Coronavirus and film photography

FishyFish

FishyFish

Messages
7,507
Name
Nige
Edit My Images
No
As the current pandemic is likely to affect photography in all manner of ways - not least because of the lock-down situations in the UK and other countries - I thought it might be having a general discussion thread to cover how it affects film photography specifically.

The obvious impact for me is that I can't go out and take photographs in the way I normally would. While the UK government states that we are allowed to leave the house to exercise once per day - which in my case will likely be a walk, during which time I can probably take pictures of anything interesting I pass without being seen to be flouting the rules - I think any sort of dedicated photograph during these outings would be somewhat frowned upon, and rightly so. I also think I would still be within the rules if I were to get in the car, drive somewhere remote, and then go for a walk and take photos but, again, that feels like I'm twisting the rules to my own ends, so doubt I'll do that either.

In general, I think that, apart from opportunistic photos when I'm out for a local walk, most of my photography will now be indoors or in the garden. Not sure how long the inspiration (or my family's patience in my pestering them to sit for portraits!) will last, but we'll see...

The other change for me is that Peak Imaging have closed their walk-in reception while the lock-down is in effect, so I can no longer drop off / pick up films at present. Looks like I'll be posting my film to them for awhile, although I have emailed to see if I can post films through their letterbox rather than paying for postage (although I'm not sure their building has a letterbox - I've never thought to check before).

I suppose the other option would be to learn how to develop my own film, but maybe that's for another thread...

Anyway, how's it affecting everyone else?
 
I'm not sure you'd be allowed to drive to the isolated location under the no non essential travel restriction.

My local hills are closing the car parks because way too many people have been using them.

I think I'm going to be photographically homebound for a while but I have got the shed for still life work.
 
I have decided I just won't really bother. Shame really as I have a load of film and several interesting compacts to test but everywhere is shut and the back garden is pretty dull. The NT places are all shut and that's where I tended to go as there are enough to keep me occupied.

I fear this may lead to a terminal decline and selling up of all film related stuff as I won't be bothered enough to restart unless this lockdown ends within a few weeks. The idea of having to put up with this for months on end is unwelcome. I've got to the 'everything is pointless' age. It may be some time before I snap out of it!
 
I live in Semi Rural Yorkshire and looking out my window cars are still moving about albeit less of them, I can pretty much walk to a lot of nice spots for togging but will be avaiding the main areas.
 
steveo_mcg said:
I'm not sure you'd be allowed to drive to the isolated location under the no non essential travel restriction.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think you're right.

There are still plenty of local footpaths I can walk on from home if I choose to - including a section of the Trans-Pennine trail (although that, like the local country park, is likely to attract other people out for their daily exercise ration).
 
I think my photography is going to become nature in the garden, and still life indoors for a little while. Neither of which are things i'd normally photograph, but with the extra time I now have i'm actually quite looking forward to getting stuck into something different. I also plan on spending some time in my makeshift home darkroom and catching up with some printing. My concern will be when shops are no longer able to post goods. I ordered some extra chemistry of the things im likely to run out of shortly and will be rationing it from now on :p There's also a few related online videos i've been meaning to catch up on but put off due to time restrictions so now may be the time for some e-learning.
 
I think it's going to be garden and still life for me for the time being, although I am still going to work so I may get the chance for some "28 Days Later" type London shots, or at least I will if they stop the builders and construction workers clogging up the desolate streets.
 
Been round the garden this morning to see if there are any "patterns in nature" before I attack it with the hedge trimmer, but nothing that appeals. I've been looking at peppers recently, but run the risk of lynching if I hold them up and say I'm looking for an interesting or attractive one for a film project .:exit:
 
