 

Query to all of you other neo-luddites who refuse to go digital (or, rather, who refuse to give up on film):  What is your favorite speed/brand/format?  For the past three months, I've been favoring Fuji's ISO 1600 Fujicolor film, because it's fairly versatile.  This doesn't mean I don't rely on other films, and that, regardless of conditions, I'm standing out there with 1600 speed film in my Canon.  I try to keep a range of film in my case, starting with Kodak Gold ISO 100 (why I didn't think to get the Portra, with its better colors, I don't know), Kodak Gold ISO 400 (again, why I didn't go with the Portra....), Kodak Max ISO 800 (since destroyed by my mini-fridge, so now I need a better storage space as well), and Kodak T-Max B&W ISO 3200. 

I've not used Ilford films before; I might give them a shot.  I've never really gone completely B&W, either; perhaps it would be good to do that for a while.  Lately, I've been bored with shooting, so forcing myself to become solely dependent on shading and texture instead of color might be interesting.   

Getting bored with shooting happens to me every now and then.  In early summer, I shot at least three rolls a week.  Then, I went about three weeks, in late summer, without taking a shot.  All of a sudden, one night in August, I broke that streak and went through four or five rolls in six hours.  I then paused again. 

And paused. 

And paused. 

Now, I'm just waiting for inspiration again.  It usually comes with the changing of the seasons, so I should be feeling it rather soon (I've been planning two possible photo trips, in fact: the first is to the Meadowlands Expo Center, in order to take pictures of a tattoo convention; the second is up to Morristown National Historic Park, to shoot Washington's Winter Encampments).  Still, maybe it helps to have direction from outside.  Any thoughts?

Comments

[Rachel]

Don't forget Valley Forge park for a winter encampment; East and West River Drives in Philly when the leaves change; the wineries of New Hope.

[Da Goddess]

Ilford....haven't used it in ages. But I did like it! My favorite film - ever - Fujicolor ISO 400. Don't know why...just is.

[TPB, Esq.]

Both are good calls. I haven't been to New Hope in ages.

I've used the Fujicolor; it's pretty good.

[Arne]

The new link for the photo is:

www.shutterview.ca/article/41/condemned

Thanks for mentioning my site - please come and visit as it has now been totally redesigned.

Arne

[Arne]

To answer your question:

Straight Black and White - Ilford FP4 Plus ISO 125
Chromogenic Black and White - Kodak T400CN
Colour - Depends on the use - for People I prefer Kodak Portra VC
Slide - Fuji Provia