John B. Crane is a curator of the Nikon F6 Project. The Nikon F6 Project was established in 2009 as a fun, informational web site centered around Nikon’s final professional 35mm film camera, the F6. The site was launched on the basic premise that – because it was (probably) Nikon’s last professional film camera (compared to digital models that are hot one year, then fade into obscurity) – its continued relevance was assured. For the past 5 years the site has been focused on information about how to get the most out of shooting this camera.
Allenspark, Colorado (2009) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Lightning Storm, Fort Collins, Colorado (2013) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
John never anticipated it at the time, but since launch the project has grown into somewhat of a beacon for the film shooting community around the world. Last month alone The F6 Project attracted thousands of visitors from 70 countries. Earlier this year he rebuilt the web site in Word Press and is in the process of determining how to take this base and build it into something larger and even more complete to attract and inspire people around the world interested in continuing to make images on film.
Mural on a building east of the mall, Pearl Street. Boulder, Colorado (2014) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Fort Collins, Colorado (2008) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
John’s future content ideas include scanning, lens selection and software workflows, as well as adding additional, vintage camera compare and contrast pieces for those who simply want more information about shooting film.
Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park, Washington (2011) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Sol Duc Falls, Olympic National Park, Washington (2011) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
The film-photography community around the world is still huge and vibrant. Photographers from more than 70 different countries visited The Nikon F6 Project last month alone. As the major players consolidate John sees this as an important part of the information the F6 Project provides; an information source on who’s producing what, where to get it, then how to scan it.
There is now at least one whole generation of photographers that have no idea where to begin with shooting film. Over time there will be more. The F6 Project provides a hub to build on.
Rio Grande Gorge, Taos County, New Mexico (2014)by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Kebler Pass, Gunnison National Forest, Colorado (2012) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
One topic consistently brought up is scanning – how to do it, what to use. John spends a good bit of time scanning images and has written several in-depth posts about it. In the future he sees many more articles about scanning – hardware and software – being included.
Fort Collins, Colorado (2008) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington (2011) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
John’s also very selective about whom he invites into the project in terms of partners and vendors he mentions or includes. The overall look and feel of the site is critical to conveying a certain message: it’s about quality, not quantity. This is core to the overall mind set of today’s film shooter – and why the film shooting experience still is desirable. Those who visit the site have already established that value. The site encourages it – and always will.
Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness, Aspen, Colorado, (2012) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Kebler Pass, Gunnison National Forest, Colorado (2012) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
John spends a good bit of time writing each post. The intent is to provide relevant, inspiring information in an entertaining and casual – yet accurate and well-written manner. He knows from the comments he’s received from around the world this value is accomplished and appreciated.
Because John lives in Colorado and loves to wander and shoot – a basic platform for an article is to do a trip, use a few cameras, burn some film, then come back and talk about it. The net result is designed to inspire people – where ever they are in the world – to get out and use whatever cameras they have.
Photography Blogger wants to share John’s story on the search for authenticity in his photography.
Delaney Butte, Jackson County, North Park, Colorado. (Provia 100F) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
The Rocky Mountain West, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico, is where I spend most of my photographic energy. My name is John B. Crane and I’m a photographer living and working in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir, a hiker watches the sun rise at Lory State Park, Fort Colins, Colorado (2009) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Having had a camera in hand for most of my life, I formally began my career as an assistant at a photo studio in Chicago. As we left for the day, heavily made-up, over accessorized women were walking in the door for an evening model shoot. Somehow I knew at the time that wasn’t going to be my path. I returned West a few years later and resumed my life long passion: exploring the Rocky Mountain west – which remains the focus of my personal work.
Zion National Park, Utah The Subway, Zion National Park, Utah (2008) Velvia 100 by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
In 2008 during a long drive home from a photography workshop in Zion National Park somewhat of a turning point in my photographic journey occurred. Lamenting the fact I didn’t live closer to Zion, I began considering what I did live closer to: one of the most authentically beautiful areas in the lower 48: northern Colorado and southern Wyoming.
Lory State Park, Larimer County, Colorado. (Velvia 100) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
At the time I’d begun transitioning my photography work from digital back to my first love, film. After three years of exclusive digital shooting I realized there was a tangibility of a film-recorded image I missed in digital photography. Not to create a digital divide – I have and use digital cameras too. But somehow – exposing a piece of film in the camera to light and physically altering its structure – effectively creating a new object – then having that new object exist in time and space – not just one’s and zero’s on a memory card – produces a level of authenticity and value unique to film. Along with important technical and aesthetic reasons, I find great satisfaction and reward honoring the process of film photography.
Seasonal Fall Colors in their peak atop Kebler Pass, Gunnison County, Colorado. (Ektachrome 100VS) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
During that long drive home I began connecting the two instances of authenticity and considered the value of matching the subject with the tools used to record it. Little did I know at the time it would mark a turning point as I reached a deeper understanding of who I was as a photographer.
Storm over the Park Range, Jackson County, North Park, Colorado (Portra 160VS) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Most people are moved by beauty. To attempt to record that beauty – somehow preserve it to enjoy again – is a natural response. For the photographer it goes beyond that. There is a curiosity; an innate optimism and even hope that drives the photographer to pursue this – let’s face it – hopeless goal of perfectly preserving a moment, memory or vision. Yet we try because of who we are. We can’t not try.