I'm 82 a Cancer and Chemo Patient and had the Phone Text yesterday from NHS but I went out all alone for my 'One Exercise' with hat and gloves and went over the back of the Brentwood BT Building off Weald Road and saw ONE Dog Walker and ONE runner but kept distance then past London Road Cemetery into High Street -- almost deserted except for only a very few 'Shoppers' -- I had a short sit down all alone then made my way back home -- I carried my 'Gift' Minolta X-700, 50mm f1.7 Rokkor MD, 28mm f3.5 MC w-Rokkor -SG and MC Tele-Rokkor-QF 200mm f3.5 and some Cokin Filters and used it all -----FILM was outdated AGFA 200 C41 rated 125ASA which I shall process myself. You SHOULD ,learn how to process FILM yourself - I have done it since 1951 at East Ham Grammar School Photographic Society. It is very CHEAP to do it yourself You can get FREE Developing Tanks and stuff from Camera Clubs / Photographic Societies ( Same Thing) as people have gone 'Digital' -- I got a FREE DURST M305 enlarger with Colour head from one Club Member and several free FILM CAMERAS by being a' Club Member' !
 
Already into week two of a much more strictly controlled confinement than what the uk residents are presently experiencing, motivation, for me personally has and continues to be practically nil.
Attempts at working through some backlog of scans and printing etc has simply been pretty much futile tbh.

As for cameras, I haven’t even looked at one since Friday 13th.

Pré occupation, consciously or unconsciously is I think a major factor and for those of us who live alone, that may be more difficult to overcome than those who have company although that I suspect depends on how positive and light hearted the company is.

In the event I get round to actually exposing some film then for the moment I have sufficient stocks of all materials to develop and and make positives at home.
 
I think that using the camera whilst out for a walk is fine, as long as you are away from other people. I have heard several government minsisters and even Bozza use the term "common sense" and I think as long as people are reasonable then it's OK. On Sunday I needed to fill up the car and on the way back I stopped for a walk and to take some snaps. The place I stopped is somewhere I go may be 4 or 5 times a year and either I am the only person there or at most there is one or two other cars. On Sunday there were a dozen cars parked along a C road, and people all over, that's the problem. All those people might have been keeping apart from each other but they had to open gates and climb over stiles, putting their hands where others had minutes before.
 
Îve just taken a very short stroll 100meters if that) around the circumference of the small building that I live in ( alone) and come across a couple of possible interesting ( well as interesting as they’re gunna get atm) photos so perhaps I will attempt one tomorrow.
Very lucky as I am living in a fairly rural area with mountains around, sadly obtaining landscapes from my restricted ‘zone’ is I think impossible due to man made structures being in the immediate vicinity even with a longish lens.
As has been mentioned, creativity is going to play a big part in obtaining decent images.
 
Someone messaged into the news today asking if they could drive 30 minutes to a place with no people for their exercise today and apparently it's ok so I'm rather tempted to take my camera with me on my exercise walk.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
Someone messaged into the news today asking if they could drive 30 minutes to a place with no people for their exercise today and apparently it's ok so I'm rather tempted to take my camera with me on my exercise walk.
Click to expand...
I saw a similar question earlier on the BBC website, and the answer was a definite NO as it wouldn't be essential travel.
 
GreenNinja67 said:
Brilliant.

Even if you do know you're not quite sure.
Click to expand...

The chances are it will become more clear as as the days pass and regulations/ constrictions are updated.

The lack of clarity was initially extremely frustrating here in France too at the onset of confinement. There are still many areas not covered and questions unanswered but the basis of what we can or more so cannot do are more defined.
To be fair govts do have a quite a challenge on their hands and some are/ will progress quicker than others..... all we can do is keep a check on any changes.
That said, I would, in view that there are many areas of this virus that are not 100% clarified as we yet remain unsure of its behaviours and true potential, remaining at home is imo the best action to take for the time being both for our own health and that of others.

Time to see what household items can be made to look like masterpieces [emoji23]
 
Last edited:
sirch said:
On Sunday there were a dozen cars parked along a C road, and people all over, that's the problem. All those people might have been keeping apart from each other but they had to open gates and climb over stiles, putting their hands where others had minutes before.
Click to expand...
So if we maybe put on a hi-vis and walked along photographing these people, we could possibly get something suitable for "Stranger portrait"? Might be better with backup at 2m, though. :whistle:
 
I'm not blaming anyone, far from it. As someone who didn't vote tory this time I'm very impressed with Boris so for.

