britt k leckman, photographer...Examples

FAQ

Do I Shoot Freelance, Weddings, or Assignment Photography?

No. I shoot primarily for the Federal Reserve, and myself. Weddings are tempting, and the extra money would be usefull (mmm, a 40mm Distagon....), but I really enjoy spending time with my family on the weekends, and now that my daughters are expressing an interest in photography, I like to spend time with them in the field and in the darkroom too.

Do I sell my images?

My images are for sale on a per case basis, depending on the client's need. A print for the wall will be priced differently than one for publication. Also if a print is produced digitally, traditionally, or using an alternative method. If you see something you like, email me for options.

Do I exhibit my images?

I would like to start exhibiting again locally in the DC area in the future, but I haven't in quite a while.

Favorite Subjects

I really try to shoot everything, and my position with the Federal Reserve allows me this freedom. For my personal work, I am always drawn back to the landscape. I love the oceans and mountains. Inclement weather excites me, and I can't wait to jump out into the snow with my camera. I am in the process of developing the skill needed to produce some of my work in black and white using alternative methods such as Platinum/paladium printing. To achieve the level of expertise I desire, has a steep learning curve, but I think it will be worth it in the long run, besides, it's fun.

Equipment Choices

I use the Nikon D1x (soon to be a D2x) daily at the Federal Reserve, so this is my primary camera. I shoot about 12,000 to 15,000 images a year with this camera. My favorite lens is the 17 to 35mm Zoom Nikkor. I generally shoot in the NEF raw mode, which produces a 7.5mb file.

I recently purchased a Hasselblad 553ELX and Hasselblad 500/CM, which I am using for most of my personal work. Though I currently shoot film with the Hasselblad, I purchased the cameras with the addition of a high resolution digital back high on the list of must have items in the near future. I am haven't had enough time with the camera to develope a favorite lens, but I usually shoot with the 50mm, 80mm or 150mm Zeiss Lenses.

Over the years, large format photography has been my true love, but it requires a certain level of commitment that unfortunately I don't have the time for right now. However, I have two 4x5 cameras, a Linhof Karden Color S, and a Handbuilt wide angle "Pancake camera" (see handbuilt camera section for more info), which I often stare longingly at, but rarely use anymore. I Recently parted with Calumet viewcamera that I adapted to 4x10 (again, see handbuilt camera section), I am in the process of building another. My favorite large format lenses are the 75mm Schneider Super Angulon and the Scheider 135mm Xenotar.

I also use a Horizon 35mm 180 degree swing lens panoramic camera from time to time.

Film Choices and Digital Conversion

I choose a film to meet a particular assignments need, but I have pretty much standardized on Fuji Provia 100f for transparencies, Fuji Neopan 100 Acros for black and white, and Fujicolor NPS/NPL 160 for color negatives. I really like the Fuji line of films, not to shut out Kodak, but they have been dropping films from thier lineup, and I tend to stick with one type of film or quite a while.

The Fujicolor films have a forth color layer imbeded in the film that makes mixed lighting (tungsten and flourescent) much easier to deal with.

I use a Minolta Dimage Scan/Multi Pro film scanner to convert my film images to digital. The scanner produces a 308mb file from each 6x6 image, which has enough definition to show the film's grain, and not pixels.

Computer and Software Choices

I use a variety of computer equipment, Dell PC with dual 21" monitors a work, and a Sony Vaio laptop with a second 17" monitor at home. My printer of choice is the Epson 2200, which I use both at work and at home. I also have access to a Colorspan 50" wide inkjet printer that I use to produce very large high quality digital prints for display. I also use a variety of scanners, film recorders, cd/dvd writers and other essential peripheral devices.

The Software I use is more specific, Photoshop CS of course, as well as Nikon View and Capture for Imaging. For Pagelayout I use Adobe In-Design, for the web I use Homesite for coding, Dreamweaver for FTP and site management and Flash for animation and gallery creation. I use Fotostation Pro for my workflow, image archiving and database searches.