Donovan (Donnie Gerald) + + + 24 years of age + + + (Film) Photographer
www.donovangerald.tumblr.com + + + @donniegerald + + + dgerald6@gmail.com
CAMERAS + + +
+ + + LENSES + + +
F I L M + + +
Contax G2, Lens 45mm F/2
Leica M3 DS, Lens Summicron 50mm F/2 6 Bit
Mamiya RZ67 + Polaroids
MAKE/DO/WORK introduces local artists, doers, and makers, and presents a selection of their work. Photographer Donovan Gerald reached our way long prior to website launch (and our open call for submissions); we've since grown to be huge fans of his all-film photography, and the incredibly rich composition, colors, and shadows he's able to create.
What's your process during shoots? I try to keep it as simple as possible as to reduce the distraction between the subject and me. Finding the ideal light conditions that compliment the subject I’m shooting is important to me. The way light can alter the contrast and composition of colors is what I look for my photos to reflect.
Why do you shoot film? Dealing with film I find myself taking a lot more into consideration during the exposure process. Since there isn’t a digital image to go by while shooting, the lighting, color contrast, composition and focusing all require more attention to detail. Every 36 shots count. Looking through the view finder – it's just me, my frame lines, and the subject. No distractions, no numbers, just an image, which to me is very intimate. I want to capture the essence of the moment. If it weren’t for film I often wonder if I’d shoot at all.