I bet he's thinking if I knew then what I know now I'd never have run for PM............
 
GreenNinja67 said:
I'm not blaming anyone, far from it. As someone who didn't vote tory this time I'm very impressed with Boris so for.

I bet he's thinking if I knew then what I know now I'd never have run for PM............
Click to expand...
Terry, it seems like even cabinet ministers don't understand the restictions! https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52022417
Calls are growing for the government to give clarity over its strict new rules to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The measures, announced on Monday, tell Britons to only go to work if "absolutely necessary".

But on Tuesday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said those who cannot work from home should go to work "to keep the country running".
Click to expand...
 
Well I’ve just forced myself to set up a table top shot which I’ve spent the last half hour composing etc. I think it’s worth a sheet of film.[emoji106]
Ive come away for ten minutes s’before going back to check critical focus.
Whilst sat here with a cuppa the shot that I’m on with has actually given me a possible idea for one of the FPOTY themes.[emoji12]
Talking of which, I already have ruin and and vintage in the bag should a chance to obtain something else not become possible.[emoji6]
Pattern in nature possibly too although tbh I’m not happy with the result so it’s looking like it will be a last resort entry.

As for finding subject matter for any of the other themes, atm I’m as stuffed as the rest of you! [emoji22]
 
I always have a couple of compacts in my jacket pockets (Mju 1s) so if I have to go to do some essential shopping I'll look out for photo opportunities. Other than that I guess it'll be the garden, or maybe I can photograph all of my cameras [emoji38].

I guess I can use the time to use some of my medium format cameras that I don't usually carry around and maybe even develop some film.
 
Personally I think the restrictions are fairly clear?

No travel unless it's essential so driving 10 miles for your shopping then stopping on the way back for exercise would be deemed 'non essential' even if you are on your own and isolated.

The more people try to find loopholes in the advice the stricter/longer the lockdown will become.

Exercise should start from your own home then there is NO non essential travel.
 
Tbh the deserted streets etc offer a fantastic photo opportunity to anyone who can benefit whilst allowed out.
Can you imagine the gendarmes response if I got seen under a darkcloth in the middle of the village [emoji35]
If I’m not seen for a while........[emoji15][emoji23]
 
DK602 said:
Personally I think the restrictions are fairly clear?

No travel unless it's essential so driving 10 miles for your shopping then stopping on the way back for exercise would be deemed 'non essential' even if you are on your own and isolated.

The more people try to find loopholes in the advice the stricter/longer the lockdown will become.

Exercise should start from your own home then there is NO non essential travel.
Click to expand...
I don't drive so I have to walk or take the bus, walking incorporates the exercise part into the shop. It also helps with the social distancing.
 
Asha said:
Tbh the deserted streets etc offer a fantastic photo opportunity to anyone who can benefit whilst allowed out.
Can you imagine the gendarmes response if I got seen under a darkcloth in the middle of the village [emoji35]
If I’m not seen for a while........[emoji15][emoji23]
Click to expand...

Stopping & taking photographs is NOT exercise.

Come on Guys & Girls - we are not being asked to go to war or face bullets on the Normandy beaches; we are being asked to stay at home on the sofa!

lets show some self restraint & discipline so our emergency services stand a chance.

Lets do our photography from home rather than public spaces until this passes.
 
desf said:
I'm beginning to wish I had a macro lens....
Click to expand...

Although far from the same, it’s surprising what you can obtain close up even with ‘standard’ lenses . Have a play, you might be surprised[emoji6]
I hope this neg I have washing atm , exposed this evening, and is looking good, will now give me the encouragement I needto reboot myself back into using a camera on a regular basis following more than a week of abscence.
 
DK602 said:
Stopping & taking photographs is NOT exercise.

Come on Guys & Girls - we are not being asked to go to war or face bullets on the Normandy beaches; we are being asked to stay at home on the sofa!

lets show some self restraint & discipline so our emergency services stand a chance.

