Technical

THOMAS WELLS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Technical Notes

The images on this website were taken over a period of more than 50 years. Early images were taken with 35mm film cameras and a 4x5 field camera using black and white film. Later, I used Nikon 35mm SLR cameras with color transparency film, mostly Kodachrome, and later Fuji Provia. In 2003 I acquired my first digital camera and haven't used film since. Now I use Nikon full frame DSLRs for color and black and white, and a Panasonic Micro Four Thirds camera for infrared.

I find mobility important for what I do. The heavier my backpack is the slower I go, the less distance I cover, and the less I see. If a piece of gear doesn't fit in my backpack, it gets left behind and sees little use. Thus small and light for a given capability is my criteria for equipment choices. Ease of use is another. Working with poorly designed camera gear takes concentration away from the main purpose of seeing and making pictures. Controls should be intuitive and accessible, even with gloves on.

In 2001 I became interested in infrared imaging. I started using Kodak High Speed Infrared black and white film in a Nikon SLR. Currently I do most of my IR using a Panasonic mirrorless Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera that has been converted for infrared imaging.

Early on I did my own black and white printing. When I started to do color, printing them myself was no longer an option. I sent transparencies out, but was never satisfied with the results printed by traditional photofinishers. In 1999 I discovered Epson inkjet printers and endeavored to learn the technology and craft to make fine art prints myself. For early images, transparency and negative film was scanned into digital files using Nikon and Minolta scanners. Since 2003, images have been captured in a digital format. Files are processed using Adobe Photoshop and printed using Epson inkjet printers on heavy Hahnemuhle watercolor papers. For black and white, I use an Epson 2200 printer with MIS Hextone inks.