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Hello from the US - New Hassy user here...

frjonah

New Member
Hello Forum!

My name is Fr Jonah Campbell. I am a Russian Orthodox priest living, serving and working in New Jersey, USA. I recently launched a business (in an effort to survive financially in this very expensive state), which centers around producing fine-art quality reproductions of Orthodox Icons (Byzantine Art). We came out of the gate capturing images through scanning, which works extremely well, but we soon realized that many (if not most) images in Churches and Monasteries around the world would be out of reach if we could only scan the painted originals... so, a search began to find a high-quality image capture system that is both portable and versatile. That search quickly led to Hasselblad and, as of about a month ago, I am now the proud owner (well, actually the company is the owner) of a Hasselblad H3D with 22MP back. I also acquired a HM 16-32 film back for this camera since there seem to be situations where film would have some advantages.

I have read a lot about how to go about the task of image capture of paintings and my first attempts at on-site photography of icons far exceeded my expectations... I captured many usable images that will eventually be added to our catalogue. Unfortunately, I also captured many poor images, the reason basically being that most of the icons I was shooting were 6' or more off the ground and I was forced to shoot them "freehand" from a ladder. My experience was further complicated by only having corded flash syncs and no portable power for the lights... there were cords everywhere and my monolights almost tipped over on a number of occasions.

I have since upgraded the arsenal somewhat to included double polarization (panel icons are usually heavily varnished and, therefore, quite reflective), wireless flash triggers and a portable power system from alien bees. Subsequent attempts were much better, but the height issue is still a factor. We are thinking of adapting a ladder to include a mount for my Manfrotto quick release, but I'm seriously concerned about how I'm going to go about all of this on site in Russia and in other countries we intend to visit.

This forum looks like a very supportive place and I'm anxious to jump in to acquire the skills required to do my amazing subjects the degree of professionalism they deserve... unfortunately, many Orthodox Icon reproductions available today (not from us!) are of very low quality (moire patterns are very common, for example) and we want to raise the bar significantly, both in quantity of offerings and in the quality of the final product (image quality + mounting/board quality).

Any starter tips from those with experience in this or similar areas would be most appreciated.

Here is what I'm starting with:

  • Hasselblad H3D 22MP
  • 80mm, f/2.8 lens (only)
  • HM 16-32 Film Back for the H3D
  • Manfrotto 055XPROB tripod with head with 4 levels
  • 2 Budget monolights with stands and travel kit (Adorama)
  • Yongnuo 2.4 GHz wireless flash trigger / shutter release
  • 67mm Hasselblad polarizing filter
  • 2 polarizing gel setups for the lights
  • Digital Minolta light (exposure) meter
  • Alien Bees Vagabond Mini Lithium portable power (hasn't arrived yet)
  • Tethered to MacBook Pro with Phocus and Photoshop

I've also picked up the Kodak book on Copying and Duplicating as well as some other books that haven't arrived yet.

If there are any other essentials I've overlooked, please let me know.

I have been trying to shoot at ISO 50 or 100, and, basically, just setting aperture somewhere in the 5-8 range and adjusting the shutter speed accordingly. If anyone has tips on these parameters, I would be especially interested. Icons are very similar to oil paintings in this regard... they are essentially "flat" 2-dimensional paintings, usually varnished. Sometimes there are 3-dimensional effects such as kovcheg (a recessed board where most of the subject is painted in the recessed area but some portions may be in a higher plane) or oklad/riza, which is a metal covering on part of the icon that contains relief work.

I'm surrounded by churches with amazing icons (frescoes and panel icons) with permission to photograph to my heart's content, so I have lots of opportunities for practice before I go abroad.

Thanks to everyone in advance for your support and advice.

Very best regards,

Fr. Jonah Campbell
Damascene Gallery
www.damascenegallery.com
 
Welcome here at hasselbladinfo forum.

This year has just started but somehow I have a feeling your membership of this forum is by far the most intriguing.

My compliments for the knowledge you acquired already in this particular field of photography.
Sofar I have only one professional photographer in my book who could help you from his own experience in recording paintings.

Your choice for Hasselblad equipment is excellent of course.
Anxious to see some samples of your work.
Please consider joining the Hasselblad club.
I mention this for the benefit of our users.
It means you can upload larger files i.e. 1200x1200 pixels or 580 kB max.

Forum moderator.
 
Thanks, Polypal!

I appreciate your response and encouragement very much! I look forward to posting some photos on here once I have achieved my requisite 5 forum posts (isn't that required before I can post photographs?). I will also check into joining the Hasselblad club.

If you could alert the one professional photographer in your book to my situation, I'd love to hear any advice he/she may have for me!

Very best regards,

Fr Jonah
 
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