Lets do our photography from home rather than public spaces until this passes.
Click to expand...

I think you may have misunderstood my tongue in cheek humour. I’ve actually been one of the very well behaved, remaining at home and only making one necessary trip out last wed for groceries.
Be assured any togging on the French streets will see any photographer rapidly escorted away / home with a nice fine to pay.

Édit Sorry i can see why you replied clearly having reread my post.
If one is on their way to do an essential errand then to grab a frame that takes no more than a few seconds with a p&s ( or mobile phone for digital folk) then I see no issue tbh.
If it means faffing around for several minutes or more then no.
 
Last edited:
Asha said:
If one is on their way to do an essential errand then to grab a frame that takes no more than a few seconds with a p&s ( or mobile phone for digital folk) then I see no issue tbh.
If it means faffing around for several minutes or more then no.
Click to expand...

Hi Asha - not going to have an argument about it TBH but this is exactly why quarantine won't work in the UK - people only think of themselves and can see 'no issues' in what they do personally.

I can't find on the HMG site the advice that whilst you're out it's OK to stop ant take the odd snapshot.

It clearly states essential only - if you think it's ok taking snapshots on your phone/point and shoot essential then thousands of others might find 'doing a little bit of their hobby whilst out' also acceptable and the place falls apart.

Truth is we KNOW we shouldn't but find excuses to justify.
 
Last edited:
DK602 said:
Hi Asha - not going to have an argument about it TBH but this is exactly why quarantine won't work in the UK - people only think of themselves and can see 'no issues' in what they do personally.

I can't find on the HMG site the advice that whilst you're out it's OK to stop ant take the odd snapshot.

It clearly states essential only - if you think it's ok taking snapshots on your phone/point and shoot essential then thousands of others might find 'doing a little bit of their hobby whilst out' also acceptable and the place falls apart.

Truth is we KNOW we shouldn't but find excuses to justify.
Click to expand...

Hi Doug,

You have very valid points that I do agree with, very much so.

Just something to consider however is going to the shop for essential groceries like I did last wednesday and will have to do again very soon, involves me making a 5km round trip to the village store on foot.
During that time, I expect like last week to see at least one person whom I know,
Maintaining distance, I will obviously, not least of all out of politeness, say hello and VERY BRIEFLY ask if all is ok ( as much as it can be in the circumstances) ...That will take nothing more than a few seconds.
No it is not pursuing my photograph hobby, but no more could it be seen to be an essential action.

Anyway there is a specified thread in OOF for this type of blather, from which I was given a brief "holiday" for attempting to get people to understand ( like you appear to be trying to do with me;)) that confinement / social distancing is ( at least for the moment) our primary weapon against this virus and needed to be implemented in the UK as like here in France.
Fortuanetly ( imo) it is being put into force.

If you see my post about using a mobile fone / p&s for a few seconds an issue, then I suspect you will be horrified should you choose to read many of the posts in that thread.

If you wish to discuss this further then I'll be happy to respond if you tag me in the OOF thread rather than derail this one.
 
Last edited:
Don't forget folks you can go for a bike ride and who is going to stop you taking photos........if no one is around (y)

Went to a shop for a car battery yesterday and you'd think I'd have leprosy with the hateful look from the guy behind the counter and he told me not to "lean" over the counter (only moved closer cause I'm a bit deaf).......h'mm maybe his worry was there are\were 41 cases of coronavirus in Buckinghamshire (pop 500k)and he was taking no chances of being no 42 :rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
excalibur2 said:
Don't forget folks you can go for a bike ride and who is going to stop you taking photos........if no one is around (y)

Went to a shop for a car battery yesterday and you'd think I'd have leprosy with the hateful look from the guy behind the counter and he told me not to "lean" over the counter (only moved closer cause I'm a bit deaf).......h'mm maybe his worry was there are\were 41 cases of coronavirus in Buckinghamshire (pop 500k)and he was taking no chances of being no 42 :rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Click to expand...
:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZFZhMpuNzk
 