Aspen forest during their peak seasonal color, Independence Pass, Colorado. (Velvia 100) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Though the Rocky Mountain West possesses immense beauty, for me photography is as much about the discovery of true character as it is the beauty. Photography provides an excuse to explore; to dream of places visited, and not yet visited. It’s about combing the landscape for clues to its real identity – the one obscured from the casual glancer; the one in a hurry; the distracted or preoccupied – then weaving those clues together into some sort of coherent narrative with the end goal: to better understand, and ideally better know how to participate in and respond to – one’s environment.
Opening day of pheasant season, Wray, Colorado (Velvia) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
This narrative is unique to each who fall pray to the call. The initial pull to focus on black and white photography was strong. The reason was simple – but ultimately unhealthy: “fine art photographers” made photographs in black and white. It was true: some scenes translate well into images begging to be recorded in black and white.
New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Delta 400) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
Rialto Beach, Olympic National Park, Washington. (Tri-X) Black and White Film Photographs from Colorado, Washington and Wyoming, USA by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
While I can appreciate the artistry of good monochrome work, it’s color that excites me; what consistently catches my eye; stops me in my tracks and causes me to take a second look. Convictions as a color photographer needed to be formed regardless of other’s expectations. Photography can be an extremely personal mode of expression. Don’t be afraid to insert your vision into a photograph. Explore what caught your eye – but don’t stop there. When you proclaim what made a scene uniquely interesting to you it’s a way of communicating with the viewer. Showing them something they may have already seen a hundred times before – but this time with your intellect, purpose and vision. If you do this with strength and authenticity, your convictions will become evident in your work. But don’t get trapped in the notion of consistency – or become formulaic – trying to repeat a past success. Take chances; experiment and explore.
Christmas lights illuminate decorative mailboxes in Gypsy Alley. Santa Fe, New Mexico. (Portra 400) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
A warn, painted wall reveals various colors it has assumed over the years. Chugwater, Wyoming (Portra 160) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
There are seemingly endless interpretations of why people photograph. Books have been written on the topic by those far more eloquent than I. The great Robert Adams describes photography as a seduction by light, rendering us helpless to resist. William Eggleston flatly states we make photographs in order to see what the world looks like photographed. Dianne Arbus speaks of a photograph as a secret within a secret. The question I ask myself as I wander and shoot is, what is this image about, and why am I making it? Sometimes there is no answer beyond, it pleases me to do so. Sometimes scenes emerge in front of you without warning and the photograph is a reflex, like a doctor thumping your knee with a tiny, rubber hammer. Other times long trips are made, requiring extensive planning with specific objectives in mind. The end result is the same: the joy and satisfaction of being an active participant in the world around me is undeniable when I’ve been out with my camera.
Storm Chasers, Arriba, Colorado. (Portra 400) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
A few years ago I was sitting on the rim of a canyon in Canyonalnds National Park with my son, waiting for sunset. At the exact wrong time I stepped away from the camera. When I returned – the best light of the day had come and gone. I’d missed it. At fist I was disappointed. Then my son and I began goofing around doing selfies and laughing – and I realized – again – it’s not about anything else greater than being out there. Lord willing there will be more sunsets. Yes, photography provided our excuse to be out there. But that time with my son is what I remember the most.
Retired International farm truck, Briggsdale, Colorado. (Kodak 160VC) by John B. Crane, PhotographyBlogger.net
I don’t think tips, tricks and gear are what today’s aspiring photographer needs. They’re useful, but are like eating candy when you’re really hungry for something more. It might taste good – but there’s really no nutritional value and you’re hungry as soon as the sugar buzz wares off. I think today’s aspiring (and hungry) photographer need – more than ever – a good, solid, home-cooked meal by answering one, critical question: what are you passionate about? Just as I knew years ago I wasn’t going to be a fashion photographer, the answer to that question is driven by who you are. Be who you are.
Here’s some more of John B. Crane’s amazing photos, enjoy. If you’re interested in John’s photography in high resolution please check them out at: John’s wesite johnbcrane.com, John’s The Nikon F6 Project (gear) nikonf6.net, and Blue Hour Journal (inspiration) bluehourjournal.com.
The peak of fall colors perfectly frame the Maroon Bells in Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen, Colorado.
White River Aspen (2012) Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, Colorado
Fall Colors, Loudy Simpson Park Fall colors reflect in the Yampa River along Loudy Simpson Park near Craig, Colorado
Horseshoe Meadow, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado A frozen Horseshoe Meadow in Rocky Mountain National Park
White River National Forest, Maroon Bells -Snow Mass Wilderness, Colorado Fall colors near Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, White River National Forest, Colorado.
Longs Peak through Rock Cut, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Sunrise on Longs Peak through Trail Ridge Road’s Rock Cut, Rocky Mountain National Park.
Kebler Pass, Gunnison County, Colorado Fall colors ignite the hillside atop Kebler Pass in Gunnison National Forest, near Crested Butte.