Last edited:
excalibur2 said:
Went to a shop for a car battery yesterday and you'd think I'd have leprosy with the hateful look from the guy behind the counter and he told me not to "lean" over the counter (only moved closer cause I'm a bit deaf).......h'mm maybe his worry was there are\were 41 cases of coronavirus in Buckinghamshire (pop 500k)and he was taking no chances of being no 42 :rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Or, perhaps, thinking in a more positive way Brian, he could see that you were a more mature gentleman, and thought it best to remind you that it's in YOUR best interests to keep at a sensible distance.

Always remember guys, what's going to get us through here, is consideration for others, and of their viewpoint. If you're thinking "should i...." to anything, then pretty much you really know that the answer is "I don't really think I aught to do that unless expressly told it's okay, or I'm encouraged to do so by my health professionals" but you're looking for external confirmation to make you feel better,

Remember the other person - the one who sees you walking/cycling towards them, who has to dive off into the trees to maintain their sensible distance - the one who sees you stop and wonders if you've stopped because you're feeling unwell (when all you're actually doing is taking a photo, or faffing around in your bag for the camera.

The more you consider others, the more you'll realise that the best thing any of the "civilian" (by which I mean anyone not in the blue/green light "family", the Postmen and Couriers and companies making essential deliveries to food outlets, fuel stations, and TRULY essential places) populace can do is just stay at home, rest, eat as healthily/well as you can (in sensible moderation, as you're not burning '000's of kCals unless you're on the treadmill or exercise bike for hours on end) and look after yourselves for the duration.

Now, I'm pretty sure we don't want this thread to descend into just moaning about not being allowed out - lets focus (do you see what i did there) on the film specific issues in here - there's the whole thread in OOF that Asha mentioned above if you want to depress yourselves even further about the sad state of human nature.

This is the F&C section, come on Gents - positivity and all that - Onwards and Upwards :)
 
excalibur2 said:
Don't forget folks you can go for a bike ride and who is going to stop you taking photos........if no one is around (y)

Went to a shop for a car battery yesterday and you'd think I'd have leprosy with the hateful look from the guy behind the counter and he told me not to "lean" over the counter (only moved closer cause I'm a bit deaf).......h'mm maybe his worry was there are\were 41 cases of coronavirus in Buckinghamshire (pop 500k)and he was taking no chances of being no 42 :rolleyes: :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Keep your distance and ask people to SPEAK LOUDER AS YOU ARE DEAF! (y)
 
DK602 said:
Personally I think the restrictions are fairly clear?

No travel unless it's essential so driving 10 miles for your shopping then stopping on the way back for exercise would be deemed 'non essential' even if you are on your own and isolated.

The more people try to find loopholes in the advice the stricter/longer the lockdown will become.

Exercise should start from your own home then there is NO non essential travel.
Click to expand...
I agree that we need to be sensible but starting your exercise from your own front door is not always possible if you live in a city, when the streets outside your front door are already busy. And Michael Gove stated yesterday that it was ok to drive to an open space to get your exercise.
 
RaglanSurf said:
I agree that we need to be sensible but starting your exercise from your own front door is not always possible if you live in a city, when the streets outside your front door are already busy. And Michael Gove stated yesterday that it was ok to drive to an open space to get your exercise.
Click to expand...
Everyone can exercise at home, where ever they live. There have been extensive programs on TV for months demonstrating how the basic movements can keep you fit and if you have access to the internet you really have no excuse.
 
dcash29 said:
Everyone can exercise at home, where ever they live. There have been extensive programs on TV for months demonstrating how the basic movements can keep you fit and if you have access to the internet you really have no excuse.
Click to expand...

christ its hard enough without sanctimonious policing from the general public, arm chair virologists and curtain twitchers.

Please go back to whatever thread this is being discussed in detail.

I've already nearly had an actual fist fight with some moron walking their dog while I try and get my 30 minutes peace from the general bedlam without that spilling into here